1.Chinese Materia Medica by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Lanhua XI ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Tianwei LIANG ; Hui HUANG ; Shan LI ; Xian HUANG ; Chun YAO ; Guochu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):321-330
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa, and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality, oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), encoded by the Nfe212 gene, plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulated in the body, and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition, Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response, cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this, this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2, the molecular mechanism of activation, the protective effect in the pathological process of UC, and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory, promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promoting intestinal mucosal repair, providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.
2.Analysis of The Application and Prospects of CRISPR-based RNA Detection Technology in Forensic Science
Yun FANG ; Xian-Miao WANG ; Wei XIE ; Qi-Fan SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2602-2613
The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in molecular diagnostics, offering transformative potential for RNA analysis within the rigorous demands of forensic science. Conventional forensic RNA detection methodologies, such as reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or microarray analysis, are significantly hampered by inherent limitations including complex, multi-step protocols requiring sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, pronounced susceptibility to inhibitors prevalent in complex forensic matrices (e.g., humic acids, heme, indigo dyes), and often inadequate sensitivity for trace or degraded samples typical of crime scenes, thereby failing to meet the critical operational imperatives of forensic practice: rapidity, high specificity, sensitivity, portability, and robustness against interference. This review posits that CRISPR-Cas-based RNA detection technology provides a groundbreaking solution by leveraging the programmable, sequence-specific recognition conferred by the synergistic interaction between a designed guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas effector proteins (e.g., Cas12a, Cas13a, Cas14). Upon target RNA binding, specific Cas enzymes undergo conformational activation, exhibiting collateral cleavage activity―a unique catalytic amplification mechanism where the enzyme non-specifically cleaves surrounding reporter molecules, enabling ultra-high sensitivity. To further enhance detection limits, CRISPR-Cas systems are strategically integrated with isothermal pre-amplification techniques like recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which efficiently amplify target RNA at constant temperatures, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers. This powerful cascade―isothermal pre-amplification followed by CRISPR-mediated sequence-specific recognition and collateral signal amplification―achieves exceptional sensitivity, often down to the single-molecule (attomolar) level, while drastically reducing analysis time to potentially 30-60 min. Crucially, the compatibility of CRISPR-Cas detection with simple, equipment-free readout systems, such as lateral flow strips (LFS) for visual colorimetric results or portable fluorescence/electrochemical sensors, facilitates true point-of-need (PON) forensic analysis directly at crime scenes, morgues, or field labs. This enables rapid applications like specific body fluid identification (e.g., distinguishing menstrual blood via miRNA, identifying saliva via mRNA), post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation through RNA degradation/expression patterns, donor age inference via age-related RNA markers, tissue identification, and microbial forensics, thereby accelerating investigative leads, minimizing sample degradation risks, and optimizing resource allocation. However, significant challenges impede widespread adoption, including persistent environmental interference inhibiting enzymes, fluctuations in Cas/amplification enzyme activity affecting reproducibility, a critical lack of standardized protocols and validated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) frameworks essential for forensic reliability and court admissibility, and current limitations in multiplex detection capability. Consequently, future research must prioritize overcoming multiplexing bottlenecks for comprehensive analysis, enhancing system robustness through Cas protein engineering and optimized reagents, developing fully integrated, sample-to-answer microfluidic or lateral flow devices for user-friendly field deployment, and collaboratively establishing universally accepted validation guidelines, performance standards, and stringent QA/QC procedures. Furthermore, the urgent development of clear ethical guidelines governing the use of this highly sensitive technology, particularly concerning RNA data privacy and potential misuse, is imperative. This review systematically outlines the principles, forensic applications, current limitations, and future trajectories of CRISPR-RNA detection, with the authors’ conviction that focused efforts addressing these challenges will translate this technology into a cornerstone of next-generation forensic practice, driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation in field investigations and laboratory analysis to enhance justice delivery.
3.Effects of point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread on pain sensitization and FcεRI pathway in rats with postherpetic neuralgia.
Sitong XIAN ; Chenglong WANG ; Caiyue LIN ; Guangtian HUANG ; Lingyao ZHOU ; Xiaoting FAN ; Chen LIN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):801-807
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), tissue morphology, and the expression of Fc epsilon RI (FcεRI) pathway proteins spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and membrane spanning 4-domain A2 (MS4A2) in rat model of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and to explore the potential mechanism by which this therapy alleviates pain sensitization.
