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.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.
3.Epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province
Ying ZHANG ; Yixuan CHEN ; Rong CAO ; Yue GAO ; Yutong HAN ; Ye WANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Xueyan ZHENG ; Yu LIAO ; Zhuanping ZENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):68-72
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province in 2020, and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of regionalized prevention and control strategies for liver cancer. Methods According to the cancer registry data of Guangdong Province, the incidence, mortality and age-standardized rate by Chinese standard population in 2020 were calculated to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer. The disability adjusted life years (DALYs), year of life loss (YLL), year of lived with disability (YLD), and cause-eliminated life expectancy were used to assess the disease burden of liver cancer. Results In 2020, the crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 27.79/100 000 and 20.84/100 000,respectively, and the crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer were 25.49/100,000 and 17.64/100 000, respectively. The total DALY and DALY rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 515 311 person-years and 513.83/100 000, respectively. After eliminating the causes of death from liver cancer, the life expectancy in Guangdong Province increased from 84.60 years to 84.99 years. All indicators consistently demonstrated that the burden of liver cancer was higher in males than that in females, and the burden of liver cancer was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas. Conclusion Liver cancer in Guangdong Province exhibits a high incidence, mortality and disease burden level in 2020. There are obvious differences of gender, age and region in cancer burden. It is necessary to strengthen liver cancer screening and diagnosis and treatment in men, the elderly and those in rural areas to reduce the burden of liver cancer gradually in Guangdong Province.
4.Comparison of preoperative ocular biometry between Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients
Jinfen WEI ; Simin TAN ; Lin DING ; Qiuli ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):148-151
AIM: To compare the preoperative ocular biometry between Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients.METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 150 patients(150 eyes)with cataracts who were treated in our hospital from May to December 2024 were selected. The IOL Master 700 and Pentacam AXL were preoperatively used to measure axial length(AL), corneal curvature(K1, K2 and Km), anterior chamber depth(ACD), and white-to-white(WTW). The difference and consistency of the results of the two instruments were compared.RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two instruments in the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD, and WTW(all P>0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the two instruments positively correlated with the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD and WTW of the operated eye(all P<0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that for the Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700, there were 5/150(3.3%), 7/150(4.7%), 4/150(2.7%), 5/150(3.3%), and 0 points outside the 95%LoA for the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD, and WTW of the examined eyes, respectively, with all of these values less than 5%, indicating good consistency.CONCLUSION:The AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD and WTW of Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients before cataract phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation show no significant differences, and have good correlation and consistency. The two instruments can be used interchangeably.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways for Glaucoma Treatment: A Review
Weiwen QIU ; Xueqin HE ; Xinbei LIN ; Lianxiang LUO ; Qiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):338-346
Glaucoma, characterized by pathological elevation of intraocular pressure, progressive optic nerve damage, and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It is strongly associated with significant vision loss and a decline in quality of life. Although pharmacological therapy remains the primary approach to managing glaucoma, clinical outcomes are often suboptimal, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective alternative treatments. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), glaucoma is categorized as part of the "five wind internal obstruction" syndrome, and TCM has amassed substantial experience in the prevention and treatment of this condition. Therefore, this article provided a comprehensive review of recent findings on the relationship between glaucoma and relevant signaling pathways, as well as the regulatory effects of TCM on these pathways in the treatment of glaucoma. TCM can exert therapeutic effects by modulating key signaling pathways, including the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathway, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/serine-threonine protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway. These pathways are involved in reducing inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis, and ameliorating oxidative stress. By synthesizing current research, this article offers theoretical insights and practical references for advancing the understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying glaucoma, innovating strategies for optic nerve protection, and promoting integrative TCM and Western medical approaches in glaucoma management.
6.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.
7.Signal mining of adverse reactions associated with macrolide antibiotics in pediatric patients based on the FAERS database
Zhenpo ZHANG ; Jiaxin HE ; Jingping ZHENG ; Yuting WANG ; Lin MA ; Ling SU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):160-166
Objective To explore the adverse event signals of children using macrolide drugs (azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin), and provide reference for rational medicine use in clinical practice. Methods Data from children under 12 years old were extracted from the US FAERS database spanning from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. The adverse drug reaction (ADR) signal mining for three macrolide antibiotics was conducted using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) methods. Special emphasis was placed on analyzing and contrasting the differences in adverse events among the three drugs. Results A total of 1 615 reports for children under 12 years old were retrieved from the FAERS database, including 1 024 reports of azithromycin, 460 reports of clarithromycin, and 131 reports of erythromycin. Among azithromycin and erythromycin, there were more reports from boys than girls, while for clarithromycin, there were more reports from girls than boys. Oral administration was the most common route of administration for all three drugs. Regarding the outcome of adverse events reported, azithromycin and clarithromycin were primarily associated with other serious adverse events, whereas erythromycin was mainly associated with hospitalization and other serious adverse events. The number of adverse events reported decreased with increasing age, with a higher number of reports in the 0-3 age group. Using the ROR and BCPNN methods for signal detection, 86 signals were identified for azithromycin, 91 for clarithromycin, and 34 for erythromycin. These signals involved 22 System Organ Classes (SOCs), with azithromycin mainly concentrated in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (n=21), clarithromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=15), and erythromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=8). Twenty-four signals of moderate to high risk were detected, with 13 for azithromycin, 9 for clarithromycin, and 2 for erythromycin. Conclusion The adverse events induced by the three drugs with different risks in different systems. When clinically treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children, the risk profiles of drugs in different systems should be considered, and personalized dosing should be implemented.
8.Perioperative safety of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis patients with oral high-dose glucocorticoids
Jinjin YAN ; Dazhi PANG ; Jitian ZHANG ; Guangqiang SHAO ; Zhihai LIU ; Rutaiyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):565-569
Objective To investigate the perioperative safety of patients with myasthenia gravis who take high doses of oral glucocorticoids. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with myasthenia gravis who received oral glucocorticoids and underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from April 2013 to October 2019. Patients were divided into a high-dose steroid group and a medium-to-low dose steroid group based on the dosage of oral steroids, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 102 patients were included, including 19 (18.62%) males and 83 (81.37%) females, with an average age of (32.25±9.83) years. There were 75 patients in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 27 patients in the high-dose steroid group. All patients in both groups successfully completed the surgery without major intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open chest surgery, delayed extubation, severe infection, or perioperative death. The daily oral steroid dose for the high-dose steroid group was (35.81±4.29) mg, and for the medium-to-low dose steroid group it was (15.29±2.17) mg. There was no statistical difference in the operation time [(124.69±23.51) min vs. (117.89±21.46) min, P=0.172] and intraoperative blood loss [(21.19±3.48) mL vs. (20.56±3.41) mL, P=0.419] between the two groups. Postoperatively, 12 (11.76%) patients developed complications: one patient of myasthenic crisis (the medium-to-low dose steroid group), which was improved after short-term respiratory support and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment; 11 patients of respiratory/swallowing difficulties (9 in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 2 in the high-dose steroid group), which were improved after anticholinergic treatment to reduce oral secretions and sputum suction, and the patients were discharged smoothly. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P=0.637). Conclusion On the basis of good perioperative management, it is safe and feasible for patients with myasthenia gravis who take high dose of oral steroids to undergo thymectomy, and they have the same perioperative safety as patients with medium-to-low dose steroids.
9.Antibiotic exposure among third grade primary school students in Shenzhen
NI Yiping, ZHU Bo, ZHANG Wen, WANG Li, JI Xiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):438-442
Objective:
To investigate the status of antibiotic exposure in third grade primary school students in Shenzhen,so as to provide evidence for the scientific management of antibiotic use and reduction of population health risks.
Methods:
From 1 September to 30 October 2021, 200 third grade students from 8 primary schools in Luohu District of Shenzhen were selected by cluster random sampling as research subjects. The body composition was measured, urine samples were collected, and the contents of 35 antibiotics in the samples were detected by mass spectrometry. Relevant dietary habit information of the subjects was collected via questionnaires. The Chi square test was used to compare the detection rate of antibiotics among different genders and weight grades. The Logistic regression model was adopted to evaluate the correlation between the target antibiotic detection rate and dietary habits.
Results:
At least one type of antibiotic was detected in 198 of the subjects with an overall detection rate of 99.0% . Among the 35 target antibiotics, 23 were detected with detection rates ranging from 0.5%-69.5%. Quinolones had the highest detection rate of 86.5% , followed by macrolides and sulfonamides with detection rates of 77.5% and 76.5%, respectively. The detection rate of antibiotics was 98.3% in boys and 100.0% in girls with no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=1.35, P >0.05). The detection rates of quinolones, macrolides, and sulfonamides varied significantly among children with different BMI categories ( χ 2=38.18, 12.45, 9.76 , all P <0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that the macrolide detection rate was affected by genders( OR =0.42) and the sulfonamide detection rate was significantly correlated with the frequency of dairy product consumption and being overweight( OR =2.01)(both P <0.05). Enrofloxacin was associated with the weekly consumption frequency of livestock meat such as pork, beef and mutton, as well as the weekly consumption frequency of poultry meat such as chicken, duck and goose ( OR = 2.81,2.17,both P <0.05). Trimethoprim was associated with the weekly frequency of drinking pure milk ( OR =5.49, P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Third grade primary school students in Shenzhen are generally exposed to low dose antibiotics. Macrolides, quinolones, and sulfonamides may be associated with the risk of obesity in primary school students.
10.Analysis of the Burden of Acute Lymphoid Leukemia in China and Globally from 1990 to 2021
Derong LIN ; Jingya FANG ; Yue LI ; Xiaohua XIE ; Xiaolin YE ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Jiexuan LI ; Aiguo XUE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):463-475
To analyze the disease burden of acute lymphoid leukemia(ALL) and its changing trends in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for disease prevention, treatment, and policy formulation. Data on the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability adjusted life years(DALYs) of ALL in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) 2021 database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC) to assess the trends in disease burden. Decomposition analysis was employed to identify and quantify the contributions of different factors to the changes in ALL disease burden. The population attributable fraction(PAF) was used to compare the risk factors for ALL in China and globally in 1990 and 2021. Stratified by the sociodemographic index(SDI), the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing(LOESS) method was used to assess the association between age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR), and SDI. The incidence-mortality ratio(IMR) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic level and current treatment status of ALL. From 1990 to 2021, ASIR of ALL in the Chinese population increased from 3.385/100 000 to 3.637/100 000(AAPC: 0.005), the age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR) increased from 6.596/100 000 to 22.022/100 000(AAPC: 0.478), the ASMR decreased from 3.051/100 000 to 1.357/100 000(AAPC: -0.056), and the age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDR) decreased from 195.792/100 000 to 74.063/100 000(AAPC: -3.996). Globally, the corresponding figures were: ASIR decreased from 1.789/100 000 to 1.371/100 000(AAPC: -0.014), ASPR increased from 4.122/100 000 to 5.425/100 000(AAPC: 0.039), ASMR decreased from 1.551/100 000 to 0.898/100 000(AAPC: -0.021), and ASDR decreased from 94.894/100 000 to 48.858/100 000(AAPC: -1.494). During this period, the aforementioned disease burden indicators were generally higher in males than in females, both in China and globally.In 2021, the peak incidence of ALL in China and globally was primarily concentrated in the 0-19 years age group, with the highest rate observed in those under 5 years of age. The burden of prevalence and DALYs was also mainly concentrated in this age group. Regarding mortality, the death burden in China was predominantly observed in the older adult age group, particularly among those aged ≥60 years. Globally, the mortality burden was highest in the under-5 age group, while remaining at a relatively high level in the older adult population. SDI correlation analysis based on data from 204 countries/regions globally from 1990 to 2021 showed that ASIR gradually increased with increasing SDI, whereas ASMR showed an initial increase followed by a decreasing trend. The ASIR and ASMR for the overall Chinese population and by sex were higher than expected. PAF results indicated that smoking and high body mass index were the main attributable risk factors for ALL mortality and DALYs burden, with their contribution consistently increasing. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth and epidemiological changes were the primary drivers behind the changes in ALL incidence and mortality burden. Compared with 1990, the IMR for ALL in both China and globally increased in 2021. Over the past three decades, the ASMR and ASDR for ALL in China and globally have generally declined. During the same period, the ASIR and ASPR for ALL increased in China, while globally, the ASIR decreased and the ASPR increased. However, the disease burden of ALL remains high in males, children, and the older adult population. Differentiated prevention and control measures should be implemented in accordance with changes in SDI. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening prevention and early diagnosis, and suggest the need for targeted screening and treatment strategies for different age and sex groups. Concurrently, attention should be paid to the role of weight management and tobacco control in comprehensive prevention and control efforts to further reduce the disease burden of ALL.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail