1.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
2.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
3.Response to Comments on “Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to Predict the Response to Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma”
Shao-Hao CHEN ; Xiao-Hui WU ; Qian-Ren-Shun QIU ; Shao-Ming CHEN ; Jie ZANG ; Jun-Ming ZHU ; Cheng-Long ZENG ; Wei-Bing MIAO ; Xue-Yi XUE ; Ning XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):188-190
4.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
5.Study on extraction technology of flavonoids from Potentilla discolor with deep eutectic solvents
Bin LIU ; Chenyi YANG ; Meiling SHAO ; Liangyong HUANG ; Yanguo GAO ; Xueqin WANG ; Guanghui LYU ; Qian HU ; Fang YE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2119-2123
OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction process of flavonoids from Potentilla discolor .METHODS Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used as the extraction solvent to prepare test sample solutions. The contents of rutin, quercitrin, and kaempferol were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The analytic hierarchy process combined with the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation weighting method was employed to assign comprehensive weights to the contents of the three flavonoids, and calculate the comprehensive score. The optimal DESs were screened based on the comprehensive score.Mean while, using the comprehensive score as the response variable and the liquid-to-solid ratio, ultrasonic time, and urltrasonic temperature as the influencing factors, the extraction technology of flavonoids from P.discolor was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface methodology and subsequently validated.RESULTS The comprehensive weight coefficients of rutin, quercitrin, and kaempferol were 0.646 7, 0.207 5, and 0.145 8, respectively. The optimal DESs were choline chloride-lactic acid (molar ratio 1∶4) with a water content of 40%. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: liquid-to-solid ratio of 25∶1, ultrasonic time of 40 min, and ultrasonic temperature of 50 ℃. The validation results showed that the average comprehensive score of three batches of samples was 99.28, with an RSD of 0.54% ( n =3).CONCLUSIONS The optimal extraction technology of flavonoids from P. discolor based on DESs obtained in this study was stable and feasible.
6.Clinical observation of sacituzumab tirumotecan combined with bevacizumab in the treatment of HER2-negative breast cancer with brain metastases
Yufeng YANG ; Xiuli YANG ; Peng CHENG ; Ling SHEN ; Qian YANG ; Yingbo SHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2156-2160
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacituzumab tirumotecan combined with bevacizumab for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer with brain metastases.METHODS Clinical data of 90 patients with HER2- breast cancer with brain metastases treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from December 2024 to November 2025 were retrospectively collected. According to the treatment regimens, the patients were divided into a control group ( n =55) and an experimental group ( n =35). Patients in the experimental group received sacituzumab tirumotecan combined with bevacizumab, whereas those in the control group received conventional systemic therapy, including albumin-bound paclitaxel-based regimens, capecitabine-based regimens, or gemcitabine/vinorelbine combined with platinum-based regimens. Short-term efficacy, progression-free survival (PFS), brain metastasis-related efficacy, adverse events, treatment discontinuation due to adverse events, and treatment-related deaths were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate, median PFS, intracranial disease control rate, and proportion of patients with improvement in neurological symptoms in the experimental group were significantly higher than in the control group ( P <0.05). Stratified analysis showed that PFS of the experimental group was significantly longer than the control group among patients with Breast-Graded Prognostic Assessment scores ≥2.0 and <2.0 ( P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients with glucocorticoid dose reduction/discontinuation, the incidence of adverse events of different grades, or the rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events between the two groups ( P >0.05). No treatment-related deaths occurred in either group.CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional systemic therapy, sacituzumab tirumotecan combined with bevacizumab can improve the ORR and prolong PFS in patients with HER2- breast cancer with brain metastases, with an overall manageable safety profile.
7.Research progress in the association between added sugar intake and myopia in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1212-1216
Abstract
To analyze the current status of added sugar intake among children and adolescents and to explore its potential impact on their visual health, so as to provide a scientific basis for future research directions and policy formulation. Findings from animal experiments and cell based studies have suggested that added sugars might contribute to ocular axial growth and scleral remodeling by disrupting insulin/insulin like growth factor-1 signaling, thereby inducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, affecting neuroregulatory pathways, and diluting micronutrient intake. Further high quality prospective studies and intervention trials are warranted to clarify the specificity of the association and the underlying biological mechanisms, thereby providing evidence based support for public health strategies.
8.Characteristics of elastic program of excited shear wave of plantar soft tissue of diabetic patients and the correlation between it and the level of glucose metabolism
Huanping ZHANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Junxiang ZHAO ; Ling SUN ; Chunyan SHAO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):81-86
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of elastic program of excited shear wave of plantar soft tissue of diabetic patients and its correlation with levels of glucose metabolism.Methods:A total of 92 patients with type 2 diabetes who admitted to Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine during January 2022 and January 2023 were selected as diabetes group,and another 92 patients in the prediabetes stage were included in the prediabetes group.Both groups of patients used excited shear wave with different frequencies(400,450,500,550,and 600 Hz)under elastic technique of shear wave.The velocities of shear waves at the 1st metatarsal head,the 3rd metatarsal head and calcaneus of plantar soft tissue,and the thickness of soft tissue of these patients were assessed.The fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels of sugar metabolism level of two groups were measured,and the correlations between velocity of shear wave,thickness of soft tissue,and level of glucose metabolism were further analyzed.The occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer in the diabetes group was investigated by using follow-up.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was adopted to assess the predictive value of the velocity of shear wave,and the thickness of soft tissue for diabetic foot ulcer.Results:The FPG,2hPG and HbA1c of glucose metabolism level in the diabetes group were(6.48±0.48)mmol/L,(9.64±1.31)mmol/L and(6.21±0.15)%,respectively,all of which were higher than those[(8.03±0.62)mmol/L,(12.26±1.25)mmol/L and(7.66±0.42)%]in the prediabetes group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.961,18.961,31.185,P<0.05).The thickness level of soft tissue at the first metatarsal head was(10.42±3.11)mm in the diabetes group,which was less than(11.76±3.24)mm in the prediabetes group,with a statistically significant difference(t=2.862,P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the velocity of shear wave at 500 Hz frequency had a strongest correlation with FPG and HbA1c(r=0.320,0.256,P<0.05),respectively.In the follow-up for patients of diabetes group,14 cases occurred ulcers and 78 cases did not occur ulcers.The velocities of shear wave of the first metatarsal head of 14 patients with ulcers were higher than those of patients without ulcers at all tested frequencies(400,450,500,550,and 600 Hz).The area under curve(AUC)value of ROC curve,specificity and sensitivity of 500 Hz were respectively 0.775,88.46%,and 78.57%in predicting plantar ulcer of patients with diabetes.Conclusion:The velocity of shear wave of soft tissue at the first metatarsal head is significantly correlated with abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.The velocity of shear wave appeared strongest correlation with FPG and HbA1c at500 Hz frequency,which has higher predictive value for diabetic foot ulcer.
9.The transcriptomic-based disease network reveals synergistic therapeutic effect of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Qian CHEN ; Shuying ZHANG ; Xuanxi JIANG ; Jie LIAO ; Xin SHAO ; Xin PENG ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaohui FAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):997-1008
Coptis chinensis Franch. and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. are traditional herbal medicines with millennia of documented use and broad therapeutic applications, including anti-diabetic properties. However, the synergistic effect of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. The research demonstrated that the optimal ratio of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng was 4∶1, exhibiting maximal efficacy in improving insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis in primary mouse hepatocytes. This combination demonstrated significant synergistic effects in improving glucose tolerance, reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG), the weight ratio of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. Subsequently, a T2DM liver-specific network was constructed based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments and public databases by integrating transcriptional properties of disease-associated proteins and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The network recovery index (NRI) score of the combined treatment group with a 4∶1 ratio exceeded that of groups treated with individual components. The research identified that activated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling in the liver played a crucial role in the synergistic treatment of T2DM, as verified by western blot experiment in db/db mice. These findings demonstrate that the 4∶1 combination of total alkaloids from Coptis chinensis and total ginsenosides from Panax ginseng significantly improves insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice, surpassing the efficacy of individual treatments. The synergistic mechanism correlates with enhanced AMPK/ACC signaling pathway activity.
Animals
;
Panax/chemistry*
;
Ginsenosides/administration & dosage*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Alkaloids/pharmacology*
;
Coptis/chemistry*
;
Drug Synergism
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Transcriptome/drug effects*
;
Blood Glucose/metabolism*
;
Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Hepatocytes/metabolism*
10.Associations of Exposure to Typical Environmental Organic Pollutants with Cardiopulmonary Health and the Mediating Role of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Crossover Study.
Ning GAO ; Bin WANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Han ZHANG ; Xiao Qian JIA ; Tian Xiang WU ; Meng Yuan REN ; Lu ZHAO ; Jia Zhang SHI ; Jing HUANG ; Shao Wei WU ; Guo Feng SHEN ; Bo PAN ; Ming Liang FANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1388-1403
OBJECTIVE:
The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress.
METHODS:
A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators.
RESULTS:
Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cross-Over Studies
;
Female
;
Young Adult
;
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*
;
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Biomarkers/blood*
;
Adult
;
Blood Pressure/drug effects*
;
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine*
;
Beijing


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