METHODS:
Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and a moxibustion group, with 13 rats in each group. The PHN model was established in the model and moxibustion groups by intraperitoneal injection of resiniferatoxin. In the moxibustion group, bilateral L4-L6 "Jiaji" (EX-B2) points were treated with point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread from day 7 post-modeling, with two cones per acupoint per session, every other day for a total of 10 sessions. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before modeling and on days 1, 4, 7, 13, 19, and 25 after modeling. After intervention, HE staining was used to observe DRG morphology. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze DEGs in DRG and conduct bioinformatics analysis. The expression of Syk and MS4A2 mRNA and proteins in the FcεRI pathway in DRG was detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased MWT (P<0.05) and increased TWL (P<0.05); histopathological analysis revealed neuronal atrophy, nuclear displacement, and intracellular vacuoles, with a slightly loose arrangement; the RNA-Seq identified 3,207 DEGs (1,997 upregulated and 1,210 downregulated); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Syk and MS4A2 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed increased MWT (P<0.05) and decreased TWL (P<0.05), with relatively normal neuronal morphology; the RNA-Seq identified 426 DEGs (250 upregulated and 176 downregulated); the mRNA and protein expression levels of Syk and MS4A2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Venn diagram analysis identified 156 DEGs that showed a reversal in expression trends after treatment, including Syk and MS4A2, which are associated with pain sensitization. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily enriched in the FcεRI pathway.
CONCLUSION
Point-moxibustion with Zhuang medicinal thread could alleviate pain sensitization in PHN rats, possibly by inhibiting the FcεRI signaling pathway and downregulating the expression of Syk and MS4A2.
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Moxibustion
;
Neuralgia, Postherpetic/physiopathology*
;
Syk Kinase/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Humans
;
Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
4.Application of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the patients treated with image fusion-guided prostate biopsy.
Qiang JI ; Jun HU ; Xiao-Hong WANG ; Yun LI ; Fan WANG ; Jie LIU ; Hui-Xian WEI ; Ying-Chun HUANG ; Ying LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(9):812-817
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the application effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy on the patients treated with image fusion-guided transperineal prostate biopsy.
METHODS:
A total of 160 patients who underwent image fusion-guided transperineal prostate biopsy in the Urology Department from April 2023 to April 2024 were included. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group, with 80 cases in each group. The control group received routine care, while the observation group received combined MBSR on the basis of routine care. The surgical indicators, pain levels, psychological states, nursing satisfaction, and postoperative complication rates of both groups were compared.
RESULTS:
There was no statistically significant difference in general personal information and clinical data between the two groups(P>0.05). The surgery duration, secondary fusion rate, and postoperative complication rate in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group ([23.54±2.07]min vs [26.25±1.69]min, P<0.05; 8.75% vs 22.50%, P=0.017; 17% vs 29%, P=0.036), and nursing satisfaction was higher in the observation group than in the control group ( 77% vs 69%, P=0.025). The VAS scores biopsy (5.11±0.93 vs 6.27±1.32, P=0.041), discharge (0.74±0.67 vs 1.85±0.95, P=0.004), and scores of SDS (47.76±2.06 vs 50.46±2.07, P=0.009) and SAS (46.89±2.68 vs 49.75±2.83, P=0.031) in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group.
CONCLUSION
The application of MBSR in image fusion-guided prostate biopsy can synergistically utilize the advantages of minimally invasive technology, significantly optimize surgical indicators, and improve patients' psychological experiences, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
Humans
;
Male
;
Mindfulness
;
Prostate/pathology*
;
Image-Guided Biopsy
;
Stress, Psychological/therapy*
;
Middle Aged
;
Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Aged
5.Global burden and predicted trends of diarrheal disease in children under five from 1990 to 2021.
Ying DENG ; Minyi ZHANG ; Shiao WANG ; Shunchang FAN ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Juxian XIAN ; Qing CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2171-2181
OBJECTIVES:
To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of diarrheal diseases in children under 5 years.
METHODS:
The data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 were analyzed to assess the incidence, mortality rates and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) of diarrhea among children under 5 years across nations(regions) and GBD regions from 1990 to 2021 using joinpoint regression. Smoothed curve regression was employed to explore the correlation of diarrheal disease burden with the Social Development Index (SDI) and for analyzing the burden of specific diarrheal pathogens. The Slope and Concentration Indices quantified disparities across SDI levels and the future trend were projected by the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model.
RESULTS:
From 1990 to 2021, the global incidence (AAPC: -3.65) and mortality (AAPC: -5.15) rates of diarrheal diseases declined steadily in children below 5 years. In 2021, neonates (<28 days) were the most affected, with an incidence rate of 138 058.74 per 100 000 and a mortality rate of 251.14 per 100 000. Rotavirus was the leading cause of death. The incidence rate of diarrheal diseases was negatively correlated with SDI, and the Concentration Index decreased from -0.293 in 1990 to -0.314 in 2021 without a significant gender difference. The BAPC model suggested that the global incidence rate of diarrheal diseases tends to decrease progressively from 2022 to 2050, with a predicted rate of 23 448.04 per 100 000 for male and 29 932.59 per 100 000 for female by 2050.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the reduction in the global burden of diarrhea and the projection of its further decline, diarrheal diseases disproportionately affect neonates and low-SDI regions. While rotavirus remains the primary etiological agent worldwide, the predominant pathogens vary by nations (regions) and GBD regions, and strengthened interventions targeting vulnerable populations are needed.
Humans
;
Child, Preschool
;
Diarrhea/mortality*
;
Infant
;
Incidence
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Global Health
;
Male
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Female
6.Research advances on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-acquired weakness.
Xiujun CHANG ; Zhaoxuan GUO ; Jiayu FANG ; Xian QIN ; Fan ZENG ; Yunping LAN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(10):976-981
Sepsis-acquired weakness (SAW) is a common complication in critically ill patients, yet significant gaps remain in both mechanistic understanding and therapeutic interventions for this condition. SAW not only prolongs the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization but is also closely associated with increased mortality. Even if these SAW patients survive, they often experience long-term physical dysfunction after hospital discharge, leading to diminished quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that sustained mitochondrial dysfunction may constitute a pivotal pathophysiological basis for the development and progression of SAW, primarily encompassing five key aspects: dysregulated mitochondrial quality control (MtQC), impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), exacerbated oxidative stress, disrupted Ca2+; homeostasis, and their mediation of diverse myofiber injuries. This article systematically elucidates the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of SAW. Furthermore, we explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function, including mitigating mitochondrial oxidative stress, optimizing nutritional support, and supplementing with muscle-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These insights provide a critical theoretical framework for understanding SAW mechanisms and developing clinical interventions, with particular emphasis on the translational value of mitochondrial-targeted therapies in improving outcomes for septic patients.
Humans
;
Sepsis/metabolism*
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Muscle Weakness/etiology*
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Oxidative Phosphorylation
7.The application value of the quantitative parameters of collateral circulation in evaluating the clinical prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke
Xian FAN ; Tianle WANG ; Li ZHU ; Xiaolong LI ; Xiwu RUAN ; Han WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(10):1587-1591
Objective To investigate the application value of the quantitative parameters of collateral circulation based on computed tomography perfusion(CTP)in evaluating the clinical prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 126 patients with AIS caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion were enrolled,collateral circulation were reconstructed and scored via multiphase computed tomography angiography(mCTA)based on CTP.The hypoperfusion intensity ratio(HIR)and collateral vessel density(CVD)were calculated.All patients were divided into good prognosis group(72 cases)and poor prognosis group(54 cases)based on 90 d modified Rankin scale(mRS)scores.Differences in cardiovascular risk factors,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,Albert stroke program early CT(ASPECT)scores,Tmax>10 s volume,Tmax>6 s volume,core infarct area volume,and final infarct volume between the two groups were compared.Binary logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of the clinical prognosis,and the DeLong test was used to compare the efficacy of different predictors in predicting clinical prognosis.Results The good prognosis group had significantly higher ASPECT scores,mCTA scores,and CVD,but significantly lower HIR,Tmax>10 s volume,and baseline NIHSS scores compared to the poor prognosis group(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that ASPECT scores[odds ratio(OR)=0.780],mCTA scores(OR=0.669),CVD(OR=0.595),and HIR(OR=28.968)were independent predictors of clinical prognosis(P<0.05).DeLong test found no significant difference in area under the curve(AUC)values between mCTA scores,CVD and HIR in predicting the clinical prognosis of AIS patients(P>0.05).Conclusion Quantitative parameters such as CVD and HIR related to collateral circulation have a strong diagnostic efficacy in predicting the 90 d clinical prognosis in patients with AIS.
