Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic approaches to dyslipidaemia in Unani medicine: a narrative review","authors":"Tabasum Rouf,&nbsp;Iftikhar Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Dyslipidaemia is one of the most common metabolic disorders, strongly linked with cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other components of metabolic syndrome. In Unani medicine, this condition is understood through concepts such as <em>obesity</em> (<em>Simān-i-Mufriṭ</em>), with a predominance of phlegm (<em>Balgham</em>) and impaired hepatic temperament and has traditionally been managed by dietary regulation, regimental therapies and herbal drugs. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the Unani conceptualisation of dyslipidaemia and to map these traditional classical concepts with contemporary lipid-modulating mechanisms<em>.</em> It further discusses the pathophysiology of dyslipidaemia, and reviews therapeutic approaches such as regimental therapies, single drugs, and compound formulations, while evaluating the strength of evidence and highlighting future research priorities for integrative management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Electronic searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles published between 1980 and 2024. Classical Unani texts and authoritative pharmacopoeias were also reviewed. Search terms included <em>dyslipidaemia, hyperlipidaemia, Unani medicine, obesity, metabolic syndrome, lipid-lowering herbs, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.</em></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Several Unani drugs, such as <em>Emblica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Ocimum sanctum, Hemidesmus indicus, Anethum graveolens, Tinospora cordifolia, Myristica fragrans, Nigella sativa, Qurs tabasheer, Jawarish bisbasa</em> and many more demonstrated lipid-lowering effects through mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of hepatic function. However, the strength of evidence varies considerably, with limited clinical trials available for most interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Unani drugs demonstrate a plausible complementary approach for dyslipidaemia management through multi-target mechanisms aligned with modern pathophysiology. however, robust clinical trials and standardized formulations are required to establish efficacy and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcriptome analysis of Commelina maculata between the aboveground and underground parts","authors":"Zhenyu Zhao ,&nbsp;Ni Ye ,&nbsp;Xiuying Zhang ,&nbsp;Ningning Han ,&nbsp;Huijie Li ,&nbsp;Xuhao Gong ,&nbsp;Boyao Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaoxing Zhang ,&nbsp;Ye Guo ,&nbsp;Lidan Zhao ,&nbsp;Jinhua Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to clarify the biosynthesis related genes of <em>Commelina maculata</em>, perform transcriptome sequencing on <em>Commelina maculata</em>, and provide more data for the further research of <em>Commelina maculata</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>RNA was extracted from fresh tissues and library based sequencing was performed. The data were assembled and sequenced. By analyzing the expression levels, expression differences, and GO analysis of transcriptome data of <em>Commelina maculata</em>, the basic biological information of transcriptome was explained.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>This study completed transcriptome sequencing of <em>Commelina maculata</em> and detected 27546 expressed genes, including 24286 known genes and 3260 new genes; There are a total of 39340 expressed transcripts, including 23182 known transcripts and 16158 new transcripts. There are certain differences between the aboveground and underground parts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The transcriptome data of <em>Commelina maculata</em> is complete and contains a large number of new genes, making it an important gene dataset for studying synthetic biology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 469-479"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating pharmacokinetics and network pharmacology to reveal mechanism of Shuangxia decoction in the treatment of insomnia","authors":"Ke Meng ,&nbsp;Miao Xu ,&nbsp;Yanping Liu ,&nbsp;Ying Li ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Yue He ,&nbsp;Chenning Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Shuangxia Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine classic formula used clinically to treat insomnia, consisting of <em>Pinellia ternata</em> (Banxia) and <em>Prunella vulgaris</em> (Xiakucao). The aim of this study is to explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the main core components in Shuangxia Decoction based on Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, as well as to preliminarily investigate its mechanisms of action in treating insomnia using quantitative targeted network pharmacology.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this research, an LC-MS/MS method was established to analyze four main core components in Shuangxia Decoction: rosmarinic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyllactic acid (HMLA), danshensu, and liquiritigenin. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of these phenolic compounds were investigated after oral administration of Shuangxia Decoction in rats. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the underlying mechanism of Shuangxia Decoction in treating insomnia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that the analysis of the four components was completed within 6 ​min. The T_max for danshensu, HMLA, rosmarinic acid, and liquiritigenin were 0.79 ​± ​0.09, 0.63 ​± ​0.12, 0.51 ​± ​0.21, and 0.38 ​± ​0.19 ​h, respectively; their C_max were 110.83 ​± ​10.98, 25.20 ​± ​4.13, 37.57 ​± ​7.70, and 22.27 ​± ​8.75 ​μg/L, respectively; and their T_1/2 were 1.20 ​± ​0.24, 0.79 ​± ​0.26, 4.93 ​± ​1.08, and 2.85 ​± ​0.11 ​h, respectively. Danshensu exhibited the highest peak concentration (C_max: 110.83 ​± ​10.98 ​μg/L), while liquiritigenin showed the lowest C_max (37.57 ​± ​7.70 ​μg/L), likely due to hydrolysis by intestinal carboxylesterases. Network pharmacology results indicated that the main active components of Shuangxia Decoction exert their effects primarily through neuro-signaling pathways such as the dopaminergic synapse and glutamatergic synapse.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study is the first to explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the four core components in Shuangxia Decoction and to provide preliminary predictions of its mechanisms in treating insomnia, laying a foundation for further exploration of its pharmacological mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 389-397"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polysaccharides from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. improve glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic rats via the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway","authors":"Xinyu Zhu,&nbsp;Wen Rui,&nbsp;Yanmei Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides from <em>Anemarrhena asphodeloides</em> Bge. (DT) on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rats and explore its underlying mechanisms, with a focus on the modulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat and high-sucrose diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The T2DM rats were randomly divided into the model control (DM) group and different DT administration groups. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Then, serum inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified. Hepatic histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. PPAR-γ expression in adipose tissue was detected via immunohistochemistry, while hepatic TGF-β1 and NF-κB mRNA levels were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DT significantly reduced the FBG, FINS, and dyslipidemia, such as TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in T2DM rats, along with decreased serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels. HE staining revealed attenuated hepatic damage in DT-treated groups. Mechanistically, DT downregulated hepatic TGF-β1 and NF-κB expression while upregulating PPAR-γ in adipose tissue.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>DT may ameliorate glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in T2DM rats by modulating the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, with suppressing hepatic inflammatory responses via TGF-β1/NF-κB inhibition and enhancing adipose tissue metabolic regulation via PPAR-γ activation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 407-414"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus on improvement in glucolipid metabolic diseases","authors":"Taisheng Liu ,&nbsp;Ruting Xia ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Chen ,&nbsp;Man Chang ,&nbsp;Lu Wang ,&nbsp;Pandi Niu ,&nbsp;Lin Zhou ,&nbsp;Hui Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Glucolipid metabolic disorders have become a major public health concern. This study aims to investigate the potential of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts to regulate glucolipid metabolic disorders in mice, elucidate their underlying mechanisms, and provide innovative insights for the prevention and treatment of glucolipid metabolic diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Strains were screened, and the fermentation process was optimized by measuring changes in total flavonoid content in the fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts. The antioxidant capacity of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts was investigated via <em>in vitro</em> free radical scavenging efficiency assays. A mouse model of lipid metabolism disorders was established through a high-fat diet, with metformin serving as the positive control. The efficacy of high-dose and low-dose Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts was evaluated via glucose tolerance tests, biochemical indicators, and histological section staining.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The outcomes of the <em>in vitro</em> experiments demonstrate that combined fermentation of <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> and <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em> can effectively increase the flavonoid content in the Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus fermentation supernatant and enhance its antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, at the animal experiment level, we found that Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts and fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus extracts improved insulin resistance, enhanced fat metabolism, and alleviated liver damage caused by oxidative stress.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our research demonstrates that fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus exhibits a stronger effect than Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus in improving insulin resistance, fat metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, potentially due to increased levels of active ingredients such as total flavonoids. This finding provides a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of glucolipid metabolic diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 480-490"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ToC","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S2707-3688(26)00003-8","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S2707-3688(26)00003-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages i-ii"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research progress on the application of Pleuropterus multiflorus in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia","authors":"Bixian Han ,&nbsp;Mingzhu Xiao ,&nbsp;Tianze Xin ,&nbsp;Hui Hu ,&nbsp;Quansheng Liu ,&nbsp;Bingqiang Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, affecting approximately 21.3% of men and 6% of women in China, with an increasing trend among younger individuals. Currently, finasteride and minoxidil are the only two non-surgical medications approved for the treatment of AGA, but both face limitations in efficacy and safety concerns. <em>Polygoni multiflori radix</em> (PMT) has been traditionally used to treat premature graying and hair loss since ancient times. Its effects align with certain clinical manifestations of modern AGA, leading to extensive recent exploration for its application in AGA prevention and treatment. Compared to other chemical drugs, PMT offers more comprehensive therapeutic effects with a potentially favorable safety profile and acceptable tolerability, making it more readily accepted by patients. This review synthesizes findings from multiple databases to summarize the active components, mechanisms of action, and current applications of PMT in AGA. It provides a reference basis for in-depth research and new drug development regarding the use of PMT in AGA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 443-453"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chitosan–2D nanocomposites: A convergence of nature, nanotech, and sustainability","authors":"Saranya Balasubramaniyam ,&nbsp;Thirumalaikumaran Rathinam ,&nbsp;Mohanakrishnan Srinivasan ,&nbsp;Aswini Rajendran ,&nbsp;Sharmila Sakthisivanandhan","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of natural biopolymers with two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has opened new avenues for designing multifunctional, sustainable, and high-performance materials. Chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible polysaccharide, holds significant promise in biomedical and environmental applications but is limited by weak mechanical strength, poor electrical conductivity, and restricted functional versatility. To overcome these challenges, recent studies have focused on chitosan–2D nanocomposites incorporating materials such as graphene, MoS₂, and MXenes. These hybrids demonstrate remarkable enhancements in structural, thermal, electrical, and biological properties through strong interfacial interactions. This review systematically summarizes the state-of-the-art fabrication strategies—including solution casting, electrospinning, and layer-by-layer assembly—and highlights their impact on material performance. The synergistic properties of these composites enable advanced applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, antimicrobial coatings, and environmental remediation. Furthermore, we discuss the role of interfacial chemistry and nanostructure organization in dictating functional outcomes. Finally, key challenges related to scalability, regulatory approval, and biosafety are examined, along with emerging directions such as stimuli-responsive systems and AI-assisted material design. This review collectively highlights the potential of chitosan–2D nanocomposites as next-generation sustainable platforms at the nexus of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and green innovation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 454-468"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on extraction technology and antioxidant activity of \"Sibai\" extracts based on orthogonal design and Caenorhabditis elegans","authors":"Zhenghao Chen ,&nbsp;Haoxian Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaohua Ye ,&nbsp;Ping Zhao ,&nbsp;Yan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examined the antioxidant, whitening, anti-aging, and safety properties of \"Sibai\" extract obtained from <em>Bombyx Batryticatus</em>, <em>Ampelopsis japonica</em>, <em>Radix Paeoniae Alba</em>, and <em>Atractylodes macrocephala</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The \"Sibai\" extract was optimized by orthogonal design and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity through hydroxyl radical scavenging, DPPH scavenging, and total reducing capacity measurements. Tyrosinase inhibition and hemolysis assays assessed its whitening potential and biosafety. Anti-aging effects were examined using <em>Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans</em>) lifespan and fecundity assays, while antioxidant capacity under H₂O₂, juglone, and heat stress was evaluated. Motor function was analyzed via head thrashing, body bending, and spontaneous locomotion tests. Finally, aging-related changes in lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The optimal ratio of <em>Bombyx Batryticatus</em>, <em>Ampelopsis japonica</em>, <em>Radix Paeoniae Alba</em>, and <em>Atractylodes macrocephala</em> rhizome was determined to be 3:3:1:1. At specific concentrations, the extract demonstrated significant biological activity: the scavenging rate for hydroxyl radicals was 61.70% (at 48 ​mg/mL), the scavenging rate for DPPH radicals was 93.53% (at 4 ​mg/mL), and its total reducing power at 48 ​mg/mL was comparable to that of Vitamin C (Vc). The tyrosinase inhibition rate was 74.90% (at 24 ​mg/mL), and the hemolysis rate remained below 15%, indicating good in vitro safety. In lifespan experiments using <em>C. elegans</em> as a model, treatment with 48 ​mg/mL extract reduced fecundity and extended the normal lifespan by 38.5%. Under oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ and juglone, as well as under heat stress, the survival time of <em>C. elegans</em> in the 48 ​mg/mL treatment group increased by 37.9%, 69.5%, and 49.2% respectively. In terms of motor ability, the 48 ​mg/mL treatment group showed increases in head thrashing and body bending frequencies by 61.4% and 220.7% respectively, along with excellent autonomous movement capacity. At the cellular level, levels of lipofuscin, ROS, and MDA were reduced by 65.8%, 41.5%, and 51.3% respectively, while CAT activity increased by 329.1%.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study employed an orthogonal experimental design to determine the optimal formulation. Subsequent validation confirmed that the optimized extract possessed remarkable antioxidant and whitening properties. Furthermore, it was found to significantly enhance stress resistance in <em>C. elegans</em> and improve age-related phenotypes. These results indicated that this formulation may effectively address issues related to aging and oxidative stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 398-406"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A key pathological change in early stage ankylosing spondylitis: cartilage dyshomeostasis induced by Osteogenic Progenitor Cells","authors":"Yuxin Cai ,&nbsp;Liyan Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Du ,&nbsp;Jun Chen ,&nbsp;Kai-Kei Miu ,&nbsp;Yujie Deng ,&nbsp;Li Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, with symptoms of back pain and stiffness partially explained by pathophysiological events encompassing enthesitis, ectopic bone formation, and cartilage degeneration. Progressive fusion of vertebrae leading to reduced mobility is a prominent character of AS, but there remain many unknowns regarding bone pathology, in particular abnormal bone outgrowth. This study aims to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin pathological osteogenesis in the AS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a 3-year longitudinal study on cynomolgus monkeys with spontaneous ankylosing spondylitis, which included performing imaging examinations, H&amp;E, Masson, IHC staining, and bone histomorphometric analysis. These methods were employed to clarify the pathological features of different stages of AS and to explore the pathological mechanisms leading to pathological ossification.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the spines of AS-afflicted cynomolgus monkeys, early pathological features included inflammatory infiltration, invasion of cartilage endplates by fibrous-rich granulation tissue, and erosion cavities in the cartilage endplates, all of which were highly spatiotemporally correlated with the formation of ectopic new bone. After acute inflammation, fibroblasts in the granulation tissue underwent osteoblastic differentiation to form woven bone, which was presumed as the primary process of syndesmophyte formation in AS. The appearance of erosion cavities in cartilage endplates marked the onset of disrupted endplate homeostasis. Pathological reductions were observed in the thickness of the ligaments, subchondral bone plates, hypertrophic cell layers, and intervertebral disc height within the lumbar joints. In the later stages, ectopic cartilage ossification and ectopic fibrous ossification together contributed to syndesmophyte formation, such that the cartilage endplate almost completely disappeared, leading to joint ankylosis. At the cell level, accumulated cells within the early cartilage endplate erosion cavities were confirmed to be bone marrow-derived osteoprogenitor cells, whereas the abnormal expression of BMP-2 signaling in the locality promoted bone remodeling in AS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides a pathological analysis of spinal joints in AS-afflicted cynomolgus monkeys, summarizing the pathological features during the progression of AS. It demonstrates that bone marrow-derived osteoprogenitor cells initiate cartilage ossification and likely revealed an unknown mechanism for AS ossification. These findings offer new insights into the skeletal pathology of AS to inform future direction for devising therapeutic approaches to combat AS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 491-503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}