1.Association Between MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism and Hypertension, Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hyperlipidemia in Tibet Region
Pengchang LI ; Danni MU ; Zhijuan LIU ; Xiaoxing LIU ; Puchi ZEJI ; Liping TIAN ; Honglei LI ; Li'an HOU ; Dandan LI ; Jie WU ; Ling QIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):280-285
To explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy), and hyperlipidemia in the Tibetan population of Tibet. Using a cluster sampling method, participants from high-altitude regions including Ngari Prefecture, Lhasa City, and Nyingchi City in Tibet were enrolled. Differences in MTHFR C677T genotype distribution among individuals with hypertension, HHcy, and hyperlipidemia were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between these conditions and the TT genotype. A total of 574 eligible subjects were included, with a mean age of 40.64±12.67 years. Males accounted for 46.7%(268/574) and females 53.3%(306/574). Regional distribution was 34.8%(200/574) from Nyingchi City, 33.1%(190/574) from Lhasa City, and 32.1%(184/574) from Ngari Prefecture. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 117.89±18.98 mm Hg and 79.74±14.88 mm Hg, respectively. The frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group(12.32% The MTHFR C677T TT genotype is significantly associated with hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia in the Tibetan population, suggesting that this polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for these diseases in high-altitude regions.
2.Pterostilbene: A natural neuroprotective stilbene with anti-Alzheimer's disease properties.
Songlan GAO ; Honglei ZHANG ; Na LI ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Zhe ZHU ; Changlu XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101043-101043
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and no effective treatment has been developed for it thus far. Recently, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has garnered significant attention owing to their minimal adverse reactions. Accordingly, the potential therapeutic effect of pterostilbene (PTS) on AD has been demonstrated in multiple in vivo and in vitro experiments. In this study, we systematically reviewed and summarized the results of these studies investigating the use of PTS for treating AD. Analysis of the literature revealed that PTS may play a role in AD treatment through various mechanisms, including anti-oxidative damage, anti-neuroinflammation, anti-apoptosis, cholinesterase activity inhibition, attenuation of β-amyloid deposition, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, PTS interferes with the progression of AD by regulating the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A). Furthermore, to further elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of PTS in AD, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to perform molecular docking of related proteins, and the obtained binding energies ranged from -2.83 to -5.14 kJ/mol, indicating that these proteins exhibit good binding ability with PTS. Network pharmacology analysis revealed multiple potential mechanisms of action for PTS in AD. In summary, by systematically collating and summarizing the relevant studies on the role of PTS in treatment of AD, it is anticipated that this will serve as a reference for the precise targeted prevention and treatment of AD, either using PTS or other developed drug interventions.
3.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of a case with 47, XYY Disorder of sex development due to variant of NR5A1 gene
Yanan LIU ; Jie LI ; Qiqi XU ; Ying YANG ; Linlin HE ; Honglei DUAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(8):931-936
Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic etiology of a patient with tall stature and primary amenorrhea presenting with 47, XYY Disorder of sex development (DSD).Methods:A female patient presenting with " tall stature and primary amenorrhea" at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in July 2024 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective study design was employed to collect the patient′s clinical data. Peripheral venous blood sample was collected. Following the extraction of genomic DNA, genetic testing was performed including chromosomal karyotyping analysis, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), multiplex PCR for the AZF regions and sex-determining genes Y ( SRY), and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and classified for pathogenicity based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (Ethics No.: 2022-451-01). Results:The patient had a height of 188 cm and a body weight of 50 kg, in addition with infantile uterus, absent ovaries, and primary amenorrhea. G-banded karyotyping analysis of peripheral blood sample revealed 47, XYY. CNV-seq indicated Seq[GRCh37]Yp11.32q12×2. No deletion was detected in the AZF regions of Y chromosome, and SRY was positive. WES identified a heterozygous c. 86C>A (p.Thr29Lys) variant of the NR5A1 gene, leading to substitution of threonine with lysine at position 29 of the encoded protein. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the variant. According to the ACMG guidelines, this variant was classified as variant of uncertain significance (VUS) with supporting evidence (PS3_Moderate+ PM5+ PP3+ PM2_Supporting+ PS4_Supporting). Reviewing the nearly 60 years of previously reported cases, all 7 documented 47, XYY DSD patients were assigned a female social gender and presented with abnormal gonadal and external genitalia development. Among them, 5 cases underwent SRY testing, all of which were positive. Only 1 case underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES), but no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified. Conclusion:This DSD patient presented with the clinical features of tall stature and primary amenorrhea. The NR5A1 gene variant c. 86C>A (p.Thr29Lys) probably underlay the disorder of sex development in this patient. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of pathogenic variants of the NR5A1 gene.
4.Investigator-Initiated Trials management measures to study the implementation of the whole process management of new requirements and implementation suggestions
Honglei NIAN ; Jihong LI ; Jiyin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2025;38(2):114-119
Objective:As the " Administrative Measures for Conducting investigator-initiated Clinical Research in Medical and Health Institutions" promulgated, to explore the key points and difficulties in the management of Investigator-Initiated Trials(IIT) in healthcare institutions, and provide basis for promoting the standardization and high-quality management of IIT.Methods:On the basis of policy text research , through literature investigation and working practice, this paper analyzes new requirements of the Management Measures for clinical trials management and puts forward implementation suggestions.Results:The Administrative Measures put forward new requirements for the implementation and management of clinical trials from the aspects of scientific review and ethical review, and carried out intervention research beyond the scope, clinical research management committee responsibilities. Medical and carried institutions need to strengthen the management of the whole process of clinical trials implementation.Conclusions:Medical and health institutions can strengthen clinical trials management by building the organizational structure of clinical trials whole-process management, hierarchical risk management, taking scientific review as the starting point, opening up all aspects of project management, focusing on process management, and strengthening quality control and quality assurance.
5.Efficacy of non-invasive prenatal testing of fetal free DNA in maternal peripheral blood in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Mengyao NI ; Xiangyu ZHU ; Wei LIU ; Leilei GU ; Peixuan CAO ; Ying YANG ; Xing WU ; Chunxiang ZHOU ; Honglei DUAN ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(2):113-118
Objective:To explore the efficacy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of fetal free DNA in maternal peripheral blood in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 184 singleton pregnant women that underwent chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School from June 2014 to December 2022 due to fetal increased NT (≥3.0 mm). These subjects were categorized based on whether the increased NT was accompanied by other high-risk factors into isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age (further subdivided into 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm, 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm, and NT≥4.0 mm subgroups), isolated increased NT with advanced maternal age, increased NT with nasal bone abnormalities, increased NT with other soft markers, and increased NT with structural abnormalities groups. Assuming the sensitivity and specificity of NIPT and expanded NIPT at this center were both 100%, genomic abnormalities outside the detection range of NIPT or expanded NIPT were termed as residual risk of NIPT or expanded NIPT. Chi-square test and Bonferroni correction were used to compare the residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT among the three subgroups of isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age group. Results:(1) In the group of isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age: For the 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm subgroup (329 cases), 19 abnormalities were detected by CMA [12 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, seven cases of pathogenic copy number variation (pCNV)], with residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT both at 2.1% (7/329). For the 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm subgroup (173 cases), 29 abnormalities were detected by CMA (17 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, nine cases of pCNV, three cases of chromosome unbalanced translocation), with residual risks of NIPT at 8.1% (14/173) and expanded NIPT at 7.5% (13/173). For the NT≥4.0 mm subgroup (270 cases), CMA detected abnormalities in 70 cases (50 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, 16 cases of pCNV, three cases of unbalanced translocations, and one case of sex chromosome abnormality combined with pCNV). The residual risk of NIPT was 12.2% (33/270), and the residual risk of expanded NIPT was 7.0% (19/270). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT in the 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm subgroup were lower than those in the 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm and NT≥4.0 mm subgroups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). (2) In the group of 92 cases with isolated increased NT and advanced maternal age, CMA detected abnormalities in 36 cases (29 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, five cases of pCNV, one case of trisomy 21 combined with sex chromosome abnormality, and one case of trisomy 18 combined with sex chromosome abnormality). The residual risk of NIPT was 7.6% (7/92), and that of expanded NIPT was 5.4% (5/92). (3) In the group of 49 cases with increased NT combined with nasal bone abnormalities, CMA detected abnormalities in 24 cases (23 cases of chromosome aneuploidy and one case of pCNV). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT were both 2.0% (1/49). (4) In the group of 26 cases with increased NT combined with other soft markers, CMA detected abnormalities in nine cases (six cases of chromosome aneuploidy, one case of pCNV, and two cases of chromosome unbalanced translocations). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT were both 11.5% (3/26). (5) In the group of 245 cases with increased NT combined with structural abnormalities, CMA detected abnormalities in 121 cases (107 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, seven cases of pCNV, four cases of chromosome unbalanced translocations, one case of trisomy 21 combined with trisomy 20, and two cases of trisomy 18 combined with sex chromosome abnormalities). The residual risk of NIPT was 16.7% (41/245), and that of expanded NIPT was 4.1% (10/245). Conclusions:For isolated NT≥3.5 mm or NT≥3.0 mm combined with other high-risk factors, chorionic villus sampling in early pregnancy can be recommended, advancing the timing of prenatal diagnosis from the second trimester to the first trimester. For fetuses with isolated 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm, the 2.1% residual risk of chromosomal abnormalities should be fully informed during counseling, even if the risk of NIPT is low.
6.Application of deep learning-based artificial intelligence technology in bowel preparation assessment
Wen WANG ; Liwen YAO ; Huizhen XIONG ; Qiucheng LI ; Honglei CHEN ; Honggang YU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(2):109-114
Objective:To investigate the correlationship between an artificial intelligence-based e-Boston bowel preparation scale (e-BBPS) system score and the adenoma miss rate.Methods:Colonoscopy images of 4 373 patients at the Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from December 21, 2017 to December 31, 2019 were collected for model training. Patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 8, 2021 to November 9, 2022 were prospectively included. Patient's bowel preparation was evaluated by the e-BBPS system and endoscopists based on BBPS score. If both the endoscopists and e-BPPS system believed that the bowel preparation was sufficient, the patient immediately proceeded to a second colonoscopy. Otherwise, the patient underwent bowel preparation again. The differences in adenoma and polyp miss rate between the qualified group (e-BBPS system score ≤3) and the unqualified group (e-BBPS system score >3) were compared.Results:The adenoma miss rate in the qualified group was significantly lower than that in the unqualified group [26.72% (62/232) VS 42.53% (37/87), χ2=7.384, P=0.007, OR=2.029 (95% CI: 1.212-3.396)], and the polyp miss rate in the qualified group was significantly lower than that in the unqualified group [27.28% (195/702) VS 41.24% (113/274), χ2=16.539, P<0.001, OR=1.825 (95% CI: 1.363-2.443)]. Conclusion:The deep learning-based e-BBPS system demonstrates accuracy and reliability in bowel preparation assessment, offering potential to standardize the process of evaluating bowel preparation and reduce missed lesions.
7.Effects of erythropoietin on restorative dentin formation and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 after pulp injury
Ruiqing CHENG ; Honglei SUN ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Chao WANG ; Junke LI ; Yanfang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2231-2242
BACKGROUND:Erythropoietin has anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and pro-bone defect repair effects.To date,fewer studies have been conducted on its effects and molecular mechanism underlying restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of erythropoietin on restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into control group(n=16)and experimental group(n=16).In the experimental group,collagen sponges containing erythropoietin were used to directly cap the pulp at the pulp injury,and in the control group,collagen sponges containing PBS were used to directly cap the pulp at the exposed pulp injury.The cavity was then closed with glass ionomer adhesive.After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment,the maxillary bones of the two groups were collected,and the expression of nestin in dentin was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the reparative dentin production was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The maxillae of four Sprague-Dawley rats were taken for immunohistochemical detection of erythropoietin expression in molar and incisor teeth.(2)Cell experiment:Human dental pulp cells,human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts were obtained from human dental tissue,periodontal ligament,and gingival tissue.Real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression of erythropoietin.Erythropoietin,dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,and nestin mRNA levels in human pulp cells were detected by RT-PCR under induced or uninduced odontoblastic differentiation.After down-regulation of erythropoietin expression or exogenous administration of erythropoietin intervention under induced or uninduced differentiation odontoblastic differentiation,the relative mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1 in human pulp cells was detected by RT-PCR,and the formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red S staining,and mRNA and protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Animal experiment:Compared with the control group,the restorative dentin production and nestin expression were higher in the experimental group after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.The expression of erythropoietin was weakly positive in pulp,odontoblastic cell layer and periodontal membrane of the rat's first maxillary molar,and strongly positive in odontoblasts.(2)Cell experiment:The mRNA expression of erythropoietin was higher in human dental pulp cells than in the other two types of cells.The mRNA expressions of dentin sialophosphorin,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,erythropoietin and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in human pulp cells increased and the formation of mineralized nodules during odontoblastic differentiation under induction compared with non-induction conditions.The mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,bone morphogenetic protein 2 and the formation of mineralized nodules were decreased in human pulp cells after downregulation of erythropoietin under induced odontoblastic differentiation,and the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 was also decreased.After exogenous erythropoietin intervention,the expression of the above indexes in human dental pulp cells increased.To conclude,erythropoietin can promote the formation of dentin to some extent.
8.A novel carbonyl reductase for the synthesis of (R)-tolvaptan.
Yahui LIU ; Xuming WANG ; Shuo MA ; Keyu LIU ; Wei LI ; Lulu ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Honglei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):321-332
Screening carbonyl reductases with the ability to catalyze the reduction of complex carbonyl compounds is of great significance for the biosynthesis of R-tolvaptan(R-TVP). In this study, the target carbonyl reductase in the crude enzyme extract of rabbit liver was separated, purified, and identified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel-filtration chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and protein mass spectrometry. With the rabbit liver genome as the template, the gene encoding the carbonyl reductase rlsr5 was amplified by PCR and the recombinant strain was successfully constructed. After RLSR5 was purified by affinity chromatography, its enzymatic properties were characterized. The results indicated that the gene sequence of rlsr5 was 972 bp, encoding a protein with a molecular weight of 40 kDa. RLSR5 was a dimeric protein, and each monomer was composed of a (α/β)8-barrel structure. RLSR5 could asymmetrically reduce 7-chloro-1-[2-methyl-4-[(2- methylbenzoyl)amino]benzoyl]-5-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepine (prochiral ketone, PK) to synthesize R-TVP. The specific activity of the enzyme was 36.64 U/mg, and the optical purity of the product was 99%. This enzyme showcased the optimal performance at pH 6.0 and 30 °C. It was independent of metal ions, with the activity enhanced by Mn2+. This study lays a foundation for the biosynthesis of tolvaptan of optical grade.
Animals
;
Rabbits
;
Alcohol Oxidoreductases/biosynthesis*
;
Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Escherichia coli/metabolism*
;
Liver/enzymology*
9.The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring: Current Status and Challenges
Yuge WEI ; Ronghao LI ; Chenyi SUN ; Congmin ZHU ; Ting CHEN ; Hong YANG ; Honglei LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1363-1370
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) significantly impact clinical medication safety. The timely identification and prediction of ADRs rely on the efficient analysis of real-world data, such as electronic health records, social media, and spontaneous reporting databases. In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, in natural language processing, causal reasoning, and complex data mining has provided new technological means for real-time ADRs monitoring and individualized prediction. This paper summarizes the latest research achievements in AI-driven ADRs monitoring. Focusing on diverse data sources, including structured databases and electronic health records, it elaborates on the advantages andchallenges of AI in ADRs event extraction, relationship identification, causal analysis, and risk prediction. The aim is to provide a theoretical reference for constructing more intelligent and efficient ADRs monitoring systems.
10.Bibliographical cataloging for ancient TCM books
Hongtao LI ; Weina ZHANG ; Lin TONG ; Jingpeng DENG ; Qian ZHAO ; Honglei WANG ; Naiying LIU ; Mei SHI ; Qiang LIU ; Ying LIN ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Lili FENG ; Mingrui ZHANG ; Yanqiu LUO ; Guangkun CHEN ; Yan DONG ; Bin LI ; Sihong LIU ; Bing LI ; Chen LI ; Meng LI ; Rui WANG ; He LU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):729-740
With reference to the Information and Documentation-Resource Description (GB/T 3792-2021) and Bibliographical Description for Ancient Chinese Books (GB/T 3792.7-2008) and other cataloging standards and rules, drawing on the practical experience of cataloging ancient TCM books, Bibliographical Cataloging for Ancient TCM Books was formulated. This standard specifies the entry items and their order of ancient TCM books, cataloging identifier, cataloging text, cataloging information source, and cataloging item details. The standard can provide standardized and unified guiding principles and methods for the work of ancient TCM books, and promote the sharing and utilization of ancient TCM books.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail