1.Core signaling axes of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling and their significance in myopia progression
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1228-1233
Myopia is a globally prevalent refractive eye disease, with abnormal axial elongation as its core structural feature, and scleral remodeling is the key terminal event driving axial elongation. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), as a core cytokine regulating tissue remodeling, modulates the phenotype of scleral fibroblasts, extracellular matrix(ECM)metabolism, and tissue mechanical properties through a multi-signaling axis network, thereby playing a crucial role in myopic scleral remodeling. This article systematically summarizes the core signaling mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling. As a core driver, TGF-β synergistically promotes scleral remodeling at both transcriptional regulatory and cellular mechanical levels through its two downstream core signaling axes, namely Smad and Rho/ROCK. Bone morphogenetic protein(BMP), an important member of the TGF-β superfamily and a key negative regulator of the core signaling axes, maintains scleral homeostasis by antagonizing the TGF-β/Smad signaling. Additionally, the TGF-β core signaling axes may crosstalk with pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt. This article clarifies the core significance of the TGF-β-mediated signaling axis network in the progression of myopia, provides a systematic framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of myopic scleral remodeling, and identifies research gaps in areas such as crosstalk molecules among signaling axes, stage-specific functions, and clinical translation. It also offers novel insights for the precise prevention, control, and targeted treatment of myopia.
2.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
3.Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe improves high copper load-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats by regulating mitophagy
Yulan WANG ; Xiang FANG ; Zeming CHEN ; Bingkun RUAN ; Xinli HAN ; Yujie TANG ; Luyao ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2437-2443
Objective To explore the mechanisms of Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe(QLJR)for improving cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load.Methods Seventy-five male SD rats were randomized into normal control group,model group,QLJR group,penicillamine(PCA)group,and QLJR+PCA group.Except for those in the control group,all the rats were fed a high-copper diet for 12 weeks.The effects of the treatments on cognitive function of the rats were assessed using the Barnes maze and passive avoidance tests.Hippocampal expressions of NIX,FUNDC1 and LC3 of the rats were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining,and changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results Behavioral tests showed prolonged target hole latency,shortened latency to enter the dark chamber,and increased error counts of the rats in the model group,which were significantly improved in QLJR+PCA group;the error counts were significantly lower in QLJR+PCA group than in either QLJR or PCA group.Among all the groups,the hippocampal expressions of NIX and FUNDC1 were the lowest and LC3 I/II expression the highest in the model group;NIX and FUNDC1 expressions were significantly higher and LC3 I expression was lower in QLJR+PCA group than in QLJR group and PCA group.Immunofluorescence staining revealed weakened NIX and FUNDC1 expressions and enhanced LC3 expression in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group as compared with those in the normal control and QLJR+PCA groups,but their expressions did not differ significantly between QLJR and PCA groups.The rats in the model group showed obvious structural disarray of the mitochondria,which were improved in all the treatment groups.Conclusion QLJR improves cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load possibly by regulating mitophagy.
4.Application of next-generation sequencing technology for the investigation of immunoglobulin variable region characteristics and their prognostic significance in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Zhen GUO ; Huimin JIN ; Tonglu QIU ; Liying ZHU ; Yujie WU ; Hairong QIU ; Yan WANG ; Yi MIAO ; Hui JIN ; Lei FAN ; Jianyong LI ; Yi XIA ; Chun QIAO
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(3):261-268
Objective:To elucidate the genomic characteristics of the immunoglobulin (IG) heavy-chain variable region and light-chain variable region, the expression of subclones, and the prognostic significance in patients with CLL.Methods:Blood and/or bone marrow specimens were gathered from a cohort of 36 patients with CLL diagnosed at Jiangsu Province Hospital from December 2018 to May 2023, including 12 cases of B cell receptor (BCR) stereotyped patients. IG heavy-chain (IGH) and light-chain (IG Kappa [IGK] and IG lambda [IGL]) gene rearrangements were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze the characteristics and prognostic value in CLL.Results:NGS detection of IG variable region (IGHV) demonstrated a significant correlation and superior consistency with Sanger sequencing ( r=0.957, P < 0.001). Among the 36 patients, the IGH variant (IGHV) was observed in 9 (25.0%) but not in 27 (75.0%) participants. The incidence of the MYD88 mutation was higher among patients with mutated IGHV [1/27 (3.7%) vs 4/9 (44.4%), P=0.00]. A high incidence of trisomy 12 was observed in the IGHV #8/#8B subset [4/11 (36.4%) vs 1/25 (4.0%), P=0.023], which were more likely to develop Richter transformation [8/11 (72.7%) vs 4/25 (16.0%), P=0.002]. In the patient cohort, 36 individuals (36/36, 100.0%) used the IGK variable, whereas 15 individuals (15/36, 41.7%) employed the IGL variable (IGLV). IGLV3 - 21 reported the highest utilization rate in IGLV (5/15, 33.3%). Remarkably, patients with CLL with IGLV3-21 fragments were exclusively observed in the Binet C stage and Rai Phase Ⅲ-Ⅳ, with an incidence of del (13) (q14) at 60.0% (3/5). The median time to first treatment (TTFT) of patients with or without IGLV3 - 21 fragments was 5.2 (1.1 - 41.5) and 9.9 (0.1 - 94.4) months, respectively. Using the total reads threshold of 2.5%, 4 (4/36, 11.1%) samples were detected to have two IGHV productive clones. The median TTFT and overall survival (OS) time were 2.8 (0.9-72.7) and 12.8 months in patients with one mutated clone and 57.5 (32.0-120.7) and 51.8 months in those with two mutated clones, respectively. The median TTFT and OS time were 10.9 (0.3-94.4) and 6.3 (0.1 - 12.5) months in patients with one unmutated clone and 49.9 (22.2 - 211.1) and 30.0 (9.6 - 50.3) months in those with multiple unmutated clones, respectively ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Detection of IG gene rearrangements using NGS technology not only facilitates the analysis of the IGHV mutation status, dominant clones, and prognostic value but also contributes to the exploration of IGK/IGL gene rearrangement fragments and the utilization of subclones. Further, it provides information about the poor prognosis of IGLV3 - 21 CLL. The shortened survival of the two unmutated clone groups in the IGHV unmutated group may indicate a poor prognosis.
5.Effects of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Airway Mucus Hypersecretion and Protein Expressions of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB Pathway in Rats with Acute Lung Injury
Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU ; Hongmei LI ; Shixia LI ; Shixin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):83-90
Objective To observe the effects of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on airway mucus hypersecretion and protein expressions of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)model rats;To explore its mechanism in the treatment of ALI.Methods Ten of 60 SPF SD rats were randomly selected as blank group,and the other rats were intratracheal instilled with LPS to establish ALI model.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,with 8 rats in each group.Each treatment group was given corresponding drug solution by gavage,and the blank group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline by gavage,once a day for 14 days.The pulmonary functions of rats were measured[peak expiratory flow(PEF),tidal volume(TV),expiratory volume(EV),50%expiratory flow rate(EF50)],HE staining was used to observe the morphology of lung tissue,AB-PAS staining was used to evaluate the proliferation and mucus secretion of goblet cells,the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),protein kinase C(PKC),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)p65 and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining,the mRNA expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue was detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the blank group,PEF,TV,EV and EF50 of the model group rats significantly decreased(P<0.01);the bronchial wall was significantly thickened,the lumen narrowed,pulmonary interstitial edema and hyperemia,the thickness of alveolar wall increased,accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the lung tissue injury score increased significantly(P<0.01);goblet cells proliferated significantly,mucus secretion increased significantly(P<0.01);the protein expressions of EGFR,PKC,NF-κB p65,MUC5AC and mRNA expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue increased significantly(P<0.01),and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,PEF,TV,EV and EF50 in dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription each dosage groups increased in varying degrees;the pathological injury of lung tissue was alleviated to varying degrees,the score of lung tissue injury was reduced;the proliferation of goblet cells was reduced,and the secretion of mucus was reduced,the expressions of EGFR,PKC,NF-κB p65,MUC5AC protein and EGFR,MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue decreased,and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue decreased.There was statistical significance in dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01).Conclusion Yifei Jianpi Prescription can inhibit the hypersecretion of airway mucus and the high expression of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB pathway protein in rats with ALI induced by LPS.
6.Construction and evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma models in mice with different immune microenvironments
Yujie ZHONG ; Yuyang DAI ; Shijie FU ; Kanglian ZHENG ; Chaofan ZHU ; Guang CAO ; Liang XU ; Chuanxin NIU ; Xiaoyu FAN ; Xiaodong WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(4):260-266
Objective To construct mice hepatocellular carcinoma models with different tumor immune microenvironments(TIME)and explore the differences.Methods H22 and hepa1-6 were used to construct subcutaneous transplantation tumor model of C57 mice as homologous hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines(denoted as H22 group and hepal-6 group,each n=8),and the differences of TIME were evaluated.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect and quantify the infiltration of T cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,regulatory T cells and B cells in TIME.Flow cytometry was performed to detect the differences of composition of immune cell subpopulations in peripheral blood and tumor parenchyma.Gene expression profile characteristics of tumor tissue were analyzed based on high-throughput transcriptome sequencing technology,and enrichment analyses of immune-related signaling pathways were evaluated combined with gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG).Results H22 group showed cold and hepa1-6 group showed hot TIME characteristics.The number of T cells,CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in tumor tissue of H22 group were all lower,while the proportion of T cells,CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in peripheral blood were all higher than those of hepa1-6 group(all P<0.05).Compared with H22 group,up-regulated genes of tumor tissue in hepa1-6 group expressed significantly enriched in tumor immune activation-related signaling pathways.Conclusion H22 and hepa1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma models showed distinct TIME characteristics of cold and hot tumors,respectively,and the amount of immune cells in tumor tissue of the former were significantly lower than those in the latter.
7.Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Yujie LI ; Yanyan YAO ; Jingwen TANG ; Yanmin HU ; Shenshen ZHU ; Linlin LI ; Zhaoke WU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(10):20-24
Objective To investigate the risk factors for cardiovascular disease(CVD)in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods Clinical data of 225 patients with RA admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2023 to September 2024 were collected,and the patients were divided into CVD group(n=50)and non-CVD group(n=175)according to whether they were complicated by CVD.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of CVD in RA patients.Results Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age,hematocrit,red cell volume distribution width(RDW),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,neutrophil to high density lipoprotein ratio(NHR)and platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR)were all influencing factors for CVD in RA patients(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age,RDW,NHR and PLR were all risk factors for CVD in RA patients(P<0.05).The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of age,RDW,NHR and PLR diagnosed CVD in RA patients were 0.844,0.797,0.572 and 0.713,respectively.The combined diagnosis AUC of four indexes was 0.898.Conclusion The risk of CVD in RA patients is influenced by many factors,and the combination of age,RDW,NHR,and PLR can improve early diagnosis of CVD in RA patients.
8.Research status of arsenic (organoarsenic) compounds applied in medicine
Hui LU ; Guangze YAO ; Yujie WEI ; Hui WANG ; Xinyang ZHAO ; Senlin ZHU ; Yiling LIU ; Qianlei YANG ; Yan AN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):253-258
Arsenic (organoarsenic) compound is one of the oldest drugs used by humans to treat various diseases. From its initial application in treating various skin diseases to the 1970s when arsenic trioxide (ATO) was proven to be able to significantly relieve acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), arsenic (organoarsenic) compounds gradually occupied an important position in the history of medical development. This article reviews the pharmaceutical research progress of inorganic arsenic compounds and organic arsine compounds, covering anticancer, antiparasitic, antiviral and antibiotic aspects. It further explores the potential for developing new arsenic (organoarsenic) drugs with higher efficacy and lower toxicity, aiming to provide new research directions and ideas for the application of arsenic (organoarsenic) compounds in disease treatment.
9.Construction and implementation of a blood glucose chain management model for critically ill patients after cardiac surgery
Haibo ZHANG ; Yilei ZHU ; Min XU ; Jiacheng DUAN ; Jingjing TANG ; Yujie ZHANG ; Run HUANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(33):2585-2591
Objective:To establish a chain management model for blood glucose in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery and analyze its clinical effectiveness, and to provide a reference for related clinical nursing practices.Methods:A quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 120 critically ill patients after cardiac surgery admitted to Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were selected as study subjects. They were divided into groups based on the time of admission to the intensive care unit after surgery. Sixty patients admitted from March to May 2024 were assigned to the control group and received conventional blood glucose management. Another 60 patients admitted from June to August 2024 were assigned to the observation group and received the chain management model for blood glucose control in addition to the conventional approach. Blood glucose levels and quality indicators of blood glucose management (including maximum blood glucose fluctuation, time in target glucose range, duration of insulin use, incidence of hypoglycemia, etc.) were compared between the two groups.Results:The control group included 27 males and 33 females, with an age of 63.00(59.00, 69.25) years; the observation group included 28 males and 32 females, with an age of 66.00(60.00, 70.00) years. The blood glucose levels of the observation group on postoperative days 2, 3, 4 were 9.10(8.68, 9.90), 8.90(8.40, 10.00), 8.75(7.38, 9.03) mmol/L, respectively, which were lower than those of the control group [10.30(9.80, 11.00), 9.95(9.40, 11.05), 9.30(8.10, 10.02) mmol/L], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-5.85, -4.95, -3.50, all P<0.05). The maximum blood glucose fluctuation in the observation group was (4.09 ± 2.45) mmol/L, lower than that of the control group [(5.19 ± 2.47) mmol/L], with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.46, P<0.05). The time in the target glucose range was 67.00(60.00, 75.00)% in the observation group, higher than that of the control group 52.00(45.00, 60.00)%, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-6.57, P<0.05). The duration of insulin use was 6.00(5.00, 7.00) h in the observation group, shorter than that of the control group [13.00(9.75, 15.32) h], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-8.68, P<0.05). The incidence of hypoglycemia was 3.33%(2/60) in the observation group and 15.00%(9/60) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=4.90, P<0.05). The mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, and total hospital stay in the observation group were 42.00(37.00, 89.25) h, 6.00(5.00, 7.00) d, and 12.00(11.75, 13.00) d, respectively, which were shorter than those of the control group [96.00(86.25, 98.00) h, 7.00(7.00, 10.00) d, and 13.00(11.75, 15.00) d], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=8.67, 17.57, 4.73, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The implemented chain management model for blood glucose control meets the comprehensive requirements of blood glucose management. It not only reduces blood glucose fluctuations and decreases the incidence of hypoglycemia but also effectively improves the quality of blood glucose management in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery, enhances the safety of blood glucose control, and promotes patient recovery.
10.Efficiency and safety of haematopoietic stem cell collection in healthy donors
Rui HE ; Bangqiang ZHU ; Huiqin WEN ; Haijing WANG ; Maohong BIAN ; Yujie DIAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):209-213
[Objective] To explore the key factors affecting the efficiency and safety of hematopoietic stem cell apheresis. [Methods] The clinical data of 59 healthy donors who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of CD34+ cells was used to evaluate the eligibility of stem cell collection. The effects of donor gender, age, patient weight, as well as the number of WBC, MNC, RBC, Hb, HCT, PLT, CD34+ cells, CD34+ percentage and instrument operating parameters on collection efficiency were analyzed. [Results] A total of 59 donors were enrolled, and 68 occasions of stem cell apheresis were performed, with a qualified collection rate of 56%. Donor gender, age, patient weight, total blood circulation volume, anticoagulant dosage, collection time, calcium gluconate dosage and RBC, Hb, HCT levels were not significantly correlated with the collection effect (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of MNC cells, CD34+ cells and stem cell product volume were the key factors affecting the efficiency and safety. A total of 12 donors had mild adverse reactions during the collection process, and all of them were improved after treatment. [Conclusion] Optimizing apheresis strategy based on the three factors of MNC, WBC count and stem cell product volume on the day of collection will help to achieve high-quality collection and improve the success rate of transplantation.

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