1.The Role of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells-mediated Muscle Regeneration in The Treatment of Age-related Sarcopenia
Wei-Xiu JI ; Jia-Lin LÜ ; Yi-Fan MA ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2033-2050
Age-related sarcopenia is a progressive, systemic skeletal muscle disorder associated with aging. It is primarily characterized by a significant decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, rather than being an inevitable consequence of normal aging. Despite ongoing research, there is still no globally unified consensus among physicians regarding the diagnostic criteria and clinical indicators of this condition. Nonetheless, regardless of the diagnostic standards applied, the prevalence of age-related sarcopenia remains alarmingly high. With the global population aging at an accelerating rate, its incidence is expected to rise further, posing a significant public health challenge. Age-related sarcopenia not only markedly increases the risk of physical disability but also profoundly affects patients’ quality of life, independence, and overall survival. As such, the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate its dual burden on both societal and individual health has become an urgent and critical priority. Skeletal muscle regeneration, a vital physiological process for maintaining muscle health, is significantly impaired in age-related sarcopenia and is considered one of its primary underlying causes. Skeletal muscle satellite cells (MSCs), also known as muscle stem cells, play a pivotal role in generating new muscle fibers and maintaining muscle mass and function. A decline in both the number and functionality of MSCs is closely linked to the onset and progression of sarcopenia. This dysfunction is driven by alterations in intrinsic MSC mechanisms—such as Notch, Wnt/β‑Catenin, and mTOR signaling pathways—as well as changes in transcription factors and epigenetic modifications. Additionally, the MSC microenvironment, including both the direct niche formed by skeletal muscle fibers and their secreted cytokines, and the indirect niche composed of extracellular matrix proteins and various cell types, undergoes age-related changes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation further contribute to MSC impairment, ultimately leading to the development of sarcopenia. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for age-related sarcopenia. Nutritional intervention and exercise remain the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies. Adequate protein intake, coupled with sufficient energy provision, is fundamental to both the prevention and treatment of this condition. Adjuvant therapies, such as dietary supplements and caloric restriction, offer additional therapeutic potential. Exercise promotes muscle regeneration and ameliorates sarcopenia by acting on MSCs through various mechanisms, including mechanical stress, myokine secretion, distant cytokine signaling, immune modulation, and epigenetic regulation. When combined with a structured exercise regimen, adequate protein intake has been shown to be particularly effective in preventing age-related sarcopenia. However, traditional interventions may be inadequate for patients with limited mobility, poor overall health, or advanced sarcopenia. Emerging therapeutic strategies—such as miRNA mimics or inhibitors, gut microbiota transplantation, and stem cell therapy—present promising new directions for MSC-based interventions. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in MSC-mediated muscle regeneration in age-related sarcopenia and systematically discusses therapeutic strategies targeting MSC regulation to enhance muscle mass and strength. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation and identify future research directions for the prevention and treatment of this increasingly prevalent condition.
2.Correlations of immune cell infiltration characteristics with clinicopathological parameters in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Huaxuan ZHAO ; Guichao ZHANG ; Jiarong LIU ; Futian MO ; Taoen LI ; Chengyong LEI ; Shidong LÜ
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1280-1288
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the characteristics of immune cell infiltration in tumor samples from Chinese patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the correlation of immune cell infiltration with tumor stage and response to immunotherapy.
METHODS:
Tumor samples and clinicopathological data were collected from 154 ccRCC patients treated in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from October, 2020 to October, 2023. The immune cell types infiltrating the tumor tissues were identified using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, and their correlations with the patients' clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Patient-derived tumor tissue fragment models (PDTF) models, constructed using tumor tissues from 22 patients, were treated with PD-1 monoclonal antibody, and T cell activation was detected using flow cytometry to assess the patients' responses to immunotherapy.
