1.Mechanism and therapeutic targets of angiopoietin-like protein 4 in diabetic retinopathy
Jingrong FENG ; Yan LI ; Xiaocao REN ; Jixin LI ; Yu MA ; Wenfang ZHANG ; Yi YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):785-791
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)remains the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapies are limited by inadequate response in some patients and the necessity for repeated intravitreal injections, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Angiopoietin-like protein 4(ANGPTL4), a multifunctional secreted protein, has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of DR, positioning it as a promising interventional target. This review systematically elaborates the biological characteristics of ANGPTL4, with a focus on its expression dynamics, molecular mechanisms, and regulatory networks rolesin the development of DR. Furthermore, the prospects of ANGPTL4-targeted therapeutic strategies are discussed, aiming to offer new insights and directions for understanding DR pathogenesis, advancing multi-target drug development, and improving clinical management.
2.Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Jingrong QU ; Bo WANG ; Yulong WANG ; Hao LI ; Xiaomei AN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):21-32
This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.
3.Effect of up-regulation of miR-31 expression on osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells through Wnt-β/catenin signaling pathway
Yaqi ZHANG ; Jing MI ; Jingrong YANG ; Xinming LI ; Li LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):412-419
Objective:To investigate the effect of up-regulation of microRNA-31(miRNA-31)on the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs),and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:The DPSCs in logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group(no treatment),NC group(transfected with random sequence control),Agomir group(transfected withmiR-31 mimic agomiR-31),and combination group(transfected with miR-31 mimic agomiR-31 and added with XAV939).After 48 h of transfection,real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the expression levels of miR-31 in the DPSCs in various groups.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation abilities of the DPSCs in various groups.Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium deposition in the DPSCs in various groups.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining was used to detect the degree of osteogenic differentiation of the DPSCs in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of proteins related to the wingless-type MMTV integration site family(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway in the DPSCs in various groups.Results:There were no significant differences in the miR-31 expression level,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP ability between control group and NC group(P>0.05).Compared with control group and NC group,the expression level of miR-31,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP activity in the DPSCs in Agomir group were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Agomir group,the expression level of miR-31,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP activity in the DPSCs in combination group were decreased(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in the expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β),β-catenin and Runt-associated transcription factor 2(Runx2)in the DPSCs between control group and NC group(P>0.05).Compared with control group and NC group,the expression level of GSK-3β protein in the DPSCs in Agomir group was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of β-catenin and Runx2 proteins in the DPSCs were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Agomir group,the expression level of GSK-3β protein in the DPSCs in combination group was increased(P<0.05),while the expression levels of β-catenin and Runx2 proteins were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Up-regulation of miR-31 can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
4.Applications and mechanisms of the therapeutic low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the immune cell modulation
Yingxin LI ; Tianshu LIU ; Qiaofeng JIN ; Xueke LI ; Jiani QIU ; Jingrong JIANG ; Mingxing XIE ; Jing WANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):270-276
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(LIPUS),with its remarkable advantages of higher safety and better penetrability,has gradually become a novel method of physical adjuvant therapy. Previous studies have verified that LIPUS can modulate the immune response of different immune cells such as macrophage,T lymphocyte,and neutrophil by reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore,it plays a crucial role on acceleration of fracture healing,expedition of wound repair,and repairation of myocardial injury. The review summarizes the regulatory effects and potential mechanisms of LIPUS on abnormal immune cell responses triggered by various diseases.
5.Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Jingrong QU ; Bo WANG ; Yulong WANG ; Hao LI ; Xiaomei AN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):21-32
This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.
6.Correlation between cardiopulmonary capacity and heart rate recovery after exercise in patients with coronary borderline lesions
Li TANG ; Xiaozhen GE ; Jie LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Jingrong WANG ; Xuebing ZUO ; Guodong WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(7):838-845
Objective To investigate the characteristics and correlation between peak oxygen uptake(VO?peak)and heart rate recov-ery(HRR)during cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET)in patients with coronary borderline lesions.Methods From January,2022 to January,2024,183 patients with coronary borderline lesions in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were divided into low cardiorespiratory fitness(LCF)group(n=61),moderate cardiorespiratory fitness(MCF)group(n=62)and high cardiorespiratory fitness(HCF)group(n=60)based on VO?peak.Their characteristics and CPET parameters including VO?peak,exercise-phase heart rate(HR1,HR2,HR3),and post-exercise heart rate recovery(HRR1,HRR2,HRR3)were analyzed.Results After adjusting for age and body mass index,analysis of covariance showed that the peak heart rate,HR1,HR2 and HR3 were the lowest in LCF group(F>5.388,P<0.01).Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the inter-and intra-group effects were significant in HRR(F>14.561,P<0.001).Partial correlation analy-sis showed that VO?peak positively correlated with HRR1(r=0.404,P<0.001),HRR2(r=0.379,P<0.001)and HRR3(r=0.425,P<0.001).Conclusion In patients with coronary artery borderline lesions,VO?peak demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with HRR,the lower the VO?peak,the more delays of HRR.
