1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.Deep learning for accurate lung artery segmentation with shape-position priors
Chao GUO ; Xuehan GAO ; Qidi HU ; Jian LI ; Haixing ZHU ; Ke ZHAO ; Weipeng LIU ; Shanqing LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):332-338
Objective To propose a lung artery segmentation method that integrates shape and position prior knowledge, aiming to solve the issues of inaccurate segmentation caused by the high similarity and small size differences between the lung arteries and surrounding tissues in CT images. Methods Based on the three-dimensional U-Net network architecture and relying on the PARSE 2022 database image data, shape and position prior knowledge was introduced to design feature extraction and fusion strategies to enhance the ability of lung artery segmentation. The data of the patients were divided into three groups: a training set, a validation set, and a test set. The performance metrics for evaluating the model included Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, accuracy, and Hausdorff distance (HD95). Results The study included lung artery imaging data from 203 patients, including 100 patients in the training set, 30 patients in the validation set, and 73 patients in the test set. Through the backbone network, a rough segmentation of the lung arteries was performed to obtain a complete vascular structure; the branch network integrating shape and position information was used to extract features of small pulmonary arteries, reducing interference from the pulmonary artery trunk and left and right pulmonary arteries. Experimental results showed that the segmentation model based on shape and position prior knowledge had a higher DSC (82.81%±3.20% vs. 80.47%±3.17% vs. 80.36%±3.43%), sensitivity (85.30%±8.04% vs. 80.95%±6.89% vs. 82.82%±7.29%), and accuracy (81.63%±7.53% vs. 81.19%±8.35% vs. 79.36%±8.98%) compared to traditional three-dimensional U-Net and V-Net methods. HD95 could reach (9.52±4.29) mm, which was 6.05 mm shorter than traditional methods, showing excellent performance in segmentation boundaries. Conclusion The lung artery segmentation method based on shape and position prior knowledge can achieve precise segmentation of lung artery vessels and has potential application value in tasks such as bronchoscopy or percutaneous puncture surgery navigation.
3.Mechanotransduction proteins in intervertebral disc degeneration
Xilin GAO ; Si WU ; Chao ZHANG ; Liguo ZHU ; Bifeng FU ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):579-589
BACKGROUND:Recent research indicates that disc degeneration is closely related to abnormal stress load,and mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in it. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of mechanotransduction proteins in the mechanotransduction process induced by abnormal mechanical stimulation in disc degeneration,and to summarize the current treatment strategies targeting mechanotransduction to delay intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:Using"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanics,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as Chinese search terms,and"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanical stimulation,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as English search terms,relevant literature in the PubMed and CNKI databases was searched.A total of 88 articles were ultimately included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Disc cells can sense external mechanical stimulation through various mechanotransduction proteins and convert it into biological responses within the cells.These transduction proteins mainly include collagen proteins in the extracellular matrix,cell membrane surface receptors(such as integrins and ion channels),and cytoskeleton structural proteins.Their regulation of mechanotransduction processes primarily involves the activation of multiple pathways,such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway,and Ca2+/Calpain2/Caspase3 pathway.Mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in the mechanotransduction of disc cells.Abnormal expression of these proteins or resulting changes in the extracellular matrix environment can disrupt the mechanical balance of disc cells,leading to disc degeneration.In-depth study of the expression and regulatory mechanisms of mechanotransduction proteins in disc cells,and identification of key pathological links and therapeutic targets,is of significant importance for developing treatment strategies for disc degeneration.Current strategies to delay intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting mechanotransduction mainly include regulation of transduction proteins and improvement of the extracellular matrix.However,research in this area is still in its early stages.As research continues,new breakthroughs are expected in the regulation of disc degeneration by mechanotransduction proteins.
4.Effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on apoptosis in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction through IκBα/NF-κB pathway.
Miao-Yu SONG ; Cui-Ling ZHU ; Yi-Zhuo LI ; Xing-Yuan LI ; Gang LIU ; Xiao-Hui LI ; Yan-Qin SUN ; Ming-Yuan DU ; Lei JIANG ; Chao-Chong YUE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2184-2192
This study aims to explore the protective effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, and to clarify its possible mechanisms, providing a new basis for basic research on the mechanism of classic Chinese medicinal formula-mediated inflammatory response in preventing and treating heart failure induced by apoptosis after myocardial infarction. A heart failure model after myocardial infarction was established in rats by coronary artery ligation. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction, with 10 rats in each group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction were given 6.3, 12.6, and 25.2 g·kg~(-1) doses by gavage, respectively. The sham group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using color Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial pathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay, and mitophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65(p-NF-κB p65)(upstream) and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha(IκBα)(downstream) in the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) in the model group were significantly reduced, while left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD) increased significantly. Myocardial tissue damage was severe, with widened intercellular spaces and disorganized cell arrangement. The apoptosis rate was increased, and mitochondria were enlarged with increased vacuoles. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were elevated, indicating an obvious inflammatory response. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of p-NF-κB p65 was upregulated, and the expression of IκBα was downregulated. In contrast, the Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction groups showed significantly improved of LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVEDD, LVESD compared to the model group. Myocardial tissue damage was alleviated, and intercellular spaces were reduced. The apoptosis rate decreased, mitochondrial volume decreased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were lower. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 decreased, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased. Additionally, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 decreased, while IκBα expression increased. In summary, this experimental study shows that Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis rate in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related to the regulation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats
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Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology*
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Male
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Heart Failure/etiology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/genetics*
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Humans
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
5.Two new sesquiterpenoids from Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum.
