1.The Adoption of Non-invasive Photobiomodulation in The Treatment of Epilepsy
Ao-Yun LI ; Zhan-Chuang LU ; Li CAO ; Si CHEN ; Hui JIANG ; Chang-Chun CHEN ; Lei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):882-898
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies.
2.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
3.Association between sleep status and overweight/obesity among primary school students in Bao an District of Shenzhen
HUANG Yun, LIU Yanhong, HUANG Li, LI Yanrou, WU Mingze
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):465-469
Objective:
To analyze the association between different sleep statuses and overweight/obesity among primary school students, so as to provide a basis for the development of childhood overweight and obesity prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
In November 2023, a total of 3 391 primary school students of grade 1-6 from seven schools in Baoan District, Shenzhen, were surveyed by questionnaires and physical examinations by using multistage cluster sampling. The Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between primary school students sleep status and overweight/obesity.
Results:
The detection rate of overweight/obesity in primary school students was 22.59%, the detection rate of overweight/obesity in boys (27.04%) was higher than that in girls (17.44%), the only child (25.81%) had higher rates than nononly child (21.76%), and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=51.48, 5.98, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, after controlling for confounders, primary school students weekend nighttime sleep duration (OR=0.83, 95%CI=0.75-0.91), weekly average nighttime sleep duration (OR=0.76,95%CI=0.64-0.89), and weekend compensated sleep duration (OR=0.89,95%CI=0.81-0.97) were negatively associated with the risk of developing overweight/obesity (P<0.05). Compared with to primary school students with school days nap durations <0.5 h, those whose napped for 0.5-<1 h and ≥1 h on school days had a 20% (OR=1.20, 95%CI=1.02-1.42) and 37% (OR=1.37, 95%CI=1.02-1.83) increased risk of overweight/obesity, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Increasing weekend nighttime sleep duration, average weekly nighttime sleep duration, and weekend compensatory sleep duration can reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in primary school students. School days nap duration is a risk factor for overweight/obesity among primary school students.
4.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
5.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
6.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
7.Ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter for identifying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective study
Yun-Lin HUANG ; Chao SUN ; Ying WANG ; Juan CHENG ; Shi-Wen WANG ; Li WEI ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Rui CHENG ; Ming WANG ; Jian-Gao FAN ; Yi DONG
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):134-144
Purpose:
This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard.
Methods:
Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated.
Results:
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.
8.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
9.Ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter for identifying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective study
Yun-Lin HUANG ; Chao SUN ; Ying WANG ; Juan CHENG ; Shi-Wen WANG ; Li WEI ; Xiu-Yun LU ; Rui CHENG ; Ming WANG ; Jian-Gao FAN ; Yi DONG
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):134-144
Purpose:
This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard.
Methods:
Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated.
Results:
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001).
Conclusion
Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.
10.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.


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