1.Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 complicating cholecystitis in a patient with UGT1A1 gene double homozygous mutations.
Jianhui ZHANG ; Rongrong CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Qilin CHEN ; Shiyun LU ; Jiewei LUO ; Xiaoling ZHENG ; Mengshi CHEN
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(4):675-680
Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) and Gilbert syndrome (GS; OMIM: 143500) are rare autosomal recessive diseases that cause unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to decreased UGT1A1 enzyme activity. Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 (CNS2; OMIM: 606785) increases the risk of gallbladder stone formation and cholecystitis, while GS seldom causes health issues. We found a 28-year-old male patient with recurring right upper abdomen pain who experienced persistent jaundice from birth. CNS2 with gallbladder stones and cholecystitis was diagnosed after genetic testing revealed rare double homozygous mutations A(TA)7TAA (rs3064744) and P229Q (rs35350960) in the UGT1A1 gene. After pedigree investigation, we found that the patient's parents with modestly increased bilirubin had compound heterozygous mutations A(TA)7TAA and P229Q, which were GS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that A(TA)7TAA is in the TATA-box region of the gene UGT1A1 promoter, affecting gene transcriptional initiation, whereas P229Q modifies protein three-dimensional structure and may be harmful. In this pedigree, double homozygous mutations have a more severe phenotype than compound heterozygous mutations. Inherited causes of hyperbilirubinemia should be suspected after ruling out biliary obstruction, and early bilirubin reduction (< 103 µmol/L (6 mg/dL)) may reduce the risk of complications like cholecystitis in CNS2 patients, though further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this observation.
Humans
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Male
;
Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics*
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Adult
;
Crigler-Najjar Syndrome/complications*
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Cholecystitis/etiology*
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Homozygote
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Mutation
;
Pedigree
2.Regulation of iron metabolism in ferroptosis: From mechanism research to clinical translation.
Xin ZHANG ; Yang XIANG ; Qingyan WANG ; Xinyue BAI ; Dinglun MENG ; Juan WU ; Keyao SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Rongrong QIANG ; Wenhan LIU ; Xiang ZHANG ; Jingling QIANG ; Xiaolong LIU ; Yanling YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101304-101304
Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, crucial in maintaining normal physiological functions. Recent studies have identified iron ions as a significant factor in initiating the ferroptosis process, a novel mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxide accumulation. The iron metabolism pathway is one of the primary mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, as it maintains iron homeostasis within the cell. Numerous studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in iron metabolism can trigger the Fenton reaction, exacerbating oxidative stress, and leading to cell membrane rupture, cellular dysfunction, and damage to tissue structures. Therefore, regulation of iron metabolism represents a key strategy for ameliorating ferroptosis and offers new insights for treating diseases associated with iron metabolism imbalances. This review first summarizes the mechanisms that regulate iron metabolic pathways in ferroptosis and discusses the connections between the pathogenesis of various diseases and iron metabolism. Next, we introduce natural and synthetic small molecule compounds, hormones, proteins, and new nanomaterials that can affect iron metabolism. Finally, we provide an overview of the challenges faced by iron regulators in clinical translation and a summary and outlook on iron metabolism in ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future exploration and optimization of iron metabolism regulation strategies.
3.Locoregional therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Hua XIANG ; Lin LONG ; Yongjin ZHANG ; Jumei ZHOU ; Yang ZHAO ; Muzi LI ; Rengeng LIU ; Shixiong SHI ; Rongrong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1497-1503
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain high in China,and the application of surgical resection is often limited due to the fact that most patients are in the advanced stage at the time of confirmed diagnosis.This article reviews commonly used advanced locoregional therapies for HCC and the advances in mainstream techniques such as local ablation(radiofrequency ablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,and cryoablation),intravascular intervention(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy,and Y90 hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy),and radiotherapy(CyberKnife,proton therapy,and heavy-ion therapy),and a multidimensional decision-making framework is constructed for HCC locoregional therapy by comparing treatment principles,indications,limitations,and clinical data of these techniques.This article aims to provide evidence-based support for persistent dilemmas in clinical decision-making,promote the role of locoregional therapies in clinical practice,and propose the directions for future research and clinical application.This article also establishes a comprehensive clinical roadmap for HCC locoregional therapy,which helps to address current challenges regarding technique selection and delineate future directions for innovation,in order to reshape the treatment of HCC through technological integration and paradigm innovation.
4.Effects of edema metabolic and hematoma dynamics changes on motor and cognitive recovery in intracerebral hemorrhage patients based on MR spectroscopy imaging
Yajie CHEN ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Feng CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Yang LI ; Yuhao XU ; Yan ZHU ; Ranchao WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):721-725
Objective To investigate the predictive value of edema metabolic and hematoma dynamics changes on motor and cog-nitive recovery outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Methods The CT data of ICH patients were collected to evaluate hematoma volume changes from admission to day 3.On day 3,multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)was per-formed with region of interest located in the edema region and contralateral normal tissue.Motor and cognitive function recovery was assessed using the simplified F-M scale and the Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)on day 3 and at the 3-month follow-up,respec-tively.Overall clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale(GOS),and all patients were divided into good and poor outcome groups.Clinical data and metabolic differences in the edema region between the two groups were compared,respec-tively.Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to identify and evaluate independent prognostic factors.Subgroup analysis were performed via stratification of hematoma location.Results The logistic regression analy-sis indicated that intraventricular extension,hematoma changes,and the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate(NAA)around the hematoma to contralateral normal brain parenchyma NAA(rNAA)were inde-pendent prognostic factors for poor outcomes(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for each factor and the combined model were 0.69,0.73,0.79,and 0.82,respectively.In patients with ICH in the basal ganglia region,△F-M was negatively correlated with hematoma changes and positively correlated with rNAA value(P<0.001).In patients with ICH in the thalamic and lobar regions,△MoCA was not significantly correlated with hematoma changes(P>0.05),but was positively correlated with rNAA value(P<0.001).Conclusion The rNAA holds predictive value for motor and cognitive recovery outcomes following standard treatment.
5.Locoregional therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Hua XIANG ; Lin LONG ; Yongjin ZHANG ; Jumei ZHOU ; Yang ZHAO ; Muzi LI ; Rengeng LIU ; Shixiong SHI ; Rongrong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1497-1503
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain high in China,and the application of surgical resection is often limited due to the fact that most patients are in the advanced stage at the time of confirmed diagnosis.This article reviews commonly used advanced locoregional therapies for HCC and the advances in mainstream techniques such as local ablation(radiofrequency ablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,and cryoablation),intravascular intervention(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy,and Y90 hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy),and radiotherapy(CyberKnife,proton therapy,and heavy-ion therapy),and a multidimensional decision-making framework is constructed for HCC locoregional therapy by comparing treatment principles,indications,limitations,and clinical data of these techniques.This article aims to provide evidence-based support for persistent dilemmas in clinical decision-making,promote the role of locoregional therapies in clinical practice,and propose the directions for future research and clinical application.This article also establishes a comprehensive clinical roadmap for HCC locoregional therapy,which helps to address current challenges regarding technique selection and delineate future directions for innovation,in order to reshape the treatment of HCC through technological integration and paradigm innovation.
6.Effects of edema metabolic and hematoma dynamics changes on motor and cognitive recovery in intracerebral hemorrhage patients based on MR spectroscopy imaging
Yajie CHEN ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Feng CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Yang LI ; Yuhao XU ; Yan ZHU ; Ranchao WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):721-725
Objective To investigate the predictive value of edema metabolic and hematoma dynamics changes on motor and cog-nitive recovery outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Methods The CT data of ICH patients were collected to evaluate hematoma volume changes from admission to day 3.On day 3,multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)was per-formed with region of interest located in the edema region and contralateral normal tissue.Motor and cognitive function recovery was assessed using the simplified F-M scale and the Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)on day 3 and at the 3-month follow-up,respec-tively.Overall clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale(GOS),and all patients were divided into good and poor outcome groups.Clinical data and metabolic differences in the edema region between the two groups were compared,respec-tively.Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to identify and evaluate independent prognostic factors.Subgroup analysis were performed via stratification of hematoma location.Results The logistic regression analy-sis indicated that intraventricular extension,hematoma changes,and the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate(NAA)around the hematoma to contralateral normal brain parenchyma NAA(rNAA)were inde-pendent prognostic factors for poor outcomes(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for each factor and the combined model were 0.69,0.73,0.79,and 0.82,respectively.In patients with ICH in the basal ganglia region,△F-M was negatively correlated with hematoma changes and positively correlated with rNAA value(P<0.001).In patients with ICH in the thalamic and lobar regions,△MoCA was not significantly correlated with hematoma changes(P>0.05),but was positively correlated with rNAA value(P<0.001).Conclusion The rNAA holds predictive value for motor and cognitive recovery outcomes following standard treatment.
7.Inhibitory effects of ursolic acid on IL-6-mediated invasion and migration of breast cancer cells
Rongrong LIU ; Tao ZHANG ; Fenfen XIANG ; Zixi CHEN ; Mengzhe ZHANG ; Xiangdong KANG ; Rong WU
China Pharmacy 2023;34(8):955-960
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effects of ursolic acid on interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated invasion and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells (hereinafter referred to as “231 cells”). METHODS The effects of 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 µmol/L ursolic acid on the proliferation rate of 231 cells were measured by CCK-8 method. The breast cancer 231 cells were divided into control group, model group and administration group. The migration and invasion abilities of cells were detected by scratch assay and Transwell assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) assay and Western blot assay were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related makers such as E cadherin (E-cad), matrix metalloprotein 2 (MMP2), MMP9, vimentin (Vim), CD44 molecule (CD44) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1). The phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway (in terms of p-JAK2/JAK2 ratio and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio) were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS A low concentration of ursolic acid of 20 µmol/L (no significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation ability) was selected as the subsequent administration concentration. Compared with the control group, the migration and invasion abilities of cells in the model group were significantly enhanced (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the migration and invasion abilities of cells in the administered group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers MMP9, MMP2, Vim, ALDH1A1 and CD44 were all elevated to different extents, and the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cad were all decreased to different extents in the model group cells, and part of the differences had statistical significance (P<0.05), the p-JAK2/JAK2 ratio and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the expressions of the above indicators were reversed to some extent in the administration group. CONCLUSIONS Ursolic acid blocks the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathwby the inflammatory factor IL-6, which ultimately interrupts the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
8.Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Tumor Necrosis FactorAlpha Agents for Patients with Intestinal Behcet’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chunyan MA ; Rongrong DONG ; Weizhen XIANG ; Meiqi LI ; Zhenzhen MA ; Qingrui YANG
Yonsei Medical Journal 2022;63(2):148-157
Purpose:
Intestinal Behcet’s disease (BD) is a systemic autoimmune disease for which treatment options are limited. As a prospective therapeutic strategy for intestinal BD, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents have received increasing attention. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α agents for patients with intestinal BD.
Materials and Methods:
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 1, 2021 and articles that met the eligibility criteria were further assessed. Pooled rates were synthesized by a randomized effects model using Stata software.
Results:
Eleven clinical trials covering 671 patients with intestinal BD were included. According to compositive data, the pooled rate for remission was 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26–52] in patients receiving anti-TNF-α agents. Intestinal symptoms were cured in 70% (95% CI 53–84) of the patients, and the rate for endoscopic healing was 65% (95% CI 52–78). Corticosteroid discontinuation was achieved in 43% (95% CI 28–58) of the patients, and the dose reduction of corticosteroid was 20.43 mg (95% CI 13.4–27.46). There were 239 adverse events and 80 serious adverse events during follow-up.
Conclusion
Our study indicated that anti-TNF-α agents may serve as an effective treatment with acceptable safety for patients with intestinal BD. However, more robust evidence from randomized controlled trials is urgently needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α agents for those patients.
9.Preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of oral curcumin nanocrystalline capsules
PENG Yifan ; WANG Zengming ; WANG Rongrong ; Rongrong Yimeng ; GAO Xiang ; ZHENG Aiping ; ZHANG Hui
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2021;52(2):211-218
The poorly water-soluble drug curcumin was prepared into oral nanocrystalline solid preparation by nanocrystal technology to improve the solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. Curcumin nanocrystals were prepared by media grinding technology, and two types of stable curcumin nanocrystal suspension formulations were developed. The stabilizers in the two formulations were polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS)(1∶1) and Tween 80, respectively. The prepared curcumin nanocrystal suspension was loaded onto microcrystalline cellulose pellets through fluidized bed coating technology, and the nanocrystalline capsules were obtained after filling. The results of nanocrystal redispersion stability and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the morphology of drug-loaded pellets was uniform when PVP K30 and SDS were used as stabilizers, and the diameter of nanocrystals before and after redispersion was about 200 nm, which was determined as the optimal formulation. In vitro dissolution study showed that curcumin nanocrystals at the size of 200 nm exhibited significantly promoted dissolution. The results of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the curcumin crystalline partly turned amorphous during the preparation of nanocrystals.Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that the bioavailability of curcumin nanocrystals was 9.3 times higher than that of the bulk drug. The curcumin nanocrystalline capsules developed in this research can significantly improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability, which is of great significance in improving the poor solubility of drugs, and is expected to become a new dosage form for clinical treatment.
10.Research status and development trend of global radiotherapy for lung cancer in recent 10 years——bibliometric analysis based on Web of Science
Hexin DUAN ; Zhibi XIANG ; Haiqin PENG ; Rongrong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2020;29(6):401-406
Objective:To investigate the research status and development trend of radiotherapy for lung cancer in recent 10 years through the bibliometric analysis of relevant literature.Methods:Taking the core collection of Web of Science as the data source, combined with the visualization function of Cite Space software, bibliometric methods were adopted to analyze the literature publication, distribution of journals, authors, institutions and countries, the literature co-citation, keyword co-occurrence and clustering of the lung cancer radiotherapy research from 2010 to 2019.Results:In recent 10 years, the amount of literature published in this field has been on the rise year by year. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics was the journal with the largest number of publications. The authors and organizations with the most articles were all from the United States. Stereotactic radiotherapy has become a research hot spot in this field, and the combination of immunotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy may become a novel development trend in the future. Conclusions:In the past 10 years, the research on radiotherapy has been developing steadily at home and abroad, forming a certain research direction and development trend. Some core institutions and core authors have appeared. However, international exchange and cooperation remain to be strengthened probably due to the unbalanced development of global radiotherapy technology.

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