1.The mechanism of action of the insulin-like growth factor-1/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor signaling pathway in regulating liver fibrosis
Yan CUI ; Jingtao LI ; Junzhe JIAO ; Zhanjie CHANG ; Haibo ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):445-451
Liver fibrosis is caused by various factors such as viral infection, alcohol intake, and metabolism-related damage, leading to the replacement of normal tissue by fibrous scars. As a regulatory factor for cell proliferation, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) participates in the regulation of cell cycle, the promotion of cell proliferation and differentiation, and the inhibition of cell apoptosis by binding to its receptor insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Studies have shown that the IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling pathway can regulate the process of liver fibrosis by affecting the senescence and apoptosis of hepatocytes, the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, and the dysfunction of endothelial cells. In addition, the IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling system can also regulate multiple mechanisms such as DNA damage repair, cell proliferation, lipid metabolism, cell senescence, and oxidative stress, thereby providing new strategies and potential targets for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. This article summarizes the mechanism of action of IGF-1/IGF-1R and its signal transduction system in mediating liver fibrosis by regulating DNA damage repair in different cells, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
2.Association between endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Liang SHI ; Zhanjie CHANG ; Chunxiao YAN ; Junzhe JIAO ; Ruijuan YAN ; Shuguang YAN ; Jingtao LI ; Haibo ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1398-1403
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and the mechanism underlying its progression to metabolic associated steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis remain unclear. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ferroptosis (Fer) are deeply involved in the pathological evolution of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory mechanisms of ERS and its role in regulating lipid metabolism, inflammation response, and cell apoptosis in MAFLD. It also analyzes the core mechanism of Fer and discusses the predisposing factors for Fer in the pathological microenvironment of MAFLD, as well as the role of Fer in exacerbating hepatocyte death and activating the progression of liver fibrosis. This article proposes that the crosstalk between ERS and Fer is a key driver for the progression of MAFLD, which provides new references and ideas for the clinical intervention of MAFLD.
3.Dilemmas and solutions for the exercise of donors' right of revocation in organ donation
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(5):844-851
In the field of organ donation, the right of revocation of donors faces problems at the legal level, including unclear definition of the nature of the right, ambiguous legal liability after exercise, and the lack of specific exercise rules. At the practical level, there are obstacles such as the absence of a response mechanism for the exercise of the right of revocation in medical institutions, insufficient coordination and information transmission, and restriction on the exercise of the right by external pressure. Legally, the right of revocation in organ donation should be defined as a "special discretionary right of revocation" based on personal dignity. A liability allocation mode of "principally exempting donors from liability, supplemented by appropriate exceptions" should be established, and a staged procedural norm system matching the donation process should be formed. In practice, the core points should be eliminating medical institutions' concerns about implementation, establishing an efficient information transmission system, and creating a supportive social environment. Meanwhile, the review function of ethics committees and the privacy protection mechanism for donors who revoke donations should be improved to promote the organic unity of the protection of donors' rights and the development of the organ donation cause.
4.Huashi Baidu formula alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and acute lung injury in mice by targeting nuclear factor κB/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and peroxiredoxin 5: Erratum
Shengnan SHEN ; Liwei GU ; Qiaoli SHI ; Yongping ZHU ; Yanqing LIU ; Junzhe ZHANG ; Yuqing MENG ; Yinkwan WONG ; Wennan LUO ; Mengyao JIANG ; Ping SONG ; Jigang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):285-285
5.Resveratrol Ameliorates Obesity by Targeting NDUFS8/HMGB1 to Promote Adipocyte Browning and Inhibiting Adipose Inflammation
Zedong WANG ; Xianyu XU ; Linlin LI ; Yongping ZHU ; Junzhe ZHANG ; Liwei GU ; Yanqing LIU ; Nan TONG ; Shengnan SHEN ; Yibai XIONG ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):136-143
ObjectiveTo identify the direct target proteins for the anti-obesity effect of resveratrol (Res) via chemical proteomic analysis and systematically explore the molecular mechanisms by which Res inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes from mitochondrial function regulation, adipocyte browning, and inflammation inhibition, thus providing new targets and experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. MethodsThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was adopted to detect the safe and effective doses (7.5, 15, 30 μmol·L-1) of Res for treating 3T3-L1 cells based on the cell survival rate. After being induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes, the cells were assigned into the blank [treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] group and the Res (7.5, 15, 30 μmol·L-1) groups and treated for 48 h. Oil red O staining and total triglyceride (TG) content were assessed to measure lipid accumulation in adipocytes. Target protein identification of Res was conducted through IAA-P-based chemical proteomics combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Target proteins of Res were validated by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) combined with Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression of browning markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), as well as the target proteins NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8) and high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) were determined by Western blot. The ATP assay kit was used to measure the ATP concentration. Mitochondrial biogenesis was characterized with MitoTracker Green, on the basis of which the regulatory effect of Res on mitochondrial function was analyzed. The level of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), on the basis of which the anti-inflammatory effect of Res on adipocytes was evaluated. ResultsCompared with the control group, Res demonstrated safety and efficacy within the range of 7.5-30 μmol·L-1, without significantly affecting cell viability. Compared with the control group, different concentrations of Res reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (P<0.01), promoted the expression of NDUFS8 (P<0.01), increased the ATP concentration and the protein levels of UCP1 and PGC-1α, elevated the level of TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionNDUFS8 and HMGB1were identified as the target proteins of Res in mitigating obesity. Res promotes mitochondrial biogenesis to induce the browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via targeting NDUFS8 and it inhibits the TNF-α-mediated inflammatory signaling via targeting HMGB1, thus inhibiting lipid accumulation and ameliorating obesity.
6.Su Peiji's Clinical Experience in Applying Shuji Formula for Treating Lumbago and Leg Pain
Xing CHEN ; Zhixiong ZHANG ; Jiwei XIANG ; Junzhe WU ; Xingmao ZHOU ; Peiji SU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2851-2855
This study summarized Professor Su Peiji's clinical experience in differenting and treating lumbago and leg pain.He contends that the disease involves the liver and kidney,manifesting as a syndrome of deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality,with liver-kidney deficiency and insufficiency of essence and blood as the root cause,and exogenous wind,cold,and dampness invading the meridians and then causing obstruction as the superficial manifestation.The principal pathological factors include wind,cold,dampness,blood stasis,and deficiency.In clinical practice,he follows the therapeutic principle of expelling pathogens and supporting healthy qi in accordance with the abundance or deficiency of pathogens and healthy qi,takes the therapy of tonifying the liver and kidney as the primary approach,and applies the adjuvant therapies of dispelling wind,cold,and dampness as well as relaxing tendons and activating collaterals.By incorporating the theory of collateral diseases,Professor Su Peiji proposes that the deficiency-excess of collateral diseases is closely related to the onset of lumbago and leg pain.His therapeutic approach centers around Shuji Formula,a self-formulated formula which is composed of Taxilli Herba,Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix,Angelicae Pubescentis Radix,Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma,Aconiti Radix Cocta,Flemingiae Radix et Caulis,Millettiae Speciosae Radix,Poria,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Spatholobi Caulis,Tinosporae sinensis Caulis,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle.Modified use of herbs was performed according to the predominance of wind,cold,dampness,blood stasis,or deficiency,so as to achieve the effects of tonifying the liver and kidney,strengthening bones and tendons,dispelling wind,cold and dampness,and relaxing tendons and activating collaterals.
7.The role of gut microbiota homeostasis in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and targeted intervention strategies
Yan CUI ; Junzhe JIAO ; Ruijuan YAN ; Shuguang YAN ; Hailiang WEI ; Zhanjie CHANG ; Haibo ZHANG ; Jingtao LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1913-1919
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth most common malignant tumor worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health due to its insidious onset and high mortality rate. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms and intervention strategies of gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis in the development and progression of HCC, in order to provide new ideas for the intervention and treatment of HCC. Studies have shown that GM dysbiosis, intestinal leakage, microbial-associated molecular pattern, bacterial translocation, and metabolic products play key roles in the progression of HCC. GM imbalance may lead to immune escape, thereby promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This article elaborates on the association between GM and HCC, deeply analyzes the mechanism of action of GM in the development and progression of HCC, investigates the role of bile acid-related metabolites, short-chain fatty acid-related metabolites, and other metabolites in HCC, and explores the strategies for targeting GM in the treatment of HCC, including probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, Toll-like receptor 4 antagonists, and fecal microbiota transplantation. This article emphasizes that maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier and GM homeostasis is of great significance in the prevention and treatment of HCC, which provides a direction for developing new diagnosis and treatment strategies.
8.Correlation between severity of knee joint osteoarthritis and alignment of patellofemoral and patellar height on radiographs.
Zhenlei YANG ; Mingjie SHEN ; Deshun XIE ; Junzhe ZHANG ; Qingjun WEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):947-952
BACKGROUND:
The correlation between the morphological structure of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and the severity of knee joint osteoarthritis (KOA) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the severity of knee joint osteoarthritis and the alignment of patellofemoral and patellar height on radiographs.
METHODS:
This multi-center, retrospective study analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and anteroposterior radiographs of 534 adult outpatients with KOA. To evaluate the radiographic severity of KOA, anteroposterior radiographs of the knee and the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade were used. Knee MRI scans were used to measure the patellar length ratio (PLR), sulcus angle (SA), lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA), and the distance between tibial tuberosity and trochlear groove (TT-TG). We examined the association between the configuration of the PFJ, arrangement, and harshness of the KOA. Information on participants' demographics, such as age, sex, side, height, and weight, was collected. A chi-squared test was used for the correlation of radiographic severity of KOA with sex and the affected side. Spearman correlation was used for patellofemoral alignment or morphology and the radiographic severity of lateral KOA. Multiple linear regression models were used for the association between LPTA, SA, TT-TG, and severity of KOA after accounting for demographic variables.
RESULTS:
The study comprised of 534 patients; of these, 339 (63%) were female. A total of 586 knees were evaluated in this study. Age showed a strong positive correlation with KOA severity ( r = 0.516, P <0.01), whereas LPTA showed a strong negative correlation ( r = -0.662, P <0.01). Additionally, SA ( r = 0.616, P <0.05), and TT-TG showed a strong positive correlation ( r = 0.770, P <0.01) with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA) severity. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that knee osteoarthritis severity (β = -2.946, P <0.001) and side (β = -0.839, P = 0.001) was associated with LPTA; knee osteoarthritis severity (β = 5.032, P <0.001) and age (β = -0.095, P <0.001) was associated with SA; knee osteoarthritis severity (β = 2.445, P <0.001), sex (β = -0.326, P = 0.041), body mass index (β = -0.061, P = 0.017) and age (β = -0.025, P <0.001) was associated with TT-TG.
CONCLUSION
Radiographic severity of KOA was positively associated with age, SA, and TT-TG but negatively associated with LPTA.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Patellofemoral Joint/pathology*
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Adult
;
Patella/pathology*
;
Radiography
9.Association between plasma complement levels and white matter microstructural abnormalities in first-episode schizophrenia
Lingqi JIAN ; Shiyi HU ; Hua YU ; Peiyan NI ; Junzhe RAN ; Wei WEI ; Liansheng ZHAO ; Chengcheng ZHANG ; Tao LI
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(8):469-474
Objective To investigate alterations in plasma complement levels and white matter imaging characteristics,along with their relationship in patients with first-episode schizophrenia(SCZ).Methods Thirty-eight patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 42 healthy controls were enrolled.Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)was performed using a Philips 3.0 T MRI scanner.Tract-based spatial statistics(TBSS)combined with the Johns Hopkins University(JHU)white matter labels atlas was used to extract and compare white matter characteristics between the two groups.Plasma levels of complement components(C1q,C3,C4,factor B,factor H,and factor P)were measured using the MILLIPLEX? human complement assay kit via multiplex analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between plasma complement levels and white matter features.Results The radial diffusivity(RD)of the left fornix/stria terminalis was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group[(0.62±0.04)×10-3mm2/s vs.(0.60±0.03)×10-3mm2/s,PFDR=0.048)].Factor H[677.71(551.58,846.21)ng/mL vs.582.76(513.93,729.71)ng/mL,P=0.041]and factor P[71.36(57.30,95.99)ng/mL vs.60.08(46.67,80.03)ng/mL,P=0.011]were both significantly elevated compared to the control group.Moreover,RD values in the left fornix/stria terminalis were negatively correlated with plasma C3 levels in the patient group(r=-0.362,P=0.025).Conclusion Patients with first-episode schizophrenia exhibit white matter microstructural abnormalities in left fornix/stria terminalis,which are significantly associated with plasma complement levels.
10.Association between plasma complement levels and white matter microstructural abnormalities in first-episode schizophrenia
Lingqi JIAN ; Shiyi HU ; Hua YU ; Peiyan NI ; Junzhe RAN ; Wei WEI ; Liansheng ZHAO ; Chengcheng ZHANG ; Tao LI
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(8):469-474
Objective To investigate alterations in plasma complement levels and white matter imaging characteristics,along with their relationship in patients with first-episode schizophrenia(SCZ).Methods Thirty-eight patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 42 healthy controls were enrolled.Whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)was performed using a Philips 3.0 T MRI scanner.Tract-based spatial statistics(TBSS)combined with the Johns Hopkins University(JHU)white matter labels atlas was used to extract and compare white matter characteristics between the two groups.Plasma levels of complement components(C1q,C3,C4,factor B,factor H,and factor P)were measured using the MILLIPLEX? human complement assay kit via multiplex analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the association between plasma complement levels and white matter features.Results The radial diffusivity(RD)of the left fornix/stria terminalis was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group[(0.62±0.04)×10-3mm2/s vs.(0.60±0.03)×10-3mm2/s,PFDR=0.048)].Factor H[677.71(551.58,846.21)ng/mL vs.582.76(513.93,729.71)ng/mL,P=0.041]and factor P[71.36(57.30,95.99)ng/mL vs.60.08(46.67,80.03)ng/mL,P=0.011]were both significantly elevated compared to the control group.Moreover,RD values in the left fornix/stria terminalis were negatively correlated with plasma C3 levels in the patient group(r=-0.362,P=0.025).Conclusion Patients with first-episode schizophrenia exhibit white matter microstructural abnormalities in left fornix/stria terminalis,which are significantly associated with plasma complement levels.

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