1.New pathways in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis: oxidative stress and ferroptosis
Yurong WANG ; Jianlong YUAN ; Bingchun LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):776-781
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD) are increasingly becoming major challenges to global public health. The pathogenesis of these diseases is highly complex, with oxidative damage and ferroptosis emerging as potential core factors. Oxidative damage primarily results from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells, a process that impairs cellular function and viability. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in neuronal injury and apoptosis. Multiple studies indicate a significant interaction between oxidative damage and ferroptosis. This interplay not only accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative diseases but also offers new directions for potential therapeutic targets. This review systematically analyzes the mechanisms of oxidative damage and ferroptosis in various neurodegenerative diseases, evaluates current research frontiers, and explores feasible therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide new insights and perspectives for in-depth research in this field.
2.Huashi Baidu Granules Treat Influenza Viral Pneumonia by Regulating Gut-Lung Axis
Qijing LI ; Hanhui HUANG ; Yurong DENG ; Ao'ao WANG ; Jianliang LI ; Jianhui SUN ; Liyu HAO ; Zongyuan LI ; Guimin LIU ; Hongmei LI ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):59-69
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huashi Baidu granules in treating influenza A (H1N1) virus infection based on the gut-lung axis. MethodsBALB/c mice were randomly assigned into a blank control group, a model control group, a positive control (oseltamivir phosphate capsules, 19.5 mg·kg-1) group, and a Huashi Baidu granules (17.81 g·kg-1) group. Mice in other groups except the blank control group were instilled nasally by H1N1 viral fluid for the modeling of influenza viral pneumonia and treated with corresponding drugs once daily by gavage for 5 consecutive days. The mouse lung index was calculated, and pathological changes in the lung and colon tissue were observed. Western blot was employed to quantify the expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomeric domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase -1 (Caspase-1), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1β, and colonic tight junction protein 1 (CLDN1), and Occludin in the lung and colon tissue. Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to analyze the metabolic profiles of the lung tissue and intestinal contents. The 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiota structure in intestinal contents. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the serum, lung tissue, and colon tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model control group showed elevated lung index, marked inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar structural destruction in the lung tissue, obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and mucosal epithelial damage in the colon tissue, upregulated protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway proteins NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the lung and colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), downregulated protein levels of CLDN1 and Occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Huashi Baidu Granules reduced the lung index (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage in the lungs and colon, inhibited the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung and colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated the expression of CLDN1 and Occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics analysis showed that Huashi Baidu Granules downregulated the 5-HT pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway in the lung and colon tissue, while upregulating nucleotide metabolism and TCA cycle. Compared with the blank control group, the model control group exhibited elevated levels of 5-HT in the serum, lung tissue, and colon tissue (P<0.01). The intervention with Huashi Baidu Granules lowered the levels of 5-HT in the serum (P<0.05) and the lung and colon tissue (P<0.01). Huashi Baidu Granules increased the diversity of gut microbiota, enriched beneficial bacteria such as Blautia, and inhibited pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio. ConclusionHuashi Baidu Granules significantly alleviate lung inflammation and pathological damage in mice infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus, reshape the intestinal microecology, and repair the intestinal barrier. It may exert cross-organ regulation by inhibiting the cascade of "gutogenic 5-HT release-circulatory transport-pulmonary 5-HT receptor activation-NLRP3 inflammasome assembly." It exerts therapeutic effects on influenza viral pneumonia through the gut-lung axis. This study provides a modern biological interpretation for the TCM theories of interior-exterior relationship between the lung and large intestine and simultaneous treatment of the lung and intestine.
3.Identification of the sugarcane β-1,3-glucanase gene family and analysis of their expression under various stress conditions.