RESULTS:
In Chinese ccRCC patients included in this study, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD3+ T cells were the most abundant in the tumor tissues. Higher infiltration levels of CD3+ T cells (P=0.004), PD-1+ T cells (P=0.020), CD68+ T cells (P=0.049), CD79+ T cells (P=0.049), and Tryptase+ cells (P=0.049) were all positively correlated with a larger tumor size (≥5 cm). A higher infiltration level of CD4+ T cells was associated with a lower tumor stage. Patients with higher International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades had higher infiltration levels of CD3+ T cells (P=0.023), CD8+ T cells (P=0.045), PD-1+ T cells (P=0.014), CD20+ B cells (P=0.020) and CD79+ B cells (P=0.049), and lower levels of Tryptase+ cells (P=0.001). Patients with abundant infiltrating immune cells tended to have better responses to immunotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The infiltrating immune cells are heterogeneous in Chinese ccRCC patients, and immune cell infiltration characteristics are closely correlated with clinicopathological parameters of the patients.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology*
;
Kidney Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Immunotherapy
;
Male
;
Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Aged
;
T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology*
;
Adult
;
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Neoplasm Staging
3.Protective effects of Silybum thistle extract and related formulations on liver in mice with alcoholism
Ting-Qiao WANG ; Wu-Jiang REN ; Liang-Yu LÜ ; Rong WEI ; Yue-Yi GUO ; Jian ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(7):1009-1013
Objective To investigate the protective effect of silymarin extract(SME)and its complex preparation on ethanol liver injury.Methods An ethanol liver injury model was established by gavage of 12 mL·kg-1 50%ethanol.Male mice were divided into blank group(distilled water),model group(ethanol liver injury model),SME-L,-H groups(6,20 mg·mL-1 SME),SME+Ganoderma lucidum extract(GLE)-L,-H groups(10,30 mg·mL-1 SME+GLE,SME∶GLE=1∶1),Jian An Shi Silymarin Pueraria Mirifica and Tansy tablets(JAS)-L,-H groups(68,204 mg·mL-1 JAS),there were 12 mice in each group.The serum levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT)in mice were measured by fully automated biochemical analyzer assay;the serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)in mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELASA);the hepatic tissue of oxidative stress indexes[catalase(CAT)and total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)]were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometer.Results The T-SOD activity in the blank group,model group,SME-L,SME-H,SME+GLE-L,SME+GLE-H,JAS-L and JAS-H groups were(192.54±49.00),(141.65±34.72),(205.83±32.77),(191.68±25.83),(192.31±28.79),(177.82±32.61),(218.58±74.80)and(210.24±31.65)U·mg·prot-1;CAT activity were(37.78±5.73),(28.92±8.44),(44.12±11.52),(41.41±9.15),(47.01±10.48),(41.63±8.95),(47.14±8.91)and(48.29±10.06)U·mg-1;GPT levels were(47.61±13.00),(97.84±26.00),(62.33±18.92),(51.84±17.91),(70.77±28.00),(58.00±21.27),(52.28±18.78)and(45.55±9.27)U·L-1;IL-6 levels were(21.03±1.52),(28.43±5.75),(21.90±3.24),(21.23±1.55),(22.26±2.58),(21.24±2.91),(22.17±4.14)and(21.14±3.02)pg·mL-1.Comparing the above indexes in the model group with the blank group,and comparing the above indexes in the SME-L,SME-H,SME+GLE-L,SME+GLE-H,JAS-L,JAS-H groups with the model group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The TNF-α levels in blank,model,SME-L,SME-H,SME+GLE-L,SME+GLE-H,JAS-L and JAS-H groups were were(28.07±7.72),(69.02±16.34),(40.29±8.94),(48.84±10.17),(41.91±14.96),(40.07±12.75),(50.72±11.44)and(45.05±11.34)pg·mL-1.Comparing the model group with the blank group,the SME,SME+GLE-L,-M and JAS,-M groups with the model group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).Conclusion Silybum marianum extract and its compound preparation can increase the antioxidant level and reduce the inflammation of mouse liver,and have a certain improvement effect on liver injury caused by acute ethanol poisoning.
4.Effects of Angelica Sinensis and Astragalus capsules on myocardial autophagy in rats with heart failure
Xue WU ; Xin-Fang LÜ ; Xiao-Dong ZHI ; Xin-Ke ZHAO ; Ying-Dong LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1453-1457
Objective To investigate whether Angelica Sinensis and Astragalus capsules(AAC)regulates myocardial autophagy in heart failure rats via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase(Akt)/mammalian target of sirolimus(mTOR)signaling pathway.Methods A rat model of heart failure was constructed by intraperitoneal 2.5 mg·kg-1 doxorubicin,and another 8 rats served as the control group.The modeling rats were randomly divided into model group,control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups.Control group was given 30 mg·kg-1 3-methyladenine by intraperitoneal injection;experimental-L,-M,-H groups were given 150,300 and 450 mg·kg-1 AAC by gavage,respectively;blank and model groups were given the same quantity of sterile distilled water.Six groups were administered once daily for 6 weeks.The cardiac function was measured by ultrasound,and the expression levels of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,sequestosome 1(P62)and microtubule-associated light chain protein 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ)in myocardial tissue were measured by Western blot.Results In the blank,model,control and experimental-H groups,the left ventricular ejection fraction values were(85.00±3.63)%,(56.75±4.83)%,(75.63±3.70)%and(72.75±4.23)%;the relative expression levels of PI3K were 1.00±0,0.28±0.05,0.64±0.08 and 0.74±0.16;phosphorylated Akt/Akt were 1.00±0,0.49±0.06,0.90±0.16 and 0.95±0.10;phosphorylated mTOR/mTOR values were 1.00±0,0.42±0.09,0.73±0.13 and 0.83±0.08;the relative expression levels of P62 proteins were 1.00±0,0.24±0.12,0.57±0.09 and 0.96±0.10;the relative expression levels of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ proteins were 1.00±0,4.31±0.75,2.20±0.76 and 1.59±0.24,respectively.Compared to the model group,statistical significant were identified in the experimental-H and control groups(all P<0.05).Conclusion AAC can regulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway,inhibit myocardial autophagy and improve cardiac function in rats with heart failure.
