1.The Ameliorate Effect of Piezo1 Signaling Pathway on Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Exercise Intervention
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):290-298
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world and has a significant impact on the health of patients. As a key factor in cellular mechanical transduction, Piezo1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the basic life activities of the body. By participating in energy metabolism, it not only promotes the improvement of basic metabolic rate, but also helps to maintain the stability of the internal environment of the body. The activation of Piezo1 pathway has a significant effect on the release of insulin by islet beta cells, and also plays an important role in the production of adipose tissue after food intake. This study reviews the effects of exercise intervention on the expression and function of Piezo1 protein, as well as its role in metabolic regulation and insulin level regulation in T2DM patients. The study showed that a modest exercise intervention activated Piezo1 signaling pathway, which improved insulin sensitivity and improved sugar metabolism. In addition, the activation of Piezo1 pathway is closely related to the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue, helping to regulate the differentiation and maturation of adipose cells, thereby affecting the metabolic function of adipose tissue. Based on a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, Piezo1 pathway is found to play a complex role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Exercise intervention, as a non-drug therapy, provides a new strategy for the treatment of T2DM by activating Piezo1 signaling pathway. However, the exact mechanism of action of Piezo1 pathway in T2DM still needs further investigation. Future studies should focus on the interaction between the Piezo1 pathway and T2DM, and how to regulate the Piezo1 pathway to optimize treatment for T2DM. The effects of exercise intervention on Piezo1 protein and its role in metabolic regulation and insulin level regulation of T2DM patients were comprehensively analyzed in this paper, aiming to provide a new perspective for further research and development of therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
2.Effect of Various Factors on Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescent Depression
Yi MIAO ; Junyi LI ; Peishan HUANG ; Ke WANG ; Xuelin ZHANG ; Qiangli DONG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):123-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder, analyze related influencing factors, and provide theoretical basis and reference for the prevention and treatment of NSSI. MethodsAccording to DSM-5 criteria, 95 depressive adolescents were divided into two groups: one with NSSI (NSSI group) and one without NSSI (nNSSI group). All patients were assessed with Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSAQ), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). The inter-group differences were compared. The influencing factors of NSSI were analyzed by using binary logistic regression. ResultsOf the 95 depressive adolescents, 59 cases of NSSI were identified, with a detection rate of 62.11%. NSSI group had higher scores than nNSSI group on SDS, SAS, negative coping style, paternal attachment anxiety, maternal attachment anxiety and avoidance, CTQ-SF total score, emotional neglect, physical neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety, negative coping style, maternal attachment avoidance and emotional abuse increased the risk of NSSI among adolescents with depressive disorders (all P< 0.05). ConclusionsAdolescents with depression have a high incidence of NSSI behaviors, which is related to anxiety, negative coping style, maternal attachment avoidance and emotional abuse. In addition to improving patients' depression and anxiety in clinical setting, attention should also be paid to patients' coping styles, parent-child relationship and childhood trauma to reduce the occurrence of NSSI behaviors.
3.Molecular mechanism of Shenling Baizhu powder in treatment of cancer cachexia based on network pharmacology
Gang KE ; Qingke DONG ; Shirong XIAO ; Qian GONG ; Rong LI ; Daijie WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(5):242-250
Objective To analyze the pharmacological mechanism of Shenling Baizhu powder in the treatment of cancer cachexia based on the network pharmacological method and provide a reference for the clinical application of classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions. Methods Through TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases, the main chemical components and their targets of the TCM prescription of Shenling Baizhu powder were obtained, and the active components of the TCM were screened according to ADME. The main targets of cancer cachexia were obtained through OMIM, Genecards, Disgenet and DRUGBANK databases, and protein interaction analysis was conducted using String platform to build a PPI network. The “drug-active ingredient-target” network of Shenling Baizhu powder was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and then the biological processes and pathways involved were analyzed by using Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking verification was conducted by Discovery Studio. Results The core active ingredients of Shenling Baizhu powder in the treatment of cancer cachexia were quercetin, kaempferol, pyrolignous acid, stigmasterol, luteolin, β-sitosterol, etc. The core targets were AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL-6, MAPK3, CASP3, JUN, CTNNB1, HIF1A, EGFR, etc. The molecular docking test also showed that the top 10 active ingredients, such as pyrolignous acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, had good binding activities with most of the target sites. The biological pathway of Shenling Baizhu powder in treating cancer cachexia wss mainly to regulate tumor related pathway, metabolism related pathway, inflammatory factors and appetite related pathway. Conclusion This study preliminarily revealed the mechanism of action of Shenling Baizhu powder in treating cancer cachexia with multi components, multi targets and multi pathways, which provided a basis for the clinical development and utilization of Shenling Baizhu powder.
4.Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Brain Protection
Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ke LI ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Yin-Hao WANG ; Zi-Zheng YANG ; Tian-He WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1435-1452
Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.
