1.Exploring Biological Characteristics of Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-heat and Blood Stasis Pattern Based on Metabolomics
Ailin HOU ; Yuxuan LIU ; Wenxi YU ; Xing JI ; Chan WU ; Dazhuo SHI ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):245-255
ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation(AF) that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis(TRYZ) pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups:the control group, the TRYZ+AF group,the AF group and the TRYZ group, with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide(LPS) injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride(Ach-CaCl2) via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration, echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function, fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and whole blood reduced viscosity, a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and fibrinogen(FIB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), galectin-3(Gal-3), Collagen Ⅰ, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium, Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)], and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling, compared with the control group, rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight, dry faeces, elevated rectal temperature, dark red tongue, decreased RGB values on the tongue surface, and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels(P<0.05, P<0.01). The TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT, APTT and PT, along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB(P<0.05, P<0.01). Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm, markedly decreased heart rate, prolonged RR intervals, enlarged left atrium, and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9, Gal-3, Collagen Ⅰ, and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups compared to the control group, with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group, primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome, demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm, heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor, this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.
2.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
3.Construction of Risk Prediction Model for Frequent Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Under Disease-syndrome Combination
Jing ZHOU ; Gang TENG ; Nianzhi ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Qianqian ZHANG ; He HUANG ; Ling LIU ; Mei DONG ; Juan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):143-151
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) under disease-syndrome combination, thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations (≥2 times/year) and infrequent acute exacerbations (<2 times/year) according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression, and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group (1 196 cases) and infrequent acute exacerbations group (833 cases) were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors: body mass index (BMI), hospitalization days, number of smoking years, place of residence, use of noninvasive ventilators, oxygen-demanding therapy, liver cirrhosis, use of systemic glucocorticosteroids, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome (phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung). The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set (AUC=0.748) and validation set (AUC=0.774). ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD, integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.
4.Serological characteristics of individuals with hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus overlapping infection
Yanfei CUI ; Xia HUANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Yingjie JI ; Song QING ; Yuanjie FU ; Jing ZHANG ; Li LIU ; Yongqian CHENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):74-79
ObjectiveTo investigate the status of overlapping hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the serological characteristics of such patients. MethodsA total of 8 637 patients with HCV infection who were hospitalized from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 and had complete data of HBV serological markers were enrolled, and the composition ratio of patients with overlapping HBV serological markers was analyzed among the patients with HCV infection. The patients were divided into groups based on age and year of birth, and serological characteristics were analyzed, and the distribution of HBV-related serological characteristics were analyzed across different HCV genotypes. ResultsThe patients with HCV/HBV overlapping infection accounted for 5.85%, and the patients with previous HBV infection accounted for 48.10%; the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 14.67%, while the patients with a lack of protective immunity against HBV accounted for 31.39%. The patients were divided into groups based on age: in the 0 — 17 years group, the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 61.41% (304 patients); the 18 — 44 years group was mainly composed of patients with previous HBV infection (698 patients, 37.31%), the 45 — 59 years group was predominantly composed of patients with previous HBV infection (1 945 patients, 50.38%), and the ≥60 years group was also predominantly composed of patients with previous HBV infection (1 486 patients, 61.66%). The patients were divided into groups based on the year of birth: in the pre-1992 group, the patients with previous HBV infection accounted for 51.63% (4 112 patients); in the 1992 — 2005 group, the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 54.72% (168 patients); in the post-2005 group, the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 64.38% (235 patients). In this study, 6 301 patients underwent HCV genotype testing: the patients with genotype 1b accounted for the highest proportion of 51.71% (3 258 patients), followed by those with genotype 2a (1 769 patients, 28.07%), genotype 3b (63 patients, 1.00%), genotype 3a (10 patients, 0.16%), genotype 4 (21 patients, 0.33%), and genotype 6a (5 patients, 0.08%). ConclusionWith the implementation of hepatitis B planned vaccination program in China, there has been a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with previous HBV infection among the patients with HCV/HBV overlapping infection, but there is still a relatively high proportion of patients with a lack of protective immunity against HBV.
5.Ginkgolide B regulates the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and epithelial- mesenchymal transition of liver cancer cells through the PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway
LIU Yanhua1 ; WANG Hongjuan1 ; BAO Bojun1 ; ZHU Junya1 ; YI Nan1 ; JI Yifei1 ; HUANG Wei1 ; ZHANG Li1 ; LIU Guoliang2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):51-58
[摘 要] 目的:探究银杏内酯B(GKB)调控蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(PERK)/转录激活子4(ATF4)/C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)信号通路对肝癌细胞增殖、迁移、凋亡和上皮间质转化(EMT)的影响。方法:将人肝癌细胞MHCC-97H随机分为对照组、GKB组、GSK2656157(PERK抑制剂)组和GKB + GSK2656157组,以GKB和GSK2656157分别干预后,采用MTT法和EdU染色检测各组细胞的增殖活性及增殖率,划痕愈合实验、流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞的迁移及凋亡水平,WB法检测各组细胞中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。构建MHCC-97H细胞裸鼠移植瘤模型,以同法分组及药物干预后测定各组移植瘤体积,采用免疫组化、TUNEL染色分别检测各组肿瘤细胞增殖、凋亡水平,WB法检测各组移植瘤组织中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,GKB组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05);GSK2656157组各指标变化与GKB组相反(均P < 0.05)。与GKB组比较,GKB + GSK2656157组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05)。结论:GKB可通过激活PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路抑制肝癌MHCC-97H细胞增殖、迁移和EMT并促进其凋亡。
6.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
7.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
8.Proteomics combined with bioinformatics analysis of protein markers of dry eye
Yanting YANG ; Yajun SHI ; Guang YANG ; Haiyang JI ; Jie LIU ; Jue HONG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xiaopeng MA
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):104-111
AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
9.Comparison of different intensity exercises to improve autophagy in diabetic rats by inhibiting renal phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
Hongyan ZHOU ; Yidan ZHANG ; Wei JI ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2310-2318
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus impairs renal function,and studies have shown that exercise interventions can protect the kidneys.Irisin can protect renal function in diabetic nephropathy patients by restoring autophagy through inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To explore whether exercise can restore autophagy and ameliorate renal injury by inhibiting over-activation of the renal PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,as well as to analyze the differences in the effects of different modalities of exercise. METHODS:Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(normal rats)and a diabetic group,and then the diabetic group was randomly divided into a diabetic model group,a moderate-intensity continuous exercise group,and a high-intensity intermittent exercise group after successful modeling using high-fat,high-sugar feeding plus intraperitoneal administration of low-dose 1%streptozotocin(30 mg/kg).The two exercise groups were subjected to 8 weeks of exercise intervention with different exercise intensities.The fasting blood glucose concentration was detected by glucose oxidase method,glycated hemoglobin levels was measured using a kit,serum insulin concentration was detected by Elisa method,and insulin resistance index was calculated.Gene expression of PI3K,AKT,mTOR,Beclin-1,podocin,and nephrin was detected by RT-PCR.Protein expression of mTOR and autophagy marker proteins LC3-1,LC3-2,and Beclin-1 was detected by western blot RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were highly significantly increased,insulin resistance levels were significantly increased,and insulin levels were significantly decreased in type 2 diabetic rats.Both exercises resulted in highly significant decreases in fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels,significant decreases in insulin resistance levels and significant increases in insulin levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Insulin levels were significantly higher in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group.The expression of podocin and nephrind genes was significantly reduced in type 2 diabetic rats and two different forms of exercise significantly the gene expression.There was a further trend toward an increase in gene expression of podocyte-associated proteins in the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group compared with the high-intensity intermittent exercise group,but there was no significant difference.The mRNA and protein expression of PI3K,AKT and mTORC1 in kidney tissues of type 2 diabetic rats were significantly increased,and the expression of autophagy marker proteins Beclin-1 and LC3-2 and LC3-2/LC3-1 were significantly decreased.Both different forms of exercise significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K,AKT,and mTORC1,and significantly increased the autophagy marker proteins Beclin-1,LC3-2,and LC3-2/LC3-1 in renal tissues.Compared with the moderate-intensity continuous exercise group,there was a trend toward further decreases in mRNA expression of PI3K,AKT,and mTORC1 and protein expression of mTOR,and a trend toward further elevation of Beclin-1,LC3-2,and LC3-2/LC3-1 in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group,but only Beclin-1 showed a significant difference between groups.In summary,renal podocyte injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus with suppressed autophagy is closely related to aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway.Both moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can protect the diabetic kidney,reduce podocyte damage,and restore renal podocyte autophagy,which may be achieved by inhibiting the excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.High-intensity intermittent exercise shows a trend toward more favorable restoration of autophagy compared with moderate-intensity continuous exercise,but with a slight decrease in podocyte protein expression.
10.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.


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