1.Flavonoids Intervene in Diabetic Nephropathy by Regulating TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway: A Review
Qihui QIU ; Chang LIU ; Xiaotong YAN ; Jinwei HAN ; Hui SUN ; Fengting YIN ; Yuhang WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):300-309
Diabetic nephropathy (DKD), as a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its clinical manifestations include increased urinary protein excretion, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex and involves multiple factors, including disordered glucose metabolism, hemodynamic alterations, and oxidative stress. Although modern medical approaches can alleviate certain symptoms, they still have limitations such as insufficient therapeutic targeting and prominent adverse effects. The transforming growth factor-β/Smad (TGF-β/Smad) signaling pathway is not only a tissue fibrosis pathway that has attracted considerable attention in recent years, but also regulates multiple protein molecules, including the glomerular podocyte slit diaphragm protein Podocin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby participating in various pathological processes and ultimately mediating renal injury. Flavonoid compounds, owing to their sustained pharmacological effects, broad spectrum of action, and high safety profile, have become ideal candidates for targeted therapy research in DKD. Existing studies have shown that these compounds can exert inhibitory effects on renal fibrosis, alleviate inflammatory responses, protect podocytes, and reduce oxidative stress by regulating the interactions between the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and the aforementioned protein molecules, thereby maintaining renal structure and function, reducing proteinuria, and significantly improving DKD lesions. This review briefly outlines the composition and functions of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, elucidates the mechanisms by which this pathway regulates DKD, and focuses on summarizing major studies from the past decade on flavonoid-based interventions in DKD through targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Furthermore, it discusses the considerable therapeutic potential of flavonoids in the treatment of this disease, aiming to provide a scientific basis for future clinical prevention and treatment of DKD and to promote the development of targeted drugs.
2.Photodynamic performance and anti-lung cancer effect of novel chlorin compounds
Yan QIU ; Hao WU ; Yafen DONG ; Ye CHEN ; Jian WANG ; Hui JIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(1):39-45
Objective To study the photodynamic performance and the killing effect of photodynamic therapy on lung cancer of novel chlorin compounds 2-(4-(5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl) phenoxy) acetic acid(D1)and 4-(4-(5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl) phenoxy) butanoic acid (D2). Methods The ultraviolet visible absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of D1 and D2 were determined. The singlet oxygen generation capacity of D1 and D2 was measured by using DPBF as singlet oxygen capture agent. Fluorescence assay was used to detect the cellular phagocytosis rate of the compounds in A549 cells, and MTT assay was used to detect their dark toxicity and phototoxicity. A nude mouse model of lung cancer was established to investigate the antitumor activity of the compounds mediated photodynamic action in vivo, and the blood concentration of D2 in nude mice, its distribution in tumor tissue and skin tissue were further detected. Results D1 and D2 had strong absorption at 652 nm with the best excitation wavelength at 429 nm and 427 nm, and the optimal emission wavelength was at about 659 nm. They also had a higher singlet oxygen generation rate than the control drug m-THPC. D1 and D2 had no dark toxicity at concentrations below 10 μmol/L, and could be ingested by A549 cells, basically reaching saturation in 18~24 hours. After laser irradiation at 650 nm wavelength, D1 and D2 showed significant antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro (P<0.01). However, D2 could selectively accumulate in tumor tissues after administration, and the optimal treatment time was less than 30 min after administration. Conclusion D2 had excellent photodynamic antitumor activity and could selectively aggregate in tumor tissues, which had the potential to be a candidate drug for photosensitizer and treatment of lung cancer with independent intellectual property rights, and was worth further research.
3.Transcription factor NKX2.1 promotes differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells
Li DENG ; Yang LIU ; Hui WANG ; Qiu YANG ; Mingqing DONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(36):7790-7796
BACKGROUND:Enhancing the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells is crucial for repairing lung injuries.NKX2.1 is the earliest marker of lung epithelial differentiation and plays a significant regulatory role in lung development.However,the impact of its expression on the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells remains inadequately understood.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of NKX2.1 on the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells.METHODS:Induced pluripotent stem cells were cultured in vitro.The expression of specific pluripotent stem cell genes was assessed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.NKX2.1 was overexpressed in induced pluripotent stem cells,which were then induced to differentiate into lung stem cells.The expression of FoxA2,SOX9,and P63 was determined via quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence on day 7 of induction of differentiation.The expression of the alveolar marker SPB and SPC was evaluated through immunofluorescence staining on day 7 of induction of differentiation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro were tightly packed and showed typical clonoid growth and significantly expressed stem cell-specific genes OCT-4,SOX2,and NANOG.(2)Compared with the non-transfected control group,the expression of NKX2.1 in human induced pluripotent stem cells was significantly increased in the NKX2.1 overexpression group(P<0.000 1).(3)Seven days after induction of differentiation,compared with the non-transfected control group,the expression of lung stem cell-related markers FoxA2,SOX9,and P63 was significantly increased in the NKX2.1 overexpression group(P<0.000 1).(4)Thirteen days after induction of differentiation,compared with the non-transfected control group,the fluorescence intensity of alveolar cell marker molecules SPB and SPC increased significantly in the overexpression NKX2.1 group.The results show that NKX2.1 can promote the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells.
4.Effect of puerarin on myocardial injury in diabetic mice via NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD signaling pathway
Qiu-yan CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Ren-bin HUANG ; Xiao-hui XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1259-1264
Aim To study the protective effect of puer-arin(PR)on myocardial injury in diabetic mice and to explore the related mechanism.Methods Eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly selected as the control group,and the remaining mice were randomly injected with streptozotocin(STZ)to construct a diabetes mod-el,and the mice that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into the model group,PR high,medi-um and low dose groups,pyroptosis inhibitor(NSA)group and pyroptosis inducer(Nigericin)group,which were administered continuously for 12 weeks.After the last dose,the serum and heart tissues of mice were taken to observe the changes of myocardium,the con-tents of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine ki-nase isoenzyme(CK-MB)in the serum were detected,and the protein and mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related factors(NLRP3,caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-18,IL-1β)in myocardial tissues of mice were detected.Re-sults Compared with the control group,the model group had swollen and twisted myocardial tissue,myo-cardial arrangement disorder,increased collagen fibers,increased content of LDH and CK-MB in serum,and significantly increased the expression of pyroxosis relat-ed factors in myocardial tissue(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathologi-cal changes of myocardial tissue in in the PR and NSA groups were significantly improved,the content of ser-um LDH and CK-MB was significantly reduced,and the expression of pyroxosis related factors in myocardial tis-sue was significantly inhibited(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while there was no significant change in the Nigericin group.Conclusions PR has a protective effect on myocardial injury in diabetic mice,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the NL-RP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyrosis signaling pathway.
5.Virtual staining techniques:Emerging applications and prospects in histopathology
Hui CHEN ; Wei SHAO ; Cheng LU ; Xiangxue WANG ; Henghui MA ; Xiaojun ZHOU ; Qiu RAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(5):565-570
Histological staining is the basis of pathological analysis,but the traditional staining method relies on chemical reagents,which not only consumes a lot of resources,but also causes harm to the environment and human health.In recent years,with the rapid development of deep learning technology,virtual staining technology,as a new method,is expected to effectively replace and supplement the traditional histological staining methods.It uses neural networks to analyze unstained tissue images,generate digital images that are highly similar to chemical staining effects,and even realize the mutual conversion between different staining modes,reducing the laboratory's dependence on chemical reagents and providing sustainable research programs.In this paper,the basic principles of virtual staining and its potential applications in histopathology are introduced in detail,and the current challenges and future research directions are discussed.
6.Analysis of the Development and Implementation of the Environmental Damage Compensation System in Japan
Kai HE ; Jin-Long YUAN ; Chang-Mao QIU ; Ze-Jun LIU ; Yuan-Feng QI ; Zhen-Hui GAO
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):74-82
In the 1950s and 1960s,Japan's implementation of policies prioritizing economic develop-ment caused a lack of effective supervision over the discharge of industrial wastewater and exhaust gases,which led to the occurrence of the"Four Major Pollution Diseases",including Minamata disease,causing serious social and public health problems.To more effectively address public nuisances and pro-vide compensation to victims,the Japanese government gradually established an environmental damage compensation system with administrative relief characteristics since the 1970s.Through long-term prac-tice and system optimization,this system has evolved into a mature institutional framework with a clear division of labor and efficient collaboration.This paper systematically reviews the development process of Japan's environmental damage compensation system and deeply analyzes its legal frame-work and supporting policies,aiming to provide useful references for the construction and improve-ment of China's environmental damage compensation system.Meanwhile,through the case analysis of Minamata disease,the paper explores the specific mechanisms and effects in the compensation practices,further revealing the system's operational characteristics and implications,and providing a reference ba-sis for the construction of China's environmental governance legal system.
7.Value of serum free light chain in the prognosis evaluation of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Hui WANG ; Rong WANG ; Erfu XIE ; Xiaojiao SHI ; Lei FAN ; Chun QIAO ; Hairong QIU ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(1):142-148
Objective:To explore the prognostic value of serum free light chain in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.Methods:Retrospective cohort study was conducted. One hundred and fifty-six newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) patients in the first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020 were included in the retrospective analysis. Among them, there were 106 males and 50 females, with a median age of 60.7 (53.4, 66.0) years old.Serum sample was collected, serum free light chains were detected, and patients were divided into a treatment group (106 cases) and a follow-up group (50 cases) based on the presence of treatment indications.The threshold of serum free light chain(sFLC) was defined by the reference range of the instruction manual and ROC curve. Three indicators were used, including sFLCR, sFLC(κ+λ) and sFLC(κ-λ). Patients were divided into normal sFLCR group ( n=61)and abnormal group( n=95), as well as sFLC (κ+λ) low value group ( n=88) and high value group ( n=68), and sFLC (κ-λ) low value group ( n=64) and high value group ( n=92).The abnormal group and high value group were enrolled as the experimental group, while the normal group and low value group were enrolled as control group. Chi-square test and Fisher′s exact test were used to compare the clinical data, cytogenetics, and molecular biology characteristics of patients in two groups, Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the median treatment-free survival (TFS) of the patients, and Cox regression was used to screen the prognostic factors of the patients. Results:The proportion of Rai stage Ⅰ-Ⅳ ( χ2=8.16, P<0.05 and χ2=7.63, P<0.05 and χ2=5.45, P<0.05), Binet stage B-C( χ2=4.11, P<0.05 and χ2=9.43, P<0.05 and χ2=7.34, P<0.05), β 2-microglobulin>3.5 mg/L( χ2=5.13, P<0.05 and χ2=18.3, P<0.05 and χ2=12, P<0.05), ATM gene mutation rate( χ2=6.21, P<0.05 and χ2=4.88, P<0.05 and χ2=5.19, P<0.05), and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutation free rate ( χ2=18.9, P<0.05 and χ2=24.6, P<0.05 and χ2=10.4, P<0.05)in the experimental group were significantly higher than that in control group 1 ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that sFLC(κ+λ) ( HR=1.615,95% CI 1.012-2.576, P=0.044), β 2-microglobulin>3.5 mg/L( HR=2.103,95% CI 1.356-3.262, P=0.001) and TP53 deletion and/or mutation( HR=1.892,95% CI 1.082-3.308, P=0.025) were independent prognostic factors affecting the patients time to first treatment(TFT). Conclusions:Serum free light chains can predict the risk of early treatment and have good prognostic significance in newly diagnosed CLL patients.
8.The application and challenges of multi-modal data fusion based on deep learning in pathology
Hui CHEN ; Xiangxue WANG ; Rusong ZHANG ; Xuan WANG ; Rui LI ; Henghui MA ; Xiaojun ZHOU ; Jun XU ; Qiu RAO
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(10):1032-1038
In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, the application of deep learning in the field of pathology has been continuously expanding. Particularly, the rise of multimodal data fusion methods has opened up new technical paths for the precise diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and individualized treatment of tumors. By integrating multi-level and multi-source data such as clinical information, pathological omics, molecular omics, and imaging omics, deep learning models can identify potential associated features and key biological mechanisms that are difficult to reveal by a single modality, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of disease classification and the scientific nature of risk stratification. This article systematically reviews the research progress of multimodal data fusion methods based on deep learning in the field of pathology in recent years, focuses on sorting out different types of fusion strategies, evaluates their advantages and challenges in practical clinical applications, and looks forward to future development trends.
9.Prognostic value of prolymphocyte percentage in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Zhaoliang ZHANG ; Jiahao ZHOU ; Lingxiao XING ; Yan WANG ; Tonglu QIU ; Rong WANG ; Hui WANG ; Lei FAN ; Huayuan ZHU ; Yi MIAO ; Jianyong LI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(2):140-146
Objective:To investigate the impact of peripheral blood prolymphocyte percentage on the prognosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) .Methods:This study included 300 patients diagnosed with CLL at the Department of Hematology of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital from October 2011 to December 2020. The association between prolymphocyte percentage and other parameters was analyzed, and the optimal cutoff prolymphocyte percentage was determined by X-tile analysis. Further survival analysis and prognostic model construction were used to validate the predictive value of prolymphocyte percentage.Results:Of the 300 eligible patients with CLL who were enrolled, 50 received Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) as first-line treatment. The group with higher prolymphocyte percentage comprised more patients in the advanced stages ( P=0.010) and had higher β 2-microglobulin ( P<0.001), unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region gene ( P<0.001), and TP53 aberration ( P=0.004). The optimal cutoff percentage of prolymphocytes was 1%. Patients with a prolymphocyte percentage >1% had significantly shorter treatment-free survival (TFS) ( P<0.001) and overall survival time ( P=0.007) than patients with a prolymphocyte percentage ≤1%. On multivariate analysis, prolymphocyte percentage >1% tended to have an independent prognostic value for TFS [ HR=1.405 (95% CI 0.971~2.032), P=0.071]. Compared with the nomogram of CLL international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) alone, the nomogram of CLL-IPI combined with prolymphocyte percentage showed better discrimination (area under the curve: 0.778 vs. 0.637; P=0.006). In addition, patients with a prolymphocyte percentage >1% were more likely to progress after BTKi treatment ( P=0.038) . Conclusion:Peripheral blood prolymphocyte percentage was associated with various clinical and biological parameters and prognosis among patients with treatment-naive CLL.
10.Efficacy and long-term follow-up report of FCR regimen in the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Xiao LU ; Yi XIA ; Yi MIAO ; Tonglu QIU ; Luomengjia DAI ; Ziyuan ZHOU ; Hui JIN ; Hairong QIU ; Chun QIAO ; Yujie WU ; Lei FAN ; Wei XU ; Jianyong LI ; Huayuan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):1032-1037
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) in treatment-na?ve patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) .Methods:Clinical data from 68 CLL/SLL patients treated with FCR at Jiangsu Province Hospital (August 2008–May 2021) were retrospectively analyzed to assess efficacy, safety, and survival outcomes.Results:Among 68 patients [46 males, 22 females; median age 55 (47, 60) years], 13.1% (8/61) had a complex karyotype, 32.3% (20/62) had immunoglobulin heavy variable region mutated (IGHV-M) type, 6.6% (4/61) had del (17p), and 14.8% (8/54) had del (11q). Patients received a median of 6 (4, 6) FCR cycles. The overall response rate was 88.2% (60/68), including 47.0% (32/68) complete remissions. Over a median follow-up of 82 (59, 98) months, 66.2% (45/68) experienced disease progression. Median progression-free survival was 56 (21, 123) months, while median overall survival was not reached. The 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 42.6% (95% CI: 31.9–56.8% ) and 28.7% (95% CI: 19.0–43.4% ), respectively. Poor PFS was associated with del (17p) ( HR=5.04, 95% CI: 1.72–14.74, P=0.003), del (11q) ( HR=5.27, 95% CI: 2.11–13.15, P<0.001), IGHV unmutated (IGHV-UM) ( HR=4.11, 95% CI: 1.72–9.79, P=0.001), complex karyotype (CK) ( HR=3.53, 95% CI: 1.58–7.85, P=0.002), β 2-microglobulin >3.5 mg/L ( HR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.37–6.01, P=0.005). In multivariate analysis, IGHV-UM remained an independent predictor of PFS ( HR=8.63, 95% CI: 1.09–68.40, P=0.042). Sixteen patients with IGHV-M and lacking del (17p) or CK had a median PFS of 123 (58,123) months and a 5-year PFS rate of 70.7% (95% CI: 49.7–99.1% ), reaching a plateau after 5 years with no recurrences by 10 years. Common grade 3–4 adverse events included hematologic toxicity (44.1%, 30/68), infection (36.7%, 25/68), and liver dysfunction (4.4%, 3/68). Among 25 patients receiving single-agent BTK inhibitors after FCR progression, median follow-up was 45 (26, 64) months; 36% (9/25) experienced disease progression, with a median PFS time of 55 (27, 55) months. Conclusion:First-line FCR provides durable long-term benefits for patients with IGHV-M CLL without del (17p) or CK.

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