1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Discussion on curative effect of electronic bronchoscope in treating tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage
Shenglin MO ; Yun HUANG ; Xiaohong HUANG ; Gui TANG ; Yanping SUN ; Jinyu QIN ; Tao CHEN ; Jiaguang HU ; Peng ZHANG ; Jinliang KONG ; Zhongsheng JIANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):76-80
Objective:To evaluate the clinically curative effect of intervention treatment of electronic bronchoscope in treating tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage.Methods:Sixty patients with tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage(type I,II,III and VI)who admitted to Liuzhou People's Hospital from September 2020 to September 2023 were selected,and they were divided into drug group(anti-tuberculosis drug treatment)and combination group(anti-tuberculosis drug treatment+interventional treatment with electronic bronchoscope)by the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The curative effects of the two groups were observed,and the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria,clinical symptom scores(cough symptom,expectoration symptom)before and after treatment,Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale(mMRC)score between two groups were compared,and the differences in indicators of pulmonary function such as forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC)and maximum voluntary ventilation(MVV)between the two groups also were compared.And then,the incidence of complications was calculated.Results:During the 1,2 and 3 months of follow-up,there were respectively 21 cases,27 cases and 30 cases occurred negative conversion of sputum bacteria in 30 patients of the combination group,and there were respectively 15 cases,18 cases and 23 cases occurred negative conversion of sputum bacteria in 30 patients of the drug group.At the 1st month of follow-up,the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria in combination group was higher than that in drug group,while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).At the 2nd and 3rd month of follow-up,the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria in the combination group was higher than that in the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=7.200,7.925,P<0.05).The effective rate of treatment of the combination group was 100%,which was higher than 80%of the drug group,and the difference of that between two groups was significant(x2=6.667,P<0.05).After 2 months of treatment,the mMRC score,cough symptom score and expectoration symptom score of the combination group were all lower than those of the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.504,3.950,3.530,P<0.05).The improvement effects of FEV1,FVC and MVV of the combination group were all better than those of the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.626,4.966,4.097,P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Anti-tuberculosis drug therapy combined with electronic bronchoscopy intervention has a good therapeutic effect in clinically active tracheobronchial tuberculosis.
3.Research progress of γδ T cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Lu RUONAN ; Mao XINHUI ; Xue JIYAO ; Zheng YIJING ; Huang LIANG ; Dou YUTING ; Gui YUN ; Shi YI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(4):193-197
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)is a highly prevalent malignancy with poor prognosis.Treatment strategies to date have achieved limited success in significantly improving overall survival rates.γδ T cells,a unique subset of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment,can link adaptive and innate immune functions.While γδ T cells can effectively recognize and eliminate HNSCC tumor cells,certain subsets of these cells can secrete interleukin-17,contributing to tumor progression.Nevertheless,due to their remarkable cyto-toxic activity,γδ T cells have been identified as promising candidates for antitumor immunotherapy.This article reviews the biological back-ground of γδ T cells,their role in tumor immunity in HNSCC,and recent advances in γδ T cell immunotherapy,aiming to provide new in-sights into HNSCC diagnosis and treatment.
4.Discussion on curative effect of electronic bronchoscope in treating tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage
Shenglin MO ; Yun HUANG ; Xiaohong HUANG ; Gui TANG ; Yanping SUN ; Jinyu QIN ; Tao CHEN ; Jiaguang HU ; Peng ZHANG ; Jinliang KONG ; Zhongsheng JIANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):76-80
Objective:To evaluate the clinically curative effect of intervention treatment of electronic bronchoscope in treating tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage.Methods:Sixty patients with tracheobronchial tuberculosis at clinical activity stage(type I,II,III and VI)who admitted to Liuzhou People's Hospital from September 2020 to September 2023 were selected,and they were divided into drug group(anti-tuberculosis drug treatment)and combination group(anti-tuberculosis drug treatment+interventional treatment with electronic bronchoscope)by the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The curative effects of the two groups were observed,and the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria,clinical symptom scores(cough symptom,expectoration symptom)before and after treatment,Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale(mMRC)score between two groups were compared,and the differences in indicators of pulmonary function such as forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC)and maximum voluntary ventilation(MVV)between the two groups also were compared.And then,the incidence of complications was calculated.Results:During the 1,2 and 3 months of follow-up,there were respectively 21 cases,27 cases and 30 cases occurred negative conversion of sputum bacteria in 30 patients of the combination group,and there were respectively 15 cases,18 cases and 23 cases occurred negative conversion of sputum bacteria in 30 patients of the drug group.At the 1st month of follow-up,the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria in combination group was higher than that in drug group,while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).At the 2nd and 3rd month of follow-up,the negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria in the combination group was higher than that in the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=7.200,7.925,P<0.05).The effective rate of treatment of the combination group was 100%,which was higher than 80%of the drug group,and the difference of that between two groups was significant(x2=6.667,P<0.05).After 2 months of treatment,the mMRC score,cough symptom score and expectoration symptom score of the combination group were all lower than those of the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.504,3.950,3.530,P<0.05).The improvement effects of FEV1,FVC and MVV of the combination group were all better than those of the drug group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.626,4.966,4.097,P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Anti-tuberculosis drug therapy combined with electronic bronchoscopy intervention has a good therapeutic effect in clinically active tracheobronchial tuberculosis.
5.Honey-processed Hedysari Radix regulating the colon of spleen qi deficiency rats study on the GPR41/GPR43 mediated mitogen-activated protein kinases signal pathway
Er-dan XIN ; Guo-feng LI ; Tian-tian BIAN ; Yu-gui ZHANG ; Fei-yun GAO ; Ting LIU ; Zhuan-hong ZHANG ; Yue-feng LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):215-219
Objective To explore the mechanism of honey-processed Hedysari Radix in the regulation of intestinal immunity in rats with spleen qi deficiency,which was based on G protein-coupled receptor 41(GPR41)/GPR43-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.Methods The three-factor composite modeling method of eating disorder,diarrhea and fatigue was used to establish a model of spleen qi deficiency,and the rats were randomly divided into model,honey-processed Hedysari Radix,probiotics and blank groups with 15 rats per group.The honey-processed Hedysari Radix group was given by gavage 12.6 g·kg-1 aqueous extract of honey-processed Hedysari Radix.The probiotics group was given 0.625 g·kg-1 bifidobacterium triple viable solution by gavage.The blank and model groups were given the same dose of distilled water by gavage.Four groups were treated for 15 d with once a day.The expression levels of GPR41,GPR43,P38 MAPK,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and extracellular regulatory protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)in colon tissues were detected by Western blotting.Results The relative expression levels of GPR41 in the blank,model,honey-processed Hedysari Radix and probiotics groups were 0.95±0.07,0.45±0.03,0.84±0.19 and 0.86±0.20;the relative expression levels of GPR43 were 1.17±0.11,0.41±0.06,0.66±0.03 and 0.57±0.01;the phosphorylated ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios were 0.16±0.01,0.43±0.01,0.39±0.01 and 0.36±0.02;the phosphorylated JNK/JNK ratios were 0.58±0.05,1.47±0.10,0.90±0.11 and 0.90±0.11;the phosphorylated P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK ratios were 1.77±0.33,3.19±0.03,2.01±0.17 and 2.23±0.59,respectively.Compared with the model group,the differences of above indexes were statistically significant in the honey-processed Hedysari Radix and probiotics groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of honey-processed Hedysari Radix regulating intestinal immunity in rats with spleen qi deficiency is related to the regulation of GPR41/GPR43 mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
6.Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome with left ventricular enlargement:a case report
Chen ZHU ; Fan-gui ZHAO ; Ying-liu YAN ; Cai-xia LEI ; Ting YU ; Chen-yan ZHAO ; Ru LIN ; Yun-yun REN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(1):143-146
The pregnant woman was 30 years old,G2P0.This singleton pregnancy at 22 weeks of gestation was screened for second-trimester ultrasound malformations,suggesting fetal aortic valve atresia,aortic stenosis with reverse blood flow,mitral valve atresia,and markedly enlarged left ventricle,which was considered for the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome(HLHS).The pregnancy was terminated at our hospital and subsequently underwent genetic testing with results of heterozygous variants in the NOTCH1 gene,which can cause aortic valve disease type 1.The findings of the fetal autopsy were aortic valve atresia,mitral valve widening and thickening,and left ventricular enlargement with myocardial infarction.This report focuses on the ultrasound characteristics of HLHS with left ventricular enlargement and its hemodynamic changes in order to improve clinicians'understanding of the progressive changes in the disease phenotype of HLHS.
7.Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide deficiency
Rui-Xue MA ; Wen-Hai LUO ; Yi-Lin DAI ; Gui-Xian LI ; Fei WANG ; Ou JIANG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG ; Yun-Fen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1514-1519
Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.
8.Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide deficiency
Rui-Xue MA ; Wen-Hai LUO ; Yi-Lin DAI ; Gui-Xian LI ; Fei WANG ; Ou JIANG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG ; Yun-Fen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1514-1519
Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.
9.Effect of Wearing Phospholipid-releasing Contact Lenses on Dry Eyes in Rabbits
Hyeon Jung KIM ; Sehie PARK ; Yun Kyoung RYU ; Jin Sun HWANG ; Sun Hee OH ; Jae Hwi LEE ; Gui Bae KIM ; Young Joo SHIN
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(4):181-190
Purpose:
To investigate whether a new phospholipid-releasing soft contact lens can improve symptoms of dry eyes.
Methods:
The study used 2.5-3.0 kg New Zealand rabbits including both normal non-dry eye rabbits and dry eye rabbits, the latter having undergone electrocauterization of the meibomian glands to block the gland orifices. Each rabbit wore a control contact lens on one eye and a phospholipid-releasing contact lens on the other eye daily. Phospholipid-releasing and control contact lenses were provided by NEOVISION Co., Ltd. The parameters assessed included tear film break-up time, tear osmolarity, ocular surface staining, and central corneal thickness. After the experiment, the rabbits were euthanized and their conjunctival tissue was stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) to observe conjunctival goblet cells.
Results:
In both dry eye and normal non-dry eye rabbits, tear film break-up time was longer and tear osmolarity was lower when using the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control contact lens. The ocular surface remained unstained in normal non-dry eye rabbits while staining was observed in dry eye rabbits. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness between the control and phospholipid-releasing contact lenses in either group. PAS staining showed no difference in conjunctival goblet cell density between the two lens types in normal non-dry eye rabbits. However, in dry eye rabbits, the conjunctival goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher with the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control lens.
Conclusions
Phospholipid-releasing contact lenses may help reduce dry eye symptoms and minimize contact lens-related complications by stabilizing the tear film and lowering tear osmolarity.
10.Effect of Wearing Phospholipid-releasing Contact Lenses on Dry Eyes in Rabbits
Hyeon Jung KIM ; Sehie PARK ; Yun Kyoung RYU ; Jin Sun HWANG ; Sun Hee OH ; Jae Hwi LEE ; Gui Bae KIM ; Young Joo SHIN
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(4):181-190
Purpose:
To investigate whether a new phospholipid-releasing soft contact lens can improve symptoms of dry eyes.
Methods:
The study used 2.5-3.0 kg New Zealand rabbits including both normal non-dry eye rabbits and dry eye rabbits, the latter having undergone electrocauterization of the meibomian glands to block the gland orifices. Each rabbit wore a control contact lens on one eye and a phospholipid-releasing contact lens on the other eye daily. Phospholipid-releasing and control contact lenses were provided by NEOVISION Co., Ltd. The parameters assessed included tear film break-up time, tear osmolarity, ocular surface staining, and central corneal thickness. After the experiment, the rabbits were euthanized and their conjunctival tissue was stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) to observe conjunctival goblet cells.
Results:
In both dry eye and normal non-dry eye rabbits, tear film break-up time was longer and tear osmolarity was lower when using the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control contact lens. The ocular surface remained unstained in normal non-dry eye rabbits while staining was observed in dry eye rabbits. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness between the control and phospholipid-releasing contact lenses in either group. PAS staining showed no difference in conjunctival goblet cell density between the two lens types in normal non-dry eye rabbits. However, in dry eye rabbits, the conjunctival goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher with the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control lens.
Conclusions
Phospholipid-releasing contact lenses may help reduce dry eye symptoms and minimize contact lens-related complications by stabilizing the tear film and lowering tear osmolarity.

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