1.Effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptors on neuronal differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells
Ziwei LIU ; NIJATI·TURSUN ; Rui YIN ; Shuhui LI ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):93-100
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P<0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P<0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.
2.Effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptors on neuronal differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells
Ziwei LIU ; NIJATI·TURSUN ; Rui YIN ; Shuhui LI ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):93-100
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P<0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P<0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treating CP/CPPS: A Review
Pengdong YIN ; Guangwei JIN ; Shenglong LI ; Ganggang LU ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Xixiang LI ; Jiuyun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):301-313
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent and complex condition in urology and one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain. Due to its prolonged duration and recurrent episodes,CP/CPPS significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Abnormal activation of the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway influences pathological processes such as the inflammatory response,oxidative stress,apoptosis,and tissue fibrosis in the body,thereby promoting the progression of CP/CPPS. Currently,Western medical therapies include antibiotics,pain relievers,α-blockers,and physiotherapy,yet they still fail to halt the pathological process of CP/CPPS. Research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can modulate the NF-κB pathway through a multi-target and multi-pathway approach,effectively reducing prostate tissue damage and prostate index and alleviating pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. On the basis of existing studies,this paper systematically examines the intrinsic connection between CP/CPPS and the NF-κB pathway and summarizes the effects of TCM active ingredients (e.g.,emodin,quercetin,and gentiopicroside),extracts (e.g.,Oldenlandia diffusa extract),classical medidcinal pairs (e.g.,Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma),and compound prescriptions and Chinese patent medicines (e.g.,Qianliexiao decoction,Jiedu Huoxue decoction,Qianlie Shutong capsules) in treating CP/CPPS by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. The review of the research findings on treating CP/CPPS through this pathway aims to offer insights for clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of CP/CPPS,as well as to provide references for basic research and new drug development in this domain.
4.Analysis of associated factors of two pertussis cluster outbreaks in primary schools of Yangzhong City in 2025
LI Taiyue, TONG Haiyuan, SHI Xiaohua, HUO Xiang, CHEN Qiang, QIN Si, ZHOU Yin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1184-1188
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, associated factors, and vaccine effectiveness of two pertussis cluster outbreaks in two primary schools in Yangzhong City in 2025, so as to provide evidence for school based epidemic prevention and control.
Methods:
From August 26 to 30, 2025, a pertussis questionnaire was administered to the epidemic affected classes of two primary schools (school A and school B) in Yangzhong City. A descriptive epidemiological retrospective analysis was used to characterize the pertussis cluster outbreaks in Yangzhong City from March to July 2025. A 1∶5 matched case control study (79 cases, 395 controls) was performed. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and the clinical symptom incidence rates, types of pertussis containing vaccines, and timeliness of vaccination were compared between groups using Fisher s exact test.
Results:
From March to July 2025, a total of 79 pertussis cases were reported in the two schools, with attack rates of 1.33% and 1.01%, respectively. Cases were predominantly aged 7-8 years (85.37% in school A, 73.68% in school B), and the main clinical manifestation was productive cough (63.29%). The pneumonia incidence rate among hospitalized cases ( 57.14 %) was higher than that among nonhospitalized cases(4.17%)(Fisher s exact test, P <0.01). The interval from the last dose to onset was concentrated at 6 to <7 years (44 cases). Logistic regression showed that children exposed to secondhand smoke in daily life ( OR = 3.86 ), those whose desk mates or front/back desk mates took leave due to cough ( OR =4.67), and those whose dining table mates or front/back table mates took leave due to cough ( OR =3.67) had significantly higher risks of pertussis (all P <0.05). A high proportion of both the case group and the control group received the acellular DTaP vaccine (97.47% and 96.96%, respectively),while a low proportion received the pentavalent vaccine (1.27% and 3.04%, respectively). Additionally, one case received only three doses of the acellular DTaP vaccine.The difference in vaccine type distribution between the two groups was not statistically significant (Fisher s exact test, P =0.31).
Conclusions
The outbreaks represent breakthrough infections under high vaccine coverage. Close contact and secondhand smoke exposure are the main risk factors. A booster immunization strategy with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine should be implemented for school aged children.
5.Strategies and advances in hepatitis B vaccination in China
Lin TANG ; Xia XU ; Zemei ZHOU ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Jizhen LI ; Zundong YIN ; Fuzhen WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):210-215
Hepatitis B is a major global public health issue. Through the implementation of comprehensive prevention and control strategies centered on hepatitis B vaccination, China has achieved remarkable progress in hepatitis B prevention and control, while there are still many issues and challenges. This article reviews the development of hepatitis B vaccination strategies in China, analyzes the goal and advances in vaccination in different populations, and problems and challenges, in order to provide a reference for further optimizing vaccination strategies and improving the levels of prevention and control.
6.CFAP300 loss-of-function variant causes primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility via disrupting sperm flagellar assembly and acrosome formation.
Hua-Yan YIN ; Yu-Qi ZHOU ; Qun-Shan SHEN ; Zi-Wen CHEN ; Jie-Ru LI ; Huan WU ; Yun-Xia CAO ; Rui GUO ; Bing SONG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):743-750
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by impaired motility of cilia and flagella. Mutations in cilia- and flagella-associated protein 300 ( CFAP300 ) are associated with human PCD and male infertility; however, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In a consanguineous Chinese family, we identified a homozygous CFAP300 loss-of-function variant (c.304delC) in a proband presenting with classical PCD symptoms and severe sperm abnormalities, including dynein arm deficiency and acrosomal malformation, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histological analysis revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in CFAP300 -mutant individual, whereas immunofluorescence demonstrated markedly reduced CFAP300 expression in the spermatozoa of the proband. Furthermore, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics showed that the CFAP300 mutation reduced key spermatogenesis proteins (e.g., sperm flagellar 2 [SPEF2], solute carrier family 25 member 31 [SLC25A31], and A-kinase anchoring protein 3 [AKAP3]) and mitochondrial ATP synthesis factors (e.g., SLC25A31, cation channel sperm-associated 3 [CATSPER3]). It also triggered abnormal increases in autophagy-related proteins and signaling mediator phosphorylation. These molecular alterations are likely to contribute to progressive deterioration of sperm ultrastructure and function. Notably, successful pregnancy was achieved via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using the proband's sperm. Overall, this study expands the known CFAP300 mutational spectrum and offers novel mechanistic insights into its role in spermatogenesis.
Humans
;
Male
;
Infertility, Male/pathology*
;
Acrosome/pathology*
;
Sperm Tail/pathology*
;
Pedigree
;
Spermatozoa
;
Adult
;
Loss of Function Mutation
;
Ciliary Motility Disorders/genetics*
;
Spermatogenesis/genetics*
;
Female
7.Genetic screening and follow-up results in 3 001 newborns in the Yunnan region.
Ao-Yu LI ; Bao-Sheng ZHU ; Jin-Man ZHANG ; Ying CHAN ; Jun-Yue LIN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiao-Yan ZHOU ; Hong CHEN ; Su-Yun LI ; Na FENG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):654-660
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the application value of genetic newborn screening (gNBS) in the Yunnan region.
METHODS:
A prospective study was conducted with a random selection of 3 001 newborns born in the Yunnan region from February to December 2021. Traditional newborn screening (tNBS) was used to test biochemical indicators, and targeted next-generation sequencing was employed to screen 159 genes related to 156 diseases. Positive-screened newborns underwent validation and confirmation tests, and confirmed cases received standardized treatment and long-term follow-up.
RESULTS:
Among the 3 001 newborns, 166 (5.53%) were initially positive for genetic screening, and 1 435 (47.82%) were genetic carriers. The top ten genes with the highest variation frequency were GJB2 (21.29%), DUOX2 (7.27%), HBA (6.14%), GALC (3.63%), SLC12A3 (3.33%), HBB (3.03%), G6PD (2.94%), SLC25A13 (2.90%), PAH (2.73%), and UNC13D (2.68%). Among the initially positive newborns from tNBS and gNBS, 33 (1.10%) and 47 (1.57%) cases were confirmed, respectively. A total of 48 (1.60%) cases were confirmed using gNBS+tNBS. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the areas under the curve for tNBS, gNBS, and gNBS+tNBS in diagnosing diseases were 0.866, 0.982, and 0.968, respectively (P<0.05). DeLong's test showed that the area under the curve for gNBS and gNBS+tNBS was higher than that for tNBS (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
gNBS can expand the range of disease detection, and its combined use with tNBS can significantly shorten diagnosis time, enabling early intervention and treatment.
Humans
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Neonatal Screening
;
Genetic Testing
;
Female
;
Male
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Prospective Studies
;
China
8.Performance assessment of computed tomographic angiography fractional flow reserve using deep learning: SMART trial summary.
Wei ZHANG ; You-Bing YIN ; Zhi-Qiang WANG ; Ying-Xin ZHAO ; Dong-Mei SHI ; Yong-He GUO ; Zhi-Ming ZHOU ; Zhi-Jian WANG ; Shi-Wei YANG ; De-An JIA ; Li-Xia YANG ; Yu-Jie ZHOU
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(9):793-801
BACKGROUND:
Non-invasive computed tomography angiography (CTA)-based fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) could become a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography. Deep learning (DL)-based CT-FFR has shown promise when compared to invasive FFR. To evaluate the performance of a DL-based CT-FFR technique, DeepVessel FFR (DVFFR).
METHODS:
This retrospective study was designed for iScheMia Assessment based on a Retrospective, single-center Trial of CT-FFR (SMART). Patients suspected of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and undergoing both CTA and invasive FFR examinations were consecutively selected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1, 2016 to December 30, 2018. FFR obtained during invasive coronary angiography was used as the reference standard. DVFFR was calculated blindly using a DL-based CT-FFR approach that utilized the complete tree structure of the coronary arteries.
RESULTS:
Three hundred and thirty nine patients (60.5 ±10.0 years and 209 men) and 414 vessels with direct invasive FFR were included in the analysis. At per-vessel level, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of DVFFR were 94.7%, 88.6%, 90.8%, 82.7%, and 96.7%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.95 for DVFFR and 0.56 for CTA-based assessment with a significant difference (P < 0.0001). At patient level, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of DVFFR were 93.8%, 88.0%, 90.3%, 83.0%, and 95.8%, respectively. The computation for DVFFR was fast with the average time of 22.5 ± 1.9 s.
CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that DVFFR was able to evaluate lesion hemodynamic significance accurately and effectively with improved diagnostic performance over CTA alone. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical disease in which coronary artery luminal narrowing may result in myocardial ischemia. Early and effective assessment of myocardial ischemia is essential for optimal treatment planning so as to improve the quality of life and reduce medical costs.
9.Chinese expert consensus on the evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapy outcomes(Wuhan, 2025).
Yuqin DENG ; Xi LUO ; Zhuofu LIU ; Shuguang SUN ; Jing YE ; Tiansheng WANG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Meiping LU ; Yin YAO ; Ying WANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Bei LIU ; Qingxiang ZENG ; Yuanteng XU ; Qintai YANG ; Yucheng YANG ; Feng LIU ; Chengli XU ; Yanan SUN ; Haiyu HONG ; Haibo YE ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Huabin LI ; Hongtian WANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Wenlong LIU ; Yu XU ; Hongfei LOU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1075-1085
Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT) remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis(AR). Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group(CRRCG) convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans
;
Allergens/immunology*
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Desensitization, Immunologic
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Quality of Life
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
East Asian People
10.P2Y14R activation facilitates liver regeneration via CREB/DNMT3b/Dact-2/β-Catenin signals in acute liver failure.
Mengze ZHOU ; Yehong LI ; Jialong QIAN ; Xinli DONG ; Yanshuo GUO ; Li YIN ; Chunxiao LIU ; Kun HAO ; Qinghua HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):919-933
Acute liver failure (ALF) is lack of broadly approved therapeutic strategy except liver transplantation. As a glycogen metabolic intermediate, UDP-glucose (UDP-G) has been considered to accelerate liver repairment. Nevertheless, the role of UDP-G and its receptor P2Y purinoceptor 14 (P2Y14R) in ALF remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of UDP-G/P2Y14R axis in ALF. In this study, hepatic P2Y14R is significantly increased in TAA-induced and partial hepatectomy-induced ALF, while knockout of whole-body P2Y14R aggravates liver failure, manifested by inhibiting β-Catenin-mediated liver regeneration. Consistently, P2Y14R deficiency exhibits impaired liver regeneration in mice suffer partial hepatectomy. Importantly, only hepatocellular specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Alb cre/+ ) mice shows a similar phenomenon, rather than stellate cell specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Lrat cre/+ ) mice. Mechanistically, P2Y14R induction regulates methylation of Dact-2 through CREB/DNMT3b signals in hepatocytes, subsequently inhibiting the expression of Dact-2 which is a stabilizer of β-Catenin degradation complex, leading to the activation of β-Catenin -mediated liver regeneration. Interestingly, the administration of exogenous UDP-G can accelerate liver regeneration and liver function recovery after partial hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma mice. Together, the findings propose an unrecognized role of P2Y14R in ALF and provide an effective adjuvant strategy for treatment of ALF.


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