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.Identification of Cuproptosis-related Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease Based on Bioinformatics and Machine Learning and Clinical Validation and Prediction of Potential Traditional Chinese Medicine
Guofang YU ; Chenling ZHAO ; Liwei TIAN ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):160-167
ObjectiveThis study aims to identify cuproptosis-related gene biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease(AD) using bioinformatics and machine learning methods, validate them at the clinical specimen level, and predict potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). MethodsDifferentially expressed genes in the AD group and normal group were obtained using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and intersections were taken with reported cuproptosis-related genes to obtain differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes. Machine learning methods were applied to identify core differential genes of cuproptosis in AD. Peripheral blood's single nucleated cells from clinical AD patients were collected, and the relative gene expression was clinically verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). Potential TCM regulating cuproptosis for AD were predicted by COREMINE database. ResultsA total of 12 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained, mainly involved in pathways of tricarboxylic acid cycle, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Five core cuproptosis-related genes, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), glutaminase (GLS), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB), full name nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), and dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (DBT) were finally screened using four machine methods. Thirty cases each of normal and AD patients were collected clinically. Compared with those in the normal group, minimum mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were significantly decreased in the AD group (P<0.01), Homocysteine(Hcy), interleukin(IL)-6, C-reactive protein(CRP) , and β amyloid protein(Aβ) indexes were significantly increased (P<0.01), and malondialdehyde(MDA) indexes were decreased (P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase(SOD) levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA relative expressions of NFE2L2 and DBT were up-regulated (P<0.05), and those of DLD, GLS, and PDHB were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The TCM regulating cuproptosis-related genes for the treatment of AD were mainly based on the four Qi such as warmth, calmness, and cold, and the five flavors including bitterness, sweetness, and pungency, and it was attributed to the meridians of the liver, spleen, stomach, and kidney, with the efficacy of tonifying Qi, activating blood, eliminating phlegm, and resoling dampness. ConclusionDLD, GLS, NFE2L2, PDHB, and DBT can be used as novel diagnostic molecular markers for AD cuproptosis-related genes, and the corresponding potential therapeutic TCM can provide new ideas for the treatment of AD by TCM.
3.Pterygium excision combined with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and autologous conjunctival flap transplantation in the treatment of pterygium
Yaxiang MIAO ; Gaoming ZHANG ; Ting ZHANG ; Mengting XUE ; Hongya TIAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1882-1886
AIM: To discuss the impacts of pterygium excision combined with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and autologous conjunctival flap transplantation on tear film function, visual function, and recurrence rate in patients with pterygium.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with pterygium who underwent surgery at Jiangyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2021 to January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical methods: the excision group with 50 cases(50 eyes)and the combined group with 51 cases(51 eyes). The excision group underwent pterygium excision, while the combined group received low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and autologous conjunctival flap transplantation in addition to the excision. The tear film function [Schirmer's test(SⅠt), tear film break-up time(BUT)], visual quality, therapeutic effect, incidence of complications within 1 a, and recurrence rate were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.RESULTS: The general data of the two groups were comparable(P>0.05). After treatment, the SⅠt and BUT in the combined group were greater than those in the excision group(both P<0.001), while the corneal astigmatism and uncorrected visual acuity were lower than those in the excision group(both P<0.001). The initial treatment efficiency in the combined group(92%)was higher than that in the excision group(76%). Within 1 a, the recurrence rate(8% vs 22%)and complication rate(6% vs 24%)in the combined group were both lower than those in the excision group(both P< 0.05).CONCLUSION: The union of pterygium excision, low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation, and autologous conjunctival flap transplantation is beneficial for improving the efficacy, visual acuity, tear film function, and reducing recurrence rate in patients with pterygium.
4.Study on the changes of volatile components in Euphorbia wallichii after milk and wine processing
Ying CAI ; Ting TIAN ; GESANGDUNZHU ; Zhen LUO ; Xifan PENG ; Ziliang GUO ; Fangteng LIN ; SUOLANGCIREN ; Zhihong YAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2651-2655
OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the changes of volatile components in Euphorbia wallichii after milk and wine processing, and preliminarily elucidate the material basis for reducing toxicity. METHODS Using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technology, the volatile components in raw E. wallichii, milk-processed E. wallichii, and wine- processed E. wallichii were isolated and identified, and the relative percentage content of each component was calculated by the peak area normalization method. Combining chemometric methods such as principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least- squares discriminant analysis, changes in volatile components in samples after milk and wine processing were compared. Differential components were screened. RESULTS A total of 66 volatile components were identified from the three samples, with the types of compounds primarily comprising alkanes, olefins, heterocycles and esters, among others. A total of 39, 24 and 36 volatile components were identified from raw E. wallichii, milk-processed E. wallichii, and wine-processed E. wallichii, respectively, with 10 components common to all three preparations. Compared with raw E. wallichii, the relative percentage of other components in milk-processed E. wallichii decreased, except for alkanes and esters. The relative percentage of alkanes, olefins, aldehydes and esters in wine-processed E. wallichii increased, but the contents of heterocyclic compounds, ketones, ethers and alcohols decreased. The results of chemometric analysis showed that the volatile components of raw and processed products were significantly different. A total of 5 kinds of differential components in milk-processed products and 3 kinds of differential components in wine-processed products were screened out. Among them, the relative percentage of potential toxic components such as linalool, octanal and 3-pentanone decreased significantly after processing(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Milk and wine processing may exert a toxicity-reducing effect by reducing the contents of toxic components such as linalool, octanal and 3-pentanonein E. wallichii.
5.Hygiene status and influencing factors of swimming venues: Based on surveillance data from 2010 to 2024 in Shanghai
Fengchan HAN ; Tian CHEN ; Ting PENG ; Shaofeng SUI ; Weiwei ZHENG ; Ling TONG ; Mingjing XU ; Ming ZHAN ; Yewen SHI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1225-1233
Background Swimming is becoming increasingly popular for its combined leisure and fitness benefits. However, polluted swimming pool water may pose various health risks. Previous studies have indicated that health indicators of swimming venues have lower qualification rates compared to other public places, highlighting the urgent need to optimize hygiene management measures. Objective To assess the overall hygiene status and identify the key factors influencing water quality in Shanghai’s swimming venues from 2010 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing water quality management. Methods Water quality was assessed in three stages (2010—2019, 2020—2022, and 2023—2024) based on the monitoring data of Shanghai’s swimming venues (2010—2024). The influences of monitoring stage, region, season, scale, day of week, and per capita attendance on water quality were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results From 2010 to 2024, water quality was monitored in
6.Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 mitigates ischemic stroke via metabolic pathway modulation
Xiaoyao Liu ; Yuan Tian ; Wenhui Xu ; Yuxi Wang ; Zhen Liu ; Yuncheng Ma ; Weiling Wang ; Jian Gao ; Ting Wang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):13-23
Objective:
To confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on ischemic stroke and elucidate its underlying mechanism.
Methods:
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, model, and EGb761 (ginkgo biloba extract). Ischemic stroke was then simulated in rats via embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery, with the extract administered half an hour before surgery. Neurological deficit scores, infarct volume, cerebral edema rate, and inflammatory factors served as the primary metrics for drug efficacy. Serum metabolites were analyzed using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance to elucidate the operative mechanism.
Results:
Treatment with the ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 significantly ameliorated the neurological deficit scores (P = .0343), diminished the cerebral infarct volume (P = .0001) and cerebral edema rate (P = .0030), and alleviated neuroinflammation (all P < .05) in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. In addition, it significantly altered the contents of various metabolites, such as 2-hydroxybutyrate, isoleucine, isopropanol, isobutyric acid, N6-acetyllysine, glutamate, glutamine, methionine, and N,N-dimethylglycine (all P < .05). Enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites indicated that EGb761 may be involved in the regulation of amino acid metabolism, betaine metabolism, glucose-alanine cycle, Warburg effect, and urea cycle.
Conclusion
The ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 demonstrates anti-ischemic stroke effect on ischemic stroke model rats by regulating amino acids and amino acid derivatives, such as isoleucine, N6-acetyllysine, glutamate, methionine, and N,N-dimethylglycine.
7.A comparative analysis on the latest international and local guidelines for the management of hypertension.
Aloysius Sheng-Ting LEOW ; Ashish Anil SULE ; Jam Chin TAY ; Hui Hwang TEONG ; Wai Lun MOY ; Pankaj Kumar HANDA ; Yik Tian WU ; Veerendra Melagireppa CHADACHAN ; Vernon Min Sen OH ; Ching-Hui SIA ; Kian-Keong POH ; Boon Wee TEO ; Troy H PUAR
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(5):240-243
8.Needs for rehabilitation in China: Estimates based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2019.
Tian TIAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingzhen FU ; Shiheng TAN ; Yukun CAO ; Ding ZHANG ; Mingxue WANG ; Ting ZHENG ; Lijing GAO ; Daria VOLONTOVICH ; Yongchen WANG ; Jinming ZHANG ; Zhimei JIANG ; Hongbin QIU ; Fan WANG ; Yashuang ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):49-59
BACKGROUND:
As an essential part of health services, rehabilitation is of great significance to improve the health and quality of life of the whole population. Accelerating aging calls for a significant expansion of rehabilitation services in China, but rehabilitation needs remain unclear. We conducted the study to explore the rehabilitation needs in China and project the trend of rehabilitation needs from 2020 to 2034.
METHODS:
The data of health conditions that might potentially benefit from rehabilitation were obtained from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the trends of the age-standardized rates. Projections of rehabilitation needs were made until 2034 using Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis (BAPC).
RESULTS:
Approximately 460 million persons (33.3% of the total population) need rehabilitation in China, contributing to 63 million years lived with disabilities (YLDs) in 2019. The number of prevalent cases that need rehabilitation increased from around 268 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 257-282) million in 1990 to almost 460 (95% UI: 443-479) million in 2019, representing an increase of 71.3%. The highest contribution to the need for rehabilitation was musculoskeletal disorders with about 322 (95% UI: 302-343) million persons in seven aggregate disease and injury categories, and hearing loss with over 95 (95% UI: 84-107) million people among 25 health conditions. Based on the projection results, there will be almost 636 million people (45% of the total population) needing rehabilitation services in China by 2034, representing an increase of 38.3%. The rehabilitation needs of neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders are expected to increase significantly from 2019 to 2034, with increases of 102.3%, 88.8% and 73.2%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The need for rehabilitation in China substantially increased over the last 30 years. It is predicted that over two in five people will require rehabilitation by 2034, thus suggesting the need to develop rehabilitation services that meet individuals' rehabilitation needs.
Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Global Burden of Disease
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Female
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Male
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Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology*
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Rehabilitation/trends*
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Quality of Life
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Bayes Theorem
9.Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments reveal mechanism of Zhizhu Decoction in regulating macrophage polarization to reduce adipose tissue inflammation in obese children.
Yong-Kai YIN ; Chang-Miao NIU ; Li-Ting LIANG ; Mo DAN ; Tian-Qi GAO ; Yan-Hong QIN ; Xiao-Ning YAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):228-238
Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to predict the mechanism of Zhizhu Decoction in regulating macrophage polarization to reduce adipose tissue inflammation in obese children, and animal experiments were then carried out to validate the prediction results. The active ingredients and targets of Zhizhu Decoction were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). The inflammation related targets in the adipose tissue of obese children were searched against GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET, and a drug-disease-target network was established. STRING was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and screen for core targets. R language was used to carry out Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. AutoDock was used for the molecular docking between core targets and active ingredients. 24 SPF grade 6-week C57B/6J male mice were adaptively fed for 1 week, and 8 mice were randomly selected as the blank group. The remaining 16 mice were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to onstruct a high-fat diet induced mouse obesity model. After successful modeling, the 16 mice were randomly divided into model group and Zhizhu Decoction group, with 8 mice in each group. Zhizhu Decoction group was intervened by gavage for 14 days, once a day. Blank group and model group were given an equal amount of sterile double distilled water(ddH_2O) by gavage daily. After the last gavage, serum and inguinal adipose tissue were collected from mice for testing. The morphology of inguinal adipose tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expression of macrophage marker molecule nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and epidermal growth factor like hormone receptor 1(F4/80) was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Network pharmacology predicted luteolin, naringenin, and nobiletin as the main active ingredients in Zhizhu Decoction and 15 core targets. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed involvement in the key signaling pathway of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB). Molecular docking showed that the active ingredients of Zhizhu Decoction bound well to the core targets. Animal experiment showed that compared with the model group, Zhizhu Decoction reduced the distribution of inflammatory cytokines in the inguinal adipose tissue of mice, lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum(P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of iNOS and F4/80(P<0.05). The results showed that the active ingredients in Zhizhu Decoction, such as luteolin, naringenin, and nobiletin, inhibit the aggregation of macrophages in adipose tissue, downregulate their classic activated macrophage(M1) polarization, reduce the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and thus improve adipose tissue inflammation in obese mice.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Adipose Tissue/immunology*
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Mice
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Male
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Humans
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Network Pharmacology
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Child
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Obesity/genetics*
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
10.Effect and mechanism of alkaloids from Portulacae Herba on ulcerative colitis in mice based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Jia-Hui ZHENG ; Ying-Ying SONG ; Tian-Ci ZHANG ; Wen-Ting WANG ; Zhi-Ping YANG ; Jin-Xia AI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):874-881
This study investigated the functions and regulatory mechanism of Portulacae Herba and its chemical components on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathway in the colon tissue of mice with dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC). A total of 35 mice were randomly divided into groups, including a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine group(0. 5 g·kg~(-1)), and low, medium,and high dose alkaloids from Portulacae Herba groups(9, 18, 36 mg·kg~(-1)), and a combination treatment group, with 5 mice in each group. The blank group was given purified water, while the other groups were continuously given a 3% DSS solution for 7 days to induce the UC model. From day 8 onwards, the treatment group received oral gavage according to the prescribed doses for 14 days. The overall condition, body weight, stool characteristics, and presence of blood in the stool were recorded daily. After the experiment, the disease activity index(DAI) was assessed for each group, and colon length was measured. Histopathological changes in colon tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β( IL-1β) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA). The protein and m RNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in colon tissue were measured using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).Compared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant decrease in body weight, a notable increase in DAI scores, a significant shortening of colon length, and evident histopathological damage. The levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum were significantly elevated, and the protein and m RNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in colon tissue were significantly up-regulated. In contrast, the alkaloids from Portulacae Herba treatment groups significantly improved symptoms and reduced body weight loss in mice, decreased DAI scores, alleviated colon shortening, lowered serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,significantly down-regulated the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB proteins and genes in colon tissue, as well as reduced histopathological damage. Therefore, the study suggests that alkaloids from Portulacae Herba can alleviate intestinal inflammation damage in DSS-induced UC mice, with its mechanism involving the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
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Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
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Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism*
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Mice
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NF-kappa B/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Male
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Alkaloids/administration & dosage*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Humans
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Female
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Colon/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal


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