1.Correlation Between Quality of Life and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Yibin ZHANG ; Qi LU ; Baitong WANG ; Yixun QI ; Hanying XU ; Peng XU ; Meijin SONG ; Peixi ZHAO ; Zhiguo LYU ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):275-281
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between the quality of life (QOL) and different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), identifying potential influencing factors to provide new insights for clinical interventions and improving the QOL of patients with MG. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 93 adults with MG who visited the Department of Neurology at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from March 2023 to January 2024. Statistical analysis was performed on the clinical data collected using SPSS 24.0 software. ResultsAmong the 93 patients with MG, the average score for myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 (MGQOL-15) was 17.65±6.27, and that for the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was (106.13±11.83) scores. The QOL was rated as good for 16 patients and moderate for 77 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of MGQOL-15, SF-36, and their individual scales by gender or education level. Age showed statistically significant differences in MGQOL-15 and the role physical (RP) scale (P<0.05), and occupational type showed significant differences in the vitality (VT) scale (P<0.01). The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification had statistical significance on the total SF-36 score (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), role emotional (RE) scale (P<0.05), social functioning (SF) scale (P<0.05), and physical functioning (PF) scale (P<0.01). Among patients with different TCM syndromes, there were significant differences in MGQOL-15 scores (F=4.919, P<0.01). Moreover, significant differences were observed in SF-36 scores (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), RE scale (P<0.05), mental health (MH) scale (P<0.01), and SF scale (P<0.05). ConclusionFactors affecting the QOL of patients with MG include age, occupational type, and clinical classification of MG. Specifically, a greater impact on the QOL of older patients is observed, while physical laborers have a poorer QOL compared to non-physical laborers. Patients classified as MGFA type Ⅱ and higher have a poorer QOL. Additionally, there is a potential correlation between the QOL and TCM syndromes, with patients presenting with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency having a lower QOL than those with spleen and stomach Qi deficiency or Qi and Yin deficiency, which is particularly evident in the VT, RE, MH, and SF scales.
2.The Role of NEAT1 in Bone and Cartilage Metabolism and Bone Diseases
Rui-Ming WEN ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Yi-Xing CHANG ; Ke XU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):930-945
In the process of maintaining the steady state of bone tissue, the transcription network and signal pathway of the body play a vital role. These complex regulatory mechanisms need precise coordination to ensure the balance between bone formation and bone absorption. Once this balance is broken, it may lead to pathological changes of bone and cartilage, and then lead to various bone diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand these regulatory mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. In recent years, with the deepening of research, more and more lncRNA has been found to be closely related to bone health. Among them, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as an extremely abundant RNA molecule in mammalian nuclei, has attracted extensive attention. NEAT1 is mainly transcribed from a specific site in human chromosome 11 by RNA polymerase II (RNaseP), which can form two different subtypes NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2. These two subtypes are different in intracellular distribution and function, but they participate in many biological processes together. Studies have shown that NEAT1 plays a specific role in the process of cell growth and stress response. For example, it can regulate the development of osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC) and chondrocytes by balancing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus maintaining the steady state of bone metabolism. This discovery reveals the important role of NEAT1 in bone development and remodeling. In addition, NEAT1 is closely related to a variety of bone diseases. In patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS), the expression level of NEAT1 is different. These differential expressions may be closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of bone diseases. By regulating the level of NEAT1, it can affect a variety of signal transduction pathways, and then affect the development of bone diseases. For example, some studies show that by regulating the expression level of NEAT1, the activity of osteoclasts can be inhibited, and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted, thus improving the symptoms of osteoporosis. It is worth noting that NEAT1 can also be used as a key sensor for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. When exercising or receiving some natural products, the expression level of NEAT1 will change, thus reflecting the response of bones to external stimuli. This feature makes NEAT1 an important target for studying the prevention and treatment strategies of bone diseases. However, although the role of NEAT1 in bone biology and bone diseases has been initially recognized, its specific mechanism and regulatory relationship are still controversial. For example, the expression level, mode of action and interaction with other molecules of NEAT1 in different bone diseases still need further in-depth study. This paper reviews the role of NEAT1 in maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism, and discusses its expression and function in various bone diseases. By combing the existing research results and controversial points, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, and provide useful reference and enlightenment for future research.
3.Study on stir-frying process of Platycodon grandiflorum and its protective effect on acute lung injury in mice before and after stir-frying
Xiaotian HAN ; Lei WANG ; Yaping WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Bin QI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1587-1592
OBJECTIVE To optimize the stir-frying process of Platycodon grandiflorum, compare the protective effect of P. grandiflorum on lung injury in mice before and after stir-frying, and preliminarily explore the characteristics of “enhanced efficacy through processing” of stir-frying P. grandiflorum. METHODS On the basis of single-factor experiment, the stir-frying time, temperature and frequency were taken as factors, and the comprehensive scores of appearance traits, platycodin D content and alcohol extract content were taken as indexes. Box-Behnken response surface experiment was designed to optimize the stir-frying process of P. grandiflorum and verify it. The mice were divided into blank control group, model group, dexamethasone group (positive control drug, 5 mg/kg), P. grandiflorum low-dose and high-dose groups (0.6,1.2 g/kg), fried P. grandiflorum low and high dose groups (0.6, 1.2 g/kg), with 8 mice in each group. The treatment was given once a day for 10 consecutive days. After the last administration, acute lung injury model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were detected, lung wet/dry weight ratio and thymus index were calculated, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed. RESULTS The optimum processing conditions were as follows:stir- frying temperature of 120 ℃, stir-frying time of 12 min, stir-frying frequency of 19 r/min; the comprehensive scores of the three batches of process verification were all greater than 97 points, RSD<3% (n=3). The results of pharmacodynamic experiments showed that compared with blank control group, the lung dry-wet weight ratio as well as the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO and MDA in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the thymus index and SOD level were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the lung tissue was significantly damaged. Compared with model group, above indexes of the mice in each administration group were significantly improved (P<0.01), and the lung tissue injury was significantly reduced. At the same dose, except for the lung dry-wet weight ratio, the above indexes of the mice in the stir-fried P. grandiflorum groups were significantly improved compared with P. grandiflorum 涵。E-mail:495758271@qq.com groups (P<0.05), and the lung tissue damage was further reduced. CONCLUSIONS The optimized stir-frying process is stable and feasible. The protective effect of stir-fried P.grandiflorum on acute lung injury in mice is better than that of raw products at the same dosage.
4.Integration of nuclear and radiation emergency medical treatment in the national emergency medical rescue team
Qiang ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Yan XIA ; Yuwei QI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):433-436
This study aims to address the specificity of nuclear and radiation medical treatment and explore the way to integrate such emergency medical treatment in national emergency medical rescue teams. By analyzing the characteristics of nuclear and radiation medical treatment, as well as the foundation, roles, and development of national emergency medical rescue teams, the study proposes a series of practical and feasible strategies, including professional knowledge training, manpower and material resource assurance, emergency response coordination mechanisms, and psychological health support. These strategies help to compensate for the professional deficiencies of national emergency medical rescue teams in responding to nuclear incidents and enhance their overall comprehensive capabilities, enabling them to better fulfill their responsibilities in health emergency rescue.
5.Expert consensus on the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System and the value of orientation of the "personal experience"
Qi WANG ; Yongyan WANG ; Wei XIAO ; Jinzhou TIAN ; Shilin CHEN ; Liguo ZHU ; Guangrong SUN ; Daning ZHANG ; Daihan ZHOU ; Guoqiang MEI ; Baofan SHEN ; Qingguo WANG ; Xixing WANG ; Zheng NAN ; Mingxiang HAN ; Yue GAO ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xiaobo SUN ; Kaiwen HU ; Liqun JIA ; Li FENG ; Chengyu WU ; Xia DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):445-450
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a treasure of the Chinese nation, plays a significant role in maintaining public health. In 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council proposed for the first time the establishment of a TCM registration and evaluation evidence system that integrates TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials (referred to as the "Three-in-One" System) to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM. Subsequently, the National Medical Products Administration issued several guiding principles to advance the improvement and implementation of this system. Owing to the complexity of its implementation, there are still differing understandings within the TCM industry regarding the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System, as well as the connotation and value orientation of the "personal experience." To address this, Academician WANG Qi, President of the TCM Association, China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare and TCM master, led a group of academicians, TCM masters, TCM pharmacology experts and clinical TCM experts to convene a "Seminar on Promoting the Implementation of the ′Three-in-One′ Registration and Evaluation Evidence System for Chinese Medicinals." Through extensive discussions, an expert consensus was formed, clarifying the different roles of the TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials within the system. It was further emphasized that the "personal experience" is the core of this system, and its data should be derived from clinical practice scenarios. In the future, the improvement of this system will require collaborative efforts across multiple fields to promote the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal industry.
