1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Role and mechanism of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis
Qiaofeng CHEN ; Qingzi FU ; Huiying YANG ; Junbo HONG ; Liang ZHU ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Guodu TANG ; Shiyu ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):400-408
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) on the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by caerulein (CAE), to analyze the role of MCU in the development of AP, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, wild-type male C57BL6/J mice, aged 4 weeks, were randomly divided into control group and AP group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the AP group were given intraperitoneal injection of CAE to establish a model of AP, and those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of an equal volume of normal saline. Serum and pancreatic tissue samples were collected after 24 hours of modeling. HE staining was used to observe pancreatic histopathological changes; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ASCL4); kits were used to measure the serum level of amylase. In the in vitro experiment, the human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line HPDE6-C7 was co-cultured with CAE for 24 hours to establish an in vitro AP model, and the cells were divided into control group, CAE group, RR (an MCU activity inhibitor) group, CAE+RR group, Fer-1 (an ferroptosis inhibitor) group, CAE+Fer-1 group, Erastin (an ferroptosis inducer) group, and CAE+Erastin group. CCK-8 assay was used to observe the influence of different agents on cell viability; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, GPX4, and ASCL4; immunofluorescence assay was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin cytoskeleton, and monolayer permeability; kits were used to measure the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Fe2+, and total iron. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the in vivo experiment, compared with the control group, the AP group had significant increases in pancreatic histopathological score, the serum level of amylase, and the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, as well as a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4 (all P<0.05). In the in vitro experiment, compared with the control group, the CAE group had significant increases in the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4, and significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability, as well as a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with the presence of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+RR group had a significant increase in the expression level of GPX4, a significant reduction in the expression level of ASCL4, and significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Fer-1 group had significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Erastin group had significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with aggravation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. ConclusionDuring the onset of AP, MCU mediates oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis and leads to the disruption of the pancreatic ductal epithelial barrier, which may be one of the possible pathogeneses of AP.
4.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
5.Multi-source spatiotemporal data-driven blood collection site efficiency diagnosis and network optimization
Guiyun XIE ; Jinyan CHEN ; Jian OUYANG ; Rongrong KE ; Yi YANG ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Ledong YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):776-783
Objective: To quantify the spatiotemporal factors and built environment effects on daily blood collection volumes at fixed sites using multi-source spatiotemporal data, explore the influence radii of different point of interest(POI) categories, and develop a classification framework for sites, thereby providing data references for efficiency diagnosis and network optimization of blood collection sites. Methods: We collected daily blood donation records from 16 fixed whole blood collection sites in Guangzhou in 2023, constructing a balanced “site-day” panel dataset (16 sites × 365 days = 5 840 observations). Multi-source geospatial data, including Amap POI, OpenStreetMap (OSM) road network, and meteorological data were integrated to establish 300 m, 500 m, 800 m, and 1 000 m buffer zones around each site. Variables extracted included counts of surrounding commercial facilities, distance to the nearest subway station, rainfall, and temperature. A two-way fixed effects panel model was employed with a first-order lag term of the dependent variable to capture the inertial effect of blood donation behavior. Based on the significant regression coefficients, a "Structure-Function Index (SFI)" was constructed for each site to identify its optimal buffer radius. Combining inherent site capacity (fixed effects) with the optimal SFI, a two-dimensional quadrant diagram was created to classify the sites. Results: The optimized model showed an adjusted R
of 0.89 and a Durbin-Watson statistic of 1.90, with the lag term coefficient stable at 0.36 (P<0.05). Temporal effects were significant: campaign days increased blood collection by 1 717.75 mL, holidays by 3 755.53 mL, and overlapping holidays with campaign days by 5 650.49 mL (P<0.05). Rainy days reduced collection by approximately 419 mL (P<0.05), and each 1℃ rise in daily average temperature decreased collection by approximately 31 mL (P<0.05). Distance to the nearest subway station was significantly positive (coefficient 0.95-1.39, P<0.05). POI effects showed scale-dependent differences: within 300 m, leisure and entertainment (+173.65 mL/unit) and shopping (+2.95 mL/unit) were significantly positive; within 500 m, tourist attractions (+72.55 mL/unit) and hotels (+40.09 mL/unit) were significantly positive; within 1 000 m, these effects diminished. Based on the two-dimensional classification of inherent collection capacity and optimal SFI, sites were categorized into four types: core, potential, adjustment, and resource-dependent. Conclusion: This study elucidates the multidimensional determinants of blood collection site efficiency, and provides quantitative evidence for performance diagnosis. It proposes a "concentric-zone planning" approach for site selection assessment alongside a" station-specific strategy" classification framework, offering data-driven references for network planning and resource allocation in blood collection and supply institutions. It should be noted that blood donation site selection also involves complex factors such as budgetary constraints, interdepartmental coordination, and venue conditions. This study provides a spatial econometric perspective for the quantitative optimization of blood collection networks.
6.Study on mechanism of immunogenic cell death induced by ginsenoside octanoate through induction of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Fuxiang SONG ; Zhenzhen DAI ; Jingjing SHENG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Hua FENG ; Yao PAN ; Zeyuan DENG ; Fang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1427-1432
Objective:To investigate the effect of ginsenoside octanoate(Rh2-O)on inducing immunogenic cell death in hepa-tocellular carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism.Methods:Effects of ginsenoside caprylate(Rh2-O)and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA on the activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by CCK-8 assay.The effect of Rh2-O on CRT membrane eversion in Hepa1-6 cells were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Rh2-O treated mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells were used to pre-pare a tumor vaccine for in vivo vaccination experiments in mice.Extracellular ATP levels were detected in real-time.The expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins were measured by real-time fluorescence PCR and Western blot,and the mitochondrial morphol-ogy and co-localization with autophagy proteins were observed by laser confocal microscopy.Results:Rh2-O showed strong cytotoxicity to Hepa1-6 cells[cell viability:(58.54±3.56)%]at a concentration of 150 μmol/L,and a large amount of CRT was observed on the surface of the cell membrane.The tumor emergence rate was 36.36%in the vaccinated group and 100%in the control group.The tumor vaccine prepared by Rh2-O effectively protected mice from the same type of tumor attack;Rh2-O induced an increase in the level of cellular secreted ATP(P<0.05),the mRNA of autophagy-related genes ATG3,p62,LC3 expression levels and autophagy-associated proteins LC3A and LC3B expression levels were increased(P<0.05),and co-localization of mitochondria with autophagy proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).In addition,Rh2-O action on 3-MA pretreated hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in a signifi-cant decrease in extracellular ATP levels(P<0.001).Conclusion:Rh2-O may induce immunogenic cell death by inducing autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
7.MR modulated flip angle technique in refocused imaging with extended echo train contrast enhanced T1-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery(MATRIX CE-T1 FLAIR)sequence for detecting skull metastases
Junhong LIU ; Junhui YUAN ; Zhenzhen ZHANG ; Suya QIAO ; Huiyuan YANG ; Dongqiu SHAN ; Yue WU ; Chunmiao XU ; Xuejun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(8):516-519
Objective To explore the value of MR modulated flip angle technique in refocused imaging with extended echo train(MATRIX)contrast enhanced(CE)T1-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery(T1 FLAIR)for detecting skull metastases.Methods Forty-four patients with malignant tumors who underwent head MR scanning for screening skull metastasis were prospectively enrolled,and skull metastasis were then confirmed by pathology or imaging examinations,including MRI,CT,radionuclide bone imaging(BS),PET/CT and follow-up.Head MATRIX CE-T1 FLAIR(group A),3D gradient recalled echo_fast spin echo with magnetization preparation(GRE_fsp)CE-T1 FLAIR(group B)and fast spin echo(FSE)CE-T1 FLAIR(group C)images of all 44 cases were acquired.The subjective scores(including images quality and diagnostic confidence)and objective evaluation results of images were compared among groups.Taken BS or PET/CT results as standards,the efficacy of 3 kinds of images for detecting skull metastases was calculated.Results The subjective scores of images quality and diagnostic confidence,as well as signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)in group A and C were all higher than those in group B(all P<0.001),and signal intensity(SI)metastases in group A was higher than those in group B and C(both P<0.05).No significant difference of subjective score and SNR was found between groups A and C,nor of SImetastases between groups B and C(all P>0.05).Totally 102 skull metastases were diagnosed with PET/CT or BS,while 129,151 and 115 lesions were detected in group A,B and C,respectively,with accuracy rate of 79.07%(102/129),67.55%(102/151)and 88.70%(102/115),respectively.Conclusion MATRIX CE-T1 FLAIR sequence could be used to detect skull metastases.