Yu LI ; Min CHEN ; Cheng ZHU ; Ci-Mei WU ; Chao-Jie WANG ; Jian-Yong DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2704-2710
This study explored the active ingredients for anti-angiogenesis in Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum. Ten sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Wenyujin Rhizoma Concisum by silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. According to the results of multiple spectroscopic methods and circular dichroism, they were identified as wenyujinlactam A(1),(4S,7S)11-hydroxycurdione(2), 8,9-seco-4β-hydroxy-1α,5βH-7(11)-guaen-8,10-olide(3), curcumadione(4), phaeocaulisin E(5), procurcumadiol(6), zedouronediol(7), epiprocurcumenol(8), gajutsulactone A(9), and(7Z)-1β,4α-dihydroxy-5α,8β(H)-eudesm-7(11)-en-8,12-olide(10). Compounds 1 and 2 were new sesquiterpenoids. Compounds 1, 6, 8, and 10 can inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) proliferation with IC_(50) values of 38.83, 45.19, 32.12, and 37.80 μmol·L~(-1), respectively. Compounds 1 and 10 can inhibit HUVEC migration with IC_(50) values of 29.70 and 36.48 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.
Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Rhizome/chemistry*
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
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Molecular Structure
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
6.Principles of managing wards for patients with internal radionuclide contamination
Fan BAI ; Chao YANG ; Lei ZHU ; Minghao LIU ; Danjie LIU ; Xiaoxin LIU ; Shanshan GUO ; Jianan WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):444-449
Based on current national policies, regulations, standards, relevant literature, and departmental experience regarding the protection against radionuclides in China, this study provides a brief overview of key issues in the management of hospital wards for patients with internal radionuclide contamination. The discussion covers the detection of internal contamination, general requirements for internal radionuclide contamination wards, and inpatient management. In addition, the study explores in depth the daily responsibilities, protective measures, and management protocols for both healthcare staff and patients within such wards. This article summarizes a framework for the construction of internal radionuclide contamination wards, along with specific plans and detailed role-based guidelines. These results provide a reference for the management of hospital wards for patients with internal radionuclide contamination.
7.Factors influencing carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacillus infection in elderly patients in the intensive care unit of a general hospital in Yangpu District, Shanghai, 2019‒2023
Wen ZHU ; Qingfeng SHI ; Yi LIANG ; Junping YU ; Yunxia LI ; Chao WENG ; Renyi ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):467-475
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of elderly hospitalized patients with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacillus (CRO) infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a gradeⅡ level A general hospital in Yangpu District of Shanghai, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of hospital-acquired CRO infection in such hospitals. MethodsThe clinical data of elderly ICU patients (age ≥60 years) from January 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 122 cases with hospital-acquired CRO infection were used as the case group, and a total of 68 cases with carbapenem-sensitive gram-negative (CSO) infection were used as the control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analyzed, and univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed for screening for possible influencing factors on hospital-acquired CRO infection. ResultsThe main pathogens of CRO infection were carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) (53 cases, 43.44%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) (46 cases, 37.70%), and 17 patients (13.93%) had more than two types of CRO infection. Among the CRO infection, the main sites were lower respiratory tract infection (58 cases, 47.54%), ventilator-associated pneumonia (21 cases, 17.21%), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (16 cases, 13.11%). The incidence rate of poor prognosis was higher in the CRO infection group (54.10%) than that in the CSO infection group (36.76%) (P=0.021). The results of univariate analysis showed that male, history of hospitalization within three months, chronic respiratory disease, hypoproteinemia, anemia, and history of invasive procedures prior to infection, including indwelling central venous catheter, invasive mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, gastric tube placement and parenteral nutrition, in addition, heparin anticoagulation, the use of broad-spectrum penicillin, third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, carbapenems combined with fluoroquinolones, carbapenems combined with glycopeptides, use of ≥3 antibiotics and long time of antibiotic use prior to infection were all associated with the CRO infection (P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that use of carbapenems (OR=7.739, 95%CI: 2.226‒26.911), ≥3 types of antibiotics (OR=6.307, 95%CI: 1.674‒23.754), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=4.082, 95%CI: 1.795‒9.281), urinary catheter (OR=3.554, 95%CI: 1.074‒11.758), and comorbid hypoproteinemia (OR=4.741, 95%CI: 2.039‒11.022) and diabetes (OR=3.245, 95%CI: 1.344‒7.839) were positively correlated with the risk of CRO infection. ConclusionConcurrent use of carbapenems with multiple other antibiotics, as well as the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, and comorbid hypoproteinemia and diabetes, may be associated with an increased influencing of CRO infection. More attention should be paid to the prevention and control of infection in elderly patients with the above-mentioned risk factors, and active screening of drug-resistant bacteria should be strengthened. Besides, the rational use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as carbapenems, avoiding unnecessary invasive operations, and paying attention to patient nutrition and blood glucose control all can reduce the incidence of CRO infection and help to improve clinical outcomes.
8.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
9.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
10.Treatment response to nucleos(t)ide analogs in chronic hepatitis B with mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase: Letter to the editor on “Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B with mildly elevated aminotransferase: A rollover study from the TORCH-B trial”
Jian WANG ; Fei CAO ; Chuanwu ZHU ; Chao WU ; Rui HUANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):e140-e142

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