1.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
2.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on TLR4/p65/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Shilong GUO ; Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Xinai WANG ; Luyu HOU ; Wenjing SHI ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):19-27
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B p65/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3) signaling pathway in the renal tissues of db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes, and to explore the potential mechanism by which Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviates inflammation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodsThirty db/db mice were divided into five groups: A model group, Danggui Shaoyaosan low- (16.77 g·kg-1·d-1), medium- (33.54 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (67.08 g·kg-1·d-1) intervention groups, as well as an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1·d-1) by the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. Additionally, 6 db/m mice were assigned to the normal group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the following parameters were determined by corresponding methods: body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, renal histopathological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, the protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) by Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), as well as TLR4, NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 protein expression in renal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited increased body weight, FBG, 24 h-UTP, and SCr levels (P<0.05); disordered renal structure, thickened basement membrane, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 expression; as well as decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, these pathological changes and biochemical abnormalities were reversed in the medicine intervention groups to varying degrees (P<0.05). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may delay DKD progression by alleviating renal inflammatory response and reducing urinary protein excretion via modulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
3.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
4.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
5.Differences in scapular kinematics between healthy individuals and rotator cuff tear patients based on biplane X-ray
Zicheng GUO ; Jingyuan MENG ; Jiechao ZHANG ; Li DING ; Xiaoye TANG ; Lichao TIAN ; Yilin WANG ; Yong HE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):652-660
BACKGROUND:Due to the complex movement of the scapula,which is a six-degree-of-freedom activity in three-dimensional space,it is difficult to measure it accurately using traditional methods.The image and model matching technology based on dual-plane X-ray is a three-dimensional measurement method that has gradually developed and matured in recent years.Two high-speed cameras are used to project and shoot from orthogonal directions.Compared with a single perspective,this method has advantages in observation range and reduction of out-of-plane errors,and is suitable for the study of scapula kinematics.OBJECTIVE:X-ray biplane and image-model registration technology were used to explore the differences in scapular kinematics between normal individuals and patients with rotator cuff tears,providing a basis for the treatment and rehabilitation of rotator cuff tear patients.METHODS:From April 2023 to January 2024,10 patients with normal shoulders and 10 patients with rotator cuff tears who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The subjects underwent a shoulder CT scan to create a 3D model and a local scapular coordinate system.X-ray biplane images were taken during shoulder abduction with two C-arm machines.The 2D and 3D images were registered to compare scapular kinematic differences between the two groups at 0°,15°,30°,45°,60°,75°,and 90° of abduction,including scapular rotation angle and displacement distance.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During shoulder abduction,the scapula of both groups showed upward rotation,but the upward rotation of the rotator cuff tear group was greater than that of the control group,and the difference was significant when the abduction was 30°-90°(P<0.01).At the same time,the scapula internal rotation of both groups gradually increased,but the rotator cuff tear group was significantly greater than the control group when the abduction was 45°-90°(P<0.01).In addition,the anteroposterior tilt of the scapula of the two groups was significantly different when the abduction was 15°-90°(P<0.01).The scapula posterior tilt of the control group gradually increased during abduction,while the scapula of the rotator cuff tear group tilted forward except for a slight posterior tilt at 15°-30° abduction.(2)In terms of displacement,the upward displacement of the rotator cuff tear group was less than that of the control group during abduction,and the difference was significant at 15°-90°(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in lateral and anterior-posterior displacement between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Rotator cuff tear can cause scapular dyskinesis,characterized by increased upward rotation,internal rotation,and abnormal forward tilt during shoulder abduction.Identifying and addressing scapular dyskinesis is crucial for treating rotator cuff tear.
6.Differences in scapular kinematics between healthy individuals and rotator cuff tear patients based on biplane X-ray
Zicheng GUO ; Jingyuan MENG ; Jiechao ZHANG ; Li DING ; Xiaoye TANG ; Lichao TIAN ; Yilin WANG ; Yong HE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):652-660
BACKGROUND:Due to the complex movement of the scapula,which is a six-degree-of-freedom activity in three-dimensional space,it is difficult to measure it accurately using traditional methods.The image and model matching technology based on dual-plane X-ray is a three-dimensional measurement method that has gradually developed and matured in recent years.Two high-speed cameras are used to project and shoot from orthogonal directions.Compared with a single perspective,this method has advantages in observation range and reduction of out-of-plane errors,and is suitable for the study of scapula kinematics.OBJECTIVE:X-ray biplane and image-model registration technology were used to explore the differences in scapular kinematics between normal individuals and patients with rotator cuff tears,providing a basis for the treatment and rehabilitation of rotator cuff tear patients.METHODS:From April 2023 to January 2024,10 patients with normal shoulders and 10 patients with rotator cuff tears who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The subjects underwent a shoulder CT scan to create a 3D model and a local scapular coordinate system.X-ray biplane images were taken during shoulder abduction with two C-arm machines.The 2D and 3D images were registered to compare scapular kinematic differences between the two groups at 0°,15°,30°,45°,60°,75°,and 90° of abduction,including scapular rotation angle and displacement distance.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During shoulder abduction,the scapula of both groups showed upward rotation,but the upward rotation of the rotator cuff tear group was greater than that of the control group,and the difference was significant when the abduction was 30°-90°(P<0.01).At the same time,the scapula internal rotation of both groups gradually increased,but the rotator cuff tear group was significantly greater than the control group when the abduction was 45°-90°(P<0.01).In addition,the anteroposterior tilt of the scapula of the two groups was significantly different when the abduction was 15°-90°(P<0.01).The scapula posterior tilt of the control group gradually increased during abduction,while the scapula of the rotator cuff tear group tilted forward except for a slight posterior tilt at 15°-30° abduction.(2)In terms of displacement,the upward displacement of the rotator cuff tear group was less than that of the control group during abduction,and the difference was significant at 15°-90°(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in lateral and anterior-posterior displacement between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Rotator cuff tear can cause scapular dyskinesis,characterized by increased upward rotation,internal rotation,and abnormal forward tilt during shoulder abduction.Identifying and addressing scapular dyskinesis is crucial for treating rotator cuff tear.
7.Guideline for the workflow of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs
Zhengxiang LI ; Rong DUAN ; Luwen SHI ; Jinhui TIAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Lingli ZHANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Hualin ZHENG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wudong GUO ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2353-2365
OBJECTIVE To standardize the main processes and related technical links of the clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, and provide guidance and reference for improving the quality of comprehensive evaluation evidence and its transformation and application value. METHODS The construction of Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs was based on the standard guideline formulation method of the World Health Organization (WHO), strictly followed the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, and conformed to the six major areas of the Guideline Research and Evaluation Tool Ⅱ. Delphi method was adopted to construct the research questions; research evidence was established by applying the research methods of evidence-based medicine. The evidence quality classification system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center was adopted for evidence classification and evaluation. The recommendation strength was determined by the recommendation strength classification standard formulated by the Oxford University Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the recommendation opinions were formed through the expert consensus method. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs covers 4 major categories of research questions, including topic selection, evaluation implementation, evidence evaluation, and application and transformation of results. The formulation of this guideline has standardized the technical links of the entire process of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, which can effectively guide the high-quality and high-efficient development of this work, enhance the standardized output and transformation application value of evaluation evidence, and provide high-quality evidence support for the scientific decision-making of health and the rationalization of clinical medication.
8.Effect of acupuncture pretreatment on PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy in rats with exercise-induced muscle damage.
Yulin GUO ; Ming GAO ; Huan CHEN ; Hui LI ; Xun TIAN ; Yuan ZHAO ; Gang XU ; Junling WEN ; Shaoxiong LI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(11):1617-1626
OBJECTIVE:
Based on the PTEN-induced hypothetical kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway, the effect of acupuncture pretreatment on the expression of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins in gastrocnemius muscle tissue of rats with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) was observed, and the underlying mechanism of acupuncture pretreatment for the prevention and treatment of EIMD was explored.
METHODS:
Of 88 SD male rats, aged 6 weeks, 8 rats were randomly selected as a blank group, and the remaining 80 rats were randomized into a model group and an acupuncture pretreatment group, with 40 rats in each group. Either the model group or the acupuncture pretreatment group was subdivided randomly into 5 subgroups with 8 rats in each one according to the time points of sample collection, 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after modeling. An intermittent downhill running centrifugal exercise was carried out on an animal experimental treadmill to establish the EIMD model in the model group and the acupuncture pretreatment group. The rats in the acupuncture pretreatment group received acupuncture at "Guanyuan" (CV6) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), once a day for 20 min each time, for 7 consecutive days before EIMD model preparation. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of gastrocnemius muscle tissue in each group. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum were detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, sequestosome 1 (p62) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) in rat gastrocnemius muscle tissue. Real-time PCR was adopted to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, p62 and LC3B in rat gastrocnemius muscle tissue.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the mitochondria of gastrocnemius muscles showed obvious swelling in the 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h model subgroups , autophagosomes were formed in the 12 h and 24 h model subgroups, and the mitochondrial morphology returned to normal gradually in the 72 h model subgroup. The serum MDA contents of rats in 5 model subgroups increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). The contents of SOD and CAT in the subgroups of 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B in gastrocnemius muscle tissue of rats in 0 h, 12 h and 24 h subgroups were elevated (P<0.01); and the protein and mRNA expression levels of p62 in the 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h subgroups were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model subgroup at the same time point, the myofibril damage and the degree of mitochondrial swelling were mild in each acupuncture pretreatment subgroup, and the numbers of autophagosomes were fewer. The contents of MDA in the acupuncture pretreatment subgroups decreased at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of SOD and CAT in the 12 h acupuncture pretreatment subgroup increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin in the 0 h, 12 h, and 24 h acupuncture pretreatment subgroups decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). The protein and mRNA expression levels of LC3B in the 12 h acupuncture pretreatment subgroup decreased (P<0.01), and that of p62 in the 0 h and 24 h acupuncture pretreatment subgroups increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The intermittent downhill running centrifugal exercise induces the excessive mitochondrial autophagy. Acupuncture pretreatment may attenuate EIMD, and the underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway expression, reducing oxidative stress damage in skeletal muscle cells, and inhibiting mitochondrial autophagy overactivation.
