1.Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Prescription Against Damage to Hippocampal Synaptic Microenvironment via Suppressing GluR2/Parkin Signal-mediated Mitophagy in Rats with Diabetes-related Depression
Jian LIU ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyuan LIN ; Wei LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo reveal the mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription against damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment via suppressing glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2)/Parkin signal-mediated mitophagy in rats with diabetes-related depression (DD). MethodsEighty male SD rats underwent adaptive feeding for 5 days before the study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal group. The model of DD rats was established with the rest by 2-week high-fat diet + streptozotocin (STZ) tail intravenous injection + 28 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with isolation. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a GluR2 blocker group (5 μg·kg-1), a GluR2 agonist group (10 μg·kg-1), a metformin + fluoxetine group (0.18 g·kg-1 metformin + 1.8 mg·kg-1 fluoxetine), and high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups (20.52 and 10.26 g·kg-1, respectively). The rats in the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group were continuously injected with CNQX and Cl-HIBO in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus once a week starting from stress modeling, respectively, while the metformin + fluoxetine group and the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups were continuously given intragastric administration for 28 d at the same time of stress modeling. Depression-like behavior was evaluated by open field and forced swimming experiments. The levels of serum insulin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hippocampus were detected by biochemical analysis. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons were evaluated by Golgi staining. Western blot detected the expression levels of GluR2 and Parkin proteins in hippocampus. The expression levels of GluR2, Parkin, regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 3 (RIMS3), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited reduced total activity distance in the open field and increased immobility time in forced swimming (P<0.01), lowered levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.01), increased autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons, significantly damaged morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, decreased expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95 in hippocampus, and an increased Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group showed aggravation and alleviation of the above abnormal changes, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). The above depression-like behavior was significantly improved in the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups to different degrees. Specifically, the two groups saw elevated levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), restrained increase in autophagosomes and damage to morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated protein expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95, and down-regulated Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuogui Jiangtong Jieyu prescription can ameliorate the mitophagy-mediated damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment in DD rats, the mechanism of which might be related to the regulation of GluR2/Parkin signaling pathway.
2.Discussion on the Relationship between Skin Interior-Membrane Exterior and Membrane-Source and Their Clinical Value
Xiaoyuan HUANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):205-208
It is proposed that both "skin interior-membrane exterior" (the region between the skin and membranes) and "membrane-source" are objective parts of human body. Based on relevant ancient texts, interpretations by physicians, and clinical characteristics of diseases, we analysed the relationship between skin interior-membrane exterior and membrane-source, and proposed that skin interior-membrane exterior is essentially equivalent to membrane-source, with skin interior-membrane exterior offering a clearer expression of the meaning. The medicinal practices and prescriptions recorded in materia medica and classical formulas provide evidence to support that skin interior-membrane exterior is same as membrane-source. Based on the researches on their relationship, the formula groups for the treatment of membrane-source diseases developed, potentially expanding the clinical applications of membrane-source formulas and offering new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases in clinic.
3.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
4.Mechanisms by which microgravity causes osteoporosis
Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Shenghong WANG ; Changshun CHEN ; Cong TIAN ; Zhenxing YAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2132-2140
BACKGROUND:The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation in microgravity environments leads to significant bone loss in astronauts.Current research indicates that bone loss under microgravity conditions is the result of the combined effects of various cells,tissues,and systems. OBJECTIVE:To review different biological effects of microgravity on various cells,tissues,or systems,and summarize the mechanisms by which microgravity leads to the development of osteoporosis. METHODS:Databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant literature from 2000 to 2023.The inclusion criteria were all articles related to tissue engineering studies and basic research on osteoporosis caused by microgravity.Ultimately,85 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In microgravity environment,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tend to differentiate more into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts,and hematopoietic stem cells in this environment are more inclined to differentiate into osteoclasts,reducing differentiation into the erythroid lineage.At the same time,microgravity inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,promotes apoptosis of osteoblasts,alters cell morphology,and reduces the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.Microgravity significantly increases the number and activity of osteoclasts.Microgravity also hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes and promotes the apoptosis of osteocytes.(2)In a microgravity environment,the body experiences changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,microvascular remodeling,bone microcirculation disorders,and endocrine disruption.These changes lead to mechanical unloading in the bone microenvironment,insufficient blood perfusion,and calcium cycle disorders,which significantly impact the development of osteoporosis.(3)At present,the mechanism by which microgravity causes osteoporosis is relatively complex.A deeper study of these physiological mechanisms is crucial to ensuring the health of astronauts during long-term space missions,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
5.Clinical application value of intracavitary PRP infusion combined with IVF-FET in patients with chronic endometritis
Xiaotong ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan HAO ; Rui FANG ; Shuyao HU ; Linkun MA ; Yaqi ZHAO ; Wei HAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):382-387
