1.Analysis of a child with Osteo-oto-hepato-enteric syndrome and a literature review.
Dandan WANG ; Qianqian LI ; Hongxiang GUO ; Yongning CHEN ; Qingfei HAO ; Yanlei XU ; Xiuyong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):204-212
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the phenotype and genotype of a neonate with Osteo-oto-hepato-enteric syndrome (O2HE) and review the literature.
METHODS:
A female neonate diagnosed with O2HE syndrome on December 13, 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was selected as the study subject, and her clinical characteristics were analyzed, and pathogenic variants were explored by whole exome sequencing (WES). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: 2025-KY-1038).
RESULTS:
The proband, a female infant, was delivered by Cesarean section at 36+1 weeks of gestation. Five days after birth, she had developed severe diarrhea, mild cholestasis, sensorineural hearing loss, and growth retardation. WES revealed that she has harbored novel compound heterozygous variants c.512delA (p.Lys171Serfs*64) and c.698C>A (p.Thr233Asn) of the UNC45A gene, which were inherited from her mother and father, respectively. A total of 8 English papers were retrieved, which involved 16 patients from 14 families. Combined with our case, the 17 patients included 13 (76.5%) females and 4 (23.5%) males. Four patients (23.5%) had consanguineous parents. One case was excluded from further genetic analysis due to co-morbidity with other genetic variants. The primary clinical features included diarrhea (87.5%), cholestasis (81.3%), sensorineural hearing loss (31.3%), bone fragility (37.5%), and developmental delay (50.0%). Bi-allelic compound heterozygous mutations were identified in 12 patients (75.0%), and homozygous variants in 4 (25.0%). These included missense, nonsense, frameshift and deletional variants. The c.710T>C (p.Leu237Pro) variant was identified for 5 times, 3 of which were in homozygote forms.
CONCLUSION
O2HE syndrome should be suspected in cases with diarrhea, cholestasis, and hearing abnormalities during early postnatal period. Genetic testing facilitate early identification, genetic diagnosis and treatment.
Humans
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Female
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Infant, Newborn
;
Male
;
Mutation
;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics*
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Diarrhea, Infantile/genetics*
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Phenotype
;
Fetal Growth Retardation
;
Hair Diseases
;
Facies
2.Mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedutang and Its Major Active Constituents in Inhibiting LPS-induced M1 Polarisation of BV2 Microglia
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Kunjing LIU ; Xin LAN ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wenyuan MA ; Wei SHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Liyang DONG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):44-55
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJD) and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, and berberine) can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers, their combined formula, and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg·L-1). Nitric oxide (NO) assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determined the content of geniposide, baicalin, and berberine in HLJD, and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group, DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L-1 LPS, this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release, and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide, 15 μg of baicalin, and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios, experimental groups were blank, LPS (2 mg·L-1), HLJD (200 mg·L-1), monomer combination, geniposide (4.8 mg·L-1), baicalin (3 mg·L-1), and berberine (6 mg·L-1). The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the supernatant (P<0.01). HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01) while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 (P<0.01), with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ (M1-type) BV2 cells (P<0.01). HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS upregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins (P<0.01), whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, berberine) can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Heat-clearing and Toxin-removing Method Reduces Ischemic Stroke Injury by Protecting Endothelial-pericyte and Inhibiting Macrophage Migration
Zijin SUN ; Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Zhaoyi WANG ; Linjing SONG ; Wenxiu XU ; Jing JI ; Changxiang LI ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):56-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on immune cell migration, blood-brain barrier protection, and cellular functional recovery in a model of ischemic stroke. MethodsA transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was established in mice to induce ischemic stroke. Cerebral blood flow and neurological function were evaluated using laser speckle imaging and neurological deficit scoring. Histopathological damage in brain tissues was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Mice were divided into a sham group, a model group, an HLJDT group, and a Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) group. After one week of acclimatization, intragastric administration was initiated. The sham and model groups received normal saline, the HLJDT group received HLJDT at 1.82 g·kg-¹, and the GBE group received GBE at 0.432 g·kg-¹. Administration was continued for 5 consecutive days, and the tMCAO model was established after the final dose on day 6. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on brain tissues and peripheral immune cells. UMAP and odds ratio (OR) indices were used to analyze cell distribution. Differential expression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of HLJDT on endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophages, combined with CellChat and decoupler to analyze cell-cell communication and transcription factor regulation. Finally, PCR and ELISA were used to validate the mRNA and protein expression of relevant genes. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores (P<0.01) and significantly decreased cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), accompanied by cortical structural disorder, aggravated cytoplasmic vacuolization, and increased numbers of Nissl bodies. Compared with the model group, both the HLJDT and GBE groups exhibited significantly reduced neurological deficit scores (P<0.01) and markedly improved cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), along with amelioration of cortical structural disorder, alleviated cytoplasmic vacuolization, and reduced numbers of Nissl bodies. Single-cell analysis showed that HLJDT protected endothelial cells and pericytes by preventing their reduction, restored the expression of functional genes in these cells (e.g., PECAM1 and NOS3), and downregulated the expression of chemokines and adhesion-related factors (e.g., CCL2 and CXCL2). In macrophages, HLJDT reduced their recruitment to the central nervous system and downregulated the expression of chemokine receptors and inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, CCR2, and CXCR2). Cell-cell communication analysis further indicated that HLJDT, through the above mechanisms, alleviated damage to pericytes and endothelial cells, reduced their recruitment of macrophages, and decreased ligand-receptor interactions in chemokine signaling pathways (including CCL, CXCL, and CSF3) between pericytes/endothelial cells and macrophages, thereby preventing secondary injury. Compared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly upregulated mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 (P<0.01), while mRNA expression levels of endothelial- and pericyte function-related genes (RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3) were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, compared with the model group, the HLJDT and GBE groups exhibited significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3 (P<0.01). At the protein level, compared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly increased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01), whereas these protein levels were significantly reduced in the HLJDT and GBE groups compared with the model group (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT reduces neuronal damage in ischemic stroke by protecting endothelial cells and pericytes, while inhibiting their interaction with macrophages, thereby mitigating secondary injury in the central nervous system.
4.Huanglian Jiedutang Against Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Liyang DONG ; Qinyuan ZHANG ; Yiping WU ; Yingping HE ; Wei SHAO ; Haojia ZHANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):77-86
Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT), as a classical formula for clearing heat and removing toxins, has been widely applied in the treatment of various clinical diseases in recent years, particularly during the fire-heat stage of stroke, where it has attracted considerable attention. Based on previous studies, this paper systematically elaborates on the research progress on the active components of HLJDT, its clinical application in ischemic stroke, and advances in studies on its mechanisms of action. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that HLJDT contains multiple active components, including baicalin, geniposide, and berberine. In the treatment of ischemic stroke, these components exert therapeutic effects through multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-level mechanisms. Clinical studies have shown that HLJDT can increase cerebral blood flow, reduce cerebral infarct volume, and improve post-stroke physical dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke. Experimental studies have indicated that HLJDT can improve neurological function scores and increase cerebral perfusion in experimental stroke models. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the anti-ischemic stroke effects of HLJDT may be related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, promotion of angiogenesis, and regulation of amino acid and energy metabolism. Although existing studies have confirmed that HLJDT exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic therapeutic characteristics, further large-sample randomized controlled trials are still needed to verify its long-term efficacy and to further elucidate the dynamic interaction network among components, targets, and pathways. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, this study further clarifies the synergistic targets of the core components (berberine, baicalin, and geniposide), providing a theoretical basis for in-depth research and clinical translation of HLJDT in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
5.Association of mixed exposure to lithium, vanadium, uranium, and bismuth in early pregnancy with gestational weight gain
Jiao LI ; Qi LI ; Shuang CHENG ; Jiayi SONG ; Xiaohui GUO ; Xiang WANG ; Di CHENG ; Kefeng FAN ; Ju WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):475-484
Background Gestational weight gain is closely related to maternal and infant health outcomes. Pregnant women are simultaneously exposed to four metals—lithium (Li), vanadium (V), uranium (U), and bismuth (Bi)—through inhalation of fine particulate matter and consumption of contaminated food and water. Existing studies suggest that exposure to these metals may be associated with gestational weight gain. However, no study has yet explored the complex relationships between exposure to mixtures of these four metals and weight gain at different stages of pregnancy. Objective To investigate the associations between mixed exposure to Li, V, U, and Bi in early pregnancy and the average weekly gestational weight gain during both early pregnancy and mid-to-late pregnancy. Methods This prospective study recruited eligible women in early pregnancy from an obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jinan, China, between September 2021 and July 2023. Pre-pregnancy weight, current weight (at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation), and spot urine samples (≥5.0 mL) were collected at enrollment. Urinary concentrations of Li, V, Bi, and U were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants were followed up in late pregnancy (≥28 weeks of gestation) to collect information on physical activity via questionnaire; weight measurements at the last antenatal visit (35+0 to 37+6 weeks of gestation) were obtained from the hospital information system. After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regression and generalized additive models were used to assess the associations of individual metals with weekly weight gain in early pregnancy and in mid-to-late pregnancy. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation (Qgcomp) were applied to evaluate the joint effects of the metal mixture exposure on weekly weight gain at the two gestational stages. Results A total of 313 pregnant women were included. The geometric means of urinary Li, V, U, and Bi concentrations were 37.07, 0.20, 0.06, and 0.04 μg·L−1, respectively; after creatinine adjustment, the corresponding values were 46.82, 0.25, 0.07, and 0.05 μg·g−1 (Cr). The mean weekly gestational weight gain was (0.19±0.25) kg in early pregnancy and (0.53 ± 0.18) kg in mid-to-late pregnancy. Both multiple linear regression and generalized additive models showed that urinary V concentration was positively associated with average weekly gestational weight gain in early pregnancy, while no significant associations were found for other metals or for gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. In the BKMR model with early-pregnancy weight gain as the outcome, V had the strongest association [posterior inclusion probability (PIP)=0.773]. When other metals were fixed at their medians, V showed a positive non-linear association with the outcome. A significant single-metal effect of V and its interaction with Li were observed. Compared with the 50th percentile of the metal mixture, the average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy increased by 0.016 (95%CI: 0.003, 0.029) and 0.018 (95%CI: 0.001, 0.036) at the 60th and 65th percentiles, respectively; conversely, at the 25th percentile, it decreased by 0.026 (95%CI: 0.002, 0.050). Overall, the joint effect of the metal mixture on early- pregnancy weight gain showed an upward trend. In the BKMR model for mid-to-late pregnancy gestational weight gain, all PIPs were<0.5, and no significant single-metal effects, interactions, or joint effects were identified. Qgcomp results confirmed a positive association between the metal mixture and early-pregnancy weight gain (b=0.031, 95%CI: 0.010, 0.051; P<0.01), with V contributing the highest positive weight (0.71). No significant association was found for weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy (b=0.007, P=0.339). Conclusion Higher levels of co-exposure to the Li, V, Bi, and U metal mixture during early pregnancy may be associated with increased average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy. Among these metals, V exhibits a predominant role and appears to interact with Li. No association is observed between early-pregnancy metal mixture exposure and average weekly gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. These findings suggest that monitoring and managing metal exposure during early pregnancy may be crucial for the rational regulation of gestational weight gain.
