1.Association between photoreceptor gene mutation-caused diseases and myopia
Yunqing LIANG ; Jiali LI ; Shanshan LIU ; Xiaohe LU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):452-457
Myopia has become a significant eye health problem, which is thought to result from the complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors. This review focuses on two types of hereditary retinal diseases caused by mutations in photoreceptor genes, including rod-cone cell dystrophy(retinitis pigmentosa)and cone dysfunction syndromes(achromatopsia, blue cone monochromatism and Bornholm eye disease). It systematically explores the intrinsic connection between these diseases and the myopia phenotype, and elaborates on the core mechanisms by which pathogenic genes such as RPGR and OPN1LW/OPN1MW, which cause defects in ciliary structure and protein transport and interfere with the visual signal pathway, jointly induce choroidal thinning and scleral remodeling, ultimately driving the elongation of axial length and the occurrence of myopia. By tracing the association of photoreceptor gene mutations with myopia, this article provides a new perspective for in-depth understanding of the genetic mechanism of myopia and is of great significance for the development of early risk warning and targeted intervention strategies.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Anti-atherosclerosis Effect of Huangqi Chifengtang Based on AMPK/PPARα Signaling Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome
Yuqin LIANG ; Jie LIU ; Chi ZHANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):131-139
ObjectiveTo explore the improving effect of Huangqi Chifengtang(HCT) on atherosclerosis(AS), and elucidate its mechanism in relation to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. MethodsEight C57BL/6J mice were set as the normal group, and 32 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive drug group(atorvastatin, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1), HCT low- and high-dose groups(1.95, 3.90 g·kg-1·d-1). ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol feed to establish an AS mouse model. After modeling, they were orally administered corresponding dose of drugs for 28 days, while the normal and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via oral gavage. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological status of the aorta and liver in mice, Biochemical testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) were used to detect the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 in the serum, as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), and reduced glutathione(GSH) in the liver. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) in the aorta, and fatty acid synthase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), PPARα, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A) in the liver. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and ASC in the aorta, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c(SREBP-1c), CPT1A, and FAS in the liver. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in lipid plaque deposition in the aorta and lipid accumulation in the liver, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of aortic TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver were significantly reduced, while the level of MDA was significantly increased(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly upregulated. The protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly reduced, while the expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose HCT groups showed significant improvements in aortic plaques and hepatic lipid deposition. The levels of TC, LDL-C, AST, IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-1β, IL-18 and CRP in the serum of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly reduced(P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of TLR4, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The protein expressions of Caspase-1 and ASC in the aorta of the low-dose HCT group, as well as NLRP3, Caspase-1 and ASC in the high-dose HCT group, were significantly downregulated(P<0.01). The levels of SOD and GSH in the liver of the low- and high-dose HCT groups were significantly increased, while the level of MDA in the high-dose HCT group was significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). In the HCT-treated group, the mRNA expressions of FAS and SCD1 in the liver were significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expressions of PPARα and CPT1A were significantly downregulated, the protein expressions of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A in the liver were significantly increased, while the protein expressions of SREBP-1c and FAS were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHCT can improve lipid metabolism by activating the AMPK/PPARα pathway and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses, thereby reducing hepatic lipid deposition and AS plaque formation.
3.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
4.Advances in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and its inhibitors in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Chuanyang LU ; Qiuni CHEN ; Yuye SHI ; Yuan DENG ; Tingting JI ; Zhengyuan LIU ; Chunling WANG ; Liang YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):682-688
Abnormal activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In recent years, inhibitors targeting JAK2 and STAT3 have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates in DLBCL. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety profiles of JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib) and STAT3 inhibitors (direct small-molecule inhibitors, the antisense oligonucleotide, and proteolysis targeting chimeras, etc.) in preclinical models and clinical trials. Accumulating evidence indicates that JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity and are generally well tolerated in a subset of DLBCL patients. Meanwhile, the development of novel drug delivery systems has significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability of the compounds. Furthermore, JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors may exhibit synergistic effects when combined with other therapy strategies (such as combinations with B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors, immunomodulators, or other targeted drugs). However, current clinical applications are still in their early stages. Future research should concentrate on precision treatment strategies based on the genetic subtyping of DLBCL, and further refine the delivery systems for inhibitors as well as combination drug regimens to improve clinical outcomes.
5.Relationship between non-suicidal self-injury behaviors, impulsivity, and emotional regulation in adolescents with depressive disorder
Mingfei ZHANG ; Xinyu CHEN ; Fang LIANG ; Zhe CHEN ; Lu QIAN ; Zhijia LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):21-26
BackgroundAdolescents with depressive disorder often engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, which severely impacts their physical and mental health. Impulsivity and emotional regulation are key factors influencing NSSI behaviors. However, research on the mechanisms through which impulsivity and emotional regulation affect NSSI behaviors in adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI remains insufficient, limiting the development of effective intervention strategies. ObjectiveTo explore the differences in impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities between adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by and without NSSI behaviors, and to analyze the association between NSSI behaviors and impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities in adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors. MethodsA total of 184 adolescents hospitalized in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Wuxi Mental Health Center from October 2023 to August 2024, who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in DSM-5, patients were divided into NSSI group (n=108) and non-NSSI group (n=76). The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) were used for assessment. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the correlation between the scores of the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire and the scores of BIS-11 and ERQ in the NSSI group. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of impulsivity and emotion regulation on NSSI behaviors in the NSSI group. ResultsCompared to the non-NSSI group, the NSSI group showed significantly higher scores in BIS-11 non-planned impulsivity (Z=-4.181, P<0.05), action impulsivity (t=4.944, P<0.05), cognitive impulsivity (Z=-3.392, P<0.05), and total score (t=4.763, P<0.05), and lower scores in the cognitive reappraisal of ERQ (t=-4.094, P<0.05) and total score (Z=-2.299, P<0.05), and higher scores in the expression inhibition of ERQ (Z=-3.019, P<0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that the score of the adolescent self-harm questionnaire in the NSSI group was positively correlated with the behavioral impulsivity factor score in the BIS-11 (r=0.434, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that action impulsivity factor was a significant correlate of self-injury behaviors in the NSSI group (B=0.855, P<0.05), explaining 22.30% of the total variance. ConclusionAdolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors exhibit higher levels of impulsivity and poorer emotional regulation abilities. Action impulsivity may play a significant role in the mechanism of NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Wuxi Municipal Health Commission Research Project (number, Q202320)]
6.Technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation of reactive oxygen species-responsive metho-trexate-modified paclitaxel/icariin micelles
Naijian ZOU ; Liang KONG ; Lei CHANG ; Pengbo WAN ; Xiaolin JIANG ; Mingdian YUAN ; Yingqiang LU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):285-292
OBJECTIVE To prepare reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive methotrexate (MTX)-modified paclitaxel (PTX)/icariin (ICA) micelles (MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA), and perform technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation. METHODS Synergistic toxicity concentration range of PTX and ICA was screened by synergistic toxicity test. The micelles were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their technology was optimized by response surface methodology. The fundamental characteristics of the micelles prepared by the optimal technology were evaluated. The micelles’ cytotoxicity, targeting ability to renal carcinoma RENCA cells of mice, and their inhibitory effects on invasion and migration were assessed. RESULTS Results of synergistic toxicity experiments demonstrated that the strongest synergistic effect occurred when PTX concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 10 μmol/L and ICA concentrations ranged from 5 to 15 μmol/L. The optimal technology of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ ICA was determined to include 80 mg Soluplus®, Soluplus® and TPGS1000 mass ratio of 4∶1 (mg/mg), 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-TK- PEG5000, 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-MTX, 1 mg PTX, and 1.5 mg ICA, with a hydration temperature of 35 ℃ and a formulation volume of 5 mL. Under the optimal conditions, average encapsulation efficiency of PTX and ICA in 3 batches of MTX-oxi- Ms@PTX/ICA reached 92.75%, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was 0.007 9 mg/mL, the particle size was (62.09±1.68) nm, the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.046±0.032, and the Zeta potential was (-2.47±0.15) mV. Within 30 days of placement, there was no significant change E-mail:yingqiang_1126@163.com in particle size and polydispersity index of micelle. In vitro release experiments showed that MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA released drugs more rapidly in oxidative environments. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA against RENCA cells was (5.170±0.036) μmol/L. In vitro cellular uptake experiments indicated that compared with unmodified micelles, MTX modified micelles had stronger targeting effects on cancer cells, and also significantly enhanced the inhibitory ability of invasion and migration of RENCA cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA micelles are successfully prepared, which exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, low critical micelle concentration, and good stability. These micelles demonstrate significant cytotoxicity against RENCA cells and effectively inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration.
7.Clinical research advances in non-motor symptom fluctuations in Parkinson disease
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(2):143-146
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive extrapyramidal symptoms and a range of non-motor symptoms, and in addition to the fluctuation of motor symptoms, there are also fluctuations of non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptom fluctuations have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease and may be independent of motor symptom fluctuations. At present, scholars in China do not pay much attention to non-motor fluctuations, and therefore, this article reviews the foreign studies on non-motor fluctuations in recent years.
Parkinson Disease
8.Survey on the awareness and clinical application of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (2022 edition) among clinicians
Yuanyuan KONG ; Yujie GUO ; Yujuan GUAN ; Xuan LIANG ; Zhongjie HU ; Xiaobo LU ; Mingqin LU ; Yongfeng YANG ; Meifang HAN ; Hong YOU ; Zhiyun YANG ; Jidong JIA
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1068-1074
ObjectiveTo investigate the awareness and clinical practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (2022 edition) among clinicians. MethodsFrom July 19 to December 31, 2024, a self-designed electronic questionnaire was distributed via the WeChat mini program to collect related data from 1 588 clinicians nationwide, including their awareness and practice based on 18 questions regarding testing and referral, diagnosis and treatment, and follow-up. ResultsAmong all respondents, only 350 clinicians correctly understood all the updated key points of antiviral indications and treatment for special populations in the 2022 edition of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B, with an overall awareness rate of 22.0%. Only 20% — 40% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and an age of >30 years receive antiviral therapy, while 80% — 100% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and a family history of hepatitis B cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma receive antiviral therapy. The median follow-up rates at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 67.5% 57.5% and 47.5%,respectively, showing a trend of gradual reduction, which might be associated with the influencing factors such as insufficient time for follow-up management by clinicians, insufficient awareness of the disease among patients, and poor adherence to follow-up. ConclusionThere is a gap between the awareness and practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (2022 edition) among clinicians. It is recommended to further strengthen training and focus on the whole process of “detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management” for patients with chronic hepatitis B in healthcare institutions, in order to promote the implementation of the guidelines.
9.Research progress in effect of traditional Chinese medicine on aerobic glycolysis in colorectal cancer.
Xu MA ; Sheng-Long LI ; Guang-Rong ZHENG ; Da-Cheng TIAN ; Gang-Gang LU ; Jie GAO ; Yu-Qi AN ; Li-Yuan CAO ; Liang LI ; Xiao-Yong TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1496-1506
Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Due to the treatment intolerance and side effects, CRC rank the top among various cancers regarding the incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, exploring new therapies is of great significance for the treatment of CRC. Aerobic glycolysis(AEG) plays an important role in the microenvironment formation, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence of CRC and other tumor cells. It has been confirmed that intervening in the AEG pathway can effectively curb CRC. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can effectively inhibit the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance and regulate the apoptosis of tumor cells by modulating AEG-associated transport proteins [eg, glucose transporters(GLUT)], key enzymes [hexokinase(HK) and phosphofructokinase(PFK)], key genes [hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1) and oncogene(c-Myc)], and signaling pathways(MET/PI3K/Akt/mTOR). Accordingly, they can treat CRC, reduce the recurrence, and improve the prognosis of CRC. Although AEG plays a key role in the development and progression of CRC, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this article delves into the intrinsic connection of the targets and mechanisms of the AEG pathway with CRC from the perspective of tumor cell glycolysis and explores how active ingredients(oxymatrine, kaempferol, and dioscin) and compound prescriptions(Quxie Capsules, Jiedu Sangen Decoction, and Xianlian Jiedu Prescription) of TCM treat CRC by intervening in the AEG pathway. Additionally, this article explores the shortcomings in the current research, aiming to provide reliable targets and a theoretical basis for treating CRC with TCM.
Humans
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Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Glycolysis/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
10.Role of miRNA in prostate cancer and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention.
Sheng-Long LI ; Yong-Lin LIANG ; Xiu-Juan YANG ; Yong-Qiang ZHAO ; Hui LI ; Gang-Gang LU ; Xu MA ; Da-Cheng TIAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2619-2630
Prostate cancer(PCa) is a common malignant tumor among elderly men, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Traditional treatments face limitations, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Recent studies on the regulatory mechanisms of micro ribonucleic acid(microRNA, miRNA) in tumor development has identified miRNA as new targets for PCa diagnosis and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-mechanism, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulatory properties, shows promising potential in miRNA-based PCa therapy. This review summarized recent findings on miRNA' roles in PCa and research progress of TCM intervention and found that a variety of miRNA played important regulatory roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance, and their potential as biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, indicating the potential to be a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and treatment of PCa. The review concluded that the active components of TCM(terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others) and compounds(Yishen Tonglong Decoction, Shenhu Decoction, Zhoushi Qiling Decoction, Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction, and Qilan Formula) could regulate the expression of their downstream target genes by acting on specific miRNA and affect the above biological behaviors of PCa cells, thus playing a role in the treatment of PCa. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for miRNA as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCa and suggest new avenues for further development of targeted therapy strategies against miRNA.
Humans
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Male
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Animals
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*

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