1.Research progress of mitochondria in uveal melanoma
Xiqianru ZHANG ; Ruifeng WANG ; Rouqing WU ; Yongqi LIU ; Yuemei ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):600-604
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and arises predominantly from the choroid. Mitochondria, as essential organelles, not only fuel energy metabolism, but also orchestrate signal transduction and apoptosis. Recent studies have progressively uncovered the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in UM, including mitochondrial DNA copy-number alterations, reprogramming of mitochondria-related metabolic genes, and mitochondria-dependent autophagy. Moreover, mitochondria modulate UM progression partly through the PI3K/AKT axis. Natural compounds and small-molecule drugs that impair mitochondrial function have also shown promising activity in inducing UM cell dysfunction. These findings provide new insights into UM pathogenesis and highlight mitochondria as potential therapeutic targets.
2.Ethical challenges and countermeasures of generative artificial intelligence in medical informed consent: a case study of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer
Yongqi REN ; Mengyuan LI ; Xing LIU ; Xiaomin WANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):307-313
Informed consent constitutes a fundamental ethical principle in medical practice. With the in-depth integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represented by Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) with medicine, it has brought revolutionary development to traditional informed consent while also introducing new ethical challenges. ChatGPT offers features such as improving the readability of informed consent content, enhancing its comprehensiveness and accuracy, and increasing the convenience of obtaining informed consent. However, as the application of ChatGPT in informed consent is still in the exploratory stage, it is imperative to proactively and fully consider the accompanying ethical issues, such as information security, liability determination, transparency, and fairness. This paper conducted an ethical analysis on the challenges faced by generative AI, represented by ChatGPT, in the application of informed consent and proposed countermeasures, such as upholding free and fully informed consent, strengthening the balance of rights and obligations in informed consent, and establishing a transparent and fair supervision mechanism. The aim was to promote the ethically compliant, orderly, and controllable development of generative AI in the field of medical informed consent.
3.Role of sphingolipid metabolism signaling in a novel mouse model of renal osteodystrophy based on transcriptomic approach.
Yujia WANG ; Yan DI ; Yongqi LI ; Jing LU ; Bofan JI ; Yuxia ZHANG ; Zhiqing CHEN ; Sijie CHEN ; Bicheng LIU ; Rining TANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):68-78
BACKGROUND:
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a skeletal pathology associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) that is characterized by aberrant bone mineralization and remodeling. ROD increases the risk of fracture and mortality in CKD patients. The underlying mechanisms of ROD remain elusive, partially due to the absence of an appropriate animal model. To address this gap, we established a stable mouse model of ROD using an optimized adenine-enriched diet and conducted exploratory analyses through ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq).
METHODS:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into three groups: control group ( n = 5), adenine and high-phosphate (HP) diet group ( n = 20), and the optimized adenine-containing diet group ( n = 20) for 12 weeks. We assessed the skeletal characteristics of model mice through blood biochemistry, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and bone histomorphometry. RNA-seq was utilized to profile gene expression changes of ROD. We elucidated the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). DEGs were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
RESULTS:
By the fifth week, adenine followed by an HP diet induced rapid weight loss and high mortality rates in the mouse group, precluding further model development. Mice with optimized adenine diet-induced ROD displayed significant abnormalities in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, accompanied by pronounced hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia. The femur bone mineral density (BMD) of the model mice was lower than that of control mice, with substantial bone loss and cortical porosity. ROD mice exhibited substantial bone turnover with an increase in osteoblast and osteoclast markers. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 1907 genes with upregulated expression and 723 genes with downregulated expression in the femurs of ROD mice relative to those of control mice. Pathway analyses indicated significant enrichment of upregulated genes in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. The significant upregulation of alkaline ceramidase 1 ( Acer1 ), alkaline ceramidase 2 ( Acer2 ), prosaposin-like 1 ( Psapl1 ), adenosine A1 receptor ( Adora1 ), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 ( S1pr5 ) were successfully validated in mouse femurs by qRT-PCR.
CONCLUSIONS
Optimized adenine diet mouse model may be a valuable proxy for studying ROD. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the sphingolipid metabolism pathway is likely a key player in ROD pathogenesis, thereby providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Animals
;
Mice
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Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder/genetics*
;
Male
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Sphingolipids/metabolism*
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Transcriptome/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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X-Ray Microtomography
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Adenine
4.Progress in the application of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Hanzhou HUANG ; Yongqi CHENG ; Jiaji ZHOU ; Rongguo LU ; Feng LIU ; Mingfeng ZHENG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):309-314
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary lymphatic smooth muscle cells. It is common in women and often accompanied by recurrent pneumothorax, chylothorax and progressive dyspnea, imaging characterized by diffuse cystic lesions in both lungs. Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis progresses aggressively and has a very poor prognosis, with a lack of effective medical treatment options in the advanced stages. Lung transplantation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of advanced pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which may significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients. The median survival period after surgery can reach 12 years. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and the current status and existing problems of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment and subsequent research of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
5.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
6.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
7.Research progress on affiliate stigma among primary caregivers of children with cancer
Funa YANG ; Yunchu REN ; Yongqi WANG ; Lanwei GUO ; HO Ka YAN ; Qi LIU ; Ting MAO ; Lingye ZHAO ; Xiaoxia XU ; Hongying SHI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(12):1531-1536,后插1
In recent years,the incidence of childhood cancer has shown a steady upward trend.Due to the unique nature of this disease,the issue of affiliate stigma among primary caregivers of children with cancer has gradually drawn attention.Affiliate stigma not only directly affects caregivers' mental health and quality of life,but also leads to reduced social support and lower self-efficacy,thereby impacting their engagement in the caregiving process and affecting the treatment adherence and prognosis of children with cancer indirectly.This article provides a review covering 5 main areas:the conceptual definition of affiliate stigma,measurement tools,influencing factors,intervention strategies,and insights and recommendations,to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for subsequent research and the development of interventions.
8.A prediction model of thoracic aortic calcification in chronic kidney disease based on serum nidogen-2
Yongqi LI ; Jing LU ; Yan DI ; Yinan ZHAO ; Yuxia ZHANG ; Yujia WANG ; Ziyu LIANG ; Rining TANG ; Bicheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):605-614
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum nidogen-2 (NID-2) and thoracic aortic calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and construct a risk prediction model based on NID-2 to evaluate its value in predicting the risk of the severe thoracic aortic calcification and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in CKD patients.Methods:It was a prospective cohort study. Patients with CKD at stage 3 to 5D in the Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled. Syngo.via software was used to evaluate the volume of thoracic aortic calcification, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the level of serum NID-2. According to the volume of thoracic aortic calcification, the patients were divided into three groups: no calcification group, mild calcification group and severe calcification group. The top 25% of the patients were defined as no or mild calcification group, and the latter 75% were defined as severe calcification group. The follow-up period was one year. During the follow-up period, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, as well as all-cause death among the enrolled patients were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of thoracic aortic calcification. Based on the results of logistic regression analysis, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), calibration curve, and decision curve were employed to evaluate the discrimination, calibration and clinical practicality of the nomogram model.Results:A total of 132 patients were included, with 91 males (68.94%) and age of (56.51±16.37) years. There were 60 CKD 3-5 stage patients (non-dialysis, 45.45%) and 72 CKD 5D patients (dialysis, 54.55%). Serum ND-2 levels differed significantly among healthy individuals, dialysis patients and non-dialysis patients ( H=70.651, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum NID-2 level between the no or mild calcification group and the severe calcification group in dialysis patients ( Z=350.00, P=0.426). The serum NID-2 level in the severe calcification group was significantly higher than that in the no or mild calcification group in non-dialysis patients ( Z=242.00, P=0.019). In non-dialysis patients, there was a statistically significant correlation between serum NID-2 level and volume of thoracic aortic calcification ( r=0.40, P<0.001). In dialysis patients, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum NID-2 level and volume of each segment of thoracic aortic calcification (all P>0.05). The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that, age, hemoglobin, serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, NID-2, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cerebral infarction were correlated factors of thoracic aortic calcification in non-dialysis patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.50, P=0.010) was an independent correlated factor of thoracic aortic calcification in non-dialysis patients. The above related variables of univariate logistic regression analysis were incorporated into a nomogram to construct a predictive model for severe vascular calcification in non-dialysis patients, yielding an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.99) in ROC curve, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95%. A nomogram model based on above variables for predicting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in non-dialysis patients demonstrated an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI 0.90-1.00) in ROC curve, with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 87%. Conclusions:In non-dialysis patients, serum NID-2 level in the severe calcification group is significantly higher than that in the no or mild calcification group. The serum NID-2 is a related factor of thoracic aortic calcification and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in non-dialysis patients. The nomogram prediction model constructed by combining NID-2 with age, hemoglobin, serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cerebral infarction has a high predictive value for the risk of thoracic aortic calcification as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in non-dialysis patients.
9.Exploration on Cell Pyroptosis in Acute Lung Injury Based on"Yin-yang"Theory and"Pathogenic Factors and Healthy Qi"Theory
Linfeng RUAN ; Yali LUO ; Xiaofeng QI ; Linna MA ; Nini LIAN ; Mengyong XIAO ; Yongqi LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(4):19-24
In the pathological process of acute lung injury,uncontrolled inflammatory response will lead to severe consequences,and pyroptosis plays a vital factor in a cell programmed inflammatory necrosis.When the body is imbalanced due to excessive pyroptosis,it can lead to lung injury in the lungs.TCM emphasizes the balance of the body and the balance of yin and yang.Based on the"yin-yang"theory and"pathogenic factors and healthy qi"theory of TCM,this article discussed the yin-yang changes,growth and decline,and opposing constraints of cell pyroptosis in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury at the cellular level,and explained the possible basis of TCM in preventing and treating cell pyroptosis,providing theoretical reference for the intervention of TCM in the prevention and treatment of acute lung injury with cell pyroptosis.
10.Research progress on the role of polygenic risk scores and gene-environment interactions in the risk and recognition of depression
Rui LIU ; Yongqi SHAO ; Yufan CAI ; Wenji CHEN ; Zhi XU
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(3):232-237
Depression is a psychological disorder that imposes a tremendous social burden, with a high prevalence in China. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases of depression in China has steadily increased, yet the recognition rate of the disease remains low. Depression demostrates a clear familial aggregation pattern. To improve its recognition, numberous studies have utilized the polygenic risk score for major depressive disorder (MDD-PRS) as a potential genetic marker to identify high-risk populations. This article reviews the latest progress and research on the use of MDD-PRS in depression, aiming to clarify its capacity to capture genetic variations associated with depression, its interaction with environmental factors, and their relationship to the onset of the disorder. Additionally, this review evaluates the predictive performance of existing risk models for depression and proposes potential directions for future research.

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