1.Ferroptosis and osteoporosis
Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Dongcheng RAN ; Jiamu XU ; Wangxiang WU ; Jiafu XU ; Jingjing CHEN ; Guangfu JIANG ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):554-562
BACKGROUND:It has also been confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to a variety of musculoskeletal diseases,such as rheumatoid arthritis,osteosarcoma,and osteoporosis.The pathophysiological mechanisms of ferroptosis and osteoporosis need to be further studied and elucidated to broaden our understanding of iron metabolism and osteoporosis.It will provide research ideas for the future elucidation of new mechanisms of osteoporosis and the development of new technologies and drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To provide an overview of the current status of research on ferroptosis in osteoporosis,to provide a new direction for future research on the specific molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis,and to provide more effective and better options for osteoporosis treatment strategies. METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published from 2000 to 2024 in CNKI,WanFang,VIP,and PubMed databases with search terms"ferroptosis,iron metabolism,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signal pathway,musculoskeletal,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 68 articles were finally included according to the selection criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death discovered in recent years,which is usually accompanied by a large amount of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation during cell death,and its occurrence is iron-dependent.This is distinctly different from several types of cell death that are currently being hotly studied(e.g.,cellular pyroptosis,necrotic apoptosis,cuproptosis,and autophagy).(2)Intracellular iron homeostasis is manifested as a balance between iron uptake,export,utilization,and storage.The body's iron regulatory system includes systemic and intracellular regulation.The main factor of systemic regulation is hepcidin produced by hepatic secretion,and cellular regulation depends on the iron regulatory protein/iron response element system.Of course,intracellular iron homeostasis can be controlled by other factors,such as hypoxia,cytokines,and hormones.(3)Lipid peroxidation causes oxidative damage to biological membranes(plasma membrane and internal organelle membranes),lipoproteins,and other lipid-containing molecules.Polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids are important targets of lipid peroxidation.Free polyunsaturated fatty acid is an important substrate for lipid oxidation and can bind to the phospholipid bilayer,leading to over-oxidation and thus triggering lipid apoptosis.(4)Several studies have shown that osteoblasts are overloaded with iron in different ways,resulting in the accumulation of unstable ferrous iron and the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides,causing ferroptosis of osteoblasts and ultimately a decrease in bone formation,affecting bone homeostasis and the development of osteoporosis.(5)Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells formed by the fusion of mononuclear macrophage cell lines or bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by nuclear factor-κB ligand receptor activator,and they have the function of bone resorption.Iron ions can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through the production of intracellular lipid reactive oxygen species,while iron chelators can inhibit osteoclast formation in vitro and thus affect the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.
2.miR-27a-3p promotes the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Jun LI ; Jingjing GONG ; Guobin SUN ; Rui GUO ; Yang DING ; Lijuan QIANG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Zhanhai FANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1609-1617
BACKGROUND:Multiple studies have confirmed that mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway is involved in cell proliferation,and microRNA(miR)is involved in the occurrence and development of hypertrophic scars.Therefore,the role of miR-27a-3p and MAPK signaling pathways in pathological scar formation has been further explored. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of miR-27a-3p on the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through the MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS:The primary fibroblasts were isolated and collected from the skin samples.The primary fibroblasts were observed by inverted microscope and verified by immunofluorescence.The relative expression level of miR-27a-3p in tissues was detected by qRT-PCR.The target genes of hsa-miR-27a-3p were predicted using the database,and then the predicted target genes were enriched by gene ontology function analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.There were seven groups:blank control,negative control,miR-27a-3p mimic,miR-27a-3p inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+p38 MAPK inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+extracellular regulated protein kinase inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.Western blot was used to detect the levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.and p38 kinase and their phosphorylation levels.Cell counting kit-8 and EdU were used to detect cell proliferation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with normal skin fibroblasts,hypertrophic scar fibroblasts had stronger proliferative activity(P<0.05)and faster proliferation level(P<0.001).Compared with normal skin,miR-27a-3p was highly expressed in hypertrophic scars(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p could promote cell proliferation activity(P<0.001)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p could inhibit the proliferation activity(P<0.05)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p promoted the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p inhibited the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK(P<0.05).Compared with the miR-27a-3p mimic group,specific inhibitors of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK reversed the effects of miR-27a-3p on the proliferative activity(P<0.01)and proliferation level(P<0.001)of fibroblasts.To conclude,these results suggest that miR-27a-3p promotes the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.
3.Epidemiologic survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province in 2019-2023
Xin GUO ; Jingjing LI ; Zhiqiang LUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):96-100
Objective To investigate the epidemiological survey of pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a district of Hefei City, Anhui Province, from 2019 to 2023. Methods The data of 302 patients who attended and were treated in the respiratory department, thoracic surgery department, oncology department, tuberculosis department and RICU ward of Anhui Chest Hospital from January 2019 to September 2023 were selected, and patients with Aspergillus infections were taken as the observation group, patients with Candida infections were taken as the control group, and bacterial infections were taken as the blank group. The general information of patients, pre-treatment infection, underlying diseases, and use of antifungal drugs were analyzed. Compare the data of observation group and control group, and analyze the risk factors affecting pulmonary Aspergillus infection. Results Pulmonary Aspergillus infection 100 cases, accounting for 33.11%. Pulmonary Candida infection was 80 cases, accounting for 26.49%. The other 122 cases were other lung diseases, accounting for 40.40%. The most common causative agent of pulmonary Aspergillus infection was Aspergillus fumigatus (57.00%), cough, sputum and occasional blood were found in most of the patients (88.00%), most of the lesions were located in the right upper lobe of the lungs (55.00%), and most of the single or multiple cavities were seen on imaging (47.00%). Specimens mostly originated from the deep airways of hospitalized patients and there was a predominance of male patients. Risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infection were history of hospital transfer, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal catheterization (intravenous catheter and urinary catheter), history of surgery within 15 days, history of diabetes mellitus, history of respiratory chronic disease, history of antifungal prophylaxis and abnormal serum indicators. History of hospital transfer (OR=2.951, P=0.008), history of diabetes mellitus (OR=5.073, P=0.018), history of chronic respiratory disease (OR=7.523 , P=0.028), extracorporeal catheterization (OR=3.142, P=0.022), and history of anti-fungal prophylaxis (OR=6.334, P<0.001) were Aspergillus pulmonaryis infection independent risk factors for infection. Conclusion Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus are the main pathogens of pulmonary Aspergillus infections in the region, and a history of nosocomial transfer, extracorporeal tubes, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, and antifungal prophylaxis are independent risk factors for pulmonary Aspergillus infections.
4.Regulation of Signaling Pathways Related to Myocardial Infarction by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun WU ; Chidao ZHANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Xue LI ; Bin LI ; Xinlu WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):321-330
The pathological changes of myocardial infarction (MI) are mainly characterized by progressive myocardial ischemic necrosis, decline in cardiac diastolic function, thinning of the ventricular wall, and enlargement of the ventricles. The clinical manifestations include myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, shock, and even sudden cardiac death, rendering MI one of the most perilous cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the clinical treatment for MI primarily involves interventional procedures and drug therapy. However, due to their significant side effects and high complication rates associated with these treatments, they fail to ensure a satisfactory quality of life and long-term prognosis for patients. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving patient prognosis while reducing side effects. Research has elucidated that various signaling pathways such as nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), adenosine 5̒-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) play crucial roles in regulating the occurrence and development of MI. Effectively modulating these signaling pathways through its therapeutic interventions, traditional Chinese medicine can enhance MI management by inhibiting apoptosis, providing anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating oxidative stress levels, and resisting myocardial ischemia. Due to its notable efficacy and favorable safety, it has become an area of focus in clinical practice.
5.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
7.Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis
Jiaqi DING ; Shenjie ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Boyu XIA ; Jingjing WU ; Xu LU ; Chao HUANG ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Qingsheng YOU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):307-319
Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
8.Research on the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness from the perspective of narrative medicine
Jingjing LI ; XiaoHui KOU ; Hui LYU ; Aling ZHANG ; Hui YANG ; Weijun MA ; Jiayi WANG ; Caiqin WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):718-726
Patients with sudden deafness encounter greater psychological challenges and communication barriers after experiencing sudden hearing loss, and traditional medical models often fail to adequately address their unique needs. This paper analyzed the current situation of emotional and behavioral changes in patients with sudden deafness, and the gap between their expectations and the reality of medical care. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the theory and characteristics of the reconstruction of the doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness were explored. The results showed that narrative medicine can enhance patients’ emotional resonance and understanding, improve the efficiency and quality of doctor-patient communication, promote the formulation of personalized treatment plans, and enhance treatment adherence and satisfaction. Based on these results, strategies and pathways for the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships for patients with sudden deafness were proposed, including building empathetic bridges and tapping into mechanisms of emotional resonance within narrative medicine; optimizing communication strategies and promoting the application of narrative techniques in doctor-patient dialogues; connecting narrative pathways and advocating the exploration of stories and strategies in personalized treatments; as well as facilitating treatment adherence and making full use of the psychodynamic effects of narrative medicine. Narrative medicine, as a patient-centered medical practice, can effectively promote the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships, enhance treatment effectiveness, and offer a more humane treatment experience for patients.
9.Impact of prenatal triclosan exposure on ADHD-like symptoms in school-aged children
Jingjing LI ; Xiaomeng CHENG ; Yan ZHANG ; Luanluan LI ; Xiaodan YU ; Ying TIAN ; Yu GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):645-651
Background Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorder in children, often diagnosed during school age. The etiology of ADHD remains unclear; however, existing studies suggest that environmental factors, such as exposure to triclosan (TCS), may be associated with the occurrence of ADHD-like symptoms in offspring. Nevertheless, relevant research in China remains limited. Objective To investigate the impact of early pregnancy TCS exposure on ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Methods This study was based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) and included 662 mother-child pairs. TCS concentrations in early pregnancy urine samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Demographic information was collected via questionnaires and medical record abstraction. ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children were first assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Further differentiation of ADHD-like symptom subtypes (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive) was conducted using the SNAP-IV, a clinically validated ADHD screening tool. Negative binomial regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between prenatal TCS exposure and hyperactive behavior (SDQ assessment) as well as ADHD-like symptom subtypes (SNAP-IV assessment) in 7-year-old children. Results The positive rate of TCS in early pregnancy urine samples was 91.39%, with median concentrations of 0.69 μg·L−1 and 0.63 μg·g−1 before and after the creatinine adjustment, respectively. The modeling results indicated that prenatal TCS exposure was associated with an increased risk of hyperactive symptoms (SDQ assessment) in 7-year-old children (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.06); the stratified analyses by children sex revealed similar effects for both boys (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.07) and girls (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.07). Further analysis of ADHD-like symptom subtypes showed that prenatal TCS exposure increased the risk of inattentive symptoms (RR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.05); the sex-stratified analyses indicated associations between TCS exposure and inattentive symptoms (RR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.07) as well as hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.08) in girls. Conclusion Prenatal TCS exposure is associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children, primarily contributing to the risk of the inattention subtype. The impact is more pronounced in girls.
10.Research progress on biological agents in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Jie GAO ; Xinlan LIN ; Zhaoqian WANG ; Qingting ZHANG ; Jingjing LI ; Feng ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):320-324
The pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is usually insidious and has not been fully elucidated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-rheumatic drugs (ARDs) are usually given to improve the condition. however, some patients still have poor results or adverse reactions from conventional treatments. Biological agents have significantly changed therapeutic strategies in the field of rheumatology since their clinical application was initiated and are gradually becoming the main therapeutic option for patients with AS. The current research progress on biologics in the treatment of AS in terms of the current treatment status, clinical problems, and solution strategies were reviewed, which could provide theoretical basis and reference with clinical value, and promote the precise treatment of AS in the future.


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