5.A multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm for percutaneous interventional radiofrequency thermal fusion of the L5/S1 segments
Hu LIU ; Zhihai SU ; Chengjie HUANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Yangfan CHEN ; Yujia ZHOU ; Hai LÜ ; Qianjin FENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1783-1795
Objective To minimize variations in treatment outcomes of L5/S1 percutaneous intervertebral radiofrequency thermocoagulation(PIRFT)arising from physician proficiency and achieve precise quantitative risk assessment of the puncture paths.Methods We used a self-developed deep neural network DWT-UNet for automatic segmentation of the magnetic resonance(MR)images of the L5/S1 segments into 7 key structures:L5,S1,Ilium,Disc,N5,Dura mater,and Skin,based on which a needle insertion path planning environment was modeled.Six hard constraints and 6 soft constraints were proposed based on clinical criteria for needle insertion,and the physician's experience was quantified into weights using the analytic hierarchy process and incorporated into the risk function for needle insertion paths to enhance individual case adaptability.By leveraging the proposed skin entry point sampling sub-algorithm and Kambin's triangle projection area sub-algorithm in conjunction with the analytic hierarchy process,and employing various technologies such as ray tracing,CPU multi-threading,and GPU parallel computing,a puncture path was calculated that not only met clinical hard constraints but also optimized the overall soft constraints.Results A surgical team conducted a subjective evaluation of the 21 needle puncture paths planned by the algorithm,and all the paths met the clinical requirements,with 95.24%of them rated excellent or good.Compared with the physician's planning results,the plans generated by the algorithm showed inferior DIlium,DS1,and Depth(P<0.05)but much better DDura,DL5,DN5,and AKambin(P<0.05).In the 21 cases,the planning time of the algorithm averaged 7.97±3.73 s,much shorter than that by the physicians(typically beyond 10 min).Conclusion The multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm offers an efficient automated solution for PIRFT of the L5/S1 segments with great potentials for clinical application.
6.A multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm for percutaneous interventional radiofrequency thermal fusion of the L5/S1 segments
Hu LIU ; Zhihai SU ; Chengjie HUANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Yangfan CHEN ; Yujia ZHOU ; Hai LÜ ; Qianjin FENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1783-1795
Objective To minimize variations in treatment outcomes of L5/S1 percutaneous intervertebral radiofrequency thermocoagulation(PIRFT)arising from physician proficiency and achieve precise quantitative risk assessment of the puncture paths.Methods We used a self-developed deep neural network DWT-UNet for automatic segmentation of the magnetic resonance(MR)images of the L5/S1 segments into 7 key structures:L5,S1,Ilium,Disc,N5,Dura mater,and Skin,based on which a needle insertion path planning environment was modeled.Six hard constraints and 6 soft constraints were proposed based on clinical criteria for needle insertion,and the physician's experience was quantified into weights using the analytic hierarchy process and incorporated into the risk function for needle insertion paths to enhance individual case adaptability.By leveraging the proposed skin entry point sampling sub-algorithm and Kambin's triangle projection area sub-algorithm in conjunction with the analytic hierarchy process,and employing various technologies such as ray tracing,CPU multi-threading,and GPU parallel computing,a puncture path was calculated that not only met clinical hard constraints but also optimized the overall soft constraints.Results A surgical team conducted a subjective evaluation of the 21 needle puncture paths planned by the algorithm,and all the paths met the clinical requirements,with 95.24%of them rated excellent or good.Compared with the physician's planning results,the plans generated by the algorithm showed inferior DIlium,DS1,and Depth(P<0.05)but much better DDura,DL5,DN5,and AKambin(P<0.05).In the 21 cases,the planning time of the algorithm averaged 7.97±3.73 s,much shorter than that by the physicians(typically beyond 10 min).Conclusion The multi-constraint optimal puncture path planning algorithm offers an efficient automated solution for PIRFT of the L5/S1 segments with great potentials for clinical application.
7.Identification, expression and protein interaction analysis of Aux/IAA and ARF gene family in Senna tora L.
Zhao FENG ; Shi-peng LIU ; Rui-hua LÜ ; Rui-hua LÜ ; Xiao-chen HU ; Ming-ying ZHANG ; Ren-jun MAO ; Gang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):751-763
The early response of plant auxin gene family
8.Comparison of initial percutaneous balloon compression versus radiofrequency thermocoagulation followed by percutaneous balloon compression in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
Honghao ZHANG ; Zongbin JIANG ; Jing LÜ ; Peng ZHAO ; Kan YUE ; Ruilin HE
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):40-46
Objective:There are a variety of minimally invasive interventional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia,and the efficacy evaluation is different.The preferred treatment scheme is still controversial.This study aims to investigate the differences in treatment effects between patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia(PTN)treated with percutaneous balloon compression(PBC)for the first intervention and patients with pain recurrence after radiofrequency thermocoagulation(RT)who then received PBC for PTN,and to offer clinicians and patients more scientifically grounded and precise treatment alternatives. Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 103 patients with PTN admitted to the Department of Pain Management of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021,including 49 patients who received PBC for the first time(PBC group)and 54 patients who received PBC for pain recurrence after RT(RT+PBC group).General information,preoperative pain score,intraoperative oval foramen morphology,oval foramen area,balloon volume,duration of compression,and postoperative pain scores and pain recurrence at each time point on day 1(T1),day 7(T2),day 14(T3),1 month(T4),3 months(T5),and 1 year(T6)were collected and recorded for both groups.The differences in treatment effect,complications and recurrence between the 2 groups were compared,and the related influencing factors were analyzed. Results:The differences of general information,preoperative pain scores,foramen ovale morphology,foramen ovale area,T1 to T3 pain scores between the 2 groups were not statistically different(all P>0.05).The balloon filling volume in the PBC group was smaller than that in the RT+PBC group,the pain scores at T4 to T6 and pain recurrence were better than those in the RT+PBC group(all P<0.05).Pain recurrence was positively correlated with pain scores of T2 to T6(r=0.306,0.482,0.831,0.876,0.887,respectively;all P<0.01). Conclusion:The choice of PBC for the first intervention in PTN patients is superior to the choice of PBC after pain recurrence after RT treatment in terms of treatment outcome and pain recurrence.
9.Advances in Salmonella -mediated targeted tumor therapy
Zhao-rui LÜ ; Dong-yi LI ; Yu-yang ZHU ; He-qi HUANG ; Hao-nan LI ; Zi-chun HUA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):17-24
italic>Salmonella has emerged as a promising tumor-targeting strategy in recent years due to its good tumor targeting ability and certain safety. In order to further optimize its therapeutic effect, scientists have tried to modify
10.Investigation on major cognition and major choice motivation of medical freshmen
Lizhi LÜ ; Huangda GUO ; Xiaowen LIU ; Lin XU ; Yuxuan ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Yawen JIA ; Yun WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(3):353-358
Objective:To understand the major cognition, major choice motivation and the relationship between the two of medical students, and provide references and suggestions for the selection of talents in various majors of medical schools and the effective development of enrollment work.Methods:This study selected undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center as the survey objects, conducted a questionnaire survey on their major cognition, major choice motivation and influencing factors, and used principal component analysis and Spearman rank correlation analysis.Results:The study found that the major cognition scores of 640 undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center were clinical medicine (3.24±0.89) > stomatology (2.89±1.00) > basic medicine (2.66±1.02) > pharmacy (2.54±0.97) > preventive medicine (2.29±0.93) > nursing medicine (2.21±0.99) > medical laboratory (1.98±0.95) > medical English (1.95±0.93). Six major motivation factors for professional choice were school and professional strength, professional learning and job prospects, own factors, Peking University sentiments and the influence of others, medical factors, school policies, and the contribution rates were 34.60%, 12.97%, 7.42%, 6.00%, 5.59% and 5.37%, respectively. Major cognition scores and major choice motivation factors were positively correlated with each other to some extent.Conclusions:At present, students' major cognition level of medical majors still has a large room for improvement, and the motivational factors of major choice are more complicated, among which "the school and professional strength" and "the prospects of study and work" are important factors. Medical schools should focus on strengthening major publicity, improving students' major cognition, attracting aspiring students to apply for medical majors from many aspects, and improving the training quality of medical professionals.

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