1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
3.Research progress on allergenic components in traditional Chinese medicine injections
YANG Wen ; WU Fang ; WANG Cheng ; YANG Xiaoli
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0008-0014
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections, a hallmark achievement in the modernization of TCM, hold significant importance in advancing the development of TCM and enhancing clinical therapeutic effects. However, with the expanded clinical application of TCM injections, safety concerns have garnered widespread attention, particularly allergic reactions. Numerous researchers have delved into the safety issues of TCM injections. This paper summarized the research related to allergic reactions of TCM injections, including the types of allergic reactions, the allergenic components, their evaluation models and detection methods, as well as the challenges encountered in current research, aiming at providing references and basis for in-depth research and safe application of allergic reactions of TCM injections.
4.Divergent Small Vessel Disease Burden in Warfarin-Associated and Direct Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Sung-Chun TANG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Ching-Hua KUO ; Yuan-Chang CHAO ; Yu-Fong PENG ; Shu-Wen LIN ; Shin-Yi LIN ; Jiann-Shing JENG
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):334-338
5.Value of demographic factors in early identification of pediatric malignant vasovagal syncope in head-up tilt test
Shuo WANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Hong CAI ; Ping LIU ; Fang LI ; Chuan WEN ; Liqun LIU ; Runmei ZOU ; Cheng WANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):353-361
Background:
Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS.
Results:
Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS.
Conclusion
Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.
6.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
7.Analysis of the hotspots and advantages of adverse drug reaction automatic monitoring system based on CiteSpace and systematic review
Yan WANG ; Le KANG ; Wen CHEN ; Qi FANG ; Zhongwang YU ; Li CAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):362-369
Objective To provide a reference for the establishment, development and application of the adverse drug reaction (ADR) automated monitoring system, through verifying and quantifying the research hotspots and advantages of the system by CiteSpace software and systematic review. Methods Literature on ADR automated monitoring up to December 2023 were retrieved and screened from CNKI and web of science databases. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 software was used to conduct co-occurrence, clustering and emergence analysis, and to visualize and comparatively analyze the research hotspots, rules and distribution in the field of automated monitoring of ADR at home and abroad. In compliance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), literature covering publications in English and Chinese including detection rates of ADR collected using Incident Reporting Systems (IRSs) and/or automated monitoring systems were retrieved and screened. The advantages and disadvantages of automated monitoring systems were analyzed by comparing the differences between these two systems in terms of the number of ADR reports and the types of positive signals. Results A total of 56 articles in English and 80 articles in Chinese were indexed by CiteSpace. The research hotspots in recent years included data mining, deep learning, text classification techniques, machine learning and so on. A total of seven studies compiled with the inclusion criteria for the systematic evaluation, all of which were completed between 1991 and 2021 in hospitals in four countries. 150 526 medical records were reviewed from 15 institutions. A total of 194 ADR reports were collected by IRSs. A total of 2 090 ADR reports were collected by the automated monitoring system over the same period, indicating a 977% increase in the number of ADR reports (P=0.0156) compared with the IRSs. Conclusion The ADR automatic monitoring system had significantly improved the level of drug risk identification and reduced costs, but it was necessary to optimize the algorithm, expand the data source and carry out standardization construction to overcome the current limitations.
8.Feasibility of MAGIC pure tone screening in children aged 3 to 6 years.
Qingjia CUI ; Fang GE ; Renjie HAN ; Jin YAN ; Cheng WEN ; Yue LI ; Xin DAI ; Lihui HUANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(1):14-18
Objective:To explore the feasibility of the multiple-choice auditory graphical interactive check(MAGIC) screening module in childhood hearing screening in children aged 3 to 6 years. Methods:A hearing screening was conducted on 366 children(732 ears) aged between 3 and 6 years. The screening methods included MAGIC, DPOAE, and acoustic immittance.The cooperation, screening time, pass rate, and correlation of the three screening methods were compared. Results:There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of cooperation among the three screeningmethods(P=0.004).The MAGIC pure tone screening method was 98.6%, the screening DPOAE was 99.5%,and the acoustic immittance screening was 100%. For the screening duration, the MAGIC pure tone screening method was(116.3±59.1)s, the screening DPOAE was(27.2±19.7)s, and the acoustic impedance screening was(24.6±14.6)s. There was a significant statistical significance differences among the three or two groups(P<0.01). The passing rates of MAGIC pure tone screening,screening DPOAE and acoustic immittance screening were 64.7%, 65.4%, and 69.3%, respectively, and there was no significant statistical difference among the three or two groups(P>0.05). There was no significant difference between MAGIC pure tone screening method and screening DPOAE(P=0.827>0.05), and acoustic impedance(P=0.653>0.05), while the difference between screening DPOAE and acoustic impedance was statistically significant(P<0.01). Conclusion:MAGIC pure sound screening method has good feasibility, can comprehensively reflect the hearing level of screened children, and can be promoted for hearing screening in children aged between 3 and 6 years.
Humans
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Child, Preschool
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Child
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Female
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Male
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Audiometry, Pure-Tone
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Mass Screening/methods*
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Feasibility Studies
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Acoustic Impedance Tests/methods*
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Hearing Loss/diagnosis*
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Hearing Tests/methods*
9.Psychological stress-activated NR3C1/NUPR1 axis promotes ovarian tumor metastasis.
Bin LIU ; Wen-Zhe DENG ; Wen-Hua HU ; Rong-Xi LU ; Qing-Yu ZHANG ; Chen-Feng GAO ; Xiao-Jie HUANG ; Wei-Guo LIAO ; Jin GAO ; Yang LIU ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Yi-Fang LI ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Yan-Ping WU ; Lei LIANG ; Rong-Rong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3149-3162
Ovarian tumor (OT) is the most lethal form of gynecologic malignancy, with minimal improvements in patient outcomes over the past several decades. Metastasis is the leading cause of ovarian cancer-related deaths, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Psychological stress is known to activate the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), a factor associated with poor prognosis in OT patients. However, the precise mechanisms linking NR3C1 signaling and metastasis have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in OT through an NR3C1-dependent mechanism involving nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Mechanistically, NR3C1 directly regulates the transcription of NUPR1, which in turn increases the expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2), a key driver of EMT. Clinically, elevated NR3C1 positively correlates with NUPR1 expression in OT patients, and both are positively associated with poorer prognosis. Overall, our study identified the NR3C1/NUPR1 axis as a critical regulatory pathway in psychological stress-induced OT metastasis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for intervention in OT metastasis.
10.DNAzyme targeting RIP3 suppresses NLRP3-mediated necroinflammation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Jiaxin JIA ; Hugang ZHANG ; Guangxu FANG ; Yang LI ; Kai WEN ; Hanyu LIU ; Haobo HAN ; Quanshun LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5908-5932
Necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, initiates a series of biological responses and further culminates in necroinflammatory processes, consequently limiting the efficacy of cytokine antagonists in treating inflammatory diseases. To address this issue, DNAzyme R3-Dz specifically targeting receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) mRNA, a necrosome component, has been successfully developed and studied to elucidate the mechanism in cleaving its target mRNA. Then a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) derivative was constructed through the modification of nucleobase analog (termed AP) to achieve the R3-Dz delivery to macrophages. The AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles effectively downregulated the RIP3 expression, leading to subsequent decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), ultimately inhibiting the necroinflammatory processes mediated by the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). Finally, AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles and their combination with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 suppressed the necrotic phenotype and ameliorated the disease progression in diverse models, including gouty arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In summary, the AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles in combination with MCC950 have been demonstrated to achieve the intervention in necroptosis and inflammation by dual disruption of the intricate feedback loop of necroinflammation and thus have promising potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

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