1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
3.Effect of Astragali Radix on Gut Microbiota and GLP-1 in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi Deficiency Type
Keke HOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zhidan ZHANG ; Yunyi YANG ; Fangli ZHANG ; Yuanying XU ; Hongping YIN ; Lan DING ; Tao LEI ; Wenjun SHA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):161-170
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MethodsA 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group (40 cases) was administered with Astragali Radix Granules, while the control group (40 cases) received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG),glycated albumin(GA), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide (2 h CP), and C-peptide area under the curve (AUCcp). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy, and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators, compared with the baseline, both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C (P<0.01),while FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after the treatment, the observation group showed significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C(P<0.05, P<0.01),and significantly higher FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota, no significant differences were detected in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However, compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups, indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, compared with the baseline, both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio between the two groups after treatment, and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level, compared with the baseline, the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P<0.01). No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified potential characteristics taxa: in the observation group, Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level, in the control group, Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes, F/B ratio and Fusobacterium, and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy, compared with the control group, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the scores for shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety, compared with the baseline, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control, possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.
4.Rapid health technology assessment of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
Pian SHA ; Xiaojie WANG ; Tao WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):504-509
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, Embase, and the official websites of leading health technology assessment (HTA) agencies was conducted for randomized controlled trials, pharmacoeconomic studies, meta-analyses/systematic reviews, and HTA reports on lecanemab published up to October 2025. After screening against predefined eligibility criteria, methodological quality was appraised with validated tools, relevant data were extracted, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS A total of 6 studies were included, consisting of 3 randomized controlled trials and 3 pharmacoeconomic evaluations. In terms of efficacy, lecanemab significantly slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo, reduced the decline in daily activity ability by 37%, and markedly reduced intracerebral amyloid levels. Regarding safety, the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) was higher in the lecanemab group than in the control group, with the incidence of edema/effusion of 12.6% (vs. 1.7% in the placebo group), and the incidence of hemorrhage/hemosiderin deposition of 17.3% (vs. 9.0% in the placebo group). Economically, the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of lecanemab compared with standard treatment exceeded commonly used willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United States (USD 50 000-150 000 per QALY). CONCLUSIONS Lecanemab confers significant cognitive protection in early-stage AD; however, it is associated with a relatively high risk of ARIA and economic burden.
5.Development and verification of a double antibody sandwich ELISA for quantitative detection of recombinant trivalent poliomyelitis vaccine antigen
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(03):331-341+349
ObjectiveTo develop a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for the detection of types Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ antigen content of recombinant trivalent poliomyelitis vaccine, and to optimize, verify and preliminarily apply the method, in order to provide a quality control method for vaccine development.MethodsMale New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with types Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ recombinant poliomyelitis vaccine antigens, and the corresponding polyclonal antibodies were prepared.The polyclonal antibodies were used as coating antibodies and HRP-labeled antibodies as detection antibodies to establish a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for detecting the content of three types of antigens in recombinant trivalent poliomyelitis vaccine. The checkerboard titration method was used to determine the coating antibody concentration and the detection antibody dilution. The single factor experiments were used to optimize the types of blocking solution, antibody lyophilization time, enzyme-labeled antibody diluents and chromogenic solution formulations. The established method was verified for linear range, accuracy, specificity, precision, lower limit of quantification, robustness and stability, and was used to detect the content of types Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ antigens in recombinant trivalent poliovirus vaccine.ResultsThe optimal coating antibody concentration was 5 μg/mL, and the optimal dilutions of enzyme-labeled antibodies were 4 000, 9 000 and 5 000, respectively,for types Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ antigens. The optimal conditions were as follows: blocking solution of 1% BSA solution, lyophilization time of 2 h, enzyme-labeled antibody dilution of 1% BSA + 1% sucrose + 1% trehalose + 0. 01% sodium thimerosal, and chromogenic solution of recipe 2 [Solution A: 13. 6 g sodium acetate, 1. 6 g citric acid, 0. 3 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide,adding distilled water to a total volume of 500 mL. Solution B: 0. 2 g disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, 0. 95 g citric acid, 50 mL glycerol, 0. 15 g TMB(dissolved in DMSO before slowly adding to distilled water), adding distilled water to a total volume of 500 mL]. TypesⅠ and Ⅱ antigens showed a good linear relationship with A_(450)in the concentration range of0. 78-25 DU/mL, and type Ⅲ antigen exhibited a good linear relationship with A_(450)in the concentration range of 1. 56-50 DU/mL,each R~2> 0. 99. The recovery rates of spiked samples at high, medium and low concentration of the three types of antigen content detection methods were all between 80% and 120%. All three types of antigen detection methods detected their corresponding specific antigens, and there was no cross-reaction with the other two antigens. The lower limits of quantification of types Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ antigen detection methods were 1. 56, 1. 56 and 3. 13 DU/mL, respectively. The CVs of precision and robustness verification were both less than 20%. The antibody-coated plate, detection antibody working solution and chromogenic solution were stored stably at 4 ℃ for six months, and the recovery rates of the three types of antigens were all within the range of 80%-120%. The CVs of harvest solution, clarified solution, concentrated solution, ion exchange chromatography solution, recovery solution and bulk solution samples in the vaccine process were all not more than 15% by the established method.ConclusionThe established double antibody sandwich ELISA quantitative detection method has good specificity,accuracy, precision, robustness and stability, and can be used to detect the content of typesⅠ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ antigens in the development of recombinant trivalent poliovirus vaccines.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Promotes Neoangiogenesis in Treatment of Vascular Dementia by Benefiting Qi, Activating Blood Circulation, and Resolving Blood Stasis: A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):318-328
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive dysfunction syndrome caused by cerebrovascular disease and is the second most common type of dementia worldwide, following Alzheimer's disease. The pathological mechanisms of VaD are complex, involving multiple biological processes, including angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Among these, angiogenesis is a key process in VaD pathology and is primarily regulated through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gradually gained attention in the treatment of VaD, particularly the therapeutic approach of benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis, which has demonstrated unique advantages in clinical practice. This method, based on the TCM theory of Qi and blood, emphasizes improving the pathological state of ''blood stasis'' by harmonizing the circulation of Qi and blood, and its scientific basis has been increasingly elucidated by modern pharmacological studies. This article systematically integrates the TCM concept of ''removing stasis to promote regeneration'' with the modern medical mechanism of neoangiogenesis and reviews the current research on promoting neoangiogenesis through the benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis in VaD treatment. It covers research progress on single Chinese medicine and compound formulas that promote neoangiogenesis, reduce apoptosis, and improve cerebral hemodynamics through multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic effects. Furthermore, this article explores the therapeutic approach of combining acupuncture and moxibustion with Chinese medicine formulas, breaking through the traditional single-treatment model. The synergistic treatment of acupuncture and herbal medicine not only enhances neoangiogenesis but also improves cognitive function and quality of life in VaD patients via multiple pathways. By comparing the advantages and limitations of modern medicine and TCM in VaD treatment, this article notes that while modern medicine excels in elucidating pathological mechanisms and targeted therapies, it is limited in overall regulation and multi-target interventions. TCM, through the comprehensive effects of multiple components and targets, is better suited to address the complex pathological features of VaD. However, current research on TCM for VaD still has limitations, including incompletely clarified mechanisms and insufficient clinical studies. Therefore, future research should further integrate multidisciplinary approaches, such as modern pharmacology and molecular biology, to deeply explore TCM resources and investigate diverse interdisciplinary collaborative treatment models, providing new ideas and strategies for VaD therapy.
7.Effect of RUNX3 on the activation, proliferation, and migration capabilities of hepatic stellate cells
Hui LING ; Xianchen WANG ; Junbo YOU ; Jiahao FAN ; Xiao CUI ; Jiming SHA ; Liquan YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):277-284
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line (JS-1) was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered, they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, and TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Alpha 1 type I collagen (Collagen I) were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3, α-SMA, and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group, a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β1-induced activated HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Additionally, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced (P<0.001). In contrast, when compared to TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators, such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (P<0.05). Concurrently, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group (P<0.01). ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely, RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs, thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.
8.Causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis:analysis based on genome-wide association study data
Hongtao LIU ; Xin WU ; Xinyu JIANG ; Fei SHA ; Qi AN ; Gaobiao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1602-1608
BACKGROUND:Age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis may share common pathophysiological mechanisms,but there is a lack of direct evidence regarding their relationship.Traditional studies are confounded by confounding factors and reverse causation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis based on Mendelian randomization design.METHODS:Through a two-way Mendelian randomization analysis,single nucleotide polymorphisms of exposure and outcomes were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies,with deep vein thrombosis data from the FinnGen database in a European population with a sample size of 363 612 and 1 048 575 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In addition,we obtained data on age-related macular degeneration from the IEUOpenGWAS project,also from a European population sample of 105 248 cases covering 11 304 110 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In R4.4.1,we used the TwoSampleMR package(version 0.6.8)to explore the causal effects of exposure factors on outcomes.At the same time,we also conducted a sensitivity analysis via MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted model and simple model methods to ensure that the assessment results were robust and reliable.In addition,we used the"heterogeneity"function to test for heterogeneity,and the"horizontal pleiotropy"function and the MR-PRESSO test to further assess horizontal pleotropy.The Cochran's Q test was used to determine whether there was statistical heterogeneity between single nucleotide polymorphisms,and the leave-one-out method was used to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms would significantly interfere with Mendelian randomization analysis.Funnel plots were drawn to assess the potential bias of single nucleotide polymorphisms.Forest plots were plotted to show the effect estimates of single nucleotide polymorphisms on exposure and outcomes,and their confidence intervals were plotted.Scatter plots were plotted to evaluate the relationship between the potency of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their causal effect size on outcome estimates.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Both forward and reverse studies showed that there was no causal association between age-related macular degeneration and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis(P>0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the main analysis results were reliable and robust,with no outliers,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy,and no single nucleotide polymorphism significantly affected the overall effect estimate.Although it is based on European population data,it has methodological reference value for Chinese biomedical research on complex disease associations.In this field,China can carry out multi-center large-sample studies,accurately analyze the internal links between Chinese population-related diseases,and provide a basis for prevention and treatment strategies and clinical practice.
9.Causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis:analysis based on genome-wide association study data
Hongtao LIU ; Xin WU ; Xinyu JIANG ; Fei SHA ; Qi AN ; Gaobiao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1602-1608
BACKGROUND:Age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis may share common pathophysiological mechanisms,but there is a lack of direct evidence regarding their relationship.Traditional studies are confounded by confounding factors and reverse causation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis based on Mendelian randomization design.METHODS:Through a two-way Mendelian randomization analysis,single nucleotide polymorphisms of exposure and outcomes were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies,with deep vein thrombosis data from the FinnGen database in a European population with a sample size of 363 612 and 1 048 575 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In addition,we obtained data on age-related macular degeneration from the IEUOpenGWAS project,also from a European population sample of 105 248 cases covering 11 304 110 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In R4.4.1,we used the TwoSampleMR package(version 0.6.8)to explore the causal effects of exposure factors on outcomes.At the same time,we also conducted a sensitivity analysis via MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted model and simple model methods to ensure that the assessment results were robust and reliable.In addition,we used the"heterogeneity"function to test for heterogeneity,and the"horizontal pleiotropy"function and the MR-PRESSO test to further assess horizontal pleotropy.The Cochran's Q test was used to determine whether there was statistical heterogeneity between single nucleotide polymorphisms,and the leave-one-out method was used to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms would significantly interfere with Mendelian randomization analysis.Funnel plots were drawn to assess the potential bias of single nucleotide polymorphisms.Forest plots were plotted to show the effect estimates of single nucleotide polymorphisms on exposure and outcomes,and their confidence intervals were plotted.Scatter plots were plotted to evaluate the relationship between the potency of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their causal effect size on outcome estimates.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Both forward and reverse studies showed that there was no causal association between age-related macular degeneration and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis(P>0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the main analysis results were reliable and robust,with no outliers,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy,and no single nucleotide polymorphism significantly affected the overall effect estimate.Although it is based on European population data,it has methodological reference value for Chinese biomedical research on complex disease associations.In this field,China can carry out multi-center large-sample studies,accurately analyze the internal links between Chinese population-related diseases,and provide a basis for prevention and treatment strategies and clinical practice.
10.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Danggui Liuhuang Tang in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Yin Deficiency and Fire Excess Syndrome
Yuanying XU ; Shanshan YU ; Xinyan JIN ; MAREYANMU·ROSE ; Cheng CHEN ; Wenjun SHA ; Tao LEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):163-172
ObjectiveThis study aims to observe the clinical effect of Danggui Liuhuang Tang (DGLHT) on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at high risk, focus on evaluating the influence of DGLHT on cardiovascular risk indicators such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), and explore the regulatory effect of DGLHT on the myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-kappa B (MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe clinical study was a single-center, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial. A total of 68 patients with T2DM-ASCVD at high risk for cardiovascular events with Yin deficiency and fire excess syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was given atorvastatin calcium tablets and DGLHT, while the control group was given atorvastatin calcium tablets and placebos. The treatment course was 12 weeks, with a final study completion of 30 patients in the treatment group and 29 in the control group. Changes in cardiovascular risk indicators such as FMD, AIP, TyG, and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) index were compared. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to establish a vascular endothelial injury and inflammation model. The protective effect of DGLHT on endothelial injury was verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot . ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the AIP in the treatment group significantly decreased compared with that before the treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in FMD and TyG (P<0.05). Additionally, the treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in two-hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG), glycated albumin (GA), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein E (Apo E), and sdLDL-C (P<0.05). Analysis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome efficacy indicated that in the treatment group, Yin deficiency and fire excess syndromes, including dry throat and mouth (P<0.05), excessive thirst (P<0.01), tidal fever and night sweats (P<0.05), and dry stools (P<0.05), improved. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in symptoms of dry throat and mouth (P<0.05) and excessive thirst (P<0.01). TCM syndrome scores significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the overall efficacy rate was 56.67%, significantly higher than the 10.34% observed in the control group (P<0.01). At the cellular level, increasing concentrations of DGLHT led to decreased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HUVECs (P<0.01), with significant reductions in the high-concentration group (P<0.01). DGLHT may inhibit the expressions of MyD88 and phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB p65 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. ConclusionDGLHT shows significant effects in reducing cardiovascular risks and may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. This finding provides a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk individuals with T2DM-ASCVD.


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