1.Retrospective study on intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in osteoporosis and related pain diseases.
Yi-Run LI ; Li LI ; Yin-Qiu GAO ; Cui-Ling DONG ; Xing-Jiang XIONG ; Xiao-Chen YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3180-3188
Osteoporosis(OP) is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and degenerative bone tissue. Osteoporotic pain(OPP) is its most common clinical symptom, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. With the limitations of modern medical treatments and the intensification of aging, it is imperative to explore more cost-effective interventions for OPP. This paper, based on databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, BioMed, and Web of Science, uncovered the connection between the pathogenesis of OPP in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and modern medical mechanisms and retrospectively summarized the basic and clinical research methods and evidence of TCM prescriptions in the treatment of OP and related pain diseases. Studies have shown that TCM prescriptions, focusing on treatments such as nourishing the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, can significantly improve pain symptoms, increase bone mineral density(BMD), and adjust bone metabolic indicators such as C-terminal telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen(CTX), serum bone Gla-protein(S-BGP), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The mechanisms of action of TCM prescriptions in treating OP and improving OPP symptoms were related to signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), and the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL) axis. Further strengthening the accumulation and analysis of clinical data, rigorously designing and conducting randomized controlled trials of TCM treatments for OPP with large sample sizes, standardizing outcome measures in basic and clinical research by using methods such as the core outcome set(COS), and incorporating mass spectrometry and omics approaches to uncover more potential active components and mechanisms may contribute to a deeper exploration of the advantages and essence of TCM prescriptions in the treatment of OPP.
Humans
;
Osteoporosis/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Pain/metabolism*
;
Animals
2.Theoretical discussion and research progress on treatment of glucocorticoid- induced osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine.
Ting-Ting XU ; Ying DING ; Xia ZHANG ; Long WANG ; Shan-Shan XU ; Chun-Dong SONG ; Wen-Sheng ZHAI ; Xian-Qing REN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4437-4450
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is a serious metabolic bone disease caused by long-term application of glucocorticoids(GCs). Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages in improving bone microstructure and antagonizing hormone toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical research, clinical application, and basic research progress of TCM intervention in GIOP. In terms of theoretical research, the theory of "kidney governing bone and generating marrow" indicates that the kidney is closely related to bone development, revealing that core pathogenesis of GIOP is Yin-Yang disharmony, which can be discussed using the theories of "Yin fire", "ministerial fire", and "Yang pathogen damaging Yin". Thus, regulating Yin and Yang is the basic principle to treat GIOP. In terms of clinical application, effective empirical prescriptions(such as Bushen Zhuanggu Decoction, Bushen Jiangu Decoction, and Zibu Ganshen Formula) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Xianling Gubao Capsules, etc.) can effectively increase bone mineral density(BMD) and improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can reduce the risk of fracture and play an anti-GIOP role. In terms of basic research, it has been clarified that active ingredients of TCM(such as fraxetin, ginsenoside Rg_1, and salidroside) reduce bone loss and promote bone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other pathways, effectively improving bone homeostasis. Additionally, classical prescriptions(Modified Yiguan Decoction, Modified Qing'e Pills, Zuogui Pills, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Granules, Lurong Jiangu Dropping Pills, Gubao Capsules, etc.) can improve bone marrow microcirculation, promote osteoblast differentiation, and inhibit bone cell apoptosis through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple mechanisms. Through the above three aspects, the TCM research status on GIOP is elucidated in the expectation of providing reference for its diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment programs.
Osteoporosis/physiopathology*
;
Humans
;
Glucocorticoids/adverse effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
3.Mechanism of Compound Ziyin Granules in improving postmenopausal osteoporosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Wen-Jing LIU ; Fan XIE ; Piao-Piao WANG ; Yu-Ting SUN ; Wen-Yan LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4659-4667
This study investigates the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of Compound Ziyin Granules(CZYG) on postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP) induced by bilateral ovariectomy in rats. Six-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated(sham) group, ovariectomy(OVX) model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose CZYG groups, and alendronate sodium(AS) group. After 30 days of model establishment, treatment was administered by gavage once daily for 8 weeks, followed by sample collection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of calcium ions, alkaline phosphatase(AKP), estrogen(E_2), osteoprotegerin(OPG), osteocalcin(BGP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP), and type Ⅰ procollagen N-terminal propeptide(PINP). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the femurs of rats, while micro-computed tomography(micro-CT) was used to analyze the microstructure of the distal femur. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the expression levels of bone metabolism-related proteins, including wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2(Wnt2), β-catenin, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5(LRP5), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β). The mRNA expression levels of Wnt2, β-catenin, LRP5, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β were determined by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR). Thirty days after bilateral ovariectomy, compared to the sham group, the OVX group showed significant increases in body weight and significant decreases in uterine coefficient. After 8 weeks of treatment, compared to the OVX group, CZYG(medium and high doses) and AS reduced body weight, with high-dose CZYG and AS significantly increasing the uterine coefficient. Serum levels of AKP and TRAP were significantly elevated, while levels of calcium, E_2, BGP, and OPG were significantly decreased in the OVX group. Compared to the OVX group, CZYG and AS significantly reduced serum levels of AKP and TRAP, while high-dose CZYG and AS notably increased the levels of E_2, BGP, OPG, and PINP. Micro-CT and HE staining results indicated that CZYG(medium and high doses) and AS significantly increased bone tissue volume, trabecular number, bone mineral density, and improved the microstructure of the femur. Compared to the OVX group, high-dose CZYG and AS significantly upregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt2, β-catenin, and LRP5, and downregulated the phosphorylation level of p-GSK-3β. These results suggest that CZYG can improve PMOP by promoting estrogen secretion, improving bone metabolism indicators, increasing trabecular number and bone mineral density. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Animals
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Female
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/genetics*
;
Rats
;
Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
beta Catenin/genetics*
;
Osteoprotegerin/metabolism*
;
Ovariectomy
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Calcium/blood*
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
4.A study on the predictive model of porous hyperelastic properties of human alveolar bone based on computed tomography imaging.
Bin WU ; Mingna LI ; Fan YANG ; Le YUAN ; Yi LU ; Di JIANG ; Yang YI ; Bin YAN
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(2):359-365
Alveolar bone reconstruction simulation is an effective means for quantifying orthodontics, but currently, it is not possible to directly obtain human alveolar bone material models for simulation. This study introduces a prediction method for the equivalent shear modulus of three-dimensional random porous materials, integrating the first-order Ogden hyperelastic model to construct a computed tomography (CT) based porous hyperelastic Ogden model (CT-PHO) for human alveolar bone. Model parameters are derived by combining results from micro-CT, nanoindentation experiments, and uniaxial compression tests. Compared to previous predictive models, the CT-PHO model shows a lower root mean square error (RMSE) under all bone density conditions. Simulation results using the CT-PHO model parameters in uniaxial compression experiments demonstrate more accurate prediction of the mechanical behavior of alveolar bone under compression. Further prediction and validation with different individual human alveolar bone samples yield accurate results, confirming the generality of the CT-PHO model. The study suggests that the CT-PHO model proposed in this paper can estimate the material properties of human alveolar bone and may eventually be used for bone reconstruction simulations to guide clinical treatment.
Humans
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Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*
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Porosity
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Alveolar Process/physiology*
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Bone Density
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Computer Simulation
;
Elasticity
;
X-Ray Microtomography
;
Stress, Mechanical
;
Finite Element Analysis
;
Models, Biological
5.Experimental study on the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Zidong AN ; Liqiang WANG ; Yi WU ; Yongjie PANG ; Keming CHEN ; Yuhai GAO
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(5):1054-1061
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of 50 Hz-0.6 mT low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Thirty 3-month-old female SD rats were selected and divided into a sham operation group (Sham), an ovariectomized model group (OVX), and a low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. After 8 weeks, the whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) of each group of rats was measured. The treatment group began to receive PEMF stimulation for 90 minutes daily, while the OVX group only received a simulated placement without electricity. After 6 weeks of intervention, all rats were sacrificed and tested for in vitro BMD, micro-CT, biomechanics, serum biochemical indicators, and bone tissue-related proteins. The results showed that the BMD of the OVX group was significantly lower than that of the Sham group 8 weeks after surgery, indicating successful modeling. After 6 weeks of treatment, compared with the OVX group, the PEMF group exhibited significantly increased BMD in the whole body, femur, and vertebral bodies. Micro-CT analysis results showed improved bone microstructure, significantly increased maximum load and bending strength of the femur, elevated levels of serum bone formation markers, and increased expression of osteogenic-related proteins. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that daily 90-minute exposure to 50 Hz-0.6 mT PEMF effectively enhances BMD, improves bone biomechanical properties, optimizes bone microstructure, stimulates bone formation, and inhibits bone resorption in ovariectomized rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Female
;
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/therapy*
;
Rats
;
Bone Density
;
Ovariectomy
;
Magnetic Field Therapy/methods*
;
Electromagnetic Fields
6.Lumbar Spondylolysis in Chinese Adults: Prevalence and Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Dong YAN ; Yan Dong LIU ; Ling WANG ; Kai LI ; Wen Shuang ZHANG ; Yi YUAN ; Jian GENG ; Kang Kang MA ; Feng Yun ZHOU ; Zi Tong CHENG ; Xiao Guang CHENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):598-606
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis (LS) and the proportion of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS) in China, and to evaluate the musculoskeletal status of patients with LS and SS.
METHODS:
Spine Computed Tomography (CT) images were collected from community populations aged 40 and above in a nationwide multi-center project. LS was diagnosed, and SS was graded by an experienced radiologist. Bone mineral density (BMD) and paraspinal muscle parameters were quantified based on CT images.
RESULTS:
One hundred and seventeen patients of a total of 3,317 individuals were diagnosed with LS, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 3.53%. 63 of the 1,214 males (5.18%) and 54 of the 2,103 females (2.57%) were diagnosed with LS. SS occurred in 64/121 vertebrae (52.89%). BMD was not associated with LS ( P = 0.341). The L5 extensor paraspinal muscle density was higher in the LS group than in the non-LS group. In the LS group, patients with SS had a smaller L5 paraspinal extensor muscle cross-sectional area than those without SS ( P = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of LS in Chinese adults was 3.53%, with prevalence rates of 5.18% in males and 2.57% in females. Patients with LS have higher muscle density, whereas those with SS have smaller muscle cross-sectional areas at the L5 level.
Humans
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Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
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Prevalence
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Adult
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging*
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Spondylolysis/diagnostic imaging*
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Aged
;
Bone Density
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Spondylolisthesis/epidemiology*
;
East Asian People
7.Evaluation and analysis of efficacy in bisphosphonate treatment of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis.
Dandan LI ; Zhujun YU ; Cheng NIE ; Zixin ZOU ; Jianli WANG
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(1):98-105
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to analyze the influence of drug factors on the efficacy of bisphosphonate for chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis to provide a reference for clinical treatment and promote clinical rational drug use by evaluation of effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonate treatment of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis.
METHODS:
Literature on the treatment of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis by using bisphosphonate was collected and analyzed from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases.
RESULTS:
A total of 489 cases were collected, with an average complete response rate of clinical presentation, laboratory tests and imaging findings of 80.37%, 80.56% and 79.22%, respectively. Except for opadronate, risedronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, alendronate, neidronate and zoledronate showed good efficacy, and the average complete response rates were 100%, 100%, 81.64%, 87.50%, 69.23% and 69.23%, respectively.The study found that in the pamidronate group, the average complete response rate of 0.5-1 mg/kg (maximum single dose≤60 mg) subgroup and the frequency of administration once every 3 months subgroup were better than other subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS
Bisphosphonate could be used to treat chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, which of efficacy were affected by different drug types, dose and frequency of administration. The optimal dose and frequency of administration of pamidronate were 0.5-1 mg/kg (maximum single dose≤60 mg) and once every 3 months, respectively.
Osteomyelitis/drug therapy*
;
Humans
;
Diphosphonates/administration & dosage*
;
Chronic Disease
;
Bone Density Conservation Agents/administration & dosage*
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Female
;
Pamidronate
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Middle Aged
;
Male
8.Advances in Research on Application of Quantitative CT in Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis.
Ning XIA ; Dong-Fa LIAO ; Xiang-Wei LI ; Da LIU
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):118-123
Quantitative CT (QCT) is a method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of human based on a CT machine,calibrated by QCT body model and analyzed by professional software.Compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,QCT can not only assess the cortical and cancellous BMD but also exclude the influences of osteophytes and aortic/vascular calcification,thus being capable of accurately reflecting patients' bone mass.In recent years,increasing studies on QCT and osteoporosis (OP) have been carried out,and the application of QCT in the diagnosis of OP,evaluation of vertebral bone conditions,prediction of fracture risks,and assessment of anti-OP treatment is garnering increasing attention from researchers at home and abroad.This article reviews the research progress in this field,aiming to provide a reference for the research on QCT in the diagnosis and treatment of OP.
Humans
;
Osteoporosis/diagnosis*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*
;
Bone Density
9.Physical Function Characteristics of Elderly Women With Fall Experiences.
