1.Mechanisms of Exercise Intervention in Cancer Bone Metastasis
Si-Tong YAN ; Feng-Zhi YU ; Bo-Yi ZONG ; Meng-Lu HE ; Dan-Dan JIA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2104-2122
Bone metastases are a common and serious complication of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and occur at a high rate in patients with advanced cancer. This pathological process not only frequently leads to skeletal-related events such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia—conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life—but may also significantly increase the risk of death. Cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multistage cascade involving key steps such as the detachment of tumor cells from the primary tumor, their invasion and entry into the bloodstream, and their colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. In recent years, exercise—as a safe and easily implementable non-pharmacological intervention—has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting bone metastasis, improving the bone microenvironment, and alleviating related clinical symptoms. Its mechanisms of action may involve multiple levels. First, at the mechanical load level, mechanical signals generated by exercise can directly act on bone cells, inhibiting tumor cell infiltration and colonization by regulating endothelial cell permeability and osteoclast activity. Second, at the endocrine and paracrine levels, exercise can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (such as miR-486 and miR-34b) carried by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in the circulation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting cell cycle-related genes. Furthermore, exercise can remodel the immune microenvironment, enhance the cytotoxic activity of antitumor immune cells, and improve oxygen supply to tumor tissues, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. Finally, at the metabolic intervention level, exercise can induce systemic metabolic reprogramming, increasing the nutritional demands of normal tissues, thereby competing with tumor cells for nutrients and forming a “metabolic barrier” in distal organs such as bones. This article reviews the pathogenesis and classification of bone metastases, including osteolytic, osteogenic, and mixed types, and elaborates in detail on the complex processes by which tumor cells undergo colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive analysis of human and animal studies on exercise interventions for bone metastases, this paper highlights the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits tumor formation, growth, and spread through the regulation of mechanical loading, extracellular vesicles and granules, as well as via immune and metabolic pathways, thereby interfering with bone metastasis. However, the array of exercise modalities and intensities available for patients grappling with the challenges of cancer-related bone metastases remains markedly constrained, and the formulation of tailored exercise prescriptions continues to be devoid of robust, evidence-based medical backing. This review aims to explore the effects of exercise on bone health in patients with bone metastases, analyze the factors and considerations that should be taken into account in exercise prescriptions, and provide new theoretical support and insights for developing personalized exercise programs for these patients and further advancing relevant clinical research. Future research directions should include the development of evidence-based, personalized exercise prescriptions and further clarification of the safety boundaries and best practice standards for exercise interventions, thereby promoting the advancement of relevant clinical research and ultimately improving patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
4.Discriminant analysis of finger length ratios in Muay Thai athletes
Zhi-Dong LIANG ; Yan YE ; Hui-Yu CHEN ; Ping WANG ; Yan-Dan REN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):594-600
Objective To develop the application technology of finger length ratios in the selection of Muay Thai athletes,and to provide practical guidance for improving the competitive level of Muay Thai.Methods By using the method of snowball sampling and simple random sampling,413 subjects were selected in Bangkok,Thailand,including 84 male Muay Thai professional players,62 female Muay Thai professional players,137 ordinary male college students and 130 female college students.The finger length of the subjects was measured and their finger length ratios was calculated.SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for discriminant analysis.Results The 2D∶3D,2D∶4D,2D∶5D,3D∶4D and 3D∶5D of male Muay Thai professional players were significantly lower than that in the general male Thai population,and the 2D∶4D,3D∶4D and 3D∶5D of female Muay Thai players were significantly lower than that in the general female Thai population,and the above differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Discriminant functions developed using both the full model and stepwise method were statistically significant,demonstrating high accuracy and stability.The correct discrimination rates were higher in the male population than that in the female population.When distinguishing between Muay Thai professional fighters and the general Thai population,the optimal 2D∶4D threshold for males is 0.951,and for females,it was 0.960.Conclusion The discriminant model of Muay Thai professional players and ordinary people based on the ratios of finger length can provide important reference for the selection of Muay Thai athletes.
5.Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective.
Song-Po LIU ; Yun-Fei LI ; Dan ZHANG ; Chun-Yang LI ; Xiao-Fang DAI ; Dong-Feng LAN ; Ji CAI ; He ZHOU ; Tao SONG ; Yan-Yu ZHAO ; Zhi-Xu HE ; Jun TAN ; Ji-Dong ZHANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):20-29
Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male
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Epimedium/chemistry*
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Humans
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Genitalia, Male/drug effects*
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
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Animals
6.Development of cardiovascular clinical research data warehouse and real-world research.
Dan-Dan LI ; Ya-Ni YU ; Zhi-Jun SUN ; Chang-Fu LIU ; Tao CHEN ; Dong-Kai SHAN ; Xiao-Dan TUO ; Jun GUO ; Yun-Dai CHEN
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):678-689
BACKGROUND:
Medical informatics accumulated vast amounts of data for clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, limited access to follow-up data and the difficulty in integrating data across diverse platforms continue to pose significant barriers to clinical research progress. In response, our research team has embarked on the development of a specialized clinical research database for cardiology, thereby establishing a comprehensive digital platform that facilitates both clinical decision-making and research endeavors.
METHODS:
The database incorporated actual clinical data from patients who received treatment at the Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2012 to 2021. It included comprehensive data on patients' basic information, medical history, non-invasive imaging studies, laboratory test results, as well as peri-procedural information related to interventional surgeries, extracted from the Hospital Information System. Additionally, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interactive follow-up system had been developed, ensuring that nearly all myocardial infarction patients received at least one post-discharge follow-up, thereby achieving comprehensive data management throughout the entire care continuum for high-risk patients.
RESULTS:
This database integrates extensive cross-sectional and longitudinal patient data, with a focus on higher-risk acute coronary syndrome patients. It achieves the integration of structured and unstructured clinical data, while innovatively incorporating AI and automatic speech recognition technologies to enhance data integration and workflow efficiency. It creates a comprehensive patient view, thereby improving diagnostic and follow-up quality, and provides high-quality data to support clinical research. Despite limitations in unstructured data standardization and biological sample integrity, the database's development is accompanied by ongoing optimization efforts.
CONCLUSION
The cardiovascular specialty clinical database is a comprehensive digital archive integrating clinical treatment and research, which facilitates the digital and intelligent transformation of clinical diagnosis and treatment processes. It supports clinical decision-making and offers data support and potential research directions for the specialized management of cardiovascular diseases.
7.Targeting IRG1 in tumor-associated macrophages for cancer therapy.
Shuang LIU ; Lin-Xing WEI ; Qian YU ; Zhi-Wei GUO ; Chang-You ZHAN ; Lei-Lei CHEN ; Yan LI ; Dan YE
Protein & Cell 2025;16(6):478-483
8.Impacts of Internalized Weight Bias and Weight Control Beliefs on Eating Behaviors in Women Losing Weight.
Dan-Ping ZHENG ; Hong-Wei ZHU ; Yu-Jia YANG ; Jing-Yi ZHANG ; Hai-Yan ZHANG ; Zhi-Yuan ZHANG ; Wei CHEN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(5):822-829
Objective To investigate the internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs regarding the current status,influencing factors,and impacts on eating behaviors of women losing weight. Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select the females who underwent physical examination in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August to December 2023.The general information questionnaire,Weight Bias Internalization Scale,Weight Control Belief Questionnaire,and Chinese version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire were utilized for investigation.Latent class analysis was conducted to explore the potential categories based on the characteristics of internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs.Univariate analysis and multiple-factor linear regression analysis were performed to explore influencing factors of potential categories and their effects on eating behaviors. Results A total of 518 subjects were included in this study.The internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs could be classified into three potential categories: low weight bias tolerance type(53.7%),medium weight bias persistence type(29.5%),and high weight bias overcritical type(16.8%).Logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index,unmarriage,and divorce were the influencing factors of the high weight bias overcritical type.The scores of non-control eating and emotional eating in medium weight bias persistence type and high weight bias overcritical type were higher than those in low weight bias tolerance type(all P<0.001). Conclusions The attitudes of Chinese women towards body weight can be categorized into low weight bias tolerance type,medium weight bias persistence type,and high weight bias overcritical type.The high weight bias overcritical type is characterized by high weight bias and high personal responsibility attribution,and it is closely associated with negative eating behaviors.A high body mass index,unmarriage,and divorce are high-risk factors for developing the high weight bias overcritical type.
Humans
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Female
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Feeding Behavior/psychology*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Adult
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Body Mass Index
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Weight Loss
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Body Weight
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Body Image
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Middle Aged
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Weight Prejudice
9.Distribution of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and its association with perinatal outcomes
Jin CHEN ; Dan YANG ; Qianrong LI ; Yan SANG ; Zhi YU ; Jiao XU ; Xuemei WANG ; Heying HUANG ; Xue TANG ; Lin ZHUANG ; Xiaoyin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2343-2350
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and its association with perinatal outcomes, and to provide a basis for precise treatment based on TCM syndrome differentiation. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 patients with ICP who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to April 2025. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to summarize TCM syndromes. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the clinical features significantly associated with TCM syndrome. ResultsThe cluster analysis identified three core TCM syndromes among the 275 patients with ICP, i.e., liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome (45.8%), syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind (30.9%), and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome (23.3%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of TCM syndromes between different groups stratified by maternal age at delivery, parity, history of ICP recurrence, gestational weeks at disease onset, total bile acid (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and comorbidity with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that<34 gestational weeks at disease onset was significantly associated with all three syndromes (damp-heat: odds ratio [OR]=3.769, P<0.001; blood deficiency: OR=4.031, P<0.001; liver stagnation: OR=3.552, P<0.001). Liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome was associated with maternal age ≥35 years at disease onset (OR=2.048, P=0.014), parity ≥2 times (OR=1.921, P=0.034), history of ICP recurrence (OR=2.404, P=0.030), ALT ≥200 U/L (OR=2.051, P=0.018), comorbidity with GDM (OR=1.944, P=0.029), and TBA ≥40 μmol/L (OR=2.542, P=0.024). The syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind syndrome was associated with maternal age ≥35 years (OR=2.939, P=0.003), parity ≥2 time (OR=3.222, P=0.003), history of ICP recurrence (OR=3.809, P=0.010), ALT ≥200 U/L (OR=2.889, P=0.006), comorbidity with GDM (OR=3.711, P=0.001), and comorbidity with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR=4.472, P=0.011). Liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was associated with TBA ≥40 μmol/L (OR=2.995, P=0.044). The analysis of perinatal outcomes showed that there were significant differences in mode of delivery, gestational weeks at the time of delivery, postpartum blood loss, and neonatal birth weight between the three groups with different TCM syndromes (all P<0.05). ConclusionLiver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome, syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind, and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome are the main TCM syndrome types in ICP, and the distribution of TCM syndromes is closely associated with clinical factors and perinatal outcomes, which provides a basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment.
10.Identification and expression analysis of AP2/ERF family members in Lonicera macranthoides.
Si-Min ZHOU ; Mei-Ling QU ; Juan ZENG ; Jia-Wei HE ; Jing-Yu ZHANG ; Zhi-Hui WANG ; Qiao-Zhen TONG ; Ri-Bao ZHOU ; Xiang-Dan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4248-4262
The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Transcription Factors/chemistry*
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Lonicera/classification*
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Flowers/metabolism*
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Phylogeny
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Gene Expression Profiling
;
Multigene Family

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