1.Elucidating the Epigenetic Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing Novel CpG Sites and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Traits
Ren-Hua CHUNG ; Chun-Chao WANG ; Djeane Debora ONTHONI ; Ben-Yang LIAO ; Tzu-Sheng HSU ; Eden R. MARTIN ; Chao A. HSIUNG ; Wayne Huey-Herng SHEU ; Hung-Yi CHIOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):153-164
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, multifactorial disease with a significant global burden. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many T2DM-associated variants, most lie in non-coding regions, making it difficult to interpret their functional roles.
Methods:
We aimed to identify genetically regulated Cytosine–phosphate–Guanine (CpG) sites associated with T2DM by conducting a methylome-wide association study (MWAS), followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) and functional validation using human pancreatic cells and mouse models. MWAS was performed using summary statistics from large-scale GWAS and a DNA methylation (DNAm) prediction model to test associations between genetically predicted DNAm and T2DM.
Results:
We identified 111 CpG sites significantly associated with T2DM in Europeans, including 8 novel sites near genes not previously linked to T2DM. These findings were replicated in independent datasets. Many CpGs also showed associations with cardiometabolic traits, highlighting shared epigenetic mechanisms. Trans-ethnic MR analysis confirmed consistent effects for six CpGs in East Asians. Functional analysis revealed that several CpGs regulate gene expression in human pancreatic α- and β-cells. Among them, 2´-5´-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL) expression, regulated by a significant CpG, was differentially expressed in α-cells of T2DM cases compared to controls. Supporting evidence from mouse models suggests a role for OASL in glucose regulation.
Conclusion
Our study identifies novel genetically regulated CpG sites associated with T2DM risk and highlights OASL as a potential epigenetic regulator of glucose metabolism in α-cells. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the epigenetic architecture of T2DM and suggest potential targets for cross-ethnic biomarker development and therapeutic intervention.
2.Interference and treatment strategy of a novel anti-CD38 antibody—mezagitamab in pre-transfusion test
Hua WEI ; Dongxia REN ; Jingya ZHAO ; Shijie MU ; Longfei YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):784-788
Objective: To investigate the specific interference of the novel anti-CD38 antibody mezagitamab in pretransfusion testing, establish an immunomagnetic bead pre-treatment method to eliminate it, and evaluate its impact on other blood group systems and clinical timeliness, thereby providing experimental evidence and a solution for safe transfusion. Methods: MOLP8 cellular protein coated immunomagnetic beads were prepared. Unexpected antibody screening was performed on simulated samples with different mezagitamab concentrations to verify the interference elimination effect. The impact of immunomagnetic bead adsorption of mezagitamab on antigenantibody reactions in other blood group systems was assessed, and the duration of the interferenceeliminating effect was studied. Results: MOLP8-coated immunomagnetic beads were successfully prepared, which effectively eliminated mezagitamab interference at different concentrations without affecting other blood group detection, with a stable effect for 2 weeks. Conclusion: MOLP8 cellular protein-coated immunomagnetic beads efficiently and specifically eliminate mezagitamab-induced pre-transfusion testing interference without affecting other blood groups, providing a theoretical basis for safe transfusion in patients receiving mezagitamab therapy.
3.Automated Management of Zebrafish Strains and Zebrafish Facilities
Jiwen BU ; Ye HUA ; Shirong JIN ; Ningxin REN ; Funing LI ; Jiulin DU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):416-425
ObjectiveThis study aims to improve the management efficiency of zebrafish strains and zebrafish facilities and to transform the traditional management model that relies on manual labor. The goal is to promote a comprehensive transition from traditional manual operation to standardized, digitalized, automated, and refined management, thereby significantly improving management quality and work efficiency. MethodsThe research group independently developed the "Zebrafish Facility and Zebrafish Strain Automation Management System V1.0" (Software Copyright Registration No. 2021SR0236837), which comprehensively recorded all operational data of the zebrafish facilities and completed data on zebrafish strains. By combining in-depth mining of these data with management experience, management regulations were transformed into executable system instruction sets, and a full-process automated closed-loop management framework of "Monitoring–Analysis–Early Warning–Task Assignment–Execution–Recording" was established. ResultsThis management system has been operating stably for 5 years and has been successfully applied in 3 zebrafish facilities, cumulatively supporting 78 researchers and efficiently managing 1 108 plasmids and 1 123 zebrafish strains, among which 291 strains has been incorporated into zebrafish sperm bank management. A Likert scale survey of 28 core users covering 14 evaluation dimensions across 4 major categories showed average scores of 4.46–4.89, all far above the midpoint (3 points) of the scale, indicating that users gave high evaluations to all dimensions of the system. Meanwhile, the standard deviations of most dimensions were low (s ≤ 0.44), reflecting good consistency in user evaluations. ConclusionThis study integrates information technology, big data analysis, and modern management concepts to achieve a virtuous cycle of "data collection–analysis and execution–system optimization" in zebrafish facility management. It significantly improves management efficiency and refinement and promotes the development of management models toward automation.
4.Exploring the Pathogenic Characteristics and Treatment of Childhood Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome Based on "Directing the Turbid Downward with Wind Medicinals"
Lei HUA ; Qiongqiong XING ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yuying SUN ; Jingjing WU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2082-2085
Based on the view that wind pathogen runs through the entire course of the occurrence and development of nephrotic syndrome, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS) in children involves imbalance of the lung, spleen, and kidney, invasion of wind pathogen, and stagnation of turbidity and stasis, and that directing the turbid downward with wind medicinals is the key therapeutic strategy. In clinical practice, according to the distinct pathogenic characteristics of three patterns, including defensive qi insecurity of the lung, yang deficiency with loss of regulation, and binding of turbidity and stasis, three corresponding methods are applied, which are diffusing the lung to consolidate defensive qi, elevating yang to supplement the spleen and kidney, and activating blood to unblock turbidity and stasis. For the pattern of defensive qi insecurity of the lung, wind medicinals are used to penetrate and disperse external pathogens, such as fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) for diffusing the lung, dispersing wind, and consolidating defensive qi. For yang deficiency with loss of regulation pattern, wind medicinals are employed to elevate yang and assist transformation, such as shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) for raising clear yang, warming and activating the spleen and kidney. For binding of turbidity and stasis pattern, wind medicinals with scurrying and collateral‑unblocking properties are used, such as jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and chuanshanlong (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae) for dispelling wind, activating blood, resolving stasis, and directing turbidity downward. In all these methods, the core principle is to use wind medicinals to regulate qi movement, open and unblock the sweat pores, and separately eliminate turbid pathogens, thereby providing a theoretical and practical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of RNS in children.
5.Exploring the Pathogenic Characteristics and Treatment of Childhood Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome Based on "Directing the Turbid Downward with Wind Medicinals"
Lei HUA ; Qiongqiong XING ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yuying SUN ; Jingjing WU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2082-2085
Based on the view that wind pathogen runs through the entire course of the occurrence and development of nephrotic syndrome, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS) in children involves imbalance of the lung, spleen, and kidney, invasion of wind pathogen, and stagnation of turbidity and stasis, and that directing the turbid downward with wind medicinals is the key therapeutic strategy. In clinical practice, according to the distinct pathogenic characteristics of three patterns, including defensive qi insecurity of the lung, yang deficiency with loss of regulation, and binding of turbidity and stasis, three corresponding methods are applied, which are diffusing the lung to consolidate defensive qi, elevating yang to supplement the spleen and kidney, and activating blood to unblock turbidity and stasis. For the pattern of defensive qi insecurity of the lung, wind medicinals are used to penetrate and disperse external pathogens, such as fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) for diffusing the lung, dispersing wind, and consolidating defensive qi. For yang deficiency with loss of regulation pattern, wind medicinals are employed to elevate yang and assist transformation, such as shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) for raising clear yang, warming and activating the spleen and kidney. For binding of turbidity and stasis pattern, wind medicinals with scurrying and collateral‑unblocking properties are used, such as jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and chuanshanlong (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae) for dispelling wind, activating blood, resolving stasis, and directing turbidity downward. In all these methods, the core principle is to use wind medicinals to regulate qi movement, open and unblock the sweat pores, and separately eliminate turbid pathogens, thereby providing a theoretical and practical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of RNS in children.
6.Knowledge map and visualization analysis of pulmonary nodule/early-stage lung cancer prediction models
Yifeng REN ; Qiong MA ; Hua JIANG ; Xi FU ; Xueke LI ; Wei SHI ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):100-107
Objective To reveal the scientific output and trends in pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. Methods Publications on predictive models of pulmonary nodules/early lung cancer between January 1, 2002 and June 3, 2023 were retrieved and extracted from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Web of Science database. CiteSpace 6.1.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to analyze the hotspots and theme trends. Results A marked increase in the number of publications related to pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models was observed. A total of 12581 authors from 2711 institutions in 64 countries/regions published 2139 documents in 566 academic journals in English. A total of 282 articles from 1256 authors were published in 176 journals in Chinese. The Chinese and English journals which published the most pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction model-related papers were Journal of Clinical Radiology and Frontiers in Oncology, respectively. Chest was the most frequently cited journal. China and the United States were the leading countries in the field of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. The institutions represented by Fudan University had significant academic influence in the field. Analysis of keywords revealed that multi-omics, nomogram, machine learning and artificial intelligence were the current focus of research. Conclusion Over the last two decades, research on risk-prediction models for pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer has attracted increasing attention. Prognosis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, nomogram, and multi-omics technologies are both current hotspots and future trends in this field. In the future, in-depth explorations using different omics should increase the sensitivity and accuracy of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. More high-quality future studies should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models further and reduce the global burden of lung cancer.
7.Expression of HER2,CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer tissues and their relationship with recurrence after radical gastrectomy
Yongdan ZHU ; Huiming REN ; Yujiao HUA
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1831-1836
Objective To investigate the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199)and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β(LC3B)in gastric canc-er tissues and their relationship with recurrence after radical gastrectomy.Methods A total of 95 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy in the hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected.The expressions of HER2,CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer tissues and adja-cent tissues were compared,and the clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.According to the postop-erative recurrence of gastric cancer patients,they were divided into recurrence group(n=19)and non-recur-rence group(n=76).Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after radical resection.Results The ex-pression levels of HER2,CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in pa-racancerous tissues(P<0.05).The positive expression rates of HER2,CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer tis-sues(38.95%,38.95%and 35.79%,respectively)were higher than those in adjacent tissues(9.47%,7.37%and 11.58%,respectively),and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The positive expres-sion rate of HER2 in gastric cancer tissues was significantly different in patients with different TNM stage and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the positive expression rates of CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer patients with different tumor maximum diameter,TNM stage and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).The maximum diameter of tumor≥5 cm,TNM stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ,lymph node metas-tasis,positive expression of HER2,positive expression of CA199 and positive expression of LC3B were inde-pendent risk factors for recurrence of gastric cancer patients after radical resection(P<0.05).Conclusion The gene expression and positive expression rates of HER2,CA199 and LC3B in gastric cancer tissues are high,which are related to the maximum tumor diameter,TNM stage and lymph node metastasis.The positive expression of HER2,CA199 and LC3B may increase the risk of recurrence of gastric cancer after radical gastrectomy.
8.Application of the da Vinci robot in minimally invasive breast surgery
Ye ZHAO ; Jing ZHAO ; Kaifu LI ; Shuguang ZHANG ; Yinpeng REN ; Hua KANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(2):73-79
At present, the da Vinci surgical system, recognized as the most advanced minimally invasive surgical system, has been garnering growing attention in its application within the field of breast surgery. This article provides a comprehensive review of the development trajectory of the da Vinci surgical system in breast surgery, its indications and contraindications, as well as the common surgical modalities of da Vinci robotic-assisted breast surgery. Additionally, it offers a prospective outlook on the future development directions of da Vinci robotic-assisted breast surgical procedures.
9.Sex development disorder with discordant chromosome karyotype and gene detection:a case report and literature review
Yan-Lin REN ; Ya-Li LI ; Kun LI ; Fan ZHANG ; Li-Min RONG ; Xiao-Ping YU ; Jun GU ; Yan-Hua KANG ; Ying HE
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(1):50-56
Objective To report the diagnosis,treatment,and verification process of a patient with sex development disorder whose chromosomal karyotype and genetic test results are inconsistent,and conduct a literature review to improve the understanding of the mosaic status of sexual development disorders.Methods A 14-year-old patient presented with primary amenorrhea on April 3,2020,at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University,exhibiting female sexual characteristics.The patient underwent ultrasonic/magnetic resonance imaging of gonads,assessment of gonadal axis function,chromosomal karyotype,and molecular genetic testing,as well as pelvic exploration,malignant gonads resection,and hormone replacement therapy,resulting in drug-induced menstruation.During the diagnosis and treatment,it was found that the patient's chromosomal karyotype analysis was inconsistent with the molecular genetic test results.Subsequently,samples from the three germ layer cells were taken,and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)was used to detect the sex chromosomes in each germ layer cell.XY probes were used to label the gonadal pathological sections to explore the distribution differences of the Y chromosome in the gonads,and changes in anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)levels before and after surgery were compared.Databases such as Wanfang and PubMed were searched to summarize relevant cohort study literature and understand the current status of research on this disease.Results The patient's body exhibited a significant differences between the 45,X and 46,XY cell lines in different germ layers and within the same layer tissues.The proportion of 45,X in buccal mucosal cells derived from the ectoderm was 30%(6/20),in peripheral blood lymphocytes derived from the mesoderm was 9.7%(11/114),and in bladder shed cells derived from endoderm was 20.4%(22/108).The gonadal pathological sections labeled with XY probes indicated a mosaic state with a reduced Y-chromosome;where the epididymal structure area had a 45,X cell line mosaic of 50.0%,and the malignant area had a normal"Y"content.After gonadal resection,AMH levels significantly dropped from 7.28 pmol/L to<0.07 pmol/L.Literature review revealed that patients with 45,X/46,XY have a complex phenotype spectrum,most with features of Turner syndrome,and female phenotypes are at risk of gonadal tumors.Conclusions In the diagnosis of difficult cases of sex development disorders,when performing peripheral blood karyotype testing,the number of counted cells and analyzed cells should be increased as much as possible,and multi-germ layer cell sampling should be performed.Gonads with a high"Y"mosaic rate are more prone to malignancy in the abdominal cavity.Detecting AMH levels can distinguish cryptorchidism and anorchidism in sexual development disorders with Y chromosomes.
10.Diagnostic value of novel inflammatory markers related to routine blood tests in elderly patients with chronic cardiovascular disease complicated with frailty
Xing-Man FAN ; Yan-Yan LI ; Qiong-Yi HE ; Wei-Na LUO ; Xiao-Hua LAN ; Kai-Jie ZHANG ; Meng WANG ; Xiang-Ren KONG ; Hai-Tao ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):301-308
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of 4 novel inflammatory markers related to routine blood tests,namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),red blood cell distribution width(RDW),hemoglobin-to-RDW ratio(HRR)and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),in elderly patients with chronic cardiovascular disease(CVD)complicated with frailty.Methods Retrospectively analyze 110 patients with chronic stable CVD who were hospitalized in the cadre ward of cardiovascular medicine at the Air Force Characteristic Medical Center from January 2022 to June 2023.According to the assessment results of the Fried scale,they were divided into three groups:non-frailty group(Fried score=0,n=30),the pre-frailty group(Fried score 1 or 2,n=40)and frailty group(Fried score≥3,n=40).The differences in general information,the impairment rate of daily living activities,miniature nutritional assessment-short form(MNA-SF)scores,mini-mental state examination(MMSE)scores,and the indicators such as NLR,RDW,HRR,and SII among the three groups were compared.Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between NLR,RDW,HRR,SII and frailty scores as well as each frailty indicator.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the clinical diagnostic value of NLR and HRR in elderly patients with chronic CVD complicated with frailty.Results Compared with non-frailty group and pre-frailty group,patients in frailty group were older,with higher impaired rates of daily living activities,NLR,RDW,and SII,and lower MNA-SF scores,MMSE scores,and HRR,and differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the frailty score was positively correlated with NLR(rs=0.354,P<0.001),and RDW(rs=0.448,P<0.001),negatively correlated with HRR(rs=-0.232,P=0.024),and had no significant correlation with SII(rs=0.144,P=0.167).Further analysis of the correlation between the above novel inflammatory markers and the 5 components of frailty showed that NLR was positively correlated with fatigue(rs=0.228,P=0.017),slowed walking speed(rs=0.299,P<0.001),and low physical function(rs=0.319,P<0.001);RDW was positively correlated with decreased grip strength(rs=0.321,P<0.001),slowed walking speed(rs=0.422,P<0.001),and low physical function(rs=0.246,P=0.001);and HRR was negatively correlated with slowed walking speed(rs=-0.230,P=0.025),and low physical function(rs=-0.299,P=0.003).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MNA-SF score(OR=0.577,95%CI 0.342-0.973)was an independent protective factor for pre-frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD(P<0.05);NLR(OR=7.866,95%CI 1.101-56.185)was an independent risk factor for frailty,while HRR(OR=0.344,95%CI 0.120-0.983)and MNA-SF score(OR=0.292,95%CI 0.146-0.580)were independent protective factors for frailty in elderly CVD patients(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve of NLR and HRR for diagnosing frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD were 0.778 and 0.749,respectively.Conclusion NLR and HRR have high clinical diagnostic value for frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD,and are expected to become effective inflammatory markers for screening elderly patients with chronic CVD complicated with frailty.

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