1.Construction and in vitro osteogenic activity study of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen
WANG Meng ; SUN Yifei ; CAO Xiaoqing ; WEI Yiyuan ; CHEN Lei ; ZHANG Zhenglong ; MU Zhao ; ZHU Juanfang ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):15-28
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds.
Methods:
A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1).
Results:
HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials
2.Proteomic Analysis of Danlou Tablet in Improving Platelet Function for Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Intermingling Syndrome in Minipigs
Ziyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Aoao WANG ; Hongxu MENG ; Yue SHI ; Yanlei MA ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):41-53
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the role of Danlou tablet in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs by improving platelet function and explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Danlou tablet in regulating platelet function by using proteomics technology. MethodsThirty Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal control group (6 pigs) and a high-fat diet group (24 pigs). After 2 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the high-fat diet group was randomly subdivided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1), and Danlou tablet groups (0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1). All groups continued to receive a high-fat diet for 8 weeks after the procedure. The normal control group was given a regular diet, underwent only coronary angiography, and did not receive an interventional injury procedure. The model group and each administration group were fed a high-fat diet. Two weeks later, they underwent a coronary angiography injury procedure. After the procedure, drugs were mixed into the feed every morning for 8 consecutive weeks, with the minipigs maintained on a continuous high-fat diet during this period. Quantitative proteomics technology was further used to study platelet proteins, and differential proteins were obtained by screening. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze key regulatory proteins and biological pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of Danlou tablet on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of minipigs' serum (P<0.01), a significant shortening in prothrombin time of (PT) (P<0.01), a coagulation function index, and an increase in whole blood viscosity (P<0.01) and platelet aggregation rate (P<0.01). Moreover, the platelet morphology was altered, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hemodynamic parameters were obviously abnormal, including significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximal positive dp/dt (LV+dp/dtmax) (P<0.01). Left ventricular maximal negative dp/dt (LV-dp/dtmax) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Besides, there were myocardial cell hypertrophy, obvious edematous degeneration, massive interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, high degree of fibrosis, and coronary endothelial atherosclerosis. TC and TG levels in minipigs' serum were significantly reduced in Danlou tablet groups with 0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), compared with those in the model group. LDL-C was decreased in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). The whole blood viscosity under low and high shear conditions was significantly reduced in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and average aggregation rate (AAR) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and platelets' morphological changes such as pseudopodia extension were reduced. ET-1 levels in the serum were significantly reduced. In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, NO level in the serum was reduced (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, DBP and MAP were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, LVSP and LV+dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LV-dp/dtmax was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, edematous degeneration in myocardial tissue was milder, and coronary artery lesion degree was significantly alleviated. Compared with the normal control group, there were 94 differentially expressed proteins in the model group, including 81 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated proteins. Compared with the model group, the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 showed 174 differentially expressed proteins, including 100 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated proteins. A total of 30 proteins were reversed after Danlou tablet intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that its pharmacological mechanism may exert anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion effects through biological pathways such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, platelet activation pathway, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, as well as proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), RAC1, and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1). ConclusionDanlou tablet can effectively reduce platelet activation and aggregation, exerting a good therapeutic effect on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs. Its pharmacological mechanism may involve regulating biological pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and platelet activation pathway, as well as proteins like GRB2, RAC2, RAC1, and HSP90AA1, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect in anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion.
3.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Xueqin WANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Xuhui TANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):139-148
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a group of complex clinical syndromes caused by abnormal changes in the structure and/or function of the heart due to various reasons, resulting in disorders of ventricular contraction and/or diastole. CHF is a condition where primary diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and pulmonary heart disease recur frequently and persist for a long time, presenting blood stasis in meridians and collaterals, stagnation of water and dampness, and accumulation of Qi in collaterals. Its pathogenesis is complex and may involve myocardial energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress responses, myocardial cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, etc. According to the theory of restraining hyperactivity to acquire harmony, we believe that under normal circumstances, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining human physiological activities and energy metabolism. Under pathological conditions, the AMPK signaling pathway is abnormal, causing energy metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the AMPK signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms, targets, and effects, effectively curbing the occurrence and development of CHF. It has gradually become a research hotspot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Guided by the theory of TCM, our research group, through literature review, summarized the relationship between the AMPK pathway and CHF and reviewed the research progress in the prevention and control of CHF with TCM active ingredients, TCM compound prescriptions, and Chinese patent medicines via regulating the AMPK pathway. The review aims to clarify the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of CHF by regulating the AMPK pathway and guide the clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
5.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
6.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
7.Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis of structural brain abnormalities associated with TUBB gene c.155A>G variant.
Yifan LIU ; Wei SONG ; Xinlian WANG ; Yan RUAN ; Meng ZHANG ; Yujiao CHEN ; Yan LIU ; Puqing ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Yousheng YAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):136-142
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation in a Chinese family with structural brain abnormalities due to variant of the TUBB gene.
METHODS:
A family undergoing prenatal diagnosis at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in October 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were collected. Amniotic fluid sample was subjected to chromosomal copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Trio whole-exome sequencing (Trio-WES) was carried out on the amniotic fluid and parental blood samples, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-076-01).
RESULTS:
Both prenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI showed deviation of brain midline, unilateral lateral ventriculomegaly, and bilateral gyral asymmetry. Trio-WES revealed that the fetus has harbored a maternally derived heterozygous missense variant of the TUBB gene [NM_178014.4: c.155A>G (p.N52S)]. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the woman and a previously terminated fetus both harbored the same variant. Both the proband and two fetuses exhibited similar neuroimaging abnormalities including midline deviation and asymmetrical gyri. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PS2_Moderate+PS3).
CONCLUSION
The heterozygous c.155A>G (p.N52S) variant was the TUBB gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of the structural brain abnormalities in this family. Above findings have expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with the variant and facilitated the prenatal diagnosis for this family.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Tubulin/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Brain/diagnostic imaging*
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Genetic Association Studies
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
8.Longitudinal relationship between school adaptation and anxiety of primary school freshmen and maternal affectionate behaviors
ZHANG Ke, MENG Runsi, DU Xiumin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):543-547
Objective:
To investigate the effect of maternal affectionate behaviors on anxiety and school adaptation among primary school freshmen, so as to provide a reference to support their emotional health and positive adjustment to school.
Methods:
A total of 426 primary school freshmen from a primary school were selected from Baoding City by the method of convenience sampling and cluster random sampling, and the school adaptation, anxiety and maternal affectionate behaviors were intensively investigated every weekend from September to December 2024, a total of 15 times. In October 2024 (T1) and April 2025 (T2), two longitudinal follow up surveys were conducted, which enrolled other 259 primary school freshmen from Baoding City to investigate their school adaptation, anxiety, and maternal affectionate behaviors at two time points. The dynamic structural equation model and cross lag model were established by Mplus 8.0 software, and the autoregressive effect of variables and the lag effect between two variables in intensive follow up survey, and the cross lag effect between two variables in two longitudinal follow up surveys were analyzed respectively.
Results:
For the intensive longitudinal surveys, the mean scores for maternal affectionate behaviors, school adaptation, and anxiety were (3.46±0.47) (4.06±0.55) (2.17±0.55), respectively. For the two longitudinal follow up surveys, the T1 and T2 mean scores for maternal affectionate behaviors, school adaptation, and anxiety were (3.30±0.45) (3.98±0.57) (2.03±0.49), and ( 3.26± 0.45) (4.15±0.55) (1.98±0.47), respectively. Intensive longitudinal surveys indicated that the maternal affectionate behaviors in the previous week positively predicted school adaptation in the following week ( β =0.08, P <0.01). Maternal affectionate behaviors in the previous week positively predicted school adaptation of male students in the following week ( β =0.10, P < 0.01), but not for female students ( β =0.02, P =0.25). Maternal affectionate behaviors in the previous week negatively predicted anxiety of primary school freshmen, male and female students in the following week ( β =-0.09,-0.08,-0.07, all P <0.01). The two longitudinal follow up surveys indicated that maternal affectionate behaviors at T1 positively predicted school adaptation at T2 ( β = 0.10, P = 0.03); maternal affectionate behaviors at T1 positively predicted school adaptation of male students at T2 ( β =0.12, P =0.04).
Conclusion
Maternal affectionate behaviors promote school adaptation and emotional health in new primary school students.
9.Mechanism of miR-21 targeting inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameliorating chronic renal fibrosis in mice
Jiao QI ; Shanshan XU ; Qige QI ; Yan MENG ; Jianrong ZHAO ; Liying ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):217-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism through which miR‑21 improves chronic renal fibrosis in mice via targeted modulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MethodsThirty‑two chronic kidney disease model mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 each group): model group, miR‑21 overexpression group, miR‑21 inhibition group, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group. Eight healthy mice were included as the control group. The miR‑21 overexpression, miR‑21 inhibition, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 groups received tail‑vein injections of lentivirus (50 μL, 1×10⁸ TU per mouse) once weekly for three weeks. The control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of empty vector (LV‑NC). The miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group additionally received gavage of the AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor MK‑2206 (480 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The expressions of miR‑21, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal tissue levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), and PTEN protein, as well as p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios, were compared among groups. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue, and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. A dual‑luciferase assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR‑21 and PTEN. ResultsCompared with the model group, miR‑21 expression in renal tissue increased in the miR‑21 overexpression group (P<0.05) and decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed increased 24 h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05), while these indicators decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group exhibited lower 24‑h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed decreased PTEN protein expression (P<0.05) and increased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), while the miR‑21 inhibition group showed increased PTEN expression (P<0.05) and decreased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group had lower p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), with no significant difference in PTEN protein expression. HE and Masson staining showed normal kidney structure and almost no fibrosis in the control group. The model group exhibited glomerular enlargement, capillary loop adhesion, and focal fibrosis. The miR-21 overexpression group showed severe destruction of glomerular structure, accompanied by extensive fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy. The pathological changes and degree of fibrosis were alleviated in the miR-21 inhibition group. The miR-21 inhibition + MK-2206 group showed only mild pathological changes and mild fibrosis, with the interstitium being largely normal. Compared with PTEN-WT + NC mimics 1, the relative luciferase activity in the PTEN-WT + miR-21 mimics group decreased (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in relative luciferase activity between PTEN-WT + NC mimics group and PTEN-MUT + miR-21 mimics group. ConclusionmiR‑21 may improve renal function indicators and alleviate renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice via targeted modulation of PTEN and subsequently inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
10.Incidence and determinants of posttraumatic stress disorder at three months following a road traffic accident
Luodong YANG ; Haohao LI ; Yao MENG ; Liang JIANG ; Min HU ; Guiqing ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):314-320
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and influencing factors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) three months after a traffic accident, and to explore the role of social support and coping strategies. MethodsA total of 117 individuals exposed to trauma following road traffic accidents were recruited. General demographic and clinical information was collected within one week, and the hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), the hamilton depression rating scale-24 (HAMD-24), the social support rating scale (SSRS), and the simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ) were administered. A 3-month follow-up was subsequently conducted, during which PTSD symptoms were assessed using the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Participants were divided into a PTSD group and a non-PTSD group according to whether PTSD occurred. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test or the χ2 test, as appropriate. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the associations between general characteristics and PCL-5 scores. Binary Logistic regression was applied to identify factors influencing PTSD, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of the SCSQ and SSRS. ResultsDuring the 3-month follow-up of the 117 trauma-exposed individuals, 17 cases developed PTSD, with a higher proportion of females (70.59%). Between-group comparisons showed that, compared with the PTSD group, the non-PTSD group had higher scores for positive coping, objective support, and subjective support (P<0.05), and lower scores for negative coping, HAMA, HAMD, and PCL-5 (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that female gender, negative coping, and higher HAMA and HAMD scores were associated with greater PTSD severity. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that educational level (OR=1.715, 95% CI: 1.020-2.883, P=0.042) and negative coping (OR=1.590, 95% CI: 1.003-2.522, P=0.048) were risk factors for PTSD, whereas objective support (OR=0.646, 95% CI: 0.451-0.925, P=0.017) was a protective factor. The ROC analysis showed that the total SCSQ score and its negative and positive coping dimensions, the total SSRS score and its subjective and objective support dimensions, as well as their combined use, all demonstrated good discriminative ability in distinguishing between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups. ConclusionThe results suggest that individuals who are female, with higher HAMA and HAMD scores after a motor vehicle accident, and those with lower social support and negative coping strategies, should be given particular attention. Early interventions for these individuals may reduce the incidence of PTSD.


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