1.Protective effect and mechanism of glycosides of cistanches on Parkinson's disease mouse via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Zhipeng XU ; Xingyu WANG ; Shuqing YAO ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Chaoran XU ; Fengyan LIU ; Dongsheng HUO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1603-1610
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective effect of glycosides of cistanches (GCs) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice and its potential mechanism. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into control group, PD group, GCs group and levodopa (L-DOPA) group, with 10 mice in each group. The control group received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, while the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP (30 mg/kg) once daily for 5 consecutive days. After model establishment, the control group and PD group were intragastrically administered normal saline, and the GCs group and L-DOPA group received intragastric administration once daily for 28 consecutive days, at doses of 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively. The open field test and rotarod test were used to evaluate motor function. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in the substantia nigra. Biochemical assays were used to determine the levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in substantia nigra tissues. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of TH, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, mice in the PD group exhibited markedly impaired motor function, significantly decreased T-SOD activity, obvious reductions in the number of TH-positive neurons and GSH content, as well as elevated MDA and ROS levels in the substantia nigra (P<0.01). Compared with the PD group, mice in the GCs group showed improved motor function, increased T-SOD activity, higher number of TH-positive neurons and elevated GSH content, accompanied by decreased MDA and ROS levels (P<0.05). In the control group, mitochondria in the substantia nigra displayed normal morphology without obvious blurred membrane structures or vacuolar degeneration. The PD group presented mitochondrial swelling, disordered cristae and vacuolar changes, whereas these mitochondrial pathological alterations were alleviated in the GCs group. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of TH, Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly downregulated, while Keap-1 protein expression was markedly upregulated in the PD group (P<0.01). Compared with the PD group, the GCs group showed significant upregulation of TH, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels and a notable reduction in Keap-1 protein level (P<0.05). ConclusionGCs ameliorate motor dysfunction and attenuate dopaminergic neuronal and mitochondrial damage in MPTP-induced PD model mice. These effects may be associated with modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related protein expression, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, and alleviation of oxidative stress.
2.Zoledronic Acid Inhibits the Growth of ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Ferroptosis
Shaofei YUAN ; Dejin SHI ; Yiyin XU ; Tao WU ; Shuifeng LIANG ; Dinghao CHEN ; Jiayi WANG ; Guang WU ; Jiawei CAO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):608-617
Zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate with established clinical utility in osteoporosis management, exhibits emerging antitumor potential in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its nonapoptotic anticancer effects remain poorly characterized. This study revealed that ZA induced ferroptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells through dual suppression of cystine-glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), key repressors of ferroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ferroptosis using Ferrostatin-1 significantly attenuated ZA-induced cytotoxicity, while combinatorial treatment with the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 synergistically enhanced lipid peroxidation and cell death. Mechanistically, ZA activated the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway, promoting YAP phosphorylation, proteasomal degradation, and cytoplasmic retention, thereby silencing SLC7A11 and GPX4. We established a novel metabolic vulnerability in hormone-responsive malignancies.These findings position ZA as a bifunctional ferroptosis inducer in ER+ breast cancer, offering a promising strategy to overcome endocrine resistance.
3.Advancement of functional peptides: Promising candidates for antituberculosis therapeutics
Bojie LIN ; Siqi LIN ; Jiayi YANG ; Xuanyu YANG ; Shuhui WANG ; Yuting LIU ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Junfa XU ; Jiang PI ; Fen YANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):24-32
Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is primarily airborne and remains a global health problem, especially in resource-limited countries and regions. The emergence of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis has rendered the existing means ineffective in the treatment of TB. Therefore, research in new therapeutic directions has become imperative. In this review, we outline functional peptides in terms of the mechanisms of action, anti-TB attempts, advantages and disadvantages, and latest advances, aiming to analyze the research progress in anti-TB peptides. Furthermore, we investigate the potential applications of bioactive compounds found in traditional Chinese Medicine within the context of peptides.
4.Salidroside exerts cytoprotective effects on bone endothelial progenitor cells via the AMPK pathway in atherosclerotic mouse model
Fang JIA ; Mengfei WANG ; Sifan FEI ; Jiayi XU ; Tianhong YU ; Lin ZHU ; Min ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):653-661
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of salidroside (SAL) on the impaired bioactivity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in atherosclerotic (As) mice and the potential mechanisms regarding AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). MethodsAtherosclerosis was induced in 8-week-old male ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet. Intragastric administration of SAL was given to one mice group to investigate the effects of SAL on aortic plaque burden, plasma NO level, the migration and angiogenic capabilities of bone marrow-derived EPCs (BM-EPCs). The proliferation, migration and vasculogenic properties of EPCs isolated from As mice were investigated in vitro. AMPK-sh-RNA or the AMPK inhibitor Compound C was used to investigate the role of AMPK/Akt/eNOS pathway in the regulatory effects of SAL. ResultsCompared with As group, NO level was significantly elevated in SAL group. The sizes of atherosclerotic plaques at the aortic root were reduced with smaller lipid cores in SAL group compared with As group. Moreover, the migration and angiogenesis capacity of EPCs markedly decreased in As mice, while SAL treatment reversed these impairments. Incubation with SAL at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L for 48 hours significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of EPCs. AMPK-sh-RNA transfection abrogated the 20 μmol/L SAL improvement in EPC biological activities. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that treatment with Compound C blocked the activation of AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway induced by SAL. ConclusionSAL upregulates the biological functions of EPCs through activating the AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating EPC dysfunction during the pathological progression of atherosclerosis.
5.Professor ZHOU Shaohua's Experience in Staged Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Based on the "Disease-Symptom-Syndrome Integration" Approach
Dinglin XU ; Jiayi WANG ; Liwei GE ; Chunli GUO ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1373-1377
This paper aims to summarize Professor ZHOU Shaohua's clinical experience in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) based on the "disease-symptom-syndrome integration" approach. It is believed that kidney essence deficiency is the root cause of the disease, and phlegm-stasis accumulating toxin is the key factor for its deterioration. PD could be divided into the prodromal stage, early stage and middle-late stage. In the prodromal stage, treatment focuses on tonifying the kidney and replenishing marrow, choosing Zuogui Pill (左归丸) or Yougui Pill (右归丸) to prescribe with modifications according to accompanying non-motor symptoms such as constipation and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. For the early stage, the disease is differentiated into three syndromes, liver-kidney yin deficiency with stirring wind, spleen-kidney yang deficiency, and excessive phlegm turbidity, then following the principle of "calming wind by regulating blood first", the basic prescriptions of Dading Fengzhu Pill (大定风珠), Yougui Pill (右归丸) and Jinshui Liujun Decoction (金水六君煎) are applied respectively, combined with Siwu Decoction (四物汤) to nourish blood and extinguish wind. For the middle-late stage, therapies of tonifying the kidney and conso-lidating original qi are combined with detoxifying and resolving turbidity, prescribing fleshy and nourishing medicinals such as deer-horn glue (Cervus nippon Temminck) and turtle shell glue (Colla Carapacis et Plastri Testudinis), together with Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (黄连解毒汤) to clear heat, detoxify and resolve turbidity, implementing simultaneous tonification and elimination. Integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine intervention is emphasized for non-motor symptoms including orthostatic hypotension and dysphagia.
6.Effect of low-opioid anesthesia on postoperative mood in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery
Jiayi ZHANG ; Zhongneng XU ; Wei FAN ; Guangming LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):553-558
Objective:To evaluate the effect of low-opioid anesthesia based on combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine on the postoperative mood in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 130 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of either sex, aged 18-65 yr, with body mass index ≤30 kg/m 2, undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, were divided into 2 groups using a random number table method: low-opioid anesthesia group and conventional opioid anesthesia group, with 65 patients in each group. The patients in two groups received either a low-opioid anesthesia based on combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine or a sufentanil-based opioid anesthesia. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale on day 1 before surgery and days 1, 3 and 7 after surgery. The intraoperative consumption of opioid, usage of vasoactive drugs, extubation time, duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit, Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale score after extubation, consumption of sufentanil within 24 h postoperatively, and pain score at 24 h postoperatively were recorded, and the occurrence of adverse reactions within 24 h postoperatively was also recorded. Results:Compared with conventional opioid anesthesia group, the postoperative Self-Rating Depression Scale score and incidence of depression were significantly decreased, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score and incidence of anxiety were decreased, the intraoperative consumption of opioid was reduced, the usage rate of metaraminol was decreased, the usage rate of nicardipine was increased, the duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit was shortened, the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale score was decreased after tracheal extubation, the consumption of sufentanil was reduced after operation, the pain score was decreased, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and dizziness was decreased in low-opioid anesthesia group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The low-opioid anesthesia based on combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine can relieve the postoperative depression and anxiety and improve the quality of postoperative recovery when used in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.
7.Development of a multimodal deep learning-based risk prediction model integrating clinical and radiomic features for short-term acute kidney injury following partial nephrectomy
Jiangting CHENG ; Jiayi XU ; Chenyang SHEN ; Guanwen YANG ; Yaohui LI ; Li LIU ; Jiajun WANG ; Xiaoyi HU ; Jianming GUO ; Hang WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):349-355
Objective:To develop and validate a deep learning-based multimodal model integrating clinical and radiomic features for predicting acute kidney injury(AKI)risk after partial nephrectomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 416 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from January 2023 to January 2025. The cohort included 100 AKI patients[defined by a ≥ 25% reduction in postoperative evaluated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)within 48 hours sustained for >24 hours]and 316 non-AKI patients(1∶3 ratio,randomly matched with 16 additional cases for redundancy). Clinical and radiomic features were extracted from preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans using PyRadiomics. Demographics included 259 males and 158 females,with a median age of 57(49,65)years,body mass index of(24.1 ± 3.3)kg/m2,preoperative eGFR of(88.5 ± 18.3)ml/(min·1.73 m2),postoperative eGFR(48-hour)of(76.0 ± 21.9)ml/(min·1.73 m2),Zhongshan Score(ZSscore)of 7.34 ± 2.01,and R.E.N.A.L. score of 7.50 ± 1.71. All tumors were T 1a stage. Patients were divided into training(n = 312)and test(n = 104)sets(3∶1 ratio). A clinical model was constructed via multivariate logistic regression,while radiomic and combined(clinical + radiomic)models utilized an artificial neural network(ANN)with 1 input layer,5 hidden layers,1 output layer,and 10 5 training epochs. Model performance was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and area under the curve(AUC),and was compared to the Martini model. Feature contributions were interpreted via SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP). Results:In the test set,the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that patient’s weight,preoperative eGFR,R.E.N.A.L. score,surgical approach,and operation time were risk factors for AKI( P < 0.05). The AUC of the clinical feature prediction model constructed based on the above factors was 0.852(95% CI 0.775?0.929). In the test set,the AUC of the Martini model was 0.725(95% CI 0.565?0.791). The radiomic model,trained on 1 315 imaging features,achieved an AUC of 0.898(95% CI 0.804?0.993)with 94.2%(98/104)accuracy. The combined clinical and radiomic model,integrating 1 315 radiomic features and clinical features,demonstrated superior performance with an AUC of 0.946(95% CI 0.887?1.000)and 96.2%(100/104)accuracy,outperforming both the clinical model( P = 0.03)and the Martini model( P < 0.01). SHAP analysis identified the top five predictors in the combined model:ZSscore(SHAP value:0.78),long-run low gray-level emphasis(SHAP value:0.61),run-length non-uniformity(SHAP value:0.58),size-zone non-uniformity(SHAP value:0.46),and gray-level co-occurrence matrix joint energy(SHAP value:0.36). Conclusions:The deep learning-based multimodal model integrating clinical and radiomic features accurately predicts AKI risk after partial nephrectomy,offering a novel strategy for preoperative risk stratification and personalized intervention.
