1.Role of Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence-induced Macrophage Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Leiming MAO ; Gongzhen CHEN ; Tong YANG ; Genyan LIU ; Xingli SUN ; Jiangqin OU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):312-322
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), characterized primarily by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation, is a major chronic respiratory disease with persistently high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, macrophage pyroptosis, as an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, has been recognized as playing a key role in amplifying inflammatory responses and promoting tissue damage. According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, spleen failing to disperse essence constitutes an important pathological basis for various chronic diseases, clinically manifesting as impaired transportation and transformation, internal generation of phlegm-dampness, and accumulation of turbid toxins. Based on a review of classical TCM pathogenesis and modern molecular biological research, this study proposes that there may be a correlation between spleen failing to disperse essence and macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD. Specifically, metabolic and immune disturbances such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and enterotoxicity may trigger macrophage pyroptosis through the advanced glycation end products(AGEs)/AGEs receptor(RAGE)/reactive oxygen species(ROS), fatty acids/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathways. Excessive pyroptosis, in turn, exacerbates metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle. Furthermore, TCM interventions such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, as well as resolving dampness and detoxifying, have demonstrated potential in modulating pyroptosis-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy. In summary, this article explores the role of spleen failing to disperse essence-macrophage pyroptosis mechanism in COPD and highlights possible therapeutic strategies of TCM, providing new insights for integrated Chinese and western medical research and clinical practice.
2.A genetic perspective reveals the relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis:an analysis of information from the FinnGen database in Finland
Chu LIU ; Boyuan QIU ; Siwen TONG ; Linyuwei HE ; Haobo CHEN ; Zhixue OU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):785-794
BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting<Pfalse discovery rate<0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.
3.A genetic perspective reveals the relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis:an analysis of information from the FinnGen database in Finland
Chu LIU ; Boyuan QIU ; Siwen TONG ; Linyuwei HE ; Haobo CHEN ; Zhixue OU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):785-794
BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting<Pfalse discovery rate<0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.
4.Clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs
Min OU ; Yaqin WANG ; Zhimin ZHU ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Qiongni ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2297-2300
OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs. METHODS The data were collected from 1 175 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The patients were divided into originator group (n=250) and biosimilar group (n=925). The switching rate, switching type and reasons of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the switching rate, switching types, and the number of switches between the two groups (P>0.05). Single, one-way switches were the switching type in both groups. The proportion of patients in the biosimilar group who switched due to adverse events was significantly higher than originator group, while the proportion of patients who switched due to treatment costs was significantly lower than originator group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients who switched due to efficacy and drug accessibility between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The switching between bevacizumab biosimilar and the originator drugs mainly involves single, one- way switches. Treatment costs and drug accessibility are the main factors for the switches among users of originator drugs, while drug accessibility and adverse events are the main factors for the switches among users of biosimilar.
5.Clinical effects of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction on postoperative patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern
Jia-man YANG ; Tong LIU ; De-hui FAN ; Mei-yi SU ; Ying LIN ; Man-guang LIANG ; Zhi-wen OU ; Shun-cong ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3630-3634
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction on postoperative patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned into control group(60 cases)for 6-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(60 cases)for 6-week intervention of both Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,spinal cord conduction signals(SEP amplitude,MEP amplitude),serum neurotrophic factors(NGF,IGF-1,BDNF),coagulation and inflammatory indices(PT,APTT,TNF-α,IL-1 β)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,TNF-α,IL-1β(P<0.05),increased spinal cord conduction signals,coagulation and inflammatory indices(P<0.05),and shortened PT,APTT(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern,Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction can safely and effectively promote neurological function recovery.
6.Construction of CD8+T cell-associated Risk Model in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Bulk and Single-cell RNA-seq Data
Xin-Tong ZHANG ; Jian-Jun ZHU ; Jin WU ; Hao WU ; Fan LU ; Wen-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Jia CHANG ; Ting TANG ; Zhi-Gao OU ; Feng-Feng JIA ; Li LI ; Peng-Fei YU ; Ming LIU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1511-1528
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),which is essentially primary liver cancer,is closely related to CD8+T cell immune infiltration and immune suppression.We constructed a CD8+T cells related risk score model to pre-dict the prognosis of HCC patients and provided therapeutic guidance based on the risk score.Using integrated bulk RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)datasets,we identified stable CD8+T cell signatures.Based on these signatures,a 3-gene risk score model,comprised of KLRB1,RGS2,and TN-FRSF1B was constructed.The risk score model was well validated through an independent external validation co-hort.We divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the risk score and compared the differ-ences in immune microenvironment between these two groups.Compared with low-risk patients,high-risk patients have higher M2-type macrophage content(P<0.0001)and lower CD8+T cells infiltration(P<0.0001).High-risk patients predict worse response to immunotherapy treatment than low-risk patients(P<0.01).Drug sensitivity a-nalysis shows that PI3K-β inhibitor AZD6482 and TGFβRII inhibitor SB505124 may be suitable therapies for high-risk patients,while the IGF-1R inhibitor BMS-754807 or the novel pyrimidine-based anti-tumor metabolic drug Gemcitabine could be potential therapeutic choices for low-risk patients.Moreover,expression of these 3-gene mod-el was verified by immunohistochemistry.In summary,the establishment and validation of a CD8+T cell-derived risk model can more accurately predict the prognosis of HCC patients and guide the construction of personalized treatment plans.
7.Application of a wearable visual field meter based on extended reality glasses in macular disease
Jing YUAN ; Xingchang WANG ; Xiquan SUN ; Huiguang JIAO ; Qian WANG ; Yanxia TONG ; Biyue TU ; Xixi YAN ; Zhen ZHAO ; Xiaojie OU ; Sawut ABDULLA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(11):1035-1040
Objective:To evaluate the application effect of a wearable visual field meter based on extended reality (XR) glasses for patients with macular disease.Methods:A self-controlled study was conducted.A total of 41 consecutive patients (41 eyes) with macular disease were recruited at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2022 to October 2024.All patients underwent 10-2 center visual field test using a self-developed wearable visual field meter (XRVF), and the results were compared with those obtained using a traditional Humphrey field analyzer (HFA).The comparison parameters included mean retinal sensitivity (MS), false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), and testing duration.A subject satisfaction questionnaire was administered.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY2024-K263), and all subjects signed the informed consent form.Results:The retinal sensitivity of patients measured by HFA was (23.24±3.71)dB, which was higher than (22.01±3.45)dB by XRVF, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=4.924, P=0.036).The FPR measured by HFA and XRVF were (2.39±2.51)% and (2.59±3.29)%, respectively, and the FNR were (3.49±6.05)% and (3.74±5.38)%, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference ( t=-3.624, P=0.948; t=-1.241, P=0.519).The median test duration for HFA and XRVF was 6.15 (5.78, 6.65) and 5.98 (5.71, 6.69)minutes, respectively, without statistically significant difference ( Z=-1.987, P=0.953).92.6% of the subjects thought the device was comfortable, simple and practical. Conclusions:The XRVF has good consistency with the HFA, can effectively and reliably evaluate the visual field function of patients with macular disease, and is easily accepted by patients.
8.Bioinformatics identification and validation of aging key genes in hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Boyuan QIU ; Fei LIU ; Siwen TONG ; Zhixue OU ; Weiwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5608-5620
BACKGROUND:Hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head is strongly associated with aging,but the regulatory targets and mechanisms are still unclear.Through bioinformatics combined with machine learning analysis and experimental verification,the key genes of hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head mediated by cell senescence will be identified,which will provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head.OBJECTIVE:To screen and validate the senescence core genes of hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head using bioinformatics analysis to explore its mechanism of action.METHODS:The GSE123568 dataset was obtained from the GPL15207 platform of the GEO database,which contained the gene expression profiles of peripheral serum samples of 30 hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients and 10 healthy controls.Data on 279 cellular senescence-related genes were obtained from the CellAge database.Differential analysis and weighted correlation network analysis(WGCNA)were performed on hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head gene profiles,and both were intersected with senescence-related genes and then concatenated to obtain hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head senescence potential genes,and GO and KEGG analyses were performed.The machine learning method screened out the pivotal genes,constructed nomogram model,and performed consensus clustering and immune infiltration analysis.Finally,clinical femoral samples were collected for validation by qPCR and western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)41 potential genes were obtained,which were mainly enriched in biological processes such as aging and oxidative stress response,as well as FoxO and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways.(2)The pivotal genes catalase,connective tissue growth factor,forkhead box protein O3,insulin receptor substrate 2,and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 11 were obtained after machine learning identification,and the predictive ability of nomogram model was good.(3)The patients were classified into three groups,namely a,b and c,by the consensus clustering analysis.Catalase,forkhead box protein O3,insulin receptor substrate 2,and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 11 were differentially expressed among the three molecular subtypes(P<0.05).Results of immune infiltration showed that the abundance of immune cells,such as activated CD4+T cells,activated CD8+T cells,and eosinophils,differed among the three molecular subclasses(P<0.05).(4)The results of qPCR and western blot assay showed that the expression of catalase,connective tissue growth factor,forkhead box protein O3,and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 11 was lower in hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head group compared to the control group(P<0.05),and the expression of insulin receptor substrate 2 was elevated(P<0.05).(5)It is concluded that through in-depth analysis combined with bioinformatics and machine learning,and further experimental verification,five hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head age-related hub genes were finally identified.These genes are catalase,connective tissue growth factor,forkhead box o3,insulin receptor substrate 2,and serine/threonine kinase 11.These genes may provide potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of hormonal osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the future by regulating the cellular aging process.
9.Extrachromosomal Circular DNA in the Tumor Research Progress and Clinical Application Prospects
Jia-Qi LIANG ; Jin-Qian LI ; Tong OU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):68-78
Extrachromosomal circular DNA(eccDNA)is a special kind of circular DNA molecules in nucleus of eukaryotes.These molecules are derived from chromosome genomes,and can independently participate in a variety of cell physiological or pathological processes,which are closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumors.The discovery of eccDNA can be traced back to the 1970s,and with the development of molecular biology technology,researchers have gradually revealed its impor-tant function in cancer.The formation of eccDNA is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms,including breakage-fusion-bridge cycle,chromothripsis,translocation-deletion-amplification,episome model and fork stalling and template switching,etc.eccDNA,especially large molecular weight eccDNA(>1 Mb,also known as ecDNA),plays an important role in promoting the amplification and activation of oncogenes,driving tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance,and has shown broad application potential as a molecular marker for tumor liquid biopsy.This review summarizes the exploration history,biogenesis,functions in tumor biology and detection,specificity in different types of tumors and analysis methods of eccDNA,and also discusses its application value in clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors,so as to provide reference for further exploration of eccDNA in basic research and clinical practice of tumors.
10.Application of a wearable visual field meter based on extended reality glasses in macular disease
Jing YUAN ; Xingchang WANG ; Xiquan SUN ; Huiguang JIAO ; Qian WANG ; Yanxia TONG ; Biyue TU ; Xixi YAN ; Zhen ZHAO ; Xiaojie OU ; Sawut ABDULLA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(11):1035-1040
Objective:To evaluate the application effect of a wearable visual field meter based on extended reality (XR) glasses for patients with macular disease.Methods:A self-controlled study was conducted.A total of 41 consecutive patients (41 eyes) with macular disease were recruited at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2022 to October 2024.All patients underwent 10-2 center visual field test using a self-developed wearable visual field meter (XRVF), and the results were compared with those obtained using a traditional Humphrey field analyzer (HFA).The comparison parameters included mean retinal sensitivity (MS), false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), and testing duration.A subject satisfaction questionnaire was administered.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY2024-K263), and all subjects signed the informed consent form.Results:The retinal sensitivity of patients measured by HFA was (23.24±3.71)dB, which was higher than (22.01±3.45)dB by XRVF, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=4.924, P=0.036).The FPR measured by HFA and XRVF were (2.39±2.51)% and (2.59±3.29)%, respectively, and the FNR were (3.49±6.05)% and (3.74±5.38)%, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference ( t=-3.624, P=0.948; t=-1.241, P=0.519).The median test duration for HFA and XRVF was 6.15 (5.78, 6.65) and 5.98 (5.71, 6.69)minutes, respectively, without statistically significant difference ( Z=-1.987, P=0.953).92.6% of the subjects thought the device was comfortable, simple and practical. Conclusions:The XRVF has good consistency with the HFA, can effectively and reliably evaluate the visual field function of patients with macular disease, and is easily accepted by patients.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail