1.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
2.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
3.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
4.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
5.EGCG Promotes Aβ Clearance of Microglia Through Blockage of the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Axis Followed by Autophagy Activation
Yu LIN ; Kaiwen HUANG ; Honghai HONG ; Dan ZHU ; Yousheng MO ; Dongli LI ; Shuhuan FANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):486-497
ObjectiveTo clarify whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is involved in the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and autophagy induction by microglia, so as to explore the potential mechanisms of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsSix-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model and EGCG groups, with some additional wild type (WT) mice as the control group, each group consisting of 15 mice. The EGCG group received continuous gavage administration[5 mg/(kg·d)] for 8 weeks, followed by the open field test and Y-maze to assess the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Thioflavin-S staining was used to evaluate the content and distribution of amyloid β-protein (Aβ)in the brain parenchyma of the mice, and immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression levels of Aβ1-42, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) in the hippocampal tissue of the mice. Additionally, N9 mouse microglial cells were induced with 20 µmol/L Aβ1-42, and the cell viability was measured after treatment with different concentrations of EGCG (5 µmol/L, 10 µmol/L, 20 µmol/L). Western blotting was used to detect the levels of Aβ1-42, low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), amyloid precursor protein (APP), insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), neprilysin (NEP), microtubule associated protein 1 hydrogen chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase(PI3K), p-PI3K, protein kinase B (AKT), p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, and histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6). Finally, through the co-culture of microglial cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, cell viability and Caspase-3 levels were measured to verify the protective effect of EGCG-mediated Aβ clearance on neurons. ResultsEGCG increased the activity time and frequency of APP/PS1 mice in the central area of the open field (P<0.05), and enhanced the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test (P<0.01); EGCG reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice and increased the number of microglia; in vitro experiments showed that EGCG improved the survival rate of Aβ-induced N9 cells (P<0.01), upregulated RAGE activity (P<0.05), and promoted the internalization and phagocytosis of Aβ (P<0.01). ECGC activated microglial autophagy by downregulating the level of HDAC6 (P<0.05), inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR (P<0.001), and increasing the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I ratio (P<0.001); EGCG improved the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05) and reduced the activity of Caspase-3 (P<0.01) by clearing Aβ1-42 through microglia, and had a protective effect on neurons. ConclusionEGCG activates microglial autophagy to clear Aβ by targeting and inhibiting the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.
6.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.
7.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
8.Advances in pharmacological effects of ginseng,acorus calamus and its couplet medicine on Alzheimer's disease
Yu-Chen ZHU ; Bo-Yu KUANG ; Jin-Ping LIANG ; Xiao-Lei PEI ; Jia-Zhu ZHAO ; Shi-Feng CHU ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Yan-Tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(5):817-822
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease(AD)is complex and unclear.Existing drugs can only alleviate its symp-toms,and there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic drugs.As the representative drugs of tonic and enlightening medicine,ginseng and acorus calamus have pharmacological effects to improve memory,improve learning ability and reduce cognitive impairment,which are commonly used in Chinese med-icine for the treatment of dementia.The combination of ginseng and acorus calamus can further promote the active ingredients in-to brain to exert their medicinal effects,and delay the process of AD through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,modulation of neuronal-synaptic plasticity and other multiple pathways,with multi-level,multi-system and multi-target action characteristics.This paper attempts to summarize the existing research results and lay the foundation for further exploring the synergistic mech-anism of action of ginseng-acorus calamus combination and the dose-effect relationship of the combination,so as to provide a sci-entific basis for the development of innovative Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of AD.
9.Effect of salidroside on ischemic brain injury in rats
Qing-Qing WU ; Hui-Lin WU ; Bin-Bin ZHOU ; Zheng-Shuang YU ; Ze-Lin YANG ; Wen-Fang LAI ; Gui-Zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(5):873-880
Aim To study the permeability of salidro-side(Sal)to the blood brain barrier(BBB)by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ioniza-tion tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-MS-MS),and to explore the target and mechanism of Sal in the treatment of ischemic stroke(IS)by network pharma-cology,molecular docking technique and animal exper-iment.Methods UPLC-ESI-MS/MS was used to study the BBB penetration of Sal.Multiple databases were used to predict the target of Sal and the disease target of IS,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed and verified by molecular docking technique and animal experiments.Results After Sal adminis-tration to normal rats and MCAO rats,Sal prototype and the metabolite tyrosol were detected in plasma and brain tissue of rats.A total of 191 targets were identi-fied by network pharmacology,the enrichment analysis of GO mainly involved in the biological processes of proteolysis and positive regulation of cell migration,and the analysis of KEGG pathway suggested that PI3K-Akt,MAPK,FOXO and other signaling path-ways played a key role in the treatment of IS by Sal The results of molecular docking showed that Sal had good binding ability with the core target of docking,and the results of animal experiments showed that Sal could significantly improve the neurologic impairment of MCAO rats,the number of Nissl-positive cells in is-chemic side significantly increased,and the expression of VEGF,EGFR and IGF1 increased,while the ex-pression of IL-6 and MMP9 was inhibited.Conclu-sions Sal is able to penetrate the BBB and enter the central nervous system for its pharmacological effects.Network pharmacology predicts the core targets of Sal in the treatment of IS,including VEGFA,EGFR,IL-6,MMP9,IGF1,CASP3,ALB,SRC.The effects of Sal on some core targets can be verified by animal ex-periments,to provide a reference for further study of the mechanism of Sal in the treatment of IS.
10.Advances in exosomes and Alzheimer's disease
Jin-Ping LIANG ; Yu-Chen ZHU ; Sha-Sha LIU ; Yang SUN ; Bo-Yu KUANG ; Shi-Feng CHU ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Qi-Di AI ; Yan-Tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1628-1633
Exosomes represent a class of nanoscale extracellular vesicles that facilitate the exchange of genetic information among various cells.Alzheimer's disease(AD)stands as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by its subtle and advan-cing onset,representing the foremost form of dementia lacking effective therapeutic interventions.Notably,investigations have illuminated the involvement of exosomes in the pathogenesis of AD,attributing diagnostic and therapeutic significance to their role,particularly concerning exosomal microRNAs(miRNA).The miRNAs carried by exosomes serve as potential biomarkers for AD,while also exhibiting potential benefits in ameliorating cognitive dysfunction in individuals afflicted by AD.This article aims to comprehensively review the origins of exosomes(encom-passing both mesenchymal cell-derived exosomes and brain-de-rived exosomes)and their potential as therapeutic agents targe-ting AD.

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