1.Pathogenesis and Syndrome Differentiation of "Gaozhuo" of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Yuman YIN ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Gang HU ; Juan HUANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):226-234
Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and it plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of DKD. The "Gaozhuo" pathogenesis posits that DKD is characterized by the invasion of Gaozhuo and damage to the kidney collaterals, with the underlying cause being the insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo, which provides valuable guidance on oxidative stress. The insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo represent a dynamic, evolving process. Gaozhuo invades the kidney collaterals, impairs kidney Qi, and progressively leads to the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood, ultimately resulting in the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The damage caused by Gaozhuo to the kidney collaterals and kidney Qi is analogous to the organ and functional damage of the kidneys induced by excessive reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Damage to the kidney collaterals means organic injuries to the glomeruli, renal tubules, and renal interstitium, and the depletion of kidney Qi refers to damage to glomerular filtration and renal tubular reabsorption. The congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood in the kidney collaterals is similar to oxidative stress-induced thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fibrosis. The interaction between spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates the condition, ultimately evolving into the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The failure of the spleen and kidneys is analogous to renal failure, and its extreme manifestation is end-stage renal disease and uremia. The treatment of oxidative stress in DKD with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the principles of strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis. According to the syndrome type, it is recommended to use methods such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis, or consolidating the spleen and kidneys while clearing away turbidity and blood stasis.
2.Shashen Maidong Tang Enhances Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Mouse Model of Lewis Lung Cancer by Modulating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Lin YU ; Yaoyao WANG ; Limin LIU ; Zuowei HU ; Yanping ZHOU ; Shang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):1-10
ObjectiveTo predict the mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer via network pharmacology and validate the prediction results in animal experiments. MethodsThe potential mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer was predicted by network pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and molecular docking methods. C57/BL6 mice were assigned into normal, model, cisplatin, and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups. In addition to the normal group, the remaining groups were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of 1×107 cells·mL-1 Lewis lung cancer cells to establish the Lewis lung cancer model. The daily gavage dose of Shasheng Maidong Tang was 3.58 g·kg-1, and the concentration of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected on every other day was 2 mg·kg-1. Drugs were administered for 14 d. The changes in the tumor volume and the rate of tumor suppression were monitored, and the tumor histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in peripheral blood. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the tumor tissue of mice. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of JAK2, STAT3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), and Pim-1 proto1 (PIM1) in the tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and PIM1 in the tumor tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacological predictions indicated that Shasheng Maidong Tang might enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer by regulating nitrogen metabolism, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, cancer pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The experimental results demonstrated that tumor volume in the cisplatin group and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group was reduced compared with the model group, with statistically distinct differences observed on days 14, 17, 20 post modeling (P<0.05). Notably, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin therapy further decreased tumor volume compared with the cisplatin group, showing marked reductions on days 17 and 20 (P<0.05), consistent with trends visualized in tumor volume comparison charts. The Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited higher tumor inhibition rate than the cisplatin group (P<0.05). Histopathological analysis via HE staining revealed that the tumors in the model group displayed frequent nuclear mitosis, densely arranged cells, hyperchromatic nuclei, and no necrosis. Cisplatin treatment induced partial necrosis and vacuolization, while the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited extensive necrotic regions, maximal vacuolization, disarranged tumor cells, and minimal mitotic activity. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and declined level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and lowered level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level of STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), and STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). The Bcl-2 and PIM1 expression results obtained by immunohistochemistry were consistent with those of Western blot. ConclusionShasheng Maidong Tang may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in the mouse model of Lewis lung cancer by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
3.Effect of summer short-term clinical practice teaching on empathy ability in rehabilitation therapy students
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):117-124
ObjectiveTo explore an centralized clinical practice teaching model delivered via a summer short-term semester, and to examine its effectiveness on empathy and communication efficacy among undergraduate students majoring in rehabilitation therapy through a mixed-methods design. MethodsFrom June to July, 2025, forty second-year rehabilitation therapy undergraduates from Nanchang Medical College participated in a one-week immersive clinical practice during the summer short-term semester. An action research framework integrating a one-group pre-post experimental design and qualitative research methods were adopted. Quantitative data were collected using the Chinese-Adapted Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Medical Student Version (JSE-HP) to assess changes in empathy. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured focus group interviews and structured reflective journals to investigate students' experiences and transformations in empathic cognition, emotional integration and professional identity. ResultsAfter the teaching intervention, students demonstrated significant improvements in the total score of JSE-HP and all subdimensions (perspective taking, compassionate care and standing in the patient's shoes) (t < -3.69, P < 0.01). Qualitative analysis yielded three core themes: reconstruction of clinical reasoning paradigms, emotional-cognitive integration and elevation of professional identity. ConclusionSummer short-term semester clinical practice model, structured around “clinical immersion, narrative reflection, interprofessional collaboration and formative assessment”, effectively facilitates embodied cultivation of empathy. This model not only bridges the gap between theory and clinical practice, but also serves as an educational catalyst for students' transformation from technical performers to humanistic caregivers. It aligns with the core concepts of the World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework, offering a replicable and scalable approach to advancing systematic reform in medical humanities education.
4.Differences in chemical components and quality analysis of Gardenia jasminoides before and after processing with ginger
Lihua TANG ; Yu WU ; Xuedi HUANG ; Xiaolian HU ; Yi TANG ; Zilong CHEN ; Xiaofan XIAO ; Xide YE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):168-173
OBJECTIVE To analyze the differences in chemical components of Gardenia jasminoides before and after processing with ginger, and to evaluate the quality differences among different producing areas. METHODS Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the compositional differences of G. jasminoides before and after processing with ginger. The water content, total ash, and ethanol-soluble extract content of ginger- processed G. jasminoides were determined according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. High performance liquid chromatography was adopted to determine the contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ in ginger- processed G. jasminoides. RESULTS A total of 49 chemical components were identified from raw G. jasminoides and ginger- processed G. jasminoides, including 14 flavonoids, 15 iridoids, 10 organic acids, 2 alkaloids and 8 other compounds. Among them, 42 components were detected in raw G. jasminoides, 28 in ginger-processed G. jasminoides, and 21 components were common to both. After processing with ginger, raw G. jasminoides lost 21 components (including iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others), while 7 chemical components were added (including coumarins, organic acids, organic acid esters, and flavonoids). For the 15 batches of ginger-processed G. jasminoides, the water content ranged from 5.64% to 7.11%, total ash from 2.92% to 4.87%, and ethanol-soluble extract from 40.61% to 58.02%. The average contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ were 0.108 7, 0.542 2, 0.565 0, and 0.012 5 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS After processing with ginger, G. jasminoides loses 21 components, while 7 new components are added. Differences are observed in the water content, total ash, ethanol-soluble extract, and the contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ, and crocin Ⅱ of ginger-processed G. jasminoides from different producing areas. Notably, samples from Fujian exhibit high contents of genipin gentiobioside and ethanol-soluble extract, while samples from Jiangxi have a high content of crocin Ⅰ.
5.Textual Research on Key Information of Classic Famous Formula Dabuyuanjian
Yixuan HU ; Suhua SONG ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):23-33
Dabuyuanjian is one of the classic famous formulas in the Catalog of Ancient Classic Famous Formulas (Second Batch)-Medicine of Han Ethnic Group. It consists of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Eucommiae Cortex, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Corni Fructus, Lycii Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle, and is used to treat the symptoms of men and women who have a great loss of Qi and blood and a critical and dramatic loss of spiritual guardianship. This study reviewed the ancient and modern literature, and used literature tracing and bibliometrics methods to mine the key information of the historical origin, formula name, drug composition, compatibility, drug dosage, original plants and processing of drugs, decocting method, and clinical application of Dabuyuanjian. The results showed that Dabuyuanjian was first recorded in the Jing Yue's Collected Works (Jing Yue Quan Shu), with the dosage mainly following the original formula. According to the dosage in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the formula is composed of 5.60 g (for mild cases)/39.17 g (for severe cases) Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 7.46 g Dioscoreae Rhizoma, 9.32 g (for mild cases)/ 93.25 g (for severe cases) Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 7.46 g Eucommiae Cortex, 9.32 g Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 3.73 g Corni Fructus, 9.32 g Lycii Fructus, and 5.60 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle. Regarding the original plants of drugs, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is produced from the dried roots and rhizomes of Panax ginseng, Dioscoreae Rhizoma from stir-fried dried rhizomes of Dioscorea opposita, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata from steamed dried roots of Rehmannia glutinosa, Eucommiae Cortex from the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides, Angelicae Sinensis Radix from the dried roots of Angelica sinensis, Corni Fructus from the dried mature fruit flesh of Cornus officinalis, Lycii Fructus from the dried mature fruits of Lycium barbarum, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle from the honey-processed dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. These medicinal materials are decocted in 400 mL water to reach a volume of 140 mL, and the decoction should be taken 1 h after meals, 2-3 doses per day. Dabuyuanjian has a wide range of clinical applications, including gynecological and obstetrical diseases, deficiency, baffling and panic, consumptive thirst, and blood, ear, nose, and throat diseases. In modern clinical practice, it is mainly used for diseases of the nervous system, gynecology, urinary system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, connective tissue, immune system, blood, and men. Through the review of ancient and modern literature, this study sorted out the historical evolution and mined the key information of Dabuyuanjian, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for safe and effective clinical application and subsequent research and development of this formula.
6.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
7.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
8.Study on The Anti-aging Effects of Longevity-enriched Metabolite Dimethylglycine
Jie HU ; Gong-Yu PU ; Jun-Lin LI ; Ju CAO ; Zhi-Xin LIN ; Wei-Wei AN ; Xue-Meng LI ; Jing AN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1048-1061
ObjectiveThe exacerbating trend of global population aging poses profound socioeconomic and public health challenges, making the comprehensive elucidation of biological aging mechanisms and the discovery of effective anti-aging interventions an urgent priority in the life sciences. Based on our previous serum metabolomics findings that dimethylglycine, an intermediate metabolite of amino acid metabolism naturally present in the human body, was significantly enriched in the serum of longevity families, this study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of dimethylglycine both in living organisms and in controlled laboratory environments, and to preliminarily elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. While existing literature indicates that dimethylglycine possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, its direct anti-aging efficacy and the specific molecular pathways through which it operates remain largely unexplored. MethodsTo comprehensively evaluate the anti-aging properties of dimethylglycine, we utilized replicative senescent human embryonic lung fibroblasts, specifically the WI-38 cell line, as an experimental model in a controlled laboratory environment. Cell viability and safety were thoroughly assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays across various concentrations of dimethylglycine. The impact of dimethylglycine on cellular senescence phenotypes, oxidative stress, and proliferative capacity was evaluated via senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species fluorescence detection, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Furthermore, the molecular alterations of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and core senescence signaling pathways were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of p16 and p21 protein expression levels. For the living organism model, the wild-type nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate systemic physiological effects. We conducted a comprehensive lifespan analysis at 20°C, heat stress resistance survival assays at 35℃, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, lipofuscin accumulation tracking, intracellular reactive oxygen species measurement, and Oil Red O staining to ascertain systemic lipid accumulation. Additionally, network pharmacology bioinformatics tools, including PharmMapper and STRING databases, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were utilized to predict target pathways, alongside highly detailed molecular docking simulations utilizing SwissDock and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to examine interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein. ResultsThe experimental outcomes robustly demonstrate the potent anti-aging capabilities of dimethylglycine. At the cellular level, toxicity analyses firmly confirmed that dimethylglycine is highly safe; continuous treatment with 50 mol/L and 70 mol/L of dimethylglycine for 5 d did not induce any cellular membrane damage or cytotoxicity, but rather actively promoted cellular proliferation. Utilizing the optimal standardized concentration of 50 mol/L, dimethylglycine treatment significantly ameliorated senescent phenotypic markers in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, which was evidenced by a drastic and highly significant reduction in the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive cell percentage (P<0.000 1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (P<0.000 1), alongside a marked increase in the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive proliferation rate (P=0.003 5). On a molecular expression scale, dimethylglycine significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of multiple core senescence-associated secretory phenotype inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Concurrently, it effectively suppressed the protein expression of critical cell cycle arrest markers, diminishing p16 protein levels by 57.3% (P=0.000 4) and p21 protein levels by 27.2% (P=0.000 7). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans animal model, dimethylglycine significantly extended the mean lifespan from 20.402 d to an impressive 23.066 d (P<0.000 1) and notably enhanced overall survival rates under severe heat stress environmental conditions (P=0.017). Furthermore, systemic dimethylglycine intervention significantly mitigated age-related physiological decline by decreasing bodily lipofuscin accumulation (P<0.000 1), significantly reducing senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, lowering systemic reactive oxygen species fluorescence (P=0.008), and effectively alleviating overall fat accumulation (P<0.000 1). Mechanistically, extensive network pharmacology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses strongly revealed that the potential targets of dimethylglycine are significantly enriched in fundamental drug metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Precision molecular docking simulations conclusively demonstrated that dimethylglycine forms highly stable structural interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein, specifically highlighting the definitive formation of 5 stable hydrogen bonds involving serine 365, leucine 366, and serine 429 residues, as well as two critical salt bridge formations with arginine 97 and histidine 368 residues. It is additionally predicted to interact favorably with glutathione S-transferase family proteins. ConclusionDimethylglycine exhibits a profoundly significant and multifaceted anti-aging activity at both the cellular and entire living animal levels. By powerfully alleviating oxidative stress, heavily suppressing the core p16 and p21-dependent cellular senescence signaling pathways, and substantially mitigating the detrimental senescence-associated secretory phenotype, dimethylglycine effectively delays fundamental cellular senescence processes and drastically extends whole-organism lifespan. The biological mechanisms driving these robust protective effects are highly likely closely associated with its direct stable interactions with crucial metabolic and detoxifying enzyme systems, such as cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 and glutathione S-transferase family proteins, thereby systemically improving metabolic dysregulation and restoring critical redox homeostasis. This comprehensive study provides highly solid experimental evidence supporting dimethylglycine as a highly potent and safe potential anti-aging intervention agent, while simultaneously offering a clear molecular mechanistic explanation for the previously documented high abundance of dimethylglycine observed within exceptionally long-lived human populations.
9.Isolation,identification,and application of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells
Yu LIU ; Senyi GONG ; Lihua YANG ; Weifeng LI ; Yuwen HU ; Qinbiao YAN ; Meijin GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):194-203
BACKGROUND:Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells play pivotal roles in cell communication and epigenetic regulation due to their low immunogenicity and targeted delivery effects,and have been clinically applied in the treatment of various diseases.OBJECTIVE:To review the isolation,purification,identification methods,and application progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes,and to facilitate the development of large-scale preparation techniques and clinical translation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.METHODS:The Chinese search terms"exosome,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,purification,characterization,clinical application"and the English search terms"exosome,extracellular vesicles,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,characterization,application"were used to search the literature published before September 2024 in CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.Articles with poor relevance to the topic,outdated,or duplicated content were excluded,and finally,109 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This paper reviews recent methods for isolating and purifying exosomes,comparing the characteristics of ultracentrifugation,ultrafiltration,size-exclusion chromatography,polymer precipitation,immunoaffinity,microfluidic methods,and other novel approaches based on their underlying principles.(2)Methods for identifying exosomes can be categorized into physical and biochemical analyses,characterizing exosomes based on their shape,size,and characteristic proteins.(3)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have broad applications in multiple fields such as medical aesthetics,wound repair,and cancer treatment,due to their immune-regulatory properties and ability to cross biological barriers.(4)The clinical translation of exosomes faces challenges due to their complex structure,lack of universal isolation techniques,and poor stability,making it difficult to achieve in a short period of time.
10.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.

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