1.Scientific basis for acupuncture combined with neural stem cells for repairing spinal cord injury
Xiaomeng HUANG ; Zhilan ZHANG ; Wenya SHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Huilin WEI ; Bing LI ; Yafeng REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4111-4121
BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury is a neurological disorder caused by traumatic or non-traumatic events,often leading to severe functional impairment below the injured segment.In recent years,neural stem cell transplantation has been considered to have significant therapeutic potential in regulating the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury,inhibiting excessive proliferation of glial scars,and promoting nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the potential mechanism of action of acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation therapy in inhibiting spinal cord injury-induced secondary injury,and to delve into the scientific basis for its treatment of spinal cord injury. METHODS:PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases were searched using"spinal cord injury,acupuncture,neural stem cells,SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis"as Chinese and English search terms.Totally 96 articles were finally included.The research findings of acupuncture combined with neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury were summarized and analyzed,and the mechanism of this combination therapy in the treatment of secondary injury after spinal cord injury was summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The stromal-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)axis plays a crucial role in neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury.This signaling mechanism not only affects neural stem cell migration,proliferation,and differentiation,but is also a key factor in determining the efficiency of stem cell homing to the injury site.Therefore,the regulation of targeting this axis is of great significance in enhancing the therapeutic effect of spinal cord injury.(2)Acupuncture,as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy,shows unique advantages in the regulation of secondary injury in spinal cord injury.It can effectively reduce secondary injury after spinal cord injury by regulating inflammatory response,inhibiting apoptosis,improving microcirculation,reducing glial scar formation,and counteracting oxidative stress.(3)Acupuncture was also able to influence the expression and function of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis,thereby enhancing the homing and survival ability of neural stem cells and promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.(4)The therapy combining acupuncture and stem cell transplantation is an innovative treatment strategy for spinal cord injury and suitable for repairing neural circuits.It combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of modern biotechnology,providing a new treatment option for spinal cord injury patients.However,this combination therapy is still in the research and exploration stage,and its long-term efficacy and safety need to be further verified.(5)Taken together,acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury has great potential for clinical application,but in-depth research and optimization of treatment options are still needed.In the future,we look forward to further revealing the efficacy mechanism and optimal indications of this therapy through more clinical trials and mechanism studies,so as to bring better hope of recovery and more efficient therapeutic effects to spinal cord injury patients.
2.Moderating effects of outdoor activity on infancy responsive caregiving trajectory and early child development level
SHANG Bingzi, JING Guangzhuang, YE Peiqi, MAIHELIYAKEZI Tuersunniyazi, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):249-254
Objective:
To explore the role of outdoor activity in the relationship between infancy responsive caregiving trajectories and early childhood development, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the promotion of early child development.
Methods:
The study participants were drawn from the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort and 4 723 mother-child pairs who completed responsive caregiving questionnaires at 2, 6 and 12 months old were included. Questionnaires were used to assess children s responsive caregiving and average daily hours of outdoor activity at 2 years of age. The Age-Stage Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3) was used to evaluate children s development problems at 2-5 years old. Group based trajectory model was applied to fit infancy responsive caregiving trajectory. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze associations between different responsive caregiving trajectory groups and child development, and moderating effects were tested for hours of outdoor activity.
Results:
Infancy responsive caregiving trajectories were categorized into general group ( n =3 871), declining group( n =160), and fluctuating group( n =646). After adjusting for confounding factors, such as parents educational level, annual household income, maternal progestation body mass index,maternal tobacco exposure during pregnancy,maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy, maternal age at delivery,maternal gestational age,maternal mode of delivery, children s gender,children s birth weight, and duration of breastfeeding, the results of modified Poission regression analysis showed that compared with the general group, children at the age of 2 in declining and fluctuating group had increased risks of suspected developmental delays in communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social scales ( OR =1.41,1.31,1.35,1.23,1.21;1.07,1.08,1.08,1.09,1.06);but children only had increased risk of suspected developmental delays in communication of declining group ( OR =1.08), personal-social scales of fluctuating group ( OR =1.06) at 3-5 years of age ( P <0.05). At lower levels of outdoor activity, children in fluctuating group had reduced scores in communication ( β =-1.41), fine motor ( β =-2.34), problem solving ( β =-1.11) and personal-social scales ( β =-1.99) as compared to general group; and children in declining group had reduced scores in gross motor ( β =-4.78)( P <0.05). While at higher levels of outdoor activity, no differences were found between children in fluctuating, declining groups and those in general group in scores of different scales ( P >0.05).
Conclusion
Prolonged outdoor activity attenuates the adverse effects of declining and fluctuating trajectories of infancy responsive caregiving on early childhood development.
