1.Shared genetic architecture between arrhythmia and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a heart-brain axis study based on multi-omics integration
Jiaqing XU ; Chen XU ; Xiaochu GU ; Lijun PANG ; Jing SHEN ; Liya YE
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):149-157
BackgroundArrhythmia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) frequently co-occur in clinical and epidemiological settings, yet their shared genetic basis and potential heart-brain axis mechanisms remain unclear. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the genetic correlation between arrhythmia and OCD, and to elucidate their underlying molecular genetic mechanisms, so as to provide molecular evidence for the "heart-brain axis" to support risk assessment and integrated clinical strategies for these comorbidities. MethodsThe aggregated data from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of arrhythmia in the UK Biobank (7 207 cases and 477 391 controls) and the GWAS data of OCD released by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (2 688 cases and 7 037 controls) were integrated, all of which were limited to individuals of European ancestry. The genome-wide genetic correlations were estimated using the linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and the high-definition likelihood (HDL). Local genetic correlation analysis was conducted using the local analysis of variance annotation (LAVA). Multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) was employed to identify pleiotropic loci. Shared risk genes were identified by combining summary-data based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS). Functional enrichment analysis was performed based on the functional mapping and annotation (FUMA) platform. ResultsBoth LDSC (rg=0.248, 95% CI: 0.159–0.336, P=4.82×10-3) and HDL (rg=0.294, 95% CI: 0.237–0.351, P=5.87×10-4) revealed significant positive genetic correlation between arrhythmia and OCD. LAVA identified 23 significantly local correlated regions in the genome (P<2.0×10-5). MTAG discovered 11 genome-wide significant pleiotropic SNPs, among which rs12754189 (intron of KCNN3) had potential functional harmfulness (CADD>12.37). SMR and TWAS jointly identified 20 shared genes, enriched in neural-cardiovascular tissues such as the cerebral cortex, amygdala, and left ventricle, and involved in DNA damage response, RNA metabolism, transcriptional regulation, and FAS signaling pathway (FDR<0.05). ConclusionArrhythmia and OCD share a common genetic basis. The co-morbidity mechanism may involve the common vulnerability of neurons and cardiac muscle cells in terms of gene expression regulation and stress response, supporting the role of the brain-heart axis in the pathophysiology of both conditions.
2.Research progress of defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses on the control of myopia
Shiwei SHEN ; Lijun JIANG ; Yongwei ZHU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):270-273
In recent years, the incidence of myopia has been increasing alongside the growing global population, emerging as a significant public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with myopia exhibit an elongated axial length, which leads to various structural and functional ocular changes, resulting in the risk of related eye diseases and, in severe cases, blindness. Unfortunately, once myopia develops, it is irreversible. The only way to prevent or slow its progression is through appropriate treatment. The current focal point in myopia prevention and control is the peripheral myopic defocus theory. This paper summarizes the relevant research on defocus incorporated multiple segments(DIMS)lenses, following a systematic analysis of the literature. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of DIMS compared to other myopia control methods, and discusses the application prospects and future directions of defocus lenses represented by DIMS, aiming to provide reference and guidance for the control of myopia progression in children and adolescents.
3.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
4.Construction of a predictive model for efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in gastric cancer based on CT radiomics
Huo JUNJIE ; Chen FENGJU ; Duan YINGXIN ; Li MAN ; Shen LIJIE ; Wu YONGCUN ; Wang LIJUN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(1):16-23
Objective:To investigate the value of a computed tomography(CT)radiomics-based model for predicting the efficacy of neoad-juvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer(LAGC).Methods:Data on 114 patients with LAGC who underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College between June 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively collected.These patients'data were divided into a training set(n=67)and a validation set(n=47)based on the time of admission.High-throughput features were extracted from baseline portal phase CT images of all patients,and the selected features were used to construct the radiomics prediction model.The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)and calibration curves.The prognostic ability of the model was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves.Results:Based on the maximum relevancy min-redundancy(mRMR)algorithm and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression model,5 out of 584 assessed features were incorporated into the radiomics(Rad)score.The respect-ive areas under the curve for predicting pathological complete response(pCR)in the training and validation sets were 0.865 and 0.830,re-spectively,and good fits were obtained(Hosmer-Lemeshow test:P>0.05).The optimal cut-off value for the Rad score was determined based on the Youden index.Patients with high Rad scores had significantly higher 3-year recurrence-free survival rates(82.7%vs.60.4%in the training set and 78.9%vs.53.8%in the validation set)and 3-year overall survival rates(78.9%vs.60.2%in the training set and 79.3%vs.50.0%in the validation set)than those with low Rad scores(P<0.05).Conclusions:The CT radiomics prediction model effectively predicted the pathological response and prognosis of patients with LAGC after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and is ex-pected to serve as a practical clinical tool.
5.Research progress on biomarkers for proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable colorectal cancer in the immunotherapy era
Mingxu YAN ; Yaqi WANG ; Lijun SHEN ; Zhen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(7):796-803
Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of microsatellite instability (MSI)-high CRC. However, the monotherapy of ICI in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC has not been satisfactory. Some patients with MSS CRC can benefit from various combination immunotherapy regimens. Identifying appropriate biomarkers to select MSS-type CRC patients who will benefit from ICI treatment prior to therapy initiation and dynamically monitoring treatment efficacy during the therapeutic course have become crucial components of precision medicine in clinical practice. This article reviews the current research status of traditional biomarkers such as tumor mutation burden (TMB) and PD-L1 expression. It also explores the latest research progress and clinical translation potential of emerging biomarkers, including POLE/POLD1 mutations, immune score, circulating tumor DNA, and gut microbiome. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges in the clinical application of biomarkers, such as the controversy over TMB cutoff values and the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. Finally, it outlines future research directions with the aim of providing a basis for clinical decision-making in immunotherapy and facilitating the realization of precision medicine.
6.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
7.Correlation of aqueous humor cytokine profiles with disorganization of retinal inner layers and postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Shian ZHANG ; Yu HUO ; Xinyu GAO ; Yu ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Jiafeng YU ; Sulan WU ; Yiqi CHEN ; Jianbo MAO ; Lijun SHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(8):579-585
Objective:To observe and analyze the correlations between aqueous humor cytokine concentrations and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), as well as postoperative visual acuity, in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:A prospective clinical study. From November 2022 to October 2024, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with iERM at Ophthalmology Center of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital) underwent cataract surgery alone or combined with pars plana vitrectomy (iERM group) were enrolled; 19 eyes of 19 patients undergoing cataract surgery alone during the same period served as the control group. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). BCVA was assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analysis. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured using SS-OCT. The iERM group was further subdivided into DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups (21 eyes and 19 eyes, respectively), based on the presence or absence of DRIL. Aqueous humor samples were collected preoperatively from eyes in both the iERM and control groups. Concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Follow-up examinations using the same equipment and methods were performed at 1 month postoperatively. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the iERM group, control group, DRIL-positive subgroup, and DRIL-negative subgroup. Correlations between aqueous cytokine levels in the iERM group and BCVA or CMT were also analyzed. Intergroup comparisons utilized the Mann-Whitney U test; correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the control group, the iERM group exhibited significantly higher aqueous concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, and TNF-α ( P<0.05). Compared to the DRIL-negative subgroup, the DRIL-positive subgroup showed significantly elevated aqueous concentrations of TGF-β3, PDGF-AB, PLGF, GDNF, ICAM-1, Ang-1, Ang-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in logMAR BCVA ( P=0.028) and CMT ( P<0.001) within the iERM group between preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements. LogMAR BCVA differed significantly between the DRIL-positive and DRIL-negative subgroups ( P=0.048). Correlation analysis revealed that baseline aqueous levels of VEGF-A and IL-6 in eyes with DRIL were positively correlated with postoperative BCVA ( r=0.324, 0.452; P=0.042, 0.003). No significant correlation was found between CMT and any cytokine ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Aqueous humor cytokines are closely associated with DRIL in iERM patients. IL-6 and VEGF-A may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for early postoperative visual recovery.
8.Practical Application of Scenario-Based Learning in the Laboratory Teaching of Medical Parasitology for Undergraduate Non-Clinical Medical Students
Jia MA ; Lijie SHEN ; Lijun YANG ; Xuemei JIA ; Zheng XIANG ; Xi CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):164-170
Objective To investigate the impact of scenario class teaching on language expression,communication skills,and final exam performance of non-clinical majors students in the course of Medical Parasitology.Method Undergraduate students of non-clinical medical programs from Kunming Medical University in 2022 were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into a scenario class group and a non-scenario class group.Questionnaires were administered to compare the two groups regarding their interest in the laboratory classes,enjoyment levels,and knowledge retention.Additionally,the final exam scores of the two groups were compared.Results Students in the scenario class group showed significantly higher interest(82.6%)and enjoyment levels(88.3%)for laboratory classes compared to the non-scenario class group(73.0%and 60.1%,respectively,P<0.05).Students in the scenario class group believed that situational teaching enhanced their self-learning ability(82.06%),interest in learning(83.2%),willingness to express themselves(83.2%),confidence in expression(81.8%),and communication skills(87.9%).Additionally,It effectively facilitated their understanding of the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases(85.9%)and familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment process(86.8%),thereby cultivating clinical thinking.In terms of final exam scores,the scenario class group had a higher average score(22.80±0.18)than the non-situational classroom group(21.47±0.17,P<0.05).Conclusion Sc-enario class teaching in Medical Parasitology can effectively improve students'self-learning ability,language expression,and communication skills,cultivate clinical thinking,and enhance academic performance,demonstrating significant teaching advantages.
9.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
10.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.

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