Osteoprotegerin mediates adipogenesis in obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Adipogenesis, the process of white adipose tissue expansion, plays a critical role in the development of obesity. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), known for its role in bone metabolism regulation, emerges as a potential regulator in mediating adipogenesis during obesity onset. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to elucidate the involvement of OPG in adipogenesis during the early phases of diet-induced obesity and explore its therapeutic potential in obesity management. METHODS: Using a diet-induced obesity model, we investigated OPG expression patterns in adipocytes and explored the mechanisms underlying its involvement in adipogenesis. We also assessed the effects of targeted silencing of OPG and recombinant OPG administration on obesity progression and insulin resistance. Additionally, the impact of electroacupuncture treatment on OPG levels and obesity management was evaluated in both animal models and human participants. RESULTS: OPG expression was prominently activated in adipocytes of white adipose tissues during the early phase of diet-induced obesity. Hyperlipidemia induced Cbfa1-dependent OPG transcription, initiating and promoting adipogenesis, leading to cell-size expansion and lipid storage. Intracellular OPG physically bound to RAR and released the PPARɤ/RXR complex, activating adipogenesis-associated gene expression. Targeted silencing of OPG suppressed obesity development, while recombinant OPG administration promoted disease progression and insulin resistance in obese mice. Electroacupuncture treatment suppressed obesity development in an OPG-dependent manner and improved obesity parameters in obese human participants. CONCLUSION: OPG emerges as a key regulator in mediating adipogenesis during obesity development. Targeting OPG holds promise for the prevention and treatment of obesity, as evidenced by the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment in modulating OPG levels and managing obesity-related outcomes.

Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine regulation in Canada / 国际中医中药杂志

This paper analyzes the laws, regulations and concre measures of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Canada, so as to provide reference for TCM products to enter Canada, and for the establishment of TCM regulation system and the improvement of its detailed rules in China. The regulation of TCM in Canadian, on the one hand, supervision is to provide guidance for the protection of consumers' rights and interests, including the guidance of rational drug use and rational purchase for consumers; on the other hand, it is to supervise enterprises, including the safety, effectiveness and quality certification of TCM products, labeling and packaging requirements, as well as the site certification of product manufacturing, packaging, labeling and import. The Ministry of health of Canada takes evidence as the core of evaluation, and ensures the safe and effective use of TCM products in Canada through product and site licensing evaluation. In the supervision of TCM, relevant departments in China should further strengthen the protection of consumers' drug rights and interests, strengthen the construction of TCM registration evidence system, and pay attention to the risk management of drug production quality.

Analysis on the registration of Chinese patent medicines in Canada and its referantial significance to the international registration of Traditional Chinese Medicines / 国际中医中药杂志

By searching for the Canadian Licensed Natural Health Products Database, (LNHPD), this paper analyzed the characteristics and current status of 92 Chinese patent medicines successfully registered and listed in Canada, and found that the enterprises of successfully registered enterprises are mainly located in areas with better development condition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as Beijing, Guangdong and Tianjin; The successfully registered Chinese patent medicines include 64 kinds of single medicine or medicine with single active ingredient (69.6%) and 28 kinds of compound medicine (30.4%), the forms of the dosage are mainly tablets and capsules, which have the characteristics of accuracy in dosage and stable physicochemical properties. There are also granules, solutions, powders and other dosage forms, which can be preserved for a long time and have low requirements on technic and environment. These Chinese patent medicines are mainly used to treat respiratory and circulatory system diseases, some are used to treat urogenital and digestive system diseases, and few are used to treat difficuilt diseases like tumors, diabetes. There are some other health care products. It is suggested to strengthen the connection between domestic standards of TCM registration and international standards, and promote the scientific and technological capacity of relevant enterprises, and encourage enterprises to strengthen international registration of advantageous products, so as to accelerate the speed of international development of TCM in China.