[Objective] To evaluate the clinical application value of intrauterine perfusion with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with in vitro fertilization-frozen-thawed embryo transfer (IVF-FET) in patients with chronic endometritis (CE). [Methods] A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, enrolling 60 CE patients undergoing artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer at our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (routine frozen embryo transfer, n=20), Group B (routine frozen embryo transfer + one PRP intrauterine perfusion, n=20), and Group C (routine frozen embryo transfer + two PRP intrauterine perfusions, n=20). Endometrial thickness during the transformation and transplantation phases, uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic peak velocity/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) ratio during transplantation, serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α during transplantation, as well as biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and early miscarriage rate were compared across groups. [Results] No significant differences in endometrial thickness were observed among the three groups during the transformation phase (P>0.05). During the transplantation phase, endometrial thickness in Groups C and B was significantly higher than in Group A[9.54 (8.96-10.22) and 8.90 (8.34-9.72) vs 8.37 (7.89-8.75) mm, P<0.05], with Group C showing greater thickness than Group B (Z=3.733, P<0.05). Endometrial thickness in Groups C and B during transplantation was significantly increased compared to their respective transformation phases (Z=2.191, 2.462; P<0.05). Groups C and B exhibited lower PI, RI, and S/D values than Group A[PI:1.87 (1.77-1.97), 1.94 (1.88-2.15) vs 2.43 (2.35-2.49); RI:0.75 (0.73-0.77), 0.78 (0.75-0.81) vs 0.84 (0.83-0.86); S/D:2.61 (2.33-3.42), 3.01 (2.20-3.93) vs 3.72 (3.06-4.49); P<0.05]. Group C demonstrated lower PI and RI than Group B (P<0.05). IL-2 levels in Groups C and B were higher than in Group A[3.88 (2.71-5.01), 3.59 (2.73-4.38) vs 3.16 (2.11-3.25) ng/L, P<0.05], while IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower (IL-4: Z=1.428, 2.421; IL-6: Z=1.754, 2.435; IL-10: Z=1.754, 2.854; TNF-α: Z=1.961, 1.765; P<0.05). Group C had lower IL-6 levels than Group B (Z=3.976, P<0.05). Biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in Group C were significantly higher than in Group A (75% vs 40%, 70% vs 35%, 60% vs 20%, P<0.05). No significant differences in early miscarriage rates were observed among the groups (χ2=3.750, P>0.05). [Conclusion] Intrauterine autologous PRP perfusion in CE patients enhances pregnancy and live birth rates, improves pregnancy outcomes post-FET, and demonstrates superior efficacy in endometrial repair and receptivity with two PRP perfusions compared to a single perfusion. This provides a safe and effective therapeutic option for optimizing outcomes in CE patients with prior implantation failure.
6.Research Progress on the Correlation Between Mitophagy and Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Yan LIU ; Xingang DONG ; Xiaoyuan WANG ; Gege QI ; Yiqin REN ; Lianpeng ZHOU ; Hui LI ; Suqing ZHANG ; Weifeng LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):338-349
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), caused by cerebrovascular dysfunction, severely impacts the quality of life in the elderly population, yet effective therapeutic approaches remain limited. Mitophagy, a selective mitochondrial quality-control mechanism, has emerged as a critical focus in neurological disease research. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitophagy modulates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Key signaling pathways associated with mitophagy—including PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3/Nix, FUNDC1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and AMPK—have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for VCI. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of mitophagy in VCI pathogenesis and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, aiming to provide novel insights for clinical intervention and advance the development of effective treatments for VCI.
7.Effect of Exercise on Blood Glucose Metabolism of Type 2 Diabetes Patients in East Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis
Yuxin SUN ; Bingtai HAN ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Xueqing ZHENG ; Shi CHEN ; Hongbo YANG ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):492-505
To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EmBase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform to identify relevant studies published from database inception to June 15, 2024, on the effects of exercise on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with T2DM. The study type was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the intervention group received exercise interventions and the control group did not. Two researchers independently screened the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test in Stata 17.0 and funnel plots in RevMan 5.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. A total of 21 RCTs involving 1289 participants (675 in the intervention group and 614 in the control group) were included. Publication bias assessment indicated overall good quality of the included studies. The random-effects model showed that exercise interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (MD=-1.31 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.55 to -1.07, Exercise interventions can improve glycemic control and reduce insulin resistance in East Asian patients with T2DM. Aerobic exercise and combined exercise are more effective exercise prescriptions for glycemic management in this population.
8.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
9.The Mediating Effect of Vitamin D on the Association Between Exercise and Triglyceride in Adolescents: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Bochuan HUANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Jiaxuan LIU ; Hui PAN ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):584-590
To investigate the mediating role of vitamin D in the association between exerciseand triglyceride among adolescents, as well as its potential molecular mechanisms. This prospective cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling, enrolling 2021-grade students from Jining No. 7 Middle School on June 5, 2023. Moderate-intensity exercise frequency was assessed via standardized questionnaires, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence, and triglyceride levels were determined via fully automated biochemical analysis. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships among moderate-intensity exercise, triglyceride, and vitamin D. A mediation model was constructed using the Baron & Kenny causal steps approach, adjusting for confounders including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), dairy intake, sweet food consumption, and fast-food intake. Subgroup analyses were performed based on BMI. The significance of the mediation effect was confirmed using both the Bootstrap and Sobel tests. A total of 354 adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 142 females (40.11%) and 212 males (59.89%), with a median age of 13.25(12.83, 13.83)years. Spearman's analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between moderate-intensity exercise and triglyceride levels ( Vitamin D serves as a key mediator in the triglyceride-lowering effect of exercise among adolescents, independent of age, sex, and dietary habits. This mediation effect is particularly pronounced in adolescents with BMI < 24 kg/m2. The underlying mechanism may involve vitamin D-regulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression and suppression of inflammatory pathways, suggesting that targeting vitamin D signaling could be a potential molecular strategy for early intervention in adolescent dyslipidemia.
10.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.

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