Animals
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Protein Kinases/genetics*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mitophagy
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Humans
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Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism*
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Physical Conditioning, Animal
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Muscular Diseases/physiopathology*
;
Signal Transduction
9.Suppression of METTL3 expression attenuated matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal modulation of the extracellular matrix in pelvic organ prolapse.
Xiuqi WANG ; Tao GUO ; Xiaogang LI ; Zhao TIAN ; Linru FU ; Zhijing SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(7):859-867
BACKGROUND:
Fibrosis of the connective tissue in the vaginal wall predominates in pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which is characterized by excessive fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Our study aimed to investigate the effect of ECM stiffness on vaginal fibroblasts and to explore the role of methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) in the development of POP.
METHODS:
Polyacrylamide hydrogels were applied to create an ECM microenvironment with variable stiffness to evaluate the effects of ECM stiffness on the proliferation, differentiation, and expression of ECM components in vaginal fibroblasts. METTL3 small interfering RNA and an overexpression vector were transfected into vaginal fibroblasts to evaluate the effects of METTL3 silencing and overexpression on matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal modulation of the ECM. Both procedures were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, Western blotting (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunofluorescence (IF).
RESULTS:
Vaginal fibroblasts from POP patients exhibited increased proliferation ability, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), decreased expression of collagen I/III, and significantly decreased expression of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the stiff matrix ( P <0.05). Compared with those from non-POP patients, vaginal wall tissues from POP patients demonstrated a significant increase in METTL3 content ( P <0.05). However, silencing METTL3 expression in vaginal fibroblasts with high ECM stiffness resulted in decreased proliferation ability, decreased α-SMA expression, an increased ratio of collagen I/III, and increased TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Conversely, METTL3 overexpression significantly promoted the process of increased proliferation ability, increased α-SMA expression, decreased ratio of collagen I/III and decreased TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression in the soft matrix ( P <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated ECM stiffness can promote excessive proliferation, differentiation, and abnormal ECM modulation, and the expression of METTL3 plays an important role in alleviating or aggravating matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal ECM modulation.
Humans
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Female
;
Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation/genetics*
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Pelvic Organ Prolapse/pathology*
;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Myofibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Vagina/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation/physiology*
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Cells, Cultured
;
Middle Aged
10.Effects of different processing methods on traits and chemical constituents of Forsythiae Fructus.
Rong-Rong XU ; Rui LI ; Chu-Han ZHANG ; Wei TIAN ; Xin-Guo WANG ; Li-Ying NIU ; Wei FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):465-471
This study aims to investigate the correlations of the appearance traits, total antioxidant capacity, and component content of Forsythiae Fructus processed by different methods, explore the effects of different processing methods on the abovementioned three aspects of Forsythiae Fructus, and screen out the internal and external indicators that have important effects on its quality. It determined the length, diameter, stem length, chroma value L~*, a~*, b~*, and other appearance indexes and antioxidant activity of Forsythiae Fructus processed by different methods. The content of forsythiaside A, rutin, forsythin, pinoresinol, and phillygenin was determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Correlation analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and independent sample t-test analysis were performed on the appearance indexes and the component content. The correlation analysis showed that there were differences in the appearance traits and the component content. L~* and E~* had highly significant negative correlations with pinoresinol and phillygenin(P<0.01) and significant positive correlations with forsythiaside A(P<0.05). There were a highly significant negative correlation between a~* and forsythiaside A(P<0.01) and highly significant positive correlations of a~* with pinoresinol and phillygenin(P<0.01). There were a highly significant positive correlation between b~* and forsythiaside A(P<0.01) and highly significant negative correlations of b~* with pinoresinol and phillygenin(P<0.01). The total antioxidant capacity had highly significant negative correlations with pinoresinol and phillygenin(P<0.01). The PCA results showed that there were differences among Forsythiae Fructus samples processed by different methods. OPLS-DA marked five important indicators, which were forsythiaside A, stem length, E~*, L~*, and b~*. The results of independent sample t-test showed that the content of forsythiaside A, pinoresinol, and phillygenin, the total antioxidant capacity, and the appearance traits such as L~*, a~*, b~*, and E~* were significantly different between the Forsythiae Fructus samples processed by steaming and boiling(P<0.05). According to content determination and a related biological activity analysis, steaming is a good choice from the perspective of improving the stability of chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Forsythiae Fructus. From the point of view of improving the stability of chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of Forsythiae Fructus, it is recommended to use boiling as the processing method. Based on the above analysis methods, the main indexes for the appearance traits of Forsythiae Fructus processed by different methods are powder chroma value(L~*, a~*, b~*, E~*), stem length, and total antioxidant capacity, and those for chemical constituents are the content of forsythiaside A, pinoresinol, and phillygenin. This study provides reference for seeking scientific processing methods of Forsythiae Fructus.
Forsythia/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Fruit/chemistry*
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Antioxidants/analysis*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Glycosides/analysis*
;
Principal Component Analysis
;
Furans
;
Lignans

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