1.Association of growth hormone secretagogue receptor rs2922126 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Xue HAN ; Hongcheng WANG ; Shousheng LIU ; Yongning XIN ; Zhenzhen ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1802-1807
ObjectiveTo investigate growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) rs2922126 gene polymorphisms and their association with genetic susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Chinese Han population in Qingdao, China, and to provide a basis for diagnosis and treatment. MethodsA total of 220 patients who were admitted to Qingdao Municipal Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 and were diagnosed with NAFLD based on radiological examination were enrolled as NAFLD group, and 167 healthy individuals during the same period of time were enrolled as control group. Fasting blood samples were collected from all subjects, and related biochemical parameters were measured. Whole blood DNA was extracted, and polymerase chain reaction and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer were used for genotyping. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups. The binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk of NAFLD. ResultsCompared with the control group, the NAFLD group had significantly higher age, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as a significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein (all P0.05). The distribution of GHSR rs2922126 genotypes was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting population representativeness in the subjects enrolled (NAFLD group: P=0.106; control group: P=0.849). There was no significant difference in the distribution of AA, TA, and TT genotypes at GHSR rs2922126 locus between the control group and the NAFLD group (P=0.099), and there was also no significant difference in allele frequency between the two groups (P=0.063). In the recessive model of A allele, there was a significant difference in the distribution of AA homozygote and TA+TT genotype between the NAFLD group and the control group (P=0.032). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that in the recessive model of A allele, AA homozygote carriers had an increased risk of NAFLD compared with TA+TT genotype carriers (odds ratio [OR]=1.712, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.045 — 2.807, P=0.033). There was still a significant difference after adjustment for sex, age, and BMI (OR=2.156, 95%CI: 1.221 — 3.808, P=0.008). In the NAFLD group, AA genotype carriers had a significantly higher serum level of total cholesterol (TC) than TT+TA carriers (Z=-1.99,P=0.046). ConclusionGHSR rs2922126 AA genotype may be associated with the increased risk of NAFLD in the Chinese Han population in Qingdao, and GHSR rs2922126 AA genotype is associated with the increase in TC in NAFLD patients.
2.SIRT1 inhibits D-galactose-induced cardiomyocyte aging and apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Ruixue CHEN ; Shujin PANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yining GUO ; Hongcheng FANG ; Hongxue LÜ ; Lingjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(3):463-471
AIM:To investigate the effect of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)on the degree of aging and apoptosis in a mouse cardiomyocyte aging model through the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.METHODS:An in vi-tro aging model was established by inducing HL-1 cells with 40 μmol/L D-galactose(D-Gal).The HL-1 cells were trans-fected with a lentivirus overexpressing SIRT1,and the transfection efficiency was verified by Western blot.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1,P53,P21,cleaved caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),β-catenin,Wnt3a and c-Myc.Senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining was used to detect cellular senescence level.MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect the cell viability,and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis.RESULTS:Treatment of HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes with D-Gal led to in-creases in the expression levels of aging-related proteins P53 and P21,as well as an increase in SIRT1 protein level.Addi-tionally,the SA-β-Gal staining showed a significant increase in the positive area(P<0.05).The expression levels of apop-tosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were elevated,while the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was re-duced(P<0.05).There was a marked decrease in cell viability(P<0.05),and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate(P<0.05),which was positively correlated with the duration of D-Gal treatment.Overexpression of SIRT1 notably reduced both aging and apoptosis levels after 48 h of D-Gal treatment(P<0.05).After D-Gal treatment,the expression levels of β-catenin,c-Myc and Wnt3a proteins were up-regulated.However,these levels were reduced when SIRT1 was overexpressed.Moreover,the addition of LiCl,a Wnt/β-catenin pathway agonist,resulted in increased expression levels of β-catenin,c-Myc and Wnt3a proteins compared with the group with SIRT1 overexpres-sion and D-Gal treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:SIRT1 inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis and alleviates cardiomyo-cyte aging through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
3.Analysis of the efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy in schizophrenia patients across different genders
Jiajun REN ; Yuting LI ; Tingting WANG ; Shuangshuang FENG ; Hongcheng XIE ; Junfan LIANG ; Hongli ZHANG ; Ziyuan LIN ; Bo XIANG ; Kezhi LIU ; Xuemei LIANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):89-94
Objective To Investigate the efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy(MECT)in patients with schizophrenia across different genders.Methods From May 2018 to August 2022,481 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Luzhou,Zigong,and Yibin.According to gender grouping,both groups received adjunctive MECT treatment for two consecutive weeks for a total of six treatments.The differences in positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS)scores before and after treatment,UKU adverse reaction rating scale(UKU),and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After quality control,463 cases were followed up for analysis including 246 males and 217 females.Compared with pre-treatment,the total PANSS score and scores on each subscale were significantly reduced in both genders after treatment(P<0.001).When comparing the reduction rates between the groups,the male patients showed a higher reduction rate in negative symptoms than the female patients(31.24%±30.24%vs.25.80%±33.96%,P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the two groups in the reduction rates of the total score,positive symptoms,and general psychopathology(P>0.05).The comparison of adverse reactions showed that the frequency of other types of adverse reactions was higher in female patients than in male patients(47.47%vs.37.80%,P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in the adverse reactions related to the mental,neurological,autonomic nervous system,and gastrointestinal systems(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was positively correlated with smoking history(r=0.135,P=0.034)and alcohol history(r=0.160,P=0.012)in male patients,while the reduction rate of the PANSS total score was negatively correlated with the disease duration(r=-0.210,P=0.002)and positively correlated with the age of onset(r=0.145,P=0.032)in female patients.Conclusion MECT is significantly effective for both male and female patients with schizophrenia.Compared to female patients,MECT shows a more pronounced effect on negative symptoms in male patients.Additionally,the factors related to the efficacy of MECT differ between genders,indicating that it is necessary to consider the clinical characteristics of patients comprehensively when selecting an MECT treatment plan.
4.Two case reports of pediatric urinary non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Haiyan LIANG ; Hongcheng SONG ; Xingfeng YAO ; Bei WANG ; Ning LI ; Weiping ZHANG ; Ning SUN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(1):65-66
Pediatric urological non-Hodgkin lymphoma is relatively rare.When a single renal or ureteral tumor with multiple lymph node or bone metastases is present, it is very easy to be misdiagnosed as urinary tumor with metastasis, resulting in unnecessary radical nephrectomy. This paper reports two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with single urinary nodules. Case 1 was diagnosed with a 4.5cm tumor in the right kidney due to fever and fatigue. CT and PET-CT showed multiple bone destruction and lymph node metastasis. Renal biopsy was performed and ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma was diagnosed. Chemotherapy was effective for 6 months. Case 2 was diagnosed with left hydronephrosis due to intermittent low back pain for 2 weeks. Ultrasound examination revealed ureteral dilation with left hydronephrosis and low echo occupying of the lower ureter. The patient had sudden blurred vision before surgery. MRI examination revealed space occupying in the right optic nerve frame, and PET-CT found multiple bone, lymph nodes and nerve invasion. A lymph node biopsy was performed and Burkitt lymphoma was diagnosed. After 6 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the tumor shrank significantly.
5.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.
6.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.
7.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.
8.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.
9.Two case reports of pediatric urinary non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Haiyan LIANG ; Hongcheng SONG ; Xingfeng YAO ; Bei WANG ; Ning LI ; Weiping ZHANG ; Ning SUN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(1):65-66
Pediatric urological non-Hodgkin lymphoma is relatively rare.When a single renal or ureteral tumor with multiple lymph node or bone metastases is present, it is very easy to be misdiagnosed as urinary tumor with metastasis, resulting in unnecessary radical nephrectomy. This paper reports two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with single urinary nodules. Case 1 was diagnosed with a 4.5cm tumor in the right kidney due to fever and fatigue. CT and PET-CT showed multiple bone destruction and lymph node metastasis. Renal biopsy was performed and ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma was diagnosed. Chemotherapy was effective for 6 months. Case 2 was diagnosed with left hydronephrosis due to intermittent low back pain for 2 weeks. Ultrasound examination revealed ureteral dilation with left hydronephrosis and low echo occupying of the lower ureter. The patient had sudden blurred vision before surgery. MRI examination revealed space occupying in the right optic nerve frame, and PET-CT found multiple bone, lymph nodes and nerve invasion. A lymph node biopsy was performed and Burkitt lymphoma was diagnosed. After 6 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the tumor shrank significantly.
10.Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Revealed an Unidirectional Causal Relationship Between Left Caudal Middle Frontal Surface Area and Cigarette Consumption
Hongcheng XIE ; Anlin WANG ; Minglan YU ; Tingting WANG ; Xuemei LIANG ; Rongfang HE ; Chaohua HUANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN ; Youguo TAN ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):279-286
Objective:
Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them.
Methods:
To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted.
Results:
The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4).
Conclusion
Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.

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