1.Development and evaluation of classification system for drug-related problems in China
Shuang ZOU ; Tingting LU ; Lei BAO ; Yun LIAO ; Ling LI ; Ping ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):371-376
OBJECTIVE To establish a Chinese drug-related problem (DRP) classification system applicable to pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care in China, providing pharmacists with an effective and practical tool for pharmaceutical care. METHODS A multi-stage process was employed to construct the DRP classification system, including literature review and analysis, comparison of existing classification systems, refinement of classification items and framework development, two rounds of standard case validation, expert discussion, and system revision. The Fleiss′ kappa test was used to calculate the consistency coefficient κ, assessing the reliability of pharmacists participating in evaluating the classification system. An electronic questionnaire comprising six items was employed to evaluate the system’s applicability. RESULTS The constructed Chinese DRP classification system comprised six sections [problem(including potential problems), DRP evaluation, cause (including possible causes of potential problems), intervention, acceptance of intervention and DRP status], with 24 primary codes and 96 secondary codes. In the first round of case validation, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections except “intervention” and “DRP status”. In the second round, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections. In the applicability evaluation of the classification system, positive ratings (“strongly agree” or “agree”) exceeded 85% for all items. Specifically, positive ratings for“the classification system can provide appropriate category selection”,“ the classification system is comprehensive”,“ the classification system is convenient to use” and “the classification system is highly satisfactory” exceeded 92%. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese DRP classification system developed demonstrates both high reliability and applicability, providing an effective and practical classification tool for pharmacists in China to conduct pharmaceutical care.
2.Translational Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and The Roles of Their Encoded Peptides in Tumor Initiation and Regulation
Qiong XIANG ; Li-Chang YANG ; Zan LI ; Yun LING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):356-368
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.
3.Translational Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and The Roles of Their Encoded Peptides in Tumor Initiation and Regulation
Qiong XIANG ; Li-Chang YANG ; Zan LI ; Yun LING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):356-368
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.
4.Mechanism of transcription factor ZEB1 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Yun ZHAO ; Beibei MA ; Huaxue XING ; Shaofeng HUANG ; Zhongwei ZHANG ; Bo LING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):470-479
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells, as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe gene expression characteristics of the transcription factor ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using data from the GEO and TCGA public databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H322, A549, 95-D) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Lentiviral transduction was utilized to establish stable ZEB1-overexpressing (Oe-ZEB1) and vector control (Oe-NC) H322 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays, while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst33258/PI double staining. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration and invasion capabilities. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression changes in relevant signaling pathways. ResultsThe findings from GEO and TCGA indicated that ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma varied with tumor malignancy grade. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells (P0.05). Results from the CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays demonstrated that, compared with the un-transfected control (Control) group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities (P0.05). Hoechst33258/PI double staining and flow cytometry analyses showed that, relative to the Control group, apoptosis was reduced in Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells (P0.05). Additionally, a decreased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and an increased proportion in the S phase were observed in Oe-ZEB1 cells, indicating accelerated cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis further revealed that, compared with the Control group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited upregulated expression of N-cadherin, mutant p53 (mutp53), and Cyclin D1 (P0.05), while expression levels of E-cadherin, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), and p21 were downregulated (P0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of ZEB1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells and may facilitate cell cycle progression by modulating the MDM2/mutp53/p21 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the transition of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.
5.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
6.Progress on the hazards and control of ship-borne vector organisms
Yun-chuan HE ; Hui-ling HAO ; Bin SUN ; Hong-yan LYU ; Deng-yong HOU ; Xiao-meng REN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):144-151
In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.
7.Unilateral congenital ptosis on ocular biometric parameters and refractive status in children
Yun FENG ; Shasha ZHANG ; Jiaojiao LIANG ; Feng XU ; Ping LIN ; Ling CHEN
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1485-1490
AIM: To investigate differences in ocular biological parameters and refractive status among children with unilateral congenital ptosis.METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study enrolling patients with unilateral congenital ptosis in the Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an Children's Hospital between August 2018 and March 2025, with the contralateral healthy eyes serving as the control group. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination to assess the degree of ptosis and evaluate refractive errors. Biometric measurements were performed using the IOL Master 700 biometer, including axial length(AL), central corneal thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness(LT), and astigmatism(AST).RESULTS:A total of 100 eyes from 100 children(affected eye group)with unilateral congenital ptosis were enrolled, and their 100 contralateral normal eyes without ptosis were set as the control group(healthy eyes group). Among the subjects, there were 67 males(67%)and 33 females(33%), with a mean age of 6.43±2.47 y; 45 affected eyes were the right eye and 55 were the left eye. Among the 100 patients, mild, moderate, and severe ptosis accounted for 7%, 21%, and 72%, respectively. The incidence of amblyopia in patients with unilateral congenital ptosis was 32%, all of which occurred in the affected eye. Compared with the healthy eye group, K2(total)and K2(severe ptosis)in eyes with severe ptosis were significantly lower(P<0.05), indicating that the cornea in the ptotic eye was flatter. In patients with moderate ptosis, the affected eye had a significantly greater corneal thickness(CCT)compared to the healthy eye(P<0.05), indicating that the corneas of eyes with moderate ptosis were thicker. The incidence of against-the-rule and oblique astigmatism in the affected eye group(39%)was significantly higher than that in the healthy eye group(14%); there was a significant difference in the corneal astigmatism axis between the affected and healthy eye groups(P<0.01). There were no differences in refractive status or biological parameters such as AL, K1, AST, ACD, and LT between the affected and healthy eyes.CONCLUSION:Congenital ptosis can affect refractive errors, lead to oblique and against-the-rule astigmatism, increase the prevalence of amblyopia, and also result in corneal thickening and flattening. However, it has minimal effects on AL, LT, and ACD.
8.Validating the pathogenic mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by negative emotions via Mendelian randomization and traditional Chinese medicine theory of emotions
Zhiying WANG ; Yun LI ; Zhixian ZHONG ; Ling XU ; Yi ZHONG ; Jian CHEN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):196-205
Objective:
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to test the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of emotional pathogenesis concept and explore the causal relationship between negative emotions and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods:
Data of negative emotions, bronchitis, emphysema, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were downloaded from genome-wide association study (GWAS) public database for a two-sample MR analysis. Independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with negative emotions, bronchitis, and emphysema were selected as instrumental variables. Primary causal estimates were derived using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), supplemented by weighted median (WM), and simple mode (SM) methods. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO to assess pleiotropy, Cochran’s Q test for heterogeneity, and multivariate MR to adjust for smoking. Mediation analysis evaluated the role of inflammatory markers. Reverse MR was tested for bidirectional causality. Weak instrument bias was mitigated via F-statistic thresholds (> 10). All analyses were conducted in RStudio.
Results:
MR analysis identified significant causal effects of several negative emotions on COPD. Genetically, the IVW analysis of seen doctors for nerves anxiety tension or depression [ORIVW = 1.006, 95% CI = (1.002, 1.010), P = 0.002], sensitivity/hurt feelings [ORIVW = 1.024, 95% CI = (1.004, 1.044), P = 0.017], and irritability [ORIVW = 1.019, 95% CI = (1.003, 1.035), P = 0.019 were robustly associated with increased risks of COPD. No heterogeneity was detected among the different instrumental variables (IVs) for depression (P = 0.655) and irritability (P = 0.163). MR-Egger regression intercepts for all emotional exposures were close to zero and statistically non-significant, indicating no evidence of directional pleiotropy. The horizontal pleiotropy results showed that except for worry (MR-PRESSO P = 0.006), other emotion exposures confirming no substantial pleiotropic bias. Multivariable MR demonstrated that anxiety remained independently associated with COPD after adjusting for smoking (P = 0.002), while associations with other negative emotions were attenuated post-adjustment. The mediation analysis revealed that CRP mediated 3.93% of the total effect of anxiety on COPD. However, reverse MR analysis found no evidence of reverse causality.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the causal effects of negative emotions on COPD through MR analysis and revealed that negative emotions may trigger CRP production, which plays an essential mediating role in this relationship. This study provides a reliable modern theoretical basis for emotion theory in TCM.
9.Coptidis Rhizoma and Its Prescriptions in Treatment of Diabetic Cognitive Impairment: A Review
Tianyi REN ; Yun LING ; Yiming SHEN ; Hui FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):266-275
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) has an insidious onset and progressive and irreversible development. There is currently no first-line treatment for DCI. Early intervention of diabetes with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively control blood sugar and improve cognitive impairment, which has significant advantages. As a representative of bitter and cold heat-clearing medicines, Coptidis Rhizoma, known for its abilities to clear heat and dampness and remove turbidity and toxins, has been widely used in the clinical prevention and treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This article systematically summarized relevant literature and observed that Coptidis Rhizoma has shown good potential in the prevention and treatment of DCI with its active ingredients such as berberine and quercetin, drug pairs such as Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma-Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Pinelliae Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma, and prescriptions such as Gegen Qinliantang, Huanglian Jiedutang, Banxia Xiexintang, Huanglian Wendantang, Jiaotai Wan, Danggui liuhuangtang, and related Chinese patent medicines. Its mechanism may be related to regulating glucose metabolism, improving insulin resistance, improving amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition and tau protein phosphorylation, inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating the "microbe-gut-brain axis". The article systematically reviewed the research progress of Coptidis Rhizoma and its prescriptions in the prevention and treatment of DCI, aiming to preliminarily explain the scientific connotation of Coptidis Rhizoma and provide a basis for its clinical application in the prevention and treatment of DCI.
10.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.


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