1.Preliminary exploration of differentiating and treating multiple system atrophy from the perspective of the eight extraordinary meridians
Di ZHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Nannan LI ; Lu CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Jing XUE ; Xinning ZHANG ; Chengru JIA ; Xuan XU ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):392-397
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.
2.Research progress on ferroptosis and intestinal diseases
Xiaoge Wang ; Zelun Li ; Lijie Kang ; Shibo Ma ; Kaige Cui ; Erping Xu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1554-1558,1565
Abstract
Ferroptosis , a novel , non-apoptotic form of cell death discovered in 2012 , has garnered significant at- tention. It is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various intestinal diseases , including colorectal canc- er, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury , functional gastrointestinal disorders , and inflammatory bowel disease. These processes involve multiple pathological mechanisms such as inflammation , immune dysregulation , and intesti- nal epithelial dysfunction. By reviewing and summarizing recent literature on ferroptosis-related mechanisms in in- testinal diseases , this article explores the roles and effects of ferroptosis in different intestinal pathologies.
3.Structures and functions of the MICOS: Pathogenesis and therapeutic implications in Alzheimer's disease.
Zihan WANG ; Kaige ZHANG ; Minghao HUANG ; Dehao SHANG ; Xiaomin HE ; Zhou WU ; Xu YAN ; Xinwen ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2966-2984
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the inner mitochondrial membrane, forming cristae junctions and establishing interaction sites between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes and thereby serving as a cornerstone of mitochondrial structure and function. In the past decade, MICOS abnormalities have been extensively linked to AD pathogenesis. In particular, dysregulated expression of MICOS subunits and mutations in MICOS-related genes have been identified in AD, often in association with hallmark pathological features such as amyloid-β plaque accumulation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, MICOS subunits interact with several etiologically relevant proteins, significantly influencing AD progression. The intricate crosstalk between these proteins and MICOS subunits underscores the relevance of MICOS dysfunction in AD. Therapeutic strategies targeting MICOS subunits or their interacting proteins may offer novel approaches for AD treatment. In the present review, we introduce current understanding of MICOS structures and functions, highlight MICOS pathogenesis in AD, and summarize the available MICOS-targeting drugs potentially useful for AD.
4.Effects of hydrogen sulfide synthase CBS and CSE on malignant biological behaviour of breast cancer cells
Mengmeng ZHAO ; Yalu WANG ; Yuxiang XU ; Kaige YANG ; Yuwen CAO ; Wenhu ZHOU ; Jing FEI ; Wen WANG ; Chenghua LUO ; Jianming HU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):34-43
Objective:To investigate the expressions of cystathionine-β-synthase(CBS)and cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE)and their effects on the malignant biological behaviours of breast cancer cells,and to elucidate their mechanisms.Methods:The breast cancer tissue and paracancerous normal tissue from 15 cases of patients were selected,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting methods were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of CBS and CSE in breast cancer tissue,paracancerous normal tissue,MCF-7 cells,and MDA-MB-231 cells.The MCF-7 cells were divided into siNC group(transfected with siNC)and siCBS group(transfected with siCBS),and the MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into ovNC group(transfected with CSE over-expression empty plasmid)and ovCSE group(transfected with CSE over-expression plasmid).CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of breast cancer cells in various groups,Transwell assay was used to detect the numbers of migration and invasion cells in various groups,and Western blotting method was used to detect the protein expression levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the breast cancer cells in various groups.Results:Compared with paracancerous normal tissue,the expression levels of CBS and CSE mRNA and proteins in breast cancer tissue were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with MDA-MB-231 cells,the CBS mRNA expression level in the MCF-7 cells was increased(P<0.05);compared with MCF-7 cells,the expression level of CSE protein in the MDA-MB-231 cells was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with siNC group,the proliferation activity,the numbers of migration and invasion cells,the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the MCF-7 cells in siCBS group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression level of E-cadherin protein was increased(P<0.05).Compared with ovNC group,the proliferation activity,the numbers of migratoin and invasion cells,and the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the MDA-MB-231 cells in ovCSE group were increased(P<0.05),while the expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:The expressions of CBS and CSE are upregulated in breast cancer tissue,and high levels of CBS and CSE promote proliferation,migration,invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of breast cancer cells.
5.Relationship between RB1 gene deletion and prognosis of multiple myeloma and effect of renal insufficiency on it
Xinyue LANG ; Guihua ZHANG ; Huanxin ZHANG ; Kaige LIU ; Zhengxia SONG ; Kailin XU ; Jinge XU ; Qiurong ZHANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(2):124-131
Objective:To investigate the relationship between retinoblastoma binding protein 1 (RB1) gene deletion and the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and the possible effect of renal insufficiency on it.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data and follow-up information of MM patients who were treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2020 to November 2023 were collected. According to the presence of RB1 gene deletion in bone marrow samples detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the patients were divided into the RB1 gene deletion group and the RB1 gene non-deletion group, and the clinicopathological characteristics and hematological index levels were compared between the two groups. Renal insufficiency was determined by renal function assessment indicator serum creatinine (Scr) >177 μmol/L. The Spearman test was used to analyze the relationship between the number of RB1 gene deletion positive cells and levels of Scr, hemoglobin and serum calcium in MM patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS), and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the influencing factors of PFS in all MM patients and RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion MM patients.Results:A total of 75 MM patients were enrolled, of whom 24 (32.0%) had RB1 gene deletion. There were no significant differences in gender, age ≥65 years old, bone destruction and lactate dehydrogenase level between the RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups (all P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the distributions of patients in each stage of MM International Staging System (ISS) and revised International Staging System (R-ISS) between the two groups, as well as in hemoglobin, serum calcium, Scr, β 2-microglobulin, serum albumin levels, and the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells (all P < 0.05). The number of RB1 gene deletion positive cells was positively correlated with Scr level ( r = 0.863, P = 0.016), but not with hemoglobin and serum calcium levels (both P > 0.05). The PFS of the RB1 gene non-deletion group was better than that of the RB1 gene deletion group (1-year PFS rate: 83.5% vs. 71.7%, 2-year PFS rate: 56.3% vs. 26.3%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.012). PFS in the non-renal insufficiency group was better than that in the renal insufficiency group (1-year PFS rate: 85.6% vs. 61.9%, 2-year PFS rate: 58.0% vs. 13.5%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). The PFS of patients without renal insufficiency in both the RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups was better than that in patients with renal insufficiency, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ISS stage Ⅲ was an independent risk factor for poor PFS in MM patients (stage Ⅲ vs. stage Ⅰ, HR = 11.317, 95% CI: 1.220-104.979, P = 0.033). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups showed that ISS stage Ⅲ (stage Ⅲ vs. stageⅠ, HR = 4.166, 95% CI: 1.419-12.225, P = 0.009), R-ISS stage Ⅲ (stage Ⅲ vs. stage Ⅰ, HR = 3.800, 95% CI: 1.005-14.367, P = 0.049), serum calcium > 2.52 mmol/L (> 2.52 mmol/L vs. ≤2.52 mmol/L, HR = 2.398, 95% CI: 1.037-5.546, P = 0.041) and renal insufficiency (yes vs. no, HR = 2.363, 95% CI: 1.021-5.472, P = 0.045) were independent risk factors for poor PFS in RB1 gene non-deletion MM patients, and serum calcium >2.52 mmol/L (>2.52 mmol/L vs. ≤ 2.52 mmol/L, HR = 3.673, 95% CI: 1.160-11.627, P = 0.027) and renal insufficiency (yes vs. no, HR = 3.985, 95% CI: 1.220-13.016, P = 0.022) were independent risk factors for poor PFS in RB1 gene deletion MM patients. Conclusions:The PFS of MM patients with RB1 gene deletion is worse than that of patients without RB1 gene deletion, RB1 gene deletion may be related to renal insufficiency in MM patients, and the prognosis of MM patients with RB1 gene deletion and renal insufficiency may be worse.
6.Analysis of influencing factors of Parkinson's disease with on-off phenomenon
Xuan XU ; Xinning ZHANG ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(2):104-108
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of Parkinson's disease(PD)with on-off phenomenon.Methods From January 2021 to November 2023,129 patients with PD who were admitted to the first Department of Encephalopathy in Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine were retrospectively selected.Clinical data of PD patients were collected,and the patients were divided into a group without on-off phenomenon(95 cases)and a group with on-off phenomenon(34 cases).Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of PD patients with on-off phenomenon.Results Compared with patients without on-off phenomenon,patients with on-off phenomenon had a longer disease course,more movement phenotypes with abnormal posture and gait,a higher proportion of patients with abnormal movements,a higher equivalent dose of levodopa,and higher unified PD rating scale-Ⅱ,Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the Epworth sleeping scale(ESS)scores,the differences of which were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the motor phenotypes of postulatory gait abnormalities(OR=3.116,95%CI:1.052-9.230),dyskinesia(OR=11.175,95%CI:1.752-71.301),high ESS scores(OR=1.135,95%CI:1.029-1.251)were independent risk factors for on-off phenomenon in PD patients(all P<0.05).Conclusion The on-off phenomenon in PD patients is the result of multiple factors,in which the movement phenotype of postural and gait abnormality,dyskinesia,and high ESS scores are independent risk factors for the on-off phenomenon in PD patients.
7.Analysis of influencing factors of Parkinson's disease with on-off phenomenon
Xuan XU ; Xinning ZHANG ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(2):104-108
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of Parkinson's disease(PD)with on-off phenomenon.Methods From January 2021 to November 2023,129 patients with PD who were admitted to the first Department of Encephalopathy in Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine were retrospectively selected.Clinical data of PD patients were collected,and the patients were divided into a group without on-off phenomenon(95 cases)and a group with on-off phenomenon(34 cases).Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of PD patients with on-off phenomenon.Results Compared with patients without on-off phenomenon,patients with on-off phenomenon had a longer disease course,more movement phenotypes with abnormal posture and gait,a higher proportion of patients with abnormal movements,a higher equivalent dose of levodopa,and higher unified PD rating scale-Ⅱ,Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the Epworth sleeping scale(ESS)scores,the differences of which were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the motor phenotypes of postulatory gait abnormalities(OR=3.116,95%CI:1.052-9.230),dyskinesia(OR=11.175,95%CI:1.752-71.301),high ESS scores(OR=1.135,95%CI:1.029-1.251)were independent risk factors for on-off phenomenon in PD patients(all P<0.05).Conclusion The on-off phenomenon in PD patients is the result of multiple factors,in which the movement phenotype of postural and gait abnormality,dyskinesia,and high ESS scores are independent risk factors for the on-off phenomenon in PD patients.
8.Relationship between RB1 gene deletion and prognosis of multiple myeloma and effect of renal insufficiency on it
Xinyue LANG ; Guihua ZHANG ; Huanxin ZHANG ; Kaige LIU ; Zhengxia SONG ; Kailin XU ; Jinge XU ; Qiurong ZHANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(2):124-131
Objective:To investigate the relationship between retinoblastoma binding protein 1 (RB1) gene deletion and the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and the possible effect of renal insufficiency on it.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data and follow-up information of MM patients who were treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2020 to November 2023 were collected. According to the presence of RB1 gene deletion in bone marrow samples detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the patients were divided into the RB1 gene deletion group and the RB1 gene non-deletion group, and the clinicopathological characteristics and hematological index levels were compared between the two groups. Renal insufficiency was determined by renal function assessment indicator serum creatinine (Scr) >177 μmol/L. The Spearman test was used to analyze the relationship between the number of RB1 gene deletion positive cells and levels of Scr, hemoglobin and serum calcium in MM patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS), and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the influencing factors of PFS in all MM patients and RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion MM patients.Results:A total of 75 MM patients were enrolled, of whom 24 (32.0%) had RB1 gene deletion. There were no significant differences in gender, age ≥65 years old, bone destruction and lactate dehydrogenase level between the RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups (all P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the distributions of patients in each stage of MM International Staging System (ISS) and revised International Staging System (R-ISS) between the two groups, as well as in hemoglobin, serum calcium, Scr, β 2-microglobulin, serum albumin levels, and the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells (all P < 0.05). The number of RB1 gene deletion positive cells was positively correlated with Scr level ( r = 0.863, P = 0.016), but not with hemoglobin and serum calcium levels (both P > 0.05). The PFS of the RB1 gene non-deletion group was better than that of the RB1 gene deletion group (1-year PFS rate: 83.5% vs. 71.7%, 2-year PFS rate: 56.3% vs. 26.3%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.012). PFS in the non-renal insufficiency group was better than that in the renal insufficiency group (1-year PFS rate: 85.6% vs. 61.9%, 2-year PFS rate: 58.0% vs. 13.5%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). The PFS of patients without renal insufficiency in both the RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups was better than that in patients with renal insufficiency, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ISS stage Ⅲ was an independent risk factor for poor PFS in MM patients (stage Ⅲ vs. stage Ⅰ, HR = 11.317, 95% CI: 1.220-104.979, P = 0.033). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in RB1 gene deletion and non-deletion groups showed that ISS stage Ⅲ (stage Ⅲ vs. stageⅠ, HR = 4.166, 95% CI: 1.419-12.225, P = 0.009), R-ISS stage Ⅲ (stage Ⅲ vs. stage Ⅰ, HR = 3.800, 95% CI: 1.005-14.367, P = 0.049), serum calcium > 2.52 mmol/L (> 2.52 mmol/L vs. ≤2.52 mmol/L, HR = 2.398, 95% CI: 1.037-5.546, P = 0.041) and renal insufficiency (yes vs. no, HR = 2.363, 95% CI: 1.021-5.472, P = 0.045) were independent risk factors for poor PFS in RB1 gene non-deletion MM patients, and serum calcium >2.52 mmol/L (>2.52 mmol/L vs. ≤ 2.52 mmol/L, HR = 3.673, 95% CI: 1.160-11.627, P = 0.027) and renal insufficiency (yes vs. no, HR = 3.985, 95% CI: 1.220-13.016, P = 0.022) were independent risk factors for poor PFS in RB1 gene deletion MM patients. Conclusions:The PFS of MM patients with RB1 gene deletion is worse than that of patients without RB1 gene deletion, RB1 gene deletion may be related to renal insufficiency in MM patients, and the prognosis of MM patients with RB1 gene deletion and renal insufficiency may be worse.
9.Reflection on the Discipline Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Cardio-Oncology
Kaige ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Shuling LIU ; Qianqian XU ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(13):1313-1317
Cardio-oncology is an emerging cross-discipline, which has received extensive attention and rapid development at home and abroad in recent years, while the construction of related disciplines in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still in its initial stage. By sorting out the construction of oncology and cardiology related disciplines at home and abroad at this stage, and clarifying the significance and main research contents of the discipline, it is proposed that the construction of TCM related disciplines should be oriented to the four main aspects, including clinical practice, scientific research, talent training and promotion of cultural characteristics. Therefore, actively carrying out multidisciplinary crossing, cultivating related professional talent team, and forming TCM diagnosis and treatment guidelines or consensus to support clinical practice is the essential foundation for the construction of TCM cardio-oncology discipline. Meanwhile, fully exploring the characteristics and advantages of TCM is the key to the construction process of the discipline, such as writing and summarising and analysing relevant high-quality clinical case reports of TCM for evidence-based optimisation, as well as widely applying the concept of "treating disease before it arises" of TCM characteristics to the clinical prevention and treatment of the relevant diseases and scientific research, etc., so as to comprehensively guarantee the development of the discipline of TCM cardio-oncology.
10.Simulated Microgravity can Promote the Apoptosis and Change Inflammatory State of Kupffer Cells
Ge JUN ; Liu FEI ; Nie HONGYUN ; Yue YUAN ; Liu KAIGE ; Lin HAIGUAN ; Li HAO ; Zhang TAO ; Yan HONGFENG ; Xu BINGXIN ; Sun HONGWEI ; Yang JIANWU ; Si SHAOYAN ; Zhou JINLIAN ; Cui YAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(10):1117-1127
Objective In this study,we analyzed the transcriptome sequences of Kupffer cells exposed to simulated microgravity for 3 d and conducted biological experiments to determine how microgravity initiates apoptosis in Kupffer cells. Methods Rotary cell culture system was used to construct a simulated microgravity model.GO and KEGG analyses were conducted using the DAVID database.GSEA was performed using the R language.The STRING database was used to conduct PPI analysis.qPCR was used to measure the IL1B,TNFA,CASP3,CASP9,and BCL2L11 mRNA expressions.Western Blotting was performed to detect the level of proteins CASP3 and CASP 9.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane cells.Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect changes in the ultrastructure of Kupffer cells. Results Transcriptome Sequencing indicated that simulated microgravity affected apoptosis and the inflammatory state of Kupffer cells.Simulated microgravity improved the CASP3,CASP9,and BCL2L11 expressions in Kupffer cells.Annexin-V/PI and JC-1 assays showed that simulated microgravity promoted apoptosis in Kupffer cells.Simulated microgravity causes M1 polarization in Kupffer cells. Conclusion Our study found that simulated microgravity facilitated the apoptosis of Kupffer cells through the mitochondrial pathway and activated Kupffer cells into M1 polarization,which can secrete TNFA to promote apoptosis.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail