1.Exploring Immune Mechanism of Alveolar Epithelial Homeostasis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Principle of "Spleen being in Charge of Defensive Function"
Jie CHEN ; Lijian PANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Jingyu WANG ; Siyu LI ; Yuanyu LIANG ; XU XINZHU ; Ping LEI ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):259-264
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be classified as pulmonary collateral disease,and its pathogenesis is mainly characterized by the loss of Qi meridian nourishment,the loss of Yin meridian nourishment,and the formation of blood stasis in the blood vessels. Qi Yin deficiency is the pathological basis that runs through IPF,and obstruction of meridians and collaterals is a key element in the development of the disease. The dysfunction of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is closely related to the formation of the pathological pattern of "lung deficiency and collateral stasis" in IPF. The term "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" originated from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon. If the spleen is healthy,the Qi will be filled with vitality. Positive energy is stored inside,evil cannot be dried up. Its concept is quite similar to the immune defense function in modern medicine. If the principle of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is lost,the key structure and function of the IPF alveolar epithelial barrier may be abnormal,and it can interact with various innate immune cells to promote inflammation and fibrosis processes. Therefore,this article explains the imbalance of immune homeostasis in IPF alveolar epithelium from two aspects:the barrier function of alveolar epithelial cells(AECs) and their interaction with innate immune cells. And based on the theory of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function",using traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the spleen and nourishing Qi to treat IPF from the perspective of the spleen. This not only strengthens the scientific connotation of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" in the pathogenesis of IPF,but also provides new research directions and ideas for its future clinical prevention and treatment.
2.The observational chart for traumatic limb swelling enhances diagnostic accuracy for osteofascial compartment syndrome.
Zhi-Wei YANG ; Zhao-Di WANG ; Jun-Sheng YANG ; Liang-Cheng TONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Wei DAI ; Kun PANG ; Ying LI
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):454-461
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the observational chart for traumatic limb swelling (OCTLS) for osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS).
METHODS:
This was a descriptive-longitudinal study. Data of 316 patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibial fractures in our department from January 2015 to December 2023 were collected. Patients with Gustilo type II or higher open fractures, vascular injury, or bilateral fractures were excluded from the study. Two groups of double-blinded investigators independently assessed patients for the presence of OCS using 2 distinct diagnostic methods. Three senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated patients with post-fracture calf swelling for OCS and the need for fasciotomy based on clinical signs and their extensive clinical experience. Subsequently, fasciotomy was performed according to their judgment, followed by postoperative examination of muscle and soft tissue conditions. Additionally, a follow-up evaluation was conducted to assess for complications such as ischemic muscle contracture. Another 3 trained researchers used OCTLS to grade swelling severity and determine the need for fasciotomy. The final diagnostic gold standard of OCS was determined by referring to whether there was escape of muscles at fasciotomy and/or color change in the muscles or muscle necrosis intraoperatively, and neurological abnormality or contracture at the last follow-up. The results of the 2 diagnostic methods were compared with the final diagnostic result. Kappa consistency test, paired χ2 test (McNemar test), and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the 2 diagnostic methods.
RESULTS:
Of the 316 patients, 211 were finally included in the study, including 160 males and 51 females, with an average follow-up time of (14.5 ± 2.7) months. Among the 211 patients with tibial fracture-associated swelling, 42 were definitively diagnosed with OCS. Based on clinical symptoms and signs judgment, among the 65 fasciotomy patients, 38 were confirmed as correct, while among the 146 non-fasciotomy patients, 4 developed ischemic muscle contractures. Based on the OCTLS for assessment, fasciotomy was correctly recommended in 36 out of 43 cases, while 6 out of 168 non-fasciotomy patients developed OCS. Compared to the use of the gold standard, clinical signs judgment showed moderate consistency (McNemar's test p < 0.001, Kappa = 0.618, p < 0.001), whereas OCTLS demonstrated strong agreement (McNemar's test p = 1.000, Kappa = 0.808, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed higher diagnostic accuracy for OCTLS (area under curve = 0.908, 95% CI: 0.843 - 0.972) compared to clinical signs judgment (area under curve = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.812 - 0.933). OCTLS achieved superior accuracy (93.8% vs. 85.3%, χ2 = 8.221, p < 0.001) and a lower fasciotomy rate (20.4% vs. 30.8%, χ2 = 6.023, p = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
Compared to clinical signs judgment, OCTLS significantly reduces unnecessary fasciotomy, improves diagnostic accuracy for OCS, and enables non-invasive, dynamic, and quantitative assessment, making it a valuable tool for clinical practice.
Humans
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Compartment Syndromes/etiology*
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Male
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Female
;
Adult
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Tibial Fractures/surgery*
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Middle Aged
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Fasciotomy
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Edema/etiology*
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Longitudinal Studies
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Aged
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Young Adult
3.The PGAM5-NEK7 interaction is a therapeutic target for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in colitis.
Cheng-Long GAO ; Jinqian SONG ; Haojie WANG ; Qinghong SHANG ; Xin GUAN ; Gang XU ; Jiayang WU ; Dalei WU ; Yueqin ZHENG ; Xudong WU ; Feng ZHAO ; Xindong LIU ; Lei SHI ; Tao PANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):349-370
The innate immune sensor NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. PGAM5 is a mitochondrial phosphatase involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the role of PGAM5 in ulcerative colitis and the mechanisms underlying PGAM5 regulating NLRP3 activity remain unknown. Here, we show that PGAM5 deficiency ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By combining APEX2-based proximity labeling focused on PGAM5 with quantitative proteomics, we identify NEK7 as the new binding partner of PGAM5 to promote NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation in a PGAM5 phosphatase activity-independent manner upon inflammasome induction. Interfering with PGAM5-NEK7 interaction by punicalagin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction in macrophages for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and further provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis by blocking the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction.
4.Obesity-driven oleoylcarnitine accumulation in tumor microenvironment promotes breast cancer metastasis-like phenotype.
Chao CHEN ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Lingling QI ; Haoqi LEI ; Xuefei FENG ; Yingjie CHEN ; Yuanyuan CHENG ; Defeng PANG ; Jufeng WAN ; Haiying XU ; Shifeng CAO ; Baofeng YANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Xin ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1974-1990
Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer and is associated with breast cancer metastasis. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which alterations in systemic metabolism affect tumor microenvironment (TME) and consequently influence tumor metastasis remains inadequately understood. Herein, we found that perturbations in circulating metabolites induced by obesity promote metastasis-like phenotypes in breast cancer. Oleoylcarnitine (OLCarn) concentrations were elevated in the serum of obese mice and humans. Administration of exogenous OLCarn induces metastasis-like characteristics in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, OLCarn directly interacts with the Arg176 site of adenylate cyclase 10 (ADCY10), leading to the activation of ADCY10 and enhancement of cAMP production. Mutations at Arg176 prevent OLCarn from binding to ADCY10, disrupting the ADCY10-mediated activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. This activation promotes transcription factor 4 (TCF4)-dependent kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) transcription, thereby driving breast cancer metastasis. Conversely, the neutralization of both ADCY10 and KIFC1 through knockdown or pharmacological inhibition abrogates the oncogenic effects mediated by OLCarn. Hence, obesity-induced systemic environmental changes lead to the aberrant accumulation of OLCarn within the TME, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for breast cancer.
5.Research progress on the neural mechanisms of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and prospect of treatment strategies
Lei PANG ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Weilun ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(12):1027-1032
Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) is a lower urinary tract dysfunction syndrome caused by disorders of the neural regulatory pathways for micturition. Its core feature is that the urethral sphincter fails to relax coordinately during detrusor contraction; instead, the persistent abnormal contraction leads to a series of severe complications such as dysuria, elevated intravesical pressure, and upper urinary tract damage.DSD is common in patients with central nervous system lesions, such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress on the neural mechanisms of DSD, including ① loss of central regulation and excessive excitation of the spinal cord center, i.e., the loss of supraspinal inhibition leading to sacral spinal reflex hyperactivity; ② imbalance of key neurotransmitters and receptors, involving excessive glutamatergic excitation, weakened gamma-aminobutyric acid ergic/glycinergic inhibition, and the involvement of purinergic and endocannabinoid systems; ③ neuroimmunity and inflammatory response, where the activation of microglia and astrocytes after spinal cord injury releases pro-inflammatory factors, exacerbating neuronal excitability and circuit remodeling; ④ peripheral nerve and gut-bladder axis mechanisms, where sphincter structural remodeling and the gut microbiota-neuroimmunity crosstalk form a vicious cycle. The paper focuses on the sacral Onuf's nucleus as the“core hub”and key therapeutic target of DSD, discussing the central role of its dysfunction in the occurrence of synergistic disorders. In terms of therapeutic strategies, the paper summarizes existing traditional methods, such as drugs, botulinum toxin injection and neuromodulation, and envisions the cutting-edge directions of targeted intervention, such as precise strategies including gene therapy and neurotrophic support, as well as the challenges faced in clinical translation. Finally, the paper discusses the application prospects of precision medicine and artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of DSD, including precise classification based on multi-omics data, artificial intelligence-assisted recommendation of individualized treatment plans, and the development of dynamic closed-loop regulation systems. This paper aims to provide a theoretical basis and research direction for in-depth understanding of the neural mechanisms of DSD, and to promote the precise diagnosis, treatment and neural function remodeling.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis among students in Chongqing during 2015-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1771-1775
Objective:
To delineate the epidemiologic profile of rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (RR-PTB) among students in Chongqing, so as to provide evidence for effectively controlling RR-PTB outbreaks in schools.
Methods:
Individual level surveillance records of 395 student RR-PTB cases reported from 2015 to 2024 were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to quantify temporal trends in the registration rate of student RR-PTB cases, and the comparison of RR-PTB registration rates with different demographic characteristics and different regions was performed using Chi-square test.
Results:
From 2015 to 2024, a total of 395 student RR-PTB cases were identified, with the registration rate ranged from 0.07 per 100 000 to 1.47 per 100 000, showed a fluctuating upward trend ( AAPC= 35.22%, t =4.13, P <0.01). A turning point was detected in 2017, rates rose during 2015-2017 (APC=295.23%, t =4.62, P < 0.01 ) and plateaued thereafter (APC=-0.47%, t =-0.12, P =0.91). The proportion of RR-PTB cases occurring among students increased both among all RR-PTB cases (1.54% in 2015, 7.48% in 2024) and all student pulmonary tuberculosis cases (0.20% in 2015, 7.17% in 2024), with significant linear trends ( χ 2 trend =33.55,159.98, both P <0.01). The majority of cases were enrolled in senior high school (50.38%), classified as retreatment (53.92%), of Han ethnicity (75.95%), and diagnosed with multidrug resistant tuberculosis(53.16%). There were significant differences in the composition of different ethnicity, registration category and resistance pattern between different years( χ 2=23.47, 17.23, 59.64,all P <0.05). The South-Eastern Wuling Mountainous Region exhibited the highest notification rate (3.96 per 100 000), whereas the western region had the lowest rate ( 0.47 per 100 000). County level jurisdictions reported higher rates than district level ones (2.16 per 100 000 vs 0.63 per 100 000 ). Statistically significant differences were observed in the RR-PTB reported rates among students across different districts and counties( χ 2=418.05,167.05,both P <0.01).
Conclusions
From 2015 to 2024, the registration rate of detected student RR-PTB cases in Chongqing showed an increasing trend. Students have become one of the key populations for drug resistant TB prevention and control. Intensified health education and active case finding should be implemented to enhance proactive surveillance capabilities.
7.Comparing the effects of dual-task training and single-task training on walking, balance and cognitive functions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review
Xiaoying LIN ; Yanming ZHANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Jianhua LIU ; Lei YANG ; Pang Marco Yiu Chung
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(13):1535-1543
Background::This systematic review aimed to examine whether dual-task (DT) training was superior to single-task (ST) training in improving DT walking, balance and cognitive functions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods::Literature search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Metstr covering inception to May 10, 2023. And in order to facilitate comparison across trials, we calculated the effect size (Hedges’ g) of gait, balance, cognitive, and other parameters under both ST and DT conditions, using the mean change score and standard deviation (SD) of change score of the experimental and control groups. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of DT motor and cognitive training in individuals with Parkinson’s disease were included for this systematic review.Results::A total of 214 participants recruited from six articles (actually five trials) were involved in this review. In terms of walking ability, only double support time and stride time variability showed significant between-group difference (Hedges’ g = 0.34, 0.18, respectively). Compared to ST training group, DT training group had a more improvement effect in laboratory balance measurement (Hedges’ g = 0.18, 1.25), but no significant improvement in clinical balance measurement. No significant between-group differences were observed, thus its training effect on cognitive function was inconclusive.Conclusions::The DT training failed to achieve promising results better than ST training in improving DT walking and balance functions for individuals with PD. Any firm conclusion cannot be drawn at present, due to the limited number of eligible publications. Larger sample size and high-quality studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of DT training in individuals with PD.
8.Association between waist circumference and ischemic stroke: a prospective study in adults from Qingdao
Yuhui LI ; Lei LIU ; Dan HU ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Pei PEI ; Haiping DUAN ; Ruqin GAO ; Zengchang PANG ; Xiaocao TIAN ; Dianjianyi SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):178-184
Objective:To analyze the association between waist circumference (WC) and ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:The data for the present study were from the prospective cohort study of China Kadoorie Biobank in Qingdao. Using baseline information and IS events of the participants, the Cox proportional hazard regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to analyze the association between WC and IS.Results:A total of 33 355 participants were included in the study, with 302 008.88 person-years of follow-up. A total of 1 093 new cases of IS were observed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that compared to the respondents with normal WC (male <85.0 cm, female <80.0 cm), respondents with excessive WC (male ≥85.0 cm, female ≥80.0 cm) had a 78% higher risk of IS incidence [hazard ratio( HR)=1.78, 95% CI: 1.51-2.10], and the risk increased by 72% ( HR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.40-2.12) and 83% ( HR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.40-2.39) in men and women. According to the RCS, the increase in WC and the risk of IS showed an "S" trend of nonlinear dose-response relationship. Conclusions:The risk of IS would increase with the WC. Keeping a normal WC is important for preventing IS.
9.Impact of COVID-19 vaccination and natural infection on neutralizing antibody levels in the serum of elderly individuals
Huan WANG ; Lei LEI ; Shaodong DAI ; Zhu ZHU ; Xiaoxia ZHOU ; Hong PANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(8):730-734
ObjectiveTo investigate the levels of neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus in the serum of elderly individuals aged 60 years and above in Shanghai’s Changning District, following natural infection and mixed immunity, in order to provide a basis for strengthening immunity in the elderly. MethodsElderly people who participated in free health check-ups at 10 community health service centers in Changning District from May to June 2023 were selected as the subjects. Information such as gender, age, COVID-19 infection history, COVID-19 vaccine immunization history, and chronic disease history were collected. Serum samples of the subjects were collected and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies was performed by magnetic particle chemiluminescence method. The antibody levels of different populations were analyzed. ResultsA total of 620 subjects were included, 586 of whom (241 males and 345 females) met the study conditions. There were 90 people in the full vaccination + infection group, 224 people in the intensive vaccination + infection group, and 272 people in the unvaccinated + infection group. The positive rates of COVID-19 antibody in the three groups were 94.44% (95%CI: 87.51%‒98.17%), 95.98% (95%CI:92.51%‒98.15%) and 22.06% (95%CI: 17.28%‒27.46%), respectively. The positive rates in full vaccination + infection group and intensive vaccination + infection group was significantly higher than that in unvaccinated + infection group (χ2=147.561,P<0.01;χ2=271.729,P<0.01). The antibody level in full vaccination + infection group (640.74 AU·mL-1) and intensive vaccination + infection group (1 200.88 AU·mL-1) was significantly higher than that in unvaccinated + infection group (4.51 AU·mL-1) (all P<0.01).The antibody level in the intensive vaccination + infection group was also significantly higher than that in the whole vaccination + infection group (P < 0.05). ConclusionAfter 5‒6 months of infection, the neutralizing antibody positive rate and antibody level were significantly higher in the elderly who received the full vaccination and infection or intensive vaccination and infection. It is recommended that elderly individuals, who have been infected for more than 5‒6 months but have not been vaccinated, should consider getting vaccinated to enhance their levels of neutralizing antibodies.
10.miR-429-3p mediates memory decline by targeting MKP-1 to reduce surface GluA1-containing AMPA receptors in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Man LUO ; Yayan PANG ; Junjie LI ; Lilin YI ; Bin WU ; Qiuyun TIAN ; Yan HE ; Maoju WANG ; Lei XIA ; Guiqiong HE ; Weihong SONG ; Yehong DU ; Zhifang DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):635-652
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) plays a neuroprotective role in AD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MKP-1 on AD have not been extensively studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby repressing mRNA translation. Here, we reported that the microRNA-429-3p (miR-429-3p) was significantly increased in the brain of APP23/PS45 AD model mice and N2AAPP AD model cells. We further found that miR-429-3p could downregulate MKP-1 expression by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3' UTR). Inhibition of miR-429-3p by its antagomir (A-miR-429) restored the expression of MKP-1 to a control level and consequently reduced the amyloidogenic processing of APP and Aβ accumulation. More importantly, intranasal administration of A-miR-429 successfully ameliorated the deficits of hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice by suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-mediated GluA1 hyperphosphorylation at Ser831 site, thereby increasing the surface expression of GluA1-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Together, these results demonstrate that inhibiting miR-429-3p to upregulate MKP-1 effectively improves cognitive and synaptic functions in AD model mice, suggesting that miR-429/MKP-1 pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for AD treatment.


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