1.Expression and role of Tim-3 in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis
Xiongfei WU ; Qiujin ZHANG ; Liu ZHENG ; Binbin YANG ; Jinqing LI ; Zhixiang DING
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(1):10-14
Objective To investigate the expression and role of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(Tim-3)in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU).Methods A total of 12 male C57BL/6J mice,aged 4 to 5 weeks,were selected and divided into the control group(n=3)and the experimental group(n=9)using a random number table.The control group(modeling time point:0 days after modeling)received no treatment,while the experimental group was induced to establish an EAU model(divided into three subgroups according to the modeling time points:7 days,14 days,and 21 days after modeling,with 3 mice in each subgroup).Firstly,the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein 651-670 and complete Freund's adjuvant were fully mixed and emulsified.Then,the emulsion was subcutaneously injected into the two thighs,tail base,and neck of mice in the experimental group(each mouse received 200 μL of immune emulsion containing 500 pg of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein 651-670).Subsequently,each mouse in the experimental group was also intraperitoneally injected with 1 μg of pertussis toxin.The anterior segment and fundus of mice in each group were observed and photographed under a slit-lamp microscope.The clinical and histopatho-logical scoring of these mice was conducted according to the Caspi grading scale based on the severity of inflammation.The serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),while the mRNA expression of Tim-3 in the spleen and ocular tissues was detected using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of Tim-3,and immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression of Tim-3 in the spleen tissue.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.Results The clinical scores of the anterior segment,fundus,and histopathology of the mice increased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 in the mice also increased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The relative mRNA expression of Tim-3 in the spleen and ocular tissues of the mice decreased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The protein expression of Tim-3 in the ocular and spleen tissues showed the same pattern as its mRNA expression.Conclusion The expression of Tim-3 decreases with the exacerbation of inflammation in the progression of EAU,suggesting that Tim-3 may play a negative immunoregulatory role in the development of uveitis.
2.A cross-lagged analysis of relationships between cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in college students
Xiaolyu LIU ; Xianglian BAO ; Jinqing ZHANG ; Mingkun OUYANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):1001-1006
Objective:To examine the dynamic interactive relationships between cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in college students.Methods:A total of 4 148 college students from a comprehensive uni-versity in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region completed self-report measures including Cyberbullying Scale(CS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)at two time points,18-month a-part.Results:Correlation analysis showed significant concurrent(r=0.11-0.17,Ps<0.001)and lagged(r=0.06-0.44,Ps<0.001)positive associations among CS,SAS,and SDS scores.Cross-lagged analysis,controlling for gender and age,indicated that T1 CS scores were positively associated with T2 SAS and SDS scores(β=0.13,0.14,Ps<0.001).Additionally,SAS scores at T1 and SDS scores at T1 were positively associated CS scores at T2,respectively(β=0.07,0.05,Ps<0.001).Conclusion:Cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in-fluence each other over time among college students,suggesting a reinforcing negative cycle.
3.Role and research progress of gut microbiota in uveitis
Yingcheng LIN ; Qiuming HU ; Min ZHOU ; Jinqing LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):64-69
Uveitis is a blinding inflammatory disease that affects multiple structures within the eye, posing significant risks to patients' vision and mental health. Current treatments mainly involve glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, which are associated with significant side effects, high relapse rates, and substantial costs. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of uveitis through the gut-eye axis, with related metabolites also influencing disease progression. Modulating the gut microbiota or its metabolites could offer new therapeutic avenues for uveitis. This review explores the relationship between gut microbiota and various uveitis-associated diseases, such as systemic sarcoidosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, Behcet's disease, multiple sclerosis, and birdshot chorioretinopathy. It also discusses advancements in microbiota-related therapies, including probiotics and prebiotics, antibiotics, immunomodulators, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of new therapies targeting specific microbial communities and genetic markers associated with uveitis, thereby promoting the realization of precision medicine.
4.Advances in the role of CD4+T cells in autoimmune uveitis
Xinghua HUANG ; Houjiao CHEN ; Yingcheng LIN ; Jinqing LIU ; Shuyang ZHONG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1943-1947
Autoimmune uveitis is a blinding intraocular inflammation primarily caused by immune dysregulation mediated by CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cells differentiate into various functional subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. These subsets participate in immune responses and mediate the initiation and resolution of inflammation by secreting different cytokines. This article primarily focuses on the functional characteristics and interplay network of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells, along with the specific effects of their key secreted cytokines(e.g., IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-10, TGF-β)in driving or suppressing ocular inflammation. The goal is to clarify the fundamental pathogenesis of this disease from the perspective of immune balance. Furthermore, this work explores potential therapeutic targets based on restoring the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg, such as modulating the differentiation of specific subsets, blocking key pro-inflammatory cytokines, or enhancing anti-inflammatory functions. This investigation aims to provide a scientific rationale and guidance for optimizing existing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as developing new immunotherapies(e.g., biological agents, cell therapies).
5.Expression and role of PKM2/STAT3 in the pathogenesis of experimental au-toimmune uveitis in mice
Jinqing LI ; Qiujin ZHANG ; Liu ZHENG ; Binbin YANG ; Juanyuan LIAO ; Zhixiang DING
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):938-942
Objective To investigate the expression and mechanistic role of the M2-type pyruvate kinase(PKM2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway in the development of experimental autoim-mune uveitis(EAU).Methods Eighteen 4-to 5-week-old C57BL/6J mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group(normal breeding,set as the 0-day state post-modeling),Experimental Group A,and Experimental Group B(both established as stable EAU mouse models using the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide 651-670,com-plete Freund's adjuvant,and pertussis toxin,designated as the 14-day and 21-day states post-modeling,respectively),with 6 mice in each group.The anterior segment of the mice was observed using a slit-lamp microscope,fundus findings were collected using a fundus camera,and clinical and histopathological scores were evaluated after hematoxylin-eosin stai-ning.The protein expression level of serum interleukin(IL)-17A was detected by ELISA.The expression level of PKM2 protein in retinal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.The protein expression levels of PKM2,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),and STAT3 in mouse retinal tissue were detected by Western blot.Results The clinical scores of the anterior segment and fundus,as well as the retinal histopathological scores in Experimental Group A and Experimental Group B,were all significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The serum IL-17A protein expression levels in the control group,Experimental Group A,and Experimental Group B were(69.05±0.45)ng·L-1,(75.06±0.46)ng·L-1,and(72.04±0.82)ng·L-1,respectively.The optical density values of PKM2 protein expression in retinal tissue were(18.51±2.59)%,(37.35±4.67)%,and(29.75±2.17)%,respectively.The expression levels of serum IL-17A protein,retinal PKM2 protein,and retinal STAT3 and p-STAT3 proteins in Experimental Group A and Experimental Group B were all significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of key factors in the PKM2/STAT3 signaling pathway are positively correlated with the severity of EAU,indicating that this sig-naling pathway,as a positive regulator of the immune response,is involved in the pathological process of EAU.
6.A cross-lagged analysis of relationships between cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in college students
Xiaolyu LIU ; Xianglian BAO ; Jinqing ZHANG ; Mingkun OUYANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):1001-1006
Objective:To examine the dynamic interactive relationships between cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in college students.Methods:A total of 4 148 college students from a comprehensive uni-versity in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region completed self-report measures including Cyberbullying Scale(CS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)at two time points,18-month a-part.Results:Correlation analysis showed significant concurrent(r=0.11-0.17,Ps<0.001)and lagged(r=0.06-0.44,Ps<0.001)positive associations among CS,SAS,and SDS scores.Cross-lagged analysis,controlling for gender and age,indicated that T1 CS scores were positively associated with T2 SAS and SDS scores(β=0.13,0.14,Ps<0.001).Additionally,SAS scores at T1 and SDS scores at T1 were positively associated CS scores at T2,respectively(β=0.07,0.05,Ps<0.001).Conclusion:Cyberbullying perpetration,anxiety,and depression in-fluence each other over time among college students,suggesting a reinforcing negative cycle.
7.Expression and role of Tim-3 in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis
Xiongfei WU ; Qiujin ZHANG ; Liu ZHENG ; Binbin YANG ; Jinqing LI ; Zhixiang DING
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(1):10-14
Objective To investigate the expression and role of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(Tim-3)in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU).Methods A total of 12 male C57BL/6J mice,aged 4 to 5 weeks,were selected and divided into the control group(n=3)and the experimental group(n=9)using a random number table.The control group(modeling time point:0 days after modeling)received no treatment,while the experimental group was induced to establish an EAU model(divided into three subgroups according to the modeling time points:7 days,14 days,and 21 days after modeling,with 3 mice in each subgroup).Firstly,the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein 651-670 and complete Freund's adjuvant were fully mixed and emulsified.Then,the emulsion was subcutaneously injected into the two thighs,tail base,and neck of mice in the experimental group(each mouse received 200 μL of immune emulsion containing 500 pg of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein 651-670).Subsequently,each mouse in the experimental group was also intraperitoneally injected with 1 μg of pertussis toxin.The anterior segment and fundus of mice in each group were observed and photographed under a slit-lamp microscope.The clinical and histopatho-logical scoring of these mice was conducted according to the Caspi grading scale based on the severity of inflammation.The serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),while the mRNA expression of Tim-3 in the spleen and ocular tissues was detected using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of Tim-3,and immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression of Tim-3 in the spleen tissue.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.Results The clinical scores of the anterior segment,fundus,and histopathology of the mice increased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 in the mice also increased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The relative mRNA expression of Tim-3 in the spleen and ocular tissues of the mice decreased over time after modeling,with statistically significant differences among these groups(P<0.05).The protein expression of Tim-3 in the ocular and spleen tissues showed the same pattern as its mRNA expression.Conclusion The expression of Tim-3 decreases with the exacerbation of inflammation in the progression of EAU,suggesting that Tim-3 may play a negative immunoregulatory role in the development of uveitis.
8.Expression and role of PKM2/STAT3 in the pathogenesis of experimental au-toimmune uveitis in mice
Jinqing LI ; Qiujin ZHANG ; Liu ZHENG ; Binbin YANG ; Juanyuan LIAO ; Zhixiang DING
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):938-942
Objective To investigate the expression and mechanistic role of the M2-type pyruvate kinase(PKM2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway in the development of experimental autoim-mune uveitis(EAU).Methods Eighteen 4-to 5-week-old C57BL/6J mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group(normal breeding,set as the 0-day state post-modeling),Experimental Group A,and Experimental Group B(both established as stable EAU mouse models using the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide 651-670,com-plete Freund's adjuvant,and pertussis toxin,designated as the 14-day and 21-day states post-modeling,respectively),with 6 mice in each group.The anterior segment of the mice was observed using a slit-lamp microscope,fundus findings were collected using a fundus camera,and clinical and histopathological scores were evaluated after hematoxylin-eosin stai-ning.The protein expression level of serum interleukin(IL)-17A was detected by ELISA.The expression level of PKM2 protein in retinal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.The protein expression levels of PKM2,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),and STAT3 in mouse retinal tissue were detected by Western blot.Results The clinical scores of the anterior segment and fundus,as well as the retinal histopathological scores in Experimental Group A and Experimental Group B,were all significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The serum IL-17A protein expression levels in the control group,Experimental Group A,and Experimental Group B were(69.05±0.45)ng·L-1,(75.06±0.46)ng·L-1,and(72.04±0.82)ng·L-1,respectively.The optical density values of PKM2 protein expression in retinal tissue were(18.51±2.59)%,(37.35±4.67)%,and(29.75±2.17)%,respectively.The expression levels of serum IL-17A protein,retinal PKM2 protein,and retinal STAT3 and p-STAT3 proteins in Experimental Group A and Experimental Group B were all significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of key factors in the PKM2/STAT3 signaling pathway are positively correlated with the severity of EAU,indicating that this sig-naling pathway,as a positive regulator of the immune response,is involved in the pathological process of EAU.
9.Analysis of 9 patients with adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency
Huiting ZHANG ; Xue MA ; Ying JIN ; Mengqiu LI ; Jinqing SONG ; Zhehui CHEN ; Yi LIU ; Xiangpeng LU ; Hong ZHENG ; Yanling YANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(4):357-362
Objective:To explore the diagnosis and treatment of adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency.Methods:This was a retrospective case study. Nine patients with adolescence-onset MTHFR deficiency were diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022, and followed up for more than 1 year. Their general information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, cranial images, MTHFR gene variants, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The 9 patients came from 8 families. They had symptoms at age of 8.0 years to 17.0 years and diagnosed at 9.0 years to 17.5 years. Eight were male and 1 was female. Two patients were brothers, the elder brother developed abnormal gait at 17.0 years; and the younger brother was then diagnosed at 15.0 years of age and treated at the asymptomatic stage, who was 18.0 years old with normal condition during this study. The main manifestations of the 8 symptomatic patients included progressive dyskinesia and spastic paralysis of the lower limbs, with or without intellectual decline, cognitive impairment and behavioral abnormalities. Totally, 15 variants of MTHFR gene were identified in the 9 patients, including 8 novel variants. Five patients had brain image abnormalities. Increased plasma total homocysteine level (65-221 μmol/L) was found in all patients, and decreased to 20-70 μmol/L after treatment with betaine and calcium folinate. Besides, the 8 symptomatic patients had their behavior and cognitive problems significantly improved, with a legacy of lower limb motor disorders.Conclusions:Late-onset MTHFR deficiency can occur in adolescence. The diagnosis is usually delayed because of non-specific clinical symptoms. The test of blood total homocysteine could be used as a selective screening test. Eight novel varients of MTHFR gene were identified. Timely treatment can improve clinical condition significantly, and pre-symptomatic treatment may prevent brain damage.
10.Implications of left atrial volume index in patients with three-vessel coronary disease: A 6.6-year follow-up cohort study
Ru LIU ; Lei SONG ; Ce ZHANG ; Lin JIANG ; Jian TIAN ; Lianjun XU ; Xinxing FENG ; Linyuan WAN ; Xueyan ZHAO ; Ou XU ; Chongjian LI ; Runlin GAO ; Rutai HUI ; Wei ZHAO ; Jinqing YUAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(4):441-449
Background::Risk assessment and treatment stratification for three-vessel coronary disease (TVD) remain challenging. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of left atrial volume index (LAVI) with the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score II, and its association with the long-term prognosis after three strategies (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG], and medical therapy [MT]) in patients with TVD.Methods::This study was a post hoc analysis of a large, prospective cohort of patients with TVD in China, that aimed to determine the long-term outcomes after PCI, CABG, or optimal MT alone. A total of 8943 patients with TVD were consecutively enrolled between 2004 and 2011 at Fuwai Hospital. A total of 7818 patients with available baseline LAVI data were included in the study. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were collected. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), which was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Secondary endpoints included all-cause death, cardiac death, MI, revascularization, and stroke. Long-term outcomes were evaluated among LAVI quartile groups. Results::During a median follow-up of 6.6 years, a higher LAVI was strongly associated with increased risk of MACCE (Q3: hazard ratio [HR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.37, P = 0.005; Q4: HR 1.85, 95%CI 1.64-2.09, P <0.001), all-cause death (Q3: HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17-1.69, P <0.001; Q4: HR 2.54, 95%CI 2.16-3.00, P <0.001), and cardiac death (Q3: HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.39-2.37, P <0.001; Q4: HR 3.47, 95%CI 2.71-4.43, P <0.001). Moreover, LAVI significantly improved discrimination and reclassification of the SYNTAX score II. Notably, there was a significant interaction between LAVI quartiles and treatment strategies for MACCE. CABG was associated with lower risk of MACCE than MT alone, regardless of LAVI quartiles. Among patients in the fourth quartile, PCI was associated with significantly increased risk of cardiac death compared with CABG (HR: 5.25, 95% CI: 1.97-14.03, P = 0.001). Conclusions::LAVI is a potential index for risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in patients with three-vessel coronary disease. CABG is associated with improved long-term outcomes compared with MT alone, regardless of LAVI quartiles. When LAVI is severely elevated, PCI is associated with higher risk of cardiac death than CABG.

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