1.The role of DPP7 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma and its underlying mechanisms
Bijun WANG ; Haodong CUI ; Wenyong WU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):201-208
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Dipeptidyl peptidase 7 (DPP7) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsThe expression of DPP7 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and liver benign tissues was detected by UALCAN and GEPIA database, immunohistochemical, and Western blot, and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The expression of DPP7 was silenced by siRNA and the protein expression of DPP7 in MHCC97H cells was detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR. MTT assay, colony formation assay and wound healing assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay was used to detect the invasion and migration ability of cells. Western blot was used to detect the changes of protein markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). ResultsIn UALCAN, GEPIA and clinical liver tissue samples, DPP7 expression was upregulated and it was closely related to TNM stage (P=0.002), lymph node metastasis (P=0.038) and depth of tumor invasion (P=0.027). The downregulation of DPP7 protein expression in MHCC97H cells was detected after transfection of siRNA in the experimental group (P<0.01); furthermore, the results of the MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assay demonstrated that knockdown of DPP7 expression in the MHCC97H cell line significantly inhibited the proliferative and metastatic capabilities of these cells. Consistent with this phenotypic change, analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins revealed a significant upregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P<0.001) and downregulation of the mesenchymal markers Vimentin and N-cadherin (P<0.01). ConclusionDPP7 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and this is associated with poor prognosis in patients. The downregulation of DPP7 protein expression can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line MHCC97H, and its mechanism is closely related to EMT.
2."Weibing" in traditional Chinese medicine-biological basis and mathematical representation of disease-susceptible state.
Wanyang SUN ; Rong WANG ; Shuhua OUYANG ; Wanli LIANG ; Junwei DUAN ; Wenyong GONG ; Lianting HU ; Xiujuan CHEN ; Yifang LI ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Xinsheng YAO ; Hao GAO ; Rongrong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2363-2371
"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.
3.Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury (version 2025)
Kai HUANG ; Lunhao BAI ; Qing BI ; Hong CHEN ; Jiwu CHEN ; Xuesong DAI ; Wenyong FEI ; Weili FU ; Zhizeng GAO ; Lin GUO ; Yinghui HUA ; Jingmin HUANG ; Suizhu HUANG ; Xuan HUANG ; Jian LI ; Qiang LI ; Shuzhen LI ; Yanlin LI ; Yunxia LI ; Zhong LI ; Ning LIU ; Yuqiang LIU ; Wei LU ; Hongbin LYU ; Haile PAN ; Xiaoyun PAN ; Chao QI ; Weiliang SHEN ; Luning SUN ; Jin TANG ; Zimin WANG ; Bide WANG ; Ru WANG ; Shaobai WANG ; Licheng WEI ; Weidong XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Jizhou YANG ; Liang YANG ; Rui YANG ; Hongbo YOU ; Tengbo YU ; Jiakuo YU ; Bing YUE ; Hua ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Qingsong ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Lilian ZHAO ; Qichun ZHAO ; Song ZHAO ; Jiapeng ZHENG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Jingbin ZHOU ; Jinzhong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(4):325-338
With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.
4.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
5.Mechanism of osteoarthritis treatment by exosomes.
Xiaofei WANG ; Jihang DAI ; Lei XU ; Zhimin WU ; Linbing LOU ; Cunyi XIA ; Haixiang MIAO ; Wenyong FEI ; Jingcheng WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):367-369
6.Natural products for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration:New insights focusing on mitochondrial quality control and cGAS/STING pathway
Xuelu XIE ; Shan LIAN ; Wenyong YANG ; Sheng HE ; Jingqiu HE ; Yuke WANG ; Yan ZENG ; Fang LU ; Jingwen JIANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):956-973
Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is a disease that affects the vision of elderly individuals worldwide.Although current therapeutics have shown effectiveness against AMD,some patients may remain unresponsive and continue to experience disease progression.Therefore,in-depth knowledge of the mechanism underlying AMD pathogenesis is urgently required to identify potential drug targets for AMD treatment.Recently,studies have suggested that dysfunction of mitochondria can lead to the ag-gregation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes(STING)innate immunity pathways,ultimately resulting in sterile inflammation and cell death in various cells,such as cardiomyocytes and macrophages.Therefore,combining strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory mediators may hold great potential in facilitating AMD management.Notably,emerging evidence indicates that natural products targeting mitochondrial quality control(MQC)and the cGAS/STING innate immunity pathways exhibit promise in treating AMD.Here,we summarize phytochemicals that could directly or indirectly influence the MQC and the cGAS/STING innate immunity pathways,as well as their interconnected mediators,which have the potential to mitigate oxidative stress and suppress excessive inflammatory responses,thereby hoping to offer new insights into therapeutic interventions for AMD treatment.
7.Design and synthesis of novel saponin-triazole derivatives in the regulation of adipogenesis.
Yongsheng FANG ; Zhiyun ZHU ; Chun XIE ; Dazhen XIA ; Huimin ZHAO ; Zihui WANG ; Qian LU ; Caimei ZHANG ; Wenyong XIONG ; Xiaodong YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):920-931
Saponins associated with Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy across multiple diseases. However, certain high-yield saponins face limited clinical applications due to their reduced pharmacological efficacy. This study synthesized and evaluated 36 saponin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of ginsenosides Rg1/Rb1 and notoginsenoside R1 for anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. The research revealed that the ginsenosides Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 demonstrates superior adipogenesis inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicates that incorporating an amidyl-substituted 1,2,3-triazole into the saponin side chain via Click reaction enhances anti-adipogenesis activity. Additionally, several other derivatives exhibit general adipogenesis inhibition. Compound a17 demonstrated enhanced potency compared to the parent ginsenoside Rg1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that a17 exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro, accompanied by decreased expression of preadipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) adipogenesis regulators. These findings establish the ginsenoside Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 as a promising adipocyte differentiation inhibitor and potential therapeutic agent for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This research provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic approaches for various metabolic syndromes.
Adipogenesis/drug effects*
;
Triazoles/chemical synthesis*
;
Ginsenosides/chemical synthesis*
;
Saponins/chemical synthesis*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Structure-Activity Relationship
;
PPAR gamma/genetics*
;
3T3-L1 Cells
;
Adipocytes/metabolism*
;
Panax notoginseng/chemistry*
;
Drug Design
;
Molecular Structure
;
Humans
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics*
8.Expression and functional mechanism of PPFIA4 gene in hepatocellular
Haodong Cui ; Jimin Yin ; Kai Guo ; Bijun Wang ; Tianbing Wang ; Wenyong Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):414-421
Objective:
To explore the expression level of PPFIA4 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and HCCLM3 cells and its regulation of the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods :
Bioinformatics analysis, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression of PPFIA4 in tumor tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and analyze the prognosis of these patients. An siRNA plasmid was designed to knock down the expression of PPFIA4 in HCCLM3 cells. The effects of PPFIA4 knockdown on the migration and invasion abilities of HCCLM3 cells were then evaluated using scratch healing and Transwell assays. Furthermore, Western blot was utilized to detect the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related protein markers in the HCCLM3 cell line after transfection with the siRNA plasmid.
Results:
PPFIA4 was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and hepatocellular carcinoma cells( HCCLM3, Li-7, MHCC97H); the high expression of PPFIA4 indicated that the clinical stage of patients was late and the overall survival(OS) was short. After knocking down the expression of PPFIA4 in HCCLM3 cell line, the migration and invasion ability of HCCLM3 cells decreased(P<0.001) and the expression of EMT markers changed. The expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin increased(P<0.01), while the expression of mesenchymal markers Vimentin and N-cadherin decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).
Conclusion
PPFIA4 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and is associated with poor prognosis of patients. Silencing PPFIA4 can regulate the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and inhibit the migration and invasion of HCCLM3 cells. The specific mechanism may be related to EMT.
9.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
10.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.


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