1.Research status of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in the pathogenesis of blinding ocular diseases
Kewen ZHOU ; Qingping LIU ; Mingzhi ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):410-416
Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes(MAMs)are crucial structural links between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, formed by a complex protein network. They play a central role in cellular calcium signaling homeostasis, mitochondrial stability, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory response. In recent years, advances in subcellular ultrastructure research techniques have gradually uncovered the relationship between MAMs dysfunction and blinding ocular diseases. Studies indicate that structural or functional impairments in MAMs can disrupt retinal pigment epithelial cells homeostasis, compromise the survival microenvironment of retinal ganglion cells, and trigger corneal endothelial cells apoptosis, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of various blinding ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and glaucoma. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms linking MAMs in common blinding ocular diseases.
2.Association between photoreceptor gene mutation-caused diseases and myopia
Yunqing LIANG ; Jiali LI ; Shanshan LIU ; Xiaohe LU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):452-457
Myopia has become a significant eye health problem, which is thought to result from the complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors. This review focuses on two types of hereditary retinal diseases caused by mutations in photoreceptor genes, including rod-cone cell dystrophy(retinitis pigmentosa)and cone dysfunction syndromes(achromatopsia, blue cone monochromatism and Bornholm eye disease). It systematically explores the intrinsic connection between these diseases and the myopia phenotype, and elaborates on the core mechanisms by which pathogenic genes such as RPGR and OPN1LW/OPN1MW, which cause defects in ciliary structure and protein transport and interfere with the visual signal pathway, jointly induce choroidal thinning and scleral remodeling, ultimately driving the elongation of axial length and the occurrence of myopia. By tracing the association of photoreceptor gene mutations with myopia, this article provides a new perspective for in-depth understanding of the genetic mechanism of myopia and is of great significance for the development of early risk warning and targeted intervention strategies.
3.Research status of protein N-glycosylation detection methods and their applications in ophthalmology research
Peiyi PENG ; Qingping LIU ; Mingzhi ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):458-462
N-glycosylation is a crucial posttranslational modification of proteins that can modulate their functions and plays key roles in various biological processes. Current research has revealed that alterations in protein N-glycosylation are closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of multiple ocular diseases. N-glycosylation detection methods can identify changes in N-glycans on proteins; therefore, understanding these techniques and their application value in ocular diseases is important. This article provides a systematic review of the current state of N-glycosylation detection methods, including techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. It also offers a detailed discussion on the specific applications of these technologies in the study of various ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and vernal keratoconjunctivitis/atopic keratoconjunctivitis.
4.Multimodal imaging combined with artificial intelligence in the study of ocular biometric parameters in high myopia
Minghui LIU ; Chusheng CAI ; Shaolin DU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):477-482
High myopia(HM)is one of the leading causes of irreversible visual impairment, characterized by pathological changes such as axial elongation and multidimensional abnormalities in fundus biometric parameters. This review systematically summarizes the dynamic characteristics of fundus biometric parameters(including those of the retina, optic disc, macula, and choroid)in HM patients, as visualized via multimodal imaging techniques [e.g., optical coherence tomography(OCT)and optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)], and their association with HM progression and related complications. The article further highlights the strategies and advantages of multimodal imaging integration and discusses recent advances and challenges in combining artificial intelligence(AI)with these imaging modalities to automate fundus parameter analysis, lesion detection, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making for HM. This review aims to provide an evidence-based foundation for the early warning, precise intervention, and personalized management of HM, thereby facilitating a clinical paradigm shift from “reactive treatment” to “active health management”.
5.Association between exposure to heatwave and sudden death among residents in Jiangsu Province,China
Changkui OU ; Yanling ZHONG ; Rui LI ; Yi LIN ; Ruijun XU ; Tingting LIU ; Tingting WANG ; Hong SUN ; Yuewei LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):22-28
Objective To quantitatively assess the exposure-response association between exposure to heatwave and sudden death, estimate the attributable excess deaths, and identify potential vulnerable subgroups. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted among residents who died from sudden death in Jiangsu Province, China between 2015 and 2021. Heatwave events in Jiangsu Province, defined using varying relative temperature thresholds and durations, were identified using temperature data from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS V2.0). Individual heatwave exposure was assessed based on each subject's residential address. The exposure-response association between heatwave and sudden death was evaluated using conditional logistic regression model combined with a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model(DLNM). Heatwave-attributable excess deaths were estimated. Stratified analyses by sex and age were performed to assess potential effect modifications. Results Under all definitions, exposure to heatwave was significantly associated with an increased risk of sudden death, and the risk increased with the intensity of heatwave. Using the P95_3d definition (temperature exceeding the 95th percentile for ≥3 consecutive days), heatwave was significantlyassociated with a 56% increased risk of sudden death (95% CI: 31%, 86%). The population-attributable fraction of sudden death due to heatwave exposure was 1.45% (95% CI: 0.97%, 1.90%). Stratified analyses indicated no statistically significant differences in the association between heatwave exposure and sudden death across age or sex subgroups. Conclusion Heatwave exposure was associated with an increased risk of sudden death. Reducing heatwave exposure during summer may help lower the occurrence of sudden death.
