1.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
2.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
3.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
4.Research progress in small molecule inhibitors of complement factor B
Shuai WEN ; Yao ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Xing LI ; Yi MOU ; Zheng-yu JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):37-47
The alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several diseases including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerular disease (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor B (CFB) is a trypsin-like serine protein that circulates in the human bloodstream in a latent form. As a key node of the alternative pathway, it is an important target for the treatment of diseases mediated by the complement system. With the successful launch of iptacopan, the CFB small molecule inhibitors has become a current research hotspot, a number of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies are actively developing CFB small molecule inhibitors. In this paper, the research progress of CFB small molecule inhibitors in recent years is systematically summarized, the representative compounds and their activities are introduced according to structural types and design ideas, so as to provide reference and ideas for the subsequent research on CFB small molecule inhibitors.
5.A Case of One-stop Procedure for Cryoballoon Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion of Atrial Fibrillation Under Electroacupuncture Anesthesia
Rongren KUANG ; Shuai WANG ; Yulian JIANG ; Xianliang WANG ; Jianming YIN ; Jingyuan MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):760-764
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of chronic cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion are effective treatment methods for atrial fibrillation, but these procedures require anesthesia support. However, anesthetic drugs often cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, involuntary movements, and respiratory depression. This paper presents a case of a successful one-stop procedure for cryoballoon ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion of atrial fibrillation performed entirely under acupuncture anesthesia. Thirty minutes before the procedure, acupuncture needles were inserted perpendicularly at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Lieque (LU 7), Ximen (PC 4) and (LU 6). After obtaining the deqi (得气) sensation, an electroacupuncture device was connected, and electroacupuncture anesthesia was used for pain control throughout the procedure. The patient exhibited good tolerance and cooperation, with electroacupuncture anesthesia completely replacing intravenous anesthetics, ensuring the smooth completion of the surgery. Postoperative follow-up showed favorable outcomes.
6.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
7.Effects of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on the social function of patients with schizophrenia
Chunyan JIANG ; Jiuhong SHUAI ; Hongyuan DENG ; Junhua ZHENG ; Chunfeng GOU ; Xiaoli YANG ; Deying TONG ; Hao FENG ; Xia HUANG ; Ru GAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):229-234
BackgroundAs a high prevalence disorder, schizophrenia has caused significant burden to family and society due to the impairment of occupational and social function. Currently, the dominant vocational training model in China follows a paternalistic, clinician-led decision-making approach. Although it improves patients' social function to some extent, it undermines their autonomy and treatment adherence. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to explore a new intervention method to enhance treatment compliance and social function in patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on social function in hospitalized schizophrenia patients, so as to provide references for rehabilitation interventions. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) criteria were consecutively enrolled from January to June 2024 at The Third People's Hospital of Wenjiang Distric, Chengdu. Participants were randomly allocated into the research group (n=34) and the control group (n=34) using a random number table method. Both groups received routine rehabilitation training, while the research group received shared decision-making oriented vocational training for 12 weeks, 2 times a week for 2 hours each time. Before and at the 4th and 12th week of intervention, two groups were evaluated by General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Stigma Scale for Mental Illness (SSMI), Scale of Social function of Psychosis Inpatients (SSFPI) and Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation Outcome Scale (IPROS). ResultsA total of 63 participants completed the study, with 30 cases in the research group and 33 cases in the control group. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant time effects and interaction effects in both groups for GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores (F=20.451, 16.022; 26.193, 12.944; 23.957, 5.023; 11.776, 3.985, P<0.05 or 0.01), while no significant group effects were observed (F=0.188, 0.742, 1.878, 0.474, P>0.05). At the 12th week of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores between the two groups. ConclusionShared decision-making oriented vocational training may help to improve social function in patients with schizophrenia. [Funded by 2023 Chengdu Medical Research Project (number, 2023468)]
8.Iron metabolism and arthritis: Exploring connections and therapeutic avenues
Dachun ZHUO ; Wenze XIAO ; Yulong TANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Chengchun GENG ; Jiangnan XIE ; Xiaobei MA ; Qing ZHANG ; Kunhai TANG ; Yuexin YU ; Lu BAI ; Hejian ZOU ; Jing LIU ; Jiucun WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(14):1651-1662
Iron is indispensable for the viablility of nearly all living organisms, and it is imperative for cells, tissues, and organisms to acquire this essential metal sufficiently and maintain its metabolic stability for survival. Disruption of iron homeostasis can lead to the development of various diseases. There is a robust connection between iron metabolism and infection, immunity, inflammation, and aging, suggesting that disorders in iron metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. Numerous studies have focused on the significant role of iron metabolism in the development of arthritis and its potential for targeted drug therapy. Targeting iron metabolism offers a promising approach for individualized treatment of arthritis. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which the body maintains iron metabolism and the impacts of iron and iron metabolism disorders on arthritis. Furthermore, this review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets and active substances related to iron metabolism, which could provide promising research directions in this field.
9.Pathological features of lacrimal gland mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and the expression and significance of BCL10 and MALT1
Shuai JIANG ; Zhijun DONG ; Weili DONG ; Junru LIU ; Ziping ZHANG ; Yan HEI ; Xinji YANG
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(9):804-808
Objective To investigate the pathomorphological features of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma of the lacrimal gland and the expression and significance of BCL10 and MALT1 in tumor tissues.Methods Diseased lacrimal gland tissue specimens from 19 patients with lacrimal gland MALT lymphoma(19 eyes,including nine right eyes and ten left eyes)were selected as the experimental group,and normal lacrimal gland tissue specimens from eight patients with orbital content removal(eight eyes,including three right eyes and five left eyes)were selected as the control group.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the mor-phological characteristics of the lacrimal gland tissues,and immunohistochemical(IHC)staining was performed to observe the expression of BCL10 and MALT1 in the lacrimal gland tissues.Results In the experimental group,marginal B cells,monocyte-like tumor cells,small lymphocyte-like tumor cells,and plasma cell-like tumor cells appeared in the marginal zone.Large cells were occasionally distri-buted among these cells.The tumor cells invaded the lymphoid follicles and epithelium,destroyed normal tissue structure,and formed follicular colonization and lymphoepithelial lesions.The positive expression area of BCL10 and MALT1 in the experimental group was sig-nificantly larger than that in the control group(Z=-2.177,P=0.029;t=3.237,P=0.003).Conclusion Lacrimal gland MALT lymphoma shows pathological changes in diffusely distributed marginal B cells and tumor cells with diverse morphology,acquired lymphoid follicles,and scattered distribution of large cells.This may be related to apoptosis blockage caused by the upregulation of BCL10 and MALT1 expression.
10.Mechanism of Shenkang injection in treatment of renal fibrosis based on bioinformatics and in vitro experimental verification
Gao-Quan MENG ; Ming-Liang ZHANG ; Xiao-Fei CHEN ; Xiao-Yan WANG ; Wei-Xia LI ; Dai ZHANG ; Lu JIANG ; Ming-Ge LI ; Xiao-Shuai ZHANG ; Wei-Ting MENG ; Bing HAN ; Jin-Fa TANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1953-1962
Aim To explore the mechanism and mate-rial basis of Shenkang injection(SKI)in the treatment of renal fibrosis(RF)by bioinformatics and in vitro experiments.Methods The differentially expressed genes of RF were screened by GEO database.With the help of CMAP database,based on the similarity princi-ple of gene expression profile,the drugs that regulated RF were repositioned,and then the components of SKI potential treatment RF were screened by molecular fin-gerprint similarity analysis.At the same time,the core targets and pathways of SKI regulating RF were predic-ted based on network pharmacology.Finally,it was verified by molecular docking and cell experiments.Results Based on the GEO database,two RF-related data sets were screened,and CMAP was relocated to three common RF therapeutic drugs(saracatinib,da-satinib,pp-2).Molecular fingerprint similarity analysis showed that RF therapeutic drugs had high structural similarity with five SKI components such as salvianolic acid B and hydroxysafflor yellow A.Molecular docking results showed that salvianolic acid B,hydroxysafflor yellow A and other components had good binding abili-ty with MMP1 and MMP13,which were the core targets of SKI-regulated potential treatment of RF.Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the core targets of SKI were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as Relaxin and AGE-RAGE.Cell experiments showed that SKI could significantly reduce the mRNA expres-sion levels of AGER,NFKB1,COL1A1,SERPINE1,VEGFC in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and MMP1 and MMP13 in Relaxin signaling pathway in RF model cells,and significantly increase the mRNA expression level of RXFP1.Conclusions SKI can play a role in the treatment of RF by regulating Relaxin and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways,and its material basis may be salvianolic acid B,hydroxysafflor yellow A and other components.

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