1.Effect of fluoride exposure on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial calcium transfer and apoptosis in primary nerve cells
Yongheng LU ; Shuang ZHU ; Feiyan ZHAO ; Fujun AI ; Yanjie LIU ; Yangting DONG ; Zhizhong GUAN ; Na WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):111-119
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that neuronal damage caused by continuous excessive fluoride exposure is related to Ca2+overload,but the mechanism of Ca2+flow conversion between intracellular calcium stores and cell apoptosis damage is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of fluoride exposure on Ca2+transport channel proteins and apoptosis levels in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane of primary cultured neural cells.METHODS:Primary nerve cells of neonatal SD rats were cultured in vitro and identified by immunofluorescence staining with neuronal nucleus-specific antibody up to day 7.The nerve cells were divided into control group(containing 0 mmol/L sodium fluoride),low fluoride group(containing 0.5 mmol/L sodium fluoride),and high fluoride group(containing 1 mmol/L sodium fluoride).The cell morphological changes were observed by light microscope 24 hours after fluorine exposure.The expression levels of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 and calcium transfer-related pathways VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R were detected using western blot assay.The expression levels of VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Ca2+levels were detected by Rhood-2AM Ca2+probe.Mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit was used to detect the change in mitochondrial membrane potential.The level of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The purity of neurons cultured on day 7 had been determined to be over 90%,with few impurities,good growth status,and tight cell network connections,meeting the requirements of subsequent experiments.(2)Compared with the control group,growth of neural cell clusters in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group increased;the processes were broken;the cell body was rounded,and the connection network between cells was destroyed.Compared with the low-fluoride group,the cell damage changes in the high-fluoride group were more obvious.(3)Compared with the control group,the protein expressions of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R were increased in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group(P<0.05),and the ratio of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VDAC1 and GRP75 mRNA in the low-fluoride group was significantly increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R mRNA in the high-fluoride group were significantly increased(P<0.01).(4)The level of cell apoptosis increased significantly after fluoride exposure,and the high-fluoride group was significantly higher than the control and low-fluoride groups(P<0.01).(5)After fluoride exposure,the concentration of mitochondrial Ca2+in nerve cells increased significantly(P<0.05),the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased(P<0.01),and the degree of damage in the high-fluoride group was more obvious(P<0.05).The results show that fluoride exposure impairs the morphological structure of primary neural cells,resulting in upregulation of Ca2+transfer pathway protein expression between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria,mitochondrial Ca2+overload,mitochondrial damage,and increased levels of apoptosis.
2.Rectal cancer with liver metastases accompanied by severe coronary artery stenosis: a case report
Yinuo GUAN ; Jiahui CHEN ; Yan WANG ; Hao LU ; Leilei CHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):147-153
To report diagnosis and treatment of a patient with rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases, accompanied by severe coronary artery stenosis and cardiac insufficiency, and to provide a reference for clinical decision-making in such cases through introducing the treatment contradiction, the choice of systemic treatment plan and the timing of operation, and the final outcome. After definitive diagnosis, the patient received systemic therapy with cetuximab+irinotecan+oxaliplatin+raltitrexed, and along with oral medication to improve cardiac function, followed by elective coronary revascularization. After revascularization, the cardiac function of patient was fully improved. And the tumor lesion was effectively controlled after antitumor therapy. Once the cardiac condition of patient stabilized, two-stage surgical resection of the primary rectal cancer and liver metastases was performed, ultimately achieving tumor-free status, and discharged.
3.Effect of fluoride exposure on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial calcium transfer and apoptosis in primary nerve cells
Yongheng LU ; Shuang ZHU ; Feiyan ZHAO ; Fujun AI ; Yanjie LIU ; Yangting DONG ; Zhizhong GUAN ; Na WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):111-119
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that neuronal damage caused by continuous excessive fluoride exposure is related to Ca2+overload,but the mechanism of Ca2+flow conversion between intracellular calcium stores and cell apoptosis damage is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of fluoride exposure on Ca2+transport channel proteins and apoptosis levels in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane of primary cultured neural cells.METHODS:Primary nerve cells of neonatal SD rats were cultured in vitro and identified by immunofluorescence staining with neuronal nucleus-specific antibody up to day 7.The nerve cells were divided into control group(containing 0 mmol/L sodium fluoride),low fluoride group(containing 0.5 mmol/L sodium fluoride),and high fluoride group(containing 1 mmol/L sodium fluoride).The cell morphological changes were observed by light microscope 24 hours after fluorine exposure.The expression levels of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 and calcium transfer-related pathways VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R were detected using western blot assay.The expression levels of VDAC1,GRP 75,and IP3R mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Ca2+levels were detected by Rhood-2AM Ca2+probe.Mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit was used to detect the change in mitochondrial membrane potential.The level of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The purity of neurons cultured on day 7 had been determined to be over 90%,with few impurities,good growth status,and tight cell network connections,meeting the requirements of subsequent experiments.(2)Compared with the control group,growth of neural cell clusters in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group increased;the processes were broken;the cell body was rounded,and the connection network between cells was destroyed.Compared with the low-fluoride group,the cell damage changes in the high-fluoride group were more obvious.(3)Compared with the control group,the protein expressions of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R were increased in the low-fluoride group and the high-fluoride group(P<0.05),and the ratio of apoptosis-related protein BAX/BCL-2 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VDAC1 and GRP75 mRNA in the low-fluoride group was significantly increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of VDAC1,GRP75,and IP3R mRNA in the high-fluoride group were significantly increased(P<0.01).(4)The level of cell apoptosis increased significantly after fluoride exposure,and the high-fluoride group was significantly higher than the control and low-fluoride groups(P<0.01).(5)After fluoride exposure,the concentration of mitochondrial Ca2+in nerve cells increased significantly(P<0.05),the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased(P<0.01),and the degree of damage in the high-fluoride group was more obvious(P<0.05).The results show that fluoride exposure impairs the morphological structure of primary neural cells,resulting in upregulation of Ca2+transfer pathway protein expression between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria,mitochondrial Ca2+overload,mitochondrial damage,and increased levels of apoptosis.
4.Multidimensional analysis of concurrent proximal bronchiolar adenoma and lung carcinoma
Lu-Yao LI ; Gong-Ming DONG ; Yun-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Fu-Quan JIA ; Guan-Jun ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):356-363
Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare type of lung tumor characterized by bilayered epithelial cells having a continuous basal layer and a luminal layer. It resembles mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) on frozen section, with difficulty in distinguishing the basal layer. Immunohistochemistry is the best choice for verifying the diagnosis. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize three cases of BA-combined carcinoma using clinical, histopathological, and genetic features. BA and carcinoma sections were subjected to next-generation sequencing, respectively. It was hypothesized that while different mutation forms matched different regions, BA and lung adenocarcinoma shared the same gene mutation when they co-occurred in the same location. BA with extensive carcinoma is extremely rare and presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with conditions such as MA. Because of its distinctive morphological characteristics, BA may be regarded as a low-grade malignancy, particularly during a confusing evaluation. A multifaceted examination of clinical, radiological, immunohistochemical, and genetic data is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
5.Literature Data Analysis on the Evolution Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Psoriasis Vulgaris
Kewen GUAN ; Xiuli XIE ; Chuanjian LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):834-840
ObjectiveTo explore the distribution and evolution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and syndrome elements in psoriasis vulgaris (PV). MethodsLiterature related to TCM syndromes of PV published in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), VIP Chinese Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to December 31, 2023, was retrieved. Statistical analysis was conducted on the distribution of TCM syndromes and syndrome elements in the included studies. The data were further categorized into five-year periods to analyze the dynamic changes in syndromes and syndrome elements over time. ResultsA total of 2,853 studies were included, with 5,896 syndrome occurrences. The most common TCM syndromes in PV were blood-heat syndrome (2,167 occurrences, 36.75%), blood-stasis syndrome (1,219 occurrences, 20.68%), blood-dryness syndrome (1,124 occurrences, 19.06%), and damp-heat syndrome (263 occurrences, 4.46%). The most frequent syndrome categories included blood syndromes (4,680 occurrences, 79.38%) and dampness syndromes (347 occurrences, 5.89%). The most common syndrome elements related to disease location were blood division (4,874 occurrences, 94.38%) and spleen (99 occurrences, 1.92%). The most common syndrome elements related to disease nature were blood-heat (2,213 occurrences, 25.96%), blood-dryness (1,434 occurrences, 16.82%), and blood-stasis (1,330 occurrences, 15.60%). Except for the period 1978-1983, blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes consistently ranked among the top three, with their combined proportion showing an overall upward trend (from 67.65% to 81.69%). The proportion of spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome also increased (from 0.24% to 1.46%). In terms of syndrome classification, the proportion of blood syndromes showed an overall upward trend (from 67.65% to 83.46%), ranking first in all periods. The proportion of dampness syndromes showed a general downward trend (from 17.65% to 4.54%), ranking second after blood syndromes in most periods except for 1994-1998 and 1999-2003. The proportion of spleen-related syndromes showed an overall increase (from 0.24% to 1.85%). Regarding disease location elements, the proportion of blood division remained stable above 90%, while the proportion of spleen involvement increased (from 0.68% to 3.23%). As for disease nature elements, blood-heat (from 19.23% to 33.27%) and blood-stasis (from 1.92% to 20.83%) significantly increased, while dampness initially decreased and then slightly increased (from 11.54% to 5.73%). ConclusionIn the distribution of PV-related TCM syndromes, blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes are the most common. Blood syndromes dominate syndrome classification, with disease location primarily in the blood division and disease nature characterized by blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness. Evolutionary trends indicate that blood-heat, blood-stasis, and blood-dryness syndromes remain predominant and are increasing in proportion, while spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome is also rising. Among syndrome classifications, the proportion of blood syndromes is increasing, dampness syndromes are decreasing, and spleen-related syndromes are on the rise. In terms of syndrome elements, blood division remains dominant, while spleen involvement is increasing. The proportion of blood-heat and blood-stasis is significantly increasing, while dampness first declines and then slightly rebounds. Overall, the mainstream TCM perspective of treating PV based on blood differentiation remains unchanged, with syndrome distribution focusing on blood division. The increasing importance of spleen deficiency and dampness in disease pathogenesis represents a new trend.
6.Nano-traditional Chinese Medicine-Induced Cuproptosis and Ferroptosis in Tumor Resistance: A Review
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):308-314
Cuproptosis and ferroptosis, two recently identified metal ion-dependent forms of cell death, are triggered by homeostasis dysregulation of intracellular copper and iron, as well as oxidative stress. They demonstrate considerable potential in anti-tumor therapy. Cuproptosis arises from mitochondrial dysfunction and proteotoxic stress caused by copper overload, while ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits regulatory effects on cuproptosis and ferroptosis, its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Through physical nanonization or carrier-based delivery technologies adopted by nano-TCM, the targeting specificity, stability, and bioavailability of drugs are significantly improved. By integrating sustained-release and controlled-release properties, metal ion homeostasis and redox balance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be precisely modulated. Research demonstrates that nano-TCM, such as celastrol-copper nanocomplexes (Cel-Cu NPs), induces cuproptosis by augmenting intracellular copper accumulation and suppressing glutathione (GSH) levels. Nano-systems encapsulating camptothecin or artemisinin trigger ferroptosis via Fenton reaction and GSH depletion. Synergistic strategies of nano-materials, including ferrum-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) combined with piperlongumine, further amplify antitumor efficacy. Despite advancements in targeting cuproptosis and ferroptosis, challenges persist in nano-TCM development, including complex fabrication processes, suboptimal dosage optimization, and insufficient integration with the holistic principles of TCM. Future research should focus on exploring the interaction between cuproptosis and ferroptosis, developing multi-targeted nanodelivery systems, and fostering deeper integration of TCM theory with nanomedicine to advance novel therapeutic strategies for oncology.
7.Nano-traditional Chinese Medicine-Induced Cuproptosis and Ferroptosis in Tumor Resistance: A Review
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):308-314
Cuproptosis and ferroptosis, two recently identified metal ion-dependent forms of cell death, are triggered by homeostasis dysregulation of intracellular copper and iron, as well as oxidative stress. They demonstrate considerable potential in anti-tumor therapy. Cuproptosis arises from mitochondrial dysfunction and proteotoxic stress caused by copper overload, while ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits regulatory effects on cuproptosis and ferroptosis, its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Through physical nanonization or carrier-based delivery technologies adopted by nano-TCM, the targeting specificity, stability, and bioavailability of drugs are significantly improved. By integrating sustained-release and controlled-release properties, metal ion homeostasis and redox balance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be precisely modulated. Research demonstrates that nano-TCM, such as celastrol-copper nanocomplexes (Cel-Cu NPs), induces cuproptosis by augmenting intracellular copper accumulation and suppressing glutathione (GSH) levels. Nano-systems encapsulating camptothecin or artemisinin trigger ferroptosis via Fenton reaction and GSH depletion. Synergistic strategies of nano-materials, including ferrum-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) combined with piperlongumine, further amplify antitumor efficacy. Despite advancements in targeting cuproptosis and ferroptosis, challenges persist in nano-TCM development, including complex fabrication processes, suboptimal dosage optimization, and insufficient integration with the holistic principles of TCM. Future research should focus on exploring the interaction between cuproptosis and ferroptosis, developing multi-targeted nanodelivery systems, and fostering deeper integration of TCM theory with nanomedicine to advance novel therapeutic strategies for oncology.
8.Research Progress on Routine Clinical CT in Assessing Bone Mineral Density of Osteoporosis Patients
Zhenzhen GUAN ; Yijin WANG ; Haibin WANG ; Xuhua LU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(4):439-444
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is mainly characterized by reduced bone mineral density(BMD).Commonly used BMD examination methods are dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative CT,but their distribution is not enough.Routine clinical CT can also be used for BMD assessment,which mainly includes vertebral body CT values and BMD values obtained based on asynchronous calibration and internal calibration technology,which is expected to achieve opportunistic osteoporosis screening and fracture risk prediction.This paper reviews the application of routine clinical CT in assessing BMD of osteoporosis patients,in order to help clinicians and scholars understand the current status and future research directions of opportunistic osteoporosis screening.
9.MR 3D-T1WI and T2WI radiomics for diagnosing early and middle stage Parkinson disease
Lu HAO ; Yi DUAN ; Minghui ZHU ; Xiao ZHU ; KALIBUNUER·MAHEMUTI ; Yangtai GUAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(8):512-515
Objective To observe the value of MR 3D-T1WI and T2WI radiomics for diagnosing early and middle stage Parkinson disease(PD).Methods A total of 96 patients with early or middle stage PD(Hoehn-Yahr[H-Y]stage≤2.5)and 96 matched healthy adults were retrospectively collected and divided into training set(n=135,including 67 cases of PD and 68 healthy adults)and validation set(n=57,including 28 cases of PD and 29 healthy adults)at the ratio of 7∶3.The optimal radiomics features of left red nucleus(LRN),right red nucleus(RRN),left substantia nigra(LSN)and right substantia nigra(RSN)were extracted and screened from cranial 3D-T1WI and T2WI in training set.Then radiomics models of single MR sequence and combined MR sequences were constructed,respectively,the radiomics scores(Radscore)were obtained,the diagnostic efficacy of each model for diagnosing early and middle stage PD was validated using validation set,and the correlations of Radscore of each model and clinical scale scores of PD patients were analyzed.Results Based on LRN,RRN,LSN and RSN on 3D-T1WI and T2WI,15,14,11 and 14,and 15,12,14 and 12 optimal radiomics features were obtained,respectively.Then models of single sequence,including LRN3D-T1W,I RRN3D-T1W,I LSN3D-T1W,I RSN3D-T1W,I LRNT2W,I RRNT2W,I LSNT2WI and RSNT2W,I as well as models of combined sequences,including LRN3D-T1WI+T2WI,RRN3D-T1WI+T2WI,LSN3D-T1WI+T2WI and RSN3D-T1WI+T2WI were constructed.The AUC of models in training and validation sets based on 3D-T1WI were 0.75-0.86,of models based on T2WI in training and validation sets were 0.82-0.90,while of combined models were 0.85-0.93.The Radscore of LRN3D-T1WI model in PD patients was negatively correlated with Hamilton depression scale(HAMD)and Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)scores(rs=-0.255,-0.242,P=0.011,0.016),while of RSNT2WI model was negatively correlated with HAMD score(rs=-0.254,P=0.010).Conclusion 3D-T1WI and T2WI radiomics could be used to diagnose early and middle stage PD.
10.Treatment of hypertensive nephropathy based on"five viscera in one"view
Hong WANG ; Lu-fan SHEN ; Rui-ling MA ; Ming-shuang HOU ; Hong-ying LÜ ; Guan-jun JIA ; Lin YI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):121-126
Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.

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