1.Effect of hepatitis B virus integration on functional cure
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):24-29
Functional cure is currently recommended by guidelines as the ideal treatment goal for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China and globally, and it is defined as sustained and undetectable serum HBsAg and HBV DNA, HBeAg clearance, and presence or absence of HBsAg seroconversion, accompanied by resolution of liver inflammation, histopathological improvements, and a significant reduction in the incidence rate of end-stage liver disease. HBV can integrate into the host genome and contribute to the continuous production of HBsAg, which can occur in the early stage of chronic HBV infection. In addition to the covalently closed circular DNA that is hard to be eliminated in liver tissue, HBsAg derived from HBV integration independent of viral replication may be the most important factor for the difficulty in achieving functional cure after antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B. This article reviews the research advances in HBV integration in recent years and discusses its impact on functional cure.
2.Factors affecting the bone augmentation outcome of 3D-printed individualized titanium mesh and countermeasures
YU Dedong ; ZHANG Jiayuan ; WU Yiqun
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(2):89-99
In the field of oral medicine, 3D-printed individualized titanium mesh technology is gradually becoming an important means for the treatment of severe alveolar bone defect augmentation. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the advantages of this technology, the evaluation of osteogenic effects, and the progress of research in clinical applications. In response to the current issue of variability in bone augmentation outcomes, this paper delves into multiple factors affecting bone augmentation effects, including individualized titanium mesh design (involving the thickness, pore size, pore shape, porosity, contour shape, selection of titanium alloy materials, and 3D printing technology), intraoperative procedures (the accuracy of placement during 3D-printed individualized titanium mesh surgery), and postoperative care (including the prevention of complications, formation of pseudoperiosteum, and stability of the titanium mesh). By integrating the clinical experience and research findings of our team, we propose a series of targeted optimization strategies, including designing, manufacturing, and clinically applying self-positioning individualized titanium meshs (positioning wings + individualized titanium meshs) to improve the positioning accuracy of the titanium mesh; propose individualized treatment processes and titanium mesh design schemes based on specific conditions of alveolar bone defects and soft tissue status; and emphasize the importance of long-term stable fixation of the titanium mesh to reduce the risk of postoperative mesh loosening and displacement. In addition, we appropriately summarize the evaluation methods for the bone augmentation effects of 3D-printed individualized titanium meshes, covering the following key indicators: (1) vertical bone augmentation and horizontal bone augmentation; (2) changes in bone contour morphology; (3) bone volume increase; (4) clinical indicators (surgical success rate, titanium mesh exposure, infection rate, and postoperative recovery); (5) aesthetic effect evaluation; (6) long-term stability; (7) radiological assessment; (8) patient satisfaction; and (9) precision of surgical operation, aiming to assist doctors in comprehensively assessing and in-depth analyzing the surgical outcomes to achieve the best therapeutic effects. The purpose of this article is to provide a reference for the optimization and clinical application of 3D-printed individualized titanium mesh technology and to lay a theoretical foundation for achieving the best osteogenic effects.
3.Effect of intracellular and extracellular vesicles derived from periodontal ligament stem cells on the osteogenic differentiation ability of periodontal ligament stem cells under an inflammatory microenvironment
LIU Haotian ; YAN Fuhua ; WU Yu ; TONG Xin ; ZHANG Qian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(4):268-277
Objective:
To examine the effect of intracellular vesicles (IVs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originated from periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs within a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-simulated inflammatory microenvironment, and to provide new insights for the application of IVs in the repair and regeneration of periodontal tissue in periodontitis.
Methods:
Ethical approval was obtained from the institution. Human-origin PDLSCs were extracted, and the IVs and EVs from PDLSCs at the 3rd-6th passages were gathered and identified using transmission electron microscopy, nano flow cytometry (Nano FCM) analysis, and Western Blot. The 3rd-6th generations of PDLSCs were categorized into the following groups: Control group, LPS group, LPS + 100 μg/mL EVs group (LPS+EVs group), and LPS + 100 μg/mL IVs group (LPS+IVs group). The effects of the IVs and EVs on the anti-inflammatory and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in an inflammatory microenvironment were assessed by using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western Blot, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and alizarin red staining (ARS).
Results:
Under transmission electron microscopy, the IVs and EVs derived from PDLSCs displayed a double-layer membrane structure. NanoFCM analysis revealed that the average diameters of the IVs and EVs were 79.6 nm and 82.1 nm, respectively. Western Blot analysis indicated that the surface proteins CD9, CD63, and CD81 of the IVs and EVs were positively expressed, while calnexin was negatively expressed, indicating that IVs and EVs were successfully obtained. Compared with the Control group, the proliferation of PDLSCs in the LPS group was reduced, while the levels of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were increased, the mRNA expressions of osteogenic differentiation-related genes, including osteoblast-related genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN) of PDLSCs were reduced, the protein expressions of RUNX2 and osteopontin (OPN) were also decreased (P<0.05); compared with the LPS group, the proliferation of PDLSCs in the LPS+EVs group and LPS+IVs group were significantly increased, while the levels of IL-6, TNF-α were significantly reduced, and the mRNA expressions of RUNX2, ALP, OCN were significantly increased, the protein expressions of RUNX2 and OPN were also significantly increased (P<0.05). Further, in the inflammatory microenvironment, Compared with EVs, IVs more significantly promote the proliferation of PDLSCs, inhibit TNF-α expression, enhance the expression of RUNX2 mRNA, upregulate the expression of RUNX2 and OPN proteins, increase ALP activity, and promote the formation of mineralized nodules (P<0.05).
Conclusion
IVs and EVs derived from PDLSCs can boost the proliferation of PDLSCs in an inflammatory microenvironment, inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, and advance the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. The anti-inflammatory and osteogenic effects of IVs are superior to those of EVs.
4.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
5.External review of the recommendations of the Guidelines for Evidence-based Use of Biological Agents for the Clinical Treatment of Osteoporosis: a cross-sectional survey
Lingling YU ; Shuang LIU ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qiusha YI ; Yu ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Zhenlin ZHANG ; Chunli SONG ; Yaolong CHEN ; Lingli ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1025-1029
OBJECTIVE To assess the scientific rigor, clarity and feasibility of the recommendations of the Guidelines for Evidence-based Use of Biological Agents for the Clinical Treatment of Osteoporosis (hereinafter referred to as the Guideline) through external review, in order to further revise and improve the Guideline recommendations. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional survey research design, a convenience sampling method was adopted to select frontline medical workers in the field of osteoporosis (including clinical doctors, clinical pharmacists, and nurses) as well as patients or their family members. External review was conducted through a combination of closed-ended and open-ended electronic questionnaires to get feedback from them on the appreciation,clarity and feasibility of the 32 preliminary recommendations in the Guideline. RESULTS A total of 90 external review subjects from 15 hospitals were collected, including 45 clinical doctors, 15 clinical pharmacists, 15 nurses and 15 patients or their family members. The overall appreciation degree of recommendations was 99.38%, the overall clarity degree of recommendations was 98.92%, and the overall feasibility degree of recommendations was 99.65%. At the same time, 111 subjective suggestions were collected, which provided an important reference for the further improvement of the Guideline recommendations. Based on the above feedback, the Guideline steering committee and core expert group revised the wording of 12 draft recommendations without deletion, and finally determined 32 recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The external review provides an important basis for the final formation of the Guideline, further improves the scientific rigor, clarity and feasibility of the recommendations, and ensures the standardization, practicality and implementability of the Guideline.
6.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
7.Construction of an evaluation index system for community visual health services in Shanghai
Chengyuan ZHANG ; Yuting WU ; Yajun PENG ; Tao YU ; Yi XU ; Senlin LIN ; Haidong ZOU ; Lina LU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):282-287
ObjectiveTo improve the quality and service performance of community visual health services in Shanghai, and to establish a set of reasonable and effective evaluation index system for community visual health services. MethodsCentered on the national and Shanghai-based visual health policies and based on the current status and development trends of community visual health service program in Shanghai, the candidate indicators were formed through literature review and expert interviews, firstly. The framework of an evaluation index system was formulated through qualitative research successively, which was further revised and perfected using the Delphi method. Coefficient weights were calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), culminating in the establishment of the community visual health evaluation index system, lastly. ResultsA total of 22 visual health experts from district-level center for disease control, hospital ophthalmology and leaders in charging of visual health service in community health centers participated in the Delphi questionnaire survey, with a questionnaire recovery rate of 100% and an expert authority coefficient of 0.86, indicating high credibility. After a round of correspondence to experts’ importance ratings and discussions, a comprehensive evaluation index system comprising 3 primary indicators, 12 secondary indicators, and 47 tertiary indicators, along with 5 additional indicators, was finalized. ConclusionAn index system tailored to effective evaluation for community visual health initiatives was drawn up in this study, which can promote the capacity building in community eye health services, facilitating the high-quality development of visual health courses, and enhancing residents’ eye health.
8.Syndrome Element Distribution and Complication Risks in Type 2 Diabetic Patients:A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Yu WEI ; Lili ZHANG ; Ling ZHOU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Qing NI ; Xiaolin TONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1363-1368
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients based on maximum body mass index (maxBMI) and explore their association with complication risks. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was used to collect clinical data from hospitalized T2DM patients, extracting age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, duration of disease, HbA1c level, complications, and TCM syndromes, and extracting the syndrome elements of disease location and disease nature based on their TCM syndromes. MaxBMI was calculated by telephone survey of patients' self-reported maximum body weight; patients with maxBMI ≥24 kg/m2 were classified into spleen-heat syndrome group, and those with maxBMI <24 kg/m2 were classified into consumptive-heat syndrome group. The distribution of TCM syndrome types and syndrome elements of patients in the two groups were analysed. Then the propensity score matching method was used to balance the baseline characteristics between the two groups and compare the differences in the distribution of syndrome types and syndrome elements and the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications between the two groups. ResultsAmong the 1178 T2DM patients, syndrome elements in spleen-heat patients (1034 cases) were primarily located in the spleen (351 cases, 33.95%), liver (240 cases, 23.21%), and stomach (139 cases, 13.44%), while in consumptive-heat patients (144 cases), they were concentrated in the spleen (57 cases, 39.58%), liver (34 cases, 23.61%), and kidneys (17 cases, 11.81%); regarding syndrome elements of disease nature, spleen-heat patients were predominantly characterized by qi deficiency (481 cases, 46.52%), phlegm (353 cases, 22.73%), and dampness (241 cases, 23.31%), whereas consumptive-heat patients showed more qi deficiency (84 cases, 58.33%) and yin deficiency (44 cases, 30.56%). After propensity score matching, 132 cases were included in each group, and no statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of syndrome elements of disease location between the two groups (P>0.05), but the phlegm element was significantly more prevalent in spleen-heat patients than in consumptive-heat patients (P = 0.006). Regarding the risk of complications, spleen-heat patients had a significantly higher risk of developing macrovascular complications compared to consumptive-heat patients (OR=2.04, P=0.010), while no significant differences were found between groups in the occurrence of microvascular complications (P>0.05). ConclusionThe spleen-heat T2DM patients show a more frequent syndrome element of disease nature of phlegm, and a higher risk of developing macrovascular complications compared to consumptive-heat patients.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Oxidative Stress to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis: A Review
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):277-285
Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disease, which is mainly characterized by the decrease in the number of bone trabeculae and the destruction of bone tissue microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risks. This disease is common in postmenopausal women, elderly men, diabetes patients, and obese people. Due to the lack of awareness to prevent bone losses and the limitations of bone mass measurement methods, osteoporosis is only concerned when there are serious complications, which imposes a heavy burden on both patients and medical resources. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive production of highly active molecules such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen in the body subjected to harmful stimuli, leading to the imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems and causing oxidative damage. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can increase the generation and activity of osteoclasts and inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts, thus playing a role in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered an effective antioxidant that can alleviate oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis by regulating a variety of signaling pathways. Studies have shown that TCM can alleviate oxidative stress and promote bone angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor-kappa B, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathways. TCM alleviates oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis by regulating the Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, and secreted glycoprotein Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In addition, TCM regulates NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway to alleviate excessive bone resorption induced by oxidative stress. This paper systematically summarizes the literature on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by TCM or its active ingredients via the above-mentioned signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress in recent years. It briefs the possible molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress regulation-related signaling pathways to cause osteoporosis. In addition, this paper discusses the effects and mechanisms of TCM on bone angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone resorption by reducing oxidative stress through the regulation of related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the research and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.
10.Cartilage Protection and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fraxetin on Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Zhiwei LIU ; Ran YANG ; Hao LIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Lilun JIN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):259-268
ObjectiveTo establish a rat model of osteoarthritis and study the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of fraxetin. MethodsEighteen 8-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: Rats in the blank group received a right articular cavity injection of 50 μL of normal saline for 1 week; the model and intervention groups were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the right joint cavity to induce osteoarthritis, while the intervention group subsequently received fraxetin (5 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 1 week. Four weeks after drug intervention, abdominal aortic blood was collected. The animals were then euthanized, and knee joint cartilage were collected. The cartilage samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, safranin O-fast green, and toluidine blue for histopathological examination and scoring using the Mankin and OARSI scoring systems. The trabecular bone volume/total volume (Tb.BV/TV), trabecular bone surface density/total volume (Tb.BS/TV), and trabecular number (Tb.N) of each group were compared and analyzed using a micro-CT scanning system. The expression levels of various inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38 MAPK), phosphorylation-p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and phosphorylation-JNK (p-JNK) were measured by western blotting. ResultsThe staining of cartilage sections of rat knee joints showed that the articular surface defects in the model group were severe, while the cartilage destruction in the intervention group was relatively reduced. Micro-CT results showed that Tb.BV/TV, Tb.BS/TV and Tb.N in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the model group (P < 0.05); the Mankin score in the model group was significantly higher than that in the blank group (P < 0.05), the Mankin score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05); while the OARSI score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COMP in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (all P < 0.05), while those in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the model group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK in the knee cartilage tissue were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the model group (both P < 0.05), and significantly higher in the model group than in the blank group (both P < 0.05). ConclusionFraxetin may play a therapeutic role in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis through the p38 MAPK pathway.


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