6.Drugs that act in the lymphatic system and lymphatic drug delivery: review and perspective
Luo-juan HU ; Jing-kai GU ; Qi-dong YOU ; Si-fei HAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):565-573
The lymphatic system, as well as pathological changes of the lymphatic system, underlies the progress of an array of diseases and conditions, including cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and metabolic syndrome. A variety of biological targets in the lymphatic system can be employed to modulate these high-burden diseases, and the pharmacokinetics and drug delivery strategies in the context of lymphatics are of critical importance to optimise drug exposure to lymphatic-related targets. As such, research and drug development in this field has gained increasing attention in recent years. This article aims to provide an overview of pharmaceutical research with a focus on the lymphatic system and therapeutic targets within the lymphatics, followed by lymphatic drug delivery approaches, which may be of interest for researchers in academia, pharmaceutical industry and regulatory sciences.
7.Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan Prescription Protects Pancreatic β Cell by Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome via TGR5/cAMP Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yang XIAO ; Jinghan XU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Li WANG ; Chunli PIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):95-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Jiedu Tongluo Tiaogan prescription (JTTP) in protecting pancreatic β cells by targeting the bile acid Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway against NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. MethodThirty-two male SPF-grade db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group, low-dose JTTP group (3.6 g·kg-1), high-dose JTTP group (7.2 g·kg-1), and metformin group (0.2 g·kg-1). Eight db/m mice were assigned to the blank control group. The mice were treated with drugs for 8 weeks, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured every 2 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted after the last administration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect fasting insulin (FINS), and the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β levels were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in mouse pancreatic tissue. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect insulin expression in mouse pancreatic tissue. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression of proteins and mRNAs of key targets in the TGR5/cAMP signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome. ResultCompared with blank group, FBG, OGTT, FINS, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, after 6 weeks of drug treatment, FBG level in JTTP group and metformin group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The results of OGTT experiment showed that compared with model group, the blood glucose levels of mice in each administration group were decreased at all time points (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the levels of FINS, TNF-α and IL-6 in JTTP dose groups and metformin group were significantly decreased. The level of IL-1β in JTTP high-dose group and metformin group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Pancreatic pathology showed that the islets in the model group were irregular in shape, uneven in distribution, and showed signs of atrophy. The prognosis of JTTP was that the cell count increased and the boundary was clearer. Immunofluorescence results showed that the islet cells in the blank group were arranged in an orderly and full shape with appropriate insulin secretion, while the islet cells in model group were distorted in shape, atrophy in structure and less insulin secretion. The insulin content of mice in JTTP and metformin group was significantly increased. Compared with blank group, mRNA expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-related spot-like protein (ASC) and Caspase-1 in pancreatic tissues of model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, JTTP high-dose group and metformin group promoted the up-regulation of TGR5 and cAMP mRNA, and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with blank group, the expression of TGR5 protein in model group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, TGR5 protein in JTTP high-dose group and metformin group was significantly increased (P<0.01).
8.A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, and Placebo-parallel Controlled Trial of Tibetan Medicine Ruyi Zhenbaowan in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Chunquan SUN ; Yanming XIE ; Jinghua GAO ; Weiheng CHEN ; Lianxin WANG ; Shangquan WANG ; Xiangdong TIAN ; Zujian XU ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Mingwang ZHOU ; Chungen LI ; Zhanwang XU ; Jiayi GUO ; Shuangqing DU ; Qigang CHEN ; Quan JI ; Zhiqiang BAI ; Jing XIAO ; Wanli QI ; Weiyi YANG ; Jingxiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):57-67
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ruyi Zhenbaowan(RYZBW)in the treatment of initial and early knee osteoarthritis (KOA) through a prospective multicenter,randomized,double-blind,and placebo-parallel controlled trial. MethodFrom October 13th, 2021 to December 25th, 2021, 240 KOA subjects meeting the acceptance criteria were enrolled in 15 sub-centers including Wangjing Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and they were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 120 cases in each group. The intervention measures for the observation group were RYZBW + health education, and the intervention measures for the control group were RYZBW placebo + health education. The intervention period in both groups was four weeks, and they were followed up for four weeks after the intervention. The primary outcome measure was the total score of Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC score), and the secondary outcome measures were the response rate of visual scale (VAS) pain score, WOMAC sub item scores (joint pain, joint stiffness, and joint function), quality of life (SF-12) score, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score. Result(1) Efficacy evaluation. The marginal model results showed that the observation group was better than the control group in improving the WOMAC total score and WOMAC pain score in the treatment of KOA with RYZBW, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in improving VAS score response rate, WOMAC function score, WOMAC stiffness score, SF12-PCS (quality of life-physical health) score, SF12-MCS (quality of life-mental health) score, and TCM syndrome score. (2) Subgroup analysis. ① In terms of VAS score response rate, the response rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group for subjects with baseline VAS score of (4, 5], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ② In terms of TCM syndrome score, for subjects aged [56, 60] and [61, 65], the decrease in total TCM syndrome score in the observation group was better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionTibetan medicine RYZBW has good clinical efficacy in improving WOMAC total score, VAS score response rate, WOMAC pain score, WOMAC function score, and TCM syndrome score for patients with initial and early KOA, which can fill the lack of Tibetan medicine RYZBW in the treatment of KOA and make a demonstration study for the inheritance and development of ethnic medicine.
9.Fluid shear promotes apoptosis of glomerular endothelial cells by activation of Piezo 1
Menglin LUO ; Feng ZHENG ; Xinyao JI ; Caihong QI ; Yuheng XIAO ; Changchun NIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(9):1236-1242
Objective To investigate the effect of fluid shear(FS)on apoptosis of glomerular epithelial cells(GECs)and the role of Piezo 1 protein in it.Methods GECs(glomerular epithelial cells)of SD rat were cul-tured.Fluid shear stimulation was simulated by a Flexcell-T5000 tensiometer.Apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry.The expression of Piezo 1 proteins in GECs was detected by immunofluorescence staining.The activating of Piezo 1 channels by fluid shear was observed using Ca2+indicator(Cal-590 AM).The effect of Piezo 1 on apop-tosis in GECs was analyzed after modulating the function or expression of Piezo 1 protein using the chemical activa-tor Yoda1,the inhibitor GsMtx 4 was regulated by lentivirus Lv-shPiezo 1.Results Compared with the blank controlgroup,apoptosis increased in the fluid shear group(P<0.05).The rate of apoptosis increased with the enhancing of fluid shear strength;Piezo 1 was commonly expressed in GECs.Fluid shear activated Piezo 1 chan-nel and enhanced expression of Piezo 1.The agonist Yoda1 promoted the apoptosis of GECs GsMtx 4 inhibited the apoptosis induced by fluid shear.Lv-shPiezo 1 knocked down the expression of Piezo 1 in GECs and the apoptosis rate of GECs in the knockdown group was reduced as compared to that in the control group and Lv-Ctrl group(P<0.05).Conclusions Fluid shear may promote apoptosis of GECs by activation of Piezo 1 and by enhancing expression of Piezo 1.
10.TRIM25 inhibits HBV replication by promoting HBx degradation and the RIG-I-mediated pgRNA recognition.
Hongxiao SONG ; Qingfei XIAO ; Fengchao XU ; Qi WEI ; Fei WANG ; Guangyun TAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(7):799-806
BACKGROUND:
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has been efficiently used for decades. However, hepatocellular carcinoma caused by HBV is still prevalent globally. We previously reported that interferon (IFN)-induced tripartite motif-containing 25 (TRIM25) inhibited HBV replication by increasing the IFN expression, and this study aimed to further clarify the anti-HBV mechanism of TRIM25.
METHODS:
The TRIM25-mediated degradation of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein was determined by detecting the expression of HBx in TRIM25-overexpressed or knocked-out HepG2 or HepG2-NTCP cells via Western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm the interaction between TRIM25 and HBx, and colocalization of TRIM25 and HBx was identified via immunofluorescence; HBV e-antigen and HBV surface antigen were qualified by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from Kehua Biotech. TRIM25 mRNA, pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), and HBV DNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and pgRNA interaction was verified by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay.
RESULTS:
We found that TRIM25 promoted HBx degradation, and confirmed that TRIM25 could enhance the K90-site ubiquitination of HBx as well as promote HBx degradation by the proteasome pathway. Interestingly, apart from the Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain, the SPRY domain of TRIM25 was also indispensable for HBx degradation. In addition, we found that the expression of TRIM25 increased the recognition of HBV pgRNA by interacting with RIG-I, which further increased the IFN production, and SPRY, but not the RING domain is critical in this process.
CONCLUSIONS
The study found that TRIM25 interacted with HBx and promoted HBx-K90-site ubiquitination, which led to HBx degradation. On the other hand, TRIM25 may function as an adaptor, which enhanced the recognition of pgRNA by RIG-I, thereby further promoting IFN production. Our study can contribute to a better understanding of host-virus interaction.
Humans
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Hepatitis B virus
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DEAD Box Protein 58/metabolism*
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RNA
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Liver Neoplasms
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Virus Replication
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Tripartite Motif Proteins/genetics*
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Transcription Factors
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*


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