3.Effect of childhood maltreatment on depression in college students: a moderated mediation model
Xinghua LAI ; Huitong ZHAO ; Ruofan XIAO ; Can CUI ; Ameng ZHAO ; Wei FU ; Jing JIANG ; Tinghuizi SHANG ; Honglong LI ; Zengyan YU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):247-253
BackgroundCurrently, the problem of depressed mood in college students is becoming more prominent. The experience of childhood maltreatment is a significant contributor to depression among college students. Although the association between the two has been confirmed, the specific psychosocial mechanisms underlying how childhood maltreatment affects college students' mental health remain insufficiently evidenced. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression among college students, and to investigate the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status, aiming to provide references for improving depressive symptoms in college students. MethodsOn 14 March 2024, a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 751 college students from a university in Heilongjiang Province. Participants were assessed with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Patients' Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation between the scores of scales. Model 4 and model 7 in Process 4.2 were used to test the mediating effects of emotional regulation difficulties and the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. Results① A total of 712 (94.81%) valid questionnaires were collected. ② College students' CTQ score was positively correlated with DERS score and PHQ-9 score (r=0.296, 0.507, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with CD-RISC-10 score and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire score (r=-0.148, -0.229, P<0.01). ③ The indirect effect value of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression was 0.091 (95% CI: 0.018~0.046), accounting for 17.95% of the total effect. ④ The first half of the mediation model "childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation → depression" (childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation) was moderated by psychological resilience (β=-0.030, t=-6.147, 95% CI: -0.040~-0.020) and family socioeconomic status (β=-0.051, t=-3.929, 95% CI: -0.077~-0.026). ConclusionChildhood maltreatment exerts both a direct effect on college students' depression and an indirect effect through emotion regulation difficulties. The childhood maltreatment → emotion regulation difficulties pathway in this mediation model is moderated by psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. [Funded by Qiqihar Medical University Graduate Student Innovation Fund Project (number, QYYCX2023-48); Special Research Fund Project for Young Doctors of Qiqihar Academy of Medical Sciences (number, QMSI2021B-08)]
4. Mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules in treatment of mild cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology
Qin HAN ; Xiao-Yu XU ; Yi-Fei GENG ; Xiao-Bo SUN ; Yun LUO ; Jing-Jing LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):334-343
Aim To predict the mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules (FCYC) in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by network pharmacology method, and further validate it in combination with cellular experiments. Methods TCMSP, Gene-Cards, OMIM and TTD databases, Chinese Pharmacopoeia and related literature were used to screen the active ingredients of FCYC and the targets of MCI treatment. The TCM-compound-target-disease network and PPI of intersection targets were constructed, and the GO and KEGG analysis were performed by the Ehamb bioinformation platform. GO and KEGG analysis were performed through Yihanbo biological information platform. Cell model of MCI was established by PC-12 injury induced by Aβ
5.Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by TGF-β1
Xue KONG ; Guoshun HUANG ; Xueling HAN ; Jinbo ZHANG ; Jing DAI ; Mengnan SHANG ; Chong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):56-63
ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Qianyang Yuyin granules on the phenotype of renal tubule epithelial cells, the intervention of Qianyang Yuyin granule on renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated. MethodThe renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 μg·L-1) for 24 hours, and cell morphology and growth state were observed with an inverted phase contrast microscope. The 20 μg·L-1 was selected as the most appropriate concentration of TGF-β1 according to Western blot results for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into six groups: blank group, TGF-β1 group (concentration of 20 μg·L-1), low, medium, and high dose Qianyang Yuyin granule groups (concentration of 0.5, 1, 2 g·L-1), and valsartan group (1 × 10-5 mol·L-1). The cell activity was measured by cell proliferation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The Transwell method was used to detect the invasiveness of cells. Western blot was used to detect levels of fibronectin (FN), E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle activator (α-SMA), Vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ), collagen type Ⅳ(Col Ⅳ), and other related proteins. ResultTGF-β1 stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular epithelial cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Compared with the blank group, higher concentration in the TGF-β1 group indicates longer intervention time and more obvious long spindle change of cells, and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was significantly enhanced. The protein expression level of FN, α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅳ increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression level of E-cadherin protein decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the TGF-β1 group, Qianyang Yuyin granule groups could maintain normal cell morphology, and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was inhibited. The protein expression level of FN, α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅳ decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly restored (P<0.05). ConclusionQianyang Yuyin granule can reverse TGF-β1-induced interstitial transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the phenotypic expression of mesenchymal cells and increasing the phenotypic expression of epithelial cells.
6.Cinobufacini inhibits the metastasis of colorectal cancer by regulating polarization of M2 macrophages
Jing SHANG ; Yun WANG ; Jinbao CHEN ; Donghao TANG ; Linlin JIA ; Wei LI ; Hongjie YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):224-229
Objective To investigate the effect of cinobufacini on inhibiting colorectal cancer metastasis by regula-ting the polarization of M2 macrophages.Methods THP-1 was induced into M0 type macrophages.The condi-tioned medium of HCT116 cells was collected to stimulate M0 type macrophages.The polarization of M2 type mac-rophages was observed by flow cytometry,real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA experiments.The conditioned me-dium of M0 type macrophages and HCT116-Mφ cells was collected to stimulate HCT116 cells.The ability of migra-tion and invasion was observed by wound healing assay and Transwell assay.The effect of cinobufacini on the via-bility of HCT116 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay.The conditioned medium of HCT116 and HCT116+cinobufa-cini was collected to stimulate M0 type macrophages.The polarization of M2 type macrophages was observed by flow cytometry,real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA experiments.The conditioned media of HCT116-Mφ cells and(HCT116+cinobufacini)-Mφ cells were collected to stimulate HCT116 cells.The changes of migration and inva-sion ability were observed by wound healing assay and Transwell assay.Results After stimulation of M0 type mac-rophages in HCT116 cell conditioned medium,the morphology of M0 macrophages turned into fusiform cells,the proportion of CD11b+CD206+cells increased,and the expression of M2 macrophage markers IL-10 and TGF-β in-creased.The migration and invasion ability of HCT116 cells were significantly enhanced after stimulation in the conditioned medium of HCT1 16-Mφ cells.After the addition of cinobufacini,not only the polarization proportion of M2 macrophages decreased,but also the metastatic effect mediated by M2 macrophages was inhibited.Conclusion HCT116 cells can induce the polarization of M2 macrophages,while cinobufacini can inhibit the tumor metastasis mediated by M2 macrophages by inhibiting the polarization of M2 macrophages.
7.Inhibition of M2-type macrophage-mediated migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer by bufalin
Donghao TANG ; Jinbao CHEN ; Linlin JIA ; Dongxiao SHEN ; Jing SHANG ; Yuejiao FENG ; Jiahao LU ; Zengyou XIAO ; Yujie HE ; Jie WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):310-315
Objective To investigate the role of bufalin(BU)in inhibiting M2-type macrophage-mediated colorec-tal cancer metastasis.Methods Human acute leukemia mononuclear cells(THP-1)were differentiated into M0 macrophages using phorbol ester induction(PMA)for 48 hours.The M0 macrophages were then treated with IL-4 and IL-13 medium.Surface markers and morphological changes were observed through ELISA,morphology,and RT-qPCR experiments.RT-PCR and ELISA experiments were conducted to detect the surface markers TGF-β and IL-10 of M2 macrophages.The secretion level of IL-6 in the supernatant of M2 macrophages and colorectal cancer cells HCT116 was compared using ELISA.Additionally,the effect of conditioned medium on colorectal cancer cell HCT116 was assessed through Transwell,Wound healing,RT-qPCR,and Western blot experiments.Subsequent-ly,bufalin was added to the conditioned medium and the changes in AKT/PI3K protein,migration,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability in HCT116 were observed using Western blot,Transwell,Wound healing and RT-qPCR experiments.Results THP-1 were successfully differentiated into M2 macrophages.The activation of AKT/PI3K protein in HCT116 cells was induced by the secretion of IL-6 from M2 macrophages,which in turn promoted the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability of the HCT116 cells.The migration and epithelial-mes-enchymal transition mediated by M2 macrophages in HCT116 cells were effectively inhibited by Bufalin.Conclu-sion The release of IL-6 from M2 macrophages activates the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells,thereby promoting their migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition capacity.Moreover,bufalin exhibits inhibitory effects on this effect.
