1.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
2.Mediation and latent variable analysis of new curriculum standard based physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience among middle school students
YUAN Yuqing, HU Wenying, HU Chang, ZHANG Wen, SONG Chao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):941-945
Objective:
To examine the relationship among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem and subjective exercise experience among middle school students, and to analyze the latent classes of exercise self efficacy, so as to provide evidence for enhancing adolescents subjective exercise experience.
Methods:
Using stratified cluster random sampling, 2 569 students from 12 provinces, autonomous regions or municipality directly under the central govement (Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou, Henan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shandong, Hubei, Hebei) were surveyed from September to November in 2024 with Core Competency Scale of Physical Education, Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale, Exercise Self Efficacy Scale, and Physical Self esteem Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem, and subjective exercise experience. Mediation models with Bootstrap testing were employed to examine the mediating roles of exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem in the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience. Latent profile analysis (LPA) of exercise self efficacy was performed using Mplus 8.3.
Results:
Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations between physical education core literacy and exercise self efficacy ( r =0.21), physical self esteem ( r =0.38), and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.40); exercise self efficacy was positively correlated with physical self esteem ( r =0.25) and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.45); and physical self esteem was positively correlated with subjective exercise experience ( r =0.34) (all P <0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that physical education core literacy positively predicted subjective exercise experience ( β =0.41, P <0.05), with exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem serving as partial mediators (effect size=0.14, P <0.01), accounting for 34% of the total effect. LPA identified three latent classes of exercise self efficacy:low (14.71%, n =378), moderate (65.51%, n =1 683), and high (19.78%, n =508) exercise self efficacy groups.
Conclusion
Adolescents exercise self efficacy demonstrates heterogeneity, and both exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem mediate the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience.
3.Cross sectional and cross lagged network analyses of Internet addiction among university students
GOU Hao, HUANG Wenying, SUN Qunqun, HU Chang, ZHANG Wen, XIANG Luyao, SONG Chao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1287-1291
Objective:
To understand the dynamic temporal evolution pathways of Internet addiction among university students and to identify the core driving nodes, so as to provide theoretical evidences for the precise implementation of targeted interventions.
Methods:
Using a convenient cluster sampling method, a total of 1 066 full time freshmen and sophomores were recruited from three universities in Guizhou, Jiangxi, and Guangdong Provinces for a follow up survey (T1:January-March 2024; T2:January-March 2025). The Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) was employed to assess the status of Internet addiction among university students, and cross sectional as well as cross lagged panel network models were constructed to analyze Internet addiction and its multidimensional influencing factors.
Results:
The T1 network comprised 19 nodes and 114 non zero edges, while the T2 network comprised 19 nodes and 126 non zero edges. Cross sectional network analysis revealed the strongest association between "insufficient sleep" and "daytime fatigue"; the core nodes were "first thought upon waking for going online" and "feeling low after disconnection" (characteristics of psychological dependence) at T1, while the core nodes shifted to "impaired health" and "excitement when online" (characteristics of functional impairment and addictive psychodynamic features) at T2. Cross lagged network analysis further indicated that "reduced leisure" directly predicted "sleep compression", and a bidirectional relationship was observed between "needing more time to achieve satisfaction" and "academic decline".
Conclusions
Internet addiction among university students exhibits dynamic evolutionary characteristics. Stage specific targeted interventions focusing on core driving nodes are needed, integrating behavioral regulation and academic support to break the vicious cycle and enhancing the ability to cope with real life demands.
4.Longitudinal study on regulatory emotional self efficacy and exercise presistence among college students
ZHANG Wen, HU Chang, HUANG Wenying, SONG Chao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(9):1314-1318
Objective:
To explore the longitudinal relationship between regulatory emotional self-efficacy and the persistence of exercise, so as to provide a reference for promoting the development of exercise habits among college students.
Methods:
Using a cluster random sampling method, one undergraduate institution was selected from each of Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangdong, Anhui, and Fujian provinces. A total of 2 576 college students were recruited. The Regulatory Emotional Self-efficacy Scale and Exercise Persistence Scale were distributed to college students through the questionnaire star platform. Three rounds of questionnaire surveys were completed in September 2023 (T1), December 2023 (T2), and March 2024 (T3). Crosslagged analysis was employed to explore the relationship between regulatory emotional selfefficacy and the persistence of college students exercise.
Results:
Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that the main effects of regulatory emotional self-efficacy on time and gender were statistically significant ( F =102.15, η 2=0.07; F =34.80, η 2=0.01), and the interaction effects between time and gender, as well as between time and academic stage, were also statistically significant ( F =3.81, η 2=0.00; F = 25.54 , η 2=0.02)( P < 0.05). The main effect of exercise persistence on time was statistically significant ( F =111.28, η 2=0.05) and the interaction effect between time and academic stage was statistically significant ( F =27.13, η 2=0.02)( P <0.01). Cross lagged analysis revealed that regulatory emotional self-efficacy at T1 positively predicted exercise persistence at T2 ( β =0.068), and regulatory emotional self-efficacy at T2 positively predicted exercise persistence at T3 ( β =0.368)( P <0.01). Prior exercise persistence positively predicted subsequent exercise persistence, with path coefficients of 0.298 and 0.240 ( P <0.01). Exercise persistence at T1 negatively predicted regulatory emotional self-efficacy at T2 ( β =-0.068), and exercise persistence at T2 positively predicted regulatory emotional self-efficacy at T3 ( β =0.061) ( P <0.01). Prior regulatory emotional self-efficacy positively predicted subsequent regulatory emotional self-efficacy, with path coefficients of 0.271 and 0.639 ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
There is a longitudinal causal relationship between regulatory emotional self-efficacy and college students exercise persistence. In daily physical activities, the significant role of emotional factors in sports practices should be emphasized to promote exercise behaviors among college students.
5.Mechanistic investigation on the hypoglycemic effect of Panax notoginseng saponins in type 2 diabetic mice based on plasma metabolomics
Jin-hua ZHANG ; Han-xiang LIU ; Yu-xuan LIU ; Min WU ; Jin-xia CHANG ; Wen-hu LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1028-1039
Plasma metabolomics combined experimental verification was employed for investigating of the hypoglycemic effect of
6.Based on supramolecular chemistry to explore the scientific connotation of the compatibility between licorice and the insoluble mineral medicine gypsum
Yao-zhi ZHANG ; Wen-min PI ; Lin-ying WU ; Lu-ping YANG ; Shu-chang YAO ; Xiang ZHANG ; Xue-mei HUANG ; Peng-long WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1048-1056
Licorice-gypsum (gancao-shigao, GC-SG) drug pair was used as the research object, using supramolecular chemistry to explore the scientific connotation of combining herbal medicine GC with insoluble mineral medicine SG in clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine. ① The Tyndall effect, microscopic morphology and particle size of the single and co-decocted of GC and SG were observed, the paste content and conductivity were determined, and the interaction between GC and SG was detected by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR). ② Calcium chloride (CaCl2), a soluble calcium salt of equal gypsum quality, was used instead of SG with GC for co-decocting to explore the effect of calcium salt content on the water decocting, and the characteristics were combined with the Tyndall effect, microscopic morphology, paste content and conductivity. ITC and IR techniques were used to detect the interaction between the two, and the interaction between them was detected by ITC and IR. The zeta potential and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis) of GC-SG and GC-CaCl2 co-decoction were compared, and the inorganic and organic components in the co-decoction were detected by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed: ① Compared with the liquid phase of single decoction, GC-SG co-decoction had more obvious Tyndall effect, and showed uniform spherical nanoparticles under electron microscope. Physical characterization results such as paste content and conductivity showed that co-decoction promoted the dissolution of each other's components; ITC and IR results showed that there was strong interaction between GC and SG, which preliminatively indicated that GC and SG co-decoction promoted the formation of uniform and stable supramolecular system of traditional Chinese medicine. ② When soluble calcium salt was used to substitute insoluble SG with GC for co-decocting, a stronger but astigmatic light path appeared than single decocting solution, the zeta potential was reduced, and a large number of accumulated polymers were formed. The results of paste content and conductivity showed that the dissolution of the co-decocting component was reduced than the single decocting component. ITC, UV-vis and IR results showed that there was interaction between GC with Ca2+ and SG. The formation of polysink indicated that a large amount of soluble calcium salt would destroy the stability of supramolecular Chinese medicine. The results of ICP-OES and HPLC showed that the glycyrrhizic acid (GA) content of the former lower than the latter, which was related to the formation of a large number of polycondensates with the increase of Ca2+ concentration and the decrease of the dissolution of GA and other active ingredients. This study indicates that the compatibility of GC and SG can form a uniform and stable supramolecular system of traditional Chinese medicine. Calcium salt, the main component of SG, is taken as the starting point. Excessive soluble Ca2+ can promote the aggregation of active ingredients such as GA, so as to reveal the scientific connotation of the compatibility of GC and SG, an insoluble mineral medicine.
7.Identification and expression analysis of AP2/ERF gene family in Artemisia argyi
Xue-xue YUE ; Chuang XIAO ; Qian-wen ZHANG ; Sai-nan PENG ; Chang-jie CHEN ; Jia ZHOU ; Jin-xin LI ; Yu-kun LI ; Yu-huan MIAO ; Da-hui LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2634-2647
italic>Artemisia argyi is a traditional Chinese medicine in China, which is used as medicine with its leaves. The leaves of
8.Inhibitory effect of bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 on osteosarcoma
Chang LIU ; Wen ZHANG ; Can ZHU ; Jie SUN ; Yicheng DING ; Qin SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(10):1512-1518
BACKGROUND:The most prominent transcription factor activated by tumor stem cells in osteosarcoma is EZH2,and silencing of EZH2 has been reported to inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth.Studies have confirmed that bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles are a drug delivery vector with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability,and the albumin carrier can provide tumor-targeted drug delivery function. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438(EZH2 inhibitor)for the treatment of osteosarcoma. METHODS:(1)Bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with and without EPZ6438 were prepared.The drug encapsulation rate and drug release rate of serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 were detected.(2)MG-63 cells were divided into four groups and added with PBS(control group),serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle extract solution(blank nanoparticle group),EPZ6438 solution(free drug group),and serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle extract loaded with EPZ6438(drug-loaded nanoparticle group),respectively.After 3 days of culture,cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and the expression of caspase-3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.(3)Twelve nude mice were selected and the subcutaneous tumor-bearing mouse model was established by injecting MG-63 cell suspension under the armpit.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into four groups for intervention.Normal saline(control group),serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle solution(blank nanoparticle group),EPZ6438 solution(free drug group)and serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle solution loaded with EPZ6438(drug-loaded nanoparticle group)were injected into tumor tissues,with three animals in each group.After 7 days of injection,the tumor volume and frozen sections of tumor tissue were observed by TUNEL staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The drug encapsulation rate of the nanoparticles was about 8.8%,and the nanoparticles had a good drug release effect in pure water.The drug release amount was(34.72±1.93)μg at 24 hours,(48.58±1.10)μg at 72 hours,(49.18±1.24)μg at 120 hours,and(50.25±1.13)μg at 168 hours.The drug release reached the plateau at 120 hours,and the release rate was about 97.9%.(2)After 3 days of cell culture with MG-63,the apoptotic rate in the control group and blank nanoparticle group was lower than that in the free drug group and drug-loaded nanoparticle group(P<0.001),and the expression of caspase 3 mRNA was lower than that in the free drug group and drug-loaded nanoparticle group(P<0.000 1).(3)After 7 days of injection,the tumor volume of nude mice in the drug-loaded nanoparticle group was smaller than that in the other three groups(P<0.05),and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in tumor tissue was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.000 1).(4)The results verify that serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 can inhibit the growth of osteosarcoma by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.
9.Bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathway involved in chondrodysplasia in the ankle of a rat congenital clubfoot model
Yu CHANG ; Hui LI ; Tianshui ZHANG ; Chunyu WANG ; Li YU ; Zimei WU ; Wen LI ; Zhengdong WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(16):2500-2504
BACKGROUND:Congenital clubfoot mainly manifests as abnormal bone itself and abnormal cartilage development.The bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein(Smad)signaling pathway can direct the development of bone and cartilage during embryonic period,but its role in the field of clubfoot etiology has not been confirmed in animal experiments. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism by which the BMP/Smad signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of foot and ankle chondroplasia in a rat congenital clubfoot model. METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats at 10 days of gestation with the same growth condition were randomly divided into experimental and control groups.The experimental group was intragastrically given 135 mg/kg retinoic acid to make the clubfoot model,while the control group was given the same amount of vegetable oil.The fetal rats were taken out after 21 days of gestation by cesarean section.In the experimental group,the 27 of 41 fetal rats had clubfoot,with a deformity rate of 65.9%;in the control group,no clubfoot was observed in all the 36 fetuses.The ankles tissues of the rats were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining.Western blot assay,RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression levels of Smad5 and P-Smad5,the core proteins of the BMP/Smad signaling pathway,as well as SP7 and Sox9,the downstream proteins of the BMP/Smad signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the cartilage matrix in the foot and ankle tissues increased and the gap between the bones increased in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical findings showed that the expression levels of Smad5 and SP7 decreased in the experimental group,while the mRNA expression of Sox9 increased.RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression of Smad5 and SP7 decreased,while the mRNA expression of Sox9 increased in the foot and ankle tissues of rats in the experimental group.Western blot results showed that P-Smad5/Smad5 expression and SP7 expression were decreased and Sox9 expression was increased in the ankle of rats in the experimental group.To conclude,the occurrence of cartilage abnormalities in the foot and ankle of the rat model of congenital clubfoot is associated with impaired transmission of the BMP/Smad signaling pathway.
10.Proteomics study the protective effects of Panax notoginsenosides on liver in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Wen-hu LIU ; Jin-hua ZHANG ; Min WU ; Nan XIE ; Shuang WANG ; Jin-xia CHANG ; Fan ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(8):2255-2264
Liver is the main organ of glucose and lipid metabolism, and persistent hyperglycemia is a common cause of liver injury.


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