1.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
2.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
3.Current status of research on the mechanism of action of emodin in the prevention and treatment of chronic liver diseases
Yajie CHEN ; Xin WANG ; Yunjuan WU ; Ying SU ; Yuhan WANG ; Jinxue ZHANG ; Ning YAO ; Ying QIN ; Xiaoning ZUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):228-234
Chronic liver diseases are a group of diseases in which the liver is subjected to a variety of injuries over a long period of time, resulting in irreversible pathological changes that last longer than 6 months. Emodin (EMO) is a natural anthraquinone derivative derived from Rheum officinale, and its pharmacological effect has been extensively studied, exhibiting a variety of biological properties and involving multiple signaling molecules and pathways. Western medicine or surgical treatment is currently the main treatment regimen for chronic liver diseases, and the advance in treatment is limited by various reasons such as side effects and high costs. Due to its natural origin and efficacy, EMO has unique advantages in the treatment of chronic liver diseases and has now become a research hotspot. This article summarizes the therapeutic effect of EMO on chronic liver diseases and its mechanism, in order to provide a certain scientific basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of chronic liver diseases and the development of drugs in clinical practice.
4.Epigenetic modification of Igf2/H19 imprinting control region regulates PGC-1α/PI3K/AKT2 pathway in a rat model of intrauterine growth restriction
Lihong LIAO ; Xiuyun ZHOU ; Meihui ZHANG ; Tulian LIN ; Wenjun LONG ; Yaqin YAN ; Qin NING ; Xiaoping LUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2472-2480
Background::Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes during adulthood. Histone modifications and changes in DNA methylation-affected genes are important for fetal development. This study aimed to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms in IUGR.Methods::IUGR models were established in Sprague–Dawley rats using a maternal nutritional restriction approach during pregnancy. The abundance of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation RT-PCR was employed to analyze histone modification in CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) 1–4 binding sites of the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR). The methylation states of CTCF1–4 binding sites were studied by pyrosequencing. Results::The IUGR models were constructed successfully. Igf2 mRNA abundance in the placenta, fetal liver, and newborn liver was decreased in the IUGR group ( P <0.01). Meanwhile, as compared with the control group, the expression levels of AKT2, PI3K, and PGC-1α were lower in newborn and 8-week-old livers in the IUGR group ( P <0.05). In addition, knocking down Igf2 reduced the protein expression levels of AKT2-phosphorylation and PGC-1α ( P <0.05). In CTCF binding sites 1-4 of the Igf2/ H19 ICR, acetylated histones H3 (AcH3) enrichment was significantly lower in CTCF1-3 in newborn and 8-week-old IUGR rats. Histone H3 tri-methylated lysine 4 (H3K4me3) enrichment was significantly lower in the CTCF1–4 of newborn and 8-week-old IUGR groups ( P <0.01). H3K9me2 enrichment was significantly higher in the IUGR group ( P <0.01). The CpG dinucleotide methylation levels of CTCF1 and CTCF3, but not those of CTCF2 and CTCF4 binding sites in IUGR rat fetal, 4-week old, and 8-week-old livers decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Conclusion::The methylation status and histone modification in the Igf2/H19 ICR are related to growth and lipid metabolism via the PGC-1α/PI3K/AKT2 pathway in IUGR rats.
5.Analysis of karyotype results and clinical significance of amniotic fluid of 2 725 cases in southern Anhui from 2017 to 2023
Yuping WANG ; Xia FU ; Yuanyuan NING ; Qin LI ; Qing CHEN ; Qiwen WU
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):135-140
Objective:To investigate the distribution and clinical significance of amniotic fluid karyotype results in 2 725 cases from southern Anhui.Methods:The karyotypes of amniotic fluid from 2 725 cases of second-trimester pregnant women treated in our hospital from Jan 2017 to Dec 2023 were collected.The annual abnormal detection rate and overall abnormal rate were analyzed.Meanwhile,the abnormal detection rate was compared among 8 groups of different clinical indication including adverse pregnancy history,advanced maternal age(≥35 years),high risk of Down syndrome screening,high risk of non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT),nuchal translucency thickness(NT)≥2.5 mm,abnormal ultrasound findings,two or more concurrent positive indications,and others.The abnormal detection rate was calculated within high risk of Down syndrome screening and NIPT.Results:Significant differences in annual abnormal rates were observed from 2017 to 2023(χ2=19.705,P=0.003).Among 2 725 cases,233(8.55%)showed abnormal karyotypes.Among them,abnormal autosomal number was the most prevalent(4.41%,120/2 725),with inversion being the most common chromosome structural abnormality.Significant differences in abnormal rates were noted among the eight clinical indication groups(χ2=438.516,P<0.01).No statistical difference was found in abnormal detection rates among the three high-risk subgroups of Down syndrome screening(χ2=0.323,P=0.851),while significant differences were observed within the high-risk subgroups of NIPT(χ2=100.901,P<0.01).Polymorphisms were detected in 65 cases(2.38%).Conclusions:Chromosomal numerical and structural abnormalities have been detected in southern Anhui over the past seven years,with variations across subgroups.Karyotype analysis effectively detects second-trimester fetal chromosomal abnormalities,aiding in the prevention of birth defects and worthing clinical application.
6.The impact of RAB2B on pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis via the NF-κB pathway
Qing LI ; Linyun ZENG ; Xin LIU ; Yu XIONG ; Jing NING ; Shanyu QIN ; Xiubing CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(11):1637-1644
Objective To investigate the effects of Ras-related protein Rab-2B(RAB2B)on the biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods PANC-1 cells,which exhibit relatively high RAB2B expression,and BXPC-3 cells,which display relatively low RAB2B expression,were selected from five pancreatic cancer cell lines.RAB2B-siRNA and pcDNA3.1-RAB2B plasmids were transfected into PANC-1 and BXPC-3 cells using a cell transfection technique.The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the prolif-erative capacity of pancreatic cancer cells following RAB2B intervention.Wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were utilized to assess the migratory and invasive capabilities of pancreatic cancer cells.Additionally,the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAB2B,NF-κB,and Fibronectin 1(FN1)were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot(WB),respectively.Results RAB2B mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly down-regulated in PANC-1 cells following transfection(P<0.05).CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that the proliferative capacity of PANC-1 cells was markedly reduced(P<0.05),and the wound-healing ability was substantially impaired(P<0.01)upon RAB2B knockdown.Transwell assays revealed a significant decrease in cell migration(P<0.01),while Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of phosphorylated p65 and FN1 were notably diminished(P<0.01).Conversely,overexpression of RAB2B reversed these aforementioned alterations.Conclusions Knockdown of RAB2B in PANC-1 cells significantly suppresses cell proliferation and migration,whereas overexpression of RAB2B in BXPC-3 cells markedly promotes these processes.This effect is likely mediated through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the subsequent regulation of FN1 expression.
7.Analysis of Clinical Features and Multi-Slice Spiral CT Image Features of Acute Appendicitis in Soldiers Who Have Been Living in Plateau for A Long Time
Li-na YUE ; Juan-qin NIU ; Gang CHEN ; Man-ping CHENG ; Ning-xia MU ; Jia FAN ; Kang LIU ; Yu-lan NIU ; Ya-ping HE ; Zhong-hua LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1869-1878
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and multi-slice spiral computed tomography(CT)imaging features of acute appendicitis in soldiers who have been living in plateau for a long time.Methods:The clinical features and imaging data of 56 cases of acute appendicitis in soldiers who have been living in plateau for a long time confirmed by surgery from February 2022 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:In 56 cases with acute appendicitis in soldiers who have been living in plateau for a long time,the appendectomy position results showed:anterior ileum 4 cases(7.14%),lower ileum 10 cases(17.86%),posterior cecum 16 cases(28.57%),lower cecum 9 cases(16.07%),lateral cecum 2 cases(3.58%),posterior ileum 6 cases(10.71%),high(subhepatic)9 cases(16.07%),and left lower abdominal 0 cases,retroperitoneal appendicitis 0 cases,which was suggested that the anatomical position variation of appendicitis in soldiers with acute appendicitis who have been living at high altitude for a long time was relatively large.The direct manifestations of multi-slice spiral CT showed:appendectomy enlarged diameter>6 mm in 49 cases(87.50%),appendicular wall thickening>2 mm in 42 cases(75.00%),ppendiceal dilation lumen and effusion in 29 cases(51.79%),appendix indistinctness in 3 cases(5.36%),lppendix fecalith:27 cases(48.21%),gas in the appendix in 16 cases(28.57%).Indirect findings of multi-slice spiral CT showed that,periappendiceal exudation with shadow in 32 cases(57.14%),appendiceal cellulitis with peripheral abscess in 9 cases(16.07%),peritonitis and ascites in 13 cases(23.21%),ileocecal intestinal wall thickening in 22 cases(39.29%),mesenteric lymph node enlargement in 16 cases(28.57%),reflexive intestinal stasis in ileocecal region was observed in 19 cases(33.93%).Conclusion:In the officers and soldiers with acute appendicitis who lived at high altitude for a long time,multi-slice spiral CT showed the direct manifestations of appendiceal thickening,tube wall thickening,lumen dilatation,fluid accumulation,etc.,and the indirect manifestations were periappendiceal exudation with shadow,appendiceal cellulitis with peripheral abscess,ileocecal intestinal wall thickening,reflexes of small intestine and mesenteric lymph node enlargement.Multi-slice spiral CT has the advantages of clear and intuitive,high safety,high resolution and simple operation in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
8.An investigation of diagnostic X-ray resources in Jinan in 2023
Guoying NING ; Yujiang GU ; Aihua ZHAI ; Jiangbo XIN ; Yiwen QIN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(4):341-345
Objective:To investigate the current status of diagnostic X-ray resources in Jinan in order to provide theoretical basis for continuously optimizing the allocation of diagnostic resources and strengthening the management of radiological health and radiation protection.Methods:In accordance with the 2023 Jinan radiation protection monitoring program of medical and health institutions, a survey was carried out for medical institutions involved in diagnostic X-ray examinations (excluding military hospitals and dental clinics) in Jinan by using uniform questionnaires. The survey included the basic situation of diagnostic X-ray institutions, the allocation of diagnostic X-ray equipment, the number of diagnostic staff, and the frequency of diagnositic X-ray examinations.Results:In 2023, there were 298 diagnostic X-ray institutions in Jinan, with 3 494 diagnostic workers and 1 387 items of diagnostic X-ray equipment. The included were 41 tertiary hospitals, 57 secondary hospitals, 110 primary hospitals and 90 unrated hospitals. The tertiary hospitals possessed the largest number of the diagnostic workers and equipment, accounting for 60.99% and 45.35% of the total, respectively. Among all the items of diagnostic X-ray equipment, the number of items of digital radiography equipment ranked top (34.37%), followed by CT machines (24.44%). There were 147.32 items of diagnostic X-ray equipment per million population on average. A total of 8 180 363 individuals received various types of diagnostic X-ray examinations, with CT diagnosis accounting for 46.93% and X-ray for 34.41%. The frequency of diagnostic X-ray examinations was 868.86/1 000 population, including the frequency of CT examinations of 407.76 per 1 000 population.Conclusions:The per capita possession of medical X-ray equipment in Jinan is at a high level. The frequency of medical exposure has increased significantly, especially CT examinations. There is a big gap in diagnostic X-ray resource allocation between different levels of hospitals, so it is necessary to control the resource allocation and strengthen the protection of CT examination on the scientific basis.
9.Based on data mining to explore the characteristics of acupoint selection and the law of acupoint compatibility in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Jingyi NING ; Shuochen FAN ; Diwei TANG ; Weifeng LI ; Man QIN ; Zili LIU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(30):11-15
Objective To explore the characteristics of acupoint selection and the law of acupoint compatibility in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS)based on data mining.Methods Literature on acupuncture treatment of GBS was searched and screened from China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP,SioMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to December 1,2024 and to build database.The author information and acupuncture prescriptions were modified and imported according to the data entry requirements of the Traditional Chinese medicine inheritance computing platform V3.5,the relevant data were analyzed and integrated through the"Acupoint Analysis"module of the platform.Results A total of 140 related papers,145 valid prescriptions,involving 237 acupoints.The acupoints with higher frequency were Zusanli,Hegu,Quchi,Yanglingquan and etc.The analysis yielded 42 core acupoints,22 sets of strong association rules for core acupoints,and 5 new core acupuncture prescriptions.Conclusion Acupuncture treatment for GBS follows the principle of"treating impotence by taking Yangming alone",takes"benefiting Qi and draining heat,supporting the correctness and opening up the collaterals"as the main method,and attaches importance to"regulating the spirit and connecting the internal organs".
10.Primary familial and congenital polycythemia caused by EPOR gene mutation: two cases report and literature review
Daohua NING ; Meng JIAO ; Li QIN ; Qingyan GAO ; Lijuan PAN ; Shiqiang QU ; Bing LI ; Zefeng XU ; Qing LENG ; Zhijian XIAO ; Tiejun QIN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):1071-1074
In this paper, two cases of primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP) were reported, and the literature was reviewed. PFCP is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the EPOR gene, resulting in a loss of negative regulation of erythrocyte proliferation. The two patients were young women with simple polycythemia and clear family history, and identified to carry the truncated mutation c.1316G>A (p.W439*) of EPOR gene. At present, there is no unified treatment plan for PFCP. Currently, there is no standardized treatment for PFCP; management primarily aligns with guidelines for polycythemia vera, focusing on preventing thrombotic complications. This article discusses the clinical features of PFCP, EPOR gene mutations, and their pathogenic mechanisms, while providing diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations based on existing literature.

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