6.Three-dimensional finite element analysis of molar distalization with clear aligners with different thicknesses and edges
Yanan CHENG ; Jiazhi YU ; Yinchang LIU ; Jie WU ; Tong YU ; Lu WANG ; Xiaoguang LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):310-318
BACKGROUND:One of the advantages of clear aligner treatment is molar distalization.However,tooth tilting movement and loss of anterior anchorage may occur during treatment.There are few studies on whether these problems can be improved by selecting clear aligners with different thicknesses and edges to improve the clinical treatment effect.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the control ability of clear aligners with different thickness and edges on the central incisor,lateral incisor,and second molar when pushing the maxillary second molar distally by three-dimensional finite element analysis.METHODS:Three-dimensional finite element analysis models of bilateral maxillary second molar distalization with clear aligner,maxillary dentition,periodontal ligament,and alveolar bone with different thicknesses and margins were established by Mimics,Geomagic Wrap,3-matic and SolidWorks software,respectively.There were 16 combinations of four thicknesses(0.4,0.5,0.625,and 0.75 mm)and four margins(scallop,straight,straight extension 2 mm and straight extension 4 mm).The data were imported into Ansys Workbench software for design and solution.The mean value,peak value and distribution of the periodontal ligament equivalent stress of the second molar,the equivalent stress and the maximum initial displacement of the second molar,and the control ability of each appliance on the second molar,central incisor,and lateral incisor were analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mean equivalent stress of periodontal ligament of the second molar,the equivalent stress of the second molar and the maximum initial displacement of the second molar increased with the extension of the appliance edge and the increase of the thickness of the appliance in the 16 groups of models.(2)When the thickness of appliances was the same,the maximum equivalent stress of the second molar in the linear appliance group was the highest,and the maximum equivalent stress of the second molar in the linear extended appliance group was greater than that in the scallop appliance group.When the edge of the appliance was the same,the periodontal ligament equivalent stress peak of the second molar increased with the increase of the thickness of the appliance.The equivalent stress distribution in the periodontal ligament of the second molar in the linear extendable appliance group was more uniform than that in the scallop appliance group and the linear appliance group.(3)When the thickness of the appliance was the same,the scallop-shaped appliance had the worst control on the second molar.When the edge of the appliance was the same,with the increase of the thickness of the appliance,the control of the second molar by the linear extender appliance was gradually stronger than that by the linear appliance.The control of the central incisor was stronger and more stable with the linear extended 2 mm appliance,while the control of the lateral incisor was stronger and more stable with the linear appliance.(4)The results showed that when using clear aligners to push molars distally,extending the edge of the appliance could improve the control of the molars and reduce the tilting movement of the teeth.The design of a straight extension margin of 2 mm for the central incisor and a straight edge for the lateral incisor can enhance the control of the anchorage incisor and reduce the labial inclination of the anterior teeth.
7.Role and pathogenesis of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors in osteoporosis
Jiamu XU ; Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):691-700
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that there is a close relationship between pyroptosis,inflammatory factors and osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the effects of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis from the perspectives of osteogenic differentiation and osteoclastic differentiation,based on an overview of pyroptosis in relation to the interaction of relevant inflammatory factors.METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published by each database until 2024,and searched CNKI,WanFang,VIP and PubMed databases with the search terms of"pyroptosis,inflammatory factors,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signaling pathway,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 79 papers were finally included according to the inclusion criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The progression of osteoporosis is closely related to inflammation,in which pyroptosis plays a key role.Immune cells induce pyroptosis through apoptosis pathway,promote the secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-18,interleukin-1β and NLRP3,build an inflammatory immune microenvironment,and regulate bone metabolism through complex signaling pathways,resulting in enhanced bone absorption and reduced bone formation,thereby leading to osteoporosis.Previous studies have shown that inhibiting pyroptosis is anti-inflammatory and slows the progression of osteoporosis,and it has been shown to improve inflammatory bone loss in vitro and in animal models.At present,research on pyroptosis and osteoporosis is limited.On the one hand,the exact mechanism of osteoporosis and the pathogenesis of pyroptosis are unknown,and the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms remain to be understood.On the other hand,therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis are still theoretical,not clinically proven,and drug side effects are unknown.In the future,the research focus is to further explore the pathogenesis,especially the mechanism of pyroptosis,identify potential therapeutic targets,further study the pyroptosis signaling pathway and Gasdermin protein,and develop new drugs to improve the therapeutic effect in patients with osteoporosis.
8.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
9.Candida albicans promotes malignant progression of oral leukoplakia: a preliminary study based on clinical cohort and animal models
CHENG Fangbo ; ZHANG Shiyu ; WANG Ying ; LI Jing
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):237-245
Objective:
To explore the correlation between Candida albicans and the development of oral leukoplakia (OLK), and to provide a basis for improving the pathogenic mechanism of the malignant transformation of OLK.
Methods:
Oral microbiome data were obtained from public databases (NCBI BioProject, PRJNA788378; GEO, GSE227919), and bioinformatic methods were employed to evaluate the correlation between Candida albicans infection and OLK. Approval was obtained from the institutional Medical Ethics Committee. A tissue microarray was constructed using samples collected from an OLK clinical cohort. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were performed to analyze the relationship between the Candida albicans detection rate and clinicopathological features. Approval was obtained from the institutional Animal Ethics Committee. A mouse model was established by combining 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) in drinking water with oral inoculation of Candida albicans (4NQO + Candida albicans group), while mice treated with 4NQO in drinking water and PBS served as the control group (4NQO + PBS group). The degree of epithelial dysplasia was compared between the two groups to assess the impact of Candida albicans infection on lesion progression (defined in this study as the progression from mild/moderate epithelial dysplasia to severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma).
Results:
Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the detection rate of Candida albicans in OPMDs and OLK tissues was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group. Staining results of clinical samples demonstrated that Candida albicans colonized OLK lesions; compared with Candida albicans-negative patients, positive patients exhibited a state of high-grade progression. Animal experiments indicated that, compared with the 4NQO + PBS group, the degree of oral epithelial dysplasia in the 4NQO + Candida albicans group was significantly exacerbated, and the malignant transformation rate was higher, suggesting that Candida albicans promotes the high-grade progression of OLK.
Conclusion
Candida albicans exhibits a increasing trend during the malignant progression of the OLK. It aggravates the degree of epithelial dysplasia in OLK and promotes its transformation into high-grade lesions, suggesting that Candida albicans plays a crucial promoting role in the high-grade progression of OLK.
10.Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Tang-containing Serum in Improving 5-FU Sensitivity by Inhibiting Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Based on CDK16/MYC Pathway
Rong CAI ; Shang WANG ; Fuqing CHENG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Zuowei HU ; Yunhai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanisms by which serum containing Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT) inhibits glycolysis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells based on the cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16)/MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) pathway. MethodsHCT-116/5-FU cells were treated with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of GQT-containing serum. Cell viability and 5-FU sensitivity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations of 5-FU and GQT for subsequent experiments were determined. Cell proliferation and apoptosis under individual 5-FU, GQT, and combined 5-FU + GQT treatments were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate levels were measured by colorimetric assays. Expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, CDK16, MYC, and phosphorylated MYC were detected by Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to examine the protein interaction between CDK16 and MYC, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment was applied to assess the effect of CDK16 overexpression on MYC protein stability. ResultsCCK-8 assays showed that 2.5 mg·L-1 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. In HCT-116/5-FU cells, significant inhibition was observed only at 5 mg·L-1 5-FU (P<0.05), which was used for model establishment. Compared with 5-FU alone, addition of 5% GQT-containing serum significantly suppressed HCT-116/5-FU cell viability (P<0.05), with stronger inhibition at higher serum concentrations. Thus, 5% GQT-containing serum was used in subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 5-FU, GQT, and 5-FU + GQT treatments all significantly reduced cell proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). The 5-FU + GQT combination showed superior inhibition of proliferation compared with 5-FU or GQT alone (P<0.01), accompanied by more pronounced reductions in glucose consumption, ATP production, and lactate generation (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with control, 5-FU, and GQT groups, the 5-FU + GQT group exhibited stronger suppression of MYC and its phosphorylated forms (P<0.01) and greater inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (P<0.01). CDK16, MYC, and MYC phosphorylation expression levels were significantly downregulated in the 5-FU + GQT group compared with the 5-FU group (all P<0.01). MYC protein stability decreased in a time-dependent manner in the 5-FU + GQT group (P<0.05), which was rescued by CDK16 overexpression (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCT-116/5-FU cells to 5-FU, potentially by inhibiting CDK16 and thereby reducing MYC-mediated glycolysis.


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