1.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
2.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid alleviates inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway
Huihui JI ; Xu JIANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yunhong XING ; Liangliang WANG ; Na LI ; Yuting SONG ; Xuguang LUO ; Huilin CUI ; Ximei CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1220-1229
BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.
3.Effect of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on Mitochondrial Biogenesis in BMSCs Through PGC-1α/PPARγ
Ying YANG ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Xian GUO ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):28-36
ObjectiveBased on the TCM theory of "Yang transforms materials to Qi while Yin constitutes material form", this paper explored the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial biogenesis during the adipogenic differentiation process of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by mediating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), providing theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) using Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan. MethodsBMSCs were divided into a blank group, Zuogui Wan (ZGW) group, Yougui Wan (YGW) group, and Progynova group. Cell identification was performed using flow cytometry. The growth curves of BMSCs were plotted using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, and the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the proliferation of BMSCs were detected. The Oil red O staining method was used to detect lipid droplet formation. The Western blot method was used to detect the expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, CCAAT/enharcer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPβ, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein, brown adipose tissue-related (BAT) proteins PGC-1α, uncoupcing protein 1 (UCP1), PR domdin-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, LPL genes, and the copy number of cytochrome B (CytoB mtDNA) gene was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Mitochondrial ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the proliferation ability of BMSCs in each treatment group increased continuously as the intervention progressed, and lipid droplets significantly decreased after the drug intervention. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and LPL were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), while those of the BAT-related factors PGC-1α, UCP1, PRDM16 were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The number of mitochondria increased, accompanied by reduced swelling. The double membrane and cristae structure were clear, and the internal cristae rupture was reduced. The copy number of CytoB mtDNA in each treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, and TFAM in each treatment group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionBoth Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan can prevent and treat PMOP by intervening in mitochondrial biogenesis in BMSCs through PGC-1α/PPARγ.
4.Clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs
Min OU ; Yaqin WANG ; Zhimin ZHU ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Qiongni ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2297-2300
OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs. METHODS The data were collected from 1 175 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The patients were divided into originator group (n=250) and biosimilar group (n=925). The switching rate, switching type and reasons of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the switching rate, switching types, and the number of switches between the two groups (P>0.05). Single, one-way switches were the switching type in both groups. The proportion of patients in the biosimilar group who switched due to adverse events was significantly higher than originator group, while the proportion of patients who switched due to treatment costs was significantly lower than originator group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients who switched due to efficacy and drug accessibility between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The switching between bevacizumab biosimilar and the originator drugs mainly involves single, one- way switches. Treatment costs and drug accessibility are the main factors for the switches among users of originator drugs, while drug accessibility and adverse events are the main factors for the switches among users of biosimilar.
5.Study on the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction regulating macrophage polarization in mice with autoimmune thyroiditis
Lanting WANG ; Zhaohan ZHAI ; Shouxin JU ; Liang KONG ; Jie DING ; Yao XIAO ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):529-541
Objective:
To explore the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in modulating macrophage polarization and intervening in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) mice.
Methods:
Using the random number table method, 48 SPF-grade NOD.H-2h4 mice were assigned to the normal, model, low-dose (4.10 g/kg), medium-dose (8.19 g/kg), high-dose group (16.38 g/kg) of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, and selenium yeast tablet (0.026 mg/kg) groups, with eight mice in each group. All groups, except the normal group, were free to drink high iodine water (0.05% sodium iodide) to prepare AIT mouse models for 8 consecutive weeks. After the modeling was complete, each treatment group was orally administered with the corresponding medication, while the normal and model groups were orally administered with an equal volume of distilled water once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography with an oscillometric refractive detector was used to analyze the content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the positive area percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in mouse thyroid tissue. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect macrophage polarization in mouse spleen tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in mouse spleen tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLRP3 protein in mouse spleen tissue.
Results:
The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction was (7.09±0.06) g/L. Compared to the normal group, significant lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the thyroid tissue of mice in the model group. The levels of serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, and TNF-α increased (P<0.05). The positive area percentage of M1 macrophages in thyroid tissue increased (P<0.05). The proportion of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 mRNA in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 proteins increased (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the inflammation infiltration degree in the thyroid tissue of mice in each dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction and selenium yeast tablet group was reduced, the serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, TNF-α content was decreased, the spleen tissue M1/M2 was reduced, the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA was reduced, and the relative expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65 protein were reduced (P<0.05). The Buzhong Yiqi Decoction high-dose and selenium yeast tablets groups showed an increase in IL-10 content, an increase in positive area percentage of M2 macrophages in thyroid tissue, an increase in M2 macrophages proportion in spleen tissue, and a decrease in NLRP3 mRNA and protein relative expression levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction may regulate macrophage polarization by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus improving the inflammatory damage in mice with AIT.
6.Mechanism of osteoarthritis treatment by exosomes.
Xiaofei WANG ; Jihang DAI ; Lei XU ; Zhimin WU ; Linbing LOU ; Cunyi XIA ; Haixiang MIAO ; Wenyong FEI ; Jingcheng WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):367-369
7.Research progress on strontium modified β-tricalcium phosphate composite biomaterials with immune regulatory properties.
Huanxi LI ; Xingyu SHAN ; Hongda WANG ; Zhimin TIAN ; Chunnuo HE ; Haoqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(4):511-517
OBJECTIVE:
To review the research progress of strontium (Sr) modified β-tricalcium phosphate composite biomaterials (SrTCP) promoting osteogenesis through immune regulation, and provides reference and theoretical support for the further development and research of SrTCP bone repair materials in bone tissue engineering in the future.
METHODS:
The literature about SrTCP promoting osteogenesis through immune regulation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the preparation methods, immune mechanism and application of promoting osteogenesis were summarized and analyzed.
RESULTS:
The preparation methods of SrTCP include solid-state reaction sintering method, solution combustion quenching method, direct doping method, ion substitution method, etc. SrTCP has immune regulatory effects, which can play an immune regulatory role in inducing macrophage polarization, inducing angiogenesis and anti oxidative stress to promote osteogenesis.
CONCLUSION
At present, studies have shown that SrTCP can promote bone defect repair through immune regulation. Subsequent studies can start from the control of the optimal repair concentration and release rate of Sr, and further clarify the specific mechanism of SrTCP in promoting angiogenesis and anti oxidative stress, which is helpful to develop new materials for bone defect repair.
Calcium Phosphates/pharmacology*
;
Strontium/pharmacology*
;
Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology*
;
Humans
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Tissue Engineering/methods*
;
Bone Substitutes/pharmacology*
;
Bone Regeneration/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry*
;
Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects*
;
Macrophages/immunology*
8.A dual-targeting peptide-drug conjugate based on CXCR4 and FOLR1 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer.
Kun WANG ; Cong WANG ; Hange YANG ; Gong CHEN ; Ke WANG ; Peihong JI ; Xudong SUN ; Xuegong FAN ; Jie MA ; Zhencun CUI ; Xingkai WANG ; Hao TIAN ; Dengfu WU ; Lu WANG ; Zhimin WANG ; Jiangyan LIU ; Juan YI ; Kuan HU ; Hailong ZHANG ; Rui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):4995-5009
Triple-negative breast cancer is therapeutically challenging due to the low expression of tumor markers and 'cold' tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we present a dual-targeting peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) for tumor inhibition. Our PDC efficiently and selectively delivers cytotoxic Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE) into tumor cells via C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) for synergistic inhibition of growth and metastasis. Our results show that the dual-targeting PDC has potent antitumor activity in cultured human cells and several murine transplanted tumor models without apparent toxicity. The combination of dual-targeting PDC and radiotherapy modulates the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and attenuating the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor and regulatory T cells. Therefore, our dual-targeting PDC represents a promising new strategy for cancer therapy that rebalances the immune system and promotes tumor regression.
9.Elevated expressions of GRP78/CHOP in lupus nephritis: their diagnostic value and association with PERK/IRE1α pathway-mediated renal cell apoptosis.
Yihan WANG ; Weiqing ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Zhimin XIE ; Yongsheng FAN ; Xinchang WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2055-2061
OBJECTIVES:
To examine the changes in serum levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) proteins GRP78/CHOP in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and analyze their diagnostic value and association with renal pathological features.
METHODS:
From a sample bank established based on a multicenter cohort study of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 60 LN patients and 35 SLE patients without renal involvement were randomly selected. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the patients to analyze their correlation with clinical features and their diagnostic ability for LN and active LN. MRL/lpr mice were used as an animal model of LN to examine their serum levels of GRP78 and CHOP expression and renal expressions of endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis-related proteins.
RESULTS:
Serum GRP78 and CHOP levels were significantly higher in LN patients than in SLE patients without renal involvement (P<0.05), and were also higher in active LN patients than in patients in the stable phase (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that serum GRP78 and CHOP levels were positively correlated with SLEDAI scores and 24-h urinary protein. ROC analysis showed that CHOP had a high diagnostic ability for LN (AUC=0.762) and active LN (AUC=0.933). Consistent with the clinical findings, serum GRP78 and CHOP levels were elevated in LN mice, and the expressions of PERK and IRE1α pathway proteins were also increased in the kidneys of the mice. TUNEL staining showed increased renal cell apoptosis and elevated renal expressions of apoptosis-related proteins in LN mice.
CONCLUSIONS
Serum levels of GRP78/CHOP are increased in LN patients possibly in association with ERS-induced apoptosis mediated by the PERK/IRE1α dual pathway.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
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Lupus Nephritis/blood*
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Transcription Factor CHOP/blood*
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Heat-Shock Proteins/blood*
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Animals
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Apoptosis
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred MRL lpr
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Female
;
Adult
;
Endoribonucleases/metabolism*
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Male
;
eIF-2 Kinase/metabolism*
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
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Young Adult
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
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Kidney/metabolism*
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Middle Aged
;
Signal Transduction
10.Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis and analysis of early correction of childhood malocclusion.
Zitong LIN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Ziyang HU ; Zuyan ZHANG ; Yong CHENG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Hu WANG ; Gang LI ; Jun GUO ; Weihua GUO ; Xiaobing LI ; Guangning ZHENG ; Zhimin LI ; Donglin ZENG ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU ; Min HU ; Lunguo XIA ; Jihong ZHAO ; Yaling SONG ; Huang LI ; Jun JI ; Jinlin SONG ; Lili CHEN ; Tiemei WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):21-21
Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans
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Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging*
;
Child
;
Consensus


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