1.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
2.Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating materials
Congcong LI ; WUFANBIEKE·BAHETI ; Li ZHAO ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Chuifan KONG ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):404-413
BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.
3.Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating materials
Congcong LI ; WUFANBIEKE·BAHETI ; Li ZHAO ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Chuifan KONG ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):404-413
BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.
4.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
5.Boron neutron capture therapy: A new era in radiotherapy.
Ling ZHOU ; Meng PENG ; Yuming CHEN ; Huanqing LIANG ; Xiumao YIN ; Jieming MO ; Xiaotao HUANG ; Zhigang LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2517-2519
6.Melatonin synthase regulates osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by modulating mitochondrial functions
Jiujiu ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Chen JIAO ; Xiaotao HE ; Xuan LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):461-467
Objective:To investigate the effects of Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase(AANAT)and acetylserotonin O-methyltrans-ferase(ASMT)on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs)and the related regulatory mechanisms.Methods:PDLSCs were isolated and cultured from freshly extracted healthy teeth,and transfected with si-AANAT,si-ASMT and negative control(si-NC),respectively.The silencing efficiency on AANAT and ASMT genes and the expression level of osteogenic differentiation related genes of PDLSCs were detected by RT-qPCR.Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)production was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescent probe MitoSOX.The relative content of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)was detected by RT-qPCR,the content of ATP was detected by ATP kit,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)was measured by JC-1 fluores-cent staining.Results:After transfection of PDLSCs with si-AANAT and si-ASMT,AANAT and ASMT genes in PDLSCs were effec-tively silenced.Suppression of AANAT and ASMT in PDLSCs significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of OCN,RUNX2 and COL-1.After silencing the expression of AANAT and ASMT,the mtROS production of PDLSCs increased,while the mtDNA,intracellular ATP content and MMP levels decreased significantly.Conclusion:AANAT and ASMT affect the osteogenic differentia-tion potential of PDLSCs possibly via regulating the mitochondrial function.
7.Melatonin synthase regulates osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by modulating mitochondrial functions
Jiujiu ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Chen JIAO ; Xiaotao HE ; Xuan LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):461-467
Objective:To investigate the effects of Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase(AANAT)and acetylserotonin O-methyltrans-ferase(ASMT)on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs)and the related regulatory mechanisms.Methods:PDLSCs were isolated and cultured from freshly extracted healthy teeth,and transfected with si-AANAT,si-ASMT and negative control(si-NC),respectively.The silencing efficiency on AANAT and ASMT genes and the expression level of osteogenic differentiation related genes of PDLSCs were detected by RT-qPCR.Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)production was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescent probe MitoSOX.The relative content of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)was detected by RT-qPCR,the content of ATP was detected by ATP kit,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)was measured by JC-1 fluores-cent staining.Results:After transfection of PDLSCs with si-AANAT and si-ASMT,AANAT and ASMT genes in PDLSCs were effec-tively silenced.Suppression of AANAT and ASMT in PDLSCs significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of OCN,RUNX2 and COL-1.After silencing the expression of AANAT and ASMT,the mtROS production of PDLSCs increased,while the mtDNA,intracellular ATP content and MMP levels decreased significantly.Conclusion:AANAT and ASMT affect the osteogenic differentia-tion potential of PDLSCs possibly via regulating the mitochondrial function.
8.Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture(消肿止痛合剂)Combined with Antibiotic Bone Cement in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Damp-Heat Obstructing Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial of 35 Patients
Xiaotao WEI ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Fei LI ; Yan LI ; Jinpeng LI ; Wen CHEN ; Bihui BAI ; Xuan DONG ; Bo SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):704-709
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂) combined with antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with damp-heat obstructing syndrome. MethodsA total of 72 DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome were randomly assigned to treatment group (36 cases) and the control group (36 cases). Both groups received standard treatment and topical antibiotic bone cement for ulcer wounds, while the treatment group received oral Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (50 ml per time, three times daily) in additionally. Both groups underwent daily wound dressing changes for 21 consecutive days. Ulcer healing rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count were observed before and after treatment, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for wound pain, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and the DFU Healing Scale (DMIST scale) were also compared. Liver and kidney function were evaluated before and after treatment, and adverse events such as allergic reactions, worsening ulcer pain were recorded. ResultsTotally 35 patients in the treatment group and 33 in the control group were included in the final analysis. The ulcer healing rate in the treatment group was (87.93±9.34)%, significantly higher than (81.82±12.02)% in the control group (P = 0.035). Compared to pre-treatment levels, both groups showed significant reductions in serum CRP, WBC, MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, with an increase in SOD level (P<0.05). TCM syndrome scores, VAS, and DMIST scores also significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with greater improvements in the treatment group (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionXiaozhong Zhitong Mixture combined with antibiotic bone cement has significant advantages in promoting DFU healing, reducing inflammatory response, and alleviating oxidative stress in DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome, with good safety for DFU patients with damp-heat obstructing syndrome.
9.Pathogenesis and treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury
Bo HE ; Wen CHEN ; Suilu MA ; Zhijun HE ; Yuan SONG ; Jinpeng LI ; Tao LIU ; Xiaotao WEI ; Weiwei WANG ; Jing XIE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1230-1238
BACKGROUND:Flap transplantation technique is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of severe tissue defects,but postoperative flap necrosis is easily triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury.Therefore,it is still an important research topic to improve the survival rate of transplanted flaps. OBJECTIVE:To review the pathogenesis and latest treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang Database and PubMed database were searched for relevant literature published from 2014 to 2024.The search terms used were"flap,ischemia-reperfusion injury,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,Ca2+overload,apoptosis,mesenchymal stem cells,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathways,shock wave,pretreatment"in Chinese and English.After elimination of irrelevant literature,poor quality and obsolete literature,77 documents were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Flap ischemia/reperfusion injury may be related to pathological factors such as inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,Ca2+overload,and apoptosis,which can cause apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,vascular damage and microcirculation disorders in the flap,and eventually lead to flap necrosis.Studies have found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathway modulators,shock waves,and pretreatment can alleviate flap ischemia/reperfusion injuries from different aspects and to varying degrees,and reduce the necrosis rate and necrosis area of the grafted flap.Although there are many therapeutic methods for skin flap ischemia/reperfusion injury,a unified and effective therapeutic method has not yet been developed in the clinic,and the advantages and disadvantages of various therapeutic methods have not yet been compared.Most of the studies remain in the stage of animal experiments,rarely involving clinical observations.Therefore,a lot of research is required in the future to gradually move from animal experiments to the clinic in order to better serve the clinic.
10.Osteogenesis-induced exosomes derived from human periodontal ligament stem cells promote osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells in an inflammatory microenvironment
Aikepaer·Aierken ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Wufanbieke·Baheti
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1388-1394
BACKGROUND:The osteogenic differentiation ability of exosomes derived from osteogenic mesenchymal stem cells is well established.However,their impact on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells in an inflammatory microenvironment remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To examine the impact of exosomes derived from osteogenesis-induced human periodontal ligament stem cells on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells within an inflammatory microenvironment. METHODS:Human periodontal ligament stem cells were isolated and cultured.After 3 days of osteogenic induction,exosomes were extracted.Human periodontal ligament stem cells were divided into four groups.Control group was treated with osteogenesis-induced medium.The exosome group was treated with osteogenesis-induced medium containing 5 μg/mL exosomes.Inflammatory model and inflammatory model+exosome groups were treated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours to construct a cellular inflammatory microenvironment.The inflammatory model group was treated with osteogenesis-induced medium after lipopolysaccharide intervention.The inflammatory model+exosome group was treated with osteogenesis-induced medium containing 5 μg/mL exosome.The osteogenic differentiation ability of human periodontal ligament stem cells was assessed using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining.The expressions of Runt-related transcription factor 2,osteopontin,osteoblast-specific transcription factor Osterix(OSX)and wnt pathway-related protein β-catenin were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the relative area stained by alkaline phosphatase,the relative area stained by mineralized nodules and the expression levels of Runx2,osteopontin,and OSX were significantly decreased in the inflammatory model group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the inflammatory model group,the expression of Runx2,osteopontin,and OSX in the inflammatory model+exosome group was significantly increased in the relative area of alkaline phosphatase staining,the relative area of mineralized nodules staining(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the control group,the expression of wnt pathway-related protein β-catenin was significantly increased in the inflammatory model group(P<0.05).Compared with the inflammatory model group,the expression of β-catenin in the inflammatory model+exosome group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that exosomes derived from human periodontal ligament stem cells induced by bone formation can enhance the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells within an inflammatory microenvironment,and the mechanism may be related to wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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