1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.Research on Magnetic Stimulation Intervention Technology for Alzheimer’s Disease Guided by Heart Rate Variability
Shu-Ting CHEN ; Du-Yan GENG ; Chun-Meng FAN ; Wei-Ran ZHENG ; Gui-Zhi XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveNon-invasive magnetic stimulation technology has been widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is a lack of convenient and timely methods for evaluating and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation, which can be used to guide the adjustment of the stimulation protocol. This study aims to explore the possibility of heart rate variability (HRV) in diagnosing AD and guiding AD magnetic stimulation intervention techniques. MethodsIn this study, we used a 40 Hz, 10 mT pulsed magnetic field to expose AD mouse models to whole-body exposure for 18 d, and detected the behavioral and electroencephalographic signals before and after exposure, as well as the instant electrocardiographic signals after exposure every day. ResultsUsing one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, we found that some HRV indicators could identify AD mouse models as accurately as behavioral and electroencephalogram(EEG) changes (P<0.05) and significantly distinguish the severity of the disease (P<0.05), including rMSSD, pNN6, LF/HF, SD1/SD2, and entropy arrangement. These HRV indicators showed good correlation and statistical significance with behavioral and EEG changes (r>0.3, P<0.05); HRV indicators were significantly modulated by the magnetic field exposure before and after the exposure, both of which were observed in the continuous changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) (P<0.05), and the trend of the stimulation effect was more accurately observed in the continuous changes of ECG. ConclusionHRV can accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes and disease degree, quickly evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation, and has the potential to guide the pattern of magnetic exposure, providing a new idea for the study of personalized electromagnetic neuroregulation technology for brain diseases.
3.Awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asian adults towards telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.
Ryan Eyn Kidd MAN ; Aricia Xin Yi HO ; Ester Pei Xuan LEE ; Eva Katie Diana FENWICK ; Amudha ARAVINDHAN ; Kam Chun HO ; Gavin Siew Wei TAN ; Daniel Shu Wei TING ; Tien Yin WONG ; Khung Keong YEO ; Su-Yen GOH ; Preeti GUPTA ; Ecosse Luc LAMOUREUX
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(5):256-264
INTRODUCTION:
We aimed to understand the awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asians towards telehealth services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in this study.
METHODS:
In this qualitative study, 78 individuals from Singapore (51.3% female, mean age 73.0 ± 7.6 years) were interviewed via telephone between 13 May 2020 and 9 June 2020 during Singapore's first COVID-19 'circuit breaker'. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of telehealth, their experience of and willingness to utilise these services, and the barriers and facilitators underlying their decision. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the United Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology framework.
RESULTS:
Of the 78 participants, 24 (30.8%) were able to describe the range of telehealth services available and 15 (19.2%) had previously utilised these services. Conversely, 14 (17.9%) participants thought that telehealth comprised solely home medication delivery and 50 (51.3%) participants did not know about telehealth. Despite the advantages offered by telehealth services, participants preferred in-person consultations due to a perceived lack of human interaction and accuracy of diagnoses, poor digital literacy and a lack of access to telehealth-capable devices.
CONCLUSION
Our results showed poor overall awareness of the range of telehealth services available among elderly Asian individuals, with many harbouring erroneous views regarding their use. These data suggest that public health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness of and correct negative perceptions towards telehealth services in elderly Asians.
Humans
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Telemedicine
;
Aged
;
Male
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Qualitative Research
;
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Middle Aged
;
Pandemics
;
Awareness
;
Asian People
;
Southeast Asian People
4.Buzhong Yiqi Decoction alleviates immune injury of autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2~(h4)mice via c GAS-STING signaling pathway.
Yi-Ran CHEN ; Lan-Ting WANG ; Qing-Yang LIU ; Zhao-Han ZHAI ; Shou-Xin JU ; Xue-Ying CHEN ; Zi-Yu LIU ; Xiao YANG ; Tian-Shu GAO ; Zhi-Min WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1872-1880
This study aims to explore the effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BYD) on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING) signaling pathway in the mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT) and the mechanism of BYD in alleviating the immune injury. Forty-eight NOD.H-2~(h4) mice were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose BYD, and selenium yeast tablets groups(n=8). Mice of 8 weeks old were treated with 0.05% sodium iodide solution for 8 weeks for the modeling of AIT and then administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 weeks before sampling. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to measure the astragaloside Ⅳ content in BYD. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Flow cytometry was employed to detect the distribution of T cell subsets in the spleen. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of markers related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the thyroid tissue. The results showed that the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in BYD was(7.06±0.08) mg·mL~(-1). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed disrupted structures of thyroid follicular epithelial cells, massive infiltration of lymphocytes, and elevated levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed intact epithelial cells, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, and lowered levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, a decrease in the proportion of Th2 cells, and an increase in the IFN-γ level. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups presented decreased proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells and lowered levels of IFN-γ, and the medium-dose BYD group showed an increase in the proportion of Th2 cells. Compared with the normal group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3 and the protein levels of cGAS, p-STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed reduced levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3-positive products, down-regulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, and TBK1, and down-regulated protein levels of cGAS and p-STING. The high-dose BYD group showed down-regulations in the mRNA level of IRF3 and the protein levels of p-TBK1 and p-IRF3. The above results indicate that BYD can repair the imbalance of T cell subsets, alleviate immune injury, and reduce thyroid lymphocyte infiltration in AIT mice by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred NOD
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Disease Models, Animal
5.Chemical constituents of bulbs of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis.
Ling-Xia XU ; Xin-Xin HUANG ; Ji-Cheng SHU ; Ting TAN ; Yun LUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2404-2410
The 95% ethanol extract from bulbs of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis(BNTC) was eluted with 30%, 60%, and pure methanol on D-101 macroporous resin. The elution fractions were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, D-101 macroporous resin, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and HPLC. The purified compounds were identified using one-dimensional and two-dimensional spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and other techniques. A total of 15 compounds were isolated and identified as 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-methyl-3,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one(1), 3,5-di(hydroxyphenyl)-N-methyl-3,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one(2), protocatechualdehyde(3), protocatechuic acid(4), 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone(5), syringic acid(6), vanillic acid(7), p-hydroxybenzoic acid(8),(2S)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan(9), 2,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone(10), N-trans-ferulic acid p-hydroxyphenylethylamine(11), N-cis-p-coumaroyltyramine(12), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine(13), piscidic acid(14), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(15). Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds with similar structure that have not been reported yet, named narcissus A and narcissus B. Compounds 8-13 were isolated and identified from the genus Narcissus for the first time, and compounds 14 and 15 were isolated from BNTC for the first time. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the release of NO from RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)(P<0.001), with compound 1 having an IC_(50) value of(72.76±2.97) μmol·L~(-1) and compound 2 having an IC_(50) value of(63.59±0.96) μmol·L~(-1).
Mice
;
Animals
;
Narcissus/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
6.The analysis of invention patents in the field of artificial intelligent medical devices.
Ting ZHANG ; Juan CHEN ; Yan LU ; Dongzi XU ; Shu YAN ; Zhaolian OUYANG
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(3):504-511
The emergence of new-generation artificial intelligence technology has brought numerous innovations to the healthcare field, including telemedicine and intelligent care. However, the artificial intelligent medical device sector still faces significant challenges, such as data privacy protection and algorithm reliability. This study, based on invention patent analysis, revealed the technological innovation trends in the field of artificial intelligent medical devices from aspects such as patent application time trends, hot topics, regional distribution, and innovation players. The results showed that global invention patent applications had remained active, with technological innovations primarily focused on medical image processing, physiological signal processing, surgical robots, brain-computer interfaces, and intelligent physiological parameter monitoring technologies. The United States and China led the world in the number of invention patent applications. Major international medical device giants, such as Philips, Siemens, General Electric, and Medtronic, were at the forefront of global technological innovation, with significant advantages in patent application volumes and international market presence. Chinese universities and research institutes, such as Zhejiang University, Tianjin University, and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, had demonstrated notable technological innovation, with a relatively high number of patent applications. However, their overseas market expansion remained limited. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the technological innovation trends in the artificial intelligent medical device field and offers valuable information support for industry development from an informatics perspective.
Artificial Intelligence
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Patents as Topic
;
Humans
;
Inventions
;
China
;
Brain-Computer Interfaces
;
Telemedicine
;
Equipment and Supplies
;
Robotics
;
Algorithms
7.Analysis of the global registration status of clinical trials for artificial intelligence medical device.
Yan LU ; Juan CHEN ; Ting ZHANG ; Shu YAN ; Dongzi XU ; Zhaolian OUYANG
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(3):512-519
The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology is driving profound changes in medical practice, particularly in the field of medical device application. Based on data from the U.S. clinical trials registry, this study analyzes the global registration landscape of clinical trials involving artificial intelligence-based medical devices, aiming to provide a reference for their clinical research and application. A total of 2 494 clinical trials related to artificial intelligence medical devices have been registered worldwide, with participation from 66 countries or regions. The United States leads with 908 trials, while for other countries or regions, including China, each has fewer than 300 trials. Germany, the United States, and Belgium serve as central hubs for international collaboration. Among the sponsors, 63.96% are universities or hospitals, 22.36% are enterprises, and the remainder includes individuals, government agencies and others. Of all trials, 79.99% are interventional studies, 94.67% place no restrictions on participant gender, and 69.69% exclude children. The targeted diseases are primarily neurological and mental disorders. This study systematically reveals the global distribution characteristics and research trends of artificial intelligence medical device clinical trials, offering valuable data support and practical insights for advancing international collaboration, resource allocation, and policy development in this field.
Artificial Intelligence
;
Humans
;
Clinical Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data*
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Equipment and Supplies
;
Registries
;
United States
8.Effect of phenytoin and levetiracetam on busulfan blood concentration in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Shi-Xi XU ; Guang-Ting ZENG ; Jing-Yu WANG ; Shu-Lan LIU ; Jing LIU ; Bo-Yan DENG ; Ji-Ming LUO ; Jie LIN ; An-Fa WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(11):1378-1383
OBJECTIVES:
To study the effect of prophylactic phenytoin (PHT) or levetiracetam (LEV) on busulfan (BU) blood concentration in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
METHODS:
Pediatric patients conditioned with BU plus cyclophosphamide and fludarabine at the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou from September 2023 to February 2025 were retrospectively included. Patients were grouped by prophylactic antiepileptic regimen into PHT (n=24) and LEV (n=26). BU blood concentrations at the end of infusion (0 hour) and at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-infusion were compared between groups.
RESULTS:
At 0 hour post-infusion, BU blood concentrations did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05). At 1, 2, and 4 hours post-infusion, BU blood concentrations were higher in the LEV group than in the PHT group (P<0.05). The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to ∞ (AUC0-∞) was greater in the LEV group (P<0.001), and the attainment rate of AUC0-∞ was higher in the LEV group than in the PHT group (73% vs 21%, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups in time to hematopoietic engraftment or in the incidence of BU-related adverse drug reactions (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with PHT, LEV prophylaxis is associated with higher BU blood concentration and a higher AUC0-∞ attainment rate. There is no observed difference in BU efficacy or safety between PHT and LEV.
Humans
;
Levetiracetam/therapeutic use*
;
Busulfan/pharmacokinetics*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Phenytoin/pharmacology*
;
Infant
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Anticonvulsants/pharmacology*
;
Adolescent
9.Gene Mutation Characteristics, Prognosis and Survival Analysis of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Miao HE ; Hong-Juan TIAN ; Dong-Feng MAO ; Xiao-Chen ZHAO ; Shu-Ting ZHANG ; Fang-Qing ZHAO ; Tao WU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):691-697
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the gene mutation characteristics and survival time of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on next-generation sequencing(NGS) gene detection.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 92 patients with AML (non APL) admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to May 2022. AML related genes tested were using NGS, the mutation characteristics and survival time of AML patients were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among the 92 patients, 41 were males and 51 were females. A total of 38 types of gene mutations were detected. Six-two patients carried at least one gere mutation, while no gene mutations were detected in 30 patients. In the group with favourable prognosis (n =14), the frequencies of higher gene mutations were NRAS, KIT (21.43%, n =3), KRAS (14.29%, n =2). In the group with intermediate prognosis (n =64), the gene mutation frequencies from high to low were DNMT3A (18.75%, n =12), NPM1 (17.19%, n =11), IDH2, FLT3-ITD, CEBPA (12.50%, n =8), TET2 (10.94%, n =7). In the poor prognosis group (n =14), ASXL1, TP53, EZH2, NRAS had higher gene mutation frequency than others(14.29 %, n =2 ). Statistical analysis revealed that KIT had a relative hotspot of mutations in the intermediate-risk group, and DNMT3A had a relative hotspot of mutations in the high-risk group (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis of genes with high mutation rates in different prognostic groups, such as NRAS, KIT, IDH2, DNMT3A, NPM1, and FLT3-ITD, with prognosis found that KIT was a factor affecting OS (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed for the others(P >0.05).
CONCLUSION
The frequency of gene mutations is high in AML patients, 67.4% of the patients carried at least one gene mutation. The mutation frequency varies among different genes in patients with different karyotypes, and there are obvious dominant mutations. KIT and DNMT3A can be used as factors for evaluating the prognosis of AML.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*
;
Nucleophosmin
;
Mutation
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Male
;
Female
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Middle Aged
;
DNA Methyltransferase 3A
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Survival Analysis
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/genetics*
10.Additional role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the risk of osteoporosis in men with or without coronary heart disease: a real-world longitudinal study.
Jing ZENG ; Zi-Mo PAN ; Ting LI ; Ze-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Yan CAI ; Mei-Liang GONG ; Xin-Li DENG ; Sheng-Shu WANG ; Nan LI ; Miao LIU ; Chun-Lin LI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):219-228
BACKGROUND:
Early control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for reducing the progress of cardiovascular disease. However, its additional role to the risk of primary osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease was inconclusive. Our study aims to determine the association of LDL-C and its trajectories for osteoporosis risk in the middle-aged and aged men of China.
METHODS:
The retrospective cohort study of 1546 men aged 69.74 ± 11.30 years conducted in Beijing, China from 2015 to 2022. And the incidence of primary osteoporosis was annually recorded. LDL-C trajectories were further identified by latent class growth model using repeated measurements of LDL-C. The association of baseline LDL-C for osteoporosis was estimated using hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI in Cox proportional hazard model, while mean level and trajectories of LDL-C for osteoporosis were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI in logistic regression model.
RESULTS:
During the median 6.2-year follow-up period, 70 men developed primary osteoporosis. The higher level of baseline LDL-C (HR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.012-2.342) and mean LDL-C (OR = 2.190, 95% CI: 1.443-3.324) were associated with higher risk of osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease after adjusted for covariates. Compared with those in the LDL-C trajectory of low-stable decrease, participants with medium-fluctuant trajectory, whose longitudinal LDL-C started with a medium LDL-C level and appeared an increase and then decrease, were negatively associated with osteoporosis risk (OR = 2.451, 95% CI: 1.152-5.216). And participants with initially high LDL-C level and then a rapid decrease demonstrated a tendency towards reduced risk (OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.212-2.437).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated LDL-C level and its long-term fluctuation may increase the risk of primary osteoporosis in men. Early controlling a stable level of LDL-C is also essential for bone health.

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