1.Research progress on the correlation of dry eye with depression
Feng JIN ; Baoyue MI ; Jingqing MU ; Jingjing CAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):74-79
Dry eye disease is a chronic ocular surface disorder of multifactorial origin, characterized by a loss of tear film homeostasis and associated with a range of ocular discomfort symptoms. Growing evidence underscores a significant bidirectional relationship between dry eye and depression: individuals with dry eye disease exhibit a higher prevalence of depressive disorders, and conversely, those diagnosed with depression demonstrate an increased susceptibility to developing dry eye. This interplay is mediated through several pathophysiological pathways, such as chronic inflammation, cerebral functional alterations, gut microbiome dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, which may collectively sustain a vicious cycle. The use of antidepressant therapy introduces further complexity, exerting heterogeneous effects on dry eye—some agents may offer symptomatic relief, whereas others can aggravate ocular surface impairment. The mechanisms responsible for these differential outcomes remain incompletely elucidated and merit further investigation. This review systematically consolidates epidemiological data on the dry eye-depression link, examines potential shared pathological mechanisms, and evaluates current therapeutic options. We propose an integrated management approach that combines conventional dry eye treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, physical activity and antidepressants—a multimodal strategy that may yield synergistic benefits in alleviating both ocular and affective symptoms, thereby improving overall quality of life. Moving forward, research should focus on deciphering the underlying mechanistic pathways and facilitating the translation of these insights into clinical practice to inform targeted, combined treatment regimens for patients with dry eye and depression.
2.Action mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids against cerebral ischemia based on transcriptome sequencing
Liangliang TIAN ; Rui ZHOU ; Guangzhao CAO ; Jingjing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4161-4171
BACKGROUND:Coptis chinensis can clear heat,dry dampness,relieve fire,and detoxify.Coptis chinensis and its components have a significant protective effect on cerebral ischemia.The action mechanism of anti-cerebral ischemia of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids was explored based on network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing. OBJECTIVE:Based on the study of the protective effects of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on cerebral ischemia of rats,the action mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids intervention in cerebral ischemia was investigated by using network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing technology. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,ischemia/reperfusion group,positive drug group,and Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids group.The ischemia/reperfusion model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was prepared by modified thread method in the latter three groups.No thread was inserted and the other operations were the same in the sham operation group.TTC staining,Longa 5 neurological deficient score,hematoxylin and eosin staining,and Nissl staining were used to evaluate the protective effect of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on ischemia/reperfusion model rats.Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the brain tissues of rats in sham operation group,ischemia/reperfusion group,and Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids group.Differentially expressed genes,gene Ontology analysis,Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis,and Correlation Analysis of Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology were used to elucidate the effect of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on cerebral ischemia.Finally,ELISA and immunofluorescence staining were used to verify the key targets of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids in the intervention of cerebral ischemia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment decreased the Longa 5 neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction area of ischemia/reperfusion model rats,increased the number of neurons and Nissl bodies.(2)Differentially expressed gene after Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment analyzed by functional enrichment analysis of gene ontology includes biological processes such as inflammatory reaction and positive regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.The enrichment analysis of Kyoto gene and genome encyclopedia analysis pathway mainly involves interleukin-17 signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-mconophosphate signaling pathway and so on.(3)Analysis of transcriptomics showed that the main genes regulated by Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids were prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(4)Network pharmacology analysis revealed that nine components in Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids may exert their effects by associating with 87 targets related to prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(5)ELISA and immunofluorescence staining results further confirmed that Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids regulated the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(6)It is concluded that Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment can significantly improve the injury in ischemia/reperfusion model rats,possibly by regulating prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.
3.Effects of long working hours, shift rotation, and job stress on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among key occupational populations in Yunnan Province
Jun QI ; Jingjing CAO ; Meifeng ZHOU ; Ke ZHU ; Xingren LIU ; Linbo FAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):302-309
Background The adverse effects of long working hours, shift rotation, and job stress on the physical and mental health of occupational populations require urgent attention. Objective To investigate and compare the positive rates of WMSDs between different industries, analyze the exposure status of long working hours, shift rotation, and job stress among key occupational groups, and evaluate the impacts of these factors on WMSDs in the manufacturing and service industries. Methods The study subjects were derived from key occupational populations in Yunnan Province, recruited by the Chinese National Occupational Health Literacy Monitoring Survey in 2022. A cross-sectional design was used for this survey. The key occupational populations were recruited from the secondary industry (manufacturing industry, metal mining and beneficiation industry, and non-metal mining and beneficiation industry) by stratified random sampling and from the tertiary industry (medical and healthcare industry, education industry, environmental sanitation industry, transportation industry, and express/takeaway delivery industry) by proportional probability sampling, and
4.Research advances in microglial glucose metabolic reprogramming in central nervous system diseases
Lingyun BAI ; Jingjing KANG ; Xiang CAO
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(1):65-69
Serving as cerebral macrophages, microglial cells are meticulously regulated by the microenvironment of the central nervous system.In response to various environmental and cellular stresses, microglial cells are rapidly activated and exhibit either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotypes to maintain brain tissue homeostasis, and during this process, significant changes are observed in glucose metabolism of microglial cells. Aerobic glycolysis is the primary energy source for pro-inflammatory microglial cells, while oxidative phosphorylation is the energy source for anti-inflammatory microglial cells.This article systematically elaborates on glucose metabolism and glucose metabolic reprogramming pathways in microglial cells, as well as their role in central nervous system diseases. In addition, this article also discusses the potential of targeting glucose metabolic reprogramming in microglial cells for the treatment of related diseases.
5.Advancements and applications in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Shiya WANG ; Mingyi CAO ; Yifei CHEN ; Jingjing LIN ; Jiahao LI ; Xinyu WU ; Zhiyue DAI ; Yuhan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Xian LIU ; Liang-Ting LIN ; Jianbing WU ; Ji LIU ; Qifeng ZHONG ; Zhenwei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):641-657
Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including 223Ra, 90Y, Lutetium-177 (177Lu), 212Pb, and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans
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Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*
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Animals
6.Analysis of concurrent symptom networks and identification of symptom clusters in kidney transplant recipients
Minghuan ZHONG ; Weiwei CAO ; Jingjing YANG ; Chao LIU ; Shuai TANG ; Li MA ; Bei DING ; Yulin NIU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(20):60-66
Objective To explore the symptom clusters in renal transplant recipients and con-struct a concurrent symptom network to identify core symptoms.Methods A total of 343 patients with followed up after renal transplantation were selected as the study subjects.A general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale were employed to analyze the occurrence of symptoms in patients.In this study,only symptoms with an incidence rate greater than 20%and Spearman correlation coefficient greater than 0.40 between symptom severity and total score were retained.Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract symptom clusters with a factor loading of ≥0.45 as the criterion.The R language was utilized to construct symptom network,based on which core symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified.Results A total of 5 symptom clusters were extracted in this study:the neuro-gastrointestinal symp-tom cluster,the mood-related symptom cluster,the hormone-related symptom cluster,the energy de-ficiency symptom cluster and the vision-related symptom cluster.The core symptoms were anxiety(rs=1.75),mood swings(rs=1.50)and muscle weakness(rs=1.27).The top three symptoms in terms of bridge strength were muscle weakness(rb=0.87),lack of vitality(rb=0.66)and fa-tigue(rb=0.65).Conclusion Multiple symptoms are presented in patients after renal transplanta-tion.Based on the results of symptom network analysis,clinicians can strengthen the assessment of core symptoms and bridge symptoms to develop precise intervention strategies and improve the effectiveness of symptom management.
7.CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout library screening identifies BAG3 as a potential regulator of radiosensitivity
Zhengyue CAO ; Youfeng ZHANG ; Zhichun LÜ ; Huiying GAO ; Shensi XIANG ; Jingjing LI ; Xiaofei ZHENG ; Changyan LI
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):421-429
Objective To identify genetic regulators of ionizing radiation(IR)sensitivity through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas9)genome-wide screening.Methods A specialized single guide RNA(sgRNA)library was developed targeting 987 stress-response regulatory genes identified through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome and gene ontology(GO)databases,followed by construction of sgRNA plasmids and packaging into a lentiviral library.Using colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells as a model system,the Cas9-stable transgenic line was established via lentiviral transduction and antibiotic selection.Library-transduced cells underwent puromycin selection,followed by γ-irradiation(dose optimized via preliminary experiments).Post-irradiation phenotypic selection was conducted after 14 days,with subsequent next-generation sequencing of surviving cell populations to identify enriched/depleted sgRNAs.Candidate genes were functionally validated through orthogonal assays:cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)proliferation analysis,clonogenic survival assays and flow cytometric quantification of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and apoptotic markers.Results The optimized screening platform identified 281 radiation response genes(165 radiosensitive and 116 radioprotective candidates).Functional validation revealed Bcl2-associated athanogene 3(BAG3)knockdown significantly enhanced radioresistance.Proliferation was increased 1.2-1.5 fold,clonogenic survival improved 1.5-2.0 fold,and ROS was reduced by 13%-25%coupled with 32%-73%apoptosis attenuation compared to control groups.Conclusion The integrated CRISPR/Cas9 screening platform effectively identifies novel radiation response regulators,as evidenced by the discovery of BAG3 as a critical radiosensitivity determinant.This high-throughput functional genomics approach provides a robust methodology for systematically mapping molecular determinants of cellular radiation response,with potential applications in both mechanistic studies and therapeutic target discovery.
8.The Mechanism of miR-23 Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway to Improve Myocardial Angiogenesis in Hypertensive Heart Failure Rats
Haixing ZHANG ; Jingyun ZHANG ; Dandan XU ; Lu CAO ; Jingjing LI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(11):35-42
Objective To investigate the mechanisms by which miR-23 regulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to influence myocardial remodeling,fibrosis,and angiogenesis in hypertensive heart failure(HF)rats.Methods Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):a control group,a model group,an antagomir-NC group,and an antagomir-23 group.The HF model was established using a high-salt diet,and intervention was performed via tail vein injection of antagomir-23.Cardiac function parameters,the degree of myocardial fibrosis,cell apoptosis levels,and the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins including CD31,VEGF,and bFGF were measured in each group.Concurrently,the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was assessed.A dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm that miR-23 targets PI3K.Results Inhibition of miR-23 significantly improved cardiac function in hypertensive HF rats,reduced myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis,and enhanced the expression of CD31,VEGF,bFGF,and activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in hypertensive HF rats(all P<0.05).The dual-luciferase assay confirmed that miR-23 negatively regulates PI3K expression.Conclusion Inhibition of miR-23 can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway,promote angiogenesis,reduce myocardial damage,thereby delaying the progression of hypertensive heart failure.
9.Silencing Nodal inhibits the biological behavior of retinal vascular endothelial cells under high glucose conditions
Jingjing CAO ; Zhenyu KOU ; Qing WANG ; Tongtong ZHUANG ; Lijie DONG ; Linni WANG
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(2):136-141
Objective:To observe the effect of Nodal on the biological behavior of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) in monkeys with high glucose.Methods:RF/6A cells were divided into normal group, mannitol group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with non-specific small interfering RNA treatment group (HG+NC group), high glucose combined with small interfering Nodal treatment group (HG+siNodal group). The transfection efficiency of siNodal was observed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot protein immunoblotting. The effect of Nodal on the proliferation of RF/6A cells was detected by thiazole blue colorimetry. The effect of Nodal on migration ability of RF/6A cells was detected by cell scratch assay. The effect of Nodal on the formation of RF/6A cell lumen was measured by Matrigel three-dimensional in vitro. The expression of extracellular signal phosphorylated regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in RF/6A cells was detected by western blot protein immunoblotting. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups.Results:Compared with HG+NC group, Nodal protein ( F=33.469) and mRNA relative expression levels ( F=38.191) in HG+siNodal group were significantly decreased, cell proliferation was significantly decreased ( F=28.548), and cell migration ability was significantly decreased ( F=24.182). The number of cell lumen formation was significantly decreased ( F=52.643), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with HG+NC group, the relative expression of pERK1/2 protein in HG+siNodal group was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=44.462, P<0.01). Conclusions:Silencing Nodal expression can inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of RF/6A cells induced by high glucose. It may act by inhibiting pERK1/2 expression.
10.Effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota and related inflammatory factors in rats with Crohn disease
Qiong LIU ; Haolong HE ; Jingjing YANG ; Sihui CAO ; Lin CHEN ; Jingying ZHOU ; Xia LIU ; Zongbao YANG ; Mi LIU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(1):12-21
Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on gut microbiota and serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in Crohn disease(CD)model rats. Methods:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group with 10 rats and a modeling group with 26 rats.In the modeling group,the CD rat model was prepared with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)enema.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into a CD model(CD)group,an EA group,and a Western medicine(WM)group.The NC and CD groups received no treatment;the EA group was treated with EA for 20 min each time,with 7 consecutive days'intervention;the WM group received mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage once a day for 7 d.The changes in body mass and disease activity index(DAI)were observed.Serum IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissues,and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the structural changes of gut microbiota. Results:Compared with the NC group,the body mass of rats in the CD group decreased(P<0.01),and the DAI score increased(P<0.01);the colon tissue structure was disordered,and many inflammatory cells were present;also,IL-1β and TNF-α increased significantly(P<0.01).As a result,the diversity of gut microbiota decreased,and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria(such as Prevotella)increased,while the abundance of beneficial bacteria(such as Lactobacillus,Rochella,and Spirillum)decreased.After the intervention,compared with the CD group,the body mass of rats in the EA group and WM group increased(P<0.01);the DAI score decreased(P<0.01),the colon tissue structure improved,and the IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased(P<0.01);the diversity of gut microbiota increased(P<0.05),and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria decreased while the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased in the EA group;whereas the diversity of gut microbiota in the WM group was not statistically different(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA can reduce the damage of colon mucosa,regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota,and inhibit the serum inflammatory factor IL-1β and TNF-α expression in CD rats.

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