1.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
2.Luteolin improves myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury
Wenwen ZHANG ; Mengru XU ; Yuan TIAN ; Lifei ZHANG ; Shu SHI ; Ning WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Li WANG ; Haihu HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):38-43
BACKGROUND:Cardiac dysfunction due to spinal cord injury is an important factor of death in patients with spinal cord injury;however,the specific mechanism is still not clear.Therefore,revealing the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients is of great significance to improve their quality of life and survival rate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of luteolin in improving serum-induced myocardial cell death in spinal cord injury rats. METHODS:Allen's impact instrument was used to damage the spine T9-T11 of male SD rats to establish a spinal cord injury model meanwhile a sham operation group was set as the control group.The serum of rats of each group was collected.H9c2 cells were divided into a blank control group,a sham operated rat serum group,a spinal cord injury rat serum group and a luteolin pretreatment group.The cells in blank control group were only cultured with ordinary culture medium.The cells in the sham operated rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from sham operated rat.The cells in the spinal cord injury rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from spinal cord injury rat.The cells in the luteolin pretreatment group were precultured with a final concentration of 20 μmol/L luteolin for 4 hours and then changed to a medium containing 10%rat serum from spinal cord injury rat.After 24 hours of culture,the survival rate of each group of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3 and p62 in H9c2 cells in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,there was no significant change in cell survival rate in the sham operated rat serum group(P>0.05).Compared with the sham operated rat serum group,the cell survival rate(P<0.01)and the expression of LC3 protein(P<0.05)in spinal cord injury rat serum group was significantly reduced,and the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury rat serum group,the survival rate of cells in the luteolin pretreatment group significantly increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of LC3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results indicate that luteolin may improve myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy.
3.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
4.Comparing the effectiveness of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in the restoration of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
ZHANG Hao ; TIAN Yuan ; LI Zhuangzhuang ; ZHANG Min ; ZHOU Haolin ; LIU Jianguo
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):639-649
Objective:
This study compares the effects of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in restoring cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, providing a reference for the restoration method of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.
Methods:
This study was approved by the hospital’s medical ethics committee, and all patients signed the informed consent form. Patients with cracked teeth who underwent root canal treatment in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 patients were screened and enrolled, with a total of 60 affected teeth. The patients were divided into the onlay group and full crown group at a ratio of 2:3 using the random number table method. Lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays were used to restore the affected teeth in the onlay group (24 cases), and lithium disilicate glass ceramic full crowns were used to restore the affected teeth in the full crown group (36 cases). At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, the restoration effect was evaluated and compared with the modified USPH Standard (the aesthetic, functional, and biological aspects of restorations). According to the biological definition of survival, survival analysis was conducted on the affected teeth in both groups.
Results:
At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, 85% of cases in the onlay group achieved grade A, while 80% of cases in the full crown group achieved grade A. There was no statistically significant difference in the restoration effects between the onlay group and the full crown group (P > 0.05). The 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the onlay group reached 95.65%, and the 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the full crown group reached 94.12%. There was no statistically significant difference in the retention of the affected teeth (P > 0.05). There was no significant effect of age, gender, tooth position, dentition, direction of cracks, the number of marginal ridges associated with cracks, or the type of restoration on the survival status of cracked teeth. (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
For cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, the short-term effect of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays is comparable to that of full crowns, and both have good short-term effects. Onlays are less invasive and are expected to become an alternative restoration method to full crowns.
5.Targeting cAMP in D1-MSNs in the nucleus accumbens, a new rapid antidepressant strategy.
Yue ZHANG ; Jingwen GAO ; Na LI ; Peng XU ; Shimeng QU ; Jinqian CHENG ; Mingrui WANG ; Xueru LI ; Yaheng SONG ; Fan XIAO ; Xinyu YANG ; Jihong LIU ; Hao HONG ; Ronghao MU ; Xiaotian LI ; Youmei WANG ; Hui XU ; Yuan XIE ; Tianming GAO ; Guangji WANG ; Jiye AA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):667-681
Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.
6.Mechanism of action of Polygonum multiflorum in inducing liver injury: A study based on signaling pathways
Zihan LIANG ; Jiahui LI ; Shuang CHENG ; Zhuoya YUAN ; Wenya RONG ; Yajie LIU ; Yujie HAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(3):626-632
Polygonum multiflorum (PM), a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in clinical practice, has been associated with frequent reports of liver injury in recent years, and the medication safety of PM has attracted more and more attention in China and globally. This article reviews the recent research advances in the signaling pathways and mechanisms of PM in causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and aims to provide new ideas for the proper and rational use of PM in clinical practice. The results show that PM is involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways, and it leads to the death of hepatocytes by destroying mitochondrial function, exacerbating bile acid accumulation, and inducing immune response, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby inducing the development and progression of DILI through multiple targets, pathways, and levels.
7.Mechanism of salvianolic acid B protecting H9C2 from OGD/R injury based on mitochondrial fission and fusion
Zi-xin LIU ; Gao-jie XIN ; Yue YOU ; Yuan-yuan CHEN ; Jia-ming GAO ; Ling-mei LI ; Hong-xu MENG ; Xiao HAN ; Lei LI ; Ye-hao ZHANG ; Jian-hua FU ; Jian-xun LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):374-381
This study aims to investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B), the active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on H9C2 cardiomyocytes injured by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) through regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion. The process of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was simulated by establishing OGD/R model. The cell proliferation and cytotoxicity detection kit (cell counting kit-8, CCK-8) was used to detect cell viability; the kit method was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), total glutathione (t-GSH), nitric oxide (NO) content, protein expression levels of mitochondrial fission and fusion, apoptosis-related detection by Western blot. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) detection kit and Hoechst 33342 fluorescence was used to observe the opening level of MPTP, and molecular docking technology was used to determine the molecular target of Sal B. The results showed that relative to control group, OGD/R injury reduced cell viability, increased the content of ROS, decreased the content of t-GSH and NO. Furthermore, OGD/R injury increased the protein expression levels of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), mitofusions 2 (Mfn2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3), and decreased the protein expression levels of Mfn1, increased MPTP opening level. Compared with the OGD/R group, it was observed that Sal B had a protective effect at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 100 μmol·L-1. Sal B decreased the content of ROS, increased the content of t-GSH and NO, and Western blot showed that Sal B decreased the protein expression levels of Drp1, Mfn2, Bax and caspase 3, increased the protein expression level of Mfn1, and decreased the opening level of MPTP. In summary, Sal B may inhibit the opening of MPTP, reduce cell apoptosis and reduce OGD/R damage in H9C2 cells by regulating the balance of oxidation and anti-oxidation, mitochondrial fission and fusion, thereby providing a scientific basis for the use of Sal B in the treatment of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.
8.Effect of gender on dose-effect relationship of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in painless gastroscopy
Yong ZHAN ; Junqing LI ; Hao YUAN
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2024;26(1):53-57
Objective:To evaluate the effect of gender on dose-effect relationship of remimazolam combined with alfentanil in painless gastroscopy.Methods:Subjects who planned to undergo elective painless gastroscopy,aged 18-60 years old,body mass index 19-24 kg/m2,American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,were enrolled.They were divided into male group and female group.The first subject in both groups received afentanil 5 μg/kg and remimazolam 0.2 mg/kg,and was implanted into a gastroscope 2 minutes later.Positive reactions were defined as body movement,coughing,swallowing and frowning during gastroscopy placement and examination.Remimazolam 0.05 mg/kg was used as a dose gradient by using modified Dixon's up-and-down method.The dose of the next subject was adjusted according to whether the subject had a positive reaction.If there was a positive reaction,the dose of the next subject was increased by one level of gradient,otherwise,the dose was decreased by one level of gradient,and so on.The process was terminated at the seventh intersection point of positive-negative reaction.And 50% effective dose(ED50),95% effective dose(ED95)and 95% confidence interval(CI)of remimazolam for inhibiting gastroscopic implantation reaction was calculated by Probit method.Results:A total of 46 subjects were included,with 23 subjects in each group.There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups.The ED50 of afentanil combined with remimazolam was 0.193 mg/kg(95% CI:0.145-0.286),and the ED95 was 0.293 mg/kg(95% CI:0.237-0.903)in male group.The ED50 of afentanil combined with remimazolam was 0.215 mg/kg(95% CI:0.155-0.293),and the ED95 was 0.316 mg/kg(95% CI:0.261-0.968)in female group.The ED50 and ED95(P<0.05).Conclusion:When combined with 5 μg/kg of afentanil,remimazolam is more effective in inhibiting responses to gastroscopy inserting in male subjects than in female subjects.
9.Effect of arch shapes and missing second premolars on anchorage during maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners
Shiyu WANG ; Yangyang HUANG ; Hao LIU ; Li YANG ; Dian FAN ; Changyong YUAN ; Penglai WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(28):4541-4546
BACKGROUND:The reciprocal force generated by the molar distalization with clear aligners can lead to anchorage loss.The effect of arch shapes and missing second premolars on anchorage has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effect of arch shapes and missing second premolars on anchorage during molar distalization with clear aligners using the finite element method. METHODS:Cone-beam CT data from an adult male were acquired from the database to establish the maxilla-upper dentition-periodontium-rectangular attachment-clear aligner model.The distal movement amount designed on the bilateral second molars was set to 0.25 mm.First,there were two groups in the study:second premolar bilateral presence and absence groups.Then,four subgroups in each group were created:tapered arch,ovoid arch,square Class Ⅱ Division 1 arch,and Class Ⅱ Division 2 arch groups.The Ansys software was used to calculate the displacement of the anchorage tooth and the stress of the periodontal ligament. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Mesial tipping and extrusion of first molars and premolars,labial inclination and intrusion of anterior teeth occurred during the upper second molar distalization with clear aligners.When the bilateral second premolars were missing,the mesial displacement of first molars increased significantly while that of first premolars and anterior teeth decreased in all groups.The square Class Ⅱ Division 1 arch group showed the least anterior labial inclination,while the tapered arch group showed the most.There was no significant difference between the ovoid arch group and the tapered arch group.Moreover,the magnitude of tipping in the square Class Ⅱ Division 2 arch group was slightly higher than that in the Class Ⅱ Division 1 arch group.The stress of the periodontal ligament of the anchorage teeth was concentrated on the cervical and apical regions of the teeth.And the lowest stress level was detected in the square arch group.Compared with the other groups,the stress on the labial cervical area of the periodontal ligaments was also significantly relieved in the square arch group.To conclude,the square arch is more favorable in terms of anterior anchorage control and periodontal ligament stress distribution.Anterior labial inclination efficiency can be increased in cases of Class Ⅱ Division 2 by designing the anterior labial inclination in conjunction with molar distalization.If the second premolar is missing during molar distalization,it is not conducive to opening up the space in the area of the missing tooth.
10.Effect of sagittal overcorrection design on displacement and stress of mandibular anterior teeth intrusion using clear aligners
Yangyang HUANG ; Shiyu WANG ; Hao LIU ; Li YANG ; Penglai WANG ; Changyong YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(29):4593-4598
BACKGROUND:The thin alveolar bone in the lower anterior region increases the risk of labial bone resorption when intruding the teeth with clear aligners.The effect of sagittal overcorrection design on the labiolingual control of mandibular anterior teeth intrusion has not been fully investigated. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of overcorrection on the changes in the displacement and stress of the mandibular anterior teeth,especially the cervical and apical regions. METHODS:Through a male volunteer cone-beam CT data,the three-dimensional reconstruction of the mandible and teeth was conducted in the MIMICS and GEOMAGIC software.Moreover,the models of periodontal ligaments,attachments,and appliances were created in the SOLIDWORKS software.First,the study was divided into canine intrusion group and incisor intrusion group.Then,the overcorrection(0°,1°,2°)was designed on the bilateral mandibular central and lateral incisors.A total of six models were established.The models were assembled and imported into the ANSYS software to analyze and calculate the displacement and stress level. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the canine intrusion group,canines intruded and tipped lingually while incisors extruded and tipped lingually.In the incisor intrusion group,canines extruded and tipped lingually while incisors intruded and tipped lingually.(2)Without overcorrection,the incisors necks moved lingually while apexes moved labially.With overcorrection,the incisors tended to be upright,followed by labial tilt.The least cervical and apical displacements were detected under 1° overcorrection.(3)With overcorrection,the incisal cervical stress concentration area shifted from labial to lingual in the canine intrusion group,whereas the stress concentration area shifted from lingual to labial in the incisor intrusion group.(4)The incisors tended to tilt lingually when intruding the mandibular anterior teeth with clear aligners.The sagittal overcorrection design was conductive to maintain the stable position of incisors.However,the amount of overcorrection should be moderate.Excessive overcorrection might increase the labial inclination tendencies of incisors.


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