1.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
2.Current status of functional testing for upper gastrointestinal disorders: state-of-the-art review.
Andrew Xia Huang TAN ; Alex Yu Sen SOH ; Jonathan Ziyang KUANG ; Kewin Tien Ho SIAH ; Andrew Ming Liang ONG ; Daphne ANG
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(8):431-438
Neurogastroenterology and motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract represent a complex and heterogeneous group of conditions that involve the interaction between the GI tract and the central nervous system. They constitute a significant number of outpatient gastroenterology visits, resulting in a high healthcare burden. These disorders often occur in the absence of identifiable structural causes on routine endoscopy and radiological imaging. A more targeted approach in the assessment of functional GI disorders is increasingly being integrated into routine clinical practice, given the recent advancements in technology and physiologic testing. When used in the appropriate clinical context, these tests not only elucidate the physiological basis for the patient's symptoms, but also prevent inappropriate treatment and repeated investigations. This review aims to summarise the advances in clinically available diagnostic tools for the evaluation of upper GI functional disorders.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Diseases/physiopathology*
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Upper Gastrointestinal Tract/physiopathology*
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Gastrointestinal Motility
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Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
3.Association of Rapidly Elevated Plasma Tau Protein With Cognitive Decline in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Che-Sheng CHU ; Yu-Kai LIN ; Chia-Lin TSAI ; Yueh-Feng SUNG ; Chia-Kuang TSAI ; Guan-Yu LIN ; Chien-An KO ; Yi LIU ; Chih-Sung LIANG ; Fu-Chi YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):130-139
Objective:
Whether elevation in plasma levels of amyloid and tau protein biomarkers are better indicators of cognitive decline than higher baseline levels in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains understudied.
Methods:
We included 67 participants with twice testing for AD-related plasma biomarkers via immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-40, Aβ1-42, total tau [t-Tau], phosphorylated tau [p-Tau] 181, and alpha-synuclein [α-Syn]) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. We examined the correlation between biomarker levels (baseline vs. longitudinal change) and annual changes in the MMSE scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the biomarkers.
Results:
After adjustment, faster cognitive decline was correlated with lower baseline levels of t-Tau (β=0.332, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 (β=0.369, p=0.015) and rapid elevation of t-Tau (β=-0.330, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 levels (β=-0.431, p=0.004). However, the levels (baseline and longitudinal changes) of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and α-Syn were not correlated with cognitive decline. aMCI converters had lower baseline levels of p-Tau 181 (p=0.002) but larger annual changes (p=0.001) than aMCI non-converters. The change in p-Tau 181 levels showed better discriminatory capacity than the change in t-Tau levels in terms of identifying AD conversion in patients with aMCI, with an area under curve of 86.7% versus 72.2%.
Conclusion
We found changes in p-Tau 181 levels may be a suitable biomarker for identifying AD conversion.
4.Association of Rapidly Elevated Plasma Tau Protein With Cognitive Decline in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Che-Sheng CHU ; Yu-Kai LIN ; Chia-Lin TSAI ; Yueh-Feng SUNG ; Chia-Kuang TSAI ; Guan-Yu LIN ; Chien-An KO ; Yi LIU ; Chih-Sung LIANG ; Fu-Chi YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):130-139
Objective:
Whether elevation in plasma levels of amyloid and tau protein biomarkers are better indicators of cognitive decline than higher baseline levels in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains understudied.
Methods:
We included 67 participants with twice testing for AD-related plasma biomarkers via immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-40, Aβ1-42, total tau [t-Tau], phosphorylated tau [p-Tau] 181, and alpha-synuclein [α-Syn]) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. We examined the correlation between biomarker levels (baseline vs. longitudinal change) and annual changes in the MMSE scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the biomarkers.
Results:
After adjustment, faster cognitive decline was correlated with lower baseline levels of t-Tau (β=0.332, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 (β=0.369, p=0.015) and rapid elevation of t-Tau (β=-0.330, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 levels (β=-0.431, p=0.004). However, the levels (baseline and longitudinal changes) of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and α-Syn were not correlated with cognitive decline. aMCI converters had lower baseline levels of p-Tau 181 (p=0.002) but larger annual changes (p=0.001) than aMCI non-converters. The change in p-Tau 181 levels showed better discriminatory capacity than the change in t-Tau levels in terms of identifying AD conversion in patients with aMCI, with an area under curve of 86.7% versus 72.2%.
Conclusion
We found changes in p-Tau 181 levels may be a suitable biomarker for identifying AD conversion.
5.Association of Rapidly Elevated Plasma Tau Protein With Cognitive Decline in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Che-Sheng CHU ; Yu-Kai LIN ; Chia-Lin TSAI ; Yueh-Feng SUNG ; Chia-Kuang TSAI ; Guan-Yu LIN ; Chien-An KO ; Yi LIU ; Chih-Sung LIANG ; Fu-Chi YANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):130-139
Objective:
Whether elevation in plasma levels of amyloid and tau protein biomarkers are better indicators of cognitive decline than higher baseline levels in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains understudied.
Methods:
We included 67 participants with twice testing for AD-related plasma biomarkers via immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-40, Aβ1-42, total tau [t-Tau], phosphorylated tau [p-Tau] 181, and alpha-synuclein [α-Syn]) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. We examined the correlation between biomarker levels (baseline vs. longitudinal change) and annual changes in the MMSE scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the biomarkers.
Results:
After adjustment, faster cognitive decline was correlated with lower baseline levels of t-Tau (β=0.332, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 (β=0.369, p=0.015) and rapid elevation of t-Tau (β=-0.330, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 levels (β=-0.431, p=0.004). However, the levels (baseline and longitudinal changes) of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and α-Syn were not correlated with cognitive decline. aMCI converters had lower baseline levels of p-Tau 181 (p=0.002) but larger annual changes (p=0.001) than aMCI non-converters. The change in p-Tau 181 levels showed better discriminatory capacity than the change in t-Tau levels in terms of identifying AD conversion in patients with aMCI, with an area under curve of 86.7% versus 72.2%.
Conclusion
We found changes in p-Tau 181 levels may be a suitable biomarker for identifying AD conversion.
6.A multicenter study evaluating the efficacy of bronchial artery chemoembolization combined with anlotinib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Chao LIANG ; Hao LI ; Donglin KUANG ; Daqian HAN ; Jiacheng WANG ; Yanji ZHANG ; Yifan ZHAI ; Mengkun LIU ; Huibin LU ; Dechao JIAO ; Jianzhuang REN ; Shenghai LIANG ; Chenguang PANG ; Shiqi ZHOU ; Yanliang LI ; Xinwei HAN ; Yong WANG ; Xuhua DUAN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(11):1293-1301
Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) combined with anlotinib (BACE+A) versus BACE alone in patients with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:A total of 94 patients with advanced NSCLC treated at six interventional centers between November 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into the BACE+A group ( n=46) and the BACE alone group ( n=48) based on treatment regimen. Baseline and perioperative clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups. Treatment response was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) at 1, 6, and 12 months after the first BACE procedure. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare median OS and PFS between groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing OS and PFS. Results:The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median OS was significantly longer in the BACE+A group (18.8 months, 95% CI 16.3-21.3) than in the BACE group (13.4 months, 95% CI 11.6-15.2) ( P=0.001). The median PFS was also significantly longer in the BACE+A group (9.0 months, 95% CI 7.3-10.7) compared to the BACE group (6.1 months, 95% CI 4.9-7.3) ( P=0.001). At 6 and 12 months post-first BACE, the ORR (43.5%, 40.0%) and DCR (89.1%, 83.3%) were significantly higher in the BACE+A group than in the BACE group (ORR: 20.8%, 14.8%; DCR: 66.7%, 59.3%) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression identified treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.72, P=0.002), tumor stage ( HR=1.80, 95% CI 1.05-3.07, P=0.031), presence of pre-existing complications requiring intervention ( HR=2.72, 95% CI 1.65-4.50, P<0.001), and >2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.68, P=0.003) as independent factors influencing OS. Treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.76, P=0.001), tumor stage ( HR=1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77, P=0.025), multi-arterial tumor blood supply ( HR=2.76, 95% CI 1.76-4.31, P<0.001), and>2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.71, P=0.002) were independent factors influencing PFS. There was no significant difference in BACE-related adverse events between the two groups (all P>0.05). Hypertension, fatigue, hand-foot syndrome, and anorexia were common anlotinib-specific adverse reactions in the combination group, but no grade 4 or higher adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions:BACE combined with anlotinib demonstrates superior efficacy compared to BACE alone in treating advanced NSCLC, significantly prolonging OS and PFS. The safety profile is manageable, with adverse events remaining within tolerable limits.
7.Negative pressure wound therapy promotes wound healing by regulating riboflavin and glutathione metabolism: based on metabolomics
Xinwen KUANG ; Zhengyun LIANG ; Yijun XIA ; Mengjie SHAN ; Yan HAO ; Cheng FENG ; Zhi WANG ; Youbin WANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(10):1061-1071
Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in a rabbit full-thickness wound model using non-targeted metabolomics.Methods:Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits (11-12 weeks old) were used. Two symmetrical circular full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of each rabbit. The animals were randomly divided into three groups: Control group (no treatment), Saline group (debridement with saline irrigation), and NPWT+ Saline group (saline debridement followed by 2 h of NPWT at -125 mm Hg once daily for two weeks). Wound healing was documented on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. The wound healing rate was calculated as (original area-unhealed area)/original area × 100%. Histopathological changes were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Metabolomic profiling of wound tissues was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Differential metabolites were identified, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, were measured using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD test or Welch’s ANOVA with Games-Howell test was applied as appropriate.Results:On days 3, 10, and 14, the wound healing rate in the NPWT+ Saline group was significantly higher than that in the Control and Saline groups ( P<0.05). On day 7, the NPWT+ Saline group showed a significantly higher healing rate than the Saline group ( P<0.01), but no significant difference compared with the Control group ( P>0.05). HE staining on day 7 revealed enhanced epithelialization, thicker granulation tissue, higher microvessel density, and more abundant, well-organized collagen in the NPWT+ Saline group. By day 14, all groups had formed relatively continuous epithelial structures. Non-targeted metabolomics identified riboflavin and spermidine as differential metabolites. Pathway analysis highlighted riboflavin metabolism and glutathione metabolism as the most significantly enriched pathways. Compared with the Control and Saline groups, the NPWT+ Saline group exhibited significantly increased CAT and SOD activities ( P<0.05) and decreased MDA content ( P<0.01), indicating reduced oxidative stress. Conclusion:NPWT may promote wound healing by elevating riboflavin and spermidine levels, thereby modulating riboflavin and glutathione metabolism and regulating local redox reactions.
8.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
9.A practical exploration of Sino-foreign cooperation in skill training of robotic surgical system under the background of new medicine
Hua HUANG ; Yao LIANG ; Xun HOU ; Wenjie HU ; Ling LIANG ; Yiyu TANG ; Ming KUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(1):24-29
At present, robotic surgery system, as a cutting-edge technique in minimally invasive surgery, has become a crucial component in the training programs for outstanding surgeons. Given the relatively late start of this technique and immature faculty resources, there is an urgent need to optimize and improve the teaching philosophies and methodologies for robotic skill training in China, and Sino-foreign cooperation has emerged as a significant pathway to promote this reform. Taking the "International Robotic Surgery Training Center (IRSTC)" jointly established by The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and University of California as an example, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of collaboration background, construction of the training system, curriculum design, cooperation channels, and localization practices, in order to provide a reference and valuable experiences for Sino-foreign cooperation in clinical skill training.
10.One-pot Synthesis of Sulfhydryl-protected Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters and Its Application in Detection of Tetracycline
Xi-Liang YANG ; Ya-Ya KUANG ; Zi-Tao LI ; Qiu-E CAO ; Chuan-Hua ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1486-1495
Water-soluble silver nanoclusters(DHLA-AgNCs)with red fluorescence emission were synthesized using silver nitrate(AgNO3)as silver source,dihydrolipoic acid(DHLA)as ligand and sodium borohydride(NaBH4)as reducing agent by one-pot method.Based on the selective quenching of DHLA-AgNCs by tetracycline(TC),a rapid and selective fluorescence analysis method for detection of TC was constructed by monitoring the fluorescence intensity change at 650 nm.Under the optimal detection conditions,the fluorescence quenching efficiency of DHLA-AgNCs showed good linear relationship with concentration of TC within the range of 10.0-120.0 μmol/L,and the limit of detection(LOD)was 0.39 μmol/L.This method was successfully applied to detection of TC in milk samples,with spiked recoveries ranging from 99.5%to 102.5%,and relative standard deviations(RSDs)less than 5%.This method had the advantages of simplicity,rapidity,strong specificity and low cost,and thus provided a simple and feasible strategy for selective detection of TC.

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