1.Autophagy and platelets: mechanisms, functions, and research advances in related diseases
Zhenyu ZHAO ; Xiaoyan HE ; Xiao XIAO ; Xuemei CHEN ; Jie TANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):557-563
Platelets are small, anucleated cells generated by cytoplasmic fragmentation and shedding from mature megakaryocytes. Upon vascular stimulation or injury, platelets become activated and adhere to exposed vascular endothelial cells, ultimately forming thrombi to promote blood coagulation and wound healing. In recent years, increasing evidence from in-depth studies on platelet function has revealed that autophagy plays a crucial role in platelet production and functional performance. Autophagy is an intracellular process of material recycling and reuse, involving autophagosome formation, cargo degradation, and nutrient recycling, which facilitates the maintenance of homeostasis and defense against pathogen infection. Numerous studies have demonstrated that autophagy participates in the regulation of platelet production, activation, and aggregation, and is closely implicated in the pathogenesis of platelet dysfunction-related diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma therapy, by modulating the autophagic process, has shown great potential in treating osteoarthritis and promoting diabetic foot wound healing. This review thoroughly explores the potential roles of autophagy in regulating platelet production and function, as well as in platelet-related diseases. Future research should focus on the molecular mechanisms of platelet autophagy, investigate its dynamic changes under different disease conditions, and explore how autophagy modulation can improve platelet function and treat related diseases. This will provide a theoretical foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies and is expected to bring breakthroughs in the treatment of platelet-related diseases.
2.Blood donation in hypertensive populations: risk mechanisms, international practices, and future perspectives
Lizhou ZHAO ; Meng LI ; Ying LI ; Xue CHEN ; Kefen WANG ; Yishu WANG ; Xuemei FU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):799-808
Hypertension ranks among the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, with its prevalence rising steadily and exerting substantial impacts on the demographic composition of voluntary blood donors and the safety of blood supply. The eligibility of hypertensive individuals for safe blood donation and the relevant screening and management strategies have long remained controversial in transfusion medicine. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension, donation-related physiological alterations and underlying risk mechanisms. By synthesizing evidence from international multicenter studies and regulatory practices across major nations, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of blood donation safety and donor admission criteria for hypertensive patients. Available evidence demonstrates that for hypertensives with well-stabilized blood pressure and no severe cardiac, cerebral or renal complications or target organ damage, the overall incidence of adverse reactions following blood donation is comparable to that in healthy donors, and no definitive correlation has been identified between blood pressure levels and vasovagal responses. Current mainstream international management frameworks are gradually shifting from screening reliant on a single blood pressure cutoff value toward an integrated strategy combining stratified risk classification and individualized dynamic assessment, with core focus on long-term blood pressure control, consistency of medication regimens and complication status. Meanwhile, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and wearable devices have opened innovative avenues for blood donation risk evaluation and full-cycle donor management. In light of existing clinical evidence, future efforts should further refine the multi-dimensional risk stratification system, facilitate the implementation of intelligent screening and continuous monitoring technologies, and scale up health education and follow-up management for hypertensive populations. Such measures aim to appropriately expand the pool of eligible blood donors while safeguarding donation safety, ultimately achieving coordinated improvement in blood safety and blood supply capacity.
3.Mechanisms of Action of Angelica sinensis in Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Ting CHEN ; Shuaiyin LI ; Wanlin YANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Xixiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):323-334
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with an unclear pathogenesis and currently no cure. It is characterized by a long disease course, diverse symptoms, and a persistent, difficult-to-treat nature, which greatly affects the quality of life of elderly patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers significant advantages in the treatment of AD, featuring multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, with few adverse reactions and good safety. Angelica sinensis is a commonly used medicinal herb. As a frequently used clinical medicine for nourishing and activating blood, it shows significant efficacy in treating blood deficiency syndrome. In recent years, studies have revealed that A. sinensis exhibits significant activity in the prevention and treatment of AD. It contains various active components such as organic acids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides, and possesses pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This article summarizes and outlines the mechanisms of A. sinensis and its compound formulas in the prevention and treatment of AD, providing a reference for its clinical application and the treatment of AD.
4.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.
5.Multicenter epidemiological features of parainfluenza virus respiratory tract infections among children in Hainan Province, 2012-2022
CHEN Qiuxia ; LU Chun ; ZHANG Xuemei
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(1):57-
Objective To explore the parainfluenza virus (PIV) infection in children hospitalized in Hainan between March 2012 and December 2022, and to analyze its epidemiological characteristics. Methods The samples were obtained from 62 553 kids with respiratory infections who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of multiple hospitals in various regions of Hainan from March 2012 to December 2022. Indirect immunofluorescence was employed to detect IgM antibodies in serum for nine respiratory pathogens, including PIV, adenovirus, influenza A virus, Legionella pneumophila, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza B virus, Coxiella burnetii, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Epidemiological and clinical data (time, gender, age, season, etc.) of PIV-IgM antibody-positive cases were analyzed in a descriptive study. Results The total PIV-IgM antibody positive rate of 62 553 respiratory tract infected children was 3.29% (2 015/62 553), with the highest positive rate of 11.01% (385/3 496) in 2017, and the second highest positive rate of 8.37% (351/4 196) in 2016, which were significantly higher than the positive rate of the rest of the years (P<0.001). The PIV positive rate was 3.18% (1 248/39 225) in males and 3.29% (767/23 328) in females, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). PIV infection occurred in all age groups, with the highest positive rate in the 6 to <12 years group at 4.50% (357/7 941), followed by the 3 to <6 years group at 4.47% (656/14 689), significantly higher than other age groups (P<0.001). The highest positive rate for PIV was in summer at 4.30% (693/16 093), followed by 3.78% (598/15 804) in spring, and the lowest rate of 2.27% (342/15 065) in winter, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Single PIV infection accounted for 63.08% (1 271/2 015), while mixed infections accounted for 36.92% (744/2 015), and the most common co-infection being with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection at 23.13% (466/2 015). Conclusions PIV is an important pathogen for children's acute respiratory infections in Hainan Province, exhibiting year-round sporadic occurrence with alternating high and low periods characteristics. PIV infection is to the gender of the child, predominantly affects preschool and school-age children, peaks in spring and summer, and commonly co-infects with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
6.Practical Application of Scenario-Based Learning in the Laboratory Teaching of Medical Parasitology for Undergraduate Non-Clinical Medical Students
Jia MA ; Lijie SHEN ; Lijun YANG ; Xuemei JIA ; Zheng XIANG ; Xi CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):164-170
Objective To investigate the impact of scenario class teaching on language expression,communication skills,and final exam performance of non-clinical majors students in the course of Medical Parasitology.Method Undergraduate students of non-clinical medical programs from Kunming Medical University in 2022 were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into a scenario class group and a non-scenario class group.Questionnaires were administered to compare the two groups regarding their interest in the laboratory classes,enjoyment levels,and knowledge retention.Additionally,the final exam scores of the two groups were compared.Results Students in the scenario class group showed significantly higher interest(82.6%)and enjoyment levels(88.3%)for laboratory classes compared to the non-scenario class group(73.0%and 60.1%,respectively,P<0.05).Students in the scenario class group believed that situational teaching enhanced their self-learning ability(82.06%),interest in learning(83.2%),willingness to express themselves(83.2%),confidence in expression(81.8%),and communication skills(87.9%).Additionally,It effectively facilitated their understanding of the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases(85.9%)and familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment process(86.8%),thereby cultivating clinical thinking.In terms of final exam scores,the scenario class group had a higher average score(22.80±0.18)than the non-situational classroom group(21.47±0.17,P<0.05).Conclusion Sc-enario class teaching in Medical Parasitology can effectively improve students'self-learning ability,language expression,and communication skills,cultivate clinical thinking,and enhance academic performance,demonstrating significant teaching advantages.
7.Effects of Early Statin Therapy on Collateral Circulation,Responsible Vessels,and TXB2/PGF1α in Large Artery Occlusive Stroke
Fei YANG ; Jing LI ; Yanjun CHEN ; Xuemei WU ; Guoyong REN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(10):129-136
Objective To investigate the effects of early statin therapy on collateral circulation,responsible vessel improvement,and thromboxane B2(TXB2)/prostaglandin F1(PGF1α)in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO).Methods From May 2021 to May 2023,105 AIS-LVO patients treated with statins within 3 days of admission were selected as the statin group from the Neurology Department of Taiyuan Iron and Steel(Group)General Hospital.Concurrently,105 early AIS-LVO patients not treated with statins were selected as the non-statin group.The study compared symptom scores[National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),modified Rankin Scale(mRS),Swallowing Standard Assessment(SSA),and Functional Oral Intake Scale(FOIS)scores],responsible vessel improvement,TXB2/PGF1α levels,and endothelial function indicators[basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and circulating endothelial cells(CECs)].Results Af-ter 1 and 2 weeks,the statin group showed lower NIHSS,mRS,and SSA scores,and higher FOIS scores compared to the non-statin group(P<0.02).The statin group demonstrated higher rates of responsible vessel velocity increase,collateral circulation compensation,and superior CTA collateral circulation grading(P<0.05).At 1 and 2 weeks,the statin group had lower TXB2 and TXB2/PGF1α levels,and higher PGF1α levels compared to the non-statin group(P<0.02).The statin group showed lower bFGF levels and higher CECs levels(P<0.02).After 3 months,the statin group had a higher proportion of mRS scores of 0~2(P<0.05).Conclusion Early statin therapy in AIS-LVO patients can improve responsible vessel blood flow and endothelial function,regulate TXB2/PGF1α levels,promote collateral circulation compensation,and enhance swallowing and neurological function recovery.
8.Changes in Expression Levels and Clinical Significance of Park7 and P2X7R in the Serum of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Xuemei WANG ; Haiqing CHEN ; Lina CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(11):130-137
Objective To investigate the changes in expression levels of Parkinson's disease protein 7(Park7)and P2X7R purinergic receptor(P2X7R)in the serum of patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)and their clinical significance.Methods A total of 145 AMI patients admitted to Chengde Veterans Hospital between February 2021 and May 2023 were recruited as the AMI group.According to the Gensini score for assessing the severity of coronary lesions,they were subdivided into a mild group(≤30 points,n=68),a moderate group(30-59 points,n=42),and a severe group(≥60 points,n=35).Additionally,120 healthy volunteers undergoing physical examinations at the same hospital were recruited as the control group.ELISA method was used to measure serum levels of Park7 and P2X7R.Correlation between serum Park7 and P2X7R levels and Gensini score in AMI patients was analysed by Spearman's method.ROC curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of serum Park7 and P2X7R for the occurrence of MACE.Plot Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to analyze the cumulative MACE incidence rates in patients with different Park7 and P2X7R expression levels.Cox regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for MACE occurrence in AMI patients.Results Compared with the control group,the AMI group showed significantly increased levels of TC,TG,LDL-C,IL-6,CTnI,CK-MB,BNP,and serum P2X7R(P<0.05),and significantly decreased levels of serum HDL-C and Park7(P<0.05).Furthermore,statistically significant differences were observed in serum P2X7R and Park7 levels among patients with different severity levels(P<0.05).There was a negative correlation between serum Park7 and Gensini score in AMI patients(r=-0.497,P<0.05),while a positive correlation between P2X7R level and Gensini score(r=0.441,P<0.05).Serum Park7 level in the MACE group was significantly lower than that in the non MACE group(P<0.05),while the P2X7R level was significantly higher(P<0.05).The AUCs for serum Park7,P2X7R,and their combination in predicting MACE in AMI patients was 0.851,0.820,and 0.905,respectively,with the combined prediction demonstrating superior performance(Zcombination-Park7=2.324,Zcombination-P2X7R=2.538,P<0.05).The 6-month cumulative MACE incidence was lower in patients with low Park7 expression(51.22%)than in those with high Park7 expression(80.95%)(Log Rank χ2=12.178,P<0.001);conversely,the 6-month cumulative MACE incidence was higher in patients with low P2X7R expression(82.09%)than in those with high P2X7R expression(48.72%)(Log Rank χ2=20.233,P<0.001).CTnI,CK-MB,BNP,Park7,and P2X7R were identified as influencing factors for MACE in AMI patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum Park7 level is downregulated while P2X7Rlevel is upregulated in AMI patients,both closely related to the severity of the disease.The combination of the two has high predictive value for the occurrence of MACE in AMI patients.
9.Expression and significance of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Xuemei Zong ; Qianqian Lin ; Yuelan Chen ; Xinming Wang ; Wei Wei ; Shangxue Yan ; Yan Chang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1218-1224
Objective :
To investigate the expression and clinical significance of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC ) ,synovial tissue ,and fibroblastic-like synovial cells (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Methods :
Peripheral blood samples from 25 healthy control ( HC) individuals and 25 patients diagnosed with RA were collected ,and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect KMO gene and protein expression in PBMC of RA and HC groups,and to analyze the correlation between the expression level of the KMO gene in the PBMC of the RA patients and the indexes of the laboratory tests.Meanwhile,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect KMO expression in synovial tissue and FLS in RA and HC groups.
Results :
① KMO gene and protein expression in PBMC of RA group were higher than that of HC group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0. 001) .② The level of KMO gene expression in PBMC of RA group was positively correlated with disease activity index 28 score,blood sedimentation,and rheumatoid factor (rs = 0. 417,P = 0. 038 ; r = 0. 545,P = 0. 005 ; rs = 0. 433,P = 0. 031) , and had no correlation with C-reactive protein and anti-cyclic citrullinated polypeptide antibody.③ KMO expres- sion in synovial tissue of RA group was higher than that of HC group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0. 01) ; KMO expression in FLS of synovial tissue of RA group was higher than that of HC group,and the difference was statistically significant (P <0. 001) .
Conclusion
KMO expression increases in PBMC ,synovial tissue and FLS of RA patients,and the level of KMO gene expression is correlated with the disease activity of RA patients,suggesting that KMO may promote the course of RA.
10.Effect of hand transmitted vibration on fingertip thermotactile perception threshold in grinding workers
Danying ZHANG ; Maosheng YAN ; Hansheng LIN ; Sizhi CHEN ; Xuemei SONG ; Bin XIAO ; Hua YAN ; Guoyong XU ; Zhipeng HE
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(5):540-544
Objective To analyze the effect of hand transmitted vibration on fingertip thermotactile perception threshold (TPT) among grinding workers in a sports equipment manufacturing enterprise. Methods A total of 151 male grinding workers from a sports equipment manufacturing enterprise in Guangdong Province were enrolled in the vibration exposure group, and 51 male workers without hand-transmitted vibration exposure were enrolled in the control group, using the judgment sampling method. Basic health conditions of the workers were surveyed in both groups. The TPTs of the distal phalanges of the index and little fingers on both hands were tested using an HVLab thermal perception tester. Results The detection rates of finger numbness and tingling among workers in the vibration exposure group were higher than those in the control group (92.1% vs 7.8% and 59.6% vs 0.0%, respectively, both P<0.01). The detection rates of numbness or tingling of different fingers in the vibration exposure group descended in the following order: index finger, middle finger, ring finger, thumb and little finger. The hot threshold of the index finger and little finger increased (all P<0.01), while the cold threshold decreased (all P<0.01) in the vibration exposure group, compared with the control group. The results of generalized linear regression analysis showed that with the increase of the duration of hand-transmitted vibration, the hot threshold of the index finger and the little finger of both hands increased (all P<0.01), and the cold threshold decreased (all P<0.01). The hot thresholds of workers with numbness of both the index fingers and left little finger were higher than those of workers without numbness of the same finger (all P<0.05). The hot threshold of workers with tingling of the left index finger was higher than those without tingling (P<0.05). The cold thresholds of workers with tingling of the both index fingers and left little finger were lower than those without tingling of the same finger (all P<0.05). The hot threshold of the right little finger increased with age (P<0.01), while the cold thresholds of both little fingers decreased with age (all P<0.01). Conclusion Hand-transmitted vibration exposure increases fingertip hot threshold and decreases fingertip cold threshold of workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. Years of service in hand-transmitted vibration work, finger numbness or tingling, and age were influencing factors of TPT. Fingertip TPT examination can be used to assist in the early detection of vibration-induced nerve injury in workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration.


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