1.Mechanism of miR-21 targeting inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameliorating chronic renal fibrosis in mice
Jiao QI ; Shanshan XU ; Qige QI ; Yan MENG ; Jianrong ZHAO ; Liying ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):217-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism through which miR‑21 improves chronic renal fibrosis in mice via targeted modulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MethodsThirty‑two chronic kidney disease model mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 each group): model group, miR‑21 overexpression group, miR‑21 inhibition group, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group. Eight healthy mice were included as the control group. The miR‑21 overexpression, miR‑21 inhibition, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 groups received tail‑vein injections of lentivirus (50 μL, 1×10⁸ TU per mouse) once weekly for three weeks. The control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of empty vector (LV‑NC). The miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group additionally received gavage of the AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor MK‑2206 (480 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The expressions of miR‑21, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal tissue levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), and PTEN protein, as well as p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios, were compared among groups. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue, and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. A dual‑luciferase assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR‑21 and PTEN. ResultsCompared with the model group, miR‑21 expression in renal tissue increased in the miR‑21 overexpression group (P<0.05) and decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed increased 24 h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05), while these indicators decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group exhibited lower 24‑h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed decreased PTEN protein expression (P<0.05) and increased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), while the miR‑21 inhibition group showed increased PTEN expression (P<0.05) and decreased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group had lower p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), with no significant difference in PTEN protein expression. HE and Masson staining showed normal kidney structure and almost no fibrosis in the control group. The model group exhibited glomerular enlargement, capillary loop adhesion, and focal fibrosis. The miR-21 overexpression group showed severe destruction of glomerular structure, accompanied by extensive fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy. The pathological changes and degree of fibrosis were alleviated in the miR-21 inhibition group. The miR-21 inhibition + MK-2206 group showed only mild pathological changes and mild fibrosis, with the interstitium being largely normal. Compared with PTEN-WT + NC mimics 1, the relative luciferase activity in the PTEN-WT + miR-21 mimics group decreased (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in relative luciferase activity between PTEN-WT + NC mimics group and PTEN-MUT + miR-21 mimics group. ConclusionmiR‑21 may improve renal function indicators and alleviate renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice via targeted modulation of PTEN and subsequently inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
2.Diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for coronary heart disease
Peilu XU ; Jianmin QIAO ; Jing LI ; Jianrong LIU ; Shujun CHEN ; Chunpeng JI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):963-967
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue(EAT)thickness combined with serum disintegrin metalloprotease 10(ADAM10)and stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1)in coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A total of 119 CHD patients were included as the study group,and 100 non-CHD patients in the same period were selected as the control group.The clinical data of the patients were collected.Serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Color Doppler ultrasonography was applied to detect EAT thickness.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of CHD occurrence.The diagnostic value of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels in the diagnosis of CHD was analyzed by subject work characteristics(ROC)curves.Results The levels of triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 were higher in the study group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated EAT thickness,serum ADAM10,STIM1,triglyceride and LDL-C levels were independent risk factors for the occurrence of CHD(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for the diagnosis of CHD[0.864(95%CI:0.811-0.907)]was higher than that of their respective individual diagnoses[0.801(95%CI:0.741-0.851),0.750(95%CI:0.687-0.806),respectively,0.799(95%CI:0.740-0.850)],and the sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were 82.35%and 83.00%,respectively.Conclusion EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels are obviously elevated in CHD patients,and the combination of the three tests has a high diagnostic value for CHD.
3.Association between pulmonary function and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease
Huimei YIN ; Oumei CHENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Fengying QUAN ; Jianrong ZHOU
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):523-529
Objective:To investigate the pulmonary function in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD)and the association between pulmonary function and motor symptoms.Methods:A total of 104 PD patients were included in the study,and a portable spirometer was used to assess pulmonary function.According to the results of pulmonary function,the patients were divided into ventilation dys-function group with 37 patients and non-ventilation dysfunction with 67 patients,and clinical data were compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the factors associated with abnormal pulmonary function,and a Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between pulmonary function parameters and motor symptoms.Results:There were significant differences in the scores of bradykinesia and postural gait between the two groups(P<0.05),and the logistic regression analysis showed a positive correlation between pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and postural gait score(regression coefficient β=0.171,95%CI=1.015-1.386,P=0.032).There were significant differences between the patients with different stages of PD in the pulmonary function parameters of the percentage of forced vital capacity in predicted value(t=2.143,P=0.034),the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second(t=2.118,P=0.037),the percentage of predicted peak expiratory flow(t=2.002,P=0.048),maximum expiratory pressure as a percentage of predicted value(t=2.412,P=0.018),and maximum inspiratory pressure as a percentage of predicted value(t=2.119,P=0.036).Conclusion:The pulmonary function parameters of PD patients are lower than expected values,and the incidence rate of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction is 35.58%,with the main manifestation of restrictive ventilatory dysfunction.There is a correlation between pulmonary function and motor symptoms in PD patients.
4.Mechanism of GRK subtypes modulating the unique binding properties of M1 acetylcholine receptor and transducers
Jiali WEI ; Dongxue WANG ; Shiqi WANG ; Jianrong XU ; Peishen ZHAO ; Lanxue ZHAO
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(10):1333-1341
Objective·To investigate the mechanisms by which different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptor kinases(GRKs)regulate the biased signaling transduction mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1(M1 receptor),focusing on their molecular effects in modulating the binding of the M1 receptor to the downstream heterotrimeric G protein(Gαq-Gβ1-Gγ2)andβ-arrestin 2(βarr2).Methods·By establishing a highly sensitive protein interaction detection system based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET),six M1 receptor agonists/allosteric modulators were selected to measure the dynamic interactions between the M1 receptor and four GRK subtypes(GRK2/3/5/6),βarr2,and the G protein under stimulation.All BRET data were statistically quantified using the area under the curve(AUC)of the time-response curves.First,concentration-effect curves were established by treatment with gradient concentrations of agonists/allosteric modulators and AUC fitting,to comprehensively analyze the differences in efficacy between each agonist/allosteric modulator and the endogenous agonist acetylcholine chloride(ACh)in promoting the interactions of M1 receptor with GRK3/5,βarr2,and the G protein;next,GRKs were divided into two groups based on subtypes:GRK2/3 and GRK5/6.The maximum AUC values for the interaction between the M1 receptor and the two GRK groups under high concentrations were calculated respectively,to further evaluate the regulatory propensity of different types of GRKs on the binding strength of the M1 receptor to βarr2 or the G protein.Results·All six agonists/allosteric modulators effectively induced the association of the M1 receptor with GRK3,while simultaneousey inducing dissociation of the M1 receptor from GRK5.The allosteric modulator BQCA not only activated the M1 receptor alone and triggered its binding to downstream signaling proteins,but also,when co-treated with ACh,caused a significant leftward shift of the concentration-effect curves in the M1-G protein and M1-βarr2 systems,suggesting that its potentiation effect on ACh was mainly achieved by reducing the half-maximal effective concentration.A moderate positive correlation was observed between the maximum AUC values of M1-βarr2 and M1-G protein interactions induced by the seven groups of drug treatments(r=0.722,P=0.067).Further analysis showed that the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-GRK2/3 interaction to that for M1-GRK5/6 interaction was also positively correlated with the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-βarr2 interaction to that for M1-G protein interaction(r=0.760,P=0.047).Conclusion·The M1 receptor may be pre-coupled with GRK5/6 under basal conditions,and they dissociate upon receptor activation,suggesting that GRK5/6 may be involved in M1 receptor inactivation or signal reprogramming.The relative efficiency of the M1 receptor's interaction with different GRK subtypes determines its preference for downstream signaling pathways.
5.Expert consensus on infection prevention and control of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in medical institutions
Tianxiang GE ; Yangyang JIA ; Chunhui LI ; Jianrong HUANG ; Xiujuan MENG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Jingping ZHANG ; Fu QIAO ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hui LIANG ; Wei LI ; Haiyan LOU ; Wenjuan WU ; Tianxin XIANG ; Jiansen CHEN ; Biao ZHU ; Kaijin XU ; Zhihui ZHOU ; Hongliu CAI ; Meihong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanwan SHANGGUAN ; Haiting FENG ; Hangping YAO ; Lei GUO ; Tieer GAN ; Weihong ZHANG ; Jimin SUN ; Ye LU ; Qun LU ; Meng CAI ; Jin SHEN ; Yunsong YU ; Anhua WU ; Liu-yi LI ; Tingting QU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):437-450
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.
6.Mechanism of GRK subtypes modulating the unique binding properties of M1 acetylcholine receptor and transducers
Jiali WEI ; Dongxue WANG ; Shiqi WANG ; Jianrong XU ; Peishen ZHAO ; Lanxue ZHAO
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(10):1333-1341
Objective·To investigate the mechanisms by which different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptor kinases(GRKs)regulate the biased signaling transduction mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1(M1 receptor),focusing on their molecular effects in modulating the binding of the M1 receptor to the downstream heterotrimeric G protein(Gαq-Gβ1-Gγ2)andβ-arrestin 2(βarr2).Methods·By establishing a highly sensitive protein interaction detection system based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET),six M1 receptor agonists/allosteric modulators were selected to measure the dynamic interactions between the M1 receptor and four GRK subtypes(GRK2/3/5/6),βarr2,and the G protein under stimulation.All BRET data were statistically quantified using the area under the curve(AUC)of the time-response curves.First,concentration-effect curves were established by treatment with gradient concentrations of agonists/allosteric modulators and AUC fitting,to comprehensively analyze the differences in efficacy between each agonist/allosteric modulator and the endogenous agonist acetylcholine chloride(ACh)in promoting the interactions of M1 receptor with GRK3/5,βarr2,and the G protein;next,GRKs were divided into two groups based on subtypes:GRK2/3 and GRK5/6.The maximum AUC values for the interaction between the M1 receptor and the two GRK groups under high concentrations were calculated respectively,to further evaluate the regulatory propensity of different types of GRKs on the binding strength of the M1 receptor to βarr2 or the G protein.Results·All six agonists/allosteric modulators effectively induced the association of the M1 receptor with GRK3,while simultaneousey inducing dissociation of the M1 receptor from GRK5.The allosteric modulator BQCA not only activated the M1 receptor alone and triggered its binding to downstream signaling proteins,but also,when co-treated with ACh,caused a significant leftward shift of the concentration-effect curves in the M1-G protein and M1-βarr2 systems,suggesting that its potentiation effect on ACh was mainly achieved by reducing the half-maximal effective concentration.A moderate positive correlation was observed between the maximum AUC values of M1-βarr2 and M1-G protein interactions induced by the seven groups of drug treatments(r=0.722,P=0.067).Further analysis showed that the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-GRK2/3 interaction to that for M1-GRK5/6 interaction was also positively correlated with the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-βarr2 interaction to that for M1-G protein interaction(r=0.760,P=0.047).Conclusion·The M1 receptor may be pre-coupled with GRK5/6 under basal conditions,and they dissociate upon receptor activation,suggesting that GRK5/6 may be involved in M1 receptor inactivation or signal reprogramming.The relative efficiency of the M1 receptor's interaction with different GRK subtypes determines its preference for downstream signaling pathways.
7.Expert consensus on infection prevention and control of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in medical institutions
Tianxiang GE ; Yangyang JIA ; Chunhui LI ; Jianrong HUANG ; Xiujuan MENG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Jingping ZHANG ; Fu QIAO ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hui LIANG ; Wei LI ; Haiyan LOU ; Wenjuan WU ; Tianxin XIANG ; Jiansen CHEN ; Biao ZHU ; Kaijin XU ; Zhihui ZHOU ; Hongliu CAI ; Meihong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanwan SHANGGUAN ; Haiting FENG ; Hangping YAO ; Lei GUO ; Tieer GAN ; Weihong ZHANG ; Jimin SUN ; Ye LU ; Qun LU ; Meng CAI ; Jin SHEN ; Yunsong YU ; Anhua WU ; Liu-yi LI ; Tingting QU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):437-450
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.
8.Diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for coronary heart disease
Peilu XU ; Jianmin QIAO ; Jing LI ; Jianrong LIU ; Shujun CHEN ; Chunpeng JI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):963-967
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue(EAT)thickness combined with serum disintegrin metalloprotease 10(ADAM10)and stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1)in coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A total of 119 CHD patients were included as the study group,and 100 non-CHD patients in the same period were selected as the control group.The clinical data of the patients were collected.Serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Color Doppler ultrasonography was applied to detect EAT thickness.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of CHD occurrence.The diagnostic value of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels in the diagnosis of CHD was analyzed by subject work characteristics(ROC)curves.Results The levels of triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 were higher in the study group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated EAT thickness,serum ADAM10,STIM1,triglyceride and LDL-C levels were independent risk factors for the occurrence of CHD(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for the diagnosis of CHD[0.864(95%CI:0.811-0.907)]was higher than that of their respective individual diagnoses[0.801(95%CI:0.741-0.851),0.750(95%CI:0.687-0.806),respectively,0.799(95%CI:0.740-0.850)],and the sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were 82.35%and 83.00%,respectively.Conclusion EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels are obviously elevated in CHD patients,and the combination of the three tests has a high diagnostic value for CHD.
9.Effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution on target-controlled infusion of etomidate blood concen-trations and adrenocortical function
Yinghui CUI ; Jiaming XU ; Tong LIU ; Haiyong TAO ; Xi-Aoyi XIE ; Shejun HU ; Xuefei WANG ; Jinghuo WANG ; Jianrong GUO
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(8):814-819
Objective To observe the effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution(ANH)on target-controlled infusion(TCI)of etomidate blood drug concentration and adrenal cortical function.Methods Sixty patients who undergo elective multisegmental spine surgery,35 males and 25 females,aged 30-60 years,BMI 20-25 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,were divided into two groups using random number table method:ANH group and control group,30 patients in each group.Both groups used a target-controlled infusion of etomidate for anesthesia induction and anesthesia maintenance.In the ANH group,ANH was performed after steady anesthesia induction,ideal Hct 28%to 30%,and transfused within 1 hour after surgery;the control group was routinely treated.The dosage of etomidate was recorded.Liquid chroma-tography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was used to detect etomidate blood concentrations at the immediate postoperative,10,20,and 30 minutes postoperative periods in the two groups,and the immedi-ate moment autologous blood collected into the storage bag,preserved in the storage bag for 1 hour,and the immediate moment transfused back in the ANH group.Plasma concentrations of cortisol(Cor),adrenocorti-cotropic hormone(ACTH),and aldosterone(ALD)were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay(CLIA)before the induction of anesthesia,immediately after the operation,and at 1 day and 2 days postop-eratively.Results There was no significant difference in the total dosage of etomidate between the two groups.Compared with the immediate postoperative period,the plasma etomidate concentration was signifi-cantly decreased 10,20,and 30 minutes after surgery(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the concentration increased significantly 10 minutes after surgery in the ANH group(P<0.05).The plasma concentrations of etomidate were(547.8±119.4)ng/ml at the immediate moment autologous blood collected into the storage bag,(536.7±107.8)ng/ml at the preserved in the storage bag for 1 hour,and(522.8±91.7)ng/ml at theimmediatemoment transfusedbackinthe ANHgroup.Comparedwithbeforein-duction of anesthesia,the concentration of Cor and ALD immediately after the operation decreased signifi-cantly(P<0.05)and the concentration of ACTH was significantly higher(P<0.05).There were no sta-tistically significant differences in the concentrations of Cor,ALD,and ACTH between the two groups before induction of anesthesia 1 day and 2 days postoperatively.Conclusion In the orthopedic surgery of TCI eto-midate,return transfusion of collected autologous blood transiently(about 10 minutes)increases etomidate blood concentrations,the function of adrenal cortical will recover to the preoperative level within 24 hours after the operation.
10.High-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou
Jun LIU ; Peng LIN ; Huifang XU ; Fang YANG ; Xiaobing FU ; Zhilu YAO ; Shilan XIE ; Simin HE ; Jianrong LI ; Siyuan PAN ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):265-272
Objective:To explore high-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 different types of Guangzhou colleges by convenience sampling with minimum number of classes per grade and 600 samples per school from September to November 2021. The R 4.2.2 software was used to consolidate databases. Simultaneously, a logistic regression model and a decision tree algorithm model, stratifying by whether sexual behaviors had occurred before, were constructed. In each layer, the prediction performance of the two models was evaluated through area under receiver operating characteristic and the confusion matrix, and then the model with high prediction performance was retained.Results:A total of 7 346 students were surveyed. The proportion of the respondents reporting sexual experience were 9.08% (667/7 346), in whom 26.24% (175/667) had risky sexual activity in the past year. The decision tree algorithm model performs well in predicting whether high-risk sexual behaviors have occurred in the past year. When the complexity parameter value is 0.018, and nsplit reaches 4, which means there are 5 leaf nodes in the model, the cross error of the tree will be the smallest. The first best grouping variable in the decision tree was whether to use condoms throughout the first sexual behavior. If condoms were used at their sexual debut, but homosexual practices have occurred in the past year, the probability of risky sexual behavior will increase. If homosexual practices have not occurred in the past year, but the age of sexual debut was below 18 years old while the period of HIV education was after high school, the probability of risk sexual behavior will also increase.Conclusions:AIDS-related risky behaviors of young students still deserved attention. The experience of sexual debut and whether AIDS-related health education has been received before the sexual debut were significant predictors for the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior. The decision tree algorithm model has particular applicability for predicting and screening potential risk populations.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail