1.Effect of macrophage polarization on osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis
Wenqi CAO ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yi ZHAO ; Zhimin WANG ; Yiran CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):917-925
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a secondary causative factor for osteoporosis.As highly heterogeneous innate immune cells,macrophages may be polarized in a hyperglycemic environment,which affects osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.This may be a research target for improving bone quality in patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization to influence osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and to summarize the effects of commonly used anti-glucose and anti-osteoporosis drugs and bone biorepair materials on bone osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization.METHODS:The keywords of"macrophage polarization,type 2 diabetes,osteoporosis,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in Chinese and"macrophages,macrophage polarization,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in English were used to search for relevant literature in CNKI and PubMed,respectively.Seventy-nine pieces of literature were screened and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes the body to be in a hyperglycemic environment and increases the secretion of inflammatory-related factors in the body,which promotes macrophage polarization towards M1 and decreases the number of M2 macrophages.(2)In type 2 diabetes,promoting M2 macrophage polarization is beneficial for osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.(3)Some anti-glycemic drugs,active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and bone biorepair materials can improve type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization,reducing M1/M2 ratio,and promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
2.Pharmacokinetic study of the antidepressant active components from Jiaotai pills in healthy subjects
Yujie CHEN ; Yiran WANG ; Zhipeng LIAO ; Xinfang BIAN ; Yanjun WANG ; Wenzheng JU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):366-370
OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of antidepressant active components from Jiaotai pills in healthy subjects. METHODS Eight healthy subjects (3 males and 5 females) were recruited and given a single oral dose of 8.55 g of Jiaotai pills. Venous blood samples were collected before administration (0 h) and at intervals from 0.25 to 36.0 hours post- administration. After treating the plasma samples with protein precipitation, the blood concentrations of the antidepressant active ingredients (coptisine, berberine, magnoflorine, and palmatine) in Jiaotai pills were determined using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. DAS 2.0 software was employed to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of healthy subjects [half-life (t1/2), peak concentration (cmax), time to peak concentration (tmax), area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), and mean residence time (MRT)] using a non-compartmental model. RESULTS After healthy subjects took Jiaotai pills, the drug-time curve of the four antidepressant active ingredients conforms to a two-compartment model and tmax values were similar, with all reaching peak blood concentrations within 2.00 to 4.00 hours post-administration. However, the t1/2 and MRT of coptisine and berberine were significantly longer than that of magnoflorine and palmatine. There were also significant differences in the AUC and cmax among the four antidepressant active ingredients, with magnoflorine exhibiting markedly higher AUC0-t and cmax compared to the other three components. CONCLUSIONS In this study,LC-MS/MS is used to analyze the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the antidepressant active ingredients from Jiaotai pills in healthy subjects, can provide valuable references for the clinical application of Jiaotai pills.
3.Effect of macrophage polarization on osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis
Wenqi CAO ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yi ZHAO ; Zhimin WANG ; Yiran CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):917-925
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a secondary causative factor for osteoporosis.As highly heterogeneous innate immune cells,macrophages may be polarized in a hyperglycemic environment,which affects osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.This may be a research target for improving bone quality in patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization to influence osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and to summarize the effects of commonly used anti-glucose and anti-osteoporosis drugs and bone biorepair materials on bone osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization.METHODS:The keywords of"macrophage polarization,type 2 diabetes,osteoporosis,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in Chinese and"macrophages,macrophage polarization,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in English were used to search for relevant literature in CNKI and PubMed,respectively.Seventy-nine pieces of literature were screened and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes the body to be in a hyperglycemic environment and increases the secretion of inflammatory-related factors in the body,which promotes macrophage polarization towards M1 and decreases the number of M2 macrophages.(2)In type 2 diabetes,promoting M2 macrophage polarization is beneficial for osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.(3)Some anti-glycemic drugs,active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and bone biorepair materials can improve type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization,reducing M1/M2 ratio,and promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
4.Elevated SLC3A2 Expression Promotes the Progression of Gliomas and Enhances Ferroptosis Resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 Axis
Yuqian ZHENG ; Shaolong ZHOU ; Yiran TAO ; Zimin SHI ; Xiang LI ; Xudong FU ; Jian MA ; Weihua HU ; Wulong LIANG ; Xinjun WANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):71-94
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to determine the impact of solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) on the malignant phenotype of gliomas and its role in regulating ferroptosis sensitivity.
