1.Potential target genes for spondylolisthesis:drugable genome analysis based on the European population-based biodatabase
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chaoyi WANG ; Jingyan YANG ; Hanyu LI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Huatao HAO ; Dong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1592-1601
BACKGROUND:Spondylolisthesis is a common disease,and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat it.There is still a need to further define the pathogenesis and screen out more suitable therapeutic targets for spondylolisthesis.Mendelian randomization analysis can be used to explore the drugable genes associated with spondylolisthesis and provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.OBJECTIVE:To explore potential therapeutic targets and effective drugs for spondylolisthesis by means of pharmaceutically available genome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:Using the Finnish database,eQTLGen consortium,drug signature database,drug-gene interaction database,protein-protein interaction database,organic small molecule biological activity database and protein structure database,which contains genome and health information of half a million Finns,data on druggable genes were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and co-localization analysis with data from genome-wide association studies of spondylolisthesis to identify genes highly associated with spondylolisthesis.In addition,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,protein network construction,drug prediction and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this study,we identified 34 potential drug target genes that were significantly associated with spondylolisthesis,particularly the gene APOBEC3G.This gene showed a significant association with spondylolisthesis outcomes through Mendelian analysis and co-localization analysis,suggesting that APOBEC3G may be a priority therapeutic target.As for other potential mechanisms and drugs,we still need to conduct more in-depth research to determine their roles.This study used a database from a European population,which can be used as a reference for the study of population genetics in China.
2.Potential target genes for spondylolisthesis:drugable genome analysis based on the European population-based biodatabase
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chaoyi WANG ; Jingyan YANG ; Hanyu LI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Huatao HAO ; Dong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1592-1601
BACKGROUND:Spondylolisthesis is a common disease,and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat it.There is still a need to further define the pathogenesis and screen out more suitable therapeutic targets for spondylolisthesis.Mendelian randomization analysis can be used to explore the drugable genes associated with spondylolisthesis and provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.OBJECTIVE:To explore potential therapeutic targets and effective drugs for spondylolisthesis by means of pharmaceutically available genome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:Using the Finnish database,eQTLGen consortium,drug signature database,drug-gene interaction database,protein-protein interaction database,organic small molecule biological activity database and protein structure database,which contains genome and health information of half a million Finns,data on druggable genes were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and co-localization analysis with data from genome-wide association studies of spondylolisthesis to identify genes highly associated with spondylolisthesis.In addition,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,protein network construction,drug prediction and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this study,we identified 34 potential drug target genes that were significantly associated with spondylolisthesis,particularly the gene APOBEC3G.This gene showed a significant association with spondylolisthesis outcomes through Mendelian analysis and co-localization analysis,suggesting that APOBEC3G may be a priority therapeutic target.As for other potential mechanisms and drugs,we still need to conduct more in-depth research to determine their roles.This study used a database from a European population,which can be used as a reference for the study of population genetics in China.
3.Cuproptosis: A novel therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer
Dong DONG ; Yajie ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):826-832
Cuproptosis, recently defined as a unique form of cell death distinct from programmed cell death, is triggered by copper overload within mitochondria. Genes associated with cuproptosis have been found to correlate with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, making the targeting of cuproptosis pathways a promising direction for anti-tumor therapies. Copper ion carriers can transport copper ions into cells, inducing cuproptosis and laying the foundation for its application in cancer treatment. This article elaborates on the homeostasis of copper and the mechanisms related to cuproptosis, further clarifying the relationship between cuproptosis and lung cancer treatment targets. This review aims to summarize current progress in research related to cuproptosis and lung cancer, providing new theories and bases for the clinical treatment of lung cancer.
4.miR-433 inhibits cancer stem cell-like properties and enhances 5-FU sensitivity by targeting YAP1 in colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells
DONG Xinmin1 ; ZHENG Ti2△ ; LI Tiantian3 ; JUN Mei3 ; ZHANG Jian4
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(5):537-544
[摘 要] 目的:探讨miR-433对结直肠癌(CRC)细胞干细胞特性及5-氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)耐药性的影响,并阐明其潜在的分子调控机制。方法: 建立5-FU耐药的HCT-116细胞株。采用RT-qPCR和WB法检测miR-433及干细胞特性标志物(SOX2、OCT4、Nanog)的表达。通过双萤光素酶报告基因实验、免疫荧光和核质分离实验验证miR-433与靶基因YAP1的关系及YAP1对其亚细胞定位的影响。通过拯救实验确认miR-433/YAP1轴的功能。利用CCK-8法检测细胞对5-FU的敏感性。结果: 与亲代HCT-116/P细胞相比,耐药的HCT-116细胞株中miR-433表达显著下调(P < 0.05),而干细胞特性标志物(SOX2、OCT4、Nanog)表达上调(P < 0.05)。过表达miR-433能够抑制干细胞标志物的表达,并直接靶向YAP1,阻碍其核定位(P < 0.05)。恢复YAP1的表达能够部分逆转miR-433对干细胞标志物的抑制作用(P < 0.05)。功能上,上调miR-433显著增强了CRC细胞对5-FU的敏感性,而此效应同样可被YAP1的重新表达所削弱(P < 0.05)。结论: miR-433通过直接靶向YAP1通路,抑制CRC细胞的干细胞特性相关分子表型,并增强其对化疗药物的敏感性。miR-433/YAP1轴可能成为克服CRC 5-FU耐药的潜在新靶点。
5.Role of PI3K/Akt Pathway in Epirubicin Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Explored Through Transcriptomic Analysis
Lingshan NAN ; Xiaomin WANG ; Xi ZUO ; Haiming LI ; Dong CHEN ; Xiaohui YIN ; Ganlin ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):339-348
Objective To establish an epirubicin (EPI)-resistant murine triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (4T1/EPI) cell line and evaluate its biological characteristics and drug resistance. Methods The EPI-resistant cell line 4T1/EPI was developed through intermittent induction with gradually increasing EPI concentrations in vitro. Morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. Drug resistance index (MTT assay), cell doubling time (CCK-8 assay), and migration ability (wound healing assay) were evaluated. Western blot was used to detect the expression of drug resistance-related proteins. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify the pathways and targets involved in EPI resistance, followed by experimental validation. Results The 4T1 cells eventually grew normally in a medium containing 100 ng/mL EPI, confirming the establishment of the 4T1/EPI resistant cell line. After stable resistance was acquired, morphological alterations were observed. Compared with their parental 4T1 cells, 4T1/EPI cells showed significantly prolonged doubling time (P<0.01) and enhanced migration ability (P<0.05). Expression levels of drug resistance-related proteins MDR1, MRP1 (P<0.01), and ABCG2 (P<0.05) were elevated in 4T1/EPI cells. In vivo models also demonstrated significant EPI resistance in 4T1/EPI tumors in terms of tumor weight and volume. Transcriptome sequencing highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and ABC transporter pathway. Validation experiments showed the upregulation of Erbb3, Egfr, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.05) and significant downregulation of Fgfr1 (P<0.01) in 4T1/EPI cells. Conclusion The EPI-resistant TNBC cell line 4T1/EPI was successfully established, exhibiting significant resistance in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism may involve the EPI-induced upregulation of Egfr and Erbb3, activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and subsequently enhancing ABC transporter expression.
6.NG2-Glia Cause Diabetic Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption by Secreting MMP-9
Xiaolong LI ; Yan CAI ; Zhu ZHONG ; Maolin LI ; Dong HUANG ; Zhifei QIAO ; Hongli ZHOU ; Zuo ZHANG ; Jiyin ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):47-61
Background:
Disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) arising from diabetes mellitus are closely related to diabetic encephalopathy. Previous research has suggested that neuron-glia antigen 2 (NG2)-glia plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB. However, the mechanism by which NG2-glia regulates the diabetic BBB remains unclear.
Methods:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice and db/m mice were used. Evans-Blue BBB permeability tests and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied. Tight junction proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. NG2-glia number and signaling pathways were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Detection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
In T2DM db/db mice, BBB permeability in the hippocampus significantly increased from 16 weeks of age, and the structure of tight junction proteins changed. The number of NG2-glia in the hippocampus of db/db mice increased around microvessels from 12 weeks of age. Concurrently, the expression of MMP-9 increased in the hippocampus with no change in serum. Sixteen- week-old db/db mice showed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hippocampal NG2-glia. Treatment with XAV-939 improved structural and functional changes in the hippocampal BBB and reduced MMP-9 secretion by hippocampal NG2-glia in db/db mice. It was also found that the upregulation of β-catenin protein in NG2-glia in the hippocampus of 16-week-old db/db mice was significantly alleviated by treatment with XAV-939.
Conclusion
The results indicate that NG2-glia can lead to structural and functional disruption of the diabetic BBB by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, upregulating MMP-9, and degrading tight junction proteins.
7.Construction of a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Junli CHEN ; Han ZHANG ; Yefan ZHANG ; Yanqiu ZHANG ; Runguo GAO ; Qianqian GAO ; Weiqin CAI ; Haiyan LI ; Lihong JI ; Zhiwei DONG ; Qi JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo develop a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to formulate detailed application specifications, and to fully leverage the initiative of communities and families under limited resource conditions, for achieving community-based early detection and early intervention for older adults with MCI. MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify pertinent publications. Corpus-based research methodologies were employed to extract, refine, integrate and synthesize management elements, thereby establishing the specific content and service processes for each stage of the management model. Utilizing the 5W2H analytical framework, essential elements such as management stakeholders, target populations, content and methods for each stage were delineated. The model and its application guidelines were finalized through expert consultation and demonstration. ResultsAn expert evaluation of the management model yielded mean scores of 4.84, 4.32 and 4.84 for acceptability, feasibility and systematicity, respectively. By integrating the identified core elements with expert ratings and feedback, the final iteration of the community-family management model for older adults with MCI was formulated. This model comprised of five stages: screening and identification, comprehensive assessment, intervention planning, monitoring and referral pathways to ensure implementation, and enhanced support for communities, family members and caregivers. Additionally, it included 18 specific application guidelines. ConclusionThe proposed management model may theoretically help delay cognitive decline, improve cognitive function and potentially promote reversal from MCI to normal cognition. It may also enhance the awareness and coping capacity of older adults and their families, strengthen community healthcare professionals' ability to early identify and manage MCI.
8.Analysis of related factors for the comorbidity of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):27-31
Objective:
To investigate the factors influencing the co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia, so as to provide a data foundation and theoretical basis for developing targeted intervention measures.
Methods:
In September and October 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 139 102 students from 539 schools across 12 leagues/cities and 103 banners/counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Participants who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by a doctor at least once within one year and had a body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m 2 were considered to have comorbid conditions.
Results:
The coprevalence rate of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia was 6.4% (8 931 cases). Lasso-Logistic regression revealed that nonboarding status, higher maternal education, consuming high protein foods ≥1 time daily, occasionally or never eating breakfast, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥60 minutes on fewer than half of holidays, and having been exposed to second hand smoke in person within the past seven days were associated with higher odds ratios for co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity( OR = 1.23 , 1.22-1.63, 1.20, 1.19, 1.38, 1.35); being female, higher grade level, residence in flag/county/district areas, non only child status, never having consumed a full glass of alcohol, non hypertensive status, and households without pets were associated with lower co-prevalence risks ( OR =0.65, 0.67-0.77, 0.81, 0.87, 0.73, 0.41, 0.68) (all P <0.05). The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve of 0.64 for the predictive model, demonstrating satisfactory discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed consistency between predicted and actual occurrence probabilities.
Conclusions
The co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia is closely associated with demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours, and lifestyle habits. Future prevention and control strategies should prioritize these factors to implement targeted interventions.
9.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Glomerulosclerosis in db/db Mice via SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr Signaling Pathway
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):11-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in ameliorating renal injury in db/db mice. MethodsThirty 8-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF)-grade male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week. Urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were measured weekly in both db/db and db/m mice. Successful modeling was determined by significantly higher microalbuminuria in db/db mice compared to db/m mice and a fasting blood glucose ≥16.7 mmol·L-1. The 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, the irbesartan (IBN) group, and three DSS dose groups (low-, medium-, and high-dose DSS groups, administered at 16.77, 33.54, 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). Additionally, the six db/m mice served as the normal control group. The IBN group received irbesartan at 0.025 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, while the three DSS groups received DSS at 16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, respectively. The normal and model groups were administered with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. All interventions lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After intervention, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary total protein (UTP), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatments. Renal histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of HIF-1α and VLDLr. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression and distribution of HIF-1α and Caspase-3. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased SCr, BUN, UTP, TG, and LDL-C. HE staining revealed glomerulosclerosis, mesangial matrix hyperplasia, capillary loop distortion and thickening, with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Protein expression of SIRT1 and CD31 significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels increased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), indicating hypoxia and apoptosis in renal cells. In all treatment groups, SCr, BUN, TG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05), and UTP was significantly improved in the medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). Renal tissue structure and morphology were improved, inflammatory cells were reduced, and no vascular hyaline degeneration was observed. SIRT1 and CD31 protein expression was elevated to varying degrees compared to the model group (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 in all treatment groups (P<0.05), with the most significant improvement observed in the IBN group and medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate glomerulosclerosis and lipid deposition in db/db mice, and its mechanism may involve the SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr signaling pathway.
10.Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Diabetic Kidney Disease in db/db Mice Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Sen YANG ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):28-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week, after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group, and three DSS treatment groups with different doses (16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1). A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention, general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24 h-UMA), urinary creatinine (Ucr), and urea nitrogen (UUN) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the mice in the model group showed curled posture, sluggish response, poor fur condition, increased levels of Cys-C, 24 h-UTP, 24 h-UMA, and UUN (P<0.05), while Ucr decreased (P<0.05). The GBM was significantly thickened, with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and ATF6 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased (P<0.05), and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal (P<0.05). After treatment, the mice exhibited improved behavior, normalized GBM and podocyte structure, improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups (P<0.05), suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice, possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells, although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail