1.Traditional Chinese medicine improves synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease: A review of experimental studies
Shan HE ; Xinyu YANG ; Junhe SHI ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Lina MA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):1-9
Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.
2.Expression and functional study of FKBP10 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
FANG Zhikai ; JIN Hui ; YANG Shan ; JIANG Nan ; ZHANG Mingyu ; ZHOU Shuang ; LI Chang ; LI Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(7):529-541
Objective:
To investigate the expression and functional role of FK506 binding protein 10 (FKBP10) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to provide a research basis for the estimated prognosis and targeted therapy of OSCC.
Methods:
A total of 284 OSCC samples and 19 normal samples were selected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and diagnostic analysis was performed to determine mRNA expression. Survival analysis for FKBP10 and OSCC was conducted on a gene expression profile interaction analysis website. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of FKBP10 in four OSCC cell lines and SAS and SCC9 cells transfected with siRNA. The cell proliferation ability of FKBP10-silenced cells was detected using the CCK8 method, and the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion ability were detected through wound healing and invasion experiments. The expression changes of total protein and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-serine/threonine kinase (AKT) after FKBP10 silencing were analyzed by proteomics and Western Blot.
Results:
According to the analysis of gene expression levels, the mRNA expression level of FKBP10 in OSCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.001). In terms of diagnosis, the expression level of FKBP10 has unique diagnostic value for OSCC (P < 0.05). The survival analysis of FKBP10 and OSCC showed that a high expression of FKBP10 led to a decrease in patient survival and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). The expression of FKBP10 mRNA and protein in OSCC cell lines was higher than that in normal oral keratinocytes (P < 0.001). Silencing FKBP10 can reduce the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of SAS and SCC9 (P < 0.001), and also block their cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.001), with a significant increase in apoptosis (P < 0.05). Protein mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis revealed that FKBP10 silencing significantly downregulated the expression of multiple proteins in the RAP1 signaling pathway, mainly RAP guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (RAPGEF1) (P < 0.05) and the phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT proteins (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
FKBP10 is highly expressed in OSCC, leading to poor prognosis for patients. Downregulated FKBP10 expression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of OSCC cells, hinder cell cycle progression, and promote apoptosis via the RAP1-PI3K-AKT axis. FKBP10 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
3.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
4.Evolution and development of mental health policies for children and adolescents in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1246-1251
Objective:
To systematically review the development and changes in mental health policies within the National Outline for Children s Development in China from 1992 to 2030, providing a reference basis for future formulation of mental health policies among children and adolescent in China.
Methods:
Based on the four editions of the National Outline for Children s Development in China across different periods from 1992 to 2030, word frequency analysis was used to reveal shifts in policy priorities, and an internationally recognized framework for adolescent health policy analysis was applied to conduct a textual review.
Results:
Word frequency analysis revealed that the term "psychological" appeared 6 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2001-2010) but increased to 20 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2021-2030) (abbreviated as the National Outline of 2021), while the term "health" rose from 4 times in the National Outline for Children s Development Plan in China in the 1990s to 68 times in the National Outline of 2021. The scope of mental health policy interventions expanded to encompass five key areas:health, safety, education, welfare and legal protection. Textual analysis highlighted that the policies of the National Outline for Children s Development in China were demand driven, prioritized vulnerable groups and continuously broadened their coverage, emphasizing sustainability and appropriateness, and monitoring/evaluation mechanisms. By 2023, 42.3% of primary schools and 64.8% of secondary schools employed full time mental health education teachers. However, the National Outline for Children s Development in China lacked direct evidence of children and adolescents participation in policy formulation, and publicly available mental health data disaggregated by age and gender remained limited.
Conclusion
Mental health policies of children and adolescents in China have evolved from nonexistence to gradual refinement, yet institutionalized channels for youth involvement in policy development and evaluation remain insufficient, and transparency in age and gender specific mental health data needs improvement.
5.Construction and Application of An Animal Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on Humanized IGF1R Mice
Xiaowei YANG ; Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Yaxin WANG ; Shan CAO ; Xiaolan CUI ; Jing SUN ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):48-53
ObjectiveTo construct an animal model of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-infected pneumonia suitable for preclinical studies. MethodsThe virulence of RSV to the four cell lines was observed by cytopathic effect (CPE), and 50% tissue culture infective dose(TCID50) was calculated. Twenty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group. Six BALB/c-hIGF1R mice served as the humanized IGF1R model group. Except for the normal group, the other groups received intranasal RSV infection on days 1 and 3 to establish a viral pneumonia model. The efficacy of establishing an RSV-induced pneumonia animal model based on humanized insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) mice was evaluated by measuring organ indices, peripheral blood lymphocyte percentages, pulmonary pathology and imaging, and pulmonary viral load. Additionally, ten BALB/c mice served as normal group, and thirty-two BALB/c-hIGF1R mice were randomly assigned to humanized IGF1R model group, ribavirin group (82.5 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), and high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen (3.3 mg·kg-¹·d-¹ , 1.65 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), with 8 mice per group. The viral load in lung tissue was measured after ribavirin and Lianhua Qingwen intervention, and the model was applied to the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs. ResultsIn the lungs of the humanized IGF1R model group, large solid and diffuse ground-glass shadows were seen, and the lung volume was significantly increased (P<0.01). The lung index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and both the spleen index and thymus index were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+T cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and there was a large amount of inflammation and stasis in the perivascular area of the lung tissue, which was predominantly characterized by lymphocytes. The endothelium of blood vessels was partially detached, with a small number of eosinophils. After infecting BALB/c-hIGF1R mice with RSV, the expression of viral nucleic acids in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly increased, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of viral nucleic acids in the ribavirin group and the high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen was significantly reduced, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). ConclusionHumanized IGF1R mice are more susceptible to respiratory SVC, and the animal model of RSV-infected pneumonia based on humanized IGF1R mice was successfully constructed, which is suitable for the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs.
6.Construction and Application of An Animal Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on Humanized IGF1R Mice
Xiaowei YANG ; Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Yaxin WANG ; Shan CAO ; Xiaolan CUI ; Jing SUN ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):48-53
ObjectiveTo construct an animal model of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-infected pneumonia suitable for preclinical studies. MethodsThe virulence of RSV to the four cell lines was observed by cytopathic effect (CPE), and 50% tissue culture infective dose(TCID50) was calculated. Twenty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group. Six BALB/c-hIGF1R mice served as the humanized IGF1R model group. Except for the normal group, the other groups received intranasal RSV infection on days 1 and 3 to establish a viral pneumonia model. The efficacy of establishing an RSV-induced pneumonia animal model based on humanized insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) mice was evaluated by measuring organ indices, peripheral blood lymphocyte percentages, pulmonary pathology and imaging, and pulmonary viral load. Additionally, ten BALB/c mice served as normal group, and thirty-two BALB/c-hIGF1R mice were randomly assigned to humanized IGF1R model group, ribavirin group (82.5 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), and high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen (3.3 mg·kg-¹·d-¹ , 1.65 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), with 8 mice per group. The viral load in lung tissue was measured after ribavirin and Lianhua Qingwen intervention, and the model was applied to the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs. ResultsIn the lungs of the humanized IGF1R model group, large solid and diffuse ground-glass shadows were seen, and the lung volume was significantly increased (P<0.01). The lung index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and both the spleen index and thymus index were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+T cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and there was a large amount of inflammation and stasis in the perivascular area of the lung tissue, which was predominantly characterized by lymphocytes. The endothelium of blood vessels was partially detached, with a small number of eosinophils. After infecting BALB/c-hIGF1R mice with RSV, the expression of viral nucleic acids in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly increased, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of viral nucleic acids in the ribavirin group and the high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen was significantly reduced, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). ConclusionHumanized IGF1R mice are more susceptible to respiratory SVC, and the animal model of RSV-infected pneumonia based on humanized IGF1R mice was successfully constructed, which is suitable for the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs.
7.Role of mitochondrial division/fusion in different liver diseases
Yuanqian MIN ; Shan LI ; Xianghua LIU ; Yi YANG ; Baoping LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1937-1942
Mitochondria are abundant in hepatocytes and play an important role in the normal operation of the liver. Mitochondrial division/fusion is two biological processes that maintain the dynamic balance of mitochondria, and it is closely associated with the change of cell function and the development and progression of diseases. Balance of mitochondrial division/fusion is of key significance in the treatment of many diseases. Recent studies have shown that abnormal mitochondrial division/fusion plays a significant role in fatty liver disease, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer, which are the four stages of the progression of liver diseases, and the therapeutic targets based on the regulation of such abnormalities are constantly being identified. By reviewing the role of mitochondrial division/fusion in different stages of liver disease, this article further demonstrates the role of mitochondrial division/fusion mechanism in chronic liver diseases and also provides a scientific basis for more ideas on the treatment, remission or even reversal of liver disease progression based on mitochondrial division/fusion.
8.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
9.Current status of acupuncture education and reflections on future reforms.
Zhiwei FENG ; Shan HAN ; Yang LI ; Yu XING ; Jingyi LIU ; Peng BAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):1003-1007
Education is a crucial element in the development of acupuncture as a discipline, providing essential talent support for its future advancement. A structured interview was conducted with renowned acupuncture expert Professor ZHAO Jiping, focusing on key topics such as the core of acupuncture education, the connotation and development of acupuncture textbooks, and acupuncture teaching models. Through in-depth discussion, the current problems in acupuncture education were analyzed, and possible solutions were explored, aiming to offer ideas for the innovative development of acupuncture education.
Acupuncture/trends*
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Humans
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
China
10.SIRT3 protects endometrial receptivity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Zhonghong ZENG ; Hongying SHAN ; Mingmei LIN ; Siyu BAO ; Dan MO ; Feng DENG ; Yang YU ; Yihua YANG ; Ping ZHOU ; Rong LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:
The sirtuin family is well recognized for its crucial involvement in various cellular processes. Nevertheless, studies on its role in the human endometrium are limited. This study aimed to explore the expression and localization of the sirtuin family in the human endometrium, focusing on sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and its potential role in the oxidative imbalance of the endometrium in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS:
Endometrial specimens were collected from both patients with PCOS and controls undergoing hysteroscopy at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, from July to August 2015 and used for cell culture. The protective effects of SIRT3 were investigated, and the mechanism of SIRT3 in improving endometrial receptivity of patients with PCOS was determined using various techniques, including cellular bioenergetic analysis, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) silencing, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analysis.
RESULTS:
The sirtuin family was widely expressed in the human endometrium, with SIRT3 showing a significant increase in expression in patients with PCOS compared with controls ( P <0.05), as confirmed by protein and gene assays. Concurrently, endometrial antioxidant levels were elevated, while mitochondrial respiratory capacity was reduced, in patients with PCOS ( P <0.05). An endometrial oxidative stress (OS) model revealed that the downregulation of SIRT3 impaired the growth and proliferation status of endometrial cells and reduced their receptivity to day 4 mouse embryos. The results suggested that SIRT3 might be crucial in maintaining normal cellular state by regulating antioxidants, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to enhanced endometrial receptivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings proposed a significant role of SIRT3 in improving endometrial receptivity in patients with PCOS by alleviating OS and regulating the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, SIRT3 could be a promising target for predicting and improving endometrial receptivity in this patient population.
Humans
;
Female
;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism*
;
Endometrium/metabolism*
;
Sirtuin 3/genetics*
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Oxidative Stress/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis/physiology*
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Cell Proliferation/physiology*


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