1.Novel therapeutic advances for uveal melanoma
Xiaodie LI ; Chaoqun LIU ; Xiaojuan CHENG ; Yuhan SHANG ; Ruixue REN ; Yulu HE ; Xiaoli YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):823-830
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by high invasiveness and unique metastatic biological features. Although local treatments(such as proton beam therapy and brachytherapy)can effectively control the primary lesion, approximately 50% of patients eventually develop distant metastasis, with the liver being the primary target organ(occurring in 90% of cases). This highlights a paradigm shift in treatment focus from mere local control to systemic prevention and management. For metastatic UM(mUM), current treatment strategies encompass biomarker-guided molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy(including Tebentafusp, vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapy), and liver-directed therapy. Focusing on the synergy between local and systemic prevention and control, this article systematically elaborates on the precision local treatment for primary UM, the decision-making pathway for systemic treatment of metastatic UM based on molecular subtyping, the integration of local and systemic therapies for liver metastases, and the translational value of nanomedicine in addressing therapeutic bottlenecks. It provides insights for optimizing clinical management of mUM and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
2.Application of OCTA in evaluating retinal vascular density in ocular diseases
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1192-1197
Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)is an innovative non-invasive imaging technology that enables non-invasive, layered, and three-dimensional quantitative visualization of the retinal and choroidal capillary networks by detecting blood flow signals in a contrast-free manner. With its non-invasiveness, high resolution, and quantifiability, OCTA demonstrates significant potential in disease screening, precise staging, treatment decision-making, and prognosis prediction. Its core advantage lies in the accurate quantification of key microcirculation parameters, such as vessel density(VD), non-perfusion area(NPA), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)morphology, and neovascular activity. In diabetic retinopathy(DR), retinal vascular occlusive diseases(RVO/RAO), age-related macular degeneration(ARMD), and glaucoma, OCTA can sensitively detect reduced vessel density in the deep capillary plexus before clinically visible lesions appear, providing a basis for early screening and risk stratification. Additionally, OCTA has shown important value in managing uveitis, pathological myopia, and other ocular conditions. This review systematically elaborates on the technical principles, key quantitative parameters, and core application value of OCTA in the management of various ophthalmic diseases and presents scientific prospects for the application of OCTA in standardized ophthalmic treatment. With further advancements in hardware scanning speed, wide-field imaging capabilities, artificial intelligence algorithms, and multi-modal integration, OCTA is expected to become an essential component of standard ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. It may also provide a non-invasive window for microcirculation research in neurological and systemic diseases.
3.Core signaling axes of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling and their significance in myopia progression
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1228-1233
Myopia is a globally prevalent refractive eye disease, with abnormal axial elongation as its core structural feature, and scleral remodeling is the key terminal event driving axial elongation. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), as a core cytokine regulating tissue remodeling, modulates the phenotype of scleral fibroblasts, extracellular matrix(ECM)metabolism, and tissue mechanical properties through a multi-signaling axis network, thereby playing a crucial role in myopic scleral remodeling. This article systematically summarizes the core signaling mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling. As a core driver, TGF-β synergistically promotes scleral remodeling at both transcriptional regulatory and cellular mechanical levels through its two downstream core signaling axes, namely Smad and Rho/ROCK. Bone morphogenetic protein(BMP), an important member of the TGF-β superfamily and a key negative regulator of the core signaling axes, maintains scleral homeostasis by antagonizing the TGF-β/Smad signaling. Additionally, the TGF-β core signaling axes may crosstalk with pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt. This article clarifies the core significance of the TGF-β-mediated signaling axis network in the progression of myopia, provides a systematic framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of myopic scleral remodeling, and identifies research gaps in areas such as crosstalk molecules among signaling axes, stage-specific functions, and clinical translation. It also offers novel insights for the precise prevention, control, and targeted treatment of myopia.
4.Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 5-month-old boy
Youran LI ; Ting ZHANG ; Ruixue WANG
Clinical Endoscopy 2026;59(1):147-148
5.Exploring Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Experts and Schools in Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology in Treating Endometriosis Diseases Based on SrTO
Zhiran LI ; Xiaojun BU ; Xiaodan WANG ; Le ZHANG ; Ruixue LIU ; Jingyu REN ; Xing LIAO ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):249-259
ObjectiveStarting from the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of endometriosis and adenomyosis, to integrate and sort out the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned experts and schools in the field of traditional Chinese medicine gynecology. MethodsAccording to the systematic review of text and opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) in Australia, this paper determined literature screening criteria by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, and China Biomedical Literature Database. Information was extracted after literature screening, and quality evaluation was conducted using the JBI Narrative, Text, and Opinion Systematic Review Strict Evaluation Checklist. The JBI Narrative, Opinion, Text Evaluation, and Review Tool Summary Table was used for information synthesis, and data analysis and display were conducted in the form of text and charts. ResultsThe 146 articles related to 39 renowned experts and 19 articles related to 10 schools of thought were included. Research has found that contemporary experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology consider blood stasis as the core pathogenesis in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of two diseases and related infertility. Their viewpoints varied from multiple aspects such as clinical symptom characteristics, meridian circulation location, pathological product evolution, disease duration, emotional psychology, lifestyle habits, preference for food and drink, innate endowment, and acquired injury. In terms of treatment, it was advocated to divide the stage, treat according to different types, adapt to the times, integrate nature and humans, and combine multiple methods to treat comprehensively when necessary. It was also recommended to skillfully use insects, make good use of classic formulas and small prescriptions, pay attention to protecting the spleen and stomach and regulating emotions, and make good use of self-formulated empirical formulas for internal or external use. Besides, individualized long-term management of patients was also advocated. ConclusionThis study applies the SrTO process to systematically summarize the academic ideas of contemporary renowned experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology regarding the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatments of endometriosis, providing a scientific and standardized reference for future theoretical exploration.
6.Depression Syndrome Typing and Medication Pattern Analysis Through Unsupervised Clustering Combined With Latent Structure Dual Analysis
Huanxi ZHU ; Cheng YU ; Xuejun LI ; Ruixue WANG ; Yongjun CHEN ; Taiyi WANG ; Wenqing WU ; Lin YAO
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):656-664
Objective Depression,a most common psychiatric disease,is defined in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)as Yu Syndrome,i.e.,depression disorder,or Baihe Disease,i.e.,lily bulb disease,a category of emotional disorders treated with lily-based TCM preparations.In TCM,depression is managed through syndrome differentiation and treatment,which is characterized by high efficacy and safety.However,there is no unified standard for the classification of depression syndromes,which leads to a disconnection between the analysis of patients'medication patterns and their actual syndromes and hinders the study of medication patterns specific to particular syndromes.Therefore,this study is focused on investigating the medication patterns of different sub-types of depression patients based on an objective classification system of depression.Methods We searched for and retrieved clinical literature on TCM formulas for depression from relevant databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,Sinomed,Web of Science,and PubMed.Information on patient symptoms and medication was standardized.Then,the symptoms and the medication frequency of depression patients were statistically analyzed.We used the K-means clustering method combined with implicit structural analysis to objectively categorize depression patients into sub-types.In addition,the main symptoms and core TCM formulas of each sub-type of depression patients were identified.On the basis of objective classification system,we also statistically analyzed the characteristics of herbs used on depression patients,including the 4 basic properties,the 5 flavors,the attributes,the therapeutic efficacy,and the co-occurrence patterns,which may help reveal the medication patterns.Results A total of 3 537 publications and 4 434 prescriptions were included in the analysis.By using the K-means algorithm and latent structure analysis methods,patients with depression were categorized into 9 sub-types,with Cluster 6 accounting for the largest proportion.The most common symptoms among depression patients were insomnia and a depressed mood.Medication frequency analysis showed that Radix Bupleuri(Chai Hu),Radix Paeoniae Alba(Bai Shao),Poria(Fu Ling),Rhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuan Xiong),and Radix Curcumae(Yu Jin)were the most commonly used TCM herbs.For the depression sub-types of Clusters 1,2,and 6,blood-activating and stasis-dissolving herbs were used most often.The depression sub-types of Clusters 3,4,5,8,and 9 were mainly treated with qi-regulating herbs,while the depression sub-type of Cluster 7 was treated with qi-supplementing herbs.Depression patients were mostly treated with herbs that were cold or warm in nature and had sweet,bitter,and pungent flavors.Moreover,treatments for Cluster 1 and Cluster 6 mainly targeted the spleen meridian,while those for Cluster 2,Cluster 3,Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 mainly targeted the heart meridian.The treatments for the other sub-types mainly targeted the liver meridian.The core TCM formulas for the 9 depression sub-types included Zishui Qinggan Decoction,Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder,Huanglian Wendan Tang,Chaihu Guizhi Tang,Modified Xiaoyao Powder,Qinggan Jieyu Tang,Xiaoyao Powder,Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction,and Bazhen Decoction.The most commonly used Chinese herbal medicinal formulas were Gan Cao-Chai Hu,Bai Shao-Chai Hu,and Chen Pi-Chai Hu.Conclusion Based on machine learning,this study reveals the scientific aspects of TCM typing and syndrome-based treatment.It clarifies the rationale for targeting different symptoms in depression treatment and provides theoretical support for clinicians to make medication prescriptions.It also presents a new perspective for investigating TCM medication patterns.
