1.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.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Association of outdoor activity level and myopia among children and adolescents in Shanghai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):18-23
Objective:
To analyze the status of outdoor activities on weekends among children and adolescents of different educational stages in Shanghai and their impact on myopia, so as to provide a basis for formulating more specific prevention and control protocol of myopia.
Methods:
From September to October 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 84 schools (27 kindergartens, 21 primary schools, 15 junior high schools and 21 high schools) across Shanghai, enrolling a total of 28 654 children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 for the study. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect data on outdoor activity duration and associated factors. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the associated factors of outdoor activity levels on weekends.
Results:
The overall myopia detection rate among children and adolescents was 58.4%, with a higher rate observed in girls (59.2%) compared to boys (57.6%). The myopia detection rates for children and adolescents with an average daily outdoor activity duration of ≥2 h and <2 h on weekends were 54.6% and 68.8%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=8.12,460.89, P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis revealed that girls ( OR =0.80), those with a myopic parent ( OR =0.68), schools from urban districts ( OR =0.72), higher education stages (primary school: OR =0.65, junior high school: OR =0.24, high school: OR =0.14) and spending≥2 h/d on homework during weekends ( OR =0.57) among children and adolescents were less likely to engage in outdoor activities for ≥2 h on weekends ( P <0.01). After incorporating gender, parental myopia status, educational stage, school location, average daily duration on weekends for spending on homework, electronic product usage and outdoor activities as dependent variables in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the results showed that children and adolescents with an average outdoor activity duration for ≥2 h on weekends had a lower risk of myopia ( OR =0.86, P < 0.01).
Conclusions
The level of outdoor activity among children and adolescents on weekends needs to be improved. Outdoor activities on weekends is an associated factor for myopia among children and adolescents. Particularly, girls, those with myopic parents, schools from urban districts, and spending long hours on homework during weekends among children and adolescents require increased attention.
5.Visual acuity and corrected visual acuity of children and adolescents in Shanghai City
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):24-28
Objective:
To investigate the visual acuity and correction conditions of children and adolescents in Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for developing intervention measures to prevent myopia and protect vision among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From October to December 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling survey was conducted, involving 47 034 students from 16 municipal districts in Shanghai, covering kindergartens (≥5 years), primary schools, middle schools, general high schools and vocational high schools. According to the Guidelines for Screening Refractive Errors in Primary and Secondary School Students, the Standard Logarithmic Visual acuity Chart was used to examine naked vision and corrected vision of students, and general information was collected. The distribution and severity of visual impairment in different age groups were analyzed, and χ 2 tests and multivariate Logistic regression were used to explore factors associated with visual impairment.
Results:
The detection rate of visual impairment among children and adolescents was 76.2%, with a higher rate among females (78.8%) than males ( 73.8 %), higher among Han ethic students ( 76.2 %) than minority students (71.2%), and higher among urban students (76.7%) than suburban students (75.8%), all with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=162.6, 10.4, 5.5, P <0.05). The rate of visual impairment initially decreased and then increased with age, reaching its lowest at age 7 (53.8%) and peaking at age 17 (89.6%) ( χ 2 trend = 3 467.0 , P <0.05). Severe visual impairment accounted for the majority, at 56.6%, and there was a positive correlation between the severity of visual impairment and age among children and adolescents ( r =0.45, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that age, BMI, gender, ethnicity and urban suburban status were associated with visual impairment ( OR =1.18, 1.01, 1.38 , 0.79, 0.88, P <0.05). Among those with moderate to severe visual impairment, the rate of spectacle lens usage was 62.8%, yet only 44.8 % of those who used spectacle lens had fully corrected visual acuity. Females (64.9%) had higher spectacle lens usage rates than males (60.6%), and general high school students had the highest spectacle lens usage (83.9%), and there were statistically significant differences in gender and academic stages ( χ 2=57.7, 4 592.8, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of spectacle lens usage among students with moderate to severe visual impairment is relatively low, and even after using spectacle lens, some students still do not achieve adequate corrected visual acuity. Efforts should focus on enhancing public awareness of eye health and refractive correction and improving the accessibility of related health services.
6.A cone beam CT study on the changes in oropharyngeal airway parameters and hyoid position in skeletal Class Ⅱ adult female patients with different vertical skeletal types treated with maxillary anterior teeth retraction with maximum anchorage
SHEN Jiaoxiang ; CHEN Zhaozheng ; LIN Yihui ; SU Jingjing ; HUANG Wenxia
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(6):491-501
Objective:
To investigate the changes in oropharyngeal airway parameters and hyoid position in skeletal ClassⅡ adult female patients with different vertical skeletal types who were treated with maxillary anterior teeth retraction with maximum anchorage, and to provide a reference for orthodontic clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods:
This study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from patients. Sixty adult female patients with skeletal ClassⅡ were selected and divided into a skeletal ClassⅡ normodivergent group and a skeletal ClassⅡ hyperdivergent group based on the patients’ mandibular plane angle. In both groups, the bilateral maxillary first premolars were extracted and the maxillary anterior teeth were retracted with maximum anchorage. Cone beam CT(CBCT) images were collected before and after treatment, and three-dimensional measurement software was used to analyze oropharyngeal airway-related parameters.
Results:
After retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth with maximum anchorage, the 10 parameters related to the oropharyngeal airway did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the normodivergent group (P>0.05), but the perpendicular distance from the highest point of the hyoid bone to the vertical line passing through the sella (H-X) value decreased (P<0.001). In the hyperdivergent group, the oropharyngeal area at the level of the epiglottis tip (OPA-E), anterior-posterior diameters of the oropharynx at the level of the epiglottis tip (E-AP), most constricted axial area of the oropharynx (OPA-MCA), and anterior-posterior diameters of MCA area of the oropharynx (MCA-AP) decreased after treatment (P<0.001). In addition, the oropharyngeal volume (OPV) decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and the perpendicular distance from the highest point of the hyoid bone to the horizontal line passing through the sella (H-Y) and the highest point of the hyoid bone to the epiglottis base (H-Eb) values increased after treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion
After retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth with maximum anchorage, there is no change in the oropharyngeal airway in skeletal ClassⅡ normodivergent female adult patients, while skeletal ClassⅡhyperdivergent female adult patients have a risk of reduction in the oropharyngeal airway after maximuim anchorage retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth.
7.Reconsideraton of Stroke with Syndrome of Combined Blood Stasis and Toxin from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Yunfan ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Lina MIAO ; Hongxi LIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiao LIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1305-1310
Xiang thinking is a cognitive approach that reflects the relationships between phenomena and their underlying principles by analyzing their external manifestations through methods such as analogy, reasoning, deduction, and symbolism. This article applied xiang thinking to analyze the etiology and pathogenesis of "wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis" in stroke, thereby exploring its impact on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of this condition. Meanwhile, the article traced the construction process of xiang thinking, and interpreted the concept of "toxin pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine from four perspectives, state, attribute, origin, and law. Furthermore, the relationship between the process of constructing xiang thinking and the origin of etiology, identification methods, pathogenesis evolution, and treatment strategies for stroke with syndrome of combined blood stasis and toxin was explored, so as to provide insights into research on the etiology and pathogenesis of stroke, as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches.
8.Effects of exercise combined with dietary intervention on vascular endothelial function and ferroptosis in obese female university students
YANG Mei, CHEN Anping, WANG Jingjing, SU Xiaoyun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1185-1189
Objective:
To compare the effects of aerobic exercise at maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) and FATmax intensity exercise combined with resistance training (RT), and dietary restriction on the body composition, vascular endothelial function and ferroptosis in obese female university students, so as to provide a reference for exploring the mechanisms by which exercise improves vascular endothelial function.
Methods:
From February to May 2024, 70 obese female university students were recruited from Shanxi University and randomly divided into control group ( n =24), FATmax group ( n =24) and FATmax+RT group ( n =22). From March 4 to May 26, 2024 control group maintained their normal living habits, FATmax group performed aerobic exercise at FATmax intensity three times per week for 60 minutes per session; FATmax +RT group performed combined aerobic and resistance exercise at FATmax intensity three times per week for 60 minutes per session. The daily dietary calorie intake for all groups was determined according to resting energy expenditure. Body composition, vascular endothelial function and ferroptosis were measured before and after the intervention.
Results:
After 12 weeks of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in body mass, BMI, body fat, waist hip ratio and muscle mass among the three groups ( F =10.93, 5.88, 65.28, 21.14, 2.25, all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, participants in both the FATmax group and the FATmax+RT group showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat and waist hip ratio (all P <0.05). Body fat and waist hip ratio in FATmax+RT group were lower than those in FATmax group, and muscle mass was higher than those in FATmax group and control group (both P <0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, significant differences were observed among the three groups in serum NO, GSH, serum ferritin levels and FMD ( F = 9.14, 9.67, 4.78, 135.70, all P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum NO, GSH levels and FMD significantly increased, and the serum ferritin level decreased (all P <0.05) of obese female university students in FATmax group and FATmax+RT group. Serum GSH level and FMD increased and serum ferritin level decreased in FATmax +RT group when compared with FATmax group (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
With the same exercise training duration and frequency, FATmax intensity aerobic exercise, alone or combined with resistance and dietary restriction, can significantly improve the body composition, vascular endothelial function and inhibit ferroptosis of obese female university students. However, FATmax intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training has more pronounced effects.
9.Analyzing the influencing factors of preserved ratio impaired spirometry among dust-exposed workers in a wood furniture manufacturing enterprise
Huilin QIN ; Mingyu LI ; Leyi XU ; Jingjing QIU ; Jiabin CHEN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):293-298
Objective To investigate the situation and influencing factors of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) among dust-exposed workers in a wooden furniture manufacturing enterprise. Methods A total of 562 dust-exposed workers from a wooden furniture enterprise in Guangdong Province were selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method. The result of health-status questionnaire and occupational medical examinations among the participants were studied, and the influencing factors of PRISm were studied using the binary logistic regression analysis method. Results The detection rate of PRISm was 22.1% (124/562) among the study subjects. Binary logistic regression result showed that male workers had a higher risk of PRISm than female workers (P<0.01). Current smokers had a higher risk of PRISm than non-smokers (P<0.05). Workers with longer duration of exposure to occupational hazards had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.05), those with higher grade of small-airway dysfunction had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.01). In terms of body mass index, overweight or obese workers showed a higher detection rate of PRISm than those with normal weight (P<0.01). Greater amount of smoking pack per year had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.01). Conclusion Dust-exposed workers in the wooden furniture manufacturing industry show a relatively high detection rate of PRISm. Male, current smoker, longer duration of exposure to occupational hazards, small airway dysfunction, overweight or obese, and smoking pack per year are influencing factors of PRISm among the dust-exposed workers in the wooden furniture manufacturing industry.
10.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.


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