1.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P0.05), alternation rate (P0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P0.05), preference index (P0.01), and discrimination index (P0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
2.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P<0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P<0.05), alternation rate (P<0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P<0.05), preference index (P<0.01), and discrimination index (P<0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P<0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P<0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P<0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
3.Chinese medical and pharmaceutical expert consensus on the clinical application of romosozumab
Liqian MO ; Zefu CHEN ; Huiyi WU ; Ping ZHENG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Yilei LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2640-2646
OBJECTIVE To standardize the rational clinical use of romosozumab in China, define suitable patient populations, optimize full-course treatment strategies, and strengthen medication risk management.METHODS This consensus was initiated by the Pharmacy Administration Committee of Guangdong Province Hospital Association and registered on the International Practice Guidelines Registry Platform. Twenty-five experts in pharmacy and orthopedics were organized to identify 7 core clinical questions through 2 rounds of questionnaires and seminars. Chinese and English databases were systematically retrieved, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess evidence quality and recommendation strength and to formulate consensus recommendations, which were refined based on expert review.RESULTS Seven recommendations were developed, covering the applicable populations of romosozumab, sequential and switching therapy, and management of fractures and cardiovascular risk during treatment. The pharmaceutical characteristics of romosozumab, as well as other key points for clinical application, including efficacy monitoring, management of missed doses, contraindications, major adverse reactions, and medication adherence, were also summarized.CONCLUSIONS This consensus provides evidence-based guidance and practical reference for the safe, effective, and standardized use of romosozumab in Chinese patients, which may facilitate individualized treatment of patients with osteoporosis at high fracture risk and reduce fracture risk.
4.OpenSim-based prediction of lower-limb biomechanical behavior in adolescents with plantarflexor weakness
Enhong FU ; Hang YANG ; Cheng LIANG ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Yali ZHANG ; Zhongmin JIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1789-1795
BACKGROUND:The plantarflexor weakness is a common muscle defect in patients with spastic cerebral palsy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth,which clinically manifests abnormal gaits,and the relationship between plantarflexor weakness and abnormal gaits is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the biomechanical behavior of the lower limb under the action of a single factor of plantarflexor weakness to reveal the mechanism of abnormal gait induced by plantarflexor weakness and to provide guidance for the rehabilitation training of patients with plantarflexor weakness. METHODS:A predictive framework of musculoskeletal multibody dynamics in the sagittal plane was established based on OpenSim Moco to predict lower limb joint angles and muscle activation changes during walking in normal subjects.The validity of the framework was verified by combining the inverse kinematics and electromyogram activation time of the experimental data.Reduced isometric muscle forces were used to model plantarflexor weakness and to compare predicted lower extremity joint angles,joint moments,and muscle energy expenditure with normal subjects to analyze the effects of plantarflexor weakness on lower extremity biomechanics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Moco-based prediction framework realistically predicted the biomechanical changes of the lower limbs during walking in normal subjects(joint angles:normalized correlation coefficient≥0.73,root mean square error≤7.10°).(2)The musculoskeletal model used a small stride support phase to increase the"heel-walking"gait during plantarflexor weakness.When the plantarflexor weakness reached 80%,the muscle energy expenditure was 5.691 4 J/kg/m,and the maximum activation levels of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were 0.72 and 0.53,which might cause the plantarflexor weakness patients to be more prone to fatigue when walking.(3)Muscle energy expenditure was significantly higher when the weakness of plantarflexors exceeded 40%,and the joint angles and moments of the lower limbs deteriorated significantly when the weakness of plantarflexors exceeded 60%,suggesting that there may be a"threshold"for the effect of plantarflexor weakness on gait,which may correspond to the point at which health care professionals should intervene in the clinical setting.
5.Application and prospect of mesenchymal stem cells in orthopedic treatment
Shang GUO ; Shutao ZHANG ; Zhongmin SHI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(3):145-150
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple lineages. In recent years, MSCs have been increasingly used as a therapeutic strategy in orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage damage, tendon bone damage, bone defects, and degenerative bone diseases. Compared with cell-free therapy, MSCs have achieved better results. However, due to their widespread sources, complex action mechanisms, and diverse product types, there are certain limitations and controversies in their clinical application in orthopedics. This article will discuss the current main applications and future trends of MSCs in the field of orthopedics, looking forward to the prospects of MSCs application in orthopedics.
6.Artificial intelligence-based systematic study on the multidimensional pharmacological activity and molecular mechanism of the active ingredients of Artemisia argyi
Hongrong ZHANG ; Qi ZOU ; Zhongmin MA ; Zhaohui FANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(3):358-367
To investigate the pharmacological activities and potential mechanisms of action of the active components in Artemisia argyi with artificial intelligence technology, a search was conducted in the HIT, TCMSP, and TCMIO databases, obtaining 199 active components of A. argyi. A comprehensive set of algorithms, including KNN, MLP, RF, SVM, and models based on Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, was employed to predict the toxicity and oral bioavailability of A. argyi compounds, identifying 14 components that are non-toxic and have good oral bioavailability. The synthetic accessibility score (SAscore) model was used to analyze the synthetic accessibility of the 14 components mentioned above, and molecular segments were fragmented using BRICS and RECAP algorithms. Mining of the STP and PM databases yielded 406 target proteins for the core components of A. argyi, and Cytoscape was used to screen out 5 core targets: SRC, EGFR, PTPN11, HRAS, and PDGFRB. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the core targets were involved in 808 GO enrichment analysis entries and 71 signaling pathways, including EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, gap junction, phospholipase D, and JAK/STAT. Molecular docking results showed that active compounds of A. argyi have a good binding affinity with proteins SRC, EGFR, PTPN11, and HRAS. Cellular experiments have confirmed that ledol, an active component of A. argyi, can promote the proliferation of HUVEC cells within a certain concentration range and can increase the expression of EGFR protein. This study reveals the pharmacological characteristics and potential molecular mechanisms of the active components of A. argyi and lays a solid scientific foundation for its medicinal development.
8.The influence of proximal projection on the efficacy of minimally invasive osteotomy for mild to moderate hallux valgus
Jieyuan ZHANG ; Shaoling FU ; Cheng WANG ; Fan YANG ; Jiazheng WANG ; Chenglin WU ; Zhongmin SHI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(3):172-179
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive Chevron-Akin osteotomy (MICA) in the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus without addressing the proximal projection.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients with unilateral mild to moderate hallux valgus who underwent third-generation MICA surgery at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020. Among these patients, 2 were male and 29 were female, with an average age of 41.13±7.8 years (range: 21-64 years). A total of 12 patients had mild hallux valgus, while 19 patients had moderate hallux valgus. The average body mass index (BMI) was 24.37±1.28 kg/m 2 (range: 22.06-26.13 kg/m 2). Preoperative and postoperative foot X-rays were taken at multiple time points, including 1 day, 1.5 months, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. These X-rays were used to assess the medial eminence width (MEW) of the first metatarsal head, the proximal medial projection width (PMRW) of the first metatarsal, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). Functional improvements and pain relief were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results:All 31 patients completed an average follow-up period of 25.67±2.35 months (range: 24-31 months). The average operation time was 39.55±7.31 minutes (range: 32-46 minutes). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy exposures averaged 16.23±2.38 times (range: 13-21 times). At the two-year follow-up, significant improvements were observed in all measured parameters when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). The HVA decreased from 35.18°±3.59° before surgery to 10.93°±0.90° after surgery. The IMA was reduced from 11.47°±0.85° to 6.94°±0.65°, and the DMAA decreased from 15.24°±1.13° to 4.31°±0.56°. The MEW decreased from 4.07±0.70 mm to 0.13±0.11 mm. The PMRW, which was measured at one day postoperatively and at the two-year follow-up, decreased from 3.44±0.66 mm to 0.19±0.11 mm. Functional assessments also showed significant improvements ( P<0.05). The AOFAS forefoot score increased from 57.42±3.93 before surgery to 89.52±3.46 at the two-year follow-up. Pain levels, as assessed by the VAS, decreased from 5.68±1.11 preoperatively to 0.77±0.50 postoperatively. At the two-year follow-up, 97% of patients reported excellent satisfaction with the surgical outcome. During the follow-up period, complications included mild numbness around the wound in two cases, metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness in one case, and hallux valgus recurrence in one case, accounting for 3% of the cohort. Conclusion:Third-generation MICA without addressing the proximal projection is an effective procedure for correcting mild to moderate hallux valgus. This technique significantly improves foot function, reduces pain, and leads to high levels of patient satisfaction.
9.Safety and efficacy of early precise lower limb weight-bearing rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures
Jianfeng XUE ; Mingjie TANG ; Lei WANG ; Xu WANG ; Jianhua HUANG ; Yunfeng YANG ; Lei SHEN ; Chao ZHANG ; Fucun LIU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Xin MA ; Zhongmin SHI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(7):557-564
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early precise lower limb weight-bearing functional rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.Methods:A restropective multi-center study was conducted to enroll the eligible 120 patients with malleolar fracture who received the same surgical treatment from March 2023 to December 2023 at the trauma centers in 7 tertiary hospitals according to the inclusion criteria. They were assigned into a study group ( n=60) for precise lower limb weight-bearing functional rehabilitation with the assistance of intelligent lower limb walking rehabilitation crutches and a control group ( n=60) for conventional weight-bearing functional rehabilitation which was gradually increased according to their own feelings under the protection of a walking boot. All the 60 patients in the study group completed their final follow-ups. They were 25 males and 35 females, with an age of (43.8±16.6) years and a body mass index of (25.3±2.3) kg/m 2. Only 51 patients in the control group completed their final follow-ups. They were 27 males and 24 females, with an age of (45.1±16.4) years and a body mass index of (24.7±2.3) kg/m 2. When their incisions healed and their sutures were removed 2 weeks after operation, the patients were guided to start lower limb weight-bearing functional rehabilitation, and exercises for foot and ankle joint mobility and lower limb muscles. The end point of follow-up was 12 weeks after operation. The 2 groups were compared in terms of the crutch-off rates, thigh circumferences, calf circumferences, dorsiflexions, plantarflexions, ankle swellings, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 6 and 12 weeks after operation. The complications were also recorded in the 2 groups. Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). At 6 and 12 weeks after operation, the crutch-off rates [41.7% (25/60) and 100.0% (60/60)], dorsiflexions (69.3%±21.6% and 82.9%±26.3%) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores [(68.5±7.6) points and (96.9±3.7) points] in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group [13.7% (7/51) and 39.2% (20/51), 61.5%±16.5% and 72.0%±14.3%, (61.9±9.3) points and (90.1±7.2) points] ( P<0.05). At 6 weeks after operation, the thigh circumference (97.4%±1.9%), calf circumference (97.3%±1.9%), and plantarflexion (76.6%±19.8%) in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (95.9%±2.5%, 94.6%±3.2%, and 63.9%±16.9%) ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in ankle swelling at 6 or 12 weeks after operation, or thigh or calf circumference, plantarflexion, or VAS pain score at 12 weeks after operation ( P>0.05). No wound complications, secondary fracture displacement, or loosening of internal fixation occurred in either group during the follow-up period. There were no cases of nonunion or delayed union. Conclusions:Early lower limb weight-bearing functional rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures demonstrates good safety. Precise weight-bearing rehabilitation accelerates functional recovery of the ankle, enabling earlier return to normal daily activities.
10.Predictive value of combined detection of two serum markers for poor prognosis in patients with ACI after endovascular intervention
Zhongmin ZHANG ; Xiaoli WANG ; Huanyi WANG ; Jian HAN ; Yang JIAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):1051-1055
Objective To explore the predictive value of serum angiopoietin-like protein 4(ANGPTL4)and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1)for poor prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI)undergoing intravascular intervention therapy.Methods A total of 180 ACI patients undergoing endovascular intervention in our department from January 2021 to February 2024 were prospectively recruited and served as the study group,and according to the prognosis,they were divided into a good prognosis group(97 cases)and a poor prognosis group(83 cases).Another 180 individuals who taking healthy checkup in the same period served as the control group.The levels of ANGPTL4 and CX3CL1 were measured by ELISA.Results The ser-um ANGPTL4 level was significantly lower while that of CX3CL1 was obviously higher in the study group than the control group(P<0.01).The poor prognosis group had notably longer time from onset to admission and larger proportions of having NIHSS score at admission≥15 and an-terior circulation cerebral infarction,lower serum ANGPTL4 level and higher CX3CL1 level when compared with the good prognosis group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that time from onset to admission,NIHSS score at admission,location of cerebral infarc-tion,and CX3CL1 were risk factors,and ANGPTL4 was a protective factor for poor prognosis in ACI patients(P<0.05,P<0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of serum ANGPTL4,CX3CL1 and their combinzation in predicting poor prognosis in ACI patients was 0.816(95%CI:0.755-0.877),0.860(95%CI:0.791-0.930),and 0.901(95%CI:0.846-0.956),respectively,and the combined indicators showed better predictive value than each indicator alone(Z=2.716,Z=2.732,P<0.05).Conclusion Serum ANGPTL4 and CX3CL1 levels are abnormal-ly expressed in ACI patients after intravascular intervention therapy,and are related to prognosis.Their combined detection can improve the predictive value for poor prognosis.

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