8.Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for pyroptosis after spinal cord injury
Wenya SHANG ; Yafeng REN ; Bing LI ; Huilin WEI ; Zhilan ZHANG ; Xiaomeng HUANG ; Jing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(11):1772-1779
BACKGROUND:Cell death and neuroinflammation are two important targets in the treatment of spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death closely related to neuroinflammation and targeted inhibition of pyroptosis after spinal cord injury is a promising therapeutic strategy. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the molecular mechanism,positive and negative regulatory factors and therapeutic strategies of pyroptosis in spinal cord injury. METHODS:The search terms were"spinal cord injury,pyroptosis,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),Caspase,Gasdermin D(GSDMD),IL-1β,IL-18"and 93 English literatures included in PubMed and Web of Science were finally selected for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:As a newly discovered programmed cell death,pyroptosis has been shown to play an important role in the secondary injury stage after spinal cord injury.Among the regulatory factors of pyroptosis after spinal cord injury,CD73,NRF2,GDF-11,dopamine,FANCC and miR-423-5P could inhibit pyroptosis,while TLR4 and Aopps could promote pyroptosis.In terms of treatment,the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine(paeonol,tripterine,betulinic acid,piperine,kaempferol,and camptothecin),exosomes of various cell origins,and some drugs(metformin,topotecan,lithium,zinc,and carbon monoxide-releasing molecule 3)can effectively inhibit pyroptosis and reduce secondary spinal cord injury,but the toxicity and specific dose of these drugs need to be further studied.The specific molecular mechanism by which pyroptosis aggravates spinal cord injury is still poorly understood.The role of non-classical pathways and other inflammasomes is worth further exploration.At present,the research on pyroptosis after spinal cord injury only stays at the animal experiment stage.There are no related clinical studies and no approved targeted therapeutic drugs.(6)The application of pyroptosis after spinal cord injury has great potential,and its specific regulatory mechanism should be further studied in the future to provide a new target for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
9.Mechanism of Yiyuan moxibustion on improving urinary storage function in rats with neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury through the AMPK-Cx43 pathway
Zhilan ZHANG ; Xiaomeng HUANG ; Huilin WEI ; Jing HUANG ; Wenya SHANG ; Bing LI ; Yafeng REN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):835-844
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Yiyuan moxibustion on urinary storage function in rats with neurogenic bladder(NB)after suprasacral spinal cord injury(SCI)based on adenosine activated protein kinase(AMPK)-connexin 43(Cx43)pathway.Methods Twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected as the sham operation group using the random number table method,and 68 rats were used to prepare the suprasacral SCI model according to the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method.After the SCI model was stable,the standard NB model after SCI was screened out.The rats with successful modeling were divided into the model group(n=14),the Yiyuan moxibustion group(n=14),the inhibitor group(n=14),and the Yiyuan moxibustion+inhibitor group(n=14)according to the random number table method.The rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were treated with Yiyuan moxibustion.The rats in the inhibitor group were injected with AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin(0.2 mg/kg)by tail vein.The rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion+inhibitor group were treated with Yiyuan moxibustion combined with tail vein injection of dorsomorphin(0.2 mg/kg).The sham operation group and the model group did not receive any intervention for 14 days.After the intervention,the bladder function of rats was evaluated by urodynamics.HE staining was used to observe morphological changes of the bladder tissue;the content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)in bladder tissue was detected by colorimetry.The positive expressions of phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK),Cx43 and tyrosine protein kinase receptor(C-kit)in bladder tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.The protein expressions of AMPK,p-AMPK,Cx43 and C-kit in bladder tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the model group,the maximum bladder capacity and bladder compliance of the rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were increased,the leak point pressure was decreased,the cells in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were relatively regular and orderly,the vacuolar cells were reduced,and the tissue edema was reduced;the ATP content in the bladder tissue was decreased,the positive expression rate of p-AMPK was increased,the positive expression rate of Cx43 and C-kit were decreased,the protein expressions of p-AMPK protein was increased,the expression of Cx43 and C-kit were decreased,and the mRNA expression of Cx43 and C-kit were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the Yiyuan moxibustion+inhibitor group,the maximum bladder capacity and bladder compliance of the rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group increased,the leak point pressure decreased,the cells in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were arranged more closely and the tissue edema was reduced;the ATP content in the bladder tissue decreased,the positive expression rate of p-AMPK increased,the positive expression rates of Cx43 and C-kit decreased,the protein expression of p-AMPK increased,the protein expressions of Cx43 and C-kit decreased,and the mRNA expressions of Cx43 and C-kit decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Yiyuan moxibustion can improve the urinary storage function of NB rats after suprasacral SCI,and its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK-Cx43 pathway in bladder tissue,reducing the excitation transmission between bladder detrusor cells,thereby reducing the frequency of smooth muscle contraction.
10.The Effect of Mitochondrial Damage in Chondrocytes on Osteoarthritis
Zhen-Wei LI ; Jing-Yu HOU ; Yu-Ze LIN ; Zhi-Qi ZHANG ; Shang-Yi LIU ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Kang-Quan SHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1576-1588
The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is related to a variety of factors such as mechanical overload, metabolic dysfunction, aging, etc., and is a group of total joint diseases characterized by intra-articular chondrocyte apoptosis, cartilage fibrillations, synovial inflammation, and osteophyte formation. At present, the treatment methods for osteoarthritis include glucosamine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate, etc., which are difficult to take effect in a short period of time and require long-term treatment, so the patients struggle to adhere to doctor’s advice. Some methods can only provide temporary relief without chondrocyte protection, and some even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. In the advanced stages of OA, patients often have to undergo joint replacement surgery due to pain and joint dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the development of OA. It is possible to improve mitochondrial biogenesis, quality control, autophagy balance, and oxidative stress levels, thereby exerting a protective effect on chondrocytes in OA. Therefore, compared to traditional treatments, improving mitochondrial function may be a potential treatment for OA. Here, we collected relevant literature on mitochondrial research in OA in recent years, summarized the potential pathogenic factors that affect the development of OA through mitochondrial pathways, and elaborated on relevant treatment methods, in order to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic ideas for the research field of osteoarthritis.


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