Tingchen HUANG ; Yifei XIA ; Yurong LUO ; Shoujian ZANG ; Yan CHEN ; Qinghong LIU ; Yingying LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Wenyue ZHANG ; Yachun SU ; Chuihuai YOU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2913-2933
Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important sugar crop. Biotic and abiotic stresses such as diseases, cold, and drought are major factors limiting sugarcane production. β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39), a member of the pathogenesis-related protein family, plays an essential role not only in the plant defenses against pathogens but also in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. To systematically investigate the sugarcane β-1,3-glucanase gene family, 132 glycoside hydrolase (GH) 17 family members were identified in the genomes of the sugarcane wild species Saccharum spontaneum 'Np-X', the tropical species S. officinarum 'LA-Purple', and the Saccharum spp. hybrid cultivar 'R570'. The results of the phylogenetic analysis categorized them into four subfamilies, of which subfamily Ⅳ had the largest proportion of members (102). The members of the sugarcane GH17 gene family contained five conserved motifs and 0-16 introns. The majority of the GH17 genes exhibited a genome-wide replication pattern, with 89.50% originating from S. spontaneum 'Np-X' and S. officinarum 'LA-Purple', while 58.10% of them in the Saccharum spp. hybrid cultivar 'R570' belonged to the discrete replication type. Four major classes of cis-acting elements were identified in the promoters, including the elements related to plant growth, development, and tissue-specific expression (14.21%), light-responsive elements (38.24%), biotic or abiotic stress-responsive elements (9.18%), and hormone-responsive elements (38.37%), which suggested that this gene family was involved in plant growth, development, hormone responses, and stress responses. Transcriptome and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses showed that the sugarcane GH17 genes exhibited tissue-specific expression and were differentially expressed under low temperature, drought, and hormone treatments, as well as during the interactions between different sugarcane genotypes and Sporisorium scitamineum, suggesting their potential roles in plant defenses. In addition, some SsGlu genes (SsGlu5, SsGlu20, SsGlu21, SsGlu25, SsGlu28, and SsGlu39) were expected to serve as candidate stress-related genes. This study lays a foundation for further revealing the molecular mechanisms of the stress resistance of sugarcane via β-1,3-glucanase genes.
Saccharum/physiology*
;
Stress, Physiological/genetics*
;
Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase/metabolism*
;
Multigene Family
;
Phylogeny
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Plant Proteins/genetics*
4.Prone-position MRI of lumbar spine for diagnosing pediatric occult tethered cord syndrome
Jie LI ; Yurong MA ; Wanjun HU ; Na HAN ; Songhong YUE ; Tiejun GAN ; Guangyao LIU ; Shuai YUAN ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1641-1645
Objective To investigate the value of prone-position MRI of lumbar spine for diagnosing pediatric occult tethered cord syndrome(OTCS).Methods A total of 67 children with suspected tethered cord syndrome(TCS)and confirmed OTCS by surgery were prospectively enrolled as OTCS group,while 73 healthy subjects were recruited as control group.Supine-and prone-position lumbar MR examinations were performed in both groups.The position of filum terminale on prone axial T2WI and the presence or absence of"sunset sign"(i.e.filum terminale located within the dorsal 1/2 of spinal canal on prone axial T2WI)were observed,spinal cord conus mobility was calculated.The efficacy of"sunset sign"for diagnosing OTCS in children was calculated through comparison between groups.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of spinal cord conus mobility.Results On prone-position axial T2WI,"sunset sign"was found in 58 cases(58/67,86.57%)but not in 9 cases(9/67,13.43%)in OTCS group,which was not even observed in control group.The sensitivity of"sunset sign"for diagnosing pediatric OTCS was 86.57%(58/67),with specificity of 100%(73/73),positive predictive value of 100%(58/58)and negative predictive value of 89.02%(73/82).The spinal cord conus mobility was(19.30±5.89)%in OTCS group and(31.71±6.58)%in control group,being statistically different between groups(t=-11.722,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity and AUC of spinal cord conus mobility for diagnosing pediatric OTCS was 80.60%,90.41%and 0.920,respectively.Conclusion Prone-position MRI of lumbar spine could be used in diagnosing pediatric OTCS.
5.Characteristics and risk factors of portal hypertensive colopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Zhihui DUAN ; Shubo CHEN ; Tianyou SUN ; Yabing LIU ; Xiaolin JI ; Zheng QI ; Yurong MA ; Cuiping HAN ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(7):1421-1429
Background and Aims:Portal hypertensive colopathy(PHC)is a common complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.It may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding,yet its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear,and systematic research in China is limited.This study aimed to analyze the colonoscopic features in cirrhotic patients and to explore their associations with relevant clinical factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 cirrhotic patients who underwent colonoscopy at Xingtai People's Hospital between July 2020 and December 2024.Colonoscopy,gastroscopy,and clinical data were reviewed.Differences between patients with PHC and those without were compared in terms of sex,Child-Pugh classification,platelet count,presence of ascites,and hepatic encephalopathy.Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for PHC.Additionally,colorectal lesion detection rates were compared with those of a contemporaneous cohort of 444 participants undergoing national colorectal cancer(CRC)screening at the same center.Results:Among the 105 patients with cirrhosis,the detection rates of PHC,adenomatous polyps,and CRC were 32.32%,28.28%,and 3.03%,respectively,while only 37.37%had no abnormal findings.No serious colonoscopy-related complications were observed.The proportion of males in the PHC group was significantly higher than in the non-PHC group(78.13%vs.50.75%,P=0.009).The PHC group also showed significantly higher rates of Child-Pugh class B/C,and lower platelet count(all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy between the two groups(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis identified that male gender(OR=3.307,95%CI=1.219-8.971)and Child-Pugh class B/C(OR=2.867,95%CI=1.046-7.861)were independent risk factors for PHC.Compared to the CRC screening cohort,cirrhotic patients had a similar adenoma detection rate(28.28%vs.25.00%,P=0.499),and a slightly higher colorectal cancer detection rate that did not reach statistical significance(3.03%vs.0.68%,P=0.135).Conclusion:Colonoscopy revealed a high rate of abnormalities in cirrhotic patients,with PHC and adenomatous polyps being the most common findings.Routine colonoscopy is recommended for cirrhotic patients without contraindications,especially males,and patients with Child-Pugh class B/C,to facilitate early detection of PHC and precancerous lesions,thereby reducing the risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and missed diagnoses of malignancy.
6.Trend Analysis and Future Forecast of Thyroid Cancer Incidence by Sex in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiangrui FU ; Wen LI ; Yurong LIU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wenli LU ; Yuan WANG
China Cancer 2025;34(10):804-812
[Purpose]To analyze the changes in the incidence trend of thyroid cancer from 1990 to 2021,and to predict the future incidence from 2022 to 2030.[Methods]We collected data related to the incidence of thyroid cancer among Chinese residents from 1990 to 2021 in the Global Bur-den of Disease 2021(GBD 2021)study,analyzed the trend of thyroid cancer incidence using the Joinpoint regression model,and constructed a Bayesian age-period-cohort(BAPC)model to pre-dict the future incidence of thyroid cancer during the years of 2022-2030,based on the inci-dence data during the years of 1990-2021.[Results]From 1990 to 2021,the age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR)of thyroid cancer in China showed a fluctuating upward trend,and the ASIR of thyroid cancer in China in 2021 was 2.47/105,slightly lower than the global average(2.91/105)in the same year.In 2021,there were significant differences in new cases and incidence rate of thyroid cancer between men and women,with the incidence rate of women being higher than that of men.Among them,the number of new cases in women was 27 915,the crude incidence rate was 4.02/105,and the ASIR was 2.87/105;in men,the number of new cases was 20 189,the crude incidence rate was 2.77/105,and the ASIR was 2.11/105.Between 1990 and 2021,the increase in the number of new cases,the crude incidence rate,and the ASIR of men in China was much larger than that of women.The ASIR of thyroid cancer in both male and female showed an in-creasing trend,while the average annual percentage change(AAPC)in female was lower than that in male.There were significant gender differences in the age-specific incidence rates of thyroid cancer.In 2021,the incidence rate of women was higher than that of men in the Chinese population<75 years old,whereas the incidence rate of men was higher than that of women in the population≥75 years old.From 1990 to 2021,the incidence rates of the Chinese male population aged 45~59 years old and ≥75 years old increased significantly;and the incidence rate of the Chinese fe-male popu-lation aged 50~74 years old increased significantly.Projections showed that the ASIR of overall,male and female standardized incidence rates in 2030 increased to 2.90/105,2.44/105 and 3.26/105 respectively.[Conclusion]The incidence rate of thyroid cancer in China is on the rise,with the incidence rate of women being higher than that of men,but the incidence rate of men has increased more than that of women,and the gap between the incidence rates is narrow-ing,and the peak age of incidence of men is mostly in the senior age group.
7.Short-term effectiveness of uni-portal non-coaxial spinal endoscopic surgery via crossing midline approach in treatment of free lumbar disc herniation.
Zhongfeng LI ; Yandong LIU ; Lipeng WEN ; Bo CHEN ; Ying YANG ; Yurong WANG ; Randong PENG ; En SONG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(1):83-87
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the short-term effectiveness of uni-portal non-coaxial spinal endoscopic surgery (UNSES) via crossing midline approach (CMA) in the treatment of free lumbar disc herniation (FLDH).
METHODS:
Between March 2024 and June 2024, 16 patients with FLDH were admitted and treated with UNSES via CMA. There were 9 males and 7 females with an average age of 55.1 years (range, 47-62 years). The disease duration was 8-30 months (mean, 15.6 months). The pathological segments was L 3, 4 in 4 cases, L 4, 5 in 5 cases, and L 5, S 1 in 7 cases. The preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.9±0.9 and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 57.22%±4.16%. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. The spinal pain and functional status were evaluated by VAS score and ODI, and effectiveness was evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria. CT and MRI were used to evaluate the effect of nerve decompression.
RESULTS:
All 16 patients underwent operation successfully without any complications. The operation time was 63-81 minutes (mean, 71.0 minutes). The intraoperative bleeding volume was 47.3-59.0 mL (mean, 55.0 mL). The length of hospital stay after operation was 3-4 days (mean, 3.5 days). All patients were followed up 1-3 months, with 15 cases followed up for 2 months and 14 cases for 3 months. The VAS score and ODI gradually decreased over time after operation, and there were significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases according to the modified MacNab criteria, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CT and MRI during follow-up showed a significant increase in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, indicating effective decompression of the canal.
CONCLUSION
When using UNSES to treat FLDH, choosing CMA for nerve decompression has the advantages of wide decompression range, large operating space, and freedom of operation. It can maximize the preservation of the articular process, avoid fracture and breakage of the isthmus, clearly display the exiting and traversing nerve root, and achieve good short-term effectiveness.
Humans
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Male
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Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
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Female
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery*
;
Endoscopy/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Operative Time
;
Pain Measurement
;
Length of Stay
8.Expert consensus on the application of nasal cavity filling substances in nasal surgery patients(2025, Shanghai).
Keqing ZHAO ; Shaoqing YU ; Hongquan WEI ; Chenjie YU ; Guangke WANG ; Shijie QIU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongtao ZHEN ; Yucheng YANG ; Yurong GU ; Tao GUO ; Feng LIU ; Meiping LU ; Bin SUN ; Yanli YANG ; Yuzhu WAN ; Cuida MENG ; Yanan SUN ; Yi ZHAO ; Qun LI ; An LI ; Luo BA ; Linli TIAN ; Guodong YU ; Xin FENG ; Wen LIU ; Yongtuan LI ; Jian WU ; De HUAI ; Dongsheng GU ; Hanqiang LU ; Xinyi SHI ; Huiping YE ; Yan JIANG ; Weitian ZHANG ; Yu XU ; Zhenxiao HUANG ; Huabin LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):285-291
This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans
;
Nasal Cavity/surgery*
;
Nasal Surgical Procedures
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Sinusitis/surgery*
;
Dermal Fillers
9.CMD-OPT model enables the discovery of a potent and selective RIPK2 inhibitor as preclinical candidate for the treatment of acute liver injury.
Yong CHEN ; Xue YUAN ; Wei YAN ; Yurong ZOU ; Haoche WEI ; Yuhan WEI ; Minghai TANG ; Yulian CHEN ; Ziyan MA ; Tao YANG ; Kongjun LIU ; Baojian XIONG ; Xiuying HU ; Jianhong YANG ; Lijuan CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3708-3724
Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.
10.Correlation study between trimethylamine N-oxide and Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Jianxiang JIANG ; Peiyan DU ; Yurong LIU ; Haihong LV
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(9):1208-1214
AIM:To explore the correlation be-tween trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)and Hashi-moto's thyroiditis(HT)and to provide new ideas for early clinical diagnosis of HT.METHODS:A total of 102 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT group)and 204 healthy individuals(control group)were included in the study and clinical data were collected.Serum TMAO levels was determined by stable isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS:Analysis of the baseline data revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the TMAO levels and gender between the HT group and the control group(P<0.05).In the high-level TMAO group,the proportion of HT(63.7%)was significantly higher than that of the control group(18.6%),the regression analysis showed that high levels of TMAO were correlated with HT and positively correlated with the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb),Logistic regression analysis further revealed that serum TMAO was a risk factor for the development of HT.CONCLUSION:In the TMAO>6.80 μmol/L group,the level of TMAO was correlat-ed with HT,and the high level of TMAO was posi-tively correlated with TPOAb and TgAb,which were risk factors for the occurrence of HT.It is suggested that TMAO can predict the risk of HT and has cer-tain clinical value.

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