1.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
2.Association between moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity and sedentary behavior among primary and secondary school students and their parents
YAO Zifeng, YE Rongrong, CHEN Jiade, XU Peng, HUANG Yanhong, LI Lixia, LI Hongjuan, GAO Yanhui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):68-72
Objective:
To explore the associations of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among primary and secondary school students and their parents, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted physical activity promotion strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
From 2021 to 2022, basic information and 24 h movement behaviors of 2 484 pairs of students and their parents were collected from five primary and secondary schools in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, with a convenient sampling combining with cluster sampling method. Component regression models were constructed to analyze the relationship between parental MVPA, SB and primary and secondary school students MVPA and SB, and a component isochronous substitution model was used to explore the effects of mutual substitution between parental MVPA, residual components (time use components other than SB during the 24 h period), and SB on the behavioral activities of MVPA and SB in primary and secondary school students.
Results:
Parental MVPA and SB of students in grade 1 to 3 were positively correlated with both students MVPA and SB ( β=0.06, 0.12, P <0.01). The component isochronous substitution model showed that substituting 10 and 20 minutes of MVPA for SB by parents in grade 1 to 3 was associated with an increase in MVPA of students, and substituting 10 and 20 minutes of residual ingredients for SB was associated with a decrease in SB of students, with mean changes of 0.8 (95% CI =0.4-1.2) and 1.4 (95% CI =0.7-2.2) and -1.4 (95% CI =-1.7 to -1.1) and -2.9 (95% CI =-3.4 to -2.3)( P <0.05). No statistically significant associations were observed between parents of students in grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 and students physical activity and sedentary behaviour ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
Parents of students in grades 1 to 3 increases MVPA and decrease SB are beneficial to increase MVPA and decrease SB of students. Parents could promote physical activity among primary and secondary school students, and the intervention gateway should be advanced, with the low grades as the optimal intervention period.
3.Discussion on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis from the Theory of"Deficient Qi Stagnation"Based on Mitophagy
Zifeng YE ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xiaotong XU ; Zhi WEN ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):14-18
Mitophagy,a critical regulator of knee joint homeostasis,its dysfunction can lead to pathological changes such as reactive oxygen species overproduction,calcium ion overload,and extracellular matrix degradation,inducing cartilage degeneration and serving as a key pathological mechanism of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)."Deficient qi stagnation"represents the core pathogenesis of KOA.Mitochondria,analogous in function to qi and serving as its microscopic manifestation,exhibit a high degree of congruence between mitophagy and the defensive functions of qi.Based on the pathogenic characteristics of"deficient qi stagnation"of KOA,and integrating modern medical explanations of mitophagy,this article believed that the deficiency of liver,spleen and kidney qi is the fundamental reason for the imbalance of mitochondrial autophagy in KOA,and the retention of pathogenic toxins is the key factor in the imbalance of mitochondrial autophagy.The basic treatment method of tonifying qi and strengthening the body,promoting blood circulation and promoting stagnation can provide clinical formula ideas for the TCM prevention and treatment of KOA.
4.The role of H-type vessels as a mediator of subchondral bone remodeling and cartilage degeneration in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1247-1252
There is a close relationship between subchondral bone remodeling and angiogenesis in knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Type H vessels,a newly identified subtype of bone vasculature,play a pivotal role in linking angiogenesis with osteogenesis by mediating signals through various cytokines,thereby regulating bone growth and homeostasis.During KOA development,mechanical loads and factors like transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),platelet-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)cause abnormal H-type vessel growth in subchondral bone and cartilage.This suggests that H-type vessel regulation might be a potential KOA treatment mechanism.This article explores the role of H-type vessels in subchondral bone remodeling and cartilage degeneration and the factors driving their abnormal growth,which provides a theoretical basis for further research and high-lights the potential of targeting H-type vessels for KOA treatment.
5.Research Progress of Neutrophil Extracellular Trapping Nets in Inflammatory Joint Diseases
Yiwei YUAN ; Zifeng YE ; Le ZHANG
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(3):428-432
Inflammatory joint diseases are a common type of chronic joint disorders including rheumatoid arthritis,ankylo-sing spondylitis and gouty arthritis,which usually lead to pain and even joint deformity.Its pathogenesis is complex and related to multiple factors.Neutrophils,as the first line of defense of the body,play a significant role in the early stage of pathogen inva-sion.Neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs)are released from activated neutrophils to trap and kill microorganisms,protecting the body from invasion.However,recent studies have shown that although NETs play a role in the body's defense,overly or ab-normally activated NETs play a driving role in various diseases,such as systemic lupus erythematosus,diabetes,tumors,etc.However,there are relatively few studies on the role of NETs in inflammatory joint diseases.This article sorts out the phys-iological characteristics,formation conditions of NETs,and their association with inflammatory joint diseases,with the aim of finding new targets for the effective treatment of inflammatory joint diseases.
6.Research Progress of Neutrophil Extracellular Trapping Nets in Inflammatory Joint Diseases
Yiwei YUAN ; Zifeng YE ; Le ZHANG
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(3):428-432
Inflammatory joint diseases are a common type of chronic joint disorders including rheumatoid arthritis,ankylo-sing spondylitis and gouty arthritis,which usually lead to pain and even joint deformity.Its pathogenesis is complex and related to multiple factors.Neutrophils,as the first line of defense of the body,play a significant role in the early stage of pathogen inva-sion.Neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs)are released from activated neutrophils to trap and kill microorganisms,protecting the body from invasion.However,recent studies have shown that although NETs play a role in the body's defense,overly or ab-normally activated NETs play a driving role in various diseases,such as systemic lupus erythematosus,diabetes,tumors,etc.However,there are relatively few studies on the role of NETs in inflammatory joint diseases.This article sorts out the phys-iological characteristics,formation conditions of NETs,and their association with inflammatory joint diseases,with the aim of finding new targets for the effective treatment of inflammatory joint diseases.
7.Discussion on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis from the Theory of"Deficient Qi Stagnation"Based on Mitophagy
Zifeng YE ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xiaotong XU ; Zhi WEN ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):14-18
Mitophagy,a critical regulator of knee joint homeostasis,its dysfunction can lead to pathological changes such as reactive oxygen species overproduction,calcium ion overload,and extracellular matrix degradation,inducing cartilage degeneration and serving as a key pathological mechanism of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)."Deficient qi stagnation"represents the core pathogenesis of KOA.Mitochondria,analogous in function to qi and serving as its microscopic manifestation,exhibit a high degree of congruence between mitophagy and the defensive functions of qi.Based on the pathogenic characteristics of"deficient qi stagnation"of KOA,and integrating modern medical explanations of mitophagy,this article believed that the deficiency of liver,spleen and kidney qi is the fundamental reason for the imbalance of mitochondrial autophagy in KOA,and the retention of pathogenic toxins is the key factor in the imbalance of mitochondrial autophagy.The basic treatment method of tonifying qi and strengthening the body,promoting blood circulation and promoting stagnation can provide clinical formula ideas for the TCM prevention and treatment of KOA.
8.Summary of the Effects of Mitophagy in OA
Zifeng YE ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Yiwei YUAN
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2024;53(6):858-864
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease in humans,the pathogenesis of which is still un-clear.Mitochondrial impairment dysfunction plays an important role in human aging and degenerative diseases,therefore main-taining mitochondrial functional homeostasis is a potential therapeutic target for OA.Mitophagy is a process of targeted clear-ance and phagocytic dysregulated or damaged mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis,which suggests that the reg-ulation of mitophagy may be a potential mechanism of OA treatment.In this paper,through reviewing the recently published lit-erature about mitophagy and OA,the role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of OA is discussed,providing theoretical research for mitophagy,and emphasizing the potential of targeting autophagy to treat degenerative joint diseases.
9.Summary of the Effects of Mitophagy in OA
Zifeng YE ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Yiwei YUAN
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2024;53(6):858-864
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease in humans,the pathogenesis of which is still un-clear.Mitochondrial impairment dysfunction plays an important role in human aging and degenerative diseases,therefore main-taining mitochondrial functional homeostasis is a potential therapeutic target for OA.Mitophagy is a process of targeted clear-ance and phagocytic dysregulated or damaged mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis,which suggests that the reg-ulation of mitophagy may be a potential mechanism of OA treatment.In this paper,through reviewing the recently published lit-erature about mitophagy and OA,the role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of OA is discussed,providing theoretical research for mitophagy,and emphasizing the potential of targeting autophagy to treat degenerative joint diseases.


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