1.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
3.STUDY ON EFFICACY OF COCKROACH CONTROL AND PATHOGENIC BACTERIA INFECTION ON AIRCRAFT
Jin-Hui FAN ; Zhi SHI ; Yan-Min QI ; Jian WU ; Xiao-Long ZHANG ; Wei-Nian PENG ; Hai-Feng WANG ; Yin-Juan DUAN ; Li-Li LI ; Jun-Jie HU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(1):22-26
Objective This study aimed to provide an effective scientific basis for prevention and control of cockroaches on aircrafts by identifying cockroach-carried pathogens,and assess the insecticidal efficacy of gel bait mediated cockroach control on aircrafts,to provide technical guidance for aircraft disinsection.Methods Cassette-trapping was used to trap cockroaches,and the carried pathogens were detected using bacterial cultivation techniques.The gel bait mediated killing rate was calculated after 1,7,and 30 d by field application of gel bait.Results A total of 411 cockroaches were captured,and all were identified as Blattella germanica.26 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the trapped cockroaches.The killing rates of cockroaches were 58.8%-96.3%with 1-30 day application of gel bait.Statistically significant differences were observed in cockroach killing rates on different days(χ2=58.95,P<0.01).Conclusions B.germanica carry a large variety of pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens and are thus important infectious disease carriers.Gel bait agents have proven to be very effective against cockroaches on aircrafts.
4.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Da Chengqitang in Treating Stroke: A Review
Yizhi YAN ; Xinyi LIU ; Yang DUAN ; Miaoqing LONG ; Chaoya LI ; Qiang LI ; Yi'an CHEN ; Shasha YANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Peng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):297-306
Stroke is the main cause of death and disability among adults in China and is characterized by high incidence, disability, mortality, and recurrence rates. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating stroke and its sequelae. The classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Da Chengqitang (DCQT) has a long history and proven efficacy in treating stroke. Clinically, DCQT is often used to treat stroke and its sequelae. However, the number and quality of clinical trials of DCQT in treating stroke need to be improved. Because of the insufficient basic research, the active ingredients and multi-target mechanism of action of DCQT remain unclear. Our research group has previously confirmed that DCQT can effectively reverse neurological damage, reduce iron deposition, and downregulate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. The treatment mechanism is related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signaling pathway and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling-mediated microglia activation. To clarify the pharmacodynamic basis and anti-stroke mechanism of DCQT, this article reviews the research progress in the treatment of stroke with DCQT in terms of clinical trials, pharmacodynamic material basis, safety evaluation, and mechanisms of absorbed components. This article summarizes 45 major phytochemical components of DCQT, 11 of which are currently confirmed absorbed components. Among them, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, synephrine, hesperidin, naringin, magnolol, and honokiol can be used as quality markers (Q-markers) of DCQT. The mechanism of DCQT in treating stroke is complex, involving regulation of inflammatory responses, neuronal damage, oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and anti-platelet aggregation. This article helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanism of DCQT in treating stroke and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of DCQT in treating stroke and the development of stroke drugs.
5.Research progress on carrier-free and carrier-supported supramolecular nanosystems of traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules
Zi-ye ZANG ; Yao-zhi ZHANG ; Yi-hang ZHAO ; Xin-ru TAN ; Ji-chang WEI ; An-qi XU ; Hong-fei DUAN ; Hong-yan ZHANG ; Peng-long WANG ; Xue-mei HUANG ; Hai-min LEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):908-917
Anti-tumor traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of clinic application, in which the star molecules have always been the hotspot of modern drug research, but they are limited by the solubility, stability, targeting, bioactivity or toxicity of the monomer components of traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules and other pharmacokinetic problems, which hinders the traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules for further clinical translation and application. Currently, the nanosystems prepared by supramolecular technologies such as molecular self-assembly and nanomaterial encapsulation have broader application prospects in improving the anti-tumor effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars at home and abroad. In this paper, we systematically review the research progress in preparation of supramolecular nano-systems from anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine, and summarize the two major categories and ten small classes of carrier-free and carrier-based supramolecular nanosystems and their research cases, and the future development direction is put forward. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference for the research and clinical transformation of using supramolecular technology to improve the clinical application of anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Bushen Huoxue Decoction regulates ADSCs-Exos to affect nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and ERK signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration.