5.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
6.Analysis of The Characteristics of Brain Functional Activity in Gross Motor Tasks in Children With Autism Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Technology
Wen-Hao ZONG ; Qi LIANG ; Shi-Yu YANG ; Feng-Jiao WANG ; Meng-Zhao WEI ; Hong LEI ; Gui-Jun DONG ; Ke-Feng LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2146-2162
ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.
8. Mechanism and experimental validation of Zukamu granules in treatment of bronchial asthma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Yan-Min HOU ; Li-Juan ZHANG ; Yu-Yao LI ; Wen-Xin ZHOU ; Hang-Yu WANG ; Jin-Hui WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Mei XU ; Dong LIU ; Jin-Hui WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):363-371
Aim To anticipate the mechanism of zuka- mu granules (ZKMG) in the treatment of bronchial asthma, and to confirm the projected outcomes through in vivo tests via using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods The database was examined for ZKMG targets, active substances, and prospective targets for bronchial asthma. The protein protein interaction network diagram (PPI) and the medication component target network were created using ZKMG and the intersection targets of bronchial asthma. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) were used for enrichment analysis, and network pharmacology findings were used for molecular docking, ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection was used to create a bronchial asthma model, and in vivo tests were used to confirm how ZKMG affected bronchial asthma. Results There were 176 key targets for ZKMG's treatment of bronchial asthma, most of which involved biological processes like signal transduction, negative regulation of apoptotic processes, and angiogenesis. ZKMG contained 194 potentially active components, including quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and other important components. Via signaling pathways such TNF, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), cancer pathway, and MAPK, they had therapeutic effects on bronchial asthma. Conclusion Key components had strong binding activity with appropriate targets, according to molecular docking data. In vivo tests showed that ZKMG could reduce p-p38, p-ERKl/2, and p-I
9. The regulatory mechanism of physiological sleep-wake
Wei-Jie LU ; Kai LIU ; Xin-Ke ZHAO ; Qian-Rong LI ; Ying-Dong LI ; Guo-Tai WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):421-426
This paper explains the mechanism of the mutual switching between physiological sleep and wakefulness from the aspects of the sleep circadian system and the sleep homeostasis system. In the circadian rhythm system, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus as the core, the anatomical connections between the suprachiasmatic nucleusand various systems that affect sleep are summarized, starting from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, passing through the four pathways of the melatonin system, namely, subventricular area of the hypothalamus, the ventrolateral nucleus of the preoptic area, orexin neurons, and melatonin, then the related mechanisms of their regulation of sleep and wakefulness are expounded. In the sleep homeostasis system, with adenosine and prostaglandin D2 as targets, the role of hypnogen in sleep arousal mechanisms in regulation is also expounded.
10.Clinical significance of nucleolar antinuclear antibodies associated with the nucleolar immunofluorescence pattern in autoimmune disease
Congcong DING ; Xi WANG ; Fang LIN ; Le YU ; Hui CHEN ; Ke DONG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(1):29-33
Objective To explore the clinical significance of nucleolar antinuclear antibodies(ANA)in re-lated diseases.Methods This study was a retrospective study.Clinical samples of 71780 patients who visited the hospital from January 2017 to May 2022 were collected.Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect ANA in clinical samples.Statistical analysis was conducted on the positivity rate of nucleolar ANA in clinical patients,as well as the relevant clinical information and laboratory characteristics of patients with autoimmune diseases(AID)with nucleolar ANA positivity.Results Among 71780 patients who underwent routine ANA testing,16778 were positive for ANA,with a positive rate of 23.37%.Among them,there were 1 708 cases of nucleolar type,accounting for 2.38%of all routine ANA tests,and the proportion of ANA positive cases was 10.18%.There was a statistically significant difference in the positive rate of nucleolar ANA between patients of different genders in the>20-<50 year old group and the ≥ 50 year old group(P<0.05),while there was no statistically significant difference in the positive rate of nucleolar ANA between patients of different genders in the ≤ 20 year old group(P>0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the positivity rate of nucleolar ANA among women of different age groups(P<0.05),among them,the highest positive rate of nucleolar ANA was found in women aged between 20 and 50 years old.There was no statistically significant difference in the positive rate of nucleolar ANA among males of different age groups(P>0.05).The positivi-ty rate of ANA was the highest among patients in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology(70.35%),but nucleolar ANA positivity was mainly seen in departments such as Reproductive Medicine Cen-ter(12.90%),Respiratory Medicine(12.40%),and Neurology(11.29%),and the difference in positivity rates between departments was statistically significant(P<0.05).Out of 1 708 nucleolar ANA positive indi-viduals,420 underwent ANA titers,including 34 AID patients and 386 non AID patients.There was no statis-tically significant difference in nucleolus positive titers between non AID patients and AID patients(P>0.05).Conclusion The nucleolus type is a common fluorescence pattern in ANA positive individuals,and there are gender and age differences in ANA positive individuals.The positive rate and titer of nucleolar ANA vary among different AID diseases.Combined with other immune function indicators,and it is helpful for early differential diagnosis of AID.

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