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.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the partial biomechanical properties of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, and obliquus capitis inferior) in patients with cervical vertigo. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with cervical vertigo admitted from April 2024 to September 2024 were included in the vertigo group, and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as the normal group. In the vertigo group, there were 21 females and 9 males, with an average age of (24.00±2.25) years;in the normal group, there were 22 females and 8 males, with an average age of (23.00±3.00) years. Shear wave elastography was used to measure the thickness and stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles in both groups. RESULTS: In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the Young's modulus values (E) of stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). The Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the right posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) in the cervical vertigo group were (39.66±8.21) kPa, (45.61±5.85) kPa, and (43.73±5.22) kPa, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the normal group 33.97(17.76) kPa, 41.38(8.99) kPa, 38.27(12.58) kPa, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In the vertigo group, the Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the left rectus capitis posterior major and left obliquus capitis inferior were (40.41±9.13) kPa and (42.11±6.20) kPa, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the normal group (33.30±11.31) kPa, 38.94(14.62) kPa, with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);however, there was no statistically significant difference in the left rectus capitis posterior minor between the two groups(P>0.05). In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of the bilateral posterior occipital muscles between the vertigo group and the normal group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The posterior occipital muscles of patients with cervical vertigo are stiffer than those of healthy individuals, while there is no significant difference in muscle thickness between the two groups.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods* ; Adult ; Vertigo/physiopathology* ; Neck Muscles/physiopathology* ; Young Adult

This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To analysis the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic total hysterectomy in patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 197 patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy at Peking University First Hospital, from July 2022 to July 2024. According to intraoperative observations, 197 patients were categorized into two groups: 58 cases with completely obliterated rectouterine pouch (obliterated group) and 139 cases with non-obliterated pouch (control group). General clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes and 3-month follow-up after surgery were compared between two groups.Results:(1) Baseline characteristics: the age of the obliterated group was (45.7±3.7) years, and the control group was (48.0±3.8) years ( P<0.001). Primary complaint: dysmenorrhea prevalence was 53.4% (31/58) in the obliterated group, and was 35.3% (49/139; P<0.05) in the control group. Surgical indications: the proportion of adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma was 77.6% (45/58) in the obliterated group, and was 51.1% (71/139; P<0.001) in the control group. No significant differences in body mass index, pelvic surgical history, or preoperative medication between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Intraoperative outcomes: the obliterated group demonstrated significantly higher rates of surgical interventions compared to the control group. Superficial endometriosis resection was performed in 91.4% (53/58) of the obliterated group versus 33.8% (47/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Deep infiltrating endometriosis excision was required in 82.8% (48/58) of the obliterated group, contrasting sharply with 10.1% (14/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Ureterolysis procedures were similarly elevated in the obliterated group (77.6%, 45/58) compared to the control group (7.9%, 11/139; P<0.001). Operative metrics revealed substantial intergroup disparities: the obliterated group exhibited a median surgical duration of 149.0 minutes (interquartile range: 114.0, 180.0 minutes), significantly prolonged relative to the control group′s 91.0 minutes (77.0, 107.0 minutes; P<0.001). Estimated blood loss followed a parallel pattern, with median volumes of 50.0 ml (20.0, 100.0 ml) in the obliterated group versus 20.0 ml (10.0, 20.0 ml) in the control group ( P<0.001). (3) Postoperative outcomes: the uterine weight of the obliterated group was 200.0 g (132.5, 260.0 g), and the control group was 240.0 g (180.0, 336.0 g; P<0.05). Hospital stay was prolonged in the obliterated group compared with the control group [7.0 days (6.0, 8.3 days) vs 6.0 days (5.0, 7.0 days); P<0.001]. The incidences of postoperative fever in the obliterated group and the control group were 20.7% (12/58) vs 12.2% (17/139; P>0.05). The incidences of minor complications in the obliterated group and the control group were 3.4% (2/58) vs 0 (0/139; P>0.05). No major complications (intraoperative hemorrhage, transfusion, visceral injury, conversion to laparotomy, or thromboembolism) occurred. (4) Follow up at 3 months after surgery: three months postoperatively, all patients underwent outpatient follow-up visits, during which symptoms such as pain were alleviated. Gynecological ultrasound and pelvic examinations were performed, and the vaginal stump exhibited good healing. Conclusion:Laparoscopic total hysterectomy performed by experienced minimally invasive gynecological specialists is safe and feasible for patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.

Objective:To discuss the prevalence of contraindications to progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis.Methods:Women of childbearing age aged 15-49 years, except for menopausal and malignant tumors, were enrolled in Peking University First Hospital from April to August 2024 for laparoscopic or open surgery, regardless of whether they had used or would be using progestogen drugs. The patients were divided into two groups: the case group was patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the control group was patients with other benign gynecological diseases. The patient′s medical history and clinical data were collected.Results:A total of 745 patients were enrolled, including 362 cases (48.6%, 362/745) in the case group, 383 cases (51.4%, 383/745) in the control group; 61 patients with contraindications to progestogens, including 32 cases (8.8%, 32/362) in the case group, and 29 cases (7.6%, 29/383) in the control group ( χ2=0.398, P>0.05). Among them, there were 33 cases of liver disease, all of which were liver tumor (hepatic hemangioma only), including 18 cases (5.0%, 18/362) in the case group and 15 cases (3.9%, 15/383) in the control group. There were 11 cases of sex hormone-dependent or related tumors (breast cancer only), including 4 cases (1.1%, 4/362) in the case group and 7 cases (1.8%, 7/383) in the control group. There were 10 cases of vascular disease, including 4 cases of diabetic vascular disease, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of venous thrombosis, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including 1 case in the case group (0.3%, 1/362) and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 7 cases of renal insufficiency, including 3 cases of chronic nephritis complicated with renal insufficiency [including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group]; two cases of membranous nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency were in the case group (0.6%, 2/362); one case of diabetic nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency was in the control group (0.3%, 1/383); one case of uremia was in the case group (0.3%, 1/362). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:There is no difference in the contraindications of progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis compared with patients with other gynecological benign diseases. Liver tumors are more common in both two groups.

The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including gene expression, metabolic regulation, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle in living organisms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms to maintain the precise oscillation of the circadian clock. By modulating the stability, activity, cell localization and protein-protein interactions of core clock proteins, PTMs enable these proteins to respond dynamically to environmental and intracellular changes, thereby sustaining the periodic oscillations of the circadian clock. Different types of PTMs exert their effects through distincting molecular mechanisms, collectively ensuring the proper function of the circadian system. This review systematically summarized several major types of PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and oxidative modification, and overviewed their roles in regulating the core clock proteins and the associated pathways, with the goals of providing a theoretical foundation for the deeper understanding of clock mechanisms and the treatment of diseases associated with circadian disruption.
Protein Processing, Post-Translational/physiology* ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology* ; Humans ; Animals ; CLOCK Proteins/physiology* ; Circadian Clocks/physiology* ; Phosphorylation ; Acetylation ; Ubiquitination ; Sumoylation

Background::The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents significant medical and societal challenges. A well-designed IBD database is crucial for both epidemiological studies and clinical management. However, inconsistencies between regional databases hinder cross-institutional and international research, especially between Eastern and Western societies.Methods::We developed a new IBD database, the 301 IBD database, integrating the IBD clinical characteristics from the Penn IBD database (USA) and the latest IBD guidelines and consensus and clinical practices of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (PLAGH). We applied this database to analyze clinical data of IBD inpatients at PLAGH from 2008 to 2023.Results::The 301 IBD database contains 490 items in 6 sections including demographic characteristics, personal history, clinical phenotype, disease activity, laboratory tests and examinations, and treatment. Features of the 301 IBD database include inpatient focus, biochemical indicators and opportunistic infection focus, and more about ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated complications. Single-center analysis revealed an increasing hospitalization trend, from 2.35% in 2008 to 3.94% in 2023. We found that the clinical characteristics of our UC inpatients are predominantly male (62.5%), extensive lesions (55.1%), low usage of biologics (4.1%), and a high incidence of UC-CRC (3.0%). The clinical characteristics of CD inpatients included male predominance (68.39%), early onset age (35.43 ± 14.75-year-old), and high rate of surgery (25.81%).Conclusion::The 301 IBD database, integrating Eastern and Western clinical data, provides a valuable tool for IBD clinical research. Future international, multicenter collaborations are expected to further enhance its utility.