1.Mechanism of Icariin in Regulating TGF-β1/Smad Pathway to Induce Autophagy in Human Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Yaqi ZHANG ; Yankun JIANG ; Guoyuan SUN ; Bo LI ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):123-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of icariin (ICA) on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the effect on autophagy in BMECs. MethodsBMECs were isolated and cultured, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were divided into the control group, model group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone), ICA group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA), and TGF-β inhibitor group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA +1×10-5 mol·L-1 LY2157299). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosome number of BMECs. Autophagy double-standard adenovirus was used to monitor the confocal autophagy flow generation of each cell. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression of autophagy in the TGF-β1/ Smad pathway. ResultsAfter cell separation culture, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and von willebrand factor (vWF) immunofluorescence identified BMECs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell membrane was damaged, and the nucleus was pyknotic and broken in the model group. Compared with the model group, the ICA group had complete cell membranes, clear structures, with autophagy-lysosome sparsely distributed. The confocal photo showed that BMECs had autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes, and the autophagy expression of the ICA group was similar to that of the blank group. Compared with the blank group, in the model group and the LY2157299 group, autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes were barely seen in the autophagy flow. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of ubiquitin-binding protein (p62) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad homolog 2 (Smad2), and Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B in BMECs of the ICA group increased (P<0.01), and those of p62 significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin1, LC3B, and p62 in the inhibitor group were not statistically significant. The expression of key genes and proteins of the TGF-β1 pathway in the inhibitor group was not statistically significant. ConclusionICA can promote glucocorticoid-induced autophagy expression of BMECs, and its mechanism may be related to activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Jiancheng TANG ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yaping XU ; Qidong ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):141-149
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells, necrosis, and trabecular fractures, SONFH is accompanied by pain, femoral head collapse, and joint dysfunction, which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis, bone microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation, thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting angiogenesis in BMECs, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway, as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, BMECs, and other cells. Additionally, the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings, this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM, it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.
3.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in the intervention of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
Haoge CHENG ; Chenfei HE ; Chunlong RAN ; Chiyuan MA ; Xiangzhe LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):245-250
Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a secondary brain injury that may occur in patients with ischemic stroke during the process of blood flow recovery. NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CIRI. Regulating the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome can induce cell pyroptosis, induce neuroinflammatory response, promote macrophage/microglial polarization, destroy the blood-brain barrier, affect angiogenesis and neurogenesis, thereby affecting CIRI. Traditional Chinese medicine has obvious advantages in the treatment of CIRI. In this paper, with NLRP3 inflammasome as the core, we systematically elucidated the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicines on CIRI, and found that traditional Chinese medicines monomers (such as baicalin, polygalasaponin F) and traditional Chinese medicines compound formulas (such as Huangqi guizhi wuwu decoction, Yiqi shengqing formulation) can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activity, reduce inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and improve neuronal injury, thereby reducing CIRI.
4.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in the intervention of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
Haoge CHENG ; Chenfei HE ; Chunlong RAN ; Chiyuan MA ; Xiangzhe LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):245-250
Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a secondary brain injury that may occur in patients with ischemic stroke during the process of blood flow recovery. NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CIRI. Regulating the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome can induce cell pyroptosis, induce neuroinflammatory response, promote macrophage/microglial polarization, destroy the blood-brain barrier, affect angiogenesis and neurogenesis, thereby affecting CIRI. Traditional Chinese medicine has obvious advantages in the treatment of CIRI. In this paper, with NLRP3 inflammasome as the core, we systematically elucidated the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicines on CIRI, and found that traditional Chinese medicines monomers (such as baicalin, polygalasaponin F) and traditional Chinese medicines compound formulas (such as Huangqi guizhi wuwu decoction, Yiqi shengqing formulation) can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activity, reduce inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and improve neuronal injury, thereby reducing CIRI.
5.Determination of biological activity of teduglutide by a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method
Xiao-ming ZHANG ; Ran MA ; Li-jing LÜ ; Lü-yin WANG ; Ping LÜ ; Cheng-gang LIANG ; Jing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):211-217
In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the
6.Exercise Regulates Structural Plasticity and Neurogenesis of Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Memory Impairment in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Mice
Meng-Si YAN ; Lin-Jie SHU ; Chao-Ge WANG ; Ran CHENG ; Lian-Wei MU ; Jing-Wen LIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):995-1007
ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.
7.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.
8.Risk factors for plastic bronchitis and pidemiological investigation of patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in 2020 - 2023
Tong CHENG ; Ran FU ; Yufeng WAN ; Yulong ZHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):76-79
Objective To investigate and analyze epidemiological characteristics of patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from 2020 to 2023, and the risk factors for plastic bronchitis (PB), To provide data support for developing preventive measures. Methods The medical records of 2 257 patients with respiratory tract infection treated at Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from 2020 to 2023 were collected. Count the number of MPP patients and analyze the MP detection rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and ROC curve was used to screen the risk factors for PB. Results A total of 858 cases were positive for MP antibodies, and the detection rate was 38.02%. There are statistically significant differences in MP detection rates among different genders, age groups, and years (P<0.05). Among the 286 patients diagnosed with MPP and undergoing bronchoscopy, 68 (23.78%) patients had PB. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, small age, higher N%, D-D, LDH and AST levels were independent risk factors for PB (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis shows that age and combined detection are the most effective indicators for PB prediction, with areas under the curve of 0.998 and 0.961, respectively. Conclusion MP is the main pathogen of respiratory tract infections in the area from 2020 to 2023. Women and children are more susceptible to MP infection. Small age, high N%, DD, LDH and AST levels are independent risk factors for PB in patients with MPP. Targeted preventive measures should be taken for MP susceptible population, and close attention should be paid to PB related risk factors to prevent disease progression and the occurrence of PB.
9.Risk factors for plastic bronchitis and pidemiological investigation of patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in 2020 - 2023
Tong CHENG ; Ran FU ; Yufeng WAN ; Yulong ZHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):76-79
Objective To investigate and analyze epidemiological characteristics of patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from 2020 to 2023, and the risk factors for plastic bronchitis (PB), To provide data support for developing preventive measures. Methods The medical records of 2 257 patients with respiratory tract infection treated at Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from 2020 to 2023 were collected. Count the number of MPP patients and analyze the MP detection rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and ROC curve was used to screen the risk factors for PB. Results A total of 858 cases were positive for MP antibodies, and the detection rate was 38.02%. There are statistically significant differences in MP detection rates among different genders, age groups, and years (P<0.05). Among the 286 patients diagnosed with MPP and undergoing bronchoscopy, 68 (23.78%) patients had PB. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, small age, higher N%, D-D, LDH and AST levels were independent risk factors for PB (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis shows that age and combined detection are the most effective indicators for PB prediction, with areas under the curve of 0.998 and 0.961, respectively. Conclusion MP is the main pathogen of respiratory tract infections in the area from 2020 to 2023. Women and children are more susceptible to MP infection. Small age, high N%, DD, LDH and AST levels are independent risk factors for PB in patients with MPP. Targeted preventive measures should be taken for MP susceptible population, and close attention should be paid to PB related risk factors to prevent disease progression and the occurrence of PB.
10. Ligustilide delays senescence of auditory cortex in mice by inhibiting ferritinophagy
Ying-Dong ZHOU ; Meng-Xian ZHANG ; Qing-Ling WANG ; Hao-Ran KANG ; Zhi-Cheng ZHANG ; Xiang-Dong GUO ; Qing-Lin WANG ; Ya-Min LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):455-461
Aim To investigate the mechanism of ligu aged 2 months of the same strain were used as the constilide (LIG) in delaying the senescence of auditory trol (Ctrl) group. Auditory brainstem response test was cortex and treating central presbycusis. Methods used to detect the auditory threshold of mice before and Forty C57BL/6J mice aged 13 months were randomly di after treatment. Levels of serum MDA and activity of vided into ligustilide low-dose(L-LIG) group, ligustil serum SOD were detected to display the level of oxidative ide medium-dose (M-LIG) group, ligustilide high-dose stress. The pathological changes of auditory cortex were (H-LIG) group and aging (Age) group, and 10 mice observed by HE staining. Ferroptosis was observed by


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail