1.Exploration of Regulatory Mechanism of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Neuroprotection of Acute Ischemic Stroke from Theory of Kidney Governing Yin and Yang
Qinru YANG ; Junyu DUAN ; Zhenhong LIU ; Yonghong GAO ; Jinghe LIU ; Yingzhi XU ; Lu TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):249-257
Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) homeostasis serves as a fundamental mechanism in maintaining the mitochondrial structure and function. Dysregulation of MQC contributes to the progression of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through multiple pathways including disturbances in energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and imbalances in mitochondrial fusion and fission. Drawing upon the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of the kidney governing Yin and Yang, this study innovatively proposes an integrative model of "Yin-Yang dynamic balance-MQC homeostasis" to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Specifically, kidney Yang deficiency and decline result in reduced driving force, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial fusion. This leads to decreased efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and impaired adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Conversely, when kidney Yin is dysfunctional and excessive phlegm-blood stasis accumulates, mitochondrial fission becomes hyperactive, causing rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intensified oxidative stress. The interplay between these two pathological states culminates in the central TCM pathogenesis—Yin-Yang imbalance and disordered Qi and blood-of AIS. To address this pathogenesis, a therapeutic strategy is proposed: tonifying the kidney as the primary intervention to restore MQC homeostasis, supplemented by resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to interrupt the deleterious cycle of cerebral vascular damage. This work integrates the holistic perspective of TCM with contemporary molecular insights, offering precise intervention targets along the "kidney-mitochondria axis" for the prevention and treatment of AIS, while establishing a novel integrative paradigm for stroke management that bridges traditional and modern medicine. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which TCM regulates MQC in AIS and integrating classical TCM theories with evidence-based medicine to facilitate the translation of theoretical insights into clinical applications.
2.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a case of progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia caused by CCN6 compound heterozygous mutations and literature review
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene. Methods:A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to " bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).Results:The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3; PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3_Supporting+ PM5+ PP3_Strong). The c. 676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases. Conclusion:The c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
3.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene and a literature review.
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene.
METHODS:
A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to "bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).
RESULTS:
The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c.348C>A and c.676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3; PM1+PM2_Supporting+PM3_Supporting+PM5+PP3_Strong). The c.676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases.
CONCLUSION
The c.348C>A and c.676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Humans
;
Female
;
CCN Intercellular Signaling Proteins/genetics*
;
Phenotype
;
Heterozygote
;
Young Adult
;
Mutation
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Joint Diseases/congenital*
4.Effect of inspired oxygen concentration on perioperative cerebrovascular function in stroke patients
Haiyi XIE ; Xuying LIU ; Xiaoxiao MA ; Junyun DING ; Zhenhong WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(19):3008-3015
Objective To investigate the effects of different inspired oxygen concentrations on periop-erative cerebrovascular function in patients with a history of ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 150 patients scheduled for elective surgery with a history of ischemic stroke were enrolled from Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,between June 2020 and March 2024.Using a random number table,patients were allocated into two groups:F30 group(intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen,FiO2=30%)and F80 group(FiO2=80%),with 75 patients in each group.Bilateral middle cerebral artery(MCA)blood flow was continu-ously monitored using transcranial Doppler(TCD),including mean flow velocity(Vm),resistance index(RI),and pulsatility index(PI).Cerebral oxygen saturation(rScO2)was measured using a FORE-SIGHT oximeter.Arterial blood gas analysis was performed preoperatively,1 hour after induction,and before extubation to assess pH,partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide(PaCO2),oxygenation index(OI),base excess(BE),hematocrit(Hct),and lactate(Lac).Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 hours postoperatively to measure thrombox-ane A2(TXA2)and prostacyclin(PGI2)levels.At 1 month postoperatively,telephone follow-up was conducted to evaluate the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemic events using the ABCD2 score and Essen Stroke Risk Score(ESRS).Results No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups.Perioperative arterial blood gas parameters did not differ significantly between groups(P>0.05).Compared with the F30 group,the F80 group exhibited a smaller reduction in mean flow velocity(Vm)of the affected MCA at the end of surgery(8.18%±3.34%vs.13.57%±5.32%,P<0.05),while no significant intergroup differences were found in RI or PI.At 1 hour after induction and before extubation,rScO2 of the affected hemisphere was signifi-cantly increased in the F80 group as compared with the F30 group(P<0.05),whereas no significant difference was observed in the contralateral hemisphere.Before extubation and on postoperative day 1,TXA2 levels were significantly lower and PGI2 levels higher in F80 group compared with F30 group(P<0.05).The proportion of patients at high risk of cerebral ischemia by ABCD2 and ESRS at 1 month postoperatively did not differ between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion In patients with a history of stroke,intraoperative administration of 80%FiO2under general anesthesia better maintains perioperative cerebral hemodynamic stability and cerebral oxygen satura-tion,improves cerebrovascular endothelial function,but does not significantly affect the short-term incidence of postoperative cerebrovascular events compared with 30%FiO2.
5.Preclinical Research Progress of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Inhibitors in Respiratory Diseases
Huiyun LIAO ; Yao FANG ; Lei QU ; Haichao LIU ; Congzheng MAO ; Qiong TANG ; Zhenhong HU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(9):1472-1476
Endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)is associated with the pathophysiology of various lung diseases.Multiple experiments have confirmed that inhibiting ERS can alleviate inflammatory responses,improve lung function,and possess certain anti-infective effects.ERS inhibitors can positively impact the treatment of respiratory system diseases by targeting the unfolded protein response(UPR)in the ERS pathway and regulating the balance of calcium ions within the endoplasmic reticulum.Most current research on ERS inhibitors is still in the preclinical stage.This article thoroughly reviews the relevant reviews and various experimental research results on ERS in respiratory diseases,systematically examining the potential roles of the main branches of UPR,including inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha(IRE 1α),protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),and activated transcription factor 6(ATF6),as well as other ERS inhibitors in respiratory diseases.The aim is to promote clinical trial exploration of ERS inhibitors,with the hope of providing effective drug selection strategies for the treatment and symptom relief of respiratory diseases.
6.Preclinical Research Progress of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Inhibitors in Respiratory Diseases
Huiyun LIAO ; Yao FANG ; Lei QU ; Haichao LIU ; Congzheng MAO ; Qiong TANG ; Zhenhong HU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(9):1472-1476
Endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)is associated with the pathophysiology of various lung diseases.Multiple experiments have confirmed that inhibiting ERS can alleviate inflammatory responses,improve lung function,and possess certain anti-infective effects.ERS inhibitors can positively impact the treatment of respiratory system diseases by targeting the unfolded protein response(UPR)in the ERS pathway and regulating the balance of calcium ions within the endoplasmic reticulum.Most current research on ERS inhibitors is still in the preclinical stage.This article thoroughly reviews the relevant reviews and various experimental research results on ERS in respiratory diseases,systematically examining the potential roles of the main branches of UPR,including inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha(IRE 1α),protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),and activated transcription factor 6(ATF6),as well as other ERS inhibitors in respiratory diseases.The aim is to promote clinical trial exploration of ERS inhibitors,with the hope of providing effective drug selection strategies for the treatment and symptom relief of respiratory diseases.
7.Effect of inspired oxygen concentration on perioperative cerebrovascular function in stroke patients
Haiyi XIE ; Xuying LIU ; Xiaoxiao MA ; Junyun DING ; Zhenhong WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(19):3008-3015
Objective To investigate the effects of different inspired oxygen concentrations on periop-erative cerebrovascular function in patients with a history of ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 150 patients scheduled for elective surgery with a history of ischemic stroke were enrolled from Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,between June 2020 and March 2024.Using a random number table,patients were allocated into two groups:F30 group(intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen,FiO2=30%)and F80 group(FiO2=80%),with 75 patients in each group.Bilateral middle cerebral artery(MCA)blood flow was continu-ously monitored using transcranial Doppler(TCD),including mean flow velocity(Vm),resistance index(RI),and pulsatility index(PI).Cerebral oxygen saturation(rScO2)was measured using a FORE-SIGHT oximeter.Arterial blood gas analysis was performed preoperatively,1 hour after induction,and before extubation to assess pH,partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide(PaCO2),oxygenation index(OI),base excess(BE),hematocrit(Hct),and lactate(Lac).Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 hours postoperatively to measure thrombox-ane A2(TXA2)and prostacyclin(PGI2)levels.At 1 month postoperatively,telephone follow-up was conducted to evaluate the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemic events using the ABCD2 score and Essen Stroke Risk Score(ESRS).Results No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups.Perioperative arterial blood gas parameters did not differ significantly between groups(P>0.05).Compared with the F30 group,the F80 group exhibited a smaller reduction in mean flow velocity(Vm)of the affected MCA at the end of surgery(8.18%±3.34%vs.13.57%±5.32%,P<0.05),while no significant intergroup differences were found in RI or PI.At 1 hour after induction and before extubation,rScO2 of the affected hemisphere was signifi-cantly increased in the F80 group as compared with the F30 group(P<0.05),whereas no significant difference was observed in the contralateral hemisphere.Before extubation and on postoperative day 1,TXA2 levels were significantly lower and PGI2 levels higher in F80 group compared with F30 group(P<0.05).The proportion of patients at high risk of cerebral ischemia by ABCD2 and ESRS at 1 month postoperatively did not differ between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion In patients with a history of stroke,intraoperative administration of 80%FiO2under general anesthesia better maintains perioperative cerebral hemodynamic stability and cerebral oxygen satura-tion,improves cerebrovascular endothelial function,but does not significantly affect the short-term incidence of postoperative cerebrovascular events compared with 30%FiO2.
8.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a case of progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia caused by CCN6 compound heterozygous mutations and literature review
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene. Methods:A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to " bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).Results:The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3; PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3_Supporting+ PM5+ PP3_Strong). The c. 676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases. Conclusion:The c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
9.Ultrasound Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis Analysis of Accessory Cavitated Uterine Malformation
Fei JI ; Na SU ; Huazhen LIU ; Zijing FU ; Zhenhong QI ; Meng YANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1100-1106
To explore the ultrasound characteristics of accessory cavitated uterine malformation (ACUM) and the causes of misdiagnosis, in order to better understand the disease and improve the diagnostic ability of radiologists. We retrospectively collected clinical, pathological and imaging data of ACUM patients who were diagnosed after surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December2013 to December 2023. Besides, we analyzed ultrasound features of ACUM and the cause of misdiagnosis. A total of 11 patients were included, with a mean age of diagnosis of (27.1±7.4)years. There was a mean interval of (6.1±5.5)years between menarche and onset of dysmenorrhea. Preoperative ultrasound showed that ACUM appeared as solitary lesions located under the insertion of the round ligament, with a mean maximum diameter of (3.0±1.0)cm. Lesions were round or oval (90.9%, 10/11) and not connected to the uterine cavity (100%, 11/11) with clear boundaries (72.7%, 8/11), presenting as regular thick-walled cystic-solid structures. Cystic areas were observed within the mass (100%, 11/11) with a ground-glass-like appearance (90.9%, 10/11) and hyperechoic endometrial lining (90.9%, 10/11). The surrounding of the mass showed hypoechoic or isoechoic areas resembling the muscular layer and circular or semi-circular vascularity was detected around the mass. No adenomyosis or other uterine lesions were found. Analysis of misdiagnosis: Among the 11 ACUM cases, 6 were correctly diagnosed by the initial ultrasound examination, and 5 cases by MRI. Two patients were misdiagnosed as residual horn uterus by MRI, despite ultrasound suggesting ACUM with visible bilateral uterine horns. ACUM exhibits distinct ultrasound characteristics. When young women present with progressive dysmenorrhea and ultrasound reveals a regular cystic-solid mass with thick wall located under the round ligament insertion, ACUM should be considered.
10.Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Muscle Microcirculation Around Zusanli Point in Acupuncture
Zhenhong XU ; Piaopiao LIU ; Xiaoying WANG ; Zecheng WANG ; Guorong LV ; Yufen LIN ; Jiaxiang WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(7):726-730
Purpose To explore the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating the local muscle microcirculation before and after acupuncture at Zusanli point in normal people.Materials and Methods A total of 72 healthy volunteers who visited the Department of Ultrasound,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from September 2018 to May 2020 were prospectively collected,all subjects performed ultrasound contrast before acupuncture,acupuncture with strongest deqi,and two hours after acupuncture to observe the blood flow perfusion of the microvessels in the tibialis anterior muscle.The pre-selected areas of interest the small arteries,muscle tissues and venules in the middle were analyzed to obtain the time-intensity curve and contrast transit time(CTTs)perfusion parameters.Needle sensation was evaluated using objective scoring criteria for acupuncture combined with moxibustion recipients.Gastrin,plasma gastrin,cholecystokinin,and secretin were measured in all subjects before acupuncture,when acupuncture had the strongest deqi,and two hours after acupuncture.Results ①CTTs of arterial-muscle,muscle-venous and arterial-venous of the tibialis anterior muscle at acupuncture with strongest deqi were significantly shorter than those at before acupuncture and two hours after acupuncture(all P<0.001),and there was no significant difference in CTTs before and after acupuncture and moxibustion(P>0.05);②when acupuncture deqi was strongest,serum gastrin,plasma prokinetics,cholecystokinin,and secretin were significantly increased compared with those before acupuncture and two hours after acupuncture,with statistically significant difference(all P<0.001),while there was no significant difference in these parameters between before acupuncture and two hours after acupuncture(P>0.05);③when acupuncture had the strongest deqi,there were positive correlations between gastrin,plasma prokinetic hormone,cholecystokinin,and secretin values and CTTs of arterial-muscle,muscle-venous,and arterial-venous(r=0.360-0.702,P<0.001).Conclusion Acupuncture of the Zusanli,when it gains the strongest deqi,can cause changes in the microcirculation around the skeletal muscle,leading to a significant shortening of CTTs,and also promotes the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract.

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