1.Mechanism of action of gut microbiota in chronic pancreatitis fibrosis and related treatment strategies
Yunjun YAN ; Liang SHENG ; Qi WANG ; Shun PENG ; Jia LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):484-489
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in clinical practice characterized by progressive inflammatory fibrosis of the pancreas. Gut microbiota, known as the “second genome” of humans, bidirectionally modulates the progression of fibrosis in CP via the gut-pancreas axis. This article systematically elaborates on the characteristics of gut microbiota during the progression of CP and its molecular mechanism in mediating pancreatic fibrosis through bacterial translocation, metabolites, immune regulatory networks, and microbe-pancreatic stellate cell interactions, with a focus on the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids and inflammatory cytokine networks in pancreatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition. In addition, this article explores the potential value of gut microbiota-targeted interventions in the prevention and treatment of CP fibrosis, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses the translational potential of using multi-omics technologies to identify diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for CP, in order to provide new ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of CP.
2.Strategies and Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience with 44 Consecutive Cases
Haibin CHEN ; Qi JIA ; Guosai ZHANG ; Linbo ZHAO ; Sheng LIU
Neurointervention 2026;21(2):70-78
Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs), with a focus on endovascular protocols tailored to different anatomical subtypes.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 44 consecutive patients with ruptured VADAs treated from December 2014 to October 2024. Treatment strategies were guided by aneurysm location: parent artery occlusion (PAO) was used for lesions in non-dominant VAs, while stent-assisted coiling (SAC) reconstruction was used for aneurysms in dominant VAs. Patients were stratified by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3-month follow-up (favorable: mRS 0–2; unfavorable: mRS 3–6).
Results:
All procedures were technically successful, including 12 single SAC, 13 overlapping SAC, and 19 with PAO (2 involving posterior inferior cerebellar artery preservation). Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 50.0% of single SAC cases, 76.9% overlapping SAC, and 100% in the PAO group. Six (13.6%) procedure-related complications occurred, including 2 hemorrhagic and 4 ischemic events. Thirty patients (68.2%) had favorable outcomes, and the unfavorable outcomes group showed a higher incidence of ischemic events (P=0.012). An initial poor Hunt–Hess grade (≥IV) was an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio 6.35, 95% confidence interval 1.24–32.59; P=0.027). Angiographic follow-up was performed for 34 aneurysms, with complete occlusion achieved in 32 (94.1%); the remaining 2 patients were retreated.
Conclusion
Endovascular management is safe and effective for ruptured VADAs. Anatomical stratification—PAO for non-dominant VA lesions and SAC for dominant VA aneurysms—may help achieve favorable outcomes.
3.Protective effect of short-chain fatty acids against liver fibrosis and analogical application of its mechanism to pancreatic fibrosis
Yunjun YAN ; Liang SHENG ; Qi WANG ; Shun PENG ; Jia LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1160-1165
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the main metabolic products generated by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota. Studies have shown that SCFA not only play a role in energy metabolism, but also act as important signaling molecules, exhibiting a significant potential in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis. The core mechanism of SCFA mainly involves the regulation of various key signaling pathways by activating G protein-coupled receptors and inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylase, thereby suppressing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) and pancreatic stellate cell (PSC), which is a key link in fibrosis formation. In addition, SCFA can effectively alleviate tissue inflammation response, improve intestinal barrier function, and regulate gut microbiota balance, thus indirectly preventing the process of fibrosis mediated by the “gut-liver/pancreas axis”. Compared with the research on SCFA in liver fibrosis, studies on their role in pancreatic fibrosis are limited. Given that HSC and PSC are highly homologous, the transcription factors and proteins that have been confirmed in liver fibrosis-related studies are also similarly expressed in PSC, suggesting that they may also influence the activation of PSC. This article systematically summarizes the recent advances in the research on SCFA in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis, in order to provide new perspectives for exploring the mechanism of pancreatic fibrosis and developing related interventional strategies.
4.Effects of Er Miao Wan on skin lesion inflammation in atopic dermatitis mice and the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage
Sheng-jin YANG ; Yan-jiao LIU ; Cheng LU ; Shi-jun DENG ; Jing LI ; Xin-jia ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rui-rui WANG ; Li-juan ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3591-3600
AIM To explore the relieving effect of Er Miao Wan on atopic dermatitis in mice.METHODS In vivo experiment:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group(2 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose groups of Er Miao Wan(4.68,2.34 and 1.17 g/kg).The mouse model of atopic dermatitis was established by repeatedly smearing DNCB solution,and the model was given orally for 21 days.The skin lesion condition on the back of mice,ear swelling degree,and the weight difference between ear lobes were observed and recorded.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the skin lesion tissues of mice.Toluidine blue(TB)staining was used to observe the infiltration of mast cells in skin lesions.The expression of macrophage marker F4/80 in skin lesions was detected by IHC.The serum levels of TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE were detected by ELISA.In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells in logarithmic growth period were given 400,200 and 100 μg/mL Er Miao Wan for intervention.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method.NO level in cell supernatant was detected by Griess method.TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA method.The expressions of proteins related to the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells was detected by Western blot.RESULTS In vivo experiment:Compared with the model group,the scores of back skin lesions,the swelling degree of right ear and the weight difference between left and right ear pieces in the high-dose group of Er Miao Wan decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the thickness of skin lesions decreased,the infiltration of mast cells and macrophages decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the inflammatory factors TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE levels in serum decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of F4/80 in the skin lesions decreased(P<0.01).In vitro experiment:Compared with the model group,the levels of NO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in Er Miao Wan 400 and 200 μg/mL groups decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the phosphorylation levels of P38,JNK and P65 proteins decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Er Miao Wan can alleviate skin lesion inflammation in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage,reducing macrophage infiltration and reducing Th2 cytokines.
5.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
6.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
7.Knowledge, attitude and practice investigation of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome among residents in epidemic areas in Qingdao
Lin LI ; Jingmin XIE ; Xiaowen WANG ; Xiaojuan GONG ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Xinlei BI ; Changmin SHENG ; Jing JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):162-168
Objective:To understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of residents in areas endemic for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and the factors influencing these aspects, to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of SFTS among residents in endemic areas.Methods:A multi-stage sampling method was used to select subjects for a questionnaire survey, and the collected data were analyzed and compared.Results:The awareness rate of SFTS-related knowledge among residents in the endemic areas of Qingdao was 14.38%, while the awareness rate of tick-related knowledge was 69.78%. The mean score for protective attitudes among residents in the endemic areas was 24.50±4.09, and the mean score for protective behaviors was 11.20±2.76. Among residents of different ages, occupations, and educational levels, comparisons of SFTS-related knowledge awareness rates ( χ2=293.553, P<0.001; χ2=495.216, P<0.001; χ2=677.272, P<0.001), tick-related knowledge awareness rates ( χ2=29.986, P<0.001; χ2=23.239, P=0.002; χ2=41.003, P<0.001), protective attitude scores ( H=52.094, P<0.001; H=33.446, P<0.001; H=81.715, P<0.001), and protective behavior scores ( H=52.344, P<0.001; H=28.465, P<0.001; H=67.061, P<0.001) showed statistically significant differences. Comparisons of these same factors among residents of different genders showed no statistically significant differences ( χ2=1.159, P=0.282; χ2=0.298, P=0.585; t=-0.808, P=0.419; t=-1.229, P=0.219). Comparisons of tick-related knowledge awareness rates among residents with different frequencies of outdoor work showed no statistically significant differences ( χ2=5.367, P=0.147); however, comparisons of SFTS-related knowledge awareness rates, protective attitude scores, and protective behavior scores among residents with different frequencies of outdoor work showed statistically significant differences ( χ2=117.010, P<0.001; F=4.127, P=0.006; H=56.280, P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that older age, lower educational level, and less frequent outdoor work were associated with lower protective behavior scores ( t=-3.479, P<0.001; t=4.861, P<0.001; t=-7.753, P<0.001). Conclusions:Residents in the epidemic areas of SFTS have a low level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Factors influencing protective behaviors include age, occupation, educational level, and frequency of outdoor work. Farmers are a group that requires particular attention.
8.An Epithelial Senescence Model Induced by Doxorubicin in MCF 10A Cells
Zeng-Sheng WANG ; Zu-Biao NIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Jia-Hui HAO ; Yi-Chao ZHU ; Rui-Gang YANG ; He REN ; Chen-Yu LIU ; Qiang SUN ; Li-Cheng REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):147-155
This research aims to construct a stable epithelial cell senescence model for screening and e-valuation of senolytics.We explored the optimal conditions for doxorubicin-induced senescence of non-transformed epithelial cells MCF 10A,including the optimal induction concentration,the optimal inter-vention time,and the optimal senescence duration,and confirmed the feasibility of MCF 10A as an epi-thelial senescence model by multiple ways.The optimal condition for Doxorubicin-induced senescence of MCF 10A cells was treatment with 0.6 μmol/L Doxorubicin for 16 h to achieve the best senescence state on the 8th day.Under the optimal induction conditions,the positive rate of senescence-associated β-gal-actosidase(SA-β-gal)staining in the treated group reached 97%.At the same time,biochemical results of detecting the expression of mRNA,proteins,and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the expression levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),p16,p21 and p53 in the treated group were significantly higher than those in the control cells,and Lamin B1 was significantly decreased(P<0.001),which were consistent with the specific characteristics of senescence.In summary,an epithelial senescence model was successfully induced in MCF 10A cells by Doxorubicin in this study,which will promote the screening of senolytics for senescent epithelial cells.
9.Prognostic analysis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after con-version therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy: a multicenter study
Kongying LIN ; Jia LIN ; Zisen LAI ; Yongping LAI ; Kui WANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Zhibo ZHANG ; Jingdong LI ; Sheng TAI ; Shifeng WANG ; Siming ZHENG ; Jianxi ZHANG ; Lu ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Jiacheng ZHANG ; Jiahui LYU ; Liming HUANG ; Yongyi ZENG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(1):103-112
Objective:To investigate the prognosis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 103 patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were admitted to 11 medical centers in China, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from November 2019 to May 2023 were collected. There were 83 males and 20 females, aged (54±12)years. All 103 patients underwent conversion therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) successfully followed by sequential hepatectomy, of which 72 patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant therapy were divided into the adjuvant therapy group, and 31 patients undergoing postoperative follow-up monitoring were divided into the follow-up monitoring group. Observation indicators: (1) follow-up and postoperative condi-tions; (2) analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients; (3) stratified ana-lysis. Comparison of count data between group was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The R software was used to draw survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results:(1) Follow-up and postoperative conditions. All 103 patients were followed up for 21.0(range, 1.9?47.2)months, with the median recurrence-free survival time of 28.7 months and the 1-, 2-, 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 68.6%, 55.6%, 41.2%. The median overall survival time of 103 patients was unreached, and the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 82.1%, 69.6%, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival time was 33.1 months in patients of the adjuvant therapy group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 77.2%, 61.5%. The median recurrence-free survival time was 11.1 months in patients of the follow-up monitoring group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 46.6%, 40.8%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups of patients ( χ2=5.492, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients. Results of multivariate analy-sis showed that pathologic complete response and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of HCC patients undergoing conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy ( hazard ratio=0.297, 0.492, 95% confidence interval as 0.137?0.647, 0.268?0.903, P<0.05). (3) Stratified analysis. Of the 71 patients with non-pathologic complete response, the median recurrence-free survival time of 48 patients in the adjuvant therapy group was 24.0 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 67.4%, 48.8%. The median recurrence-free survival time of 23 patients with non-pathological complete response in the follow-up monitoring group was 7.4 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 35.0%, 26.3%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the 48 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the adjuvant therapy group and the 23 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the follow-up monitoring group ( χ2=5.241, P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with conversion therapy of TKIs and ICIs followed by sequential hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, compared to postoperative follow-up monitoring, can prolong the recurrence-free survival time of patients, of whom cases with non-pathologic complete response can benefit from adjuvant therapy.
10.Treating Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy by Down-regulating NOX4 to Inhibit the Oxidative Stress Pathway in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Shu-Qi FENG ; Guo-Rong JIN ; Qun-Hang XUE ; Min HE ; Ze-Hang WANG ; Jia-Xin YAO ; Long CHEN ; Yu-Jiao WANG ; An-Xiu ZHANG ; Sheng HE ; Bing-Rui ZHOU ; Jun XIE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):730-740
Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage renal diseases.In DN patients,key pathological mechanisms include proteinuria,glomerulo-sclerosis,and fibrosis,largely driven by poor glycemic control and oxidative stress caused by prolonged hyperglycemia.This stress damages renal podocytes and triggers inflammatory mesenchymal infiltration of renal tubular cells,exacerbating the progression of proteinuria and fibrosis.Human umbilical cord-de-rived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)offer promising potential for treating DN due to their strong anti-oxidative properties.In this study,we developed a DN mouse model and treated the mouse via tail vein injections of hUC-MSCs(1×106 cells/mouse).The results indicated that hUC-MSCs significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels(22.5±3.0 vs 14.7±1.1,P<0.01)and improved glucose toler-ance,as shown by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)results(P<0.05).Additionally,the renal function improved in hUC-MSCs-treated mice,with marked reductions in oxidative stress markers,including blood urea nitrogen(BUN),urinary creatinine(Ucr),urinary protein(PRO),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.05).Histological analyses through hematoxy-lin-eosin(H&E),Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS),and Sirius red staining demonstrated alleviation of glo-merular mesangial hyperplasia,glomerular hypertrophy,and tubular inflammation.Furthermore,hUC-MSCs treatment downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins,such as NADPH oxi-dase 4(NOX4)and thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP),and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)production(P<0.05).Meanwhile,human renal cortical proximal tubule epithelial cells(HK-2 cells)were selected for validation in vitro experiments using high glucose treatment followed by super-natants of hUC-MSCs(MSC-CM),and Western blotting showed that the expression of both NOX4 and TXNIP was inhibited(P<0.05)and ROS expression was reduced.In conclusion,hUC-MSC treatment effectively lowered blood glucose levels and improved renal function in DN mice,likely through the sup-pression of NOX4 expression and TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail