1.YTHDF1 regulation of Fis1 on the activation and proliferation and migration ability of hepatic stellate cells
Lin Jia ; Feng Sun ; Qiqi Dong ; Jingjing Yang ; Renpeng Zhou ; Wei Hu ; Chao Lu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):49-58
Objective:
To explore the effect of YTH domain family protein 1(YTHDF1) on the activation, proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) by regulating mitochondrial fission mediated by mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1).
Methods:
The mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS-1 was treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24 h to induce its activation and proliferation, andYTHDF1-siRNA was used to construct aYTHDF1silencing model.The experiment was divided into Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+si-NC group and TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group.Expression changes ofYTHDF1,Fis1and key indicators of fibrosis, type Ⅰ collagen(CollagenⅠ) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) were detected through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot; CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation ability; Transwell migration assay and cell scratch assay were used to detect cell migration ability; immunofluorescence staining experiment was used to detect the effect ofYTHDF1onFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission; finally, JC-1 staining was used to experimentally detect the effect ofYTHDF1on mitochondrial membrane potential.
Results:
Compared with the Control group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.05,P<0.01;P<0.000 1), as well as the fibrosis markersCollagenⅠand the expression level of α-SMA increased(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.000 1); while adding CCK-8, the experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); Transwell experimental results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.01); the cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); the immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the TGF-β1 group Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal increased(P<0.05); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.01). Compared with the TGF-β1+si-NC group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001), and fibrosis markers the levels ofCollagenⅠandα-SMAwere reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.01).CCK-8 experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); Transwell experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.001); cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.01); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.05).
Conclusion
YTHDF1promotes the activation, proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs by positively regulatingFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission. This suggests thatYTHDF1may be a key gene involved in regulating the activation, proliferation and migration of HSCs.
2.Effect of mild anemia on prognosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy after pars plana vitrectomy
Qiqi ZHONG ; Chenguang ZHANG ; Tiezhu LIN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(1):32-38
Objective:To observe the effect of mild anemia on prognosis of hyperplastic diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods:A retrospective case-control study. From January 2021 to December 2022, 147 PDR patients with 147 eyes who received PPV treatment at Shenyang He Eye Hospital were included in the study. There were 147 eyes in 147 cases, 82 eyes in 82 males and 65 eyes in 65 females. Age was 25-79 (53.54±12.74) years old. A hemoglobin (Hb) of 90 to 120 g/L in men and 90 to 110 g/L in women was defined as mild anemia. According to Hb results, the patients were divided into mild anemia group and non-anemia group, with 39 cases (39 eyes) and 108 cases (108 eyes), respectively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test was performed using the international standard logarithmic visual acuity scale before and after the surgery, which was statistically converted to minimum resolved logarithmic (logMAR) visual acuity. The logMAR BCVA of the affected eye was 0.2-2.5 (1.60±0.62) before surgery. According to whether the BCVA improved by more than 3 lines 6 months after surgery, the affected eyes were divided into BCVA improved by more than 3 lines and BCVA improved by less than 3 lines, 117 eyes and 30 eyes, respectively. The patient's body mass index (BMI), BCVA at 6 months after surgery, and the occurrence of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage (RVH) were recorded. Independent sample t test was used for comparison between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the influencing factors of increased BCVA ≥3 rows after surgery. Results:Six months after surgery, the logMAR BCVA of patients in mild anemia group and non-anemia group were 0.97±0.87 and 0.68±0.63, respectively. BCVA increased ≥3 in 26 (66.7%, 26/39) and 91 (84.3%, 91/108) eyes, respectively. logMAR BCVA ( t=2.234) and BCVA increased by ≥3 rows of eyes ( χ2=5.460) between the two groups, the differences were statistically significant ( P=0.027, 0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline logMAR BCVA [odds ratio ( OR) = 4.291, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.918-9.600, P<0.001)], BMI ( OR=1.248, 95% CI 1.057-1.472, P=0.009), the number of retinal laser photocoagulation during surgery ( OR=1.001, 95% CI 1.000-1.002, P=0.038), mild anemia ( OR=0.360, 95 % CI 0.131-0.993, P=0.048), postoperative NVG ( OR=0.156, 95% CI 0.033-0.726, P=0.018) and RVH ( OR=0.264, 95% CI 0.086-0.808, P=0.020) were independent factors for BCVA improvement ≥3 lines after PPV. Conclusions:Mild anemia has a certain effect on BCVA improvement after PPV of PDR. Mild anemia, post-operative NVG and RVH were independent risk factors for increasing BCVA ≥3 lines after PPV in PDR patients.
3.Research progress on the interactive effects of cardiovascular disease and cognitive frailty in the elderly
Qiqi JIANG ; Yanxia LIN ; Shijie ZHAO ; Nannan LI ; Huanrui ZHANG ; Liye SHI ; Wen TIAN ; Guoxian QI ; Jinyang LI ; Ling CHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1056-1061
The escalating phenomenon of global population aging is posing multi-dimensional challenges to society, the economy and medical healthcare system.Among the significant health threats to the elderly population are cardiovascular diseases(CVD)and cognitive frailty(CF), both of which profoundly affect the quality of life and increase the risks of adverse health outcomes, including disability, hospitalization, and death.The concurrent presence of CVD and CF in elderly patients is prevalent, as these conditions share many common risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis, microcirculation dysfunction, and inflammation, which interact to perpetuate a vicious cycle.Notably, CF exhibits a certain degree of reversibility; thus, the implementation of a diagnosis and treatment paradigm that incorporates "comprehensive geriatric assessment and geriatric interdisciplinary teams" should be established as a conventional management strategy for elderly patients affected by both CVD and CF.Cognitive digital therapeutics, along with personalized exercise prescriptions based on cardiopulmonary exercise tests, may represent more appropriate precision interventions for these patients.Consequently, there is a necessity for further in-depth research in this area moving forward.
4.Construction and validation of a predictive model for antibiotic-associated diarrhea after surgery in chil-dren with congenital heart disease
Dongli LIU ; Zilin QUAN ; Lingxiu ZHONG ; Qiqi CHEN ; Wenqiao CAI ; Senpei ZHUANG ; Ying WEI ; Huiyi PAN ; Yawen LIN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(5):683-690
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)following congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery in pediatric patients,develop a nomogram-based predictive model,and validate its efficacy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of pediatric patients who underwent CHD surgery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU)of a tertiary hospital in Guang-dong Province from July 2022 to July 2024.Patients were categorized into an AAD group and a non-AAD group.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for AAD occurrence following CHD surgery.A risk prediction model was developed,and a nomogram was constructed.The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve to calculate the area under the curve(AUC),the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,calibration curves,and clinical decision curve analysis.External validation of the model was conducted using data from patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit(SICU).Results The incidence of AAD following CHD surgery was 48.52%(229 out of 472 cases).Risk factors for AAD included the combined use of antibiotics,mechanical ventilation,elevated C-reactive protein levels,prolonged surgical duration,and extended antibiotic usage time(all with OR>1,P<0.05).Conversely,probiotic administration was identified as a protective factor(OR<1,P<0.05).The predictive model demon-strated excellent discrimination,as evidenced by the ROC curve areas:0.922(95%CI:0.894~0.951)in the modeling group,0.886(95%CI:0.838~0.915)in the internal validation group,and 0.862(95%CI:0.784~0.941)in the external validation group.Additionally,the model exhibited satisfactory calibration,as indicated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test results:χ2=7.96,P=0.538 in the modeling group;χ2=4.24,P=0.895 in the inter-nal validation group;and χ2=9.923,P=0.270 in the external validation group.Furthermore,the model provided significant clinical utility.Conclusions Combined antibiotic use,duration of antibiotic therapy,mechanical ventilation,surgical duration,C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,and probiotic administration are key factors influ-encing the occurrence of AAD.The risk prediction model developed based on these variables demonstrates robust predictive performance and can serve as a valuable reference for the development and implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
5.Unveiling the metabolic fate of drugs through metabolic reaction-based molecular networking.
Haodong ZHU ; Xupeng TONG ; Qi WANG ; Aijing LI ; Zubao WU ; Qiqi WANG ; Pei LIN ; Xinsheng YAO ; Liufang HU ; Liangliang HE ; Zhihong YAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3210-3225
Effective annotation of in vivo drug metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a metabolic reaction-based molecular networking (MRMN) strategy is introduced, which enables the "one-pot" discovery of prototype drugs and their metabolites. MRMN constructs networks by matching metabolic reactions and evaluating MS2 spectral similarity, incorporating innovations and improvements in feature degradation of MS2 spectra, exclusion of endogenous interference, and recognition of redundant nodes. A minimum 75% correlation between structural similarity and MS2 similarity of neighboring metabolites was ensured, mitigating false negatives due to spectral feature degradation. At least 79% of nodes, 49% of edges, and 97% of subnetworks were reduced by an exclusion strategy of endogenous ions compared to the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. Furthermore, an approach of redundant ions identification was refined, achieving a 10%-40% recognition rate across different samples. The effectiveness of MRMN was validated through a single compound, plant extract, and mixtures of multiple plant extracts. Notably, MRMN is freely accessible online at https://yaolab.network, broadening its applications.
6.C/EBPβ-Lin28a positive feedback loop triggered by C/EBPβ hypomethylation enhances the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in restenosis.
Xiaojun ZHOU ; Shan JIANG ; Siyi GUO ; Shuai YAO ; Qiqi SHENG ; Qian ZHANG ; Jianjun DONG ; Lin LIAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):419-429
BACKGROUND:
The main cause of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Lin28a has been reported to play critical regulatory roles in this process. However, whether CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins β (C/EBPβ) binds to the Lin28a promoter and drives the progression of restenosis has not been clarified. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to clarify the role of C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis in restenosis.
METHODS:
Restenosis and atherosclerosis rat models of type 2 diabetes ( n = 20, for each group) were established by subjecting to PTA. Subsequently, the difference in DNA methylation status and expression of C/EBPβ between the two groups were assessed. EdU, Transwell, and rescue assays were performed to assess the effect of C/EBPβ on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. DNA methylation status was further assessed using Methyltarget sequencing. The interaction between Lin28a and ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was analysed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
C/EBPβ expression was upregulated and accompanied by hypomethylation of its promoter in restenosis when compared with atherosclerosis. In vitroC/EBPβ overexpression facilitated the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and was associated with increased Lin28a expression. Conversely, C/EBPβ knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated that C/EBPβ could directly bind to Lin28a promoter. Increased C/EBPβ expression and enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMCs were observed after decitabine treatment. Further, mechanical stretch promoted C/EBPβ and Lin28a expression accompanied by C/EBPβ hypomethylation. Additionally, Lin28a overexpression reduced C/EBPβ methylation via recruiting TET1 and enhanced C/EBPβ-mediated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The opposite was noted in Lin28a knockdown cells.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that the C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis is a driver of restenosis progression, and presents a promising therapeutic target for restenosis.
Animals
;
Cell Proliferation/genetics*
;
Cell Movement/genetics*
;
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
DNA Methylation/physiology*
;
CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/genetics*
;
Male
;
Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Coronary Restenosis/metabolism*
7.Value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding
Qiqi ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Lu CHEN ; Bitao LIN ; Zhenyu CHEN ; Xinke WANG ; Wan TIANMO ; Xicheng FENG ; Zhenjiang2 WANG ; Aimin LI ; Baoping WU ; Side LIU ; Xiaobei LUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(2):137-141
Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:Clinical data from patients who underwent bedside capsule endoscopy due to acute or severe suspected gastrointestinal bleeding in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2018 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The efficacy of capsule endoscopy in detecting upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestinal bleeding was evaluated.Results:A total of 74 patients underwent bedside capsule endoscopy for suspected acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Five patients were excluded due to failure of examination due to retention of capsule endoscope in the gastric lumen, and 69 were included in the study, of whom 54 patients with a definitive diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The positive detection rate of the capsule endoscopy was 83.33% (45/54), including 17 cases of ulcer, 5 cases of erosion, 5 cases of vascular malformation, 4 protrusion mass, 4 diverticulum, 5 obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 stenosis , 1 active mucosal blood exudation, 1 gastric retention, 1 mucosal swelling, and 1 mucosal wrinkle change. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were 92.31% (12/13) and 75.00% (3/4) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small intestinal bleeding were 80.49% (33/41) and 90.91% (10/11) respectively.Conclusion:Bedside capsule endoscopy demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding, showing potential advantages in bedside applications for acute and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
8.Construction and validation of a predictive model for antibiotic-associated diarrhea after surgery in chil-dren with congenital heart disease
Dongli LIU ; Zilin QUAN ; Lingxiu ZHONG ; Qiqi CHEN ; Wenqiao CAI ; Senpei ZHUANG ; Ying WEI ; Huiyi PAN ; Yawen LIN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(5):683-690
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)following congenital heart disease(CHD)surgery in pediatric patients,develop a nomogram-based predictive model,and validate its efficacy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of pediatric patients who underwent CHD surgery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU)of a tertiary hospital in Guang-dong Province from July 2022 to July 2024.Patients were categorized into an AAD group and a non-AAD group.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for AAD occurrence following CHD surgery.A risk prediction model was developed,and a nomogram was constructed.The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve to calculate the area under the curve(AUC),the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,calibration curves,and clinical decision curve analysis.External validation of the model was conducted using data from patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit(SICU).Results The incidence of AAD following CHD surgery was 48.52%(229 out of 472 cases).Risk factors for AAD included the combined use of antibiotics,mechanical ventilation,elevated C-reactive protein levels,prolonged surgical duration,and extended antibiotic usage time(all with OR>1,P<0.05).Conversely,probiotic administration was identified as a protective factor(OR<1,P<0.05).The predictive model demon-strated excellent discrimination,as evidenced by the ROC curve areas:0.922(95%CI:0.894~0.951)in the modeling group,0.886(95%CI:0.838~0.915)in the internal validation group,and 0.862(95%CI:0.784~0.941)in the external validation group.Additionally,the model exhibited satisfactory calibration,as indicated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test results:χ2=7.96,P=0.538 in the modeling group;χ2=4.24,P=0.895 in the inter-nal validation group;and χ2=9.923,P=0.270 in the external validation group.Furthermore,the model provided significant clinical utility.Conclusions Combined antibiotic use,duration of antibiotic therapy,mechanical ventilation,surgical duration,C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,and probiotic administration are key factors influ-encing the occurrence of AAD.The risk prediction model developed based on these variables demonstrates robust predictive performance and can serve as a valuable reference for the development and implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
9.Research progress on the interactive effects of cardiovascular disease and cognitive frailty in the elderly
Qiqi JIANG ; Yanxia LIN ; Shijie ZHAO ; Nannan LI ; Huanrui ZHANG ; Liye SHI ; Wen TIAN ; Guoxian QI ; Jinyang LI ; Ling CHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1056-1061
The escalating phenomenon of global population aging is posing multi-dimensional challenges to society, the economy and medical healthcare system.Among the significant health threats to the elderly population are cardiovascular diseases(CVD)and cognitive frailty(CF), both of which profoundly affect the quality of life and increase the risks of adverse health outcomes, including disability, hospitalization, and death.The concurrent presence of CVD and CF in elderly patients is prevalent, as these conditions share many common risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis, microcirculation dysfunction, and inflammation, which interact to perpetuate a vicious cycle.Notably, CF exhibits a certain degree of reversibility; thus, the implementation of a diagnosis and treatment paradigm that incorporates "comprehensive geriatric assessment and geriatric interdisciplinary teams" should be established as a conventional management strategy for elderly patients affected by both CVD and CF.Cognitive digital therapeutics, along with personalized exercise prescriptions based on cardiopulmonary exercise tests, may represent more appropriate precision interventions for these patients.Consequently, there is a necessity for further in-depth research in this area moving forward.
10.Effect of mild anemia on prognosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy after pars plana vitrectomy
Qiqi ZHONG ; Chenguang ZHANG ; Tiezhu LIN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(1):32-38
Objective:To observe the effect of mild anemia on prognosis of hyperplastic diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods:A retrospective case-control study. From January 2021 to December 2022, 147 PDR patients with 147 eyes who received PPV treatment at Shenyang He Eye Hospital were included in the study. There were 147 eyes in 147 cases, 82 eyes in 82 males and 65 eyes in 65 females. Age was 25-79 (53.54±12.74) years old. A hemoglobin (Hb) of 90 to 120 g/L in men and 90 to 110 g/L in women was defined as mild anemia. According to Hb results, the patients were divided into mild anemia group and non-anemia group, with 39 cases (39 eyes) and 108 cases (108 eyes), respectively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test was performed using the international standard logarithmic visual acuity scale before and after the surgery, which was statistically converted to minimum resolved logarithmic (logMAR) visual acuity. The logMAR BCVA of the affected eye was 0.2-2.5 (1.60±0.62) before surgery. According to whether the BCVA improved by more than 3 lines 6 months after surgery, the affected eyes were divided into BCVA improved by more than 3 lines and BCVA improved by less than 3 lines, 117 eyes and 30 eyes, respectively. The patient's body mass index (BMI), BCVA at 6 months after surgery, and the occurrence of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage (RVH) were recorded. Independent sample t test was used for comparison between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the influencing factors of increased BCVA ≥3 rows after surgery. Results:Six months after surgery, the logMAR BCVA of patients in mild anemia group and non-anemia group were 0.97±0.87 and 0.68±0.63, respectively. BCVA increased ≥3 in 26 (66.7%, 26/39) and 91 (84.3%, 91/108) eyes, respectively. logMAR BCVA ( t=2.234) and BCVA increased by ≥3 rows of eyes ( χ2=5.460) between the two groups, the differences were statistically significant ( P=0.027, 0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline logMAR BCVA [odds ratio ( OR) = 4.291, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.918-9.600, P<0.001)], BMI ( OR=1.248, 95% CI 1.057-1.472, P=0.009), the number of retinal laser photocoagulation during surgery ( OR=1.001, 95% CI 1.000-1.002, P=0.038), mild anemia ( OR=0.360, 95 % CI 0.131-0.993, P=0.048), postoperative NVG ( OR=0.156, 95% CI 0.033-0.726, P=0.018) and RVH ( OR=0.264, 95% CI 0.086-0.808, P=0.020) were independent factors for BCVA improvement ≥3 lines after PPV. Conclusions:Mild anemia has a certain effect on BCVA improvement after PPV of PDR. Mild anemia, post-operative NVG and RVH were independent risk factors for increasing BCVA ≥3 lines after PPV in PDR patients.


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