Ya-Fei DUAN ; De-Wen JI ; Tao FU ; Zhu-Qing DONG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):182-190
Objective To explore the physical function indicators of elderly women with fall experiences,so as to provide more data reference for fall prevention,risk assessment,and solving of aging-related health problems in elderly women.Methods The fall history of 167 elderly women in communities in Tianjin was investigated by a questionnaire.The participants were assigned into a fall group(more than 2 falls in the last 1 year)and a non-fall group according to the number of falls.Body composition was tested by an Inbody 770 Body Composition Analyzer,and the calcaneus bone mineral density was measured by a UBD2002A Ultrasound Bone Densitometer.The muscle strength and proprioception of knee and ankle joints of lower limbs were measured by a PRIMUS BTE Isokinetic Tester.The muscle strength of lower limbs was evaluated by the number of 30-second sitting-rising.The visual sensitivity was examined by two-contrast near point reading cards(with a small number of strokes).The dynamic and static balance abilities were determined by a Korebalance Tester,and the static balance ability was tested by one-leg standing with eyes closed.The dynamic and static balance was assessed based on the Berg balance scale,and walking gait characteristics were studied by a BTS three-dimensional motion capture system.Results The skeletal muscle content(P<0.001),strength of non-dominant knee flexor muscle(P=0.002),number of 30-second sitting-rising(P=0.006),and average walking speed(P=0.013)in the fall group were lower than those in the non-fall group.The visual acuity at 10% grayscale(P=0.001),active knee joint position sense(P<0.001),strength of non-dominant ankle flexor muscle(P<0.001),and one-leg standing time with eyes closed(P<0.001)in the fall group were lower than those in the non-fall group.The fall group outperformed the non-fall group in right-left balance rate(P=0.031)and forward-backward balance rate(P=0.028)during static and dynamic balance tests.Conclusion The ankle angle,proprioception,muscle strength,and skeletal muscle content of lower limbs,visual sensitivity,dynamic and static balance abilities,and walking ability of elderly women with fall experiences were lower than those without fall experiences.
Humans
;
Accidental Falls
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Postural Balance
;
Muscle Strength
;
Body Composition
;
Bone Density
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Gait
10.Finite element analysis of impact of bone mass and volume in low-density zone beneath tibial plateau on cartilage and meniscus in knee joint.
Longfei HAN ; Wenyuan HOU ; Shun LU ; Zijun ZENG ; Kun LIN ; Mingli HAN ; Guifeng LUO ; Long TIAN ; Fan YANG ; Mincong HE ; Qiushi WEI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(3):296-306
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the impact of bone mass and volume of low-density zones beneath the tibial plateau on the maximum von Mises stresses experienced by the cartilage and meniscus in the knee joint.
METHODS:
The study included one healthy adult volunteer, from whom CT scans were obtained, and one patient diagnosed with knee osteoarthrisis (KOA), for whom X-ray films were acquired. A static model of the knee joint featuring a low-density zone was established based on a normal knee model. In the finite element analysis, axial loads of 1 000 N and 1 800 N were applied to the weight-bearing region of the upper surface of the femoral head for model validation and subsequent finite element studies, respectively. The maximum von Mises stresses in the femoral cartilage, as well as the medial and lateral tibial cartilage and menisci, were observed, and the stress percentage of the medial and lateral components were concurrently analyzed. Additionally, HE staining, as well as alkaline magenta staining, were performed on the pathological specimens of patients with KOA in various low-density regions.
RESULTS:
The results of model validation indicated that the model was consistent with normal anatomical structures and correlated with previous calculations documented in the literature. Static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress in the medial component of the normal knee was the lowest and increased with the advancement of the hypointensity zone. In contrast, the lateral component exhibited an opposing trend, with the maximum von Mises stress in the lateral component being the highest and decreasing as the hypointensity zone progressed. Additionally, the medial component experienced an increasing proportion of stress within the overall knee joint. HE staining demonstrated that the chondrocyte layer progressively deteriorated and may even disappear as the hypointensity zone expanded. Furthermore, alkaline magenta staining indicated that the severity of microfractures in the trabecular bone increased concurrently with the expansion of the hypointensity zone.
CONCLUSION
The presence of subtalar plateau low-density zone may aggravate joint degeneration. In clinical practice, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in the subtalar plateau low-density zone and actively take effective measures to strengthen the bone status of the subtalar plateau low-density zone and restore the complete biomechanical function of the knee joint, in order to slow down or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
Humans
;
Finite Element Analysis
;
Knee Joint/physiology*
;
Tibia/anatomy & histology*
;
Cartilage, Articular/physiology*
;
Menisci, Tibial/physiopathology*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/diagnostic imaging*
;
Weight-Bearing
;
Bone Density
;
Adult
;
Stress, Mechanical
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Biomechanical Phenomena
;
Female

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