1.Clinical features and molecular mechanism of infantile cholestasis caused by IFT122 gene variants
Jiaqi LI ; Yan LI ; Ruida HE ; Jiayan FENG ; Jianshe WANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):99-105
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of infantile cholestasis caused by IFT122 gene variants and the molecular mechanism underlying its impact on primary cilia.Methods:The clinical data of an infant with cholestasis from the Children′s Hospital of Fudan University in September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify candidate variants, which were validated by Sanger sequencing in the family. Immortalized cell lines were generated using lentiviral infection, followed by immunofluorescence staining to assess the impact of the variants on primary cilia. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test .Results:The proband was a 4-month-old male infant presenting with jaundice, distinctive facial features, and sagittal craniosynostosis. Blood biochemistry indicated elevated direct bilirubin, total bile acids, and transaminases, with markedly increased γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Liver pathology demonstrated giant cell hepatitis with cholestasis and bile duct dysplasia. Genetic analysis identified compound heterozygous variants in IFT122 (NM_052989.3) gene c.88G>C (p.Ala30Pro) and c.240G>C (p.Trp80Cys), which co-segregated with the disease in the family. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the IFT122 gene compound heterozygous missense variants not only significantly reduced the proportion of cilia-positive cells but also led to aberrant ciliary localization of ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 13B (ARL13B).In addition, ciliary deposition with phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase type Ⅳ (INPP5E) was reduced. All differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The compound heterozygous missense variants in IFT122 gene not only impair ciliogenesis but also disrupt the ciliary localization of ARL13B and INPP5E, ultimately resulting in high-GGT infantile cholestasis.
2.Analysis of co-occurrence patterns of common mental health issues among college students
YAN Yulin, LUO Miyang, LUO Jiayou, MA Suiyi, LI Jia, CHEN Xi, WANG Feng, LIU Hao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):379-383
Objective:
The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions.
Methods:
From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence.
Conclusions
Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.
3.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
4.Mechanism and therapeutic targets of angiopoietin-like protein 4 in diabetic retinopathy
Jingrong FENG ; Yan LI ; Xiaocao REN ; Jixin LI ; Yu MA ; Wenfang ZHANG ; Yi YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):785-791
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)remains the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapies are limited by inadequate response in some patients and the necessity for repeated intravitreal injections, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Angiopoietin-like protein 4(ANGPTL4), a multifunctional secreted protein, has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of DR, positioning it as a promising interventional target. This review systematically elaborates the biological characteristics of ANGPTL4, with a focus on its expression dynamics, molecular mechanisms, and regulatory networks rolesin the development of DR. Furthermore, the prospects of ANGPTL4-targeted therapeutic strategies are discussed, aiming to offer new insights and directions for understanding DR pathogenesis, advancing multi-target drug development, and improving clinical management.
5.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
6.Research progress on the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the progression of tumor
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):180-190
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The heterotopic colonization of periodontal pathogens results in the development of several systemic diseases. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a key pathogen for periodontitis, has been linked to the development of various cancers, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), lung cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. P. gingivalis promote the progression of tumor through various mechanisms, P. gingivalis regulates proteins targeting cell cycle and apoptosis to promote proliferation of tumor cells directly, enhances tumor stemness by upregulating the expression of cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) and cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), activates inflammasome and p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1(JNK) pathways, regulates tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) polarization to remodel the tumor microenvironment, regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote tumor metastasis, remodel macrophage function to evade host immune response, and regulates multi-communicating with symbiotic bacteria. In addition, P. gingivalis accelerates the progression of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, inducing chronic inflammation, and escaping immunity. However, the oral microbiome is a complex system, whether the interactions between oral bacteria affect tumor progression needs to be further investigated.
7.HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges
Zhao-Tao PAN ; Feng-Yu GAI ; Chen CHEN ; Tong LI ; Yan-Ping QING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):936-950
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements over recent decades, the prognosis for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Approximately 2%-4% of mCRC cases exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression, defining a distinct molecular subtype. This HER2-positive status is strongly associated with primary resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, which are the standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type tumors. Beyond its well-established role in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker and actionable therapeutic target in mCRC. However, selecting appropriate treatment strategies remains challenging due to patient heterogeneity and diverse molecular subtypes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular biology, diagnostic strategies, and advances in targeted therapies for HER2-positive mCRC. On the diagnostic front, we discuss the applications of immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection technologies. We highlight discrepancies in diagnostic criteria across key clinical trials—such as HERACLES, DESTINY, and MOUNTAINEER—underscoring the urgent need for standardized, CRC-specific definitions to ensure consistent patient selection and comparability of efficacy data across studies. Although NGS enables comprehensive genomic profiling, its cost-effectiveness relative to traditional methods must be carefully considered. Therapeutically, we summarize clinical trial data for HER2-directed agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as tucatinib and lapatinib, monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as trastuzumab deruxtecan. We review dual-targeting strategies and note recent FDA approvals that represent significant milestones in second-line treatment. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies to enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. ADCs enable precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads, reducing off-target toxicity while effectively inhibiting oncogenic pathways. A substantial portion of this review is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies—persistent challenges that limit clinical benefit. These mechanisms include reactivation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, concurrent mutations in genes like KRAS or BRAF, and alterations in HER2 expression that compromise treatment efficacy. For instance, specific HER2 mutations (e.g., L755S) can reduce drug binding affinity, while ctDNA monitoring facilitates early detection of emerging resistance clones during disease progression, thereby enabling timely therapeutic adjustments. Tumor heterogeneity and dynamic interactions with the microenvironment further complicate resistance patterns observed in clinical practice. HER2-targeted therapy represents a new frontier in precision oncology for mCRC, offering renewed hope for improving patient outcomes. Realizing this potential will require continued optimization of diagnostic algorithms and treatment workflows. Future efforts must focus on overcoming resistance, validating liquid biopsy approaches for dynamic monitoring, and establishing unified clinical guidelines. HER2 has become an essential biomarker for stratifying mCRC patients beyond traditional RAS and BRAF status, underscoring the shift from empiric treatment to biomarker-driven precision medicine. International, multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to validate emerging biomarkers and refine treatment algorithms globally.
8.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
9.Role of naringenin in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and its molecular mechanism
Changwen LIN ; Qiuyi REN ; Mengjie ZHENG ; Huan YAN ; Jia LI ; Jiaxin FENG ; Haiying LIN ; Faming SHU ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Fuli LONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1419-1425
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease mediated by T lymphocytes, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis or even liver failure without timely intervention. As a natural flavonoid compound, naringenin (NAR) shows a potential value in the prevention and treatment of AIH through multiple mechanisms such as remodeling immune homeostasis, targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathways, antioxidation, regulating hepatocyte metabolism and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal flora. However, the clinical translation and application of NAR is limited by issues such as low bioavailability and insufficient efficiency of liver-targeted delivery. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of NAR in the prevention and treatment of AIH, explores the potential signaling pathways involved in this process, and analyzes existing challenges in its translation and application and future research directions, so as to provide a reference for further research on NAR and its application in the prevention and treatment of AIH.
10.Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon α-2b in treatment of patients with hepatitis B virus-related compensated liver cirrhosis: A real-world study
Yan WANG ; Lihong LI ; Anna WANG ; Jing WEN ; Jie YANG ; Yinong FENG ; Ye ZHANG ; Qianhui WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1597-1606
ObjectiveTo investigate the antiviral efficacy of pegylated interferon α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis, to assess the safety and tolerability of this regimen, and to provide evidence-based medical evidence for optimizing the treatment strategies for patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis. MethodsA prospective study was conducted among 115 patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis and 114 patients with CHB who attended Third People’s Hospital of Taiyuan from January 2023 to March 2024. Treatment-naïve patients received PEG-IFN-α-2b monotherapy, while the patients once treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) received PEG-IFN-α-2b add-on therapy. The patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis were followed up at baseline and at 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks of treatment. Samples were collected from CHB patients at baseline and at the end of follow-up to assess virological indicators, routine blood test results, and liver function. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparison among different time ponts within the same group,and the Bonferroni was applied for post-hoc pairwise comparisons; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Friedman test was used for comparison across different time points within the same group, and the Nemenyi test was utilized for subsequent pairwise comparisons. The multivariate stepwise Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for clinical cure. ResultsCompared with the CHB group, the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had a significantly higher mean age (43.50±9.97 years vs 40.90±8.16 years, t=2.160, P=0.032), a significantly higher proportion of patients with hepatitis B e antigen at baseline (28.70% vs 15.79%, χ2=4.788, P=0.029), and a significantly lower platelet level [(178.67±55.07)×109/L vs (194.93±55.79)×109/L, t=2.217, P=0.028]. Compared with the CHB group at the end of follow-up, the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had significantly lower HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance rate (10.38% vs 33.04%, χ2=14.988, P<0.001) and HBV surface antibody positive rate (0.00% vs 19.64%, χ2=21.041, P<0.001). Compared with the CHB group at the end of follow-up,the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had significantly lower aminotransferase levels [ALT: 31.00(19.00~47.50) U/L vs 40.00(27.00~57.00) U/L, Z=2.433, P<0.05; AST: 31.00(23.00~45.50) U/L vs 37.00(25.00~52.00) U/L, Z=1.963, P<0.05], but significantly higher level of white blood cells (WBC) [(4.02±1.56)×109/L vs (3.59±1.24)×109/L, t=2.272, P<0.05], neutrophils [(2.39±1.17)×109/L vs (1.87±0.94)×109/L, t=3.284, P<0.05], and platelets [(143.93±68.10)×109/L vs (121.88±49.72)×109/L, t=2.588, P<0.05]. A lower level of HBsAg (OR=0.997, 95%CI: 0.996 — 0.999, P<0.001) and previous treatment with NAs (OR=5.889, 95%CI: 2.195 — 17.330, P<0.001) were positive predictive factors for clinical cure, while liver cirrhosis (OR=0.177, 95%CI: 0.063 — 0.470, P<0.001) was a negative predictive factor for clinical cure. During follow-up, no patients experienced acute decompensation or progression to hepatocellular carcinoma, and the main adverse events included fever, fatigue, reductions in WBC and platelets, weight loss, alopecia, and thyroid dysfunction. In the subgroup analysis of HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis, in both the treatment-naïve patients and the patients previously treated with NAs, there was a significant reduction in HBsAg level from baseline to week 36 of treatment [treatment-naïve: 99.25 (5.87 — 1 212.35) IU/mL vs 403.47 (36.94 — 2 569.02) IU/mL, P<0.05; previously treated with NAs: 205.94 (14.00 — 737.80) IU/mL vs 427.03 (65.64 — 1 552.65) IU/mL, P<0.05] and week 48 of treatment [treatment-naïve: 85.45 (0.58 — 827.56) IU/mL vs 403.47 (36.94 — 2 569.02) IU/mL, P<0.05; previously treated with NAs: 45.28 (0.16 — 267.27) IU/mL vs 427.03 (65.64 — 1 552.65) IU/mL, P<0.05]. There were significant increases in the levels of aminotransferases during treatment, as well as significant reductions in the levels of WBC, neutrophils, platelets, and hemoglobin (all P<0.05). ConclusionAlthough a finite course of PEG-IFN-α-2b therapy has achieved a relatively low rate of clinical cure in the treatment of HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis, it can still significantly reduce the level of HBsAg, and this treatment regimen has good safety and tolerability, without accelerating disease progression.


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