1.Association between endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Liang SHI ; Zhanjie CHANG ; Chunxiao YAN ; Junzhe JIAO ; Ruijuan YAN ; Shuguang YAN ; Jingtao LI ; Haibo ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1398-1403
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and the mechanism underlying its progression to metabolic associated steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis remain unclear. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ferroptosis (Fer) are deeply involved in the pathological evolution of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory mechanisms of ERS and its role in regulating lipid metabolism, inflammation response, and cell apoptosis in MAFLD. It also analyzes the core mechanism of Fer and discusses the predisposing factors for Fer in the pathological microenvironment of MAFLD, as well as the role of Fer in exacerbating hepatocyte death and activating the progression of liver fibrosis. This article proposes that the crosstalk between ERS and Fer is a key driver for the progression of MAFLD, which provides new references and ideas for the clinical intervention of MAFLD.
2.Association between the gut microbiota-Toll-like receptor axis and metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Yuanyuan SUN ; Cunzheng ZHANG ; Jingyuan XU ; Chunxiao ZHOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1404-1410
The pathogenesis of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can lead to translocation of bacterial derivatives (such as lipopolysaccharide), which drives hepatic inflammatory response and metabolic imbalance by activating Toll-like receptors (TLR) and their downstream signaling pathways. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of the gut microbiota-TLR axis in MAFLD, and elaborates on the function of the key receptors such as TLR2 and TLR4 and the lesser-studied members (TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9). This article also summarizes the downstream signaling events after TLR activation, including the canonical NF-κB and MAPK pathways, as well as the role of the JAK-STAT and PI3K-Akt pathways in the pathological mechanism of MAFLD. Finally, this article reviews the potential intervention strategies for MAFLD by targeting gut microbiota and regulating the gut microbiota-TLR signaling axis, in order to provide new ideas for clinical prevention and treatment.
3.Progress in preclinical studies of xenogeneic lung transplantation and single-center technical experience
Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Shiyu LIN ; Zizi ZHOU ; Taiyun WEI ; Chunxiao HU ; Hongjiang WEI ; Kun QIAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(6):874-880
Lung transplantation is the ultimate therapeutic option for end-stage pulmonary diseases such as interstitial pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumoconiosis. Currently, the shortage of allogeneic lung donors significantly limits the opportunity for end-stage lung disease patients to receive lung transplantation. In recent years, with the rapid development of biomedical engineering technologies, especially the major breakthroughs in genetic modification and cloning, xenogeneic lung transplantation has shown important potential for clinical translation. Among them, genetically modified pigs have become the most promising xenogeneic lung source due to the close similarity of organ size and physiological characteristics to humans, and the ability to perform targeted gene knockouts (such as α-Gal antigen knockout) to reduce the occurrence of hyperacute rejection. This article focuses on the research progress of porcine xenogeneic lung transplantation, systematically reviews the latest achievements and challenges in animal experiments and human trials, and introduces the technical experience accumulated by Shenzhen Third People's Hospital in the porcine-to-monkey xenogeneic lung transplantation model, in the hope of providing practical references for future research in this field.
4.Research progress on the effect of orthokeratology lens on ocular surface microenvironment
Taorui YU ; Chunxiao YAN ; Lijun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(4):357-363
Orthokeratology lens is an optical correction method mainly used to control the development of myopia in children and adolescents.In recent years, the material and parameter design of orthokeratology lens has been constantly updated and improved.Despite its customizable, well-permeable, and optically superior properties, the ocular surface microenvironment may be affected by multiple factors after a long-term lens wear, resulting in a homeostatic imbalance of the ocular surface microenvironment due to direct attachment of the lens to the ocular surface.As the incidence of myopia in children and adolescents has increased rapidly in recent years, orthokeratology lens has been widely used as a non-surgical treatment to control the refractive growth of myopia.Understanding the influence of long-term orthokeratology lens wear on the ocular surface microenvironment can help avoid the related risk in myopia prevention and control.Therefore, this paper summarizes the effects of orthokeratology lens wear on ocular surface tissues, cells, tear fluid and microbiota, focuses on the potential risks of long-term orthokeratology lens wear, and leads optometrists to give comprehensive consideration to improving safety and effectiveness during the eyesight testing and follow-up.
5.Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention
Xiaojuan ZENG ; Xuenan LIU ; Min LIU ; Yan SI ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianqiang LAI ; Xianbin DING ; Chang SU ; Xiang SI ; Youguang LU ; Huancai LIN ; Shuguo ZHENG ; Wensheng RONG ; Minquan DU ; Xiaoyan OU ; Rongmin QIU ; Maigeng ZHOU ; Chunxiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(4):311-319
In modern society, sugary foods have become an integral part of many people′s lives. However, excessive sugar consumption has adverse effects on both overall health and oral health, serving as a contributing factor to the global increasing incidence in oral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity, and diabetes. In response to the health risks related to high-sugar diets, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Dental Federation (FDI) have proposed initiatives and recommendations, with various governments implementing different policies and strategies to reduce sugar intake. Chinese government has also taken proactive measures. The "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" initiative introduced by the State Council in 2019 established a crucial benchmark in limiting the average daily intake of added sugar to 25 g per person forward to 2030. Experts from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the field of oral health have meticulously examined the impacts of sugar reduction on oral health, as well as strategies, methods, and practical considerations related to reducing sugar intake through several meeting and wrote the "Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention", which was subsequently reviewed and revised based on the feedback from multiple stakeholders. They have conducted thorough analyses of global trends in sugar reduction and best practices to provide valuable insights to China for crafting effective policies and strategies on sugar reduction. This consensus mainly includes the classification of free sugars, the latest scientific evidence on dental caries, recommendations from WHO on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, nutrition labeling, advertising, food reform, adjusting supply systems, education, and promotion strategies, as well as sugar reduction actions taken by various governments around the world. Combining the actual situation in China, policy recommendations and authoritative popular science knowledge on sugar reduction for caries prevention to public are proposed to advocate for experts in multiple fields to focus on sugar reduction for caries prevention, promote the work process, and provide the scientific basis for oral health educators.
6.Research advances in the treatment of arthritis from natural products (2014-present).
Ruilin WANG ; Cen JI ; Jiayao CHEN ; Xiaohan ZHANG ; Qinghua HU ; Chunxiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):529-540
Arthritis, encompassing osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gouty arthritis (GA), is a prevalent inflammatory disease that significantly impacts quality of life. Natural products (NPs), derived from animals, plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms, have demonstrated beneficial effects in arthritis treatment both domestically and internationally. These natural compounds offer advantages in drug discovery due to their skeletal diversity, structural complexity, and multi-effect, multi-target, and low-toxicity properties compared to conventional small-molecule medicines. However, unclear mechanisms have hindered the development and clinical application of NPs. This review summarizes recent experimental studies from the past decade on natural medicine for arthritis treatment, emphasizing key NPs with therapeutic effects on OA, RA, and GA. It examines the effects and molecular mechanisms of NPs acting on different cells to treat arthritis. Furthermore, this review provides insights into the future prospects of NP research in this field, which is crucial for advancing NP-based arthritis treatments.
Humans
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Biological Products/therapeutic use*
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Animals
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
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Arthritis, Gouty/drug therapy*
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Arthritis/drug therapy*
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Osteoarthritis/drug therapy*
7.Real-world effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib in difficult-to-treat Crohn's disease: a multicenter study in China
Zile ZHANG ; Shuowen ZHANG ; Wensong GE ; Yue LI ; Ruidong CHEN ; Wen TANG ; Qunying WANG ; Yihong FAN ; Linyan ZHOU ; Feng TIAN ; Chunxiao CHEN ; Yubei GU ; Duowu ZOU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(6):443-447
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in the real-world treatment of difficult-to-treat Crohn's disease (DTT-CD) .Methods:This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with DTT-CD according to the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) criteria, and treated at eight Chinese inflammatory bowel disease centers between January 2023 and March 2025. Clinical outcomes were assessed after 12 weeks of induction therapy with upadacitinib (45 mg qd), including clinical remission rate, clinical response rate, and incidence of adverse events.Results:Among 151 enrolled DTT-CD patients, the clinical remission rate was 47.0%, and the clinical response rate was 90.7% after 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse events occurred in 42 cases (27.8%) .Conclusion:Upadacitinib demonstrated favorable efficacy in inducing clinical remission in DTT-CD patients, with a good safety profile at the induction dose (45 mg qd) .
8.Role of IP3R1-regulated changes in mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane structure in long-term cognitive impairment induced by multiple exposures to sevoflurane anesthesia in neonatal mice
Chunxiao LIU ; Jiajie ZHANG ; Yanan LI ; Lei SHI ; Qi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(1):59-64
Objective:To evaluate the role of inositol 1, 4, 5 triphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1)-regulated changes in mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) structure in the long-term cognitive impairment induced by multiple exposures to sevoflurane anesthesia in neonatal mice.Methods:Sixty SPF-grade healthy neonatal C57BL/6J mice of either sex, aged 6 days, weighing 6-10 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (group S), and IP3R antagonist 2-APB+ multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (group I+ S). Group S and group I+ S inhaled 3% sevoflurane anesthesia for 2 h starting from 6, 8 and 10 days after birth. In group I+ S, 2-APB 3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected before each sevoflurane anesthesia. The open field test was performed at day 31 after birth to assess the spontaneous mobility. The Morris water maze test was performed at days 31-36 after birth to assess the cognitive function. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the water maze test, hippocampal CA1 region was isolated and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i) and rate of necroptosis (using Flow cytometry) and expression of IP3R1, G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GRP75), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and phosphorylated human mixed-series protein kinase-like structural domains (p-MLKL) (by Western blot). Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe and record the partial length of MAMs, endoplasmic reticulum circumference and mitochondrial circumference. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the speed, distance, and time of staying at the center in open field tests among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged on postnatal days 33-35, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the necroptosis rate in the hippocampal CA1 region and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of IP3R, GRP75, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated, and the ratio of MAMs partial length/endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and ratio of MAMs partial length/mitochondria perimeter in hippocampal neurons were elevated in group S ( P<0.05). Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly shortened on postnatal days 32-35, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the necroptosis rate in the hippocampal CA1 region and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of IP3R, GRP75, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated, and the ratio of MAMs partial length/endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and ratio of MAMs partial length/mitochondria perimeter in hippocampal neurons were decreased in group I+ S ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Structural changes in MAMs in the hippocampal CA1 region mediated by the up-regulation of IP3R1 expression are involved in the process of long-term cognitive impairment induced by multiple exposures to sevoflurane anesthesia in neonatal mice.
9.Role of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in electroacupuncture preconditioning-induced reduction of perioperative neurocognitive disorders in aged rats
Chunxiao LIU ; Zhaojian LIU ; Jiajie ZHANG ; Yanan LI ; Lei SHI ; Qi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(9):1142-1147
Objective:To evaluate the role of RhoA/ROCK2 pathway in electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning-induced reduction of the perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) in aged rats.Methods:Eighty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 20 months, weighing 600-650 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using the random number table method: sham operation group (group S), PND group, EA preconditioning group and EA preconditioning plus RhoA agonist arachidonic acid group (EA+ AA group). The PND model was prepared using exploratory laparotomy performed under 3% sevoflurane anesthesia. In PND, EA and EA+ AA groups, EA preconditioning was initiated 5 days before operation as follows: Bilateral acupoints Zusanli, Hegu and Neiguan were stimulated with sparse-dense waves at 2/15 Hz and an electric current intensity of 1 mA, applied for 30 min a day for 5 consecutive days. Arachidonic acidin 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before surgery in group AA. The open field test was conducted at 3 days postoperatively to measure the autonomous motor function, and the Morris water maze test was conducted at 3-7 days postoperatively to evaluate the cognitive function. After the end of Morris water maze test, the rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampal tissue in CA1 region was obtained for determination of the apoptosis rate of cells and concentrations of cytoplasmic calcium ion ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and the expression of phosphorylated RhoA (p-RhoA), ROCK2, and cleaved caspase-3 (by Western blot) and for examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (with a transmission electron microscope). Results:There was no statistically significant difference in each parameter of the open field test among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was marked in PND group. Compared with PND group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was significantly attenuated in EA group. Compared with EA group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was aggravated in EA+ AA group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which EA preconditioning reduces PND is related to inhibiting the activation of hippocampal RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and reducing calcium overload-mediated apoptosis in cells of aged rats.
10.Research progress on the effect of orthokeratology lens on ocular surface microenvironment
Taorui YU ; Chunxiao YAN ; Lijun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(4):357-363
Orthokeratology lens is an optical correction method mainly used to control the development of myopia in children and adolescents.In recent years, the material and parameter design of orthokeratology lens has been constantly updated and improved.Despite its customizable, well-permeable, and optically superior properties, the ocular surface microenvironment may be affected by multiple factors after a long-term lens wear, resulting in a homeostatic imbalance of the ocular surface microenvironment due to direct attachment of the lens to the ocular surface.As the incidence of myopia in children and adolescents has increased rapidly in recent years, orthokeratology lens has been widely used as a non-surgical treatment to control the refractive growth of myopia.Understanding the influence of long-term orthokeratology lens wear on the ocular surface microenvironment can help avoid the related risk in myopia prevention and control.Therefore, this paper summarizes the effects of orthokeratology lens wear on ocular surface tissues, cells, tear fluid and microbiota, focuses on the potential risks of long-term orthokeratology lens wear, and leads optometrists to give comprehensive consideration to improving safety and effectiveness during the eyesight testing and follow-up.

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