8.Effects of different forms of shaker exercises on hyoid muscles activation in healthy adults
Zhenzhen LI ; Qiaoxia ZHEN ; Keke CHEN ; Boyan FANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3791-3797
BACKGROUND:Shaker exercise can enhance the contraction force of the hyoid muscles,which is effective in the treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia.Shaker exercise should be performed through the main force of the anterior cervical region to train the hyoid muscles.However,patients often experience physical fatigue,leading to compensatory abdominal force exertion.Moreover,the effect of different forms of shaker exercises on the activation of the hyoid muscles in healthy adults is currently unknown.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of shaker exercises with varying force on the activation of the hyoid muscles in healthy adults.METHODS:Twenty healthy adults,including 10 males and 10 females with a mean age of(26.8±3.4)years were recruited as participants for the study.They performed isometric movements of the shaker exercise in the anterior neck and abdominal force modes in sequence.Simultaneously,real-time surface electromyography data were collected from the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles and rectus abdominis muscle.At the end of the experiment,participants were asked to rate the physical exertion levels for each type of force using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale at the end of the training.Following a series of processing of the original electromyography signals,the peak amplitude and/or average amplitude values of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles and rectus abdominis in the 60-second movement window were calculated and compared,and the differences in the subjective fatigue scores corresponding to the two force modes were compared.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The average amplitude of the rectus abdominis muscle in the abdominal force mode was found to be higher than that in the neck force mode(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences in the mean and peak amplitudes between the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles in the two force modes(P>0.05).There was also no significant difference in the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale scores in the two force modes(P>0.05).These findings suggest that shaker exercises with different force modes(anterior neck and abdomen)have minimal impact on the hyoid muscles and similar feeling of fatigue in healthy adults.
9.The study on the mechanism of programmed cell death in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease
Zhenzhen PEI ; Shan ZHANG ; Yang ZHOU ; Yupeng CHEN ; Ruiting CHANG ; Qing NI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(1):28-35
Objective To discuss the potential mechanisms by which programmed cell death(PCD)might contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease(DKD).Methods Retrieve the datasets GSE30529 and GSE30122 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and analyze them to obtain differentially expressed genes(DEGs)associated with DKD.Utilize the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis website,the ferroptosis database,and the autophagy database,along with relevant literature,to identify genes associated with apoptosis,necroptosis,pyroptosis,autophagy,and ferroptosis.Cross-reference these genes with the DKD DEGs to identify PCD-related genes that are differentially expressed in DKD.Perform Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses to explore the biological functions and potential pathways of the core genes.Conduct a protein-protein interaction network analysis to examine the interaction relationships of the target genes,and use the CytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape to screen for Hub genes.Results In the GSE30529 dataset,a total of 460 DEGs were identified,while the GSE30122 dataset yielded 992 DEGs.After merging and removing duplicates,932 DEGs were obtained.By intersecting these DEGs with PCD-related genes,61 apoptosis-related genes,7 necroptosis-related genes,39 pyroptosis-related genes,18 autophagy-related genes,and 16 ferroptosis-related genes associated with DKD were identified.The KEGG analysis results indicated that the DEGs related to apoptosis,necroptosis,pyroptosis,and autophagy in PCD were primarily enriched in pathways associated with diabetic complications,including the AGE-RAGE,IL-17,NF-κB,and TNF signaling pathways.In contrast,DEGs related to ferroptosis were mainly enriched in the fatty acid degradation pathway.GO enrichment analysis revealed that the biological processes of the differentially expressed PCD related genes in DKD were primarily involved in the regulation of signals such as NF-κB-inducing kinase/NF-κB,IL-1,and IL-17.Conclusions Differentially expressed PCD-related genes in DKD are mainly enriched in related signal pathways such as AGE-RAGE,IL-17,NF-κB and TNF,suggesting a critical role of PCD in the pathogenesis of DKD.
10.Comparative analysis of trends in the burden of age-related macular degener-ation in people aged over 40 years in China and low-,middle-,and high-SDI countries from 1990 to 202
Zhenzhen GU ; Xi CHEN ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Like XIE
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(6):468-475
Objective To analyze the epidemiological burden of age-related macular degeneration(AMD)in China and low-,middle-,and high-socio-demographic index(SDI)countries,thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of AMD.Methods The data published by Global Burden of Disease(GBD)from 1990 to 2021,in-cluding the number of cases,prevalence,disability-adjusted life years(DALYs),and DALYs rate,were utilized to analyze the characteristics of AMD in China and low-,middle-,and high-SDI countries and assess the burden of AMD and its corre-lation with SDI.Results In 2021,the number of patients with AMD and DALYs in China ranked first in the world.Be-sides,the age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR)and age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDR)in China ranked 46th and 64th in the world,respectively.The number of patients with AMD and DALYs in high-SDI countries were significantly lower than those in middle-and low-SDI countries.The ASPR and ASDR in China were higher than those in high-SDI countries but lower than those in low-SDI countries,and both exceeded the global averages.The prevalence of AMD among people aged 55 years and above was significantly higher.In high-SDI countries,the highest prevalence of AMD was observed a-mong people aged 80 years or above.The prevalence of AMD in China and middle-SDI countries peaked among people aged 65-69 years;whereas that in low-SDI countries peaked among people aged 75-79 years.The AMD burden in females was significantly higher than that in males.The global number of AMD patients exhibited an increasing trend from 1990 to 2021,with the fastest increase observed in China(3.11-fold).The ASPR in China showed a wave-like increasing trend,while that in low-,middle-,and high-SDI countries showed a decreasing trend during the same period.The overall DALY showed an increasing trend,and the increase in the DALYs in China(2.84-fold)exceeded that in low-,middle-,and high-SDI countries.However,the overall ASDR declined,with the most significant decline observed in high-SDI countries.The AS-DR in China has recently rebounded after a wave-like decline from 1990 to 2021.The analysis results of the slope index of inequality(SII)and concentration index(CI)showed that the gap in the AMD burden between high-income and low-in-come countries widened progressively from 1990 to 2021,with the burden being more severe in low-SDI countries.Conclu-sion In 2021,the number of patients with AMD and DALYs in China ranked first in the world.The overall disease burden of AMD in China was between that of high-and low-SDI countries but was higher than global averages.The prevalence of AMD among people aged 55 years and above was significantly higher,and the burden was higher for females than for males.From 1990 to 2021,the number of patients with AMD and the prevalence of this disease in China exhibited an in-creasing trend,while those in low-,middle-,and high-SDI countries showed a decreasing trend.The overall DALYs in-creased,while the overall ASDR decreased.The gap in the AMD burden between high-income and low-income countries widened,and the burden was more severe in low-SDI countries.It was concluded that the burden of AMD was closely re-lated to age,gender,and SDI,and that its distribution characteristics and trends should be considered in the formulation of prevention and control strategies.

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