1.PDGF-C: an Emerging Target in The Treatment of Organ Fibrosis
Chao YANG ; Zi-Yi SONG ; Chang-Xin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan KUANG ; Yi-Jing CHENG ; Ke-Xin REN ; Xue LI ; Yan LIN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1059-1069
Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
2.Research progress on the regulation of diabetic retinopathy by the mTOR-autophagy pathway
Tingting QIN ; Leying ZHANG ; Ting LI ; Xiaohui KUANG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Zongming SONG
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1617-1622
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications in diabetic patients and has become one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With the continuous rise in the prevalence of diabetes, in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of DR and effective intervention measures is of great clinical significance. The mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR), as a protein kinase, is widely involved in cellular processes such as growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Research indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial regulatory role in the pathological progression of DR, and its abnormal activity can disrupt retinal cell autophagy function, thereby accelerating cellular damage and disease progression. Autophagy, as an important regulatory mechanism for cellular homeostasis, maintains cellular functional balance by clearing damaged organelles and protein aggregates. This article provides a systematic review of the structural and functional aspects of the mTOR signaling pathway, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of autophagy, and their roles in retinal pathological changes. By summarizing current research findings, the article aims to clarify the key regulatory role of the mTOR-autophagy axis in DR, providing theoretical support for elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of DR and offering potential targets and research directions for developing novel targeted therapeutic strategies, thereby holding significant scientific and clinical value.
3.Clinical characteristics of patients with puerperal schizophrenia
Xiaohua LU ; Haijing LI ; Qijie KUANG ; Wenying YI ; Yu XIA ; Nyunan ZHOU ; Yingjun ZHENG ; Shenglin SHE
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(1):52-56
BackgroundWomen may develop severe symptoms of stress disorder following childbirth, which may be exposed to a risk of developing mental health problems, and even lead to the recurrence of the illness in female patients with schizophrenia, while comparatively limited research has been undertaken concerning the clinical characteristics and treatment of puerperal schizophrenia in China. ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of puerperal schizophrenia, so as to provide references for the clinical treatment. MethodsA total of 24 patients with puerperal schizophrenia who were hospitalized in the female ward of adult psychiatry department of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2012 to 2020 and met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia were included as puerperal group. Another 48 non-puerperal women with schizophrenia were concurrently enrolled as control group. Then the basic data, scores on Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the discharge medication were recorded. ResultsThe percentages of newly onset and positive family history of psychosis in puerperal group were larger than those in control group, with statistical significance (χ2=9.321, 5.240, P<0.05 or 0.01). Puerperal group scored higher on PANSS excitement factor (t=-2.220, P<0.05) and lower on negative factor (t=3.377, P<0.01) compared with control group. In terms of discharge medication, puerperal group reported a higher dosage of antipsychotic drugs (t=-2.095, P<0.05), and a larger proportion of combined use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants (χ²=21.316, 5.114, P<0.05 or 0.01) compared with control group, with statistical significance. ConclusionPatients with puerperal schizophrenia display increased ratings of excitement symptoms and decreased ratings of negative symptoms, which necessitates the use of high doses of antipsychotic drugs, and combined use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
4.History and Clinical Application of Classic Famous Formula Danggui Sinitang
Sihong LIU ; Siqi JIA ; Lin TONG ; Li REN ; Lei ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Yanhui KUANG ; Deqin WANG ; Bing LI ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):53-60
Danggui Sinitang is first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Han dynasty. It is composed of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Tetrapanacis Medulla, and Jujubae Fructus and serves as a classic formula for treating the syndrome of blood deficiency and cold reversal. This study systematically reviews the records of Danggui Sinitang in ancient Chinese medicine books of various dynasties and the modern clinical applications to probe into the composition, plant species, processing, dosage, decocting method, and indications of Danggui Sinitang, aiming to provide a reference for the development and clinical application of this classic formula. The review of the records showed that there were a variety of records of Danggui Sinitang with different composition, and the composition of this formula listed in the Treatise on Cold Damage has a significant impact on later generations and has been used by medical practitioners throughout history. Although the dosage of some drugs decreased during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the medical practitioners continued to use the original formula. In terms of processing, although there were slight changes in the processing of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Tetrapanacis Medulla, the original processing method was inherited. In terms of indications, Danggui Sinitang was designed to treat cold reversal due to blood deficiency and dysentery. Furthermore, it was used to treat headache, convulsive disease, infantile convulsion, and private part adduction in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nowadays, this formula is mostly used to treat diabetes peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, Raynaud's disease and other diseases. In terms of precautions, ancient physicians believed that Danggui Sinitang should not be taken by pregnant women and should only be used for limb chills caused by blood deficiency and cold coagulation. For limb chills caused by other reasons, this formula should not be used indiscriminately. Modern research has not reported any serious adverse reactions related to this formula. Danggui Sinitang has a definite therapeutic effect. In subsequent research and development, quality control standards of Danggui Sinitang should be established while its safety is ensured, and the related preparations should be developed and applied.
5.Effect of Tongluo Juanbi Granules on Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis of Osteoarthritis Based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qi QI ; Liang OU ; Weichen HUANG ; Zehua CHEN ; Daoqing XU ; Weiwei HU ; Jingjing LI ; Jianjun KUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):29-36
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tongluo Juanbi granules on chondrocyte apoptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and study the mechanism of Tongluo Juanbi granules in the prevention and treatment of KOA. MethodThirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the following five groups (n=6): sham group, model group, low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules (4.1 and 8.2 g·kg-1·d-1), and celecoxib group (10.9 mg·kg-1·d-1). The KOA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) for six weeks. Six weeks after the modeling, the drug was given once a day for eight weeks. The pathological changes of cartilago articularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in synovial fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultCompared with the sham group, the cartilago articularis of the model group significantly degenerated. Mankin's score was increased (P<0.01), and the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid were increased (P<0.01). The number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, chondrocyte degeneration in both low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules was improved, and Mankin's score was decreased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01), and the number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were down-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were up-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, in the above observation indicators, the high-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules was significantly superior to the low-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules. ConclusionTongluo Juanbi granules could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with KOA and improve cartilage degeneration, which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Comparative analysis of depressive symptoms between adolescents and adults based on SCL-90
Bing HU ; Su HONG ; Tianyu YANG ; Kaixin HUANG ; Xiaying LI ; Dandan CHENG ; Li KUANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(5):754-759,765
Objective To investigate the difference of depressive symptoms between adolescents and adults,and to provide possible basis for early detection of adolescent depression.Methods From July 2021 to June 2022,a total of 4 096 patients with"depression"in the psychiatric clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were selected as the research objects.They were divided into the adolescent group(n=2 439)and adult group(n=1 657)according to their ages,and the results of self-rating depression scale(SDS)and symptom checklist 90(SCL-90)were collected and analyzed.Results There were significant differences in nationality,residence,native place,family history and degree of depression between the two groups(P<0.05).The adolescent group has more severe depressive symptoms,which were mainly manifes-ted in negative ideas,obsessive-compulsive symptoms,hostile and interpersonal relationship,and psychotic symptoms(P<0.05).The adult group showed more obvious in sleep(P<0.05).Conclusion Early inter-vention should be carried out for adolescents'depressive symptoms such as negative thoughts.
7.Epidemiological Investigation of Dampness Syndrome Manifestations in the Population at Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease
Xiao-Jia NI ; Hai-Yan HUANG ; Qing SU ; Yao XU ; Ling-Ling LIU ; Zhuo-Ran KUANG ; Yi-Hang LI ; Yi-Kai ZHANG ; Miao-Miao MENG ; Yi-Xin GUO ; Xiao-Bo YANG ; Ye-Feng CAI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):531-539
Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.
8.Severity of loneliness and factors associated with social and emotional loneliness among the elderly in three districts in Shanghai
Yu-Wen ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Zhao-Hua XIN ; Jia-Lie FANG ; Rui SONG ; Hao-Cen LI ; Jia-Wen KUANG ; Yu-Ting YANG ; Jing-Yi WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(1):1-11
Objective To explore the severity of loneliness among the elderly in communities in Shanghai,and to identify factors associated with social and emotional loneliness respectively.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in older adults aged 65 years or above in Pudong New Area,Jing'an District and Huangpu District in Shanghai from Mar to Jun 2021.In Pudong New Area,multi-stage stratified random sampling was conducted based on the age and gender distribution of Shanghai,while in Huangpu District and Jing'an District convenience sampling was conducted.A total of 635 samples were included in the study.Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale with social and emotional loneliness subscales.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with social and emotional loneliness.Results Among the 635 participants,only 53 older adults(8.4%)were not lonely.Female(OR=0.46,95%CI:0.31-0.70),higher self-efficacy(OR=0.97,95%CI:0.94-1.00),more objective social support(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99)were associated with less severe social loneliness.Meanwhile,higher level of education(secondary education,OR=0.56,95%CI:0.34-0.95;college or above,OR=0.30,95%CI:0.11-0.83)and higher self-efficacy(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99)were associated with less severe emotional loneliness,while depression(OR=3.41,95%CI:1.76-6.60)and worse social capital(OR=2.02,95%CI:1.29-3.16)were associated with more severe emotional loneliness.Conclusion Up to 91.6%of the elderly in our study sample were moderately lonely or above.The factors associated with social loneliness include self-efficacy,gender and social support.The factors associated with emotional loneliness are self-efficacy,education level,depression,and social capital.
9.Construction of Knowledge Service and Clinical Application System of"Prevention of Disease"in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Big Data Convergence
Xiuying KUANG ; Qi YU ; Jinghua LI ; Guoxiang LI ; Xianhong LI ; Weimin ZHAO ; Fan YAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):236-241
Objective To explore the construction idea and application method of knowledge base and knowledge mining system for the prevention and treatment of diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Guided by the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),firstly,the knowledge system of TCM Prevention and treatment was sorted out,and the structure and relationship of TCM Prevention and treatment knowledge base were designed according to the classification method of TCM Prevention and treatment;Secondly,according to the needs of pre treatment research,the ancient and modern literature data sources and knowledge collection methods of TCM pre treatment database are proposed;Then,under the framework of the pre treatment classification system,the core knowledge is studied in the aspects of professional annotation,relationship extraction,knowledge audit,and a variety of data mining algorithms are introduced to analyze and mine the knowledge;Finally,the massive data obtained are combined with big data analysis and computer machine learning to realize intelligent information collection,disease analysis and diagnosis and treatment suggestions.Results Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory,the knowledge base of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases can digitize,digitize and intellectualize the basic knowledge and clinical knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases,and can objectively mine and analyze the data,providing a basis for the service and sharing of knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases.Conclusion The knowledge base of TCM Prevention and treatment is an important way for the digital storage of TCM Prevention and treatment knowledge,and provides literature knowledge support and objective evidence of data mining for TCM Prevention and treatment research.
10.Application of fall prevention and management strategies based on patient participation and Internet plus in elderly inpatients
Lihua PENG ; Manping ZENG ; Xiaoping GUO ; Bingwen HE ; Xuhuan KUANG ; Yaling LIAO ; Xizhen LI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(7):487-494
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of patient participation and Internet plus in fall prevention management strategies of elderly inpatients and analyze the causes of falls, so as to provide a basis for continuous improvement in fall prevention to investigate their continuous improvement.Methods:A pre- and post-control study was conducted. Totally 8 480 elderly inpatients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021 in Chenzhou NO. 1 People′s Hospital were selected by convenient sampling as the control group, and 8 662 elderly inpatients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022 were in the experimental group. The routine fall prevention measures were used in the control group, and on this basis, the experimental group formulated and implemented fall prevention management strategies involving patients based on the patient participation framework "informing, participating, empowering, cooperating, and electronic information support" and introduced Internet plus. Then the differences between the two groups in terms of the incidence of falls and the satisfaction rate of nursing care were compared.Results:The experimental group included 8 662 cases (5 110 males and 3 552 females) with (73.96 ± 8.78) years old, while the control group included 8 480 cases (4 918 males and 3 562 females) with (74.11 ± 8.59) years old. The incidence of falls in experimental group (0.092%, 8/8 662) was lower than that in control group (0.224%, 19/8 480), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=4.71, P<0.05); the nursing care satisfaction rate of experimental group (98.880%, 8 565/8 662) was higher than that of control group (96.450%, 8 179/8 480), and the difference also was statistically significant ( χ 2=106.50, P<0.01); the analysis of the fall causes of the patients revealed that the toilet squatting commode was an important hidden risk of falls in elderly patients. Conclusions:Fall prevention management strategies based on patient participation can reduce the incidence of falls in elderly patients and improve the satisfaction rate of nursing care. Patient participation introduced "Internet plus" can prevent patient falls. The root causes of patient falls will continue to change, and care managers should continually track real-time changes in the root causes of falls to identify problems, develop and adjust prevention strategies accordingly, and pay attention to the importance of infrastructure in the safety of older patients.

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