Materials and Methods:
The malignant phenotype of glioma was assessed by cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay, wound healing, and Transwell experiments. We further validated the impact of reduced SLC3A2 expression on the sensitivity to ferroptosis in glioma cells through Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to explore how SLC3A2 affects glioma sensitivity to ferroptosis through the AKT/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. By establishing a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in BALB/c-nude mice, we investigated the growth of tumors following the knockout of SLC3A2 in glioma cells.
Results:
Downregulation of SLC3A2 suppressed the malignant phenotype of glioma by blocking the cell cycle and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. On the other hand, loss of SLC3A2 not only downregulated SLC7A11 but also prevented the activation of the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis. These lead to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides, ultimately enhancing the susceptibility of glioma to ferroptosis.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that SLC3A2 is an oncogene in gliomas, promoting their occurrence and development. It plays a critical role in ferroptosis resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis.
5.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice
Yifei ZHANG ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Jiayi WANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Xi GUO ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):21-33
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated.
Conclusion
Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Dipsacus asper Treats Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating PPARα/TFEB Pathway
Mengmeng WANG ; Jianping ZHAO ; Limin WU ; Shuang CHU ; Yanli HUANG ; Zhenghao CUI ; Yiran SUN ; Pan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):104-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect of Dipsacus asper(DA) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, and decipher the underlying mechanism via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway. MethodsFirst, transgenic AD C. elegans individuals were assigned into the blank control, model, positive control (WY14643, 20 µmol·L-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg·L-1, respectively) DA groups. The amyloid β-42 (Aβ42) formation in the muscle cells, the paralysis time, and the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the head were detected. The lysosomal autophagy in the BV2 cell model was examined by Rluc-LC3wt/G120A. The expression levels of lysosomal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, LC3I, LAMP2, and TFEB were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes beclin1 and Atg5 and lysosome-related genes LAMP2 and CLN2 downstream of PPARα/TFEB. A reporter gene assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARα, and the active components of the ethanol extract of DA were identified by UPLC-MS. RCSB PDB, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Autodock were used to analyze the binding between the active components and PPARα-ligand-binding domain (LBD). ResultsCompared with the model group, the positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed prolonged paralysis time (P<0.05), and all the treatment groups showed decreased Aβ deposition in the head (P<0.01). DA within the concentration range of 50-500 mg·L-1 did not affect the viability of BV2 cells. In addition, DA enhanced the autophagy flux (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of beclin1, Atg5, LAMP2, and CLN2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (P<0.05), increased LAMP2 expression and autophagy flux (P<0.05, P<0.01), and enhanced the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB (P<0.01). The positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed enhanced fluorescence intensity of PPARα in the BV2 nucleus (P<0.01). UPLC-MS detected nine known compounds of DA, from which 8 active components of DA were screened out. The docking results suggested that a variety of components in DA could bind to PPARα-LBD and form stable hydrogen bonds. ConclusionDA may reduce the pathological changes in AD by regulating the PPARα-TFEB pathway.
7.Clinical characteristics and steroid hormone LC-MS/MS analysis in four male patients with 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase deficiency
Wei ZHANG ; Yuying YANG ; Sichang ZHENG ; Yuwen ZHANG ; Wencui WANG ; Rulai HAN ; Yiran JIANG ; Yizhi HE ; Lei YE ; Shouyue SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):837-843
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and gene mutations of 4 patients with the male phenotype of 17α-hydroxylase /17, 20-lyase deficiency(17-OHD), in order to improve the recognition and appropriate management of atypical cases.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, biochemical findings, and gene mutations of 4 patients with the male phenotype of 17-OHD treated in our hospital between 2018 and 2023.Results:The social gender of all 4 patients with 17-OHD was male. None of the 4 patients had hypertension or hypokalemia, but all had micropenis and gynecomastia. Two patients had adrenal hyperplasia, while adrenal morphology was normal in the other two. One patient had decreased bone mass. There were typical changes in the steroid synthesis-related hormone spectrum: progesterone was significantly elevated in all 4 patients, 17-hydroxyprogesterone was not markedly abnormal, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) and estradiol levels were low, and testosterone levels were also low.Conclusion:17-OHD is a rare type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with the male phenotype being even rarer. Early symptoms are often atypical, resulting in high rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Patients without hypertension and hypokalemia are particularly prone to diagnostic confusion. Male patients with unexplained progesterone elevation, poor secondary sexual development, and gynecomastia should undergo timely steroid hormone profiling and genetic testing to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
8.Interpretation of the "Guidelines for public health adaptation actions to climate change"
Jie BAN ; Qing WANG ; Yiran MA ; Yiran LYU ; Haiqiong LU ; Yi ZHANG ; Tianji LIN ; Min MENG ; Tiantian LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(10):1620-1623
In recent years, the situation of climate change has intensified, posing a threat to public health. There is an urgent need to promote public health adaptation actions to climate change. In January 2025, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration issued the "Guidelines for Public Health Adaptation Actions to Climate Change" (hereinafter referred to as the "Guidelines"). The Guidelines put forward 20 items of guidance on six categories of public health adaptation actions, including understanding basic concepts, comprehending important policies, learning core knowledge, paying attention to key populations, practicing a low-carbon lifestyle, and mastering protection skills. It elaborates on the key concepts and the latest policies that the public needs to understand, and also provides the behavioral concepts and protection skills that should be mastered to adapt to climate change. This article provides a systematic interpretation of the Guidelines, introducing the background, ideas, connotations, and applications of their compilation, with the aim of enhancing society′s cognitive understanding of the Guidelines.
9.Profiling of risk factors for and prognosis of brucellar spondylitis
Tongtong SHEN ; Jing KUANG ; Yiran YAN ; Shuangqin TENG ; Wei WANG ; Yadong WANG ; Caiyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):376-383
Objective This study aimed to examine the risk factors and prognostic factors of brucellar spondylitis for early prevention and treatment of the disease,and improving the outcomes of patients.Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on the patients with brucellosis who were hospitalized in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2020 to June 2022.Patients were assigned to brucellosis without spondylitis group or brucellar spondylitis group according to the presence of spondylitis.The patients in brucellar spondylitis group were followed for 1 year.Then they were stratified into a subgroup of good or poor prognosis according to clinical outcomes.The dataset for the demographic and clinical variables of patients were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software.Results A total of 300 patients with brucellosis were enrolled,including 113 cases of brucellosis without spondylitis and 187 cases of brucellar spondylitis.Multivariate analysis showed that age,time from onset to diagnosis,low back pain,and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were independent risk factors for brucellar spondylitis(P<0.05).Of the 154 cases of brucellar spondylitis with known outcomes,121 cases showed good prognosis and 33 cases had poor prognosis.COX regression analysis showed that the time from onset to diagnosis,diabetes mellitus,paravertebral abscess,and neurological impairment were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with brucellar spondylitis(P<0.05).Conclusions Old age,prolonged time from onset to diagnosis,low back pain,and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate are independent risk factors for spondylitis in patients with brucellosis.Prolonged time from onset to diagnosis,diabetes mellitus,paravertebral abscess,and neurological impairment are independent risk factors for poor prognosis of brucellar spondylitis.
10.Role of astrocyte-neuron energy metabolism coupling imbalance in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease and research progress in traditional Chinese medicine interventions
Yuxin YANG ; Shitai SHAO ; Wenpan WANG ; Pan WANG ; Zhishen XIE ; Yiran SUN ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Huifen MA
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):88-100
Energy metabolism disorders are a critical factor contributing to cognitive dysfunction.Astrocytes,as key suppliers of energy substrates to neurons,help to sustain normal cognitive function via their extensive energy metabolism activities in the brain,coordinated by various energy supply mechanisms.Imbalances in astrocyte-neuron energy metabolism coupling lead to abnormal neuronal activity,thereby driving the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease(AD).It is therefore essential to investigate the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with AD from the perspective of energy metabolism to support the future development of AD treatments and interventions.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),characterized by multi-component and multi-target effects,has shown potential efficacy for regulating cerebral energy metabolism,suggesting that modulating brain energy metabolism may represent a significant pathway by which TCM might ameliorate AD.This review systematically elucidates the mechanistic role of the dysregulation of astrocyte-neuron bioenergetic coupling in the pathogenesis and progression of AD,and critically evaluates recent advancements in therapeutic interventions mediated by TCM.


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