1.Role of pyroptosis in hepatic fibrosis and related research advances
Yongfan JIN ; Chunmei ZHAO ; Wenlin TAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):197-202
Hepatic fibrosis is not only a pathological process of hepatic self-repair after chronic liver injury, but also a critical stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis. Studies have shown that as a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis plays an important role in various diseases and is also considered a potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the association of pyroptosis in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatic macrophages with hepatic fibrosis and discusses pyroptosis-mediated therapeutic strategies targeting hepatic fibrosis.
2.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
3.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
4.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
5.Genetic Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sarcopenia: A Bidirectional Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomized Study
Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Yueqin JIN ; Leping MA ; Xiaole ZHAO ; Xiaoqing FANG ; Fenfang YUAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):304-310
Objective:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, often accompanied by motor function disorders. Sarcopenia not only has skeletal muscle dysfunction but also has neurocognitive dysfunction. At present, there is no research to explore the relationship between ADHD and skeletal muscle function. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there is a causal effect between ADHD and sarcopenia.
Methods:
In this study, genome-wide association study data of ADHD, appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and walking pace (WP) were extracted from public databases. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was employed to investigate the correlation between ADHD and sarcopenia-related indicators, and the inverse-variance weighted analysis as the primary analysis method.
Results:
Based on the forward MR analysis, a potential causal relationship exists between ADHD and ALM (odds ratio [OR]=1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.029, p<0.001). The reverse MR analysis indicates a link between WP and the risk of ADHD (OR=2.712, 95% CI: 1.609–4.571, p<0.001), with an accelerated WP increasing the likelihood of ADHD. Nevertheless, other MR analysis results did not show significant differences.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an intricate causal relationship between ADHD and sarcopenia, suggesting the absence of a clear link. WP may be used as one of the indicators to evaluate the risk of ADHD. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the ALM of ADHD patients.
6.Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative review
Jin LI ; Ying LUO ; Youxing LI ; Yufeng ZHAO ; Yeli ZHONG ; Rentong HU ; Bin ZHONG ; Yanli LI ; Shuang ZHAO
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e76-
This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013 and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods (93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification, which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills; developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology education.
7.Professor TONG Xiaolin's Experience in Treating Prediabetes with Overweight and Obesity Using the Method of Relieving Depression and Reducing Turbidity
Sicheng WANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Yan YAN ; Zishan JIN ; Boxun ZHANG ; Qingwei LI ; Xiaoxuan XU ; Linhua ZHAO ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1424-1427
To summarise the clinical experience of Professor TONG Xiaolin in treating prediabetes combined with overweight or obesity using the method of relieving depression and reducing turbidity. It is believed that prediabetes belongs to the category of "spleen-heat syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine, and its core pathogenesis is center fullness with internal heat, while obesity is the initiating factor for exacerbating center fullness and internal heat, therefore, it is of great significance to reduce the risk of diabetes by interrupting the transformation between overweight, obesity and glucose metabolism abnormality. It is proposed that the main pathogenesis of prediabetes combined with overweight or obesity is qi depression and turbidity obstruction in middle jiao, with qi depression as the root and turbidity obstruction as the cause, forming a treatment idea with the method of relieving depression and reducing turbidity as the core. In clinic, Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction (大黄黄连泻心汤) is used as the basic prescription, with a primary focus on directing the turbid downward, supplemented by regulating qi, which embodies the concept of "promoting movement through descent, then figuring out the root of spleen-heat syndrome. Furthermore, the treatment is flexibly modified based on the patient's deficiency-excess syndrome to ensure individualized therapy.
8.Correlation between attentional cognitive function and symptoms in school aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
DUAN Guiqin, ZHAO Mingfang, WANG Ganyu, YIN Jiabao, NIE Wenhao, JIN Tingting, WANG Xiaoyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):827-831
Objective:
To investigate the attention cognitive function and symptom correlations of school aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)using event related potential (ERP) technology, so as to provide references for the early diagnosis of children with ADHD.
Methods:
A total of 52 school aged children diagnosed with ADHD at the outpatient department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2022 to September 2024 and 50 age /sex matched healthy controls were selected. The ERP experiment adopted the auditory Oddball task to conduct comparative analyses of the amplitude and latency of the mismatch negative(MMN) at the Fz, Cz, and Pz points of the scalp electrode and the P3a component respectively. The symptom assessment scales adopted the Swanson,Nolan,and Pelham-Ⅳ Rating Scale (SNAP-Ⅳ) and the Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ), which were filled out by the parents. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between ERP components and symptoms in schoolaged children with ADHD.
Results:
The latency of MMN components in the healthy control group on the Fz lead was (188.30±2.06)ms, and the amplitude was (-15.54±1.35)μV; the latency of the P3a component on the Pz lead was (312.82±7.80)ms, and the amplitude was (3.80±0.18)μV. The latency of MMN components in the ADHD group on the Fz lead was (188.94±1.39)ms, and the amplitude was (-14.78±1.40)μV; the latency of the P3a component on the Pz lead was (317.21±5.65)ms, and the amplitude was (3.70±0.13)μV. Compared with normal children, the MMN of children with ADHD had smaller amplitudes in the Fz and Cz leads, and the P3a had greater latency and smaller amplitudes in the Cz and Pz leads ( t =2.79,2.20;-2.04,-3.25;2.35,3.21, P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the latency of MMN in children with ADHD was positively correlated with the inattention score in the SNAP-Ⅳ( r =0.22), and the amplitude of MMN was negatively correlated with the inattention score in the SNAP-Ⅳ and the learning problem score in PSQ ( r = -0.26 , -0.34)( P <0.05). The latency of P3a was positively correlated with the scores of inattention in the SNAP-Ⅳ and the score of learning problems in the PSQ ( r =0.26 ,0.24); the amplitude of P3a was negatively correlated with the scores of attention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity in the SNAP-Ⅳ and the scores of learning problems and impulsivity/hyperactivity in the PSQ( r = -0.26 , -0.22, -0.25,-0.32)( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged ADHD children exhibit abnormal MMN/P3a components, indicating attention related cognitive dysfunction. Symptoms such as inattention, learning problems and hyperactivity/impulsivity in children with ADHD are related to abnormal components of MMN and P3a.
9.Inhibitory Effect of Exosomes Loaded with Ginsenoside Rh2 on Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Meile LI ; Ziyue ZHAO ; Kai JIN ; Yu’an XIE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):578-584
Objective To explore the effects of exosomes loaded with ginsenoside Rh2 on the biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods Both Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cell were equally divided into control group, exosome group (Exos group), drug group (G-Rh2 group), and exosomes-loaded-with-ginsenoside Rh2 group (Exos@G-Rh2 group). The effects of each group on the viability, clonogenic ability, migration ability, invasion ability, and apoptotic level of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected through CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, cell scratch assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Results Compared with the control group, the Exos@G-Rh2 group and G-Rh2 group showed significantly decreased cell viability, clonogenic ability, and migration and invasion capabilities, along with a markedly increased cell apoptosis rate (P<0.05). These changes were more pronounced in the Exos@G-Rh2 group than in the G-Rh2 group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exos@G-Rh2 can effectively inhibit the viability and clonogenic, migration, and invasion abilities of liver cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis. This effect is stronger than that of free G-Rh2 at the same concentration.
10.Association of diabetes and risk of tuberculosis in community population in Shanghai
Jin LI ; Qi ZHAO ; Jinyan ZOU ; Yong LI ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Liping LU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):42-46
Objective To explore the association of diabetes status with the development of tuberculosis (TB) among the community population in Shanghai, and to provide evidence for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control strategies. Methods This population-based cohort study was based on Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) in China. The baseline data were acquired by questionnaires, physical examinations and blood biochemistry tests. TB incidence was obtained by matching with TB management information system data. A Cox proportional risk model was established to assess the risk of tuberculosis. Results A total of 36 014 research subjects were included, with an average age of 56.3±11.3 years, of which 14 587 (40.5%) were male. Over 6 years of follow-up, 47 individuals progressed to tuberculosis (incidence rate: 19.8 per 100 000 person-year, 95% CI: 14.6 -26.4). An increased risk of TB was observed in participants with newly diagnosed diabetes compared with those without diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.19 - 6.28). Conclusion The risk of tuberculosis in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is significantly increased, and strengthening tuberculosis screening for this population should be considered in practical work.


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