1.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
2.Evolution of schistosomiasis epidemics in China during the past seventy-five years: reconstruction and implications based on historical literature
Ligang ZHOU ; Qiling HE ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Shan LÜ ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):250-259
Objective To systematically reconstruct the evolution of schistosomiasis prevalence in China from 1950 to 2024, so as to fill the gap of national data on schistosomiasis prevalence in China before 1986. Methods Schistosomiasis control data were collected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China before 1986, which mainly included statistical data on schistosomiasis, compilations of control records, annual work reports, and academic papers. Data pertaining to the prevalence of schistosomiasis from each province (autonomous region, municipality) were collected and summarized annually, and integrated into national annual work reports for schistosomiasis control in China from 1986 to 2024 to build a national schistosomiasis epidemic database covering schistosomiasis patients, cattle with schistosomiasis, and Oncomelania hupensis snails. The provincial-level epidemic data of schistosomiasis were summarized annually from 1986 to 2024 with pivot tables, and then the national epidemic data of schis tosomiasis were summarized. The temporal trends in key epidemic indicators of schistosomiasis were analyzed in China from 1950 to 2024. Results A complete time-series dataset of schistosomiasis was established in China from 1950 to 2024 through systematic reconstruction of multi-source historical documents and materials. A total of 1.97 million newly detected schistosomiasis cases were recorded in China from 1950 to 2024, and the actual number of schistosomiasis patients was all more than 1 million each year from 1955 to 1978. There were only more than 20 000 advanced schistosomiasis patients in China by the end of 2024, and the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum human infections reduced from 34.6% in 1950 to below 1.0% after 1996. A total of 2.47 million cattle were tested positive for schistosomiasis, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infections reduced from 21.4% in bovines since 1950. The area of emerging O. hupensis snail habitats was concentrated during the period between 1956 and 1958, accounting for 49.8% of total areas, while the area of emerging O. hupensis snail habitats significantly decreased since 1992, indicating a stable distribution pattern of O. hupensis snails. Data validation results showed that the cumulative variation in areas of O. hupensis snail habitats was 1.6%, and the cumulative variation in the number of schistosomiasis cases was 1.4%. Join-point regression analysis revealed four turning points in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans and seven turning points in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in livestock across China from 1955 to 2024. Conclusions Through the joint efforts of the Communist Party of China and government leadership, interdepartmental collaboration, professional teams, scientific and technological innovation, and public participation, the schistosomiasis epidemic has been effectively controlled in China following active control for more than 70 years. This study builds, for the first time, a complete time-series dataset on schistosomiasis in China, which provides insights into assessment of the effectiveness of schistosomiasis control programmes and refinement of the experience from schistosomiasis control programmes in China.
3.Hydraulic sinus floor elevation for clinical efficacy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
ZHAO Qingfeng ; QUE Guoying ; ZHOU Zhen ; LIU Jia ; CHEN Lijuan ; LIN Xi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(9):926-938
Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of hydraulic sinus floor elevation for the treatment of insufficient bone height in the posterior maxilla through a systematic review and Meta-analysis, so as to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials.gov were searched up to May 2025. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies that involved patients receiving hydraulic sinus floor elevation with simultaneous or delayed implant placement were included. Exclusion criteria comprised in vitro studies, animal experiments, narrative reviews, unpublished data, commentaries or expert opinions, studies with unclear sample sizes, and publications without full-text access or unavailable outcome data. Three investigators independently performed literature screening and quality assessment. A single-arm Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 18.0 for studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The outcome measures were the incidence of sinus membrane perforation, implant survival rate, and endo-sinus bone gain. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist were used to assess the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE(Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation)system. Results Nineteen studies with 982 patients, 1 151 elevated sites, and 1 263 implants were finally included. The Meta-analysis showed that the intraoperative sinus membrane perforation rate of hydraulic sinus floor elevation was 2.0% [ES = 0.02, 95% CI (0.00, 0.04)] (18 studies, 1 061 sites); the implant survival rate was 99.0% [ES = 0.99, 95% CI (0.97, 1.00)] (17 studies, 1 253 implants); and the mean vertical bone gain was 7.80 mm. For this outcome, heterogeneity among studies was extremely high (I2 = 98.6%), thus only descriptive analysis was performed. Egger's test revealed no significant publication bias for the three outcomes. GRADE grading indicated very low certainty of evidence for mucosal perforation, implant survival rate, and endo sinus bone gain. Conclusion Current preliminary evidence suggests that hydraulic sinus lift may be a safe minimally invasive technique, but the evidence is very low, and more high quality, long term follow up randomized controlled clinical trials are still needed for further verification.
4.Effect of measurement site on diagnostic performance of CT-derived fractional flow reserve
Yutao ZHOU ; Na ZHAO ; Yunqiang AN ; Lei SONG ; Chaowei MU ; Jingang CUI ; Tao JIANG ; Li XU ; Hongjie HU ; Lin LI ; Dumin LI ; Wenqiang CHEN ; Lijuan FAN ; Feng ZHANG ; Yang GAO ; Bin LYU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(6):704-711
Objective:To investigate the effect of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) measurement sites on the values and the diagnostic performance, and to determine the optimal measurement site for CT-FFR using invasive FFR as the reference standard.Methods:This study was part of the CT-FFR CHINA clinical trial. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively recruited from five clinical centers across the country from November 2018 to March 2020. Each enrolled patient underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA), CT-FFR, ICA, and invasive pressure wire-based FFR assessments sequentially within one week. Four groups of CT-FFR values were obtained on each enrolled target vessels according to different CT-FFR measurement locations: 1, 2, 3 cm distal to the target lesion, and terminal vessel groups. Spearman and Bland-Altman analyses were used to explore the correlation and consistency of CT-FFR values and FFR values at different measurement sites. The measurement deviation of CT-FFR was also compared. Diagnostic accuracy and performance of CT-FFR, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), in discriminating myocardial ischemia were analyzed across all measurement site groups on a per-vessel level, using FFR as the reference standard.Results:A total of 289 patients with 345 target lesion vessels were included. According to CCTA, there were 51 target vessels (14.8%) with<50% stenosis, 106 vessels (30.7%) with 50%-69% stenosis, and 188 vessels (54.5%) with stenosis≥70%. At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values at each measurement position group were highly positively correlated: 1 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.734 ( P<0.001); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.732 ( P<0.001); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.737 ( P<0.001); terminal vessel group was 0.719 ( P<0.001). At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values of all measurement sites were in good agreement (Bland-Altman analysis results): 1 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.014 (95% LoA 0.002-0.026); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.026 (95% LoA 0.015-0.038); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.040 (95% LoA 0.039-0.051); terminal vessel group, 0.075 (95% LoA 0.064-0.087). And at per-vessel level, the accuracy of diagnosing myocardial ischemia with CT-FFR at 1 cm was highest [84.6% (95% CI 80.4%-88.3%)], and the lowest accuracy in the terminal vessel group [67.0% (95% CI 61.7%-72.0%)]. However, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR at 1 cm, 2 cm [80.6% (95% CI 76.1%-84.6%)] and 3 cm [77.5% (95% CI 72.6%-81.7%)]. AUC of CT-FFR at 1 cm distal to the lesion were both highest for global level and moderately stenosis (50%-69%) lesions [0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.89), 0.84 (95% CI 0.77-0.90)]. And the differences were statistically significant among the four measurement location groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The deviation of CT-FFR increases with measurement site distance distal to target lesions. One centimeter distal to the target lesion is the optimal measurement site, and the CT-FFR value here shows the highest diagnostic performance for myocardial ischemic lesions, especially for moderate stenosis.
5.Mechanism of Huoxue Rongluo Prescription Regulating Bmal1 Gene to Promote Blood-brain Barrier Repair After Ischemic Stroke
Yuanchen LIAO ; Desheng ZHOU ; Qiang MA ; Lei LUO ; Menghao HE ; Lijuan LIU ; Xiaofeng GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huoxue Rongluo prescription (HXRLP) in repairing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after ischemic stroke (IS). MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation (Sham) group, cerebral infarction model (MCAO) group, environmental circadian disruption with cerebral infarction model (ECD-MCAO) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HXRLP (HXRLP-L, M, and H) groups (8.5, 17, 34 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), and positive drug butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.23 mL·d-1). In the Sham group, only the exposed blood vessels were isolated without suture insertion. In the other groups, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of mice was prepared. In the ECD-MCAO group, HXRLP groups, and NBP group, the environmental circadian disruption (ECD) model was prepared. The mice in the Sham group, MCAO group, and ECD-MCAO group were given the same volume of soybean oil by gavage, while those in the other groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage. Samples were collected after 7 consecutive days of administration. The mNSS score was used to evaluate the repair effect of HXRLP on neurological deficits after IS. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the impact of HXRLP on the pathological damage of brain tissue after IS. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and cerebral blood perfusion status were used to evaluate the repair effect of HXRLP on brain tissue damage after IS. Evans blue staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the improvement effect of HXRLP on the permeability injury of BBB after IS. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to observe the expression of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), brain and muscle Arnt-like 1 (Bmal1), and Occludin in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Bmal1, Occludin, tight junction protein (Claudin-5), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietins(Ang), and related analysis was conducted. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the MCAO group exhibited significantly aggravated neurological deficits, cerebral infarction volume, brain pathological damage, and BBB leakage (P0.01) and significantly reduced cerebral blood perfusion (P0.01). The expression of Bmal1, vWF, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and Ang in brain tissue was significantly enhanced (P0.01), while the expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 was significantly weakened (P0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the ECD-MCAO group showed significantly aggravated neurological deficits, cerebral infarction volume, and BBB leakage (P0.01), obviously worsened brain pathological damage (P0.05), significantly reduced cerebral blood perfusion (P0.01), and significantly decreased expression of Bmal1, vWF, VEGFA, Ang, Occludin, and Claudin-5 in brain tissue (P0.01). Compared with the ECD-MCAO group, the HXRLP groups of all doses presented significantly improved neurological deficits, cerebral infarction volume, brain pathological damage, and BBB leakage (P0.01), significantly increased cerebral blood perfusion (P0.01), and enhanced expression levels of Bmal1, vWF, VEGFA, Ang, Occludin, and Claudin-5 in brain tissue (P0.01). ConclusionHXRLP can regulate the clock protein Bmal1 and promote the expression of VEGFA, Ang, Occludin, and Claudin-5, thereby improving BBB damage after IS.
6.Investigation of reference values for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in middle-aged and elderly populations by GAMLSS: A cross-sectional study
Qian ZHANG ; Weiyan ZHOU ; Huiyi CHEN ; Meng WANG ; Wensong LIU ; Lijuan WANG ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Chuanbao LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(2):156-161
Objective:to investigate age-related changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)levels among middle-aged and elderly individuals, and to establish reference values for the 99th percentile upper reference limit(99th URL)of hs-cTnT within this demographic.Methods:This research is designed as a cross-sectional study.Hs-cTnT test results were collected from outpatients at Beijing Hospital between January 2018 and December 2023.The final sample included 5, 677 outpatients aged 45 to 85 years(65±10), all of whom were free from cardiovascular diseases and other chronic heart-related conditions.Multiple linear regression was utilized to assess the impact of gender and age group on hs-cTnT concentrations within the middle-aged and elderly populations.Furthermore, a generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape(GAMLSS)was employed to generate percentile curves of hs-cTnT by gender in this cohort, with the aim of determining the 99th URLs for both middle-aged and elderly individuals.Results:Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that both gender and age significantly influenced hs-cTnT levels in middle-aged and elderly populations( β60-69 years=1.399, β≥70 years=5.306, βgender=-2.650, all Pvalues<0.001).The hs-cTnT data for both males and females conformed to Box-Cox-Cole-Green(BCCG)distributions, with percentile curves fitted at the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 99th percentiles according to gender.The percentile values of hs-cTnT in both males and females demonstrated a progressive increase with advancing age.Notably, males exhibited higher 99th percentile values than females across all age groups. Conclusions:The GAMLSS approach is employed to establish continuous reference intervals for hs-cTnT in the middle-aged and elderly population.This effort aims to provide a theoretical foundation for reference values specific to this demographic in China and to offer guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
7.Exploration and practice of teaching reform in Synthetic Biology.
Bo ZHANG ; Lianggang HUANG ; Aiping PANG ; Zheyan WU ; Junping ZHOU ; Xue CAI ; Lijuan WANG ; Kun NIU ; Liqun JIN ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Yuguo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3311-3317
Synthetic biology is a crucial tool for the development of the bio-industry and bio-economy, representing a significant aspect of new quality productive forces. As a core course for graduate students in bioengineering, Synthetic Biology plays a vital role in ensuring the supply of essential talents for the development of the bio-industry in the new era. To better serve regional economic development and provide high-level talents for China's progress in the bio-industry, we analyzed typical issues encountered in the past teaching activities, set up a multi-disciplinary teaching team, optimized the course contents, adjusted the teaching mode, and mobilized students' learning interest. With the application of scientific research project as the starting point, we guided students to think and discuss deeply through the simulation of application writing and project defense, which improved students' critical thinking and innovative thinking. With industrialization as a focus, we explored a new training model combining production, education, and research through the joint practice base of the university and enterprises introduced typical cases of biomanufacturing to encourage students to engage in scientific research. The teaching reform significantly enhances the comprehensive abilities and national sentiments of graduate students. This paper hopes to serve as a reference for colleagues engaged in teaching in this field.
Synthetic Biology/education*
;
Teaching
;
China
;
Humans
8.Clinical efficacy of therapeutic whole blood exchange combined with lymphoplasmapheresis in refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Gang WANG ; Yixin GAO ; Linyan WU ; Liuyan PAN ; Suying HE ; Lijuan ZHOU ; Yongzheng PENG ; Minghui YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(10):1348-1354
Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic whole blood exchange combined with lymphoplasmapheresis in the treatment of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of AIHA patients who underwent therapeutic whole blood exchange combined with lymphoplasmapheresis at our hospital from March 2022 to May 2025. Efficacy was assessed by comparing changes in hemoglobin, platelet count, and bilirubin levels before and after treatment. Safety was evaluated by analyzing vital signs before and after the procedure, parameters during the exchange, and adverse reactions. Results: A total of 12 AIHA patients were enrolled, completing 19 exchange procedures. The number of procedures per patient ranged from 1 to 3. The median treatment duration was 67 (65-73) minutes, with a median exchange volume of 2 025 (1 851-2 121) mL, comprising 4.5 (4-6) units of red blood cells and 1 350 (1 200-1 400) mL of plasma. Ten patients achieved partial remission, one achieved complete remission, and one showed no response, yielding an response rate of 91% (11/12). After a single session, hemoglobin increased significantly by 17.58±9.85 g/L (P<0.01), while platelets counts decreased by 45 (17.5, 79)×10
/L (P<0.05), and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant elevation (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, white blood cell count, or heart rate. During the procedures, 4 adverse reactions occurred in 3 patients: one child experienced severe heart rate fluctuation twice consecutively, and two adults developed plasma allergies. All reactions resolved spontaneously without pharmacological intervention. Conclusion: The combination of therapeutic whole blood exchange and lymphoplasmapheresis appears to be a safe and effective treatment for refractory AIHA patients.
9.Histological Transformation from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer to Small Cell Lung Cancer Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Xiting CHEN ; Wenyuan HE ; Ning YANG ; Lijuan XIONG ; Haoqiang WANG ; Peng LIU ; Bo XIE ; Juan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(7):558-566
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as the predominant histological subtype of lung cancer, accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), represented by programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, have achieved breakthrough advancements in patients with driver gene-negative NSCLC. They have been established as a key component of first-line treatment regimens and have significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, limited clinical evidence has emerged showing the phenomenon of histological transformation from NSCLC to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in patients experiencing disease progression after ICIs monotherapy or combination therapy. Systematic research data on the clinical characteristics, molecular biological basis, and subsequent treatment strategies for such transformation events are currently lacking. This article reports a case of SCLC transformation occurring in a patient with KRAS-mutated lung adenocarcinoma after 16 months of ICIs combination therapy and provides a systematic review of 22 similar published cases. The study demonstrates that small cell transformation is a critical mechanism of immunotherapy resistance, and transformed patients exhibit poor prognosis. The research emphasizes the importance of dynamic monitoring of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and standardized repeat biopsies during treatment, providing a basis for clinical practice. This aids in enhancing the recognition and management capabilities for this rare histological transformation, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Humans
;
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Lung Neoplasms/immunology*
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology*
;
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/genetics*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
10.Genetic and clinical phenotypic analysis of Usher syndrome-associated gene variants.
Heng ZHAO ; Xiuli MA ; Yanli QU ; Guo LI ; Ken LIN ; Rui HUANG ; Lijuan ZHOU ; Jing MA
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(8):736-742
Objective:To investigate the molecular characteristics and clinical heterogeneity of Usher syndrome(USH) -related gene variants in patients with hereditary hearing loss in southwest China, providing a basis for early diagnosis and clinical management. Methods:Thirteen patients from twelve families with hearing loss who attended the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 2017 and March 2021 were enrolled. All patients were identified as carrying USH-related gene variants through next-generation sequencing. Sanger sequencing was performed for all patients and their parents to validate the pathogenic variants. Comprehensive clinical evaluations, including medical history collection, otologic and ophthalmologic examinations, and vestibular function assessments, were conducted. Results:Among the 13 patients, 4 were diagnosed with USH type 1 and 2 with USH type 2. A total of 19 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in USH-related genes, including MYO7A,CDH23,USH1C, and USH2A. The causative gene was MYO7A in 3 probands, CDH23 in 5, USH1C in 3, and USH2Ain 2. All patients exhibited an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Vestibular dysfunction was observed in 4 patients, and retinitis pigmentosa(RP) in 3 patients. Based on the genotype-phenotype correlation, 6 patients were initially diagnosed with USH, while 7 were classified as having non-syndromic hearing loss(NSHL). Conclusion:This study revealed the clinical heterogeneity of USH-related gene variants in patients with hereditary deafness in southwest China. Although the clinical manifestations of USH are complex and there are overlapping characteristics between different subtypes, genetic testing provides an important basis for early diagnosis and precise clinical management. Especially for those with typical hearing loss, early genetic diagnosis can provide a window of time for early detection and intervention of retinitis pigmentosa.
Humans
;
Usher Syndromes/genetics*
;
Myosin VIIa
;
Phenotype
;
Male
;
Female
;
Myosins/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Cadherins/genetics*
;
Child
;
Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics*
;
Adolescent
;
Pedigree
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Cadherin Related Proteins
;
Cytoskeletal Proteins
;
Cell Cycle Proteins


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail