1.Roles of plant-derived natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Ziyi DUAN ; Wenhao ZHOU ; Yingjie CAI ; Min ZHONG ; Jian MAO ; Lan JIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):33-39
Osteoporosis is a systemic disease, and epidemiological projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 23.43% of the Chinese population over 50 years of age will be affected. Given the poor prognosis associated with osteoporosis, the exploration of safe and effective natural products is of considerable significance. Studies investigating the chemical constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in cellular and/or animal models have demonstrated bone-protective effects. Although most of these compounds lack clinical data, they hold considerable potential as lead candidates for drug development. In-depth study of the structure-activity relationship of these natural products not only contributes to elucidating the mechanisms of action but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel antiosteoporosis therapies. This review summarizes natural products with potential antiosteoporotic effects reported between 2020 and 2024. Overall, plant-derived natural compounds exhibit antiosteoporotic effects by regulating bone remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress, highlighting their promise as multitarget therapeutic candidates.
2.Effects of genetic risk of insulin resistance and triglyceride index on risk of cardiovascular disease
Ying PAN ; Shuting LIU ; Haoyu GU ; Mengjie ZHAO ; Zhiping XU ; Yun TANG ; Min HUANG ; Yueqing HUANG ; Kaixin ZHOU ; Jian SHAO ; Shao ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(5):643-649
Objective:By analyzing the genetic risk of triglyceride-glucose index(Tyg)and insulin resistance(IR)for cardiovascular disease(CVD), to elucidate the extent to which the contribution of Tyg to the risk of CVD development is influenced by IR genetic risk.Methods:In this study, we selected data from a cohort of elderly people in the Kunshan community, screened 7, 385 individuals with both clinical and genomic data, and calculated the polygenic risk score of insulin resistance(IRPRS)for each participant based on publicly available IR genome-wide association data, and assessed the effect of genetic risk and Tyg level on the risk of developing CVD using a multivariate Cox proportional risk model.Calculating interactions to assess the effects of genetic risk and Tyg levels on the risk of developing CVD, the effects of Tyg tertile grouping and IRPRS on the risk of developing CVD were assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional risk model, and subgroup analyses were performed for gender to assess the effects of Tyg tertile grouping and IRPRS on the risk of developing CVD by gender.Results:In the univariate Cox model, Q3 and IRPRS with the highest TYG levels were significantly associated with the risk of CVD, respectively( HR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.33-1.89; P<0.001; HR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.18-2.20; P=0.003).After adjusting for multiple confounders, the Q3 Group with the highest TYG level was still significantly associated with the risk of CVD( HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.57; P=0.014), the Association of TYG with the risk of CVD did not change significantly( HR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.05-1.57; P=0.014).We conducted a subgroup analysis by sex and found that among older men, 13, the highest levels of TYG and IRPRS were significantly associated with CVD risk, respectively( HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.31.2.20; P<0.001; HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.24-3.15; P=0.004).After adding IRPRS to the model, the Association of TYG with the risk of CVD remained unchanged( HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.19; P<0.001).After adjusting for various confounders, Tyg remained significantly associated with the risk of CVD( HR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.88; P=0.028), the results showed that TYG remained significantly associated with the risk of CVD( HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.90; P=0.023), and the association did not decrease.No Association of IRPRS with CVD risk was found in older women. Conclusions:IRPRS and TYG are the risk factors of CVD, and diet, exercise, drugs and other external factors on TYG are the main risk factors of CVD.For individuals with high genetic factors, the risk of CVD can still be reduced by lifestyle adjustments such as diet, exercise and drug intervention.
3.Research advances of association between age at natural menopause and diabetes risk: evidence from prospective studies
Meng WANG ; Yunqi GUAN ; Weiwei GONG ; Xiaoyan ZHOU ; Zhimin MA ; Jin PAN ; Mingbin LIANG ; Jieming ZHONG ; Fan WU ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1502-1505
The menopausal age is one of the important menopausal factors, and women of different menopausal ages have different risks of diabetes. This study reviewed the evidence from prospective studies on the association between the age at natural menopause and diabetes risk, both domestically and internationally, and presented its research design and main findings. Advanced menopause, especially premature and early menopause, will increase the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women. The research on the influence of delayed menopause on the incidence of diabetes is still insufficient. Many factors may modify the association between menopausal age and the risk of diabetes.
4.Clinical effects of moxibustion regulating the different phenotypic polarization of macrophages on the treatment of RA synovitis
Yumei ZHONG ; Liu HE ; Min ZHANG ; Haiyan ZHOU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(3):236-241
Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion on different phenotypic expression of macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods Thirty rats were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group and the moxibustion group,with 10 rats in each group.Rats in the model group and the moxibustion group were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA)into right foot pad to prepare RA model.The moxibustion group received moxibustion treatment.The blank group was injected with the same amount of normal saline.The thickness of foot pad was measure and arthritis index score was performed.Pathological changes of joints were observed by hematoxylin eosin staining(HE),and the expressions of CD80,CD163 and SPP1 in macrophages of synovial tissue were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the blank group,arthritis index score and thickness of foot pad were increased in the model group and the moxibustion group(P<0.05).After moxibustion treatment,compared with the model group,the score of arthritis index and thickness of foot pad were decreased in the moxibustion group(P<0.05).HE staining showed joint space narrowing,subchondral bone destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group.The degree of joint space narrowing,subchondral bone destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration were less in the moxibustion group than those in the model group.Compared with the blank group,the scores of synovial tissue hyperplasia,synovial fibrous tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration increased in the model group.Compared with the model group,scores of synovial tissue hyperplasia,fibrous tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration decreased in the moxibustion group(P<0.05).Results of immunofluorescence detection showed that compared with the blank group,the expressions of CD80 and SPP1 in synovial tissue were up-regulated in the model group,while the expression of CD163 was down-regulated.Compared with the model group,the expressions of CD80 and SPP1 were down-regulated,and the expression of CD163 was up-regulated in the moxibustion group(P<0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion can regulate the expression of different phenotypes of macrophages and reduce synovial inflammation of RA.The mechanism may be related to regulating the expression of different phenotypes of macrophages.
5.Genetic evolution characteristics and their influence on disease transmission in sandflies in various environments in China
Lei CUI ; Ya-qi HE ; Zheng-bin ZHOU ; Yuan FANG ; Zhong-qiu LI ; Yuan-yuan LI ; Li-min YANG ; Yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):501-507
This study analyzed the genetic evolutionary characteristics of sandflies and their effects on the spread of kala-azar in various environments in endemic provinces in China,to provide a scientific basis for kala-azar disease prevention and control.Sand-flies were collected in kala-azar endemic areas such as southern Xinjiang,the large hilly areas of southern Gansu,the northern Sich-uan and Taihang Mountains,and surrounding small hills.The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b gene fragments of mito-chondrial DNA were amplified to identify sandfly species.The COI and Cytb gene sequences of sandflies from southern Xinjiang and Si-chuan recorded in NCBI were also collected.The intraspecific and interspecific genetic differences of sandflies were calculated in MEGA11.0,and a phylogenetic tree was constructed through the neighbor-joining method,for analysis of the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of sandfly populations and their effects on disease transmission.A total of 155 sandflies were collected from nine sam-pling sites in seven provinces of China;the species included Phlebotomus chinensis,Phlebotomus wui,and Sergentomyia squamirostris.Five sandfly species belonging to two genera were collected:P.chinensis,P.wui,and Phlebotomus alexandri in the genus Phleboto-mus,and S.squamirostris in the genus Sergentomyia.Genetic evolution analysis based on COI and Cytb gene sequences indicated intra-specific genetic distances of 0-0.062 and 0-0.056,respectively,and interspecific genetic distances of 0.126-0.176 and 0.110-0.171,respectively.The phylogenetic tree indicated that P.wui,P.alexandri,Phlebotomus longiductus,and S.squamirostris clus-tered into one branch.The sequences of P.chinensis in the large and small hilly areas clustered into two geographical clades.In the small hilly areas,the sequences of P.chinensis aggregates showed small genetic differences,the pathogen infection was consistent,and the cases showed an epidemic spread trend.Large genetic differences at the molecular level were observed among sandflies in dif-ferent ecological regions,thus indicating key effects on leishmaniasis transmission.On the basis of these findings,prevention and con-trol strategies should be adapted to local conditions,and precise and effective prevention and control measures should be formulated according to the genetic evolution characteristics of sandflies in different regions,to better control the transmission of Kala-azar.
6.Clinical Study on the Treatment of Lung Cancer-Related Cough by Fire Needle Acupuncture Selection Based on CT Localization
Chong YING ; Ying ZHOU ; Yu-min ZHU ; Qian ZHONG ; Shang-wang YANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1525-1533
Objective:To prospectively analyze and evaluate the clinical efficacy of fire needle acupuncture selection based on CT localization in the treatment of lung cancer-related cough.Methods:A total of 36 patients with lung cancer-related cough who were admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2023 were prospectively included as research samples.According to the random number table method,they were divided into control group(18 cases)and observation group(18 cases).The control group was treated with routine etiological treatment and symptomatic treatment,while the observation group was treated with fire needle acupuncture selection based on CT localization on the basis of the control group.The course of treatment was 28 days.The efficacy improvement rate after 28 days of treatment,visual analogue scale(VAS),le icester cough questionnaire in mandarin-Chinese(LCQ-MC)and levels of peripheral serum cytokines interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-8(IL-8)before and after 28 days of treatment were compared between the two groups.Results:After 28 days of treatment,the efficacy improvement rate of curative effect,VAS score and LCQ-MC score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of fire needle acupuncture selection guided by CT localization can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of patients with lung cancer-related cough,effectively reduce the cough symptoms of patients,improve the quality of life of patients,and alleviate the inflammatory response in the body.
7.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
8.A Novel Scorpion Toxin LmKTx13 Inhibits the Voltage-gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3
Jia-Xin QIN ; Xiao-Qing LUO ; Min-Juan LU ; Jun-Xian JU ; Qing ZHOU ; Wen-Xing WANG ; Zhong-Hua LIU ; Min-Zhi CHEN ; Xi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1392-1401
Kv1.3,a voltage-gated potassium channel,is highly expressed in T lymphocytes,the nervous system,and vascular smooth muscle cells.It plays a critical role in membrane excitability and electrical signal transduction,serving as an important target for studying T-cell function and providing a promising direction for developing therapeutics against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Therefore,the de-velopment of specific inhibitors of Kv1.3 channel has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy for these disorders.In this study,we isolated and purified a novel Kv1.3-inhibitory peptide toxin,LmKTx13,from the venom of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chroma-tography(RP-HPLC).LmKTx13 consists of 38 amino acid residues,including six cysteines that form three disulfide bonds.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that LmKTx13 potently inhibited Kv1.3 with an IC50 of 7.92±3.0 nmol/L.Selectivity analysis showed that 2 μmol/L LmKTx13 also in-hibited Kv1.2 and Kv1.7,but exhibited no significant effects on other potassium channel subtypes or voltage-gated sodium channels.Further investigation into the mechanism demonstrated that LmKTx13 acts as a pore-blocking inhibitor of Kv1.3.By analyzing the effects of LmKTx13 on Kv1.3 channel gating ki-netics and performing sequence alignment of the pore regions of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5,we constructed site-directed mutants and identified the pore region of Kv1.3 as the critical binding site for LmKTx13.Key residues involved in the interaction included T425,G427,and H451.In summary,we discovered a no-vel pore-blocking Kv1.3 inhibitor,LmKTx13,from L.mucronatus venom,which exhibits high affinity and selectivity for Kv1.3.These findings highlight its potential as a potential lead molecule for developing Kv1.3-targeted therapeutics.
9.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.
10.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.

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