1.Influencing factors for calcium salt deposition in patients with alveolar echinococcosis
Zitong XIONG ; Zhiyi LIN ; Yanxin HUANG ; Fuzhong FANG ; Zhengzhan WU ; Zirui XIN ; Chunxia HU ; Jiayu ZHOU ; Yuan YAO ; Hongwei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):372-379
ObjectiveTo investigate the imaging features of calcium salt deposition and serological markers in patients with alveolar echinococcosis through a retrospective analysis, as well as independent risk factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition in lesions, and to provide a basis for assessing disease process. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the imaging and clinical data of 107 patients with alveolar echinococcosis who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from December 2023 to June 2025, and according to the volume of calcium salt deposition, they were divided into non-deposition group with 16 patients, mild deposition group with 52 patients, moderate deposition group with 16 patients, and severe deposition group with 23 patients. A one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The four groups were further combined into the low deposition group (no/mild deposition) and the high deposition group (moderate/severe deposition). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition, and a predictive model was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive performance of the model, and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation. ResultsThere were significant differences between the four groups in sex distribution, involvement of other sites, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, fibrinogen, uric acid, sodium ion, chloride ion, and calcium ion (all P<0.05). The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the four groups in sex, involvement of other sites, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, sodium ion, chloride ion, and calcium ion (all P<0.1). The multi-collinearity diagnosis showed that the VIF values for all continuous variables ranged from 1.104 to 1.760, suggesting that collinearity did not affect modeling. An ordinal logistic regression model was established based on sex, involvement of other sites, calcium ion, lymphocyte percentage, and uric acid. The multivariate analysis showed that lymphocyte percentage (odds ratio [OR]=1.106, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.041 — 1.174, P=0.001) and blood calcium level (OR=0.005, 95%CI: 0.000 —0.230, P=0.007) were independent influencing factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition. The regression equation was established as Logit(P)=8.231 + 0.100 × lymphocyte percentage -5.344 × calcium ion. The ROC curve analysis showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.716, with a Youden index of 0.353, a sensitivity of 1.000, and a specificity of 0.353. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model had poor calibration (χ2=20.688, P=0.008). The Bootstrap method with 1000 repeated samples showed that the estimated values of lymphocyte percentage (OR=1.106, 95%CI: 1.049 — 1.186, P=0.002) and calcium ion (OR=0.005, 95%CI: 0.000 — 0.214, P=0.010) were consistent with the original model, and the confidence intervals did not include 1, which further supported the reliability of the model. ConclusionBoth lymphocyte percentage and blood calcium level are independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis, and the degree of calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis lesions increases with the reduction in blood calcium level and the increase in lymphocyte percentage.
2.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
3.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
4.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
5.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
6.Staging and therapeutic strategies of myopic traction maculopathy
Mingzhu YUAN ; Xian ZHANG ; Xufang SUN
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):792-799
Myopic traction maculopathy(MTM)is a common vision-threatening complication in patients with high myopia. With the global increase in high myopia, the prevalence of MTM has been rising worldwide, leading to a growing burden of disease, economic costs,and social impact. The emergence and development of optical coherence tomography(OCT)have provided robust technical support for the staging of MTM. Based on the evolving understanding of its pathological mechanisms and natural course, various staging systems have been proposed and applied in clinical practice, offering crucial guidance for the personalized management of MTM patients. Additionally, innovations and refinements in surgical techniques and materials, such as pars plana vitrectomy(PPV), posterior scleral reinforcement, and macular buckling(MB), have expanded the therapeutic options for MTM. This article systematically reviews the staging systems and treatment strategies for MTM, focusing on the role of OCT-based staging in guiding individualized treatment plans. It also summarizes the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of existing and emerging surgical approaches, including PPV, MB, and their combined procedures. The review further proposes that future research should focus on developing predictive models integrating multimodal data to clarify surgical timing and indications, as well as conducting large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials to explore the selection of PPV, MB, or combined surgeries. The review aims to discuss personalized treatment for MTM, providing theoretical foundations and practical directions for optimizing clinical management and improving patient prognosis for MTM patients.
7.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
8.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
9.Association of microRNA gene polymorphisms with risk, clinicopathological characteristics and therapeutical efficacy among Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.
Yanlun ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao SHAO ; Daopo LIN ; Yuan XU ; Guolong MA ; Yi JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):111-122
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the association of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinicopathological characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD) and the influence of miRNA gene variants on the response to ustekinumab (UST) treatment among CD patients.
METHODS:
From January 2018 to February 2025, 312 patients diagnosed with CD and 527 gender- and age-matched normal controls were selected as the study subjects at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Genotypes of miR-155 (rs767649), miR-21 (rs13137), miR-124 (rs531564) and miR-146a (rs57095329, rs2431697) were determined with multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) technique. The patients were divided into different subgroups according to the Montreal Classification Criteria for CD. Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for CD were respectively applied to assess the clinical and endoscopic disease activity of CD. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups, as well as their influence on the clinicopathological characteristics of CD patients. Among them, 185 CD patients received first-line UST treatment, with the first sufficient dose of UST (6 mg/kg) administered intravenously. Based on the changes in HBI at week 8, the response of patients to UST treatment was evaluated. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between clinically responsive group (the decline of HBI ≥ 3 scores compared to week 0) and non-responsive group. All of the P values were adjusted by Bonferroni correction. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-K-12-01).
RESULTS:
No significant difference was found in the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The variant genotype (TC+CC) of rs2431697 was more common among patients with terminal ileal-type and ileocolic-type CD than those with the colonic-type CD (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.49~16.68, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045). However, the opposite conclusion was drawn for the homozygous variant genotype (TT) of rs13137 and variant genotype (GC+CC) of rs531564 (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.18~0.76, P = 0.007, adjusted P = 0.035; OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.18~0.73, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). Compared to patients with non-stricturing and penetrating CD, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common in those with stricturing and penetrating CD (OR = 4.06, 95%CI: 2.46~6.71, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.06~4.73, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). However, the frequencies of variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 were lower among patients with stricturing and penetrating CD than in those without (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15~0.41, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.33~0.63, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). Additionally, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common among those with moderately to severely endoscopic activity than those with mildly endoscopic activity (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.19~3.42, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045; OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28~3.25, P = 0.003, adjusted P = 0.015). In total 117 cases had shown clinical response by week 8, while 68 cases showed no response. Compared with t he clinically non-responsive group, the variant genotype (TC+CC) and variant allele (C) of rs2431697 were more common in the clinically responsive group (OR = 3.86, 95%CI: 1.80~8.32, P = 0.001, adjusted P = 0.005; OR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.34~5.06, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025). However, the variant genotype (TA+AA) of rs767649 was less frequent in the clinically responsive group than the non-responsive group (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21~0.74, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). The same conclusion was drawn for the variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 when the clinically responsive group was compared with the non-responsive group (OR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14~0.63, P = 0.002, adjusted P = 0.010; OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.35~0.82, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025).
CONCLUSION
Genetic polymorphisms of miRNAs are not associated with the risk of developing CD. The miR-146a (rs57095329) variant may increase the endoscopic activity of CD and the risk for stenosis or penetration. However, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the risk of ileal involvement. The miR-21 (rs13137) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement and the risk of stenosis or penetration. The miR-124 (rs531564) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement. Among patients receiving UST treatment, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the clinical response by week 8. However, both the miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-21 (rs13137) variants may decrease the clinical response by week 8.
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Crohn Disease/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Middle Aged
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Genotype
;
Young Adult
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Adolescent
;
East Asian People
10.Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Signaling Pathways: A Review
Yaohong LU ; Chenjie HUANG ; Wenqi YUAN ; Haidong ZHOU ; Gengxin LIU ; Gedi ZHANG ; Ziyou YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):287-299
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, with a complex pathogenesis involving immune inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis, glomerulosclerosis, renal interstitial fibrosis, and other pathological processes. In recent years, numerous animal or cell model experiments have revealed that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), secretory glycoprotein (Wnt)/β-catenin, and other classical signaling pathways play important roles in the occurrence and development of DN. Traditional Chinese medicines, as natural drugs, possess characteristics such as multiple components, multiple targets, and few adverse reactions, demonstrating unique advantages in regulating the aforementioned signaling pathways and improving renal pathological changes. This review summarized recent research progress on the intervention of DN through the regulation of the aforementioned signaling pathways by single compounds and formulas of traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on their mechanisms of action in regulating immune inflammatory responses, inhibiting renal fibrosis, oxidative stress, improving metabolic disorders, and other aspects. The aim is to provide theoretical references for a deeper understanding of the modern pharmacological basis and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of DN.

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