6.Construction of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Ethics Governance System in China and Its Preliminary Practice in Guangdong Province
Xiaoqin LI ; Wenlan YU ; Yizhu DUAN ; Zhonghua LIU ; Guodong WU ; Wenqi SHI ; Hongkun FU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):127-137
The welfare and ethics of laboratory animals are the ethical principles and behavioral norms that need to be followed in conducting animal-based scientific research, breeding and managing laboratory animals, and supervising and regulating such activities. The level of protection of laboratory animal welfare and ethics is closely related to the development of science and technology, which has become a widely recognized international consensus. At present, Guangdong Province is accelerating the construction of a high-level science and technology innovation province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Guangdong Province should rely on its advanced governance capacity in the field of laboratory animal science and technology ethics to promote the high-quality development of its laboratory animal science and technology sector. Based on the management laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms of laboratory animals in China, this paper explores the optimization of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system, which includes the institutional guarantees, responsibility systems, ethical review and supervision mechanisms, and education and outreach. Through methods such as literature research, questionnaire surveys, and interview investigations, an empirical study of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in Guangdong Province has been conducted. Analysis of literature and research results shows that Guangdong Province has basically established a laboratory animal management system, collaboration mechanism, supervision mechanism, and education and training system that meet the current requirements of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in China. However, there are still problems such as an incomplete laboratory animal science and technology ethics supervision mechanism, an underdeveloped operation mechanism of review institutions, insufficient attention paid by laboratory animal units to the ethical review of animal experiments, inconsistent ethical review standards, and a lack of professional ethical education and training for ethics review personnel. Therefore, optimization measures such as improving the laboratory animal science and technology ethics review system, strengthening supervision and inspection, further strengthening the accountability of responsible entities, formulating review norms, and enhancing hierarchical and classified education and training are proposed, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the normalized and long-term governance of laboratory animal science and technology ethics in Guangdong Province.
7.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of immunotherapy for recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a single-center retrospective analysis
WANG Haoqiang ; LIU Baiyang ; YANG Ning ; LIU Peng ; CHENG Donghai ; PENG Lijun ; WANG Xianci ; HUANG Xueqin ; DONG Enlai ; JIANG Yiming ; ZHOU Juan ; XIE Bo
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):84-90
[摘 要] 目的:探讨复发/转移性鼻咽癌(NPC)接受含PD-1单抗免疫治疗的临床特征和预后影响因素。方法:回顾性分析2019年3月至2024年7月期间南部战区总医院确诊的95例NPC患者的临床资料和外周血生化及免疫学指标。预后分析采用Kaplan-Meier曲线,组间比较使用Log-rank检验,采用Cox比例风险模型进行单因素和多因素分析。结果:95例患者中男性81例,女性14例,中位年龄49.72岁(16~74岁),Ⅳ期91例(95.79%),所有患者均采用免疫治疗,联合或不联合化疗方案治疗,中位无进展生存期(mPFS)为10.5个月,客观缓解率(ORR)70.53%,疾病控制率(DCR)89.47%,接受含铂治疗方案患者PFS相对更长,且差异有统计学意义。紫杉醇 + 顺铂 + 氟尿嘧啶(TPF)对比吉西他滨 + 顺铂(GP)和紫杉醇 + 顺铂(TP)显示出更长的PFS,但差异无统计学意义。不同PD-1单抗治疗组间的PFS未显示出有统计学意义的差异。单因素及多因素Cox回归分析结果显示,肿瘤复发状态、初始血浆EBV感染状态、治疗周期数、基线外周血SII是复发/转移性NPC患者接受PD-1抑制剂治疗疗效预测的独立相关因素(均P < 0.05),并且非复发患者、初始血浆EBV DNA阳性、接受 ≥ 4治疗周期、基线外周血SII < 772.81的患者接受PD-1抑制剂治疗预后相对更好。结论:在接受PD-1抑制剂治疗的复发/转移性NPC患者中,非复发患者、初始血浆EBV DNA阳性、≥ 4治疗周期且外周血SII < 772.81者PFS相对更长,可早期识别免疫治疗效果不佳患者并精准干预。
8.Analysis of Blood-absorbed Components and Their Metabolic Differences of Xiebaisan in Normal and Chronic Bronchitis Mice Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Peng PENG ; Jiaxin LI ; Xinyue YANG ; Fangle LIU ; Chenchen ZHU ; Chaozhan LIN ; Yufeng YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):219-227
ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically analyze the blood-absorbed components and metabolic profiles of Xiebaisan(XBS) in normal and chronic bronchitis (CB) mice using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), while comparing differences between the two states. MethodsThirty female BABL/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the normal drug administration group, the CB group, the CB drug administration group and the dexamethasone group, with 6 mice in each group. The CB mouse model was established by inducing with ovalbumin (OVA). The mice in the normal drug administration group and the CB drug administration group started to be gavaged with XBS(13.2 g·kg-1) from the 21st day, and the dexamethasone group mice were simultaneously gavaged with dexamethasone (0.5 mg·kg-1) until the end of the 35th day of the experiment. Subsequently, serum samples were collected and evaluated for their efficacy, based on the pharmacological evaluation indicators, to determine the efficacy of XBS in treating CB. Then the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was employed to identify and analyze the chemical constituents, blood-absorbed components, and metabolites of XBS. Chemometric analysis was conducted to reveal metabolic profile differences under "dual states". Concurrently, Real-time PCR technology was utilized to detect the expression levels of key liver metabolic enzymes CYP2E1, CYP3A1, UGT1A1, and UGT1A6. ResultsA total of 28 prototype components and 158 metabolites (including 48 phase Ⅰ metabolites and 110 phase Ⅱ metabolites) of XBS were unambiguously identified in the serum of normal mice. Additionally, a comprehensive characterization was performed on a total of 32 prototype components and 178 metabolites (including 50 phase Ⅰ metabolites and 128 phase Ⅱ metabolites) of XBS in the serum of CB mice. Among them, 27 prototype components were detected in both states, including 12 flavonoids, 2 alkaloids, 3 triterpenes, 4 organic acids, 3 amides, 1 stilbene and 2 other compounds. The chemometrics analysis revealed no significant difference in the prototype components and metabolites of XBS between normal and CB mice; however, there was a significant increase in the in-vivo exposure of XBS in CB mice. Compared to normal mice, the levels of phase Ⅰ metabolites such as oxidation, reduction and methylation of blood components of XBS as well as phase Ⅱ metabolites of glucuronidation showed significant changes in CB mice. Real-time PCR further confirmed that these alterations were attributed to the upregulation of CYP2E1 (P<0.05), CYP3A1 (P>0.05), UGT1A1 (P<0.01) and UGT1A6 (P<0.01) enzymes expression in the liver of CB mice. ConclusionThis study elucidated the disparities in the levels of the blood-absorbed components and metabolic profiles of XBS in normal and CB mice, especially in oxidation, reduction, methylation in phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucoaldehyde acidification in phase Ⅱ metabolism. And there are related to the differences in the expression levels of phase Ⅰ and phase Ⅱ metabolic enzymes CYP2E1, CYP3A1, UGT1A1 and UGT1A6 in the liver.
9.Exploring Anti-inflammatory Synergistic Mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice Based on Differential Component Tracking Strategy
Hongda XUAN ; Shengnan SHEN ; Linlin LI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Xianyu XU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Haining LYU ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):228-237
ObjectiveTaking Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AFI)-processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) as an example, this study aims to systematically compare the volatile and non-volatile components of AMR and its processed products, investigate the key differential components, evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities, and elucidate the synergistic mechanism of processing. MethodsThe chemical compositions of volatile and non-volatile components in AMR and AFI-processed AMR were systematically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), with relative mass fractions and response values determined separately. Volatile components were identified through searches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST)17 database, comparison with retention index(RI) and fragmentation pattern matching. Non-volatile components were identified by searching Waters Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spectral library, in conjunction with PubChem and MassBank, characteristic fragmentation patterns and response values were also used to support identification. Differential components were screened using principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1. Components with high log2fold change(FC) among major differential groups were selected as those exhibiting significant changes before and after processing. The anti-inflammatory activity of the differential compounds was evaluated by assessing their effects on nitric oxide(NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the effects of the differential components on tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1 levels, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to assess their effects on nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 translocation, thereby elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsA total of 36 compounds were identified in the volatile components of AMR and AFI-processed AMR, among which, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes were significantly increased after processing. In the non-volatile components, 36 compounds were identified, and the main differential components were flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids. Flavonoids were the primary differential components distinguishing AMR from its processed products, representing compounds directly introduced during processing. Five compounds, including atractylenolide Ⅲ, tangeritin, nobiletin, hesperidin and narirutin, were selected as representatives of three classes based on their most prominent differential expression among different compound types for subsequent anti-inflammatory activity studies. The results showed that 100 μmol·L-1 tangerine and narirutin could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO production(P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Tangeritin was able to significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 secreted by RAW264.7(P<0.05), while narirutin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-6(P<0.01). IF revealed that both tangeritin and narirutin significantly blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ConclusionAFI-processed AMR significantly alters the chemical composition profile of AMR, and the newly introduced flavonoid components during processing may be key to its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
10.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.


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