1.Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gut-kidney Axis: A Review
Yingchao WANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Xingru PAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):310-320
With the rising incidence of diabetes, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD, the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011, research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota, explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development, and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions, intake of probiotics or prebiotics, use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs, and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition, influence metabolite production, and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses, thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients, increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.
2.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
3.Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis of structural brain abnormalities associated with TUBB gene c.155A>G variant.
Yifan LIU ; Wei SONG ; Xinlian WANG ; Yan RUAN ; Meng ZHANG ; Yujiao CHEN ; Yan LIU ; Puqing ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Yousheng YAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):136-142
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation in a Chinese family with structural brain abnormalities due to variant of the TUBB gene.
METHODS:
A family undergoing prenatal diagnosis at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in October 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were collected. Amniotic fluid sample was subjected to chromosomal copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Trio whole-exome sequencing (Trio-WES) was carried out on the amniotic fluid and parental blood samples, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-076-01).
RESULTS:
Both prenatal ultrasound and fetal MRI showed deviation of brain midline, unilateral lateral ventriculomegaly, and bilateral gyral asymmetry. Trio-WES revealed that the fetus has harbored a maternally derived heterozygous missense variant of the TUBB gene [NM_178014.4: c.155A>G (p.N52S)]. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the woman and a previously terminated fetus both harbored the same variant. Both the proband and two fetuses exhibited similar neuroimaging abnormalities including midline deviation and asymmetrical gyri. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PS2_Moderate+PS3).
CONCLUSION
The heterozygous c.155A>G (p.N52S) variant was the TUBB gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of the structural brain abnormalities in this family. Above findings have expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with the variant and facilitated the prenatal diagnosis for this family.
Humans
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Female
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Pregnancy
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Prenatal Diagnosis
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Tubulin/genetics*
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Adult
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Brain/diagnostic imaging*
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Male
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Pedigree
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DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*
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Exome Sequencing
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Genetic Association Studies
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
4.Internal tension relieving technique assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to promote ligamentization of Achilles tendon grafts in small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province
Bohan XIONG ; Guoliang WANG ; Yang YU ; Wenqiang XUE ; Hong YU ; Jinrui LIU ; Zhaohui RUAN ; Yajuan LI ; Haolong LIU ; Kaiyan DONG ; Dan LONG ; Zhao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):713-720
BACKGROUND:We have successfully established an animal model of small ear pig in southern Yunnan province with internal tension relieving technique combined with autologous Achilles tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and verified the stability and reliability of the model.However,whether internal tension relieving technique can promote the ligamentalization process of autologous Achilles tendon graft has not been studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in the process of ligamentalization between conventional reconstruction and internal reduction reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by gross view,histology and electron microscopy. METHODS:Thirty adult female small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province were selected.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the left knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon(n=30 in the normal group),and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the right knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon combined with the internal relaxation and enhancement system(n=30 in the relaxation group).The autogenous right forelimb was used as the control group;the anterior cruciate ligament was exposed but not severed or surgically treated.At 12,24,and 48 weeks after surgery,10 animals were sacrificed,respectively.The left and right knee joint specimens were taken for gross morphological observation to evaluate the graft morphology.MAS score was used to evaluate the excellent and good rate of the ligament at each time point.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of ligament graft vascularization.Collagen fibers and nuclear morphology were observed,and nuclear morphology was scored.Ultrastructural remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The ligament healing shape of the relaxation group was better at various time points after surgery,and the excellent and good rate of MAS score was higher(P<0.05).Moreover,the relaxation group could obtain higher ligament vascularization score(P<0.05).(2)The arrangement of collagen bundles and fiber bundles in the two groups gradually tended to be orderly,and the transverse fiber connections between collagen gradually increased and thickened,suggesting that the strength and shape degree of the grafts were gradually improved,but the ligament remodeling in the relaxation group was always faster than that in the normal group at various time points after surgery.(3)The diameter,distribution density,and arrangement degree of collagen fibers in the relaxation group were better than those in the normal group at all time points,especially in the comparison of collagen fiber diameter between and within the relaxation group(P<0.05).
5.Effect and mechanisms of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on aging spleen in elderly tree shrews
Li YE ; Chuan TIAN ; Xiaojuan ZHAO ; Mengdie CHEN ; Qianqian YE ; Qiang LI ; Zhuyin LIAO ; Ye LI ; Xiangqing ZHU ; Guangping RUAN ; Zhixu HE ; Liping SHU ; Xinghua PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4000-4010
BACKGROUND:Spleen has the functions of blood storage,hematopoiesis,and immunity.With the increase of age,the structural degeneration and functional decline of spleen lead to the impairment of immune system function,thus accelerating the aging process of the body.The treatment of spleen aging in tree shrews with highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on spleen aging in tree shrews. METHODS:Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated,cultured,and obtained from the umbilical cord tissue of newborn tree shrews by caesarean section.The differentiation abilities of adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis were detected by three-line differentiation kit.Cell cycle and surface markers were detected by flow cytometry.The second generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein with infection complex values of 100,120,140,160,180,and 200,respectively,to screen the best transfection conditions.After transfection,the fourth generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was injected into the tail vein of tree shrews in the elderly treatment group.The young control group and the aged model group were not given special treatment.After 4 months of treatment,the spleen tissue was taken and the structure of the spleen was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.β-Galactosidase staining was used to detect the activity of aging-related galactosidase.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of p21 and p53 proteins.Ki67 and PCNA immunofluorescence staining was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of spleen autophagy protein molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence staining was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species in spleen tissue.CD3 immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the change of the proportion of total T lymphocytes.The secretion levels of interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β1 in spleen were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The distribution of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells labeled with green fluorescent protein in spleen tissue was observed by DAPI double staining of nucleus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells grew in a short spindle shape with fish-like growth,with a large proportion of G0/G1 phase,and had the potential to differentiate into adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis.(2)Multiplicity of infection=140 and transfection for 72 hours were the best conditions for labeling tree shrews highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein.(3)Compared with the aged model group,in the aged treatment group,the spleen tissue cells of tree shrews were arranged closely,and the area of white pulp was increased(P<0.01);the boundary between red pulp and white pulp was clear;the proportion of germinal centers did not show statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The activity level of galactosidase related to spleen tissue aging was decreased(P<0.001),and the expression levels of aging protein molecules p21 and p53 were down-regulated(P<0.001).The expression levels of proliferation-related molecules Ki67 and PCNA were up-regulated(P<0.001,P<0.05);expression levels of autophagy-related molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5 were up-regulated(P<0.001),and the content of reactive oxygen species decreased(P<0.001),and the proportion of CD3+T cells increased(P<0.05).The secretion level of interleukin 1β in the aging-related secretion phenotype decreased(P<0.001);no significant difference was found in transforming growth factor β1 level(P>0.05).Compared with the young control group,the above indexes were significantly different in the elderly treatment group(P<0.05).(4)Green fluorescent cells labeled with green fluorescent protein were observed in spleen tissue of tree shrews the elderly treatment group by frozen tissue section observation.The results show that intravenous infusion of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to spleen tissue,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,down-regulate the expression of aging-related proteins,induce autophagy,promote cell proliferation,reduce chronic inflammation,and then improve the structure and function of spleen tissue.
6.Efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combined with oral cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of duodenal papilla cholecystectomy
Liying TAO ; Hongguang WANG ; Qingmei GUO ; Xiang GUO ; Lianyu PIAO ; Muyu YANG ; Yong YU ; Libin RUAN ; Jianbin GU ; Si CHEN ; Yingting DU ; Xiuying GAI ; Sijie GUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):513-517
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with oral cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of major duodenal papilla gallbladder polyps. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of eight patients with choledocholithiasis and gallbladder polyps who underwent ERCP and combined with oral cholangiopancreatography for major duodenal papilla cholecystectomy in Center of Digestive Endoscopy, Jilin People’s Hospital, from May 2022 to June 2024, and related data were collected, including the success rate of surgery, the technical success rate of gallbladder polyp removal, the superselective method of cystic duct, the time of operation, the time of gallbladder polyp removal, and surgical complications. ResultsBoth the success rate of surgery and the technical success rate of gallbladder polyp removal reached 100%, and of all eight patients, three patients used guide wire to enter the gallbladder under direct view, while five patients received oral cholangiopancreatography to directly enter the gallbladder. The time of operation was 51.88±12.34 minutes, and the time of gallbladder polyp removal was 23.13±10.94 minutes. The diameter of gallbladder polyp was 2 — 8 mm, and pathological examination showed inflammatory polyps in three patients, adenomatous polyps in one patient, and cholesterol polyps in four patients. There were no complications during or after surgery. The patients were followed up for 2 — 27 months after surgery, and no recurrence of gallbladder polyp was observed. ConclusionOral cholangiopancreatography is technically safe and feasible in endoscopic major duodenal papilla cholecystectomy.
7.Complex systems approach to mechanisms of depression, anxiety, and psychological interventions strategies
Mo CHEN ; Songli RUAN ; Xinghua LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):97-101
Systems theory emphasizes the multidimensional interactions among elements within a system and their dynamic changes over time, to provide a crucial theoretical framework and analytical tools for investigating the onset and evolution of mental disorders. From a complex systems perspective, this review examines the influence of multi-factor interaction networks on the development of depressive and anxiety disorders, and reviews research progress on early-warning signals based on dynamical systems theory for symptom prediction. This study specifically examines two system-oriented psychological interventions: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based intervention for emotional distress (MIED). Building upon their respective psychopathological models, this review elucidates the multifactorial interaction of depressive and anxiety disorders at a transdiagnostic level, and further analyzes the mechanism through which core intervention strategies adjust the key factors to achieve clinical improvement. [Funded by General Projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 32371138)]
8.Expression of KCNN4 in pancreatic cancer tissues, its correlation with prognosis, and impact on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation
YANG Xuan ; CHEN Xinyuan ; RUAN Xiaoyu ; WU Qingru ; GU Yan
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(4):371-377
[摘 要] 目的:探究钾钙激活通道亚家族N成员4(KCNN4)在胰腺癌组织中的表达及其对胰腺癌进展的影响,解析KCNN4在胰腺癌临床诊断及预后判断中的作用。方法:利用GEPIA2数据分析平台,结合TCGA和GTEx数据库的数据分析KCNN4在胰腺癌组织中的表达水平及其与患者预后的关系。收集24例海军军医大学长海医院手术切除的胰腺癌患者的癌及癌旁组织标本,通过qPCR、WB法和免疫组化染色技术验证KCNN4在胰腺癌组织中的表达水平。利用shRNA敲低人胰腺癌细胞中BXPC3和PANC-1中KCNN4的表达,通过CCK-8和克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖与生长情况。利用小鼠胰腺癌KPC细胞构建胰腺癌原位成瘤模型,观察敲低KCNN4对胰腺原位成瘤的影响,统计小鼠生存期(OS)。结果:整合TCGA和GTEx数据库数据分析结果发现,KCNN4在胰腺癌组织中高表达(P < 0.05),且与患者OS和DFS缩短相关(均P < 0.05)。胰腺癌组织中KCNN4 mRNA和蛋白表达量均显著高于癌旁组织(均P < 0.01)。KCNN4敲低后,胰腺癌细胞生长速率显著减慢、克隆形成数量显著减少(均P < 0.01)。小鼠胰腺原位荷瘤实验结果表明,KCNN4敲低可抑制肿瘤细胞在胰腺原位的生长并延长小鼠OS。结论:KCNN4在胰腺癌组织中高表达,其能促进胰腺癌细胞增殖和胰腺癌进展,与患者预后密切相关,有望作为胰腺癌临床诊断及预后评估的靶点。
9.Dosimetric comparison of the heart and its substructures between two hybrid radiotherapy plans following breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer
Lin GUO ; Hongrong REN ; Meng CHEN ; Chengjun WU ; Yun ZHOU ; Xiaobo RUAN ; Ji DING ; Weiyuan WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):174-178
Objective To compare the dosimetric differences in the heart and its substructures between two hybrid plans for hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in patients with early-stage left-sided breast cancer. Methods A total of 46 patients with early-stage left-sided breast cancer who underwent hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy were randomly selected. Two hybrid radiotherapy plans were used, including hybrid intensity-modulated radiotherapy (H_IMRT) and hybrid volumetric-modulated arc therapy (H_VMAT). The heart and its substructures were contoured, including left anterior descending (LAD), left ventricle (LV), right coronary artery (RCA), and right ventricle (RV). The heart and substructure doses, as well as monitor units, were compared between H_IMRT and H_VMAT. Results Both hybrid plans met the clinical requirements. H_IMRT significantly outperformed H_VMAT for the heart (V10, V30, and Dmean), LAD (V30, V40, Dmax and Dmean), LV (V10, V20 and Dmean), RCA (Dmax, Dmean), and RV (V5, V10, Dmean) (P < 0.001). Additionally, H_IMRT was significantly superior to H_VMAT for heart V5, LAD V20, and RV V20 (P = 0.005, 0.035 and 0.037). For LAD (V15, V40) and LV (V5, V25), H_IMRT was slightly better than H_VMAT, and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Both H_IMRT and H_VMAT hybrid radiotherapy plans are suitable for hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in patients with early-stage left-sided breast cancer. H_IMRT is slightly better than H_VMAT in dose sparing for the heart and its substructures.
10.Mechanism of Pharmacological Liver and Kidney Injuries of Dictamni Cortex Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Jiahe YAN ; Sujie LIU ; Xiaofan WANG ; Chen WANG ; Jiaxin RUAN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):48-56
ObjectiveThis study aims to reveal the mechanism of liver and kidney injuries caused by Dictamni Cortex and its interrelationship by metabonomics analysis of liver and kidney via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). MethodsThe content of the marker compounds of Dictamni Cortex was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to carry out quality control. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (normal saline), an administration group (0.9, 2.7, 8.1 g·kg-1), and a high-dose withdrawal control group, with eight rats in each group. Continuous administration was performed once daily for 28 days. The liver and kidney injuries caused by each administration group were assessed by organ indices, pathological observations, and serum and plasma biochemical indices measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The potential biomarkers of liver and kidney injuries caused by Dictamni Cortex were screened, and pathway enrichment analysis and correlation analysis were performed based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. ResultsCompared with the blank group, both the medium- and low-dose groups showed insignificant damage to the liver and kidney of rats. The high-dose group exhibited the most serious damage, and the level of liver and kidney function indices [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] and serum inflammatory indices ([interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in the serum were significantly changed (P<0.01). The liver and kidney metabolism pathways and differential metabolites were quite different. Among them, phenylalanine metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were common pathways. Correlation analysis of differential metabolites showed that there were significant correlations among disorders of 4′-Phosphopantothenoylcysteine, PC (16∶0/15∶0), phenylethylamine, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid in liver and kidney tissue. ConclusionThe decoction of Dictamni Cortex can cause liver and kidney injuries, and its mechanism may be related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders. The correlation of differential metabolites indicates the interaction between liver and kidney injuries.

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