Zhao-Yong LI ; Ling-Hui LI ; Lei YANG ; Shao-Feng YANG ; Yan-Tao GUO ; Long CHEN ; Jia-Hao DUAN ; Qiu-En XIE ; En-Xu LIU ; Yu SUN ; Fei SUN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(21):5704-5712
This study aims to investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue Decoction regulating adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)-exosomes(Exos) on the apoptosis of intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) signaling pathway. Tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide(TBHP)-induced NPCs were divided into control, model, drug-containing serum, blank Exos, normal serum Exos, and drug-containing serum Exos groups. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by the CCK-8 assay and EdU staining, respectively. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-6. The mRNA levels of aggrecan, collagen type Ⅱ alpha 1 chain(COL2A1), and ERK were determined by qRT-PCR, and the protein levels of aggrecan, COL2A1, and p-ERK were determined by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the model group, the treatments with drug-containing serum, blank Exos, and normal serum Exos enhanced the viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased the proportion of cells in the G_0/G_1 phase, increased the proportion of cells in the S phase, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1, and down-regulated the mRNA level of ERK and the protein level of p-ERK. Compared with the drug-containing serum, blank Exos, and normal serum Exos groups, the treatment with drug-containing serum Exos enhanced the viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased the proportion of cells in the G_0/G_1 phase, increased the cells in the S phase, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1, and down-regulated the mRNA level of ERK and the protein level of p-ERK. The results confirmed that the Exos secreted by ADSCs after treatment with Bushen Huoxue Decoction-containing serum promoted the proliferation of degenerated NPCs, inhibited apoptosis and the expression of inflammatory mediators, and promoted the production of proteoglycans and collagen, thus delaying the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration, the mechanism of which was related to the regulation of the ERK signaling pathway.
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/drug therapy*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Nucleus Pulposus/cytology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Rats
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Collagen Type II/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Aggrecans/metabolism*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
7.Research on calibration method of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion
Jing HUANG ; Han LUO ; Aowen DUAN ; Xiaobo WEN ; Haijiang ZHU ; Anhai WEI ; Hengyu LONG ; Yan HE
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(12):196-199
According to the parameters of main indicators of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion,the calibration method was designed based on key technical parameters,which included pressure indication error,pressure output velocity,pressure release velocity,pressure bag airtightness,and overpressure protection. Three used pressurization devices of blood transfusion and infusion with different brands (labeled as Test Equipment A,Test Equipment B,and Test Equipment C) were selected to conduct calibration in the hospital,so as to assess the feasibility of calibration method,and to provide technique reference for evaluating the parameters of the performance. The calibration methods of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion were formulated from five aspects:pressure indication error,pressure output velocity,pressure deflation velocity,pressure bag airtightness and overpressure protection of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion. The results showed that the calibration method for pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion,and the pressure and time recorder equipped with standard instrument of calibration can effectively calibrate the performance parameters of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion. The recorded data can meet the maximum limit output value of the manufacturer's technical requirements. The calibration method of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion can improve the metrological traceability system of such equipment,and ensure the safety and effectiveness of equipment performance,and enhance product quality,and reduce risks of clinical use,and guarantee medical safety.
8.Research on calibration method of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion
Jing HUANG ; Han LUO ; Aowen DUAN ; Xiaobo WEN ; Haijiang ZHU ; Anhai WEI ; Hengyu LONG ; Yan HE
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(12):196-199
According to the parameters of main indicators of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion,the calibration method was designed based on key technical parameters,which included pressure indication error,pressure output velocity,pressure release velocity,pressure bag airtightness,and overpressure protection. Three used pressurization devices of blood transfusion and infusion with different brands (labeled as Test Equipment A,Test Equipment B,and Test Equipment C) were selected to conduct calibration in the hospital,so as to assess the feasibility of calibration method,and to provide technique reference for evaluating the parameters of the performance. The calibration methods of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion were formulated from five aspects:pressure indication error,pressure output velocity,pressure deflation velocity,pressure bag airtightness and overpressure protection of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion. The results showed that the calibration method for pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion,and the pressure and time recorder equipped with standard instrument of calibration can effectively calibrate the performance parameters of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion. The recorded data can meet the maximum limit output value of the manufacturer's technical requirements. The calibration method of pressurization device of blood transfusion and infusion can improve the metrological traceability system of such equipment,and ensure the safety and effectiveness of equipment performance,and enhance product quality,and reduce risks of clinical use,and guarantee medical safety.
9.Aucubin combined with ADSCs-exos protects TBHP-induced nucleus pulposus cells via TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Lei YANG ; Zhao-Yong LI ; Lu MA ; Yan-Tao GUO ; Shao-Feng YANG ; Hui XIONG ; Bo-Yu WU ; Jia-Hao DUAN ; En-Xu LIU ; Chao ZHANG ; Ying NIE ; Long CHEN ; Lin-Quan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(19):5294-5303
This paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cells-exosomes(ADSCs-exos) toge-ther with aucubin in protecting human-derived nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) from inflammatory injury, senescence, and apoptosis. The tert-butyl hydroperoxide(TBHP)-induced NPCs were assigned into normal, model, aucubin, ADSCs-exos, and aucubin+ADSCs-exos groups. The cell viability was examined by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8), cell proliferation by EdU staining, cell senescence by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal), and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to examine the expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of aggregated proteoglycan(aggrecan), type Ⅱ collagen alpha 1(COL2A1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB). The results showed that compared with the model group, the aucubin or ADSCs-exos group showed enhanced viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased proportion of G_0/G_1 phase cells, increased proportion of S phase cells, reduced apoptosis and proportion of cells in senescence, lowered IL-1β and TNF-α levels, elevated IL-10 level, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1. Compared with the aucubin or ADSCs-exos group, the aucubin+ADSCs-exos combination further increased the viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased the proportion of G_0/G_1 phase cells, increased the proportion of S phase cells, reduced the apoptosis and proportion of cells in senescence, lowered the IL-1β and TNF-α levels, elevated the IL-10 level, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1. In summary, both aucubin and ADSCs-exos could exert protective effects by inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing apoptosis and senescence of NPCs, improving cell viability and proliferation as well as extracellular matrix synthesis, which may be associated with the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. The combination of both plays a synergistic role in the protective effects.
Humans
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-10
;
Nucleus Pulposus/metabolism*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Aggrecans/metabolism*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
10.Mulberry leaf flavonoids activate BAT and induce browning of WAT to improve type 2 diabetes via regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.
Long CHENG ; Lu SHI ; Changhao HE ; Chen WANG ; Yinglan LV ; Huimin LI ; Yongcheng AN ; Yuhui DUAN ; Hongyu DAI ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Weiguang SUN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2023;21(11):812-829
Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf is a well-established traditional Chinese botanical and culinary resource. It has found widespread application in the management of diabetes. The bioactive constituents of mulberry leaf, specifically mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs), exhibit pronounced potential in the amelioration of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This potential is attributed to their ability to safeguard pancreatic β cells, enhance insulin resistance, and inhibit α-glucosidase activity. Our antecedent research findings underscore the substantial therapeutic efficacy of MLFs in treating T2D. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings of MLF's anti-T2D effects remain the subject of inquiry. Activation of brown/beige adipocytes is a novel and promising strategy for T2D treatment. In the present study, our primary objective was to elucidate the impact of MLFs on adipose tissue browning in db/db mice and 3T3-L1 cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The results manifested that MLFs reduced body weight and food intake, alleviated hepatic steatosis, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased lipolysis and thermogenesis in db/db mice. Moreover, MLFs activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induced the browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the expressions of brown adipocyte marker genes and proteins such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and beige adipocyte marker genes such as transmembrane protein 26 (Tmem26), thereby promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistically, MLFs facilitated the activation of BAT and the induction of WAT browning to ameliorate T2D primarily through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. These findings highlight the unique capacity of MLF to counteract T2D by enhancing BAT activation and inducing browning of IWAT, thereby ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. As such, MLFs emerge as a prospective and innovative browning agent for the treatment of T2D.
Mice
;
Animals
;
Adipose Tissue, Brown
;
Sirtuin 1/pharmacology*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Morus/metabolism*
;
Flavonoids/metabolism*
;
Prospective Studies
;
Signal Transduction
;
Adipose Tissue, White
;
Plant Leaves
;
Uncoupling Protein 1/metabolism*
;
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha/metabolism*

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