1.Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Prevalence and associated factors among occupational workers from 8 industries in Shanghai
Yan LIU ; Feng YANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Niu DI ; Yan YIN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):443-450
Background Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major type of musculoskeletal disorders with a relatively high proportion. Shanghai has a large number of occupational populations; however, the occurrence of WMSDs at neck among the occupational populations across industries in this city has not been reported, and needs to be addressed. Objective To understand the occurrence of neck-related WMSDs and their influencing factors among occupational populations in 8 industries in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in this population. Methods From February 2024 to February 2025, a cross-sectional survey employed stratified cluster sampling to select
2.Wumeiwan Promotes M1 Polarization of Tumor-associated Macrophages to Treat Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Nianzhi CHEN ; Shiyun TANG ; Yuanyuan FENG ; Yan WANG ; Ningning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):92-100
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Wumeiwan on liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer and its potential mechanism. MethodsFirstly, mice were randomized into control, low-dose (20 g·kg-1) Wumeiwan, high-dose (40 g·kg-1) Wumeiwan, and paclitaxel (10 mg·kg-1) groups. Secondly, liver metastasis and lung metastasis models of colorectal cancer were established in mice. After 4 weeks of intervention, the body weight of each mouse was recorded, and the lung weight, liver weight, and survival time of mice with metastatic colorectal cancer were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to detect the effects of Wumeiwan on liver metastasis and lung metastasis. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of M1 and M2 macrophage markers in the liver tissue. Finally, the content of M1 macrophage markers CD80 and CD86 in the liver tissue was measured by flow cytometry. ResultsCompared with the control group, Wumeiwan and paclitaxel reduced the body weight (P<0.01) and liver weight (P<0.01) and prolonged the survival of the mouse model of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (P<0.01). In the mouse model of lung metastasis of colorectal cancer, Wumeiwan and paclitaxel also reduced the body weight (P<0.01) and lung weight (P<0.01) and extended the survival time (P<0.01). Histopathological results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan inhibited the liver and lung metastases of colorectal cancer. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan upregulated the mRNA levels of M1 macrophage markers IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the liver and lung tissue of mice with liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Wumeiwan downregulated the mRNA levels of M2 macrophage markers Arg1, CD163, and CD206 (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the flow cytometry results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan increased the content of CD86 and CD80 (P<0.01). In addition, immunohistochemical results showed that Wumeiwan promoted the expression of CD86 and inhibited the expression of CD206 in the liver and lung tissue of mice with liver metastasis and lung metastasis. ConclusionWumeiwan can inhibit the liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer by promoting the M1 polarization of macrophages in the liver and lung of the model mice.
3.Analysis of co-occurrence patterns of common mental health issues among college students
YAN Yulin, LUO Miyang, LUO Jiayou, MA Suiyi, LI Jia, CHEN Xi, WANG Feng, LIU Hao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):379-383
Objective:
The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions.
Methods:
From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence.
Conclusions
Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.
4.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
5.Predictive model for anxiety symptoms among junior high school students based on machine learning algorithms
YANG Yinmei, FENG Haiyang, LIU Mingxiu, YU Qiurui, MA Xin, YAN Hong, YU Bin, YU Chengcheng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):690-694
Objective:
To explore the influencing factors of anxiety symptoms and to construct a predictive model based on machine learning algorithms, so as to provide support for the prevention and management of anxiety symptoms among junior high school students.
Methods:
From April to May 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to select 8 176 junior high school students from Zhengzhou and Shangqiu citys. All participants completed the Adolescent Self rating Life Events Checklist, the 10item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the School Connectedness Scale, the Parent-Child Cohesion Questionnaire, and the 7 item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Logistic regression analysis identified the associated factors of anxiety symptoms among junior high school students. Predictive models were constructed using Logistic regression, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms, with SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis explaining the optimal model.
Results:
The detection rate of anxiety symptoms among junior high school students was 16.3%. Logistic regression analysis showed that junior high school students who were female ( OR =1.22), in the ninth grade ( OR =1.27), living in urban areas ( OR =1.37), having a father with a college education or above ( OR =1.26), having a mother with a senior high school education ( OR =1.26), and experiencing higher levels of negative life events ( OR =1.05) reported a higher risk of anxiety symptoms(all P <0.05). In contrast, those with moderate family economic status ( OR =0.71), moderate academic burden ( OR =0.59), low academic burden ( OR =0.54), moderate sleep quality ( OR =0.46), good sleep quality ( OR =0.26), excellent sleep quality ( OR =0.15), higher levels of psychological resilience ( OR =0.96), higher levels of school connectedness ( OR =0.96), and higher levels of parent-child cohesion ( OR =0.98) reported a lower risk of anxiety symptoms (all P <0.05). Three machine learning models demonstrated good predictive performance for anxiety symptoms among junior high school students (all AUC>0.8), with the XGBoost model achieving the best predictive performance. SHAP analysis revealed that negative life events, sleep quality, school connectedness, psychological resilience and parent-child cohesion were the top five relevant factors for predicting anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
The detection rate of anxiety symptoms among junior high school students is relatively high. The XGBoost model is the optimal predictive model for anxiety symptoms in the population. Negative life events, sleep quality, school connectedness, psychological resilience, and parent-child cohesion are significant correlates of anxiety symptoms among junior high school students.
6.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
7.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
8.Wisdom Inheritance of Distinguished Physicians' Experience Through Integration of Multimodal Data and AIGC: A Case Study on Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer with Phlegm-dampness and Blood Stasis Syndrome by Distinguished Traditional Chinese Medicine Physicians of Sichuan School
Yang YU ; Yadong MU ; Wenping LIU ; Chongcheng XI ; Li ZHANG ; Yan GAO ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):14-25
Lung cancer, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates, remains a significant global health challenge. By taking the study on the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School as an example, the diagnosis and treatment system for lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome, which was formed in response to the humid and foggy environment of the Sichuan Basin, possesses unique value. However, traditional inheritance modes face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardization, and insufficient quantification, which hinder the promotion and application of this experience. This research focused on how to leverage multimodal data and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) to achieve precise analysis, intelligent inheritance, and clinical innovation of the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School. By integrating multimodal data (encompassing four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medical imaging, clinical laboratory tests, molecular biology, and regional environmental information), a precise diagnosis and treatment system integrating macro and micro perspectives for the "disease, syndrome, and pathogenesis" was constructed. The research yielded the following results: (1) In precise syndrome differentiation, the objective quantification of the phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome was achieved. By constructing a "four diagnostic methods, imaging, and molecule" correlation model, the study revealed intrinsic links between tongue and pulse parameters and the tumor microenvironment, as well as between regional climatic factors and syndrome characteristics, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of efficacy. (2) In elucidating patterns, the study systematically explored the syndrome differentiation thoughts of Sichuan School physicians, such as the timing of purgation and tonification. A "pathogenesis, syndrome complex, and prescriptions and herb" network model was constructed, which accurately elucidated the synergistic action mechanisms of core herb pairs and quantified the dynamic compatibility patterns of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. (3) In intelligent empowerment, an auxiliary system integrating intelligent syndrome differentiation, treatment plan generation, and efficacy evaluation was built. This system can fuse regional characteristics with individual data, dynamically generate and optimize personalized prescriptions aligned with the experience of Sichuan School, and predict efficacy trends and potential adverse reactions. The integration of multimodal data and AIGC can effectively facilitate the structured inheritance and clinical translation of distinguished physicians' experience. The established intelligent diagnosis and treatment model integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine demonstrates clear potential in prolonging patients' progression-free survival, alleviating symptoms, and reducing adverse reactions to treatment. This study provides a referential methodological framework for the traditional Chinese medicine experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, especially the empirical inheritance and modernized development of regional academic schools. It contributes to advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment toward greater precision and personalization.
9.THBS4 in Disease: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Opportunities
De-Ying HUANG ; Yan-Hong LI ; Xiu-Feng BAI ; Yi LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2217-2232
Thrombospondin 4 (THBS4; TSP4), a crucial component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), serves as an important regulator of tissue homeostasis and various pathophysiological processes. As a member of the evolutionarily conserved thrombospondin family, THBS4 is a multidomain adhesive glycoprotein characterized by six distinct structural domains that mediate its diverse biological functions. Through dynamic interactions with various ECM components, THBS4 plays pivotal roles in cell adhesion, proliferation, inflammation regulation, and tissue remodeling, establishing it as a key modulator of microenvironmental organization. The transcription and translation of THBS4 gene, as well as the activity of the THBS4 protein, are tightly regulated by multiple signaling pathways and extracellular cues. Positive regulators of THBS4 include transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFNγ), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP12/13), and other regulatory factors (such as B4GALNT1, ITGA2/ITGB1, PDGFRβ, etc.), which upregulate THBS4 at the mRNA and/or protein level. Conversely, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OXLDL) acts as a potent negative regulator of THBS4. This intricate regulatory network ensures precise spatial and temporal control of THBS4 expression in response to diverse physiological and pathological stimuli. Functionally, THBS4 acts as a critical signaling hub, influencing multiple downstream pathways essential for cellular behavior and tissue homeostasis. The best-characterized pathways include: (1) the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, which THBS4 modulates through both direct and indirect interactions with integrins and growth factor receptors; (2) Wnt/β-catenin signaling, where THBS4 functions as either an activator or inhibitor depending on the cellular context; (3) the suppression of DBET/TRIM69, contributing to its diverse regulatory roles. These signaling connections position THBS4 as a master regulator of cellular responses to microenvironmental changes. Substantial evidence links aberrant THBS4 expression to a range of pathological conditions, including neoplastic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, fibrotic conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and atopic dermatitis. In cancer biology, THBS4 exhibits context-dependent roles, functioning either as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the tumor type and microenvironment. In the cardiovascular system, THBS4 contributes to both adaptive remodeling and maladaptive fibrotic responses. Its involvement in fibrotic diseases arises from its ability to regulate ECM deposition and turnover. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of THBS4 is particularly promising in oncology and cardiovascular medicine. As a biomarker, THBS4 expression patterns correlate significantly with disease progression and patient outcomes. Therapeutically, targeting THBS4-mediated pathways offers novel opportunities for precision medicine approaches, including anti-fibrotic therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and enhancement of tissue repair. This comprehensive review systematically explores three key aspects of THBS4 research(1) the fundamental biological functions of THBS4 in ECM organization; (2) its mechanistic involvement in various disease pathologies; (3) its emerging potential as both a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. By integrating recent insights from molecular studies, animal models, and clinical investigations, this review provides a framework for understanding the multifaceted roles of THBS4 in health and disease. The synthesis of current knowledge highlights critical research gaps and future directions for exploring THBS4-targeted interventions across multiple disease contexts. Given its unique position at the intersection of ECM biology and cellular signaling, THBS4 represents a promising frontier for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in precision medicine.
10.Impact of Wenyang lishui formula on ventricular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension-induced right heart failure
Sijian FENG ; Yan HUANG ; Aimin XING ; Mei YUAN ; Yafang LIU ; Weiming WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2531-2536
OBJECTIVE To discuss the impact of Wenyang lishui formula on ventricular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension-induced right heart failure (RHF) based on the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway. METHODS Ten rats were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 63 rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline to establish the pulmonary hypertension-induced RHF model. The 50 rats that successfully underwent the model establishment were randomly divided into the RHF group, low-dose group of Wenyang lishui formula (4.25 g/kg), high-dose group of the Wenyang lishui formula (17.00 g/kg), furosemide group (20 mg/kg), and high-dose group of Wenyang lishui formula+ Hippo/YAP signaling pathway activator group (17.00 g/kg of Δ Wenyang lishui formula+16 mg/kg of PY-60), with 10 rats in each group. The rats in each group were given the corresponding drug solution or normal saline by gavage or/andtail vein injection, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the general conditions of the rats in each group were observed; after the last administration, the right ventricular diameter, right atrial diameter, end-diastolic volume, pulmonary artery blood flow acceleration time (PAAT) and its ratio to ejection time (ET) (PAAT/ET), pulmonary artery pressure and its ratio to pulmonary arterial flow velocity (pulmonary artery pressure/velocity) were measured. The plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) were detected. The pathological changes of the right ventricular tissue were observed, and the collagen volume fraction, the phosphorylation levels of the large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2) and YAP, and the protein expression of the transcriptional coactivator of PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) were also detected. RESULTS Compared with the RHF group, the rats in Wenyang lishui formula low-dose and high-dose groups showed improved hair color, movement, diet, and mental state. The atrophy of right ventricular myocardial cells, the increase of inflammatory cells, collagen deposition, and hypertrophy of myocardial fibers were significantly alleviated. The right ventricular internal diameter, right atrial internal diameter, end-diastolic volume, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery pressure/velocity, the plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide and AngⅡ , collagen volume fraction, the phosphorylation level of YAP and protein expression of TAZ were significantly decreased, while the PAAT, PAAT/ET and the phosphorylation level of LATS1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). PY-60 could significantly reverse the improvement effects of high-dose Wenyang lishui formula on the above quantitative indicators (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wenyang lishui formula can restore the right heart function of pulmonary hypertension-induced RHF rats, reduce their pulmonary artery pressure, alleviate the pathological changes in their cardiac tissues, and the above effects may be related to the activation of Hippo expression and the inhibition of YAP phosphorylation.


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