8.Application Progress of RNA Fluorescence Aptamers in Biosensing and Imaging
Xing-Chen QIU ; Cun-Xia FAN ; Rui BAI ; Yu GU ; Chang-Ming LI ; Chun-Xian GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(4):481-491
RNA fluorescence aptamers are RNA sequences that can specifically bind to non-toxic,cell permeable,and self-fluorescent target molecules and activate their luminescent properties.These aptamers provide powerful tools for biosensing and imaging researches due to their simple structure,easy synthesis,and easy transfection.This article summarized the characteristics and development history of various RNA fluorescent aptamers,including Malachite Green,Spinach,Broccoli,Mango,Corn,and Pepper family,as well as their corresponding fluorescent groups.The applications of RNA fluorescent aptamers were also reviewed from two aspects:extracellular detection and cell imaging.This review might provide guidance for labeling,detection and interactions of molecules from proof of concept and clinical assessment to practical clinical and biomedical applications.
9.Analysis of Human Brain Bank samples from Hebei Medical University
Juan DU ; Shi-Xiong MI ; Yu-Chuan JIN ; Qian YANG ; Min MA ; Xue-Ru ZHAO ; Feng-Cang LIU ; Chang-Yi ZHAO ; Zhan-Chi ZHANG ; Ping FAN ; Hui-Xian CUI
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(4):437-444
Objective To understand the current situation of human brain donation in Hebei Province by analyzing the basic information of Human Brain Bank samples of Hebei Medical University in order to provide basic data support for subsequent scientific research.Methods The samples collected from the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University were analyzed(from December 2019 to February 2024),including gender,age,cause of death,as well as quality control data such as postmortem delay time,pH value of cerebrospinal fluid and and RNA integrity number and result of neuropathological diagnosis.Results Until February 2024,30 human brain samples were collected and stored in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University,with a male to female ratio of 9∶1.Donors over 70 years old accounted for 53%.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases(36.67%)and nervous system diseases(23.33%)accounted for a high proportion of the death causes.The location of brain tissue donors in Shijiazhuang accounted for 90%donations,and the others were from outside the city.The postmortem delay time was relatively short,90%within 12 hours and 10%more than 12 hours.69.23%of the brain samples had RNA integrity values greater than 6.Cerebrospinal fluid pH values ranged from 5.8 to 7.5,with an average value of 6.60±0.45.Brain weights ranged from 906-1496 g,with an average value of(1210.78±197.84)g.Three apolipoprotein E(APOE)alleles were detected including five genotypes(ε2/ε3,ε2/ε4,ε3/ε3,ε3/ε4,ε4/ε4).Eleven staining methods related to neuropathological diagnosis had been established and used.A total of 12 cases were diagnosed as neurodegenerative diseases(including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,multiple system atrophy,corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy,etc.),accounting for 40%donated brains.The comorbidity rate of samples over 80 years old was 100%.Conclusion The summary and analyses of the data of brain donors in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University can reflect the current situation of the construction and operation of the brain bank in Hebei Province,and it can also be more targeted to understand and identify potential donors.Our information can provide reference for the construction of brain bank and provides more reliable materials and data support for scientific research.
10.Clinical application of XperCT combined with needle-guided Glubran-2 glue for small pulmonary nodule localization in thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection
Jie ZHANG ; Jingqin CAO ; Xian LIU ; Longxiang LAI ; Qian WANG ; Yingchun ZHANG ; Dongli FAN ; Defen ZHANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(6):623-626
Objective To discuss the application value of XperCT combined with needle-guided Glubran-2 glue for small pulmonary nodule localization in thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection.Methods The clinical data of 67 patients,who received XperCT combined with needle-guided Glubran-2 glue for small pulmonary nodule localization before thoracoscopic resection of a single small pulmonary nodule at the Jining Municipal First People's Hospital of China between June 2018 and February 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.The size of the pulmonary nodule,the maximum vertical distance from the visceral pleura to the lesion,the technical success rate of localization,the number of puncturing times,the complications,the time spent for operation,and the postoperative pathological diagnosis were recorded.Results The average size of the small pulmonary nodules in the 67 patients was 8.7 mm,and the average vertical distance from the visceral pleura to the lesion was 19.4 mm.Successful preoperative localization of nodule was accomplished in all patients.The average number of puncturing times was 1.1,and no serious complications occurred.The average time spent for operation was 12.7 min.Definite pathological results were obtained in all 67 patients.Conclusion XperCT combined with needle-guided Glubran-2 glue for small pulmonary nodule localization carries advantage of accurate localization with fewer complications.Therefore,this technique is a highly-efficient and quickly-accomplished positioning method,and it is highly valuable in clinical practice.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:623-626)

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