1.Research Progress on Ferroptosis in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):809-819
Driven by the global trend of population aging, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been rising consistently. The pathogenic mechanisms of these disorders are complex, and effective disease-modifying therapies remain an unmet clinical need. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death modality driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been widely implicated in the occurrence and evolution of the aforementioned conditions. Under pathological states, both perturbed iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation can precipitate ferroptosis. Specifically, iron overload exacerbates oxidative injury via the Fenton reaction, disrupts the glutathione (GSH)-based antioxidant defense system, and induces extensive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), ultimately culminating in neuronal damage. Furthermore, ferroptosis interacts synergistically with other pathological hallmarks, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, aberrant protein aggregation, and apoptosis, thereby accelerating disease progression. A synthesis of current evidence indicates that disrupted iron homeostasis, enhanced lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and impaired glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity constitute the common basis for ferroptosis in these neurodegenerative diseases. Concurrently, ferroptosis also displays certain disease‑specific characteristics by engaging distinct pathogenic proteins and regulatory pathways in each disorder. In this review, we delineate the molecular regulatory framework of ferroptosis, summarize its research progress in AD, PD, HD, and ALS, and highlight both shared mechanisms and divergent regulatory pathways across these diseases, with the goal of informing future investigations into disease pathogenesis and the discovery of novel strategies.
2.Research Progress on Ferroptosis in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):809-819
Driven by the global trend of population aging, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been rising consistently. The pathogenic mechanisms of these disorders are complex, and effective disease-modifying therapies remain an unmet clinical need. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death modality driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been widely implicated in the occurrence and evolution of the aforementioned conditions. Under pathological states, both perturbed iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation can precipitate ferroptosis. Specifically, iron overload exacerbates oxidative injury via the Fenton reaction, disrupts the glutathione (GSH)-based antioxidant defense system, and induces extensive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), ultimately culminating in neuronal damage. Furthermore, ferroptosis interacts synergistically with other pathological hallmarks, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, aberrant protein aggregation, and apoptosis, thereby accelerating disease progression. A synthesis of current evidence indicates that disrupted iron homeostasis, enhanced lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and impaired glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity constitute the common basis for ferroptosis in these neurodegenerative diseases. Concurrently, ferroptosis also displays certain disease‑specific characteristics by engaging distinct pathogenic proteins and regulatory pathways in each disorder. In this review, we delineate the molecular regulatory framework of ferroptosis, summarize its research progress in AD, PD, HD, and ALS, and highlight both shared mechanisms and divergent regulatory pathways across these diseases, with the goal of informing future investigations into disease pathogenesis and the discovery of novel strategies.
3.Daurisoline Inhibits Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating the γγ-Secretase/Notch Axis
Xiangyi ZHAN ; Xiaoyong CHEN ; Mei FENG ; Kuo YAO ; Kefan YANG ; Hui JIA
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):331-343
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is challenging to treat and lacks targeted therapeutic drugs in the clinic. Natural active ingredients provide promising opportunities for discovering and developing targeted therapies for TNBC. This study investigated the effects of daurisoline on TNBC and elucidated its potential mechanisms. Using network pharmacology, a correlation was identified between daurisoline, derived from Menispermum dauricum, and breast cancer, particularly involving the Notch signaling pathway. The effects of daurisoline on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells were evaluated in vitro. Additionally, the impact of daurisoline on the growth of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors in nude mice was assessed through in vivo experiments. Expression levels of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins, including Notch-1, NICD, PSEN-1, Bax, and Bcl-2, were examined using molecular docking and Western blotting to explore the underlying mechanisms of daurisoline’s anti-breast cancer effects. It was revealed that daurisoline could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells and promote apoptosis. Furthermore, it significantly reduced the growth of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. Notably, daurisoline could reduce the hydrolytic activity of γ-secretase by binding to the catalytic core PSEN-1, thereby inhibiting activation of the γ-secretase/Notch axis and contributing to its anti-TNBC effects.This study supported the development of naturally targeted drugs for TNBC and provided insights into the research on dibenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, such as daurisoline.
4.Effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction on mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome
Shuang HUANG ; Ya-li YAN ; Hao MEI ; Jing-xi YAO ; Fu-chun XUE ; Jing SHANG ; Yan TