1.Schwann cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration:retrospect and prospect
Zhenyi FU ; Junhao LI ; Yating ZHANG ; Yunkai HE ; Junyu LIU ; Yunhao WEI ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1236-1246
BACKGROUND:Peripheral nerve axon rupture seriously affects patients' physical function and mental health.Microsurgery,nerve autograft,nerve allograft,fibrin glue and catheter technology are the main treatments for peripheral nerve injury,each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages,but the overall treatment effect is not satisfactory.Despite the clinical success of Schwann cells in promoting axonal regeneration,there are still many challenges in the treatment with Schwann cells,such as slow expansion of Schwann cells,immune rejection,and low survival rate of transplanted cells.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the role and mechanism of Schwann cells in promoting the regeneration of peripheral nerve axons,and the difficulties and challenges of Schwann cells in the process of nerve regeneration treatment.METHODS:PubMed,Medline,WanFang,VIP,and CNKI were searched by computer using the search terms of"Schwann cells,synaptic Schwann cell,macrophage,peripheral nerve axon rupture,Wallerian degeneration,Peripheral nerve axon regeneration,Central nervous system repair"in English and Chinese.Literature related to Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation,promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration,and clinical applications was retrieved from database inception to October 2024,and a total of 95 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Schwann cells interact with macrophages,T cells and other cells,to initiate the regeneration process through signaling pathways,including Krox20/C-Jun,NRG-1/ErbB,Notch,MAPK,and PI3K/Akt/mTOR,synthesize and release nerve growth factors,and thus promote regeneration of the peripheral nervous system.Schwann cells have been experimentally demonstrated to have great potential in peripheral nerve repair and are expected to become the key target of therapeutic intervention.However,there are still problems such as difficulties in cell harvest and culture,as well as the occurrence of other diseases during the treatment process.
2.Schwann cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration:retrospect and prospect
Zhenyi FU ; Junhao LI ; Yating ZHANG ; Yunkai HE ; Junyu LIU ; Yunhao WEI ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1236-1246
BACKGROUND:Peripheral nerve axon rupture seriously affects patients' physical function and mental health.Microsurgery,nerve autograft,nerve allograft,fibrin glue and catheter technology are the main treatments for peripheral nerve injury,each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages,but the overall treatment effect is not satisfactory.Despite the clinical success of Schwann cells in promoting axonal regeneration,there are still many challenges in the treatment with Schwann cells,such as slow expansion of Schwann cells,immune rejection,and low survival rate of transplanted cells.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the role and mechanism of Schwann cells in promoting the regeneration of peripheral nerve axons,and the difficulties and challenges of Schwann cells in the process of nerve regeneration treatment.METHODS:PubMed,Medline,WanFang,VIP,and CNKI were searched by computer using the search terms of"Schwann cells,synaptic Schwann cell,macrophage,peripheral nerve axon rupture,Wallerian degeneration,Peripheral nerve axon regeneration,Central nervous system repair"in English and Chinese.Literature related to Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation,promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration,and clinical applications was retrieved from database inception to October 2024,and a total of 95 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Schwann cells interact with macrophages,T cells and other cells,to initiate the regeneration process through signaling pathways,including Krox20/C-Jun,NRG-1/ErbB,Notch,MAPK,and PI3K/Akt/mTOR,synthesize and release nerve growth factors,and thus promote regeneration of the peripheral nervous system.Schwann cells have been experimentally demonstrated to have great potential in peripheral nerve repair and are expected to become the key target of therapeutic intervention.However,there are still problems such as difficulties in cell harvest and culture,as well as the occurrence of other diseases during the treatment process.
3.Systematic review of the relationship between dynamic changes in inflammatory markers and therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC patients during EGFR-TKIs therapy
Liying WU ; Jingyi YANG ; Yating ZENG ; Ling YONG ; Weifeng SHAO ; Wei LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1490-1495
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the correlation between dynamic changes in inflammatory markers during treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and therapeutic efficacy, with the aim of providing evidence-based support for clinical prognosis assessment and treatment strategy adjustment. METHODS Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM were searched from the inception to July 20, 2025. Following literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment, descriptive analysis was conducted on the outcomes of included studies. RESULTS A total of eight studies were included to analyze the correlation of 6 inflammatory markers before and after treatment with EGFR-TKIs with therapeutic efficacy. The risk of bias assessment identified six high-quality studies and two moderate-quality studies. Among these studies, seven studies demonstrated that lower levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) before treatment, as well as decreased NLR and MLR and increased LMR after treatment were associated with longer median progression-free survival. Five studies indicated that lower levels of NLR, dNLR, PLR, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), higher LMR before treatment as well as decreased NLR and dNLR and increased LMR were associated with longer median overall survival. Three studies indicated that lower levels of IL-6 were associated with a higher objective response rate, while the association of these markers after treatment remained controversial; another study showed that an early decline in NLR, MLR, and PLR after treatment may be associated with objective response benefit. CONCLUSIONS Lower inflammatory levels during EGFR-TKIs therapy correlate with better therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC patients.
4.Exploration on the Mechanism of Intervention of Modified Sijunzi Decoction in Premature Ovarian Failure Based on PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Mediated by PTEN
Yating DAI ; Jing LI ; Yuying SANG ; Rujuan XIN ; Dongqing WEI ; Xinbin WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):77-83
Objective To explore the mechanism of modified Sijunzi Decoction in the intervention of premature ovarian failure(POF)rats through PTEN-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods Totally 50 SPF-grade healthy female SD rats were divided into normal group(10 rats)and model group(40 rats).The model group was injected with cyclophosphamide to establish a POF model,and then randomly divided into model group and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage group,with 10 rats in each group,TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage group were given modified Sijunzi Decoction 6.3,12.6,25.2 g/kg by gavage,the normal group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline,once a day for 28 days.The general condition and body mass of rats in each group were observed and recorded daily.After administration,the ovarian index was measured,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of ovarian tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum estradiol(E2)luteinizing hormone(LH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)and β-endorphin(β-EP),RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of PTEN,PI3K and AKT in ovarian tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PTEN,PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K and p-AKT,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of PTEN,PI3K and AKT.Results Compared with the normal group,the rats in the model group were depressed,the hair fell off,the diet and drinking water were reduced,the stools became thinner,the body mass was reduced(P<0.05),and the ovarian index was reduced(P<0.05),the ovarian tissue structure was disordered,the number of follicles decreased,and the contents of serum LH,FSH and GnRH increased(P<0.05),the contents of E2,AMH and β-EP decreased(P<0.05),the expression of PTEN mRNA and protein decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of PI3K and AKT mRNA and protein increased(P<0.05),and the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the general condition of rats in each dosage of TCM groups improved significantly,the body mass increased(P<0.05),ovarian index increased(P<0.05),the number of follicles in rat ovarian tissue increased,the contents of LH,FSH and GnRH decreased(P<0.05),the contents of E2,AMH and β-EP increased(P<0.05),the expression of PTEN mRNA and protein increased(P<0.05),the expression of PI3K and AKT mRNA and protein decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Modified Sijunzi Decoction may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway mediated by PTEN,repair the excessive consumption of follicles in ovarian tissue of POF rats,improve the ovarian function,so as to intervene the process of POF.
5.Effect and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba extract on acute lung injury induced by sepsis in mice
Xiaoshua WEI ; Yating WEI ; Hua XIAO ; Chaoqian LI
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):404-409
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba extract(EGB761)on acute lung injury(ALI)induced by sepsis in mice.Methods Fifty male Kunming mice were selected,they were randomly divided into sham operation group(intraperitoneal injection of equal amount of normal saline after operation),model group(intraperitoneal injection of equal amount of normal saline after operation),low-dose EGB761 group(intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg EGB761 immediately after operation)and high-dose EGB761 group(intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg EGB761 immediately after operation)and high-dose EGB761+nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)inhibitor ML385 group(intraperitoneal injection of ML385 30 mg/kg 1 hour before modeling and 50 mg/kg EGB761 immediately after operation),with 10 mice in each group.ALI model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP),and the sham operation group only underwent open-closed abdominal surgery.Serum and lung tissue were taken at 12 hours after operation,and the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed under light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and the lung injury score was made.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of interleukin(IL-6,IL-1β)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in serum of mice in each group.Western blotting test and real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)were used to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),Nrf2,member 11 of solute carrier family 7(SLC7A11)and the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and GPX4 mRNA the lung tissues of mice in each group.The content of malondialdehyde(MDA)in the lung tissues of mice in each group was detected by the thiobarbituric acid method.The activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the lung tissues of mice in each group was detected by xanthine oxidase method.Results Compared with the sham operation group,in the model group,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the lung tissue,the alveolar structure was destroyed,the lung injury score was significantly increased(3.71±0.29 vs.0.33±0.10),and serum pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and the content of oxidation index MDA in lung tissue all increased significantly[IL-1β(ng/L):0.410±0.002 vs.0.351±0.007,IL-6(ng/L):0.650±0.010 vs.0.560±0.010,TNF-α(ng/L):0.320±0.010 vs.0.290±0.002,MDA(nmol/mg):2.49±0.31 vs.1.77±0.02,all P<0.05],while SOD activity in lung tissue decreased significantly(U/mg:20.20±4.61 vs.61.47±8.10,P<0.05),the expression levels of Nrf2,GPX4,SLC7A11 protein,GPX4,and Nrf2 mRNA all decreased[NRF2 protein expression(Nrf2/β-actin):0.33±0.11 vs.0.63±0.17,GPX4 protein expression(GPX4/β-actin):1.19±0.08 vs.2.50±0.17,SLC7A11 protein expression(SLC7A11/β-actin):0.41±0.03 vs.0.67±0.08;GPX4 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):0.32±0.00 vs.1.02±0.21,NRF2 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):0.44±0.04 vs.1.01±0.20,all P<0.05].Compared with the model group,the degree of lung injury in the low-dose EGB761 group and the high-dose EGB761 group was reduced to varying degrees,and the lung injury score in the high-dose EGB761 group was significantly reduced(0.96±0.40 vs.3.71±0.29,P<0.05).The contents of MDA in lung tissue and serum proinflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased[MDA(nmol/mg):1.53±0.09 vs.2.49±0.31,IL-1β(ng/L):0.350±0.004 vs.0.410±0.002,TNF-α(ng/L):0.280±0.003 vs.0.320±0.010,all P<0.05],SOD activity,proteins of Nrf2,GPX4 and SLC7A11,and expression levels of GPX4 and Nrf2 mRNA all increased significantly[SOD activity(U/mg):63.78±8.74 vs.20.20±4.61,the expression of Nrf2 protein(NRF2/β-actin):0.71±0.06 vs.0.33±0.11,the expression of GPX4 protein(GPX4/β-actin):2.03±0.10 vs.1.19±0.08,and the expression of SLC7A11 protein(SLC7A11/β-actin)0.65±0.07 vs.0.41±0.03;GPX4 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):0.80±0.10 vs.0.32±0.00,NRF2 mRNA(2-ΔΔCt):0.84±0.07 vs.0.44±0.04,all P<0.05].Compared with high-dose EGB761 group,Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 can obviously reverse the above-mentioned effects of high-dose EGB761 after intervention.Conclusion Ginkgo biloba extract EGB761 can improve the sepsis ALI induced by CLP in mice,and it may play a protective role by activating Nrf2 and up-regulating SLC7A11 to inhibit ferroptosis.
6.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.
7.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
9.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
10.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail