1.Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L Inducing Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Regulating NUF2 and Influencing Magnesium Homeostasis
Yang HONG ; Di ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Lu PAN ; Lijiang ZHOU ; Mingdian YUAN ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):155-165
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the role of NDC80 kinetochore complex component (NUF2) and magnesium homeostasis in ovarian cancer cell apoptosis, as well as the regulatory mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) on NUF2 and magnesium homeostasis. MethodsOvarian cancer OVCAR3 cells were divided into a blank control group, a low-concentration Gyp-L group (50 µmol·L-1), a high-concentration Gyp-L group (100 µmol·L-1), and a cisplatin (15 µmol·L-1) group. The migration, proliferation, and apoptosis capabilities of OVCAR3 cells were evaluated through cell scratch assays, clonal experiments, and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining. Differentially expressed genes of ovarian cancer were screened by using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The interaction relationships of differentially expressed genes and proteins were analyzed via the Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING) database. The prognostic survival analysis was performed by using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the differential expression levels of genes were validated with the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. The mRNA expression levels of NUF2, magnesium homeostasis-related indicators, such as magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1), non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome 1 (NIPA1), NIPA-like domain containing 1 (NIPAL1), as well as apoptosis-related indicators B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in OVCAR3 cells, were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, Bcl-2, and Bax in OVCAR3 cells were quantitatively analyzed by ProteinSimple WES. A model of overexpression of NUF2 was constructed, and Gyp-L intervention was performed. The molecular mechanism by which Gyp-L induces ovarian cancer cell apoptosis by regulating NUF2 and influencing magnesium homeostasis was quantitatively analyzed and detected through cell cloning, TUNEL staining, Real-time PCR, and ProteinSimple WES. Finally, the Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsGyp-L significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation capabilities of OVCAR3 cells and promoted their apoptosis (P<0.05). Overexpression of NUF2 markedly increased the expression levels of MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2, while reducing the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). It also significantly elevated intracellular Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency and simultaneously inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Gyp-L could reverse the magnesium homeostasis imbalance and apoptosis inhibition caused by the overexpression of NUF2, downregulating the expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), while upregulating the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). ConclusionGyp-L can inhibit the occurrence of ovarian cancer, and its mechanism may involve inhibiting the expression of NUF2 to maintain magnesium homeostasis and inducing apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells.
2.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Kimura′s Disease
Shuning GUO ; Jiaxin ZHOU ; Zhaohui LU ; Yu CHEN ; Yang GUI ; Rongrong HU ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Yuxiang ZHI ; Fuquan ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Wen ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(3):309-317
This article reports a 14-year-old boy who presented with "a nearly 7-year history of a right upper arm mass and a more than 1-year history of cervical lymphadenopathy". His main clinical manifestations included a subcutaneous mass in the right upper arm, bilateral eyelid and submandibular masses, and multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes, accompanied by persistent peripheral blood eosinophilia. Biopsies of the right upper arm lesion and a left submandibular lymph node showed lymphoid hyperplasia with prominent eosinophilic infiltration, vascular and fibrous tissue proliferation, and eosinophilic microabscess formation in the left submandibular lymph node, confirming the diagnosis of Kimura′s disease. The lesions regressed markedly after glucocorticoid therapy but recurred after treatment discontinuation. Because the patient and his family were concerned about long-term glucocorticoid therapy, mepolizumab was subsequently administered. Peripheral eosinophil counts normalized, whereas the local tissue lesions showed limited improvement. A multidisciplinary team comprehensively evaluated the diagnosis, the need for repeat biopsy of atypical lymph nodes on imaging, the possible association between the cardiac valve abnormalities and the underlying disease, and subsequent treatment options. The patient is currently receiving methotrexate with folic acid supplementation and remains under regular follow-up. This case indicates that the diagnosis of Kimura′s disease relies on clinical manifestations and histopathological findings. Once diagnosed, comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment, and long-term management should be implemented.
3.Ditantang Ameliorates MAFLD in Rats Through UDPG-S1P-SREBP Axis-mediated Glycogen Synthesis
Lu PAN ; Zhe ZHAND ; Nan SONG ; Dongyu MIN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Yang HONG ; Meiling ZHANG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaru WANG ; Yunfei GAO ; Yupeng PEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):40-50
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Ditantang on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in rats by focusing on the regulation of glycogen synthesis mediated by the uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG)-site-1-protease (S1P)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) axis. MethodsMAFLD was modeled in SD rats by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Rats were randomized into a control group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.68, 5.36, and 10.72 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Ditantang groups, and a positive control (Yishanfu, 0.18 g·kg-1·d-1) group. Starting from week 9 of modeling, each treatment group received corresponding drug interventions via gavage. After the experiment, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. The levels of TG, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), glucose-1-phosphate (G1P), and UDPG in the liver tissue samples were measured by biochemical assay kits. Liver pathological morphology and lipid/glycogen deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, oil red O staining, and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Immunofluorescence assay was conducted to detect the expression and localization of phosphoglucomutase-1 (Pgm1) and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2 (Ugp2) in the rat liver. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to quantify mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of key glycogen synthesis enzymes (Pgm1 and Ugp2), key lipogenesis-related transcription factor SREBP and its target genes [acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthetase (FASN), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1)], as well as S1P. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TC, TG, LDL-C in the serum and TG and NEFA in the liver, decreased serum HDL-C level (P<0.01), reduced hepatic levels of G1P, G6P, UDPG, and glycogen (P<0.01), appearance of fat vacuoles of varying sizes and abundant red lipid droplets, with prominent lipid deposition and reduced areas of deep glycogen staining in the liver tissue, upregulated mRNA and protein levels of SREBP1, S1P, ACC, FASN, and SCD1 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA and protein levels of Pgm1 and Ugp2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all doses of Ditantang reduced the levels of TC and TG in the serum and TG and NEFA in the liver, while elevating the serum HDL-C level. Additionally, medium- and high-dose Ditantang reducted the LDL-C level (P<0.05). Ditantang at all doses increased the hepatic levels of G1P, G6P, UDPG, and glycogen, alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition, enhanced glycogen storage, downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of SREBP1, S1P, ACC, FASN, and SCD1 (P<0.05), while upregulating the expression of Pgm1 and Ugp2 (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased fluorescence intensity of S1P and enhanced fluorescence intensity of Ugp2 (P<0.01). ConclusionDitantang can regulate glycogen synthesis through the UDPG-S1P-SREBP axis to prevent and treat MAFLD.
4.Application and advances of endoscopic technique in thyroid surgery
Jiaxin LU ; Feihong JI ; Xinguang QIU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(1):14-18
Thyroid nodule, especially thyroid cancer, is one of the most common endocrine surgical diseases at present. Its incidence is increasing, and the demand for surgery is also increasing.The neck scar caused by traditional surgery cannot satisfy the patients′ demand for aesthetics.Therefore, endoscopic techniques, including da Vinci robotic surgery, have gradually become a hot spot for clinical exploration.This article reviews the application and advances of endoscopic techniques in thyroid surgery.
5.A real-world study on efficacy of different second-line treatment strategies following the progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies in driver gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Luying ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIANG ; Kelei ZHAO ; Xiaohan YUAN ; Liangbo LIU ; Ping LU ; Guifang ZHANG ; Min ZHANG
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(7):419-425
Objective:To explore the efficacy of different second-line treatment strategies in the real world after progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies in patients with driver gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 93 driver gene-negative advanced NSCLC patients who received first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University and Xinxiang Central Hospital. Patients were categorized into immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) -resistant ( n=43) and ICIs-responsive ( n=50) groups according to whether progression free survival (PFS) exceeded 6 months after first-line treatment. Patients were categorized into ICIs-treated ( n=55) and non-ICIs-treated ( n=38), anti-angiogenic-treated ( n=51) and non-anti-angiogenic-treated ( n=42) groups according to the different second-line treatment strategies after progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies. The median PFS2 (mPFS2) and median overall survival (mOS) 2 after second-line treatment of each group were compared. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results:The mPFS2 and mOS2 of 93 advanced NSCLC patients who progressed after first-line ICIs treatment were 4.9 months (95% CI: 4.1-5.7 months) and 14.7 months (95% CI: 11.2-18.2 months). The mPFS2 of patients in the first-line ICIs-responsive and ICIs-resistant groups were 6.0 and 3.8 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=2.00, P=0.157), and the mOS2 were 25.3 and 11.3 months, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=12.13, P<0.001). The mPFS2 of patients in the second-line ICIs-treated group and the non-ICIs-treated group were 5.2 and 4.6 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.16, P=0.687). The mOS2 were 15.1 and 12.7 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.01, P=0.930). The mPFS2 of patients in the second-line anti-angiogenic-treated and non-anti-angiogenic-treated groups were 4.5 and 6.0 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.41, P=0.525), the mOS2 were 14.7 and 16.8 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.01, P=0.943) . Conclusions:After progression of first-line ICIs therapy in patients with driver gene-negative advanced NSCLC, first-line ICIs-responsive patients have significantly longer OS after second-line treatment compared with ICIs-resistant patients. The efficacy of second-line therapy in patients after progression of first-line ICIs therapy does not show significant differences due to the type of treatment strategies.
6.Exploring the Application of Terahertz Technology for Defensive Qi Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hengwei YUAN ; Xingyu YAO ; Xiaoxian LU ; Yifan ZHANG ; Wenjie ZHANG ; Jiaxin LI ; Wang XI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2584-2588
Terahertz(THz)technology,as an emerging tool for characterizing biomacromolecules,has rapidly developed over the past few decades,demonstrating significant application potential in multiple fields.Defensive qi is a vital energy in the human body,responsible for defense functions by warming the skin,regulating the opening and closing of the striae and interstices,and resisting the invasion of external pathogens.Defensive qi is one of the core concepts for disease prevention and health maintenance in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,due to the high abstraction and complexity of TCM theory,the scientific connotation and mechanism of action of defensive qi remained incompletely elucidated.THz waves have the unique physical properties of molecular vibration sensitivity,penetrability,and thermal radiation effects,and are highly sensitive to biological tissues,which make THz technology a promising tool for defensive qi research.By analyzing the characteristics of THz waves,this paper explores the feasibility of applying THz technology to investigate the circulation patterns of defensive qi,the prevention and treatment of disorders related defensive qi,the pathological essence of defensive qi diseases,the material basis of defensive qi,the screening of defensive qi disorders,and the development of novel drugs targeting defensive qi disorders.This approach provides a new perspective and methodology for the research of TCM fundamental theory.
7.Differential Characteristics of Human Airway Organoids at Different Stages of Differentiation After Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Jiaxin LUO ; Wenhao YANG ; Yanan HU ; Danli LU ; Lina CHEN ; Hanmin LIU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(2):411-418
Objective To investigate the differences in pathological changes and immune responses of human airway organoids at different stages of differentiation following respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection.Methods Models of human fetal lung organoids(FLO)and induced airway organoids(iAO)were established to simulate immature and mature airway epithelium.Immunofluorescence staining,electron microscopy,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR)were used to confirm the successful construction of the lung organoid models.Human lung organoids were infected with RSV,and samples were collected at 6 and 48 hours post-infection.The immune characteristics of immature and mature RSV-infected organoids were assessed using immunofluorescence staining,droplet digital PCR(DDPCR),and Q-PCR.Results We successfully generated FLO expressing both the progenitor markers sex determining region Y-box transcription factor 2(SOX2)and sex determining region Y-box transcription factor 9(SOX9),as well as iAO containing basal cells,ciliated cells,club cells,and goblet cells.In addition,organoid models of RSV infection were established.DDPCR results showed that,at the initial stage of RSV infection,the viral load in iAO was significantly higher than that in FLO(P<0.001).However,at 48 hours post-infection,the viral load in iAO was lower than that in FLO(P<0.05).Q-PCR results indicated that the expression of RSV infection receptor genes,including epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF1R),and nucleolin(NCL),was significantly higher in iAO compared to that in FLO(P<0.001).RSV infection led to an increase in the expression levels of immune factors,including interleukin 6(ILL-6),interleukin 8(CXCL8),interferon α(IFN-α),granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF),granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF),and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α),in iAO compared to those in FLO,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The expression of RSV infection receptor proteins increases with airway maturation,and mature airway epithelial cells exhibit a stronger immune response than immature ones do,effectively inhibiting RSV replication.
8.Correlation between quantitative airway parameters and disease severity of coal workers' pneumoconiosis based on HRCT
Jiaxin ZHOU ; Shaohui ZHAO ; Yifan WANG ; Jie XUAN ; Haiqin LU ; Li ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(4):247-253
Objective:To observe the changes of small airway parameters in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis in different disease stages by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) , and analyze the correlation between them and the severity of the disease.Methods:From June 2016 to June 2023, 25 healthy volunteers and 71 untreated patients with coal worker's pneumoconiosis in the Fifth People's Hospital of Ningxia were selected as the research objects. The clinical and imaging data of the patients were collected, and the disease stages were performed according to the dust exposure history and high-kilovolt chest X-ray. The patients were divided into 4 groups: control group (25 cases) , coal workers' pneumoconiosis stage Ⅰ group (17 cases) , coal workers' pneumoconiosis stage Ⅱ group (32 cases) and coal workers' pneumoconiosis stage Ⅲ group (22 cases) . Quantitative chest HRCT parameters of each group were collected, including the square root of wall area at 10 mm inner perimeter (AWT-Pi10, Pi10) , airway wall thickness, airway wall volume, airway wall area percentage of the whole lung and the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th level airways, and low attenuation area percentage (LAA%) of the whole lung. Pulmonary function indicators were collected, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) and the percentage of its projected value [FEV 1 (%pred) ], the ratio of FEV 1 to forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC) and the percentage of its projected value[FEV 1/FVC (%pred) ]. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis H test and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the difference and correlation. Results:Compared with control group, FEV 1, FEV 1 (%pred) , FEV 1/FVC and FEV 1/FVC (%pred) in stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ coal workers' pneumoconiosis groups were lower ( P<0.05) . In addition, the FEV 1 and FEV 1 (%pred) of the stage Ⅲgroup were lower than those of the stageⅡ group ( P<0.05) , and the FEV 1/FVC and FEV 1/FVC (%pred) of the stage Ⅲgroup were lower than those of the stage Ⅰgroup ( P<0.05) . Compared with stage Ⅰ group, Pi10 in stage Ⅲ group were increased ( P < 0.05) at the 6th and 8th level airways, and airway wall thickness and airway wall volume in the 6th, 7th and 8th level airways of stage Ⅲgroup increased ( P<0.05) . Correlation analysis showed that all pulmonary function indexes were negatively correlated with Pi10 of whole lung and the 6th, 7th and 8th level airways ( P<0.05) , all pulmonary function indexes were negatively correlated with airway wall thickness of the 7th and 8th level airways ( P<0.05) , and FEV 1/FVC (%pred) was negatively correlated with airway wall volume of the 7th and 8th level airways ( P<0.05) . FEV 1, FEV 1 (%pred) , FEV 1/FVC (%pred) were negatively correlated with percentage of airway wall area of whole lung and the 6th, 7th and 8th level airways ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The quantitative airway parameters of coal workers' pneumoconiosis based on HRCT are correlated with pulmonary function indexes, which can reflect the severity of coal workers' pneumoconiosis.
9.Establishment of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method for detecting the N subgenome of SARS-CoV-2
Taoli HAN ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jiaxin ZHAO ; Pan LU ; Yang JIAO ; Jianhong ZHAO ; Yan GAO ; Shiyao ZHANG ; Kuankuan LIU ; Yujie LIU ; Ru FAN ; Wenjing LI ; Lingli SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):96-101
Objective:To establish a fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR assay based on N_sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 and preliminarily apply it on real samples.Methods:Recombinant plasmid, specific primers and probes of N_sgRNA were designed and synthesized based on Wuhan-Hu-1/2019_MN908947 and synthesis mechanism of subgenomic RNA (sgRNA). Using recombinant plasmid as amplification templates, the optimal reaction conditions and reaction system were screened according to the Ct value, fluorescence intensity, and shape of amplification curve and was evaluated for sensitivity, reproducibility, and specificity. Meanwhile, the possibility of practical application of the method was explored by testing 172 clinical samples and 256 municipal wastewater samples. Results:A qRT-PCR assay for N_sgRNA in SARS-CoV-2 was initially established. The detection limit of the assay was 20 copies/mL, and the variation coefficients of in-batch (0.002%~0.767%) and batch to batch repetition (0.016%~0.752%) were less than 1%. Only N_sgRNA recombinant plasmid was detected in the specificity assay. So the method is more highly sensitive, specific and reproducible. The RatiosgRNA/ gRNA of clinical samples HK.3, EG.5.1, JN.1 and their sub-lineages and their corresponding urban sewage samples in epidemic period were significantly different ( P<0.05). There is a strong correlation between the median of RatiosgRNA/ gRNA in clinical samples and sewage samples in the same period (correlation coefficient r=1.000, P=0.010). Conclusions:In this study, a qRT-PCR method for detecting N_sgRNA of SARS-CoV-2 was established and the method has the characteristics of higher sensitivity, stronger specificity and better repeatability, and it can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
10.Effect of influenza vaccination on influenza cluster epidemic in primary and secondary schools in Beijing in surveillance during 2023-2024
Yingying WANG ; Ying SUN ; Jia LI ; Wei DUAN ; Chunna MA ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Jiaxin MA ; Lu ZHANG ; Xiaodi HU ; Daitao ZHANG ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(9):1580-1585
Objective:To analyze the effect of influenza vaccination on influenza cluster epidemic in primary and secondary schools in Beijing during the 2023-2024 surveillance season and provide evidence for the improvement of influenza vaccination strategies.Methods:The incidence data of influenza cluster epidemic and influenza vaccination coverage in the schools in Beijing during 2023-2024 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze cluster epidemic characteristics, and χ2 test was used to compare incidence differences between groups, and OR value and vaccine effectiveness [VE=(1- OR)×100%] were calculated. A negative binomial regression model was used to evaluate the association between school vaccination rates and cluster epidemic risk. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends in relative risk ( RR) with increasing vaccination coverage and to determine the optimal vaccination threshold. Results:A total of 126 influenza cluster epidemic were reported in 115 primary and secondary schools in Beijing during 2023-2024 with the median size of 15 case, the average attack rate was 36.26% (2 033/5 607). The epidemics mainly occurred in urban area (70, 55.56%). Primary schools were the main setting (78, 61.90%), and influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant subtype (108, 85.71%). The overall influenza vaccination coverage in the primary and secondary students was 54.26%, while the average vaccination in classes affected by the epidemics was 58.57%. The overall protection rate was 47.62%, the protection rate was higher in primary schools (49.65%) than in secondary schools (46.60%). The protection rates against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (80.93%) and influenza B (Victoria lineage) (81.65%) were significantly higher than that against influenza A(H3N2) (44.19%). When school vaccination coverage reached ≥76.00%, the epidemic risk decreased by 52.82%.Conclusions:Even the match between influenza vaccine strains and circulating strains is suboptimal, increasing influenza vaccination coverage in schools can effectively reduce the risk for influenza cluster epidemic. In the future, measures such as policy guidance and public health education should be taken to further improve vaccination coverage, thereby establishing herd immunity and reducing the transmission risk of influenza in schools.

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