1.Research progress on the characteristic clinical manifestations of pathologic myopia and their related genes
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):620-626
Pathologic myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Its characteristic clinical manifestations include posterior staphyloma caused by pathological elongation of the axial length, myopic maculopathy and high myopia-associated optic neuropathy. Extensive research conducted both domestically and internationally has consistently demonstrated that genetics plays a significant role in the occurrence and progression of pathologic myopia. With the innovative development of genetics, it has become possible to predict, prevent, control, and treat pathologic myopia at the gene level. This paper reviews the characteristic clinical manifestations of pathologic myopia and its related genes to provide a basis for the etiology of pathologic myopia and potential targets for therapeutic intervention, to provide a reference for treating pathologic myopia and its complications at the genetic level, and to explore new and effective ways to control the development of pathologic myopia.
2.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts.
3.Alvianolic acid B exerts a protective effect on random skin flaps through autophagy mediated by activation of TFE3
Zhong-Bing HAN ; Hui-Wen YANG ; Hai-Zhou NIU ; Kuan-Kuan ZHANG ; Yang-Yang LIU ; Pan-Pan XU ; Ling-Ti KONG ; Chang-Chun ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1912-1920
Aim To observe the role of salvianolic acid B(Sal B)in enhancing the survival of random skin flaps and to preliminarily explore its potential mecha-nisms.Methods The appearance,degree of edema,color and hair condition of the skin flap were evaluated seven days after operation.The vascular network and blood flow of random flaps were measured by laser Doppler flow measurement.HE staining was used to detect the growth of microvessels in random flaps.The expressions of VEGF and CD34 were detected by im-munohistochemistry,the expressions of RIPK1,2 and LC3 Ⅱ were detected by immunofluorescence,and the effects of autophagy related proteins and signaling path-ways were detected by Western blot.Results The ex-perimental results showed that Sal B induced autophagy in the random skin flaps,promoted angiogenesis,and reduced oxidative stress and necrotic apoptosis,signifi-cantly increasing the survival rate of the flaps.Immu-nohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and Western blot confirmed that Sal B induced autophagy in the random skin flaps by activating TFE3 protein.Conclusion Sal B can promote autophagy in cells of random skin flaps and reduce their necrotic apoptosis by activating TFE3 protein.
4.Current situation and influencing factors of health-care seeking delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Qingpu district of Shanghai, 2011-2022
HU Jingfei ; ZHOU Hongrang ; ZHOU Zhe ; WANG Yufeng ; CHEN Jianfeng ; WANG Wanhong ; KONG Wen ; LI Guifu
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(3):333-
Objective To analyze the current situation and influencing factors of health-care seeking delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Qingpu District of Shanghai from 2011 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for tuberculosis prevention and control. Methods The data of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Qingpu District of Shanghai from 2011 to 2022 was collected through the China Tuberculosis Information Management System to describe the distribution and change trend of the delay in health-care seeking. Univariate analysiswas performed using the chi-square (χ²) test, and the time trend of rates was tested with the trend chi-square (trend χ²) test. Multivariate logistic regression model analyzed the influencing factors of the delay in health-care seeking. Results From 2011 to 2022, there were 3 488 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in Qingpu District, with 1 438 patients experiencing health-care seeking delay. The median (quartile) number of days of delay was M (P25, P75) = 10 (2, 24) days, and the rate of health-care seeking delay was 41.23%. The annual rate of health-care seeking delay fluctuated between 33.88% and 50.45% from 2011 to 2022, with statistically significant differences between different years (χ²=38.355, P<0.001), and an upward trend in the health-care seeking delay rate was observed from 2020 to 2022 (χtrend²=13.290, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared to male, those under 25 years old, with local household registration, and detected through health check-ups, females (OR=1.21, 95%CI:1.04-1.41), those aged 45 to <65 (OR=1.36, 95%CI:1.06-1.75), intra-city migrants (OR=1.35, 95%CI:1.09-1.68), inter-provincial/overseas migrants (OR=1.50, 95%CI:1.23-1.83), and patients who directly sought medical care (OR=3.52, 95%CI:2.27-5.47), transfer treatment (OR=2.07,95%CI:1.31-3.25), referral (OR=2.16, 95%CI:1.36-3.44), follow-up (OR=3.07, 95%CI:1.74-5.44) patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were more likely to delay health-care, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared to sputum-positive patients, those with sputum-negative tests (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.59-0.97) were less likely to experience delayed health-care, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Health-care seeking delay of pulmonary tuberculosis patients is relatively common in Qingpu District of Shanghai. Corresponding intervention measures should be adopted for risk factors and key populations to further improve the health-care seeking delay.
5.Clinical features of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome-associated renal cell carcinoma: a multi-center real-world retrospective study
Yunze XU ; Wen KONG ; Ming CAO ; Guangxi SUN ; Jinge ZHAO ; Songyang LIU ; Zhiling ZHANG ; Liru HE ; Xiaoqun YANG ; Haizhou ZHANG ; Lieyu XU ; Yanfei YU ; Hang WANG ; Honggang QI ; Tianyuan XU ; Bo YANG ; Yichu YUAN ; Dongning CHEN ; Dengqiang LIN ; Fangjian ZHOU ; Qiang WEI ; Wei XUE ; Xin MA ; Pei DONG ; Hao ZENG ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(3):161-167
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and therapeutic efficacy of patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma(RCC) syndrome-associated RCC (HLRCC-RCC) in China.Methods:The clinical data of 119 HLRCC-RCC patients with fumarate hydratase (FH) germline mutation confirmed by genetic diagnosis from 15 medical centers nationwide from January 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 73 were male and 46 were female. The median age was 38(13, 74) years. The median tumor diameter was 6.5 (1.0, 20.5) cm. There were 38 cases (31.9%) in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱand 81 cases (68.1%) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. In this group, only 11 of 119 HLRCC-RCC patients presented with skin smooth muscle tumors, and 44 of 46 female HLRCC-RCC patients had a history of uterine fibroids. The pathological characteristics, treatment methods, prognosis and survival of the patients were summarized.Results:A total of 86 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 70 cases of radical nephrectomy, 5 cases of partial nephrectomy, and 11 cases of reductive nephrectomy. The other 33 patients with newly diagnosed metastasis underwent renal puncture biopsy. The results of genetic testing showed that 94 patients had FH gene point mutation, 18 had FH gene insertion/deletion mutation, 4 had FH gene splicing mutation, 2 had FH gene large fragment deletion and 1 had FH gene copy number mutation. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) positive and FH negative in 113 patients. A total of 102 patients received systematic treatment, including 44 newly diagnosed patients with metastasis and 58 patients with postoperative metastasis. Among them, 33 patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), 8 patients were treated with bevacizumab combined with erlotinib, and 61 patients were treated with TKI monotherapy. Survival analysis showed that the median progression-free survival (PFS) of TKI combined with ICI was 18 (5, 38) months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The median PFS and OS were 12 (5, 14) months and 30 (10, 32) months in the bevacizumab combined with erlotinib treatment group, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 10 (3, 64) months and 44 (10, 74) months in the TKI monotherapy group, respectively. PFS ( P=0.009) and OS ( P=0.006) in TKI combined with ICI group were better than those in bevacizumab combined with erlotinib group. The median PFS ( P=0.003) and median OS ( P=0.028) in TKI combined with ICI group were better than those in TKI monotherapy group. Conclusions:HLRCC-RCC is rare but has a high degree of malignancy, poor prognosis and familial genetic characteristics. Immunohistochemical staining with strong positive 2-SC and negative FH can provide an important basis for clinical diagnosis. Genetic detection of FH gene germ line mutation can confirm the diagnosis. The preliminary study results confirmed that TKI combined with ICI had a good clinical effect, but it needs to be confirmed by the results of a large sample multi-center randomized controlled clinical study.
6.Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity
Zhuolong WU ; Zaoyu WANG ; Qiong CHEN ; Wen KONG ; Jiwei HUANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Yonghui CHEN ; Yiran HUANG ; Wei XUE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(3):175-179
Objective:To summarize the clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP).Methods:The clinical and pathological data of six pathologically confirmed PRNRP patients admitted to Renji Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, three were male and three were female, with an average age of (55.3±10.5) years old. All six cases were incidentally discovered during health examinations. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans showed tumors with cortical phase manifestations of uneven enhancement, avascularity, and indistinct borders, with CT values of (85.6±18.7) HU. In the corticomedullary phase, the CT values showed mild elevation, with an average of (94.3±4.7) HU. In the delayed phase, the tumor boundaries were clear, and the enhancement degree was significantly lower than that of the surrounding renal cortex and medulla, with a tumor CT value of (86.3±11.9) HU. The pseudocapsule of the tumor was not clearly displayed on contrast-enhanced CT scans. All cases underwent partial nephrectomy, including two cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and four cases of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Results:Postoperative pathological measurements revealed a maximum tumor diameter ranging from 6 to 15 mm, with an average diameter of (11.0±3.5) mm. All six cases were classified as pT 1aN 0M 0 stage. Microscopically, the tumors exhibited branching papillary structures with eosinophilic cytoplasm, and the tumor cells displayed low-grade nuclei located at the top of the cytoplasm and away from the basal membrane. Immunohistochemical analysis showed diffuse strong positivity for GATA3 and CK7, while CA-Ⅸ expression was negative. The median follow-up time after surgery was 10(9, 13) months, and no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed. Conclusions:PRNRP is a rare, low-grade malignant papillary renal tumor. Contrast-enhanced CT scan has characteristic features of avascularity. Pathological morphological features are low-grade nuclei located at the top of the cytoplasm and far away from the basal membrane, forming a "reverse polarity". The immunophenotype shows positive expression of GATA3 and CK7. Partial nephrectomy is the recommended treatment approach, and the postoperative prognosis is favorable.
7.2024 ASCO-GU progress in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Wen KONG ; Zhenhua LIU ; Jin ZHANG ; Hao ZENG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(4):251-253
One of the remarkable progresses regarding non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma in the 2024 ASCO-GU symposium was the survival update of KEYNOTE-B61 study, in which tyrosine kinase inhibitor plus immunotherapy (TKI-IO) combination maintained satisfactory efficacy and safety. The distinct response to immunotherapy between papillary versus chromophobe renal cell carcinoma was demonstrated closely correlated with tumor microenvironment. The fusion partner of TFE-rearranged renal cell carcinoma directly determined the tumor biological behavior and therapeutic response.
8.Clinical effects of Polygonum cuspidatum on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of Dampness-Heat Pattern
Yuan-Ying XU ; Wen-Wen KONG ; Hong-Ping YIN ; Hui-Hui ZHANG ; Xing-Hua CAI ; Bi-Lin XU ; Wen-Jun SHA ; Tao LEI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(8):2596-2600
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb.et Zucc.on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of Dampness-Heat Pattern.METHODS One hundred and forty patients were randomly assigned into control group(70 cases)for 8-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(70 cases)for 8-week intervention of both P.cuspidatum granules and conventional treatment.The changes in body weight,BMI,blood glucose indices(FBG,2 h PG,HbA1C,GA),blood lipid indices(TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA-I,ApoB,ApoA,ApoE,sdLDL-C),liver function indices(ALT,AST),fatty liver progression,TyG,HSI,TCM syndrome score and effects were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rates of TCM syndromes than the control group(P<0.01),along with slighter fatty liver progression(P<0.01).After the treatment,the observation group displayed decreased body weight,BMI,FBG,GA,TG,ApoE,TyG,HSI,ALT and TCM syndrome score(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 2 h PG,TyG,HSI,ALT,TCM syndrome score were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION For the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of Dampness-Heat Pattern,P.cuspidatum can improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders,which is worthy of clinical popularization and application.
9.Pedigree analysis of B el subtype caused by the new allele c.175_176insGA
Hecai YANG ; Yin GUAN ; Xiaoli MA ; Yonglei LYU ; Yongkui KONG ; Chaoqun GUO ; Minglu GENG ; Liping WANG ; Tao WEN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(10):1206-1211
Objective:To serologically and genotypically analyze the pedigree of a case with a new allele c.175_176insGA of B el subtype and preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of weak expression of glycosyltransferase B. Method:In the descriptive study,a 23-year-old male voluntary blood donor and his family members were selected for the study. The ABO and Le blood types of the proband and his family members was identified by the test tube method. The agglutination inhibition test was applied to detect the B and H antigens in saliva, and the Sanger sequencing and PacBio (Pacific Bioscience) third-generation haplotype sequencing were performed on the study subjects to identify genotypes. Finally, Expasy software were applied to amino acid translation of DNA sequences and prediction of protein length after gene alteration. ORF finder was applied to predict alternative start codons as well as open reading frames of mRNA, and protein expression mechanisms were analyzed.Results:The proband and her sister were B el subtype, her mother was AB el subtype, her father was normal O type, and all members of the family were Le(a+b+) phenotype. Sanger sequencing results showed that a new allele of c.175_176insGA was found in exon 4 of the proband, her mother, and her sister. Third-generation haplotype sequencing detected the haplotypes of the family members, which revealed that the proband was ABO*O.01.02/ABO*BEL.NEW (c.175_176insGA), the father was ABO*O.01.02/ABO*O.01.02, the mother was ABO*A1.02/ABO*BEL.NEW (c.175_176insGA), and the sister was ABO*O.01.02/ABO*BEL.NEW (c.175_176insGA). Analysis of the protein expression mechanism indicated that although the new allele of ABO*BEL.NEW was presumed to cause a frameshift mutation and result in a premature stop codon p.Asp59Glu*fs20 in exon 5, encoding an inactive glycosyltransferase, an alternative start codon could be utilized to initiate translation of B el subtype functional glycosyltransferase. Conclusion:Expression of the new allele of B el subtype is associated with the translation of B el subtype glycosyltransferase initiated by alternative start codons.
10.A single-center analysis of pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug resistance in bacterial bloodstream infections among patients with hematological diseases
Mengting CHE ; Chaomeng WANG ; Hui LIU ; Haifang KONG ; Lijuan LI ; Jia SONG ; Huaquan WANG ; Guojin WANG ; Yuhong WU ; Jing GUAN ; Limin XING ; Wen QU ; Hong LIU ; Xiaoming WANG ; Zhidong HU ; Zonghong SHAO ; Rong FU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(10):937-943
Objective:To analyze the distribution and drug resistance of pathogens of bacterial bloodstream infection in patients with hematological diseases in the Department of Hematology of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and to provide etiological data for clinical empirical anti-infection treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general clinical information, pathogenic bacteria and drug susceptibility test results of patients with hematological diseases diagnosed with bacterial bloodstream infection by menstrual blood culture in our center from January 2016 to December 2022.Results:Patients included 498 inpatients, with a total of 639 bacterial strains. Among the patients, 86.9% patients had malignancies, and 76.7% had agranulocytosis. Symptoms of concurrent infections, including those of the respiratory tract, oral mucosa, skin and soft tissues, and abdominal sources were observed in 68.3% patients. Gram-negative bacteria (G -) accounted for 79.0% of the isolated bacteria, and gram-positive bacteria (G +) accounted for 21.0%. The top five isolated pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.5%), Escherichia coli (20.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0%), Enterococcus faecium (5.5%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilum (5.0%). Escherichia coli exhibited a decreasing trend of resistance to quinolones, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited increasing rates of resistance to quinolones and cephalosporins between 2016 and 2018, but the rated decreased after 2019. The resistance rate to carbapenems exhibited by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was approximately 20%. Carbapenem-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were first detected in 2017, with a peak resistance rate of 35.7%, detected in 2019. A 60.0% resistance rate to methicillin was observed in methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS), and one case of linezolid-resistant MRCNS was detected. Conclusions:Pathogenic bacteria of bacterial bloodstream infections were widely distributed in our center, and precautions are warranted against carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

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