7.Effects of usnic acid on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of A549 and NCI-H358 cells
Xinwei Li ; Yanting Wang ; Ruixue Li ; Huimin Bai ; Jinlong Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):455-462
Objective:
To investigate the effects of usnic acid(UA) on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy of lung cancer cells A549 and NCI-H358.
Methods:
The CCK-8 method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of UA on two kinds of lung cancer cells proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle arrest effect of UA on two types of lung cancer cells. The fluorescence amount of UA-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS) in two kinds of lung cancer cells were detected by DCFH-DA probe assay and flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis related proteins Bax, Caspase-3, Cleaved-Caspase-3, and autophagy related proteins LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ in two types of lung cancer cells after treatment with UA and UA+ROS inhibition.
Results:
(1) Usnic acid reduced the survival rates of two types of cells and had a stronger ability to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells than NCI-H358 cells.(2) Usnic acid blocked A549 cells in the G0/G1phase, while NCI-H358 cells in the G2/M and S phases.(3) Usnic acid induced an increase in ROS content in two types of cells. Compared to A549, NCI-H358 cells showed a greater increase in ROS, and the ROS inhibitor reduced the intracellular ROS increase induced by UA.(4) Usnic acid induced high expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 and increased the ratio of autophagy-related proteins LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ in both lung adenocarcinoma cells, and its pro-apoptotic and autophagic effects were stronger in A549 than in NCI-H358. After ROS inhibition, the expression levels of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 and the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio of both lung adenocarcinoma cells decreased, and the decrease was greater in NCI-H358 cells.
Conclusion
Usnic acid inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer A549 and NCI-H358 cells, induces cell cycle arrest, and induces apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. The inhibitory and killing effect of UA on A549 cells is stronger than that on NCI-H358 cells. In this case, the induced cell ROS are involved in the action of UA in two types of lung cancer cells. In contrast to A549 cells,ROS might play a more significant role in mediating the apoptosis and autophagy induced by usnic acid in NCI-H358 cells.
8.Multidrug resistance reversal effect of tenacissoside I through impeding EGFR methylation mediated by PRMT1 inhibition.
Donghui LIU ; Qian WANG ; Ruixue ZHANG ; Ruixin SU ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Shanshan LIU ; Huiying LI ; Zhesheng CHEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Dexin KONG ; Yuling QIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1092-1103
Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of various chemotherapeutics. Novel approaches, particularly the development of MDR reversal agents, are critically needed to address this challenge. This study demonstrates that tenacissoside I (TI), a compound isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn, traditionally used in clinical practice as an ethnic medicine for cancer treatment, exhibits significant MDR reversal effects in ABCB1-mediated MDR cancer cells. TI reversed the resistance of SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) by downregulating ABCB1 expression and reducing ABCB1 drug transport function. Mechanistically, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), whose expression correlates with poor prognosis and shows positive association with both ABCB1 and EGFR expressions in tumor tissues, was differentially expressed in TI-treated SW620/AD300 cells. SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells exhibited elevated levels of EGFR asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) and enhanced PRMT1-EGFR interaction compared to their parental cells. Moreover, TI-induced PRMT1 downregulation impaired PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, PRMT1-EGFR interaction, and EGFR downstream signaling in SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells. These effects were significantly reversed by PRMT1 overexpression. Additionally, TI demonstrated resistance reversal to PAC in xenograft models without detectable toxicities. This study establishes TI's MDR reversal effect in ABCB1-mediated MDR human cancer cells through inhibition of PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, suggesting TI's potential as an MDR modulator for improving chemotherapy outcomes.
Humans
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Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
ErbB Receptors/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects*
;
Methylation/drug effects*
;
Saponins/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics*
;
Doxorubicin/pharmacology*
;
Paclitaxel/pharmacology*
;
Female
;
Repressor Proteins
9.Clinical analysis of mandibular tumor resection with free fibula transplantation and implant implantation via the intraoral approach.
Jiancheng LI ; Mingming YAN ; Zhenghao MA ; Ruixue TIAN ; Xuji WANG ; Kai HU ; Lina JIANG
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(2):212-219
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical application of the digital-assisted reconstruction of the mandible and tumors with free fibula transplantation and immediate implantation via the intraoral approach.
METHODS:
Twelve patients with benign mandibular tumors were collected. Three-dimensional mandibular reconstruction was performed digitally before surgery to simulate mandibular tumor resection, fibula resection and reconstruction, and implant implantation. The intraoperative resection of the mandibular tumor was conducted through the intraoral approach under the guidance of a guide plate, and fibula resection, molding, reconstruction, and oral fixation were immediately performed. Implant implantation was performed during the second phase of implant surgery and denture restoration was performed 1-2 months after surgery.
RESULTS:
The types of mandibular defects were BrownⅠ (one case), Ⅰc (four cases), Ⅱ (one case), Ⅱc(three cases), and Ⅲ (three cases). The length of the fibular bone was 12-22 cm. The number of fibular molding amputations was as follows: two cases in two segments, six cases in three segments, three cases in four segments, and one case in five segments. All of these cases underwent folding fibular reconstruction of mandibular and alveolar bone defects. A total of 44 implants were implanted, and none failed after operation.
CONCLUSIONS
The intraoral approach is a reliable method for the resection of mandibular benign tumors, with few postoperative complications and the ability to position and fix accurately the reconstructed folded fibula under digital design. The immediate implantation of the transplanted fibula does not affect the blood supply and has a high success rate. It is an effective and reliable method for the resection and reconstruction of mandibular benign tumors.
Humans
;
Fibula/transplantation*
;
Mandibular Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Mandibular Reconstruction/methods*
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Mandible/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Free Tissue Flaps
;
Surgery, Computer-Assisted
10.Changes in metabolic markers and the risk of new-onset metabolic associated fatty liver disease in previously untreated patients with HIV infection after lamivudine/efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment
Ding ZHU ; Ruixue LI ; Hengning KE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2294-2299
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on metabolic markers in patients with HIV infection, and to assess the risk of new-onset MAFLD in previously untreated HIV patients. MethodsA total of 161 HIV patients who attended the outpatient service of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from April 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled, and they were treated with the lamivudine/efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (3TC/EFV/TDF) regimen and were followed up for more than 36 months. According to the presence or absence of MAFLD, they were divided into MAFLD group with 42 patients and non-MAFLD group with 119 patients, and metabolic markers were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison within each group before and after treatment; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison within each group before and after treatment; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Hepatic steatosis index (HIS) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) index were used to assess the risk of new-onset MAFLD after antiretroviral therapy. ResultsAfter 36 months of 3TC/EFV/TDF treatment, the MAFLD group had significant increases in body mass index (BMI) [24.8 (23.2 — 25.9) kg/m2 vs 25.3 (22.8 — 27.7) kg/m2, Z=-2.540, P=0.011], total cholesterol (TC) (4.0±0.6 mmol/L vs 4.3±0.6 mmol/L, t=-2.388, P=0.022), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [0.9 (0.8 — 1.1) mmol/L vs 1.1 (0.9 — 1.2) mmol/L, Z=-2.858, P=0.004] and a significant reduction in serum uric acid (462.1±101.6 μmol/L vs 383.3±85.2 μmol/L, t=4.361, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in BMI between the MAFLD group and the non-MAFLD group after 3TC/EFV/TDF treatment [25.3 (22.8 — 27.7) kg/m2 vs 21.6 (19.9 — 23.4) kg/m2, Z=-5.462, P<0.001], while there were no significant differences between the two groups in serum uric acid, TC, triglyceride, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein a, and CD4+ T cell count (all P >0.05). Furthermore, for the patients in the non-MAFLD group after treatment, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients at a high risk of MAFLD based on HSI and ZJU indices (χ²=10.829 and 5.658, P=0.001 and 0.017). ConclusionAfter 36 months of 3TC/EFV/TDF treatment, there are increases in blood lipid levels in HIV patients with MAFLD, and there is an increase in the risk of new-onset MAFLD in HIV patients without MAFLD.


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