1.Mechanistic study on ITGA6 regulation of abdominal wall endometriosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Rong GU ; Hailiang HUANG ; Xinrui WANG ; Hanlu LI ; Kaijiang LIU ; Ying ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):67-74
ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of integrin alpha-6(ITGA6) in abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) tissues and its molecular mechanisms in regulating AWE. Methods36 AWE lesions were designated as the experimental group, while 36 cases of normal endometrial tissues served as the controls. Differential expression of ITGA6 between the two groups was assessed through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Human ITGA6 gene-specific interference sequences were designed, synthesized, and packaged into lentiviral vectors to establish the Ishikawa cell line with ITGA6-knockdown. Similarly, the ITGA6-overexpression cell line was constructed using the coding sequence (CDS) of the gene. Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related markers and angiogenesis-related indicators. Cell invasion and migration capabilities were assessed by Cell Scratch and Transwell assays. Furthermore, Western blot was conducted to profile PI3K/AKT pathway dynamics. ResultsEctopic endometrial tissues exhibited a marked increase in the number of ITGA6-positive cells and their expression intensity compared to eutopic endometrium (each P < 0.001). Compared with the NC group, the ITGA6-knockdown group showed significantly reduced expression of N-cadherin, VEGF, and TGF-β1 (all P < 0.01), while E-cadherin expression was markedly increased (P < 0.01). Concomitantly, the invasion and migration capacities of ITGA6-low expression were significantly impaired (P < 0.001 for both), accompanied by a marked reduction in AKT and phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) levels (P < 0.001). Conversely, overexpressing ITGA6 resulted in opposite effects. ConclusionITGA6 modulates EMT and angiogenesis in Ishikawa cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby enhancing cell invasion and migration capabilities, which contributes to the pathogenesis of AWE.
2.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer
Ying HUANG ; Su LI ; Yan WANG ; Danxue HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):920-926
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS Based on individual data from the GLOW clinical trial involving CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative patients with advanced gastric cancer, a comparison was made between the zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy regimen and the chemotherapy alone regimen. A dynamic Markov model was employed for simulation, with a cycle length of 21 days and a time horizon of ten years. A cost-utility analysis was employed, with both costs and health outcomes discounted at an annual rate of 5%. The primary outcome measures included total cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), with the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold set at three times China’s per capita gross domestic product in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY). One-way analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the model. Furthermore, scenario analysis and threshold analysis were conducted to explore the impact of drug price adjustments on cost-effectiveness and the threshold price. RESULTS Compared with the chemotherapy alone regimen, the ICER of zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy was 2 611 943.00 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the utility value of the progression free survival, the cost of zolbetuximab and body surface area were the three most influential parameters affecting the ICER. The results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that when the WTP threshold was set at 2 617 450 yuan/QALY, the probability that the combined regimen was cost-effective approached 50%. Scenario analysis revealed that only when the price of zolbetuximab was reduced to 10% of the baseline price did the ICER of the combined regimen fall below the aforementioned WTP threshold. Threshold analysis further indicated that when the unit price of zolbetuximab dropped to 3.81 yuan/mg, the probability of the combination regimen being cost-effective was approximately 50%. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy regimen as first-line treatment for CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer is not cost-effective compared with chemotherapy alone regimen. When the unit price of zolbetuximab drops to 3.81 yuan/mg or below, the regimen becomes cost-effective.
3.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
4.Transient Gastric Pressure Elevation Synergizing With Impaired Esophagogastric Junction Barrier Function Plays a Pivotal Role in the Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Xin HUANG ; Yuzhu CHEN ; Xiaolin JI ; Lingling ZHU ; Tianzhuang LI ; Zhiwei XIA ; Zhijie XU ; Ying GE ; Kun WANG ; Liping DUAN
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(1):71-85
Background/Aims:
The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD.
Results:
The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure.
Conclusions
Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.
5.Swine TRIM25 inhibits vesicular stomatitis virus replication by activation of type I IFN signaling pathway and binding vRNA
Ying CAO ; Jinxia ZHANG ; Dongwan YOO ; Haowen ZHANG ; Dandan JIANG ; Yue HU ; Xiaoyan CONG ; Juntong LI ; Xiangju WU ; Yijun DU ; Jing QI ; Juan HUANG
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(3):e25-
Objective:
To define the mechanism by which swine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication.
Methods:
Porcine 3D4/21 cells with TRIM25 overexpression or knockdown were infected with vesicular stomatitis virus. Viral replication was quantified by immunoblotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and 50% tissue culture infectious dose assays. Type I interferon signaling was assessed by transcript quantification, interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated response element reporter assays, and co-immunoprecipitation.Viral RNA binding was tested by RNA immunoprecipitation.
Results:
TRIM25 overexpression reduced viral RNA and infectious titers, whereas TRIM25 knockdown increased replication (p < 0.01). TRIM25 increased interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated gene expression and enhanced interferon-beta and interferonstimulated response element promoter activity (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, TRIM25 promoted Lys63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I and increased phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 and interferon regulatory factor 3. TRIM25 also bound vesicular stomatitis virus genomic RNA, and binding required the C-terminal region.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Porcine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication by amplifying type I interferon signaling and directly binding viral RNA.
6.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
7.Effect of Anzi Tiaochong Decoction Combined with Aspirin on Peripheral Blood CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Regulatory B Cells in Patients with Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Pattern of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis)
Yan CHEN ; Jia LI ; Suning HUANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yan NING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):189-196
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Anzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin and the effects of this therapy on the peripheral blood phospholipid antibody titers, coagulation function, and CD19+CD24hiCD27+regulatory B (Breg) cells in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) (pattern of kidney deficiency and blood stasis). MethodsPatients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an observation group (50 patients, with 4 patients dropped out and 46 patients completed) and a control group (50 patients, with 2 patients dropped out, 1 patient excluded, and 47 patients completed) through a random number table method. The control group was treated with aspirin enteric-coated tablets, 75 mg/time, once a day, and the observation group with Anzi Tiaochong decoction, 1 bag/day on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The treatment course for both groups was 8 weeks, and the patients were followed up for 4 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, titers of peripheral blood phospholipid antibodies [anti-cardiolipin antibody IgM (ACA IgM), anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG (ACA IgG), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgM (β2GP1-IgM), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgG (β2GP1-IgG)], D-dimer (D-D), thromboelastography parameters [clotting factor activity (R), platelet function maximum amplitude (MA), coagulation composite index (CI), and clot strength (G)], CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Breg expression rate, and adverse drug reactions were recorded for the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed decreased ACA IgM, ACA IgG, β2GP1-IgM, β2GP1-IgG, D-D, MA, and G (P<0.05) and increased R (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in CI. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed more significant decreases in TCM symptom scores and phospholipid antibody titers (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression rate of Breg in the observation group was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in Breg expression rate before and after treatment in the control group. Neither group experienced significant adverse reactions. ConclusionAnzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin can alleviate the symptoms, reduce the phospholipid antibody titers, and restore the coagulation status of patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (pattern kidney deficiency and blood stasis). It may exert the therapeutic effects by regulating Breg to maintain the patient's immune balance.
8.Factors influencing willingness to participate in health science popularization among medical workers in Guangdong Province
Bingjun SONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Mengxiong WU ; Zhiwei LU ; Fan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Caiwen LI ; Xibo WANG ; Kun HUANG ; Ziqian ZHENG
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(2):162-167
Objective To analyze the status of willingness to participate in health science popularization (HSP) and its influencing factors among medical workers in Guangdong Province. Methods A total of 462 medical workers in Guangdong Province were recruited as the study subjects using a stratified convenience sampling method. The Questionnaire on Influencing Factors of Willingness to Participate in Health Science Popularization, developed by the research team, was used to investigate their willingness to participate in HSP and related variables, including previous communication experience, attitude, moral belief, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, self-efficacy, and social support. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of willingness to participate in HSP. Results The median and 25th and 75th percentiles score of willingness to participate in HSP was 4.0 (3.8, 4.5), indicating a moderately high level of willingness. The HSP participation willingness score was positively correlated with scores for previous communication experience, attitude, moral belief, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, self-efficacy, and social support (Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.513, 0.384, 0.507, 0.533, 0.463, 0.556, and 0.435, respectively; all P<0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that previous communication experience, moral belief, descriptive norm and self-efficacy positively predicted willingness to participate in HSP (all P<0.05). Medical workers in the non-Pearl River Delta region had lower willingness than those in the Pearl River Delta region for HSP participation (P<0.05). Conclusion There is still room for improving willingness for HSP participation among healthcare professionals in Guangdong Province. It is recommended to enhance self-efficacy through communication skills training, strengthen professional ethics education, foster a positive peer engagement atmosphere, and intensify resource support and capacity building for HSP in the non-Pearl River Delta region, to improve HSP participation willingness among medical workers in Guangdong Province.
9.Study on changes and correlations of color,components and anti-tumor activity of processed products of Gelsemium elegans at different sand-frying durations
Hao WU ; Lisong CHEN ; Chenglong HUANG ; Yueling WANG ; Lirong CHEN ; Wenyi WANG ; Yinghao WANG ; Desen LI ; Shuisheng WU ; Ying CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2258-2263
OBJECTIVE To explore the changes and correlations of color, components and anti-tumor activity of Gelsemium elegans during sand-frying processing, so as to provide a reference for the toxicity-attenuating and efficacy-preserving processing as well as quality control of sand-fried G. elegans decoction pieces.METHODS Raw G.elegans and its processed products prepared by sand-frying for 15, 30, 75, 105 and 120 s were taken as test samples. The chromatic values, contents of total alkaloids and seven main active components (gelsemine, humantenine, koumine, gelsenicine, etc.) were determined. Their in vitro anti-tumor activity was investigated. The correlations between color and component contents, as well as between total alkaloid content and anti-tumor activity were analyzed.RESULTS The color of G.elegans samples generally darkened after sand-frying, and the total color difference (Δ E * ) of samples sand-fried for 75 s was greater than 20. At the initial stage of sand-frying (15-30 s), the total alkaloid content in processed products decreased sharply compared with the raw material; at the later-stage of sand-frying (75-105 s), the declining rate of total alkaloid content slowed down and tended to be stable. The contents of gelsenicine and humantenidine in processed products dropped drastically at 30 s of sand-frying, while the contents of koumine and sempervirine decreased substantially (by about 80%) after 75 s of sand-frying and then gradually tended to be stable. The anti-HepG2 cell proliferation activity of each processed product decreased with the extension of frying time. Correlation analysis demonstrated that color brightness and yellow-blue chromaticity were significantly positively correlated with the contents of total alkaloids and all determined active components except gelsemine ( P <0.05 or P <0.01); red-green chromaticity was significantly positively correlated with the contents of koumine, sempervirine, gelsemivirine and humantenidine ( P <0.05 or P <0.01); Δ E * was significantly negatively correlated with the contents of total alkaloids and all determined active components except gelsemine. Besides, total alkaloid content was significantly negatively correlated with the half maximal inhibitory concentration of the samples on HepG2 cells ( P <0.05 or P <0.01).CONCLUSIONS With the prolongation of sand-frying time, the color of sand-fried G.elegans decoction pieces gradually turned brownish-brown, the contents of seven active components and total alkaloids decreased progressively, and its anti-HepG2 cell activity showed an overall downward trend. Sand-frying for 75 s serves as a critical turning-point for the above-mentioned changes.
10.The two-year follow up study on the association between new caries risk in school aged children and multi dimensional sleep indicators
LU Xiuzhen, HUANG Chuanlong, LI Yang, ZUO Min, SUN Ying, CHEN Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):579-583
Objective:
To explore the prospective association between multidimensional sleep indicators and the risk of newlyonset dental caries, providing a reference for childrens oral healthrelated sleep intervention.
Methods:
In October 2021, 1 417 students in grades 1 to 4 (aged 6 to 11) from two elementary schools in Bengbu, Anhui Province, were selected by cluster sampling method. Surveys and followup visits were conducted at baseline (T1), November 2022 (T2), May 2023 (T3), and November 2023 (T4), respectively, including parental questionnaires, oral health and physical examination. Bedtime, sleep duration, sleep midpoint, social jet lag, weekend catchup sleep, and sleep habits were collected and calculated. A multifactorial Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the association between multidimensional sleep indicators and newlyonset caries in schoolaged children after 2 years.
Results:
The prevalence of dental caries in children was 65.1% at baseline, and the prevalence was 59.0% at the end of the 2year followup. Cox proportional risk regression model showed that for every 1point increase in the childrens bedtime resistance, nocturnal awakenings, parasomnias, and daytime sleepiness scores, the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.15), 22% (HR=1.22, 95%CI=1.15-1.29), 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.17), and 15% (HR=1.15, 95%CI=1.12-1.19), respectively; the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 23% for each 1 h increase in the length of weekend catchup sleep (HR=1.23, 95%CI=1.14 -1.33); compared with children who went to bed before 21:00 on school days, those who went to bed later than 22:00 had a 57% higher risk of newlyonset caries (HR=1.57, 95%CI=1.22-2.03). Compared to children who slept adequately (≥9 h/d), those with insufficient sleep had a 67% higher risk of new caries (HR=1.67, 95%CI=1.43-1.95) (P<0.01).
Conclusions
These findings suggest a significant association between sleep patterns/sleep disorders and the development of childhood dental caries. Incorporating sleep behavior optimization and sleep quality improvement into comprehensive caries prevention and oral health management protocols may represent a promising intervention strategy to enhance childrens oral health outcomes.


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