7.Relationship between serum homocysteine,25-hydroxyvitamin D and frailty and sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jingrong DAI ; Yan LI ; Jie LI ; Hong HUANG ; Xu HE ; Fei XIAO ; Fang HUANG ; Qingfang LIU
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(11):820-826
Objective To explore the correlation between serum homocysteine(Hcy),25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and frailty with type 2 diabites mellitus(T2DM)complicated with sarcopenia.Methods From September 2021 to March 2023,210 elderly T2DM patients were selected from the Department of Geriatrics of The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province,and divided into simple T2DM(n=99)group,mild sarcopenia(M-Sar,n=59)group and severe sarcopenia(S-Sar,n=52)group.The"Elderly Comprehensive Assessment System"was used to evaluate subjects.The influencing factors of T2DM complicated with sarcopenia were analyzed by Logistic regression.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of Hcy,25(OH)D combined with frailty in evaluating T2DM with sarcopenia.Results In T2DM,M-Sar and S-Sar groups,the age,Hcy,the risk rate of balance gait work falling and the rate of weakness increased in turn(P<0.05),while BMI,hemoglobin,25(OH)D,the rate of good nutrition,the normal rate of basic daily living,the low risk rate of falling,the rate of good balance gait function and the rate of no weakness decreased in turn(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum Hcy,frailty and 25(OH)D were the influencing factors of senile T2DM complicated with sarcopenia.Hcy,25(OH)D and frailty combined to predict T2DM with sarcopenia had an area under ROC carve of 0.815,with a sensitivity of 0.811 and a specificity of 0.717.Conclusions Serum Hcy,25(OH)D and frailty are closely related to T2DM combined with sarcopenia.Detection of Hcy and 25(OH)D combined with frailty score is helpful for early diagnosis of sarcopenia in primary hospitals.
8.Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Jingrong QU ; Bo WANG ; Yulong WANG ; Hao LI ; Xiaomei AN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):21-32
This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.
9.Relationship between partial activated thromboplastin time, lactate dehydrogenase-1, neutrophils and rhabdomyolysis associated acute kidney injury in exertional heat stroke patients
Jingrong DAI ; Hui LI ; Bin LIU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):404-410
Objective:To investigate the relationship between partial activated thromboplastin time (APTT), lactate dehydrogenase-1 (LDH-1), neutrophil (NEU) and rhabdomyolysis (RM) -associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in exertional heat stroke (EHS) patients.Methods:The valid data of 261 EHS patients hospitalized in the General Hospital of the Southern Theater Command of the PLA from May 2008 to November 2019 were respectively included as the study objects, including 147 patients with RM. Basic data and peripheral blood indexes of the patients were collected, and the patients with RM were divided into non-AKI group and AKI group according to whether they had AKI. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors of RM combined with AKI, and ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of relevant indicators on RM concurrent AKI.Results:Among 147 patients with RM, 57 (38.8%) had AKI. Using whether RM was combined with AKI as the dependent variable, variables showing statistical significance ( P<0.05) in univariate analysis were included as independent variables. Model 1 was established through binary logistic regression analysis, while Model 2 was derived using forward selection. The results of Model 2 revealed that NEU ( OR=1.196, 95% CI: 1.082-1.322, P<0.05), LDH-1 ( OR=1.015, 95% CI: 1.005-1.024, P<0.05), and APTT ( OR=1.013, 95% CI: 1.004-1.022, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for RM patients complicated with AKI ( all P<0.05). The AIC value for Model 1 was 166.914, while that for Model 2 was 150.276, indicating that Model 2 outperformed Model 1. The predictive value of NEU, LDH-1 combined with APTT for RM complicated by AKI: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.830 (95% CI: 0.764-0.897). When the critical value is ≥0.387, it indicates RM complicated by AKI, with a specificity of 0.719 and a sensitivity of 0.811. Conclusions:NEU, LDH-1 and APTT are closely related to AKI in RM, and the combined detection of NEU, LDH-1 and APTT is helpful for early diagnosis of AKI in RM.
10.Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Jingrong QU ; Bo WANG ; Yulong WANG ; Hao LI ; Xiaomei AN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):21-32
This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.

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