1.The Regulatory Effects and Mechanisms of Piezo1 Channel on Chondrocytes and Bone Metabolic Dysregulation in Osteoarthritis
Yan LI ; Tao LIU ; Yu-Biao GU ; Hui-Qing TIAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Bi-Hui BAI ; Zhi-Jun HE ; Wen CHEN ; Jin-Peng LI ; Fei LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):564-576
Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca2+, K+, and Na+, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca2+ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca2+ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca2+ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.
2.Clinical Study on the Combination of Yugu Ju Detergent and Fusidic Acid Cream for the Repair of Chronic Wounds Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Ran-dong PENG ; Jun ZHAO ; Wen-bo YANG ; Jun-wei BI ; Hong-xi LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2431-2437
Objective:Observation of the therapeutic effect of Yugu Ju detergent combined with fusidic acid cream on the repair of wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus,as well as its impact on serum inflammatory markers TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,oxidative stress markers MDA,ROS,SOD and Nrf2 levels.Methods:96 patients with skin defects and SA U infection caused by trauma admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups were treated with debridement,while the control group was treated with external application of fusidic acid cream.The treatment group received external washing with Yugu Ju detergent in addition to the control group.One course of treatment lasted for 7 days,with three consecutive courses of treatment.Observe the wound healing rate,bacterial clearance rate,and changes in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,SOD,MDA,ROS,and Nrf2 before and after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety.Results:The total clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 93.75%(45/48),while that of the control group was 75%(36/48).The observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05);The wound healing rate and bacterial clearance rate of the observation group at each time point after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);After treatment,the Nrf2 and SOD values in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,and ROS values were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of both groups.Conclusion:The combination of Yugu Ju detergent and Fusidic acid cream can inhibit SA U and promote the healing of infectious wounds,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response.It is safe and effective,and worthy of promotion and application.
3.Effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula on renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus via TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathways
Wen-xuan XU ; Lei-lei MA ; Ming-yu SHEN ; Xiao-jin LA ; Bi-wei ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Chao LI ; Peng CUI ; Zhen CHEN ; Ji-an LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):421-429
AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.
4.Analysis of implementation of GB 8369.1-2019 Transfusion sets for single use—Part 1:Gravity feed
Hong-jian CHEN ; Wen-bo LU ; Min WAN ; Yu-xin BI ; Li HOU ; Bin LIU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):70-74
Questionnaire survey and symposium were carried out on the implementation of GB 8369.1-2019 Transfusion sets for single use—Part 1:Gravity feed,and then analyses were performed on its implementation by relative enterprises,inspection and testing organizations and regulatory authorities,applicability,coordination and implementation constraints accordingly.Some suggestions were put forward,and it was of great significance for comprehensively grasping the overall situation,efficacy and problems of the standard implementation,promoting the updating and upgrading of the standard and facilitating the implementation of compulsory standards.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):70-74]
5.Analysis of implementation of GB 8369.1-2019 Transfusion sets for single use—Part 1:Gravity feed
Hong-jian CHEN ; Wen-bo LU ; Min WAN ; Yu-xin BI ; Li HOU ; Bin LIU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):70-74
Questionnaire survey and symposium were carried out on the implementation of GB 8369.1-2019 Transfusion sets for single use—Part 1:Gravity feed,and then analyses were performed on its implementation by relative enterprises,inspection and testing organizations and regulatory authorities,applicability,coordination and implementation constraints accordingly.Some suggestions were put forward,and it was of great significance for comprehensively grasping the overall situation,efficacy and problems of the standard implementation,promoting the updating and upgrading of the standard and facilitating the implementation of compulsory standards.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):70-74]
6.COVID-19-associated Invasive Pulmonary Mucormycosis:A Case Report and Literature Review
Bing-qian YI ; Bo-wen XU ; Xi YU ; Huan-huan BI ; Yu-ting XIAO ; Hong-mei WANG ; Ning CUI ; Jia-xing SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2216-2222
Objective:Invasive pulmonary mucormycosis(PM)is a rare but highly lethal opportunistic infection.COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM)is difficult to diagnose,often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis,and has poor treatment outcomes.This study reports a case of successfully treated CAM and explores optimized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 associated with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)and invasive pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted.Combined with a literature review,the therapeutic efficacy of local bronchoscopic instillation in conjunction with systemic treatment using liposomal Amphotericin B(L-AmB)was specifically evaluated.Results:The patient was rapidly diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).She subsequently received antifungal treatment with intravenous L-AmB combined with local bronchoscopic instillation.After treatment,the patient was significantly improved,with imaging studies showing gradual absorption of the lesions.Follow-up at six months revealed no recurrence.A literature review suggests that early diagnosis and multimodal therapy are key to improving survival rates in patients with CAM.Conclusion:mNGS can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of CAM.The combination of local and systemic treatment with L-AmB is valuable in improving prognosis.Early diagnosis,multimodal antifungal therapy,and individualized management are key to increasing the survival rate of patients with CAM.
7.Study on performance evaluation method for lubricating coatings of intravascular catheters
Hong-jian CHEN ; Chong-chong AI ; Yuan-yu LI ; Li-ping HUANG ; Jia-qi NIE ; Chang-bin WANG ; Qian YANG ; Yu-xin BI ; Wen-bo LU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(1):66-72
Three evaluation methods were recommended for the key properties of the intravascular catheter lubricating coating such as stability,lubricity and integrity,including insoluble particle test method,friction test procedure and appearance detection method.Fifteen batches of microcatheters produced by different manufacturers were selected for testing to clarify the three methods in test principle,step,result,characteristic.References were provided for the design,production,evaluation and regulation of intravascular catheters with lubricant coatings.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):66-72]
8.COVID-19-associated Invasive Pulmonary Mucormycosis:A Case Report and Literature Review
Bing-qian YI ; Bo-wen XU ; Xi YU ; Huan-huan BI ; Yu-ting XIAO ; Hong-mei WANG ; Ning CUI ; Jia-xing SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2216-2222
Objective:Invasive pulmonary mucormycosis(PM)is a rare but highly lethal opportunistic infection.COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM)is difficult to diagnose,often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis,and has poor treatment outcomes.This study reports a case of successfully treated CAM and explores optimized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 associated with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)and invasive pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted.Combined with a literature review,the therapeutic efficacy of local bronchoscopic instillation in conjunction with systemic treatment using liposomal Amphotericin B(L-AmB)was specifically evaluated.Results:The patient was rapidly diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).She subsequently received antifungal treatment with intravenous L-AmB combined with local bronchoscopic instillation.After treatment,the patient was significantly improved,with imaging studies showing gradual absorption of the lesions.Follow-up at six months revealed no recurrence.A literature review suggests that early diagnosis and multimodal therapy are key to improving survival rates in patients with CAM.Conclusion:mNGS can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of CAM.The combination of local and systemic treatment with L-AmB is valuable in improving prognosis.Early diagnosis,multimodal antifungal therapy,and individualized management are key to increasing the survival rate of patients with CAM.
9.Clinical Study on the Combination of Yugu Ju Detergent and Fusidic Acid Cream for the Repair of Chronic Wounds Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Ran-dong PENG ; Jun ZHAO ; Wen-bo YANG ; Jun-wei BI ; Hong-xi LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2431-2437
Objective:Observation of the therapeutic effect of Yugu Ju detergent combined with fusidic acid cream on the repair of wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus,as well as its impact on serum inflammatory markers TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,oxidative stress markers MDA,ROS,SOD and Nrf2 levels.Methods:96 patients with skin defects and SA U infection caused by trauma admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups were treated with debridement,while the control group was treated with external application of fusidic acid cream.The treatment group received external washing with Yugu Ju detergent in addition to the control group.One course of treatment lasted for 7 days,with three consecutive courses of treatment.Observe the wound healing rate,bacterial clearance rate,and changes in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,SOD,MDA,ROS,and Nrf2 before and after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety.Results:The total clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 93.75%(45/48),while that of the control group was 75%(36/48).The observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05);The wound healing rate and bacterial clearance rate of the observation group at each time point after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);After treatment,the Nrf2 and SOD values in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,and ROS values were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of both groups.Conclusion:The combination of Yugu Ju detergent and Fusidic acid cream can inhibit SA U and promote the healing of infectious wounds,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response.It is safe and effective,and worthy of promotion and application.
10.Research on the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives
Xu-xin CUI ; Wen-ping CUI ; Yan-xing BI ; Fan CHENG ; Yu-ning LI ; Bao-lai ZHANG ; Quan-yi ZHAO ; Xiao-lai YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2150-2157
Aim To design and synthesize a series of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives by using glycyrrhetinic acid as the parent nucleus,screen their antitumor activ-ities,and investigate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects and mechanisms of the most active compound.Methods MTT assay was used to screen for the com-pound with the most potent antitumor activity.MTT as-say,wound healing assay,colony formation assay and Transwell migration assay were used to evaluate the effects of the compound on tumor cell viability and mi-gration.Flow cytometry was employed to assess the im-pact of the compound on tumor cell cycle progression and apoptosis.Western blot was conducted to verify the effects on the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax,caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3.A mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma ascites tumor was estab-lished to examine the antitumor effects of the compound in vivo.Results Compound C22 was identified as having the most significant inhibitory effect on hepato-cellular carcinoma cells.C22 inhibited the viability and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner.C22 upreg-ulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax,caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in hepatocellular car-cinoma cells,induced apoptosis,and arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and S phases.C22 significantly re-duced the growth of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma as-cites tumors and prolonged survival.Conclusion Glycyrrhetinic acid derivative C22 significantly inhibits the viability and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo,and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

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