1.Carnosic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting mitochondrial activity
Haishan LI ; Yuheng WU ; Zixuan LIANG ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Wei DENG ; Yongxian LI ; Yongchao TANG ; Shuncong ZHANG ; Kai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):245-253
BACKGROUND:Carnosic acid,a bioactive compound found in rosemary,has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,its mechanism of action in osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast activation,ROS production,and mitochondrial function. METHODS:Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice were extracted and cultured in vitro.Different concentrations of carnosic acid(0,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L)were tested for their effects on bone marrow-derived macrophage proliferation and toxicity using the cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay to determine a safe concentration.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in graded concentrations and induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand for osteoclast differentiation for 5-7 days.The effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast differentiation and function were then observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,F-actin staining,H2DCFDA probe and mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker fluorescence detection.Western blot and RT-PCR assays were subsequently conducted to examine the effects of carnosic acid on the upstream and downstream proteins of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining showed that carnosic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation in the cell cytoskeleton,with the highest inhibitory effect observed in the high concentration group(30 μmol/L).Carnosic acid exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect during the early stages(days 1-3)of osteoclast differentiation compared to other intervention periods.Fluorescence imaging using the H2DCFDA probe,mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker demonstrated that carnosic acid inhibited cellular and mitochondrial ROS production while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential,thereby influencing mitochondrial function.The results of western blot and RT-PCR revealed that carnosic acid could suppress the expression of NFATc1,CTSK,MMP9,and C-fos proteins associated with osteoclast differentiation,and downregulate the expression of NFATc1,Atp6vod2,ACP5,CTSK,and C-fos genes related to osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,carnosic acid enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme proteins and reduced the generation of ROS during the process of osteoclast differentiation.Overall,carnosic acid exerts its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation modification of the P38/ERK/JNK protein and activating the MAPK signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages.
2.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
3.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
4.Study on Kinetic and Static Tasks With Different Resistance Coefficients in Post-stroke Rehabilitation Training Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Ling-Di FU ; Jia-Xuan DOU ; Ting-Ting YING ; Li-Yong YIN ; Min TANG ; Zhen-Hu LIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1890-1903
ObjectiveFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral activity, can be integrated with upper limb rehabilitation robots to facilitate the real-time assessment of neurological rehabilitation outcomes. The rehabilitation robot is designed with 3 training modes: passive, active, and resistance. Among these, the resistance mode has been demonstrated to yield superior rehabilitative outcomes for patients with a certain level of muscle strength. The control modes in the resistance mode can be categorized into dynamic and static control. However, the effects of different control modes in the resistance mode on the motor function of patients with upper limb hemiplegia in stroke remain unclear. Furthermore, the effects of force, an important parameter of different control modes, on the activation of brain regions have rarely been reported. This study investigates the effects of dynamic and static resistance modes under varying resistance levels on cerebral functional alterations during motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. MethodsA cohort of 20 stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction was enrolled in the study, completing preparatory adaptive training followed by 3 intensity-level tasks across 2 motor paradigms. The bilateral prefrontal cortices (PFC), bilateral primary motor cortices (M1), bilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), and bilateral premotor and supplementary motor cortices (PM) were examined in both the resting and motor training states. The lateralization index (LI), phase locking value (PLV), network metrics were employed to examine cortical activation patterns and topological properties of brain connectivity. ResultsThe data indicated that both dynamic and static modes resulted in significantly greater activation of the contralateral M1 area and the ipsilateral PM area when compared to the resting state. The static patterns demonstrated a more pronounced activation in the contralateral M1 in comparison to the dynamic patterns. The results of brain network analysis revealed significant differences between the dynamic and resting states in the contralateral PFC area and contralateral M1 area (F=4.709, P=0.038), as well as in the contralateral PM area and ipsilateral M1 area (F=4.218, P=0.049). Moreover, the findings indicated a positive correlation between the activation of the M1 region and the increase in force in the dynamic mode, which was reversed in the static mode. ConclusionBoth dynamic and static resistance training modes have been demonstrated to activate the corresponding brain functional regions. Dynamic resistance modes elicit greater oxygen changes and connectivity to the region of interest (ROI) than static resistance modes. Furthermore, the effects of increasing force differ between the two modes. In patients who have suffered a stroke, dynamic modes may have a more pronounced effect on the activation of exercise-related functional brain regions.
5.Antimicrobial activity of a novel R-type phage tail-like bacteriocin against MRSA
Wei TANG ; Ying LIU ; Zhen-Hai TANG ; Ying TANG ; Xin LI ; Jie YAO ; Wei-Zu LI ; Yuan-Hong XU ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1760-1765
Aim To explore the antimicrobial activity of a novel R-type phage tail-like bacteriocin(PTLB)secreted by Enterobacter cloacae SHAMU191747 a-gainst methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MR-SA).Methods Antagonistic activity of E.cloacae SHAMU191747 against MRS A was detected by LB agar plate antagonistic test and LB broth micro-fermentation test.The crude extract of fermentation supernatant of E.cloacae SHAMU191747 was prepared by ultra-high-speed centrifugation and density gradient centrifuga-tion.The novel R-type PTLB in the crude extract was detected by transmission electron microscopy.The an-timicrobial activity of the crude extract against MRSA was verified by LB agar plate spot-seeding method.The molecular weight of the novel R-type PTLB was detected by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.Results E.cloacae SHAMU191747 secreted a novel R-type PTLB,and had a strong antagonistic effect on MRSA.The no-vel R-type PTLB had a molecular weight of approxi-mately 35 ku and could efficiently kill MRSA.The physical dimensions of its tail-sheath-uncontracted functional molecules were(142.7±4.3)×(13.8±0.6)nm,and those of the tail-sheath-contracted non-functional molecules were(57.7±1.2)×(20.8±1.5)nm.Conclusions The novel R-type PTLB pro-duced by E.cloacae SHAMU191747 can efficiently kill MRSA,and has the potential to be developed into a novel antimicrobial drug with great prospects for clini-cal application.
6.Diagnostic value of ultrasound blood quantitative parameters combined with BRAF in Hashimoto's thyroiditis complicated with thyroid carcinoma
Yin ZHANG ; Li-Jun TANG ; Xiao-Li CHEN ; Zhen LI ; Ying XU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(7):637-641
Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasound blood quantitative parameters combined with murine sarcoma filtering toxin oncogenic homolog B(BRAF)gene mutation in Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)with thyroid carcinoma.Methods A total of 86 patients with HT and thyroid nodules in Sir Run Run Hospital,Nanjing Medical University from June 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the research objects.The patients with thyroid cancer were included into the malignant group(n=26),and the patients with benign thyroid nodules were included into the benign group(n=60)according to the pathological examination results.The patients in the malignant group was divided into the metastasis group(n=10)and the non-metastasis group(n=16)according to whether lymph node metastasis occurred.All subjects underwent color Doppler ultrasonography and BRAF gene mutation detection.The pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),peak systolic velocity(S),end diastolic velocity(D),peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity ratio(S/D)and BRAF gene mutation between the malignant group and the benign group were compared.The detection rate of blood flow signals by CDFI,the detection rate of blood flow signals of grade 2 to 3 and the mutation of BRAF gene between the metastasis group and the non-metastasis group were compared.The value of the above blood parameters and BRAF gene mutations in the diagnosis of HT complicated with thyroid cancer was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the value of the above blood parameters and BRAF gene mutation in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer was evaluated.Results The PI,RI,S,D,S/D and positive rate of BRAF gene mutation in the malignant group were significantly higher than those in the benign group(P<0.05).The detection rate of blood flow signals by CDFI,the detection rate of blood flow signals of grade 2 to 3,and the positive rate of BRAF gene mutation in the metastasis group were significantly higher than those in the non-metastasis group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of RI,PI,S,D,S/D and BRAF gene mutation in the combined assessment of HT complicated with thyroid cancer was 0.951,with the sensitivity of 88.46%and the specificity of 93.33%,and the efficiency of combined assessment was better than that of the independent assessment of each index.Meanwhile,the AUC of the detection rate of blood flow signals by CDFI,the detection rate of blood flow signals of grade 2 to 3,and BRAF gene mutation in the combined assessment of lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer was 0.938,and the efficiency of combined assessment was better than that of the independent assessment of each index.Conclusion The ultrasound blood quantitative parameters combined with BRAF gene mutation has certain value in the evaluation of HT with thyroid cancer and lymph node metastasis,and the combined evaluation of each index is more effective.
7.Immune Reconstitution after BTKi Treatment in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Yuan-Li WANG ; Pei-Xia TANG ; Kai-Li CHEN ; Guang-Yao GUO ; Jin-Lan LONG ; Yang-Qing ZOU ; Hong-Yu LIANG ; Zhen-Shu XU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):1-5
Objective:To analyze the immune reconstitution after BTKi treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL).Methods:The clinical and laboratorial data of 59 CLL patients admitted from January 2017 to March 2022 in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Results:The median age of 59 CLL patients was 60.5(36-78).After one year of BTKi treatment,the CLL clones(CD5+/CD19+)of 51 cases(86.4%)were significantly reduced,in which the number of cloned-B cells decreased significantly from(46±6.1)× 109/L to(2.3±0.4)× 109/L(P=0.0013).But there was no significant change in the number of non-cloned B cells(CD19+minus CD5+/CD19+).After BTKi treatment,IgA increased significantly from(0.75±0.09)g/L to(1.31±0.1)g/L(P<0.001),while IgG and IgM decreased from(8.1±0.2)g/L and(0.52±0.6)g/L to(7.1±0.1)g/L and(0.47±0.1)g/L,respectively(P<0.001,P=0.002).BTKi treatment resulted in a significant change in T cell subpopulation of CLL patients,which manifested as both a decrease in total number of T cells from(2.1±0.1)× 109/L to(1.6±0.4)× 109/L and NK/T cells from(0.11±0.1)× 109/L to(0.07±0.01)× 109/L(P=0.042,P=0.038),both an increase in number of CD4+cells from(0.15±6.1)× 109/L to(0.19±0.4)× 109/L and CD8+cells from(0.27±0.01)× 109/L to(0.41±0.08)× 109/L(both P<0.001).BTKi treatment also up-regulated the expression of interleukin(IL)-2 while down-regulated IL-4 and interferon(IFN)-γ.However,the expression of IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α did not change significantly.BTKi treatment could also restored the diversity of TCR and BCR in CLL patients,especially obviously in those patients with complete remission(CR)than those with partial remission(PR).Before and after BTKi treatment,Shannon index of TCR in patients with CR was 0.02±0.008 and 0.14±0.001(P<0.001),while in patients with PR was 0.01±0.03 and 0.05±0.02(P>0.05),respectively.Shannon index of BCR in patients with CR was 0.19±0.003 and 0.33±0.15(P<0.001),while in patients with PR was 0.15±0.009 and 0.23±0.18(P<0.05),respectively.Conclusions:BTKi treatment can shrink the clone size in CLL patients,promote the expression of IgA,increase the number of functional T cells,and regulate the secretion of cytokines such as IL-2,IL-4,and IFN-γ.BTKi also promote the recovery of diversity of TCR and BCR.BTKi treatment contributes to the reconstitution of immune function in CLL patients.
8.Molecular Diagnosis and Pedigree Analysis of Rare Mutations in Non-coding Region of HBA2 Gene
Li-Zhu CHEN ; Ti-Zhen YAN ; Jun HUANG ; Qing-Yan ZHONG ; Xue QIN ; Ning TANG ; Shi-Qiang LUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):940-944
Objective:To perform molecular diagnosis and pedigree analysis for one case with α-thalassemia who does not conform to the genetic laws,and explore the effects of a newly discovered rare mutation(HBA2:c.*12G>A)on clinical phenotypes.Methods:Blood samples of the proband and her family members were collected for blood routine analysis,and the hemoglobin components were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis.The common α-and β-globin gene loci in Chinese population were detected by conventional techniques(Gap-PCR,RDB-PCR).The α-globin gene sequences(HBA1,HBA2)were analyzed by Sanger sequencing.Results:By analyzing the test results of proband and her family members,the genotype of the proband was-α3,7/HBA2:c.*12G>A,her father was HBA2:c.*12G>A heterozygous mutation carrier.Conclusion:This study identifies a rare α-globin gene mutation(HBA2:c.*12G>A)that has not been reported before.It is found that heterozygous mutation carriers present with static α-thalassemia.
9.Meta-analysis of θ short array rapid pulse stimulation in treatment of schizophrenia
Yan LI ; Lei YAN ; Jie Yong LI ; Yuan XIA ; Zhen LIANG ; Hailan TANG ; Jialin GUO ; Zhu WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(10):846-853
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of θ short burst rapid pulse stimulation(TBS)in treating schizophrenia by meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled trials(RCTS)on TBS in the treatment of schizophrenia were searched from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,China Biomedicine,Web of science,PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Library databases to December 2022.The main study indicator was the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale(PANSS).Risk quality assessment of the included literatures was performed by two reviewers and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3.Results:A total of 13 RCTS with 641 patients were included.Meta-anal-ysis showed that TBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)with intervention duration longer than 2 weeks decreased the PANSS total scores(WMD=-4.63,95%CI:-5.75--3.51,P<0.001),positive symptom scores(WMD=-1.13,95%CI:-2.00--0.26,P<0.05),negative symptom scores(WMD=-2.51,95%CI:-2.77--1.53,P<0.001)and general psychopathological symptom scores(WMD=-1.20,95%CI:-1.80--0.60,P<0.001).The adverse reactions of TBS included dizziness,and no serious adverse e-vents were reported.Conclusion:TBS has high safety,and stimulation of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex targets for more than 2 weeks could effectively improve psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
10.The Role of Spinal Cord Compression in Predicting Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring Events in Patients With Kyphotic Deformity: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study
Zhen JIN ; Jie LI ; Hui XU ; Zongshan HU ; Yanjie XU ; Ziyang TANG ; Yong QIU ; Zhen LIU ; Zezhang ZHU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):701-711
Objective:
To establish a novel classification system for predicting the risk of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) events in surgically-treated patients with kyphotic deformity.
Methods:
Patients with kyphotic deformity who underwent surgical correction of cervicothoracic, thoracic, or thoracolumbar kyphosis in our center from July 2005 to December 2020 were recruited. We proposed a classification system to describe the morphology of the spinal cord on T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging: type A, circular/symmetric cord with visible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the cord and vertebral body; type B, circular/oval/symmetric cord with no visible CSF between the cord and vertebral body; type C, spinal cord that is fattened/deformed by the vertebral body, with no visible CSF between the cord and vertebral body. Furthermore, based on type C, the spinal cord compression ratio (CR) < 50% was defined as the subtype C-, while the spinal cord CR ≥ 50% was defined as the subtype C+. IONM event was documented, and a comparative analysis was made to evaluate the prevalence of IONM events among patients with diverse spinal cord types.
Results:
A total of 294 patients were reviewed, including 73 in type A; 153 in type B; 53 in subtype C- and 15 in subtype C+. Lower extremity transcranial motor-evoked potentials and/or somatosensory evoked potentials were lost intraoperatively in 41 cases (13.9%), among which 4 patients with type C showed no return of spinal cord monitoring data. The 14 subtype C+ patients (93.3%) had IONM events. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with a type C spinal cord (subtype C-: odds ratio [OR], 10.390; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.215–48.735; p = 0.003; subtype C+, OR, 497.000; 95% CI, 42.126– 5,863.611; p < 0.001) are at significantly higher risk of a positive IONM event during deformity correction compared to those with a type A. In further multiple logistic regression analysis, the spinal cord classification (OR, 5.371; 95% CI, 2.966–9.727; p < 0.001) was confirmed as an independent risk factor for IONM events.
Conclusion
We presented a new spinal cord classification system based on the relative position of the spinal cord and vertebrae to predict the risk of IONM events in patients with kyphotic deformity. In patients with type C spinal cord, especially those in C+ cases, it is essential to be aware of potential IONM events, and adopt standard operating procedures to facilitate neurological recovery.

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