1.The Role and Mechanism of Lactate Produced by Exercise in The Nervous System
Jing MA ; Shu-Min BO ; Yang CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):348-357
Lactate, with a chemical formula of C3H6O3, is an intermediate product of glucose metabolism in the body and a raw material for hepatic gluconeogenesis. Under physiological resting conditions, the body mainly relies on aerobic oxidation of sugar and fat for energy supply, so the blood lactate concentration is lower. However, during exercise, the enhanced glycolysis in skeletal muscles leads to the significant release of lactate into the bloodstream, causing a marked increase in blood lactate concentration. Traditionally, lactate has been regarded as a metabolic waste product of glycolysis and a contributor to exercise-induced fatigue. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that, in humans, lactate is a major vehicle for carbohydrate carbon distribution and metabolism, serving not only as an energy substance alongside glucose but also as a vital component in various biological pathways involved in cardiac energetics, muscle adaptation, brain function, growth and development, and inflammation therapy. Two primary pathways can elevate lactate levels in neurons during exercise. One is peripheral skeletal muscle-derived lactate, which can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain with the assistance of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) from the solute carrier family 16 (SLC16). The other is the central brain-derived pathway. During exercise, neuronal activity is enhanced, promoting the secretion of neuroactive substances such as glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. This activates astrocytes to break down glycogen into lactate and stimulates glutamate from the presynaptic terminal into the synaptic cleft. It upregulates the glucose transport protein-1 (GLUT-1) expression, allowing astrocytes to convert glucose into lactate through glycolysis. The lactate is produced via peripheral pathways and central pathways during exercise are transported by astrocyte membrane monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 to the extracellular space, where neurons take it up through neuronal cell membrane MCT2. The lactate in neurons can serve as an alternative energy source of glucose for neuronal functional activities, meeting the increased energy demands of synaptic activity during exercise, and maintaining energy balance and normal physiological function in the brain. Additionally, acting as a signaling molecule lactate can enhance synaptic plasticity through the SIRT1/PGC-1α/FNDC5 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, lactate can promote angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF-A expression through the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, stimulate neurogenesis via the Akt/PKB signaling pathway, and reduce neuroinflammation through activation of the “lactate timer”. Overall, lactate contributes to the protection of neurons, the promotion of learning and memory, the enhancement of synaptic plasticity, and the reduction of neuroinflammation in the nervous system. While lactate may serve as a potential mediator for information exchange between the peripheral and central nervous systems during exercise, further experimental research is needed to elucidate its action mechanisms in the nervous system. In addition, future studies should utilize advanced neurophysiological and molecular biology techniques to uncover the importance of lactate in maintaining brain function and preventing neurological diseases. Accordingly, this article first reviews the historical research on lactate, then summarizes the metabolic characteristics and neuronal sources of lactate, and finally explores the role and mechanisms of exercise-induced lactate in the nervous system, aiming to provide new perspectives and targets for understanding the mechanisms underlying exercise promotion of brain health.
2.Effect of oxymatrine on expression of stem markers and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Jing LUO ; Min YONG ; Qi CHEN ; Changyi YANG ; Tian ZHAO ; Jing MA ; Donglan MEI ; Jinpeng HU ; Zhaojun YANG ; Yuran WANG ; Bo LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):3992-3999
BACKGROUND:Human periodontal ligament stem cells are potential functional cells for periodontal tissue engineering.However,long-term in vitro culture may lead to reduced stemness and replicative senescence of periodontal ligament stem cells,which may impair the therapeutic effect of human periodontal ligament stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of oxymatrine on the stemness maintenance and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro,and to explore the potential mechanism. METHODS:Periodontal ligament stem cells were isolated from human periodontal ligament tissues by tissue explant enzyme digestion and cultured.The surface markers of mesenchymal cells were identified by flow cytometry.Periodontal ligament stem cells were incubated with 0,2.5,5,and 10 μg/mL oxymatrine.The effect of oxymatrine on the proliferation activity of periodontal ligament stem cells was detected by CCK8 assay.The appropriate drug concentration for subsequent experiments was screened.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of stem cell non-specific proteins SOX2 and OCT4 in periodontal ligament stem cells.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression levels of related osteogenic genes and proteins in periodontal ligament stem cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of CCK8 assay showed that 2.5 μg/mL oxymatrine significantly enhanced the proliferative activity of periodontal stem cells,and the subsequent experiment selected 2.5 μg/mL oxymatrine to intervene.(2)Compared with the blank control group,the protein expression level of SOX2,a stem marker of periodontal ligament stem cells in the oxymatrine group did not change significantly(P>0.05),and the expression of OCT4 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the osteogenic induction group,the osteogenic genes ALP,RUNX2 mRNA expression and their osteogenic associated protein ALP protein expression of periodontal ligament stem cells were significantly down-regulated in the oxymatrine+osteogenic induction group(P<0.05).(4)The oxymatrine up-regulated the expression of stemness markers of periodontal ligament stem cells and inhibited the bone differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells,and the results of high-throughput sequencing showed that it may be associated with WNT2,WNT16,COMP,and BMP6.
3.Yangxin Dawayimicol Honey Ointment Improves Cardiac Function in Rats by Regulating VDAC1/NLRP3/Bax/Bcl-2 Pathway
Jingzhuo MA ; Bo YAO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Xuanhui HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):115-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yangxin Dawayimicol honey ointment (YXDW) in improving cardiac function in rats after myocardial infarction. MethodsRats were divided into the sham group, model group, fosinopril sodium tablet group, and YXDW low, medium, and high-dose groups. A rat myocardial infarction model was established by left anterior descending branch ligation. The YXDW groups were administered doses of 0.27, 0.54, and 1.08 g·kg-1·d-1, while the fosinopril sodium tablet group was given 3.60 mg·kg-1·d-1. The sham group and model group were treated with an equal amount of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution. After continuous gavage for 4 weeks, the effects of YXDW on the signs and cardiac indices of the rats were observed. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function, and pathological examination was used to evaluate heart morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess changes in interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The expression of voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1), nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), B-cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsThe survival status of rats in all YXDW groups was generally improved. Echocardiographic results showed that, compared to the sham group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening rate (LVFS), with statistical significance (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, rats in the treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in LVEF and LVFS, with statistical significance (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed reduced myocardial cell degeneration, less inflammatory infiltration, intact myofilaments, regular shape, and significantly fewer myocardial fiber disruptions in the treatment groups compared to the model group. Electron microscopy results showed that, compared to the model group, the mitochondria of myocardial cells in the YXDW groups had clear ultrastructure, intact membranes, denser cristae, a clear matrix, and regular arrangement of myofilaments and intercalated discs. ELISA results showed that, compared to the sham group, serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the model group, with statistical significance (P<0.01). However, in the treatment groups, the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly reduced, with statistical significance (P<0.01). NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the model group compared to the sham group (P<0.01), but significantly lower in the treatment groups (P<0.01). Furthermore, Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared to the sham group, the levels of VDAC1, NLRP3, and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). In the treatment groups, these levels were significantly lower than the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionYXDW significantly improved cardiac function in rats after myocardial infarction. Its mechanism of action may involve the VDAC1/NLRP3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway to improve mitochondrial structure and function and inhibit the inflammatory response, thereby improving cardiac function.
4.Progress in the study of anti-inflammatory active components with anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms in Caragana Fabr.
Yu-mei MA ; Ju-yuan LUO ; Tao CHEN ; Hong-mei LI ; Cheng SHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Zhi-bo SONG ; Yu-lin LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):58-71
The plants of the genus
5.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Lung Cancer: A Review
Jiarui CAO ; Bo FENG ; Chunzheng MA ; Weixia CHEN ; Jiangfan YU ; Shasha CAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Wenhui OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):265-276
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates globally. Current treatment methods for lung cancer primarily include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the main limitations of these treatments are their side effects, the drug resistance, and the economic burden they impose. As a critical cancer pathway, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway regulates tumor occurrence and development through multiple mechanisms by influencing various downstream targets. Consequently, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers a promising avenue for lung cancer treatment research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic alterations, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and the development of treatment resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention due to its minimal side effects, low economic burden, and its potential to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity when used in conjunction with Western medicine. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine compounds, a growing number of Chinese medicine monomers have come into the spotlight because of their more targeted effects. Numerous studies investigating the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer have demonstrated that TCM can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and EMT, improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, and enhance treatment sensitivity by intervening in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby impeding the progression of lung cancer. In recent years, the research on the regulation of this pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer has been updated rapidly. However, the summary of these studies has not been updated in time. This review summarizes and reflects on the recent research findings regarding the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM to intervene in lung cancer from three aspects, introducing the JAK/STAT pathway, elaborating the mechanism of this pathway in lung cancer, and exploring the intervention of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer through this pathway, to provide more reference for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
6.Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr combined with human adipose-derived pericytes/perivascular cells support proliferation of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Yamei SHEN ; Yunxia NIU ; Tingting YANG ; Jie MA ; Daihong HU ; Bo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):58-64
BACKGROUND:Anthocyanin is one of the most important active components in Lycium ruthenicum Murr,which has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.CD146+human adipose-derived pericytes/perivascular cells(CD146+hAD-PCs)are the progenitors of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,which can promote the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro.The support effect of anthocyanin in combination with CD146+hAD-PCs on umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells remains to be studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the supporting effect of anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murr(ALRM)combined with CD146+hAD-PCs on umbilical cord blood CD34+hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(UCB CD34+HSPCs)in vitro. METHODS:The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of different concentrations(0,200,400,600,800,1 000 mg/L)of ALRM on the proliferation of CD146+hAD-PCs.Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of ALRM on the cell cycle of CD146+hAD-PCs.The co-culture experiments were divided into blank group,ALRM group,CD146+hAD-PCs group,and ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group to analyze the in vitro supporting effect of ALRM combined with CD146+hAD-PCs on UCB CD34+HSPCs.The number of expanded cells and the number of colony-forming units were compared at 1,2,and 4 weeks of co-culture.The immunophenotype of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The level of cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The cell viability of CD146+hAD-PCs was highest at an ALRM concentration of 200 mg/L,the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells decreased and the proportion of S and G2/M phase cells increased in CD146+hAD-PCs(P<0.01).(2)The change in number of UCB CD34+HSPCs cells in the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that in the ALRM group at 1,2,and 4 weeks of co-culture(all P<0.05),and higher than that in CD146+hAD-PCs group at 2 and 4 weeks of co-culture(all P<0.05).The number of cells in the ALRM group and blank group decreased gradually with the extension of co-culture time.(3)Colony forming capacity and immunophenotype analysis:The number of colony-forming units in the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that in the CD146+hAD-PCs group and ALRM group at 1 and 2 weeks of co-culture(P<0.05).The proportion of CD45+and CD34+CD33-cells in the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that in the CD146+hAD-PCs group at 1 and 2 weeks of co-culture(all P<0.01).(4)Changes in cytokines:Interleukin-2 level in the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that in the ALRM and CD146+hAD-PCs groups(P<0.05).The interleukin-3 content of the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that of the CD146+hAD-PCs group at 2 and 4 weeks(P<0.05).The expression level of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was higher than that in the CD146+hAD-PCs group at 1 week,and higher than that in the ALRM group and CD146+hAD-PCs group at 2 weeks(P<0.01).Interferon-γ content in the ALRM group and ALRM+CD146+hAD-PCs group was lower than that in the CD146+hAD-PCs group at 1,2,and 4 weeks of co-culture(P<0.01).(5)Due to the absence of stromal cells in the blank group,UCB CD34+HSPCs could not be counted after 1 week of co-culture and were not subjected to immunophenotyping,colony analysis,or cytokine assays.(6)In summary,ALRM can promote the expansion of UCB CD34+HSPCs in vitro by promoting CD146+hAD-PCs proliferation and cell cycle transformation,which is of great value in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
7.Pathogenesis and treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury
Bo HE ; Wen CHEN ; Suilu MA ; Zhijun HE ; Yuan SONG ; Jinpeng LI ; Tao LIU ; Xiaotao WEI ; Weiwei WANG ; Jing XIE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1230-1238
BACKGROUND:Flap transplantation technique is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of severe tissue defects,but postoperative flap necrosis is easily triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury.Therefore,it is still an important research topic to improve the survival rate of transplanted flaps. OBJECTIVE:To review the pathogenesis and latest treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang Database and PubMed database were searched for relevant literature published from 2014 to 2024.The search terms used were"flap,ischemia-reperfusion injury,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,Ca2+overload,apoptosis,mesenchymal stem cells,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathways,shock wave,pretreatment"in Chinese and English.After elimination of irrelevant literature,poor quality and obsolete literature,77 documents were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Flap ischemia/reperfusion injury may be related to pathological factors such as inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,Ca2+overload,and apoptosis,which can cause apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,vascular damage and microcirculation disorders in the flap,and eventually lead to flap necrosis.Studies have found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathway modulators,shock waves,and pretreatment can alleviate flap ischemia/reperfusion injuries from different aspects and to varying degrees,and reduce the necrosis rate and necrosis area of the grafted flap.Although there are many therapeutic methods for skin flap ischemia/reperfusion injury,a unified and effective therapeutic method has not yet been developed in the clinic,and the advantages and disadvantages of various therapeutic methods have not yet been compared.Most of the studies remain in the stage of animal experiments,rarely involving clinical observations.Therefore,a lot of research is required in the future to gradually move from animal experiments to the clinic in order to better serve the clinic.
8.Updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition (Volume Ⅰ)
LI Hao ; SHEN Mingrui ; ZHANG Pang ; ZHAI Weimin ; NI Long ; HAO Bo ; ZHAO Yuxin ; HE Yi ; MA Shuangcheng ; SHU Rong
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):017-022
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research, production, use, and administration of drugs. At present, the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented. This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ), to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.
9.Changes and Trends in the microbiological-related standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
FAN Yiling ; ZHU Ran ; YANG Yan ; JIANG Bo ; SONG Minghui ; WANG Jing ; LI Qiongqiong ; LI Gaomin ; WANG Shujuan ; SHAO Hong ; MA Shihong ; CAO Xiaoyun ; HU Changqin ; MA Shuangcheng, ; YANG Meicheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):093-098
Objective: To systematically analyze the revisions content and technological development trends of microbiological standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) 2025 Edition, and explore its novel requirements in risk-based pharmaceutical product lifecycle management.
Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted on 26 microbiological-related standards to summarize the revision directions and scientific implications from perspectives including the revision overview, international harmonization of microbiological standards, risk-based quality management system, and novel tools and methods with Chinese characteristics.
Results: The ChP 2025 edition demonstrates three prominent features in microbiological-related standards: enhanced international harmonization, introduced emerging molecular biological technologies, and established a risk-based microbiological quality control system.
Conclusion: The new edition of the Pharmacopoeia has systematically constructed a microbiological standard system, which significantly improves the scientificity, standardization and applicability of the standards, providing a crucial support for advancing the microbiological quality control in pharmaceutical industries of China.
10.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

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