1.The Application of Spatial Resolved Metabolomics in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Lu-Tao XU ; Qian LI ; Shu-Lei HAN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU ; Qing-Yuan HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2346-2359
The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is fundamentally linked to complex and profound alterations in metabolic networks within the brain, which exhibit marked spatial heterogeneity. While conventional bulk metabolomics is powerful for detecting global metabolic shifts, it inherently lacks spatial resolution. This methodological limitation hampers the ability to interrogate critical metabolic dysregulation within discrete anatomical brain regions and specific cellular microenvironments, thereby constraining a deeper understanding of the core pathological mechanisms that initiate and drive NDDs. To address this critical gap, spatial metabolomics, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) at its core, has emerged as a transformative approach. It uniquely overcomes the limitations of bulk methods by enabling high-resolution, simultaneous detection and precise localization of hundreds to thousands of endogenous molecules—including primary metabolites, complex lipids, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and essential metal ions—directly in situ from tissue sections. This powerful capability offers an unprecedented spatial perspective for investigating the intricate and heterogeneous chemical landscape of NDD pathology, opening new avenues for discovery. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, beginning with a discussion of the technical features, optimal application scenarios, and current limitations of major MSI platforms. These include the widely adopted matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI, the ultra-high-resolution technique of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-MSI, and the ambient ionization method of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI, along with other emerging technologies. We then highlight the pivotal applications of spatial metabolomics in NDD research, particularly its role in elucidating the profound chemical heterogeneity within distinct pathological microenvironments. These applications include mapping unique molecular signatures around amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) plaques, uncovering the metabolic consequences of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and characterizing the lipid and metabolite composition of Lewy bodies. Moreover, we examine how spatial metabolomics contributes to constructing detailed metabolic vulnerability maps across the brain, shedding light on the biochemical factors that render certain neuronal populations and anatomical regions selectively susceptible to degeneration while others remain resilient. Looking beyond current applications, we explore the immense potential of integrating spatial metabolomics with other advanced research methodologies. This includes its combination with three-dimensional brain organoid models to recapitulate disease-relevant metabolic processes, its linkage with multi-organ axis studies to investigate how systemic metabolic health influences neurodegeneration, and its convergence with single-cell and subcellular analyses to achieve unprecedented molecular resolution. In conclusion, this review not only summarizes the current state and critical role of spatial metabolomics in NDD research but also offers a forward-looking perspective on its transformative potential. We envision its continued impact in advancing our fundamental understanding of NDDs and accelerating translation into clinical practice—from the discovery of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis to the development of high-throughput drug screening platforms and the realization of precision medicine for individuals affected by these devastating disorders.
2.Antibody threshold and demographic characteristics of low-titer group O whole blood donors in Jiangsu
Tao FENG ; Rui ZHU ; Wenjia HU ; Ling MA ; Hong LIN ; Xi YU ; Chun ZHOU ; Nizhen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1225-1229
Objective: To investigate the distribution of IgM anti-A/B titers among group O whole blood donors in Jiangsu, establish a low-titer threshold, and analyze the demographic characteristics of low-titer donors, so as to provide data for recruiting low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) donors. Methods: Plasma samples from 1 009 group O whole blood donors were tested for IgM anti-A and anti-B titers using the microplate technique. The distribution of antibody titers was analyzed to establish a low-titer threshold. The distribution trends of titers across different demographic groups were also analyzed. Results: The peak titer for anti-A, anti-B were 64 (31.5%), 4 (23.8%), respectively, The proportion of donors with both anti-A and anti-B titers below 64 was 97.3% (982/1 009). The mean anti-A titer was higher than anti-B titer. Anti-A titers were higher in female donors than in male donors (P<0.05). The anti-A titers differed significantly among different age groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in titers was observed based on the number of donations (P>0.05). Conclusion: A titer of 64 can be used as the reference threshold of LTOWB in Jiangsu. Male donors of appropriate age are more suitable than female donors for establishing an emergency panel of LTOWB mobile donors.
3.Effects of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on autophagy following post-ERCP pancreatitis in rats
Meng CHEN ; Gan CAI ; Biao GONG ; Xi-wen ZHANG ; Chan LÜ ; Tao LI ; Yong-hong HU ; Fu LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):759-766
AIM To investigate the mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in preventing meglumine diatrizoate-induced post-ERCP pancreatitis in rats through autophagy regulation.METHODS The rats were randomized into the normal group,the model group,the low-dose and high-dose Shaoyao Gancao Decoction(1.5,3.0 g/kg),and the indomethacin suppository group.A rat model of post-ERCP pancreatitis was induced by meglumine diatrizoate injection into the pancreatic duct under continuous pressure.The rats had their pancreatic tissues stained with HE to observe the pathological alterations,inflammatory cell infiltration,hemorrhage and necrosis;their serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α,AMS,and IL-10 identified by ELISA;their autophagic vacuoles in pancreatic acinar cells observed by transmission electron microscopy;their pancreatic protein expressions of Beclin1,LC3B,p62,TRAF2 and p-JNK detected by IHC and Western blot;and their pancreatic mRNA expressions of Beclin1 and TRAF2 detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose Shaoyao Gancao Decoction group displayed no obvious hemorrhage;improvement in edema of acinar and interstitial cells;obviously less cellular inflammatory infiltration;substantially decreased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and AMS(P<0.05,P<0.01);drastically reduced amount of autophagosomes in acinar cells;and down-regulated expressions of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1,LC3,p62,TRAF2 and p-JNK(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Shaoyao Gancao Decoction can prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis by ameliorating pancreatic tissue injury,decreasing serum inflammatory response level,and interfering with abnormal autophagy of pancreatic acinar cells.Its molecular mechanism may involve inhibition of TRAF2 protein expression and modulation of p-JNK activation.
4.Predictive efficacy of multimodal MRI-based machine learning models for glioblastoma multiforme MGMT promoter methylation states
Hong-lin LI ; Shi-ting HU ; Zi-heng ZHOU ; Bing LI ; Zhi-ping QI ; Ruo-qi LI ; Kai LIU ; Chun-feng HU ; Hai-tao GE
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):7-13
Objective To explore the predictive efficacy of several multimodal MRI-based machine learning models for the promoter methylation states of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)of glioblastoma muliforme(GBM)patients in terms of the GBM heterogeneity and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment.Methods Firstly,the multimodal MRI images of 317 GBM patients from The University of Pennsylvania Glioblastoma(UPENN-GBM)dataset were pre-processed,with four sequences involved in including T1-weighted imaging(T1WI)sequence,T1-weighted contrast-enhanced imaging(T1CE)sequence,T2-weighted imaging(T2WI)sequence and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR)sequence,and the radiomics features were extracted for two regions of interest(ROIs)such as the tumor core region and the tumor edema region.Secondly,the data of the 317 GBM patients were randomly divided into a training set(254 cases)and a test set(63 cases),which underwent normalization with Z-scores and feature selection and dimensionality reduction with Lasso regression.Finally,three models were established respectively with particle swarm optimization-support vector machine(PSO-SVM),C-support vector classification(C-SVC)and adaptive boosting(adaptive boosting(Adaboost)algorithms,and the predictive efficacy of the three models for glioblastoma multiforme MGMT promoter methylation states were evaluated in terms of accuracy and AUC.Results The Adaboost model based on T2WI sequence and radiomics features of the tumor core region had the highest predictive efficacy with accuracy and AUC values of 67%and 0.74,respectively,higher than those of other combinations of sequences,models and regions of interest.Conclusion The multimodal MRI-based machine learning models can be used for the prediction of glioblastoma multiforme MGMT promoter methylation states,which provides powerful support for personalized treatment and prognostic assessment of GBM.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):7-13]
5.Scutellarin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through CX3CL1/CX3CR1-PI3K/AKT pathway
Jun LI ; Yi HOU ; Ronghui LIU ; Wenchao HU ; Song TAO ; Hong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):469-476
Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of scutellarin(Scu)against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(CIRI)injury in rats,with a focus on its regulatory mechanisms involving the CX3CL1/CX3CR1-PI3K/AKT signaling axis.Methods:The rat CIRI model was established using Longa's intraluminal suture method.The experimental design comprised four groups(n=15 per group):Sham operation group,CIRI model group,Scu treat-ment(40 mg/kg/d Scu gavage)group,and Scu+LY294002(Scu combined with PI3K inhibitor LY294002)group.Following 4 weeks of intervention,neurological function,pathological changes,and pathway protein expression were evaluated using Longa scoring,TTC staining,HE staining,transmission electron microscopy,immunofluorescence,or Western blot analysis.Results:Compared to the CIRI model group,Scu treatment significantly improved neurological function,reduced cerebral infarct volume and attenuated neuronal damage(P<0.05).Furthermore,Scu downregulat-ed CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expression,increased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios,elevated Bcl-2/Bax ratio,and de-creased IL-17A expression(P<0.05).These protective effects were partially reversed by LY294002.Conclusion:Scu exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral CIRI injury by downregulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,thereby attenuating inflammation and apoptosis.
6.Recent advances in ductular reaction in the context of primary sclerosing cholangitis:mechanistic insights and targeted therapy
Yiming CUI ; Bo HU ; Haoting LIN ; Jiamin WANG ; Jian HONG ; Ping TAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):369-375
Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflamma-tion and progressive fibrosis that affects both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.Despite ongoing research,the under-lying mechanisms of PSC pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.The ductular reaction is not only a key pathologi-cal feature of PSC but also serves as a driving force in its progression.This review examines the promoting effects of the ductular reaction on PSC advancement from multiple perspectives,including the proliferation of biliary epithelial cells,in-flammation,and fibrosis.By providing theoretical insights into the pathogenesis of PSC,this review aims to facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
7.Development and validation of an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis
Jiajun FENG ; Chaoming DENG ; He HONG ; Fan WU ; Guogui TAO ; Xiaoqing SUN ; Xiaomin LIU ; Tiantian ZUO ; Wanhong WU ; Xinran WANG ; Zichuan CHEN ; Hu ZHANG ; Zhiqi HU ; Guobin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):952-955
Objective To develop an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis,and conduct clinical validation.Methods The design concept,technical principles and system composition of the innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis were introduced.A total of 73 patients(146 axillae)with axillary osmidrosis were enrolled as subjects,and underwent surgery using the newly developed surgical system.Clinical validation of the system was performed by evaluating postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Results The study demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes in the following aspects:postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Conclusion The minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis is rationally designed.The rotary-cutting puncture device is safe,effective,minimally invasive,and convenient for axillary osmidrosis surgery,warranting further clinical validation and widespread application.
8.Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Juan XIA ; Xiaoan TAO ; Qinchao HU ; Wei LUO ; Xiuzhen TONG ; Gang ZHOU ; Hongmei ZHOU ; Hong HUA ; Guoyao TANG ; Tong WU ; Qianming CHEN ; Yuan FAN ; Xiaobing GUAN ; Hongwei LIU ; Chaosu HU ; Yongmei ZHOU ; Xuemin SHEN ; Lan WU ; Xin ZENG ; Qing LIU ; Renchuan TAO ; Yuan HE ; Yang CAI ; Wenmei WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Yingfang WU ; Minhai NIE ; Xin JIN ; Xiufeng WEI ; Yongzhan NIE ; Changqing YUAN ; Bin CHENG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):54-54
Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans
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Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects*
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Consensus
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Risk Factors
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Stomatitis/etiology*
9.Optimized derivation and culture system of human naïve pluripotent stem cells with enhanced DNA methylation status and genomic stability.
Yan BI ; Jindian HU ; Tao WU ; Zhaohui OUYANG ; Tan LIN ; Jiaxing SUN ; Xinbao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu XU ; Hong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Shaorong GAO ; Yixuan WANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(10):858-872
Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great promise for embryonic development studies. Existing induction and culture strategies for these cells, heavily dependent on MEK inhibitors, lead to widespread DNA hypomethylation, aberrant imprinting loss, and genomic instability during extended culture. Here, employing high-content analysis alongside a bifluorescence reporter system indicative of human naïve pluripotency, we screened over 1,600 chemicals and identified seven promising candidates. From these, we developed four optimized media-LAY, LADY, LUDY, and LKPY-that effectively induce and sustain PSCs in the naïve state. Notably, cells reset or cultured in these media, especially in the LAY system, demonstrate improved genome-wide DNA methylation status closely resembling that of pre-implantation counterparts, with partially restored imprinting and significantly enhanced genomic stability. Overall, our study contributes advancements to naïve pluripotency induction and long-term maintenance, providing insights for further applications of naïve PSCs.
Humans
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DNA Methylation/drug effects*
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Genomic Instability
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Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Cell Culture Techniques/methods*
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Cells, Cultured
10.A Case Report of Pachydermoperiostosis by Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Jie ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Li HUO ; Ke LYU ; Tao WANG ; Ze'nan XIA ; Xiao LONG ; Kexin XU ; Nan WU ; Bo YANG ; Weibo XIA ; Rongrong HU ; Limeng CHEN ; Ji LI ; Xia HONG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yagang ZUO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):75-82
A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in

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