1.Elucidating the Epigenetic Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing Novel CpG Sites and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Traits
Ren-Hua CHUNG ; Chun-Chao WANG ; Djeane Debora ONTHONI ; Ben-Yang LIAO ; Tzu-Sheng HSU ; Eden R. MARTIN ; Chao A. HSIUNG ; Wayne Huey-Herng SHEU ; Hung-Yi CHIOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):153-164
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, multifactorial disease with a significant global burden. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many T2DM-associated variants, most lie in non-coding regions, making it difficult to interpret their functional roles.
Methods:
We aimed to identify genetically regulated Cytosine–phosphate–Guanine (CpG) sites associated with T2DM by conducting a methylome-wide association study (MWAS), followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) and functional validation using human pancreatic cells and mouse models. MWAS was performed using summary statistics from large-scale GWAS and a DNA methylation (DNAm) prediction model to test associations between genetically predicted DNAm and T2DM.
Results:
We identified 111 CpG sites significantly associated with T2DM in Europeans, including 8 novel sites near genes not previously linked to T2DM. These findings were replicated in independent datasets. Many CpGs also showed associations with cardiometabolic traits, highlighting shared epigenetic mechanisms. Trans-ethnic MR analysis confirmed consistent effects for six CpGs in East Asians. Functional analysis revealed that several CpGs regulate gene expression in human pancreatic α- and β-cells. Among them, 2´-5´-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL) expression, regulated by a significant CpG, was differentially expressed in α-cells of T2DM cases compared to controls. Supporting evidence from mouse models suggests a role for OASL in glucose regulation.
Conclusion
Our study identifies novel genetically regulated CpG sites associated with T2DM risk and highlights OASL as a potential epigenetic regulator of glucose metabolism in α-cells. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the epigenetic architecture of T2DM and suggest potential targets for cross-ethnic biomarker development and therapeutic intervention.
2.Interference and treatment strategy of a novel anti-CD38 antibody—mezagitamab in pre-transfusion test
Hua WEI ; Dongxia REN ; Jingya ZHAO ; Shijie MU ; Longfei YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):784-788
Objective: To investigate the specific interference of the novel anti-CD38 antibody mezagitamab in pretransfusion testing, establish an immunomagnetic bead pre-treatment method to eliminate it, and evaluate its impact on other blood group systems and clinical timeliness, thereby providing experimental evidence and a solution for safe transfusion. Methods: MOLP8 cellular protein coated immunomagnetic beads were prepared. Unexpected antibody screening was performed on simulated samples with different mezagitamab concentrations to verify the interference elimination effect. The impact of immunomagnetic bead adsorption of mezagitamab on antigenantibody reactions in other blood group systems was assessed, and the duration of the interferenceeliminating effect was studied. Results: MOLP8-coated immunomagnetic beads were successfully prepared, which effectively eliminated mezagitamab interference at different concentrations without affecting other blood group detection, with a stable effect for 2 weeks. Conclusion: MOLP8 cellular protein-coated immunomagnetic beads efficiently and specifically eliminate mezagitamab-induced pre-transfusion testing interference without affecting other blood groups, providing a theoretical basis for safe transfusion in patients receiving mezagitamab therapy.
3.Automated Management of Zebrafish Strains and Zebrafish Facilities
Jiwen BU ; Ye HUA ; Shirong JIN ; Ningxin REN ; Funing LI ; Jiulin DU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):416-425
ObjectiveThis study aims to improve the management efficiency of zebrafish strains and zebrafish facilities and to transform the traditional management model that relies on manual labor. The goal is to promote a comprehensive transition from traditional manual operation to standardized, digitalized, automated, and refined management, thereby significantly improving management quality and work efficiency. MethodsThe research group independently developed the "Zebrafish Facility and Zebrafish Strain Automation Management System V1.0" (Software Copyright Registration No. 2021SR0236837), which comprehensively recorded all operational data of the zebrafish facilities and completed data on zebrafish strains. By combining in-depth mining of these data with management experience, management regulations were transformed into executable system instruction sets, and a full-process automated closed-loop management framework of "Monitoring–Analysis–Early Warning–Task Assignment–Execution–Recording" was established. ResultsThis management system has been operating stably for 5 years and has been successfully applied in 3 zebrafish facilities, cumulatively supporting 78 researchers and efficiently managing 1 108 plasmids and 1 123 zebrafish strains, among which 291 strains has been incorporated into zebrafish sperm bank management. A Likert scale survey of 28 core users covering 14 evaluation dimensions across 4 major categories showed average scores of 4.46–4.89, all far above the midpoint (3 points) of the scale, indicating that users gave high evaluations to all dimensions of the system. Meanwhile, the standard deviations of most dimensions were low (s ≤ 0.44), reflecting good consistency in user evaluations. ConclusionThis study integrates information technology, big data analysis, and modern management concepts to achieve a virtuous cycle of "data collection–analysis and execution–system optimization" in zebrafish facility management. It significantly improves management efficiency and refinement and promotes the development of management models toward automation.
4.Expert consensus on prognostic evaluation of cochlear implantation in hereditary hearing loss.
Xinyu SHI ; Xianbao CAO ; Renjie CHAI ; Suijun CHEN ; Juan FENG ; Ningyu FENG ; Xia GAO ; Lulu GUO ; Yuhe LIU ; Ling LU ; Lingyun MEI ; Xiaoyun QIAN ; Dongdong REN ; Haibo SHI ; Duoduo TAO ; Qin WANG ; Zhaoyan WANG ; Shuo WANG ; Wei WANG ; Ming XIA ; Hao XIONG ; Baicheng XU ; Kai XU ; Lei XU ; Hua YANG ; Jun YANG ; Pingli YANG ; Wei YUAN ; Dingjun ZHA ; Chunming ZHANG ; Hongzheng ZHANG ; Juan ZHANG ; Tianhong ZHANG ; Wenqi ZUO ; Wenyan LI ; Yongyi YUAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Yu ZHAO ; Fang ZHENG ; Yu SUN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(9):798-808
Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation(CI) serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system(Favorable, Marginal, Poor). The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss(such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1) and syndromic hereditary hearing loss(such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome), which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans
;
Cochlear Implantation
;
Prognosis
;
Hearing Loss/surgery*
;
Consensus
;
Connexin 26
;
Mutation
;
Sulfate Transporters
;
Connexins/genetics*
5.Application of a new super-micro flap in endoscopic tympanoplasty.
Hua LIAO ; Wenjing WANG ; Lei WANG ; Yong XU ; Xilin YANG ; Jie REN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(12):1110-1113
Objective:To introduce a new design of super-micro flap for endoscopic ear surgery, and to evaluate the application effect of super-micro flap in endoscopic tympanoplasty. Methods:Between January, 2023 and March, 2024, 58 patients(64 ears) with tympanosclerosis underwent tympanoplasty with super-micro flap. Continuous irrigating mode endoscopic ear surgery(CIM-EES) was used to complete type Ⅱ or Ⅲ tympanoplasty with the tragus cartilage with followed up for 12 to 24 months. The operation time, postoperative efficacy and complications were statistically analyzed. Results:Of the 64 ears, 63 ears had primary healing of the tympanic membrane, and 1 ear had cartilage necrosis due to multi-drug resistant bacteria infection. The second operation was performed one year later, and the success rate of operation was 98.40%. The average operation time was (48.40±8.86) minutes. The average hearing threshold of 0.5 kHz to 4.0 kHz before operation was (59.63±10.62) dB HL, and the average air conduction threshold of 0.5 kHz to 4.0 kHz one year after operation was(38.79±10.91) dB HL, which was significantly improved compared with that before operation(P<0.01). Bone conduction threshold also improved significantly (24.49±8.55) dB HL vs(21.88±7.58) dB HL(P<0.01). No outer tympanic membrane healing and ear canal scar stenosis occurred. Conclusion:The design of super-micro flap can effectively solve the interference of flap floating during continuous irrigating mode in endoscopic ear surgery, relieve the difficulty of flap reposition, simplify the operation process, help to shorten the operation time, and reduce the possibility of circular scar stenosis of conventional free flap, which provides a new flap design option for endoscopic ear surgery.
Humans
;
Tympanoplasty/methods*
;
Endoscopy/methods*
;
Surgical Flaps
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Myringosclerosis/surgery*
;
Middle Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Tympanic Membrane/surgery*
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
6.Curcumae Rhizoma: An anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine.
Yu LUO ; Lin ZHU ; Zhengyu REN ; Jian XIAO ; Erwei HAO ; Jiahong LU ; Jinmin ZHAO ; Chun YAO ; Yitao WANG ; Hua LUO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):428-447
Curcumae Rhizoma, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma phaeocaulis, Curcuma kwangsiensis and Curcuma wenyujin, was called Ezhu in China. In the past, Curcumae Rhizoma extracts were obtained through water decoction or alternative methods, which showed significant anti-cancer effects. However, the mixed extracts contain various compound components of Curcumae Rhizoma, leading to an ambiguous mechanism of action for Curcumae Rhizoma extracts anti-cancer. Contemporary researchers have extracted the chemical components of Curcumae Rhizoma separately for experimental verification of its active ingredients in the anti-cancer field. Numerous studies demonstrated that curcumol, germacrone, β-elemene, and curcumin in Curcumae Rhizoma extracts have significant governing effects in anti-cancer activities. Pharmacological studies have shown that Curcumae Rhizoma suppresses cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, triggering apoptosis and regulating cellular autophagy to achieve anticancer effects. Here, we summarized the research progress of Curcumae Rhizoma on anti-cancer effects from 2013 to 2022, aiming to explore the deeper molecular mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma's active components in cancer treatment.
7.Retrospective analysis of application value of percutaneous plate internal fixation after external fixation stenting in patients with open fracture of tibial shaft.
Peng-Fei CAI ; Wei ZHAO ; Jin-Hua WANG ; Ren-Sheng CHEN ; Xiao-Fei LI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(3):273-279
OBJECTIVE:
To compare clinical effects of external fixation and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) after external fixation in treating open fractures of tibial shaft.
METHODS:
From January 2020 to June 2022, 151 patients with open fracture of tibial shaft treated with external fixation stenting were divided into external fixation group and combined group according to different surgical methods. There were 81 patients in external fixation group, including 48 males and 33 females, aged from 21 to 68 years old with an average of (42.58±7.44) years old;according to Gustilo classification, 49 patients with typeⅡ, 32 patients with type ⅢA;the time from injury to treatment ranged from 2.5 to 10 h with an average of (4.25±0.74) h;external fixed stenting was performed. There were 70 patients in combined group, including 42 males and 28 females, aged from 20 to 69 years old with an average of (41.39±7.02) years old;35 patients with type Ⅱ and 35 patients with type ⅢA according to Gustilo classification;the time from injury to treatment ranged from 3 to 9 h with an average of (4.31±0.85) h;MIPPO treatment was performed after external fixed stenting. The time of callus formation, fracture healing and complications were compared between two groups. Rasmussen score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were used to evaluate functional recovery of knee joint at 6 months after operation.
RESULTS:
Both groups were followed up for 6 to 13 months with an average of (10.17±2.33) months. The time of callus formation and fracture healing were (13.98±4.02) d and (70.26±12.15) d in combined group, and (18.56±4.37) d and (79.87±15.41) d in external fixation group, respectively. Combined group was better than external fixation group in the time of callus formation and fracture healing (P<0.05). At six months after operation, Rasmussen and HSS scores in combined group were (26.79±3.11) and (83.36±9.44), which were higher than those in external fixation group (24.51±4.63) and (79.63±8.46) (P<0.05). In external fixation group, there were 2 patients with incision infection, 2 patients with nail tract infection, 1 patient with stent loosening, fracture displacement, delayed union and malunion, and 1 patient with biocompatibility reaction in combined group, with statistical significance between two groups (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
MIPPO could accelerate callus formation and fracture healing, improve knee function, improve clinical effects and reduce complications in patients with open tibial shaft fractures after external and external fixation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Tibial Fractures/physiopathology*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Bone Plates
;
External Fixators
;
Fractures, Open/physiopathology*
;
Stents
;
Young Adult
8.Early impact of robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty on the treatment of varus knee arthritis.
Xin YANG ; Qing-Hao CHENG ; Fu-Qiang ZHANG ; Hua FAN ; Fu-Kang ZHANG ; Zhuang-Zhuang ZHANG ; Yong-Ze YANG ; An-Ren ZHANG ; Hong-Zhang GUO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):343-351
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical efficacy and advantages of robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with varus knee osteoarthritis.
METHODS:
Between October 2022 and June 2023, a total of 59 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis resulting in varus were treated with total knee arthroplasty, aged from 59 to 81 years with an average (70.90±4.63) years, including 19 mals and 40 females. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method used:28 patients in the robot group and 31 patients in the traditional group. The robot group consisted of 8 males and 20 femalse patients, with an average age of (70.54±4.80) years and an average disease duration of (14.89±8.72) months. The traditional group consisted of 11 males and 20 females patients, with an average age of (71.39±4.5) years and an average disease duration of (12.32±6.73) months. The operative duration, amount of bleeding during the operation, postoperative activity time after the operation, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and complications were compared between the two groups before and after the operation. Lateral tibia component (LTC), frontal tibia component (FTC), frontal femoral component (FFC) and lateral femoral component (LFC) were measured 6 months after operation Additionally, the degree of knee joint motility, American Knee Society score (KSS), and visual analogue scale(VAS) were compared before and after the operation.
RESULTS:
All patients had gradeⅠwound healing without any complications, and all patients were followed up for 6 to 8 months, with an average of (6.5±1.5) months. There were no significant differences preoperative imaging evaluation indexes (including HKA, LDFA, and MPTA), preoperative knee mobility, preoperative VAS, and preoperative KSS between the two groups (P>0.05). Comparing the operation time (109.11±7.16) min vs. (83.90±7.85) min, length of the incision (16.60±2.33) cm vs. (14.47±1.41) cm, intraoperative bleeding (106.93±6.15) ml vs. (147.97±7.62) ml, postoperative activity time (17.86±1.84) h vs. (21.77±2.68) h, between the two groups showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). There were significant differences in FFC (88.96±0.84)° vs. (87.93±1.09)° and LFC (88.57±1.10)° vs. (87.16±1.2)° between the two groups at 6 months after operation (P<0.05). The robotic group 1, 3, 6 months after KSS (75.96±3.96), (81.53±3.78), (84.50±3.29) scores, VAS (3.68±0.67), (2.43±0.79), (0.54±0.64), knee joint mobility (113.32±4.72) °, (123.93±3.99) °, (135.36±2.34) °;Traditional group KSS (73.77±4.18), (76.48±3.60), (80.19±3.28) scores, VAS (4.16±1.04), (3.03±0.75), (1.42±0.76) scores, knee joint mobility (109.19±6.95) °, (119.94±6.08) °, (134.48±2.14) °. Compared to before surgery, both groups showed significant improvement in KSS, VAS and knee mobility during the three follow-up visits (P<0.001). Additionally, postoperative HKA (180.39±1.95)° vs. (178.52±2.23)°, LDFA (89.67±0.63) ° vs. (89.63±0.63)°, and MPTA (89.44±0.55)° vs. (89.29±0.60)° were significantly improved in both groups compared to before surgery (P<0.001). The robotic group had higher KSS than the traditional group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05). The robotic group also had lower VAS than the traditional group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05). Furthermore, knee mobility was higher in the robotic group than those in the traditional group at 1 and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months after surgery.
CONCLUSION
Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty is a safe and effective method for total knee replacement. The use of robotics can improve the limb axis and prosthesis alignment for patients with preoperative varus deformity, resulting in better clinical and imaging outcomes compared to the conventional group.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods*
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
9.Novel biallelic MCMDC2 variants were associated with meiotic arrest and nonobstructive azoospermia.
Hao-Wei BAI ; Na LI ; Yu-Xiang ZHANG ; Jia-Qiang LUO ; Ru-Hui TIAN ; Peng LI ; Yu-Hua HUANG ; Fu-Rong BAI ; Cun-Zhong DENG ; Fu-Jun ZHAO ; Ren MO ; Ning CHI ; Yu-Chuan ZHOU ; Zheng LI ; Chen-Cheng YAO ; Er-Lei ZHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):268-275
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans
;
Male
;
Azoospermia/genetics*
;
Meiosis/genetics*
;
Spermatogenesis/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics*
;
Alleles
;
Infertility, Male/genetics*
10.Granulomatous primary central nervous system vasculitis in a child.
Ya-Nan ZHANG ; Chang-Hong DING ; Shu-Hong REN ; Wei-Hua ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Nan ZHANG ; Yu-Juan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(9):1140-1142
A 14-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to a single episode of afebrile seizure and four hours of impaired consciousness. Three months prior to admission, he had a history of bilateral uveitis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a mild elevation in white blood cell count. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced scans showed multiple abnormal signals in both cerebral hemispheres, with punctate and nodular enhancement. Susceptibility-weighted imaging revealed multiple punctate hemorrhages within lesions in the bilateral frontal and left parietal lobes, suggestive of vasculitis. Brain biopsy demonstrated inflammatory granulomatous lesions. No secondary causes were identified, and the final diagnosis was granulomatous primary central nervous system vasculitis. The patient's condition improved after treatment with methylprednisolone sodium succinate and mycophenolate mofetil. This report describes a rare case of granulomatous central nervous system vasculitis in a child and provides valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Humans
;
Male
;
Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/diagnosis*
;
Adolescent
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Granuloma/diagnosis*

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