1.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
2.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
3.Protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in mice
Yi LI ; Jian-bin HE ; Jia-xiu XIE ; Quan-mou LUO ; Dong-mei LI ; Jun-hui HE ; Dong-mei WEI ; Chao WEI ; Hong-cong QIU ; Gui-ning WEI ; Bo WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1834-1842
AIM To investigate the protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules(Shuangyi Capsules)on Dexamethasone(Dex)induced osteoporosis in mice.METHODS The C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the Xianling Gubao Capsules group(1.5 g/kg),and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Shuangyi Capsules groups(0.6,1.2,and 2.4 g/kg).The mouse model of osteoporosis was induced by 8-week intraperitoneal injection of Dex sodium phosphate injection(5 mg/kg).The mice had their femur osteogenesis observed with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining;their serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and osteocalcin(BGP)activities detected by ELISA;their femoral mRNA expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,and OPN detected by RT-qPCR;and their femoral protein expressions of OPG and RANKL detected by Western blot.Upon the MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex and Shuangyi Capsules,their viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay;their mineralization determined by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining(ARS);and their intracellular ROS level detected using DCFH-DA probe.RESULTS Compared with the model group,Shuangyi Capsules groups demonstrated improved fracture of femoral trabeculae and reduced number of osteoclasts;increased serum ALP and BGP activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased femoral expressions of Col-Ⅰ mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05).Compared with the MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated by Dex,those underwent further treatment of Shuangyi Capsules demonstrated increased cell viability and ALP activity(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased mineralization and calcium nodule formation;increased expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01);and reduced ROS levels.CONCLUSION Shuangyi Capsules ameliorate Dex-induced osteoporosis in mice by suppressing osteoclast overactivation,enhancing osteoblast activity,and stimulating bone formation through modulation of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG/RANKL protein levels.
4.Clinical Characteristics and Survival Analysis of 34 Patients with Aggressive NK-Cell Leukemia
Hui-Hui ZHANG ; Chun-Lan HUA ; Ping-Ping SUN ; Shuai LIU ; Wen-Juan FAN ; Xing-Wu LI ; Bao-Hong YUE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1577-1582
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis risk factors of aggressive NK-cell leukemia(ANKL).Methods:The clinical and laboratory data of 34 patients with ANKL and 15 patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells(CLPD-NK)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2019 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates,and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors.Results:Compared with CLPD-NK patients,ANKL patients had a younger median age of onset,a higher proportion patients with EBV-DNA≥500 copies/ml,hepatosplenomegaly and hemophagocytic syndrome.They also presented with a higher peak of fever,a shorter median survival time,lower WBC count,PLT count,ALB and Fib values,while having higher LDH,AST,TG,ferritin,CRP and PCT levels.There were statistically significant differences in the morphology and expression of HLA-DR,CD56,CD57,CD16 and CD158 on abnormall cells between ANKL patients and CLPD-NK patients.Multivariate survival analysis revealed that combined with asparaginase treatment could improve patients' survival,and CRP≥ 15 mg/L and Fib<2.0 g/L were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with ANKL.Conclusion:The differences in clinical features and laboratory tests between patients with ANKL and CLPD-NK aid in the diagnosis of ANKL.CRP and Fib levels can be used to predict the prognosis of patients,and combined asparaginase therapy can enhance the overall survival of patients.
5.Assessment of the current status and economic burden of hospital-acquired infections in orthopedic patients based on DRG
Lin YANG ; Yan REN ; Yingnan CAO ; Lihui XU ; Hongxin WEI ; Luyao LI ; Hong LI ; Hui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(11):1718-1723
OBJECTIVE To assess the current status of hospital-acquired infections and their economic burden in or-thopedic patients based on diagnosis-related groups(DRG).METHOD Based on the National Health Insurance dis-ease diagnosis-related groups,32 413 orthopedic patients from a tertiary care hospital in Beijing in 2021 were grouped,hospital-acquired infections were retrospectively analyzed,and the direct and indirect economic burdens of different DRG groups were assess using indictors such as hospitalization time and cost,bed turnover loss,and labor time loss.RESULTS A total of 32 413 patients were included,the incidence of hospital-acquired infection was 0.47%(153/32 413),the site of infection was predominantly the surgical site(57.99%),and hospital-acquired infections in the hematologic system had a greater impact on cost-consumption indices and time-consumption indi-ces.The infection cases were concentrated in 19.58%of the DRGs groups.The IF23 group(lower limb bone sur-gery with complications and comorbidities)had the highest direct economic burden(24 010 yuan/case)due to hos-pital-acquired infections,and the increase in the cost of consumables and medication was the main factor causing the direct economic burden.At both the hospital level and family-society level,the top three DRG groups in terms of indirect economic burden due to hospital-acquired infections were IB15,IB13 and IF23.CONCLUSION Hospital-acquired infections in orthopedic patients have a tendency to be concentrated,quantitatively assessment of their e-conomic burden based on DRGs not only illustrates the importance of hospital-acquired infection prevention and control,but also accurately identifies the disease groups that require focused management,providing an evidence-based basis for precise prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections.
6.Overexpression of Slc1a2 regulates Glu/GABA balance,inhibits ferroptosis and improves cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice
Fengying ZHANG ; Yonghong TANG ; Yanqing XIE ; Min LI ; Li JIANG ; Na WU ; Zhao PAN ; Yingfeng TANG ; Ling YUAN ; Yuanyuan HONG ; Hui LIU ; Ping ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(11):967-976
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Slc1a2 overexpression on cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice.Methods A total of 130 mice were divided into five groups:normal sleep(NS),NS+ov-Slc1a2,sleep deprivation(SD),SD+ov-NC,and SD+ov-Slc1a2,with 26 mice in each group.The SD mice model was established using an automatic system based on a rotating rod,and overexpress Slc1a2 adenovirus was injected into the prefrontal cortex(PFC).Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Slc1a2 in the mouse PFC.Electrophysiological tests were used to evaluate non-rapid eye movement(NREM)sleep time,rapid eye movement(REM)sleep time,and wakefulness time in mice.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of glutamate(Glu)and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)metabolic enzymes in the mouse PFC.Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to detect the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents(mEPSC)in mouse PFC.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC.The C11-BODIPY fluorescent probe was used to detect lipid reac-tive oxygen species(ROS)levels in mouse PFC.Commercial kits were used to detect Fe2+and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the mouse PFC.Cognitive function in mice was evaluated using the open field,novel object recognition,and Y-maze tests.Results Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index increased significantly,while wakefulness time decreased significantly in the NS+ov-Slc1a2 group(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P<0.05).Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD group and the SD+ov-NC group were significantly decreased,whereas wakefulness time was significantly increased(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC decreased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels increased significantly(all P<0.05).Compared with the SD and SD+ov-NC groups,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD+ov-Slc1a2 group increased significantly,whereas the wakeful-ness time decreased significantly(all P<0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,the expression of Slc1a2 protein,the expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,the frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P<0.05).Conclusion Ectopic overexpres-sion of Slc1a2 in the PFC can improve sleep disorders in SD mice,reduce the damage caused by SD to excitatory synaptic transmission and GABAergic neuron function in the PFC,and alleviate cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior in these mice.Its mechanism may be related to the improvement of Glu/GABA metabolic imbalance in the PFC and inhibition of ferroptosis.
7.Comparison of clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon treatment for in-stent restenosis with different clinical presentations
Hui-fang ZHANG ; Hong-yong SONG ; Guo LI ; Dong-fang HE ; Qian TAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(11):640-646
Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with coronary in-stent restenosis(ISR)who underwent drug-coated balloon(DCB)treatment,based on different clinical presentations.Methods This prospective study included 508 patients diagnosed with coronary ISR at Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University,between May 2020 and May 2022.All patients received DCB treatment.According to clinical presentation,the patients were divided into an acute coronary syndrome(ACS)group(185 patients)and a non-acute coronary syndrome(non-ACS)group(323 patients).All patients were followed for two years,primarily comparing the incidence of myocardial infarction(MI),target lesion revascularization(TLR),death,and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)between the two groups.Results Baseline data showed that the ACS group had a significantly higher proportion of hypertension,diabetes,and smoking compared to the non-ACS group(all P<0.05).Additionally,the ACS group had a higher proportion of B2/C-type lesions,long lesions,and moderate to severe calcified lesions(all P<0.05).The number,length,and diameter of stents implanted were also significantly larger in the ACS group(all P>0.05).At the 1-year follow-up,the ACS group had a significantly higher incidence of TLR(8.1%vs.2.5%,P=0.007)and MACE(10.3%vs.5.3%,P=0.047)than the non-ACS group.By the end of the 2-year follow-up,the ACS group still had higher rates of TLR(18.9%vs.10.2%,P=0.007)and MACE(22.7%vs.14.9%,P=0.030).Conclusions ISR patients with ACS have higher cardiovascular risk and more complex lesions.They also experience a higher incidence of adverse events after DCB treatment.
8.Research Progress on the Application of Hot Melt Extrusion Technology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Bing YANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Siyi SHUAI ; Xiaoxuan HONG ; Conghui LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Jia WEN ; Aiping ZHENG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):73-80
Hot melt extrusion(HME)technology employs thermodynamic and kinetic principles to mix pharmaceutical polymers with crystalline drugs at high temperatures and extrude them,embedding drug molecules within the polymer matrix to form solid dispersions.Due to its solvent-free nature,capability for one-step processing,and support for continuous operation,HME has garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years.This article introduced the basic principles and development history of HME technology and its marketed drugs.It reviewed the research progress of HME technology in improving drug solubility,masking taste,controlled release,targeted release,oral dispersible films,implant formulations,semi-solid formulations,and 3D printed formulations.Additionally,the article summarized the advantages and limitations of HME technology and provided an outlook on its future development.
9.Progress in regulatory role of macrophages in mucosal healing during in-flammatory bowel disease
Keqi CHEN ; Yaobin LI ; Haoxian CHEN ; Yiming CUI ; Jian HONG ; Hui YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1807-1813
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic,nonspecific inflammatory condition of the intes-tine.However,its pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms remain elusive.The primary therapeutic goal for IBD is to achieve complete restoration of the intestinal mucosa.Despite various treatment strategies available in clinical practice,options to effectively promote mucosal healing remain limited.Macrophages play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal ho-meostasis,modulating inflammatory responses,and facilitating mucosal healing.This review explores the significance and regulatory mechanisms of macrophages in intestinal mucosal healing,with particular emphasis on modulating macrophage phenotypic switching in the treatment of IBD.Furthermore,this review provides a theoretical basis for precision medicine in IBD treatment,highlighting valuable insights for more targeted therapeutic approaches.
10.The value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease and non-diabetic kidney disease
Xuesong LI ; Qingjuan ZHANG ; Qingqing ZHOU ; Yusheng YU ; Hong ZHANG ; Hui LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1689-1693
Objective To explore the value of ZOOMit intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging(IVIM-DWI)technology in assessing renal function in diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and non-diabetic kidney disease(non-DKD).Methods Based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),50 DKD patients and 50 non-DKD patients were enrolled,with each group contained 21 mild cases(mild group)and 29 moderate to severe cases(moderate to severe group).All subjects underwent ZOOMit IVIM-DWI examination and the parameter values of the renal cortex and medulla were measured.The differences of IVIM-DWI parameters in renal cortex and medulla between DKD and non-DKD patients,and the correlation with eGFR,and diagnostic efficacy were compared.Results In the DKD patients,the f value of the medulla,the D value of the cortex,and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=7.836,3.337,2.515,P<0.05),and all were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.750,0.375,0.404,P<0.05).In the non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla and the D* value of the medulla showed statistically significant differences between mild group and moderate to severe group(t=2.619,2.453,P<0.05),and were positively correlated with eGFR(r=0.425,0.360,P<0.05).In both DKD and non-DKD patients,the f value of the medulla showed the best efficacy in distinguishing between mild and moderate to severe DKD,with the area under the curve(AUC)=0.961(DeLong test P<0.05).Conclusion ZOOMit IVIM-DWI technology can be used for renal function in DKD and non-DKD,with the f value of the medulla being more suitable for the assessment of renal function in DKD.

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