1.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
2.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
3.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
4.Development and influential factor analysis of pharmacy outpatient departments in 714 Chinese tertiary healthcare institutions
Long MEI ; Sa LI ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Shuo ZHOU ; Zengwei ZHAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Qunhong SHEN ; Jiancun ZHEN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):385-389
OBJECTIVE To investigate the basic situation of developing pharmacy outpatient departments in Chinese tertiary medical institutions and analyze the influencing factors. METHODS The research targeted the pharmacy outpatient department managers of hospitals and conducted a survey through Sojump in March 2023. Various independent variables were selected from the hospital’s own characteristics, the management of the pharmacy outpatient departments, and the construction of the pharmacist team for Logistic and linear regression analysis, with the aim of separately analyzing the factors influencing the establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments and the factors affecting the total number of patients served by these departments throughout the year 2022. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 1 304 medical institutions of different levels nationwide participated in this survey, with 714 tertiary hospitals. Among the tertiary hospitals, 377 (52.80%) had established pharmacy outpatient departments, including 321 grade-A tertiary hospitals, 48 grade-B tertiary hospitals and 8 other tertiary hospitals. The 377 tertiary hospitals collectively operated 1 739 pharmacy outpatient departments, covering 19 specialized fields, with the highest proportion found in the cardiovascular field (including anticoagulation) at 16.45%. Tertiary hospitals in North China, Central China, East China and South China regions had more pharmacy outpatient departments. The establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments was found to be influenced by tertiary grade-B status (P=0.010) and the annual outpatient volume of the hospital (P=0.008), although the impact was relatively small. The factors influencing the number of patients served by pharmacy outpatient departments were the annual outpatient volume of the hospital (P=0.042) and the number of pharmacists engaged in clinical pharmacy work (P=0.004). The proportion of tertiary hospitals in China that have established pharmacy outpatient departments is insufficient. It is necessary to further accelerate the construction of pharmacy outpatient departments and appropriately expand the talent pool of hospital pharmacy teams based on the needs of pharmacy outpatient departments and patients, in order to meet the requirements of medical practice and patient care.
5.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of Sanwei ganlu on hepatic fibrosis in rats
Xiumei CHEN ; Yingjie WANG ; Chengzhou ZHAO ; Zhen LI ; Wenhuiping ZHANG ; Tangjun LUO ; Xin LIU ; Shengnan SUN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):707-711
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanism of Sanwei ganlu on hepatic fibrosis in rats. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, silibinin group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and Sanwei ganlu low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups (80, 250, 800 mg/kg). Except for normal group, hepatic fibrosis rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in the other groups of rats. Starting from the 6th week of modeling administration, they were given normal saline or corresponding drugs intragastrically at the same time. At the end of the ninth-week experiment, liver and spleen indexes of rats were calculated; the pathological structure and fibrosis changes of liver tissue were observed by HE, Masson and Sirus Red staining. The contents of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), procollagen type Ⅲ (PC Ⅲ), collagen type Ⅳ (COL-Ⅳ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in serum, and hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) in liver tissue were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the liver injury and collagen fiber deposition of rats were improved to different extents in Sanwei ganlu groups and silibinin group; the contents of ALT, AST, PC Ⅲ, COL-Ⅳ, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in serum as well as the contents of HA and LN in liver tissue significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Sanwei ganlu can alleviate the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats, possibly by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen fiber, reducing transaminase content, down-regulating the levels of HA, LN, PC Ⅲ and COL-Ⅳ, and reducing the inflammatory response.
6.Mechanism of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang in Treating AS Based on Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism in Foam Cells by TRPA1
Zhanzhan HE ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Wei DING ; Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang on the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) mice based on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in foam cells by transient receptor potential channel ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). MethodThe AS model was established on apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice with a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang (2.97, 5.94, 11.88 g·kg-1) and simvastatin group (0.002 g·kg-1), and the drug was administered along with a high-fat diet. C57BL/6J mice were fed an ordinary diet as a normal group. After the above process, the aorta and serum of mice were taken. The pathological changes of the aortic root were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The lipid plaques in the aorta were observed by gross oil redness. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected, and the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot and immunohistochemical method were used to analyze the expression of TRPA1, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), and mannose receptor (CD206). ResultFrom the perspective of drug efficacy, compared with the normal group, pathological changes such as plaque, a large number of foam cells, and cholesterol crystals appeared in the aorta of the model group, and the serum levels of TC, LDL-C, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The HDL-C level was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the CD206 level in aortic tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the lipid deposition in the aorta was alleviated in all drug administration groups. In addition, except for the high-dose group of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang, all drug administration groups could significantly decrease the levels of TC and LDL-C (P<0.01). In terms of inflammation, except for the middle-dose group of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased in all drug administration groups (P<0.05). Moreover, Zhishi Xiebai Guizhitang could also up-regulate the levels of CD206, and the difference was significant in the middle-dose and high-dose groups (P<0.05). From the perspective of mechanism, the expression levels of TRPA1, ABCA1, and ABCG1 in the aorta in the model group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug administration groups significantly increased the expression of TRPA1 in the aorta (P<0.05), and the expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were increased. The differences in the middle-dose and high-dose groups and the simvastatin group were significant (P<0.05), which was basically consistent with the trend of immunohistochemical results. ConclusionZhishi Xiebai Guizhitang can effectively reduce blood lipid and inflammation levels and inhibit the formation of aortic plaque. The mechanism may be explained as follows: the expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 downstream are increased through TRPA1, which promotes cholesterol outflow in foam cells, thereby regulating cholesterol metabolism, intervening in inflammation level to a certain extent, and finally treating AS.
7.Shugan Jianpi Yangxin Prescription Regulates Orexin-A and Its Receptors in Mouse Model of Insomnia
Zhen WANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Feixiang LIU ; Jiangyan SUN ; Yahui GAO ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):54-61
ObjectiveTo investigate the interventional effects of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription on the expression of orexin-A (OXA), orexin-1 receptor (OX1R), and orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) in the mouse model of insomnia. MethodThe mouse model of insomnia was established by intraperitoneal injection of DL-4-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Fifty BALB/c mice were randomized into a blank group, a model group, an eszopiclone (0.13 mg·kg-1) group, and low- and high-dose (8.4 and 33.6 g·kg-1, respectively) Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The weight changes of mice were monitored, and Morris water maze and pentobarbital-induced sleep tests were conducted. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to examine the expression of OXA in the hypothalamus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of OXA and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group had decreased body weight (P<0.01), increased escape latency (P<0.01), increased sleep latency (P<0.01), shortened sleep duration (P<0.01), elevated OXA level and lowered 5-HT level in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription showed increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), shortened escape latency (P<0.05), shortened sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration (P<0.01), and lowered OXA level and elevated 5-HT level in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two doses of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription down-regulated the mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus (P<0.01). ConclusionShugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription exerts sedative and hypnotic effects in mice by increasing the content of 5-HT in the brain and inhibiting the expression of OXA and its receptors in the hypothalamus.
8.Study on fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellets and its compression technology
Ming-hui XU ; Xing-yue ZHANG ; Qiao DONG ; Xia ZHAO ; Yu-ru BU ; Le-zhen CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):439-447
In this study, fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellet system tablets were prepared and were used to evaluate their release behaviors
9.Effects of Aβ receptor PirB on mouse astrocyte proliferation and reactive astrogliosis
Yuan-Jie ZHAO ; Zhen-Jie TUO ; Pei-Jun SHANG ; Jin-Wen YANG ; Xiao-Hua ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):82-90
Objective To observe the effects of amyloid-β(Aβ)receptor PirB on mouse astrocyte proliferation and reactive astrogliosis in vitro.Methods Mouse primary astrocytes were cultured,and divided into control group,Aβ group,Aβ+0.2 μmol/L PEP group,Aβ+0.4 μmol/L PEP group,Aβ+Fluspirilene group,Aβ+GFP-LV group,and Aβ+mPirB-LV group.The mouse astrocytes were treated with soluble PirB extracellular peptide PEP or PirB inhibitor Fluspirilene,respectively,to inhibit endogenous PirB receptor,or overexpressed PirB gene via lentivirus transfection and then treated with Aβ1-42 oligomers.The proliferation of astrocytes was observed by RTCA and EdU methods,and the mRNA expression levels of S-100 calcium-binding protein B(S-100β),Vimentin,Nestin and amyloid precursor protein(APP)associated with reactive astrogliosis of astrocytes were observed by real-time PCR,and the expression level of glial fibrillary acid protein(GFAP)was detected by Western-blotting.Results The results of RTCA monitoring showed that normalized cell index(NCI)values of each group decreased sharply after treatment,and then increased gradually and tended to be stable.The results of EdU staining showed that the proliferative activity of astrocytes was significantly enhanced in the Aβ group(P<0.05)compared with control group;Compared with Aβ group,cell proliferation activity in Aβ + 0.2 μmol/L PEP group,Aβ+0.4 μmol/L PEP group and Aβ+Fluspirilene group were significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.001).The results of real-time PCR showed that compared with control group,mRNA expressions of GFAP,S-100β,Vimentin,Nestin,APP and PirB in Aβ group were significantly increased(P<0.05);Compared with Aβ group,mRNA expressions of GFAP,S-100β,Vimentin,Nestin,APP and PirB in Aβ+0.4 μmol/L PEP group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);Compared with Aβ+GFP-LV group,mRNA expressions of GFAP,S-100β,Vimentin,Nestin,APP and PirB in Aβ +mPirB-LV group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The results of Western blotting showed that compared with control group,the expression of GFAP in Aβ group was significantly increased(P<0.05);Compared with Aβ group,the expression of GFAP in Aβ+0.4 μmol/L PEP group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions PirB is an upstream molecule which could regulate astrocyte proliferation and reactive astrogliosis,and inhibiting PirB receptor in astrocytes may be a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
10.Clinical application and perspectives of unilateral biportal endoscopic technique
Zhen HU ; Yang YANG ; Shu-Xiong ZHAO ; Qun-Li ZHANG ; Tong-Tong ZHANG ; Lin LIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(3):349-354
Unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)technique is a minimally invasive spinal technique developed rapidly in recent years.Compared with traditional spinal endoscopy,the prominent feature of UBE is that it can open two channels on the same side of the spine,which can be used to provide visual field and insert operating instruments respectively,greatly expanding the operating space and reducing the difficulty of surgery.It has the advantages of less bleeding,little injury,quick recovery and mild pain,and has unique advantages in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis,lumbar disc herniation and other lumbar degenerative diseases.With the continuous in-depth exploration and development of the UBE technique,the field of diseases that can be treated by this technology has gradually expanded.It is not only limited to lumbar diseases,but also has made great progress in cervical and thoracic diseases,which has attracted the attention of many spinal surgeons.UBE technique has become one of the promising surgical methods for spinal-related diseases,but there are also complications such as incomplete decompression,nerve root and dural injury,epidural hematoma,relatively prolonged operation time,operation fatigue and other deficiencies.This paper summarizes the progress of the UBE technique,discusses its complications and deficiencies,proposes relevant solutions and possible future directions for its development,so as to provide reference for the clinical practice of UBE technique.

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