1.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
2.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
3.Seroprevalence characteristics of hepatitis E virus among blood donors infected with hepatitis B virus
Qin YU ; Tingting XU ; Hao YANG ; Lei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):1-6
[Objective] To investigate the seroprevalence characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, so as to provide data support for the monitoring, prevention and treatment of HEV. [Methods] From January to December 2022, 219 samples positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 142 occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) samples (HBV group) and 873 samples tested negative (control group) were collected. 361 samples were further tested with viral load assay and serological testing for five serological markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb), and the DNA load was measured using real time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used for the detection of anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM and HEV antigen (Ag). The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the differences in the reactivity rates of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM among different blood donor populations and different variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine potential risk factors associated with anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence. [Results] In the HBV group, HBsAg positive donors exhibited low expression of antigen. The HBV DNA load of OBI infected donors ranged from 1 to 131.43 IU/mL (median 11.24 IU/mL). The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibody in the HBV group were 34.63% and 1.11%, respectively. Among them, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM in the HBV group was 34.63% and 0, respectively (P<0.05), while in the OBI donors, they were 41.55% and 2.82%, respectively. In the normal donors, the reactivity rates for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM were 18.67% and 1.49%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a difference in the reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgG between the HBV-infected donors and the normal donors (34.63% vs 18.67%, P<0.05), but no difference in the reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgM (1.11% vs 1.49%, P>0.05). No HEV Ag was detected in either group of blood donors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age was an independent risk factor for anti-HEV IgG reactivity in both groups of blood donors. [Conclusion] The reactivity rate of anti-HEV IgG among HBV-infected blood donors was significantly higher than that in the normal donors in Wuhan, with age being an independent risk factor. Therefore, for HBV-infected donors, it is essential to strengthen and prioritize the prevention and treatment of HEV to reduce the spread of HEV.
4.Long non-coding RNA directly or indirectly affects osteoporosis through p38MAPK signaling pathway
Hao QIN ; Teng KANG ; Gang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):175-184
BACKGROUND:In recent years,numerous studies have found that long non-coding RNA is involved in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.p38MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts and osteoclasts,and participates in the development of osteoporosis.LncRNA can directly or indirectly participate in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis by affecting the p38MAPK signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To review the effect of long non-coding RNA directly or indirectly on the progression of osteoporosis through the p38MAPK signaling pathway,and to provide a new idea for long non-coding RNA in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. METHODS:PubMed,CNKI,and Wanfang databases were searched with"long non-coding RNA,osteoporosis,mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,p38 signaling pathway"as the Chinese and English search terms.Old,repeated and low-credibility views were excluded.The retrieved literature was summarized,summed up,and analyzed.Seventy-six representative articles were selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Long non-coding RNA participates in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis through a variety of ways,including promoting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,promoting the differentiation and secretion activity of osteoblasts,inhibiting the proliferation and bone resorption of osteoclasts,and regulating the activation or inhibition of osteoblast-related cellular pathways.Activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway can delay the progression of osteoporosis,and inhibition of p38MAPK signaling pathway can inhibit the absorption of osteoclasts,thereby affecting the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.(2)The overexpression or low expression of the corresponding long non-coding RNA can affect the proliferation or differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts through the p38MAPK signaling pathway,regulate the process of bone remodeling,and then affect the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.A large number of basic research results show that long non-coding RNA and p38MAPK signaling pathway may be potential application and clinical translation value in the treatment of osteoporosis.Moreover,the corresponding long non-coding RNA overexpression or low expression lentivirus,transfection plasmid,and the corresponding p38MAPK signaling pathway inhibitor have been confirmed to have targeted regulatory effects in vitro cell experiments and animal models.(3)Therefore,targeting long non-coding RNA and p38MAPK signaling pathways to regulate the differentiation and function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts may provide an innovative therapeutic strategy to delay the progression of osteoporosis.
5.Differentiation and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder from the Relationship Between "Liver is Yin in Form and Yang in Function" and Bile Acid Metabolism
Xiaojie ZOU ; Xiaoyu SHI ; Yingli LI ; Junhong DENG ; Hefei QIN ; Shangyan HAO ; Quangen CHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2433-2437
This study investigates the clinical differentiation and treatment strategies for bipolar disorder (BD) by analyzing the relationship of its core pathomechanisms including qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, and heat constraint with bile acid metabolism. The imbalance of "yin in form and yang in function" leads to qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, and heat constraint, which are critical in the pathogenesis and progression of BD. Bile acids regulate neuroinflammation, neural plasticity, and intestinal flora homeostasis through receptor-mediated pathways. It is believed that the physiological functions of bile acids concretely embody the concept of the "liver is yin in form and yang in function" theory. Clinically, prescriptions such as Sini Powder (四逆散) with the function of venting pathogen and resolving constraint, Wendan Decoction (温胆汤) of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, Longdan Xiegan Decoction (龙胆泻肝汤) of clearing liver and draining fire, and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (黄连阿胶汤) of nourishing yin and blood can be used to nourish liver yin and restore liver yang function. These strategies may improve BD prognosis by modulating bile acid synthesis and metabolism.
6.Expert consensus on prognostic evaluation of cochlear implantation in hereditary hearing loss.
Xinyu SHI ; Xianbao CAO ; Renjie CHAI ; Suijun CHEN ; Juan FENG ; Ningyu FENG ; Xia GAO ; Lulu GUO ; Yuhe LIU ; Ling LU ; Lingyun MEI ; Xiaoyun QIAN ; Dongdong REN ; Haibo SHI ; Duoduo TAO ; Qin WANG ; Zhaoyan WANG ; Shuo WANG ; Wei WANG ; Ming XIA ; Hao XIONG ; Baicheng XU ; Kai XU ; Lei XU ; Hua YANG ; Jun YANG ; Pingli YANG ; Wei YUAN ; Dingjun ZHA ; Chunming ZHANG ; Hongzheng ZHANG ; Juan ZHANG ; Tianhong ZHANG ; Wenqi ZUO ; Wenyan LI ; Yongyi YUAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Yu ZHAO ; Fang ZHENG ; Yu SUN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(9):798-808
Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation(CI) serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system(Favorable, Marginal, Poor). The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss(such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1) and syndromic hereditary hearing loss(such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome), which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans
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Cochlear Implantation
;
Prognosis
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Hearing Loss/surgery*
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Consensus
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Connexin 26
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Mutation
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Sulfate Transporters
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Connexins/genetics*
7.YOD1 regulates microglial homeostasis by deubiquitinating MYH9 to promote the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Jinfeng SUN ; Fan CHEN ; Lingyu SHE ; Yuqing ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Bozhi YE ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Li XIONG ; Liwei LI ; Luyao LI ; Qin YU ; Linjie CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Guang LIANG ; Xia ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):331-348
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia in the elderly and is closely related to the toxic effects of microglia sustained activation. In AD, sustained microglial activation triggers impaired synaptic pruning, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and cognitive deficits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that aberrant expression of deubiquitinating enzymes is associated with regulating microglia function. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify a deubiquitinase YOD1 as a regulator of microglial function and AD pathology. Further study showed that YOD1 knockout significantly improved the migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response of microglia, thereby improving the cognitive impairment of AD model mice. Through LC-MS/MS analysis combined with Co-IP, we found that Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), a key regulator maintaining microglia homeostasis, is an interacting protein of YOD1. Mechanistically, YOD1 binds to MYH9 and maintains its stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from MYH9, thereby mediating the microglia polarization signaling pathway to mediate microglia homeostasis. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of microglial YOD1 in mediating microglia homeostasis and AD pathology, which provides a potential strategy for targeting microglia to treat AD.
8.Effects of alirocumab combined with atorvastatin on clinical efficacy and safety in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI
Cuijun HAO ; Rui WANG ; Yiping MA ; Xueping ZHANG ; Yanan LIU ; Shaoqiang QIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1216-1220
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of alirocumab combined with atorvastatin on clinical efficacy and safety of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A total of 207 patients with ACS who underwent PCI in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into alirocumab group, ezetimibe group and control group, with 69 cases in each group. All patients received routine thrombosis prevention and antihypertensive treatment after PCI. On this basis, patients in the control group were treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day); patients in the ezetimibe group were treated with ezetimibe (10 mg/time, once a day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day); patients in the alirocumab group were treated with alirocumab (75 mg/time, once every 2 weeks) + atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day). All patients in the three groups were treated for 8 weeks and followed up for another 6 months after treatment. The levels of cardiac function and lipid metabolism indices before and after treatment, as well as the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and other adverse drug reaction (ADR) during the follow-up period were compared among the three groups. RESULTS After treatment for 8 weeks, the levels of cardiac function and lipid metabolism indices in the three groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group and ezetimibe group, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the alirocumab group was significantly increased, and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was significantly shortened (P<0.05). Compared with control group, LVEDD of ezetimibe group was significantly shortened (P<0.05), the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the alirocumab group and ezetimibe group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no significant difference in the total incidence of MACE and the total incidence of other ADR such as headache and abdominal pain among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Alirocumab combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve cardiac function and regulate lipid metabolism indices in patients with ACS after PCI without increasing the risk of MACE or other ADR.
10.Application of Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods in Identification of Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan Region
Xiurong TIAN ; Hao WANG ; Kejing PANG ; Penglong YU ; Xia LIU ; Mengyue SHEN ; Xianglin JIANG ; Yonghua LI ; Zhihong LI ; Hongqiong DING ; Qin YANG ; Xingying LI ; Qian XIONG ; Guochao WAN ; Yuexiang MA ; Zhenping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):184-192
ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan, providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas, including Minqin (Gansu), Bozhou (Anhui), Qingdao (Shandong), Dezhou (Shandong), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Nujiang (Yunnan), Gutuo (Inner Mongolia), and Haiyuan (Ningxia). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform, VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted, and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, terpenoids, ethers, alkenes, and benzenes. The PLS-DA model, based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS, effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation, the model achieved a prediction parameter (Q2) of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter (R2) of 0.936, with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology, PLS-DA, and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.

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