8.Clinical and genetic characteristics of SCN2A gene related developmental delay
Jialu GU ; Shaofang SHANGGUAN ; Jianhong WANG ; Jiayi LI ; Hua XIE ; Xia QU ; Nan PENG ; Xi WANG ; Qi XU ; Yike ZHU ; Xinghui LI ; Xuefeng SUN ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Lin WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):667-676
Objective:To explore the genotype and the clinical phenotype of SCN2A-related developmental delay in children. Methods:A case series study was adopted. Collect clinical data from 10 cases of children with SCN2A gene variants diagnosed with global developmental delay/intellectual disability who were admitted to the Children′s Hospital between July 2019 and March 2023. Summarize the clinical phenotype and genotype based on clinical data such as general information, clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, laboratory tests, genetic testing results, and comprehensive pediatric neuropsychological development assessment. Results:A total of 10 patients were recruited, including 7 males and 3 females, with an age range of 27 days to 5 years and 9 months. 9 patients underwent children′s neuropsychological and behavioral assessments, and the results were consistent with global developmental delay, including 2 mild cases, 4 moderate cases, and 3 severe cases. 3 cases had autism spectrum disorder, and 2 cases had epilepsy. 6 patients underwent complete head MRI examination, and 4 of them showed abnormalities, including delayed myelination, widening of the local extra brain space in the frontal lobe, and abnormal frontal lobe morphology. All 10 cases had point variants. Among them, 9 cases are de novo and 1 case is maternal inheritance. Out of 10 cases, there were 5 cases with copy number variations, but all of them were of unknown significance. Among the 10 variants, 8 have been reported and 2 have not been reported, namely c.4145A>T(p.N1382I) and c.4937T>A(p.I1646N). In this study, 4 out of 10 patients with SCN2A variants had variation sites located in the S4 segment of domain which constitute Nav1.2, the sodium ion channel encoded by SCN2A. The developmental quotient level was lower when the variation sites were located in the S4 segment of domain, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-3.101, P=0.017), indicating that the severity of developmental delay may be related to the localization of amino acids corresponding to variant sites within the protein domain. Conclusion:SCN2A mutations are strongly associated with diverse neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, the phenotypic spectrum of SCN2A variants encompassed epilepsy, global developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder. Affected individuals exhibited early-onset developmental delays, predominantly moderate to severe in severity. Voltage-sensing domain dysfunction in sodium channels may constitute a critical pathomechanism underlying neurodevelopmental impairments. Further electrophysiological characterization and molecular mechanistic studies are warranted todelineate the genotype-phenotype correlations between specific variant loci and clinical severity.
9.Clinical features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in 8 children
Jiayi LIU ; Libing FU ; Juan SUN ; Zigang XU ; Lin MA ; Xiaofeng HAN
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(10):970-974
Objective:To summarize the clinical, pathological, and molecular genetic features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 8 children with DFSP in the Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2017 to December 2024. General information, clinical manifestations, pathological examinations, molecular genetic examinations, and treatments were analyzed, and clinical features and prognosis were summarized.Results:All the 8 cases were females, with ages at onset ( M[ Q1, Q3]) of 1.3 (0.3, 2.6) years, including 2 congenital cases; their ages at diagnosis were 5.1 (3.7, 7.4) years. Skin lesions manifested as solitary dark red patches, plaques, or nodules, and were located on the trunk in 5 cases (3 on the back, 1 on the abdomen, and 1 on the chest) and on the lower limbs in 3 cases. Histopathological examinations of all the 8 cases showed tumor cells diffusely infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous tissue without epidermal involvement. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all the cases were strongly positive for CD34 and negative for soluble 100 protein; the Ki-67 labeling index ( M[ Q1, Q3]) was 9.0% (8.0%, 17.5%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the COL1A1-PDGFB fusion gene or PDGFB gene rearrangement in all 8 cases. All the patients underwent surgical excision of the primary skin lesions, including 3 treated with wide local excision, 2 with traditional Mohs surgery, and 3 with modified slow Mohs surgery, and all achieved negative margins. During the follow up of 6 months to 7 years, no tumor recurrence was observed. Conclusions:DFSP often occurred at a relatively young age in children, and mostly presented as atrophic patches or plaques. PDGFB gene alterations were commonly observed, and prognosis after surgical treatment was generally favorable.
10.Relationship between renal tertiary lymphoid structure and clinical pathology and prognosis in idiopathic membranous nephropathy patients
Feng WANG ; Jiayi XU ; Bowen WANG ; Xiaomei LIU ; Fumei WANG ; Beiru ZHANG ; Hua ZHOU ; Yanqiu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(6):417-426
Objective:To evaluate the expression of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in renal tissues, and the relationship between TLS and clinicopathological changes and prognosis in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients.Methods:It was a single center retrospective study. The patients with IMN diagnosed by renal biopsy at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled, and their clinicopathological data were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TLS in renal tissues. According to whether TLS expression in renal tissues was positive or not, the patients were divided into TLS-positive group and TLS-negative group, and the baseline differences in clinicopathological data between the two groups were compared. The clinical remission included complete remission and partial remission. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody titer and positive TLS expression in renal tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were performed to analyze the differences of proteinuria remission rates between TLS-positive and TLS-negative groups. Cox regression analysis was employed to identify the related factors of proteinuria remission. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of TLS in predicting proteinuria remission.Results:A total of 120 IMN patients were included in this study, with age of 50.00 (40.00, 57.75) years and 78 (65.00%) males. The 24-hour urinary protein was (7.54±4.14) g, 89 (74.17%) patients were positive for serum PLA2R antibody, and the serum PLA2R antibody titer was 90.49 (48.88, 155.33) RU/ml. Immunohistochemical results showed that TLS was mainly distributed in the renal cortex glomeruli or around renal blood vessels in renal tissues. There were 43 patients in the TLS-positive group and 77 patients in the TLS-negative group. The positive rate of serum PLA2R antibody in the TLS-positive group was 83.72% (36/43). Compared with the TLS-negative group, the TLS-positive group had lower serum albumin ( t=-3.474, P<0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate ( Z=-2.076, P=0.045), while serum creatinine ( t=2.006, P=0.028), 24-hour urinary protein ( t=4.140, P<0.001), serum PLA2R antibody titer ( Z=4.628, P=0.001), glomerulosclerosis degree ( Z=2.403, P=0.019), and proportions of hypertension ( χ2=6.511, P=0.011), renal interstitial fibrosis ( χ2=4.088, P=0.043), renal interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration ( χ2=9.261, P=0.002), tubular atrophy ( χ2=4.936, P=0.026) and extremely high-risk of kidney disease progression ( χ2=9.352, P=0.002) were higher. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum PLA2R antibody titer was an independent factor correlated with positive TLS expression in renal tissues ( OR=1.014, 95% CI 1.007-1.021). The median follow-up time was 18.00 (95% CI 16.07-19.93) months. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the proteinuria remission rate in the TLS-positive group was lower than that in the TLS-negative group (Log-rank χ2=9.339, P=0.002). Cox regression analysis showed that positive TLS expression was an independent factor correlated with proteinuria remission ( HR=0.228, 95% CI 0.177-0.297). ROC curve showed that TLS had a certain clinical predictive value for proteinuria remission ( AUC=0.703, 95% CI 0.608-0.798). Conclusions:IMN patients with positive TLS expression in renal tissues have a lower proteinuria remission rate, more severe pathological damage, and a higher risk of disease progression. TLS is expected to become a pathological marker for predicting the severity and prognosis of IMN.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail