1.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
2.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
3.Clinical Efficacy and Scalp Microbiome Changes Induced by AMPamide-Containing Shampoo in Patients With Seborrheic Dermatitis
Yi Na YOON ; Sae Hee KIM ; Ji Won LIM ; Myeong Jae KIM ; Hye-Jin KIM ; Woo Jun SUL ; Daehwan KIM ; Wonseok JEONG ; Jeonghwan HWANG ; Da-Ae YU ; Yong Beom CHOE ; Yang Won LEE
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(3):237-247
Background:
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory scalp disorder associated with Malassezia dysbiosis and increased sebum production. AMPamide has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects, but its clinical efficacy and microbiome-modulating effects in SD remain unclear.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and scalp microbiome changes following 4 weeks of use of an AMPamide-containing shampoo in patients with SD.
Methods:
In this observational study, 30 patients with SD applied an AMPamide-containing shampoo for 4 consecutive weeks. Clinical outcomes, including sebum levels and overall severity scores, were assessed. Scalp bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed to evaluate α- and β-diversity and changes in Malassezia composition.
Results:
Treatment resulted in significant reductions in sebum levels and clinical severity scores, particularly in erythema, dandruff, and pruritus. Bacterial community composition remained largely stable, while fungal α-diversity increased, and β-diversity analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of Malassezia restricta to Malassezia globosa.
Conclusion
AMPamide-containing shampoo was associated with improved clinical symptoms and a shift toward a more balanced fungal community composition in patients with SD, supporting its potential as a non-steroidal therapeutic option for SD.
4.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
5.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
6.Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Chronic AntibioticRefractory Pouchitis in Korean Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Ji Eun BAEK ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Jong Lyul LEE ; Yong Sik YOON ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Chang Sik YU ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Sang Hyoung PARK
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):388-397
Background/Aims:
The study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods:
This single-center retrospective study included patients with UC who underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Asan Medical Center in Korea between January 1987 and December 2022. The primary outcomes were endoscopic remission and pouch failure. The Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to identify the risk factors for CARP.
Results:
The clinical data of 232 patients were analyzed. The most common cause of surgery was steroid refractoriness (50.9%), followed by dysplasia/colorectal cancer (26.7%). Among 74 patients (31.9%) with chronic pouchitis (CP), 31 (13.4%) had CARP, and 43 (18.5%) had chronic antibiotic-dependent pouchitis (CADP). The most frequent endoscopic phenotype was focal inflammation of the pouch (CP, 47.3%; CARP, 35.5%; CADP, 55.8%). Patients with CARP were less likely to use concomitant probiotics than patients with CADP (29.0% vs 72.1%, p<0.01). The endoscopic remission rate of CP, CARP, and CADP was 14.9%, 9.7%, and 18.6%, respectively.The pouch failure rate associated with CP, CARP, and CADP was 13.5%, 16.1%, and 11.6%, respectively. Current smoking status (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27 to 6.90; p=0.01) and previous use of biologics/small molecules (aHR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 5.53; p=0.04) were significantly associated with CARP development.
Conclusions
UC patients who were current smokers and previously used biologics/small molecules had a higher risk of developing CARP. Concomitant use of probiotics was less likely to be associated with CARP development.
7.Characteristics and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Korea
Ki Jin KIM ; Su-Bin SONG ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Ji Eun BAEK ; Ga Hee KIM ; Min-Jun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Chang Sik YU ; Yong-Sik YOON ; Jong-Lyul LEE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Ho-Su LEE ; Sang Hyoung PARK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(2):243-250
Background/Aims:
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans.
Results:
A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR.
Conclusions
Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Oxidative Stress to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis: A Review
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):277-285
Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disease, which is mainly characterized by the decrease in the number of bone trabeculae and the destruction of bone tissue microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risks. This disease is common in postmenopausal women, elderly men, diabetes patients, and obese people. Due to the lack of awareness to prevent bone losses and the limitations of bone mass measurement methods, osteoporosis is only concerned when there are serious complications, which imposes a heavy burden on both patients and medical resources. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive production of highly active molecules such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen in the body subjected to harmful stimuli, leading to the imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems and causing oxidative damage. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can increase the generation and activity of osteoclasts and inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts, thus playing a role in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered an effective antioxidant that can alleviate oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis by regulating a variety of signaling pathways. Studies have shown that TCM can alleviate oxidative stress and promote bone angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor-kappa B, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathways. TCM alleviates oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis by regulating the Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, and secreted glycoprotein Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In addition, TCM regulates NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway to alleviate excessive bone resorption induced by oxidative stress. This paper systematically summarizes the literature on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by TCM or its active ingredients via the above-mentioned signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress in recent years. It briefs the possible molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress regulation-related signaling pathways to cause osteoporosis. In addition, this paper discusses the effects and mechanisms of TCM on bone angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone resorption by reducing oxidative stress through the regulation of related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the research and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.
9.Characteristics and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Korea
Ki Jin KIM ; Su-Bin SONG ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Ji Eun BAEK ; Ga Hee KIM ; Min-Jun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Chang Sik YU ; Yong-Sik YOON ; Jong-Lyul LEE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Ho-Su LEE ; Sang Hyoung PARK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(2):243-250
Background/Aims:
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans.
Results:
A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR.
Conclusions
Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.
10.Characteristics and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Korea
Ki Jin KIM ; Su-Bin SONG ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Ji Eun BAEK ; Ga Hee KIM ; Min-Jun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Chang Sik YU ; Yong-Sik YOON ; Jong-Lyul LEE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Ho-Su LEE ; Sang Hyoung PARK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(2):243-250
Background/Aims:
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans.
Results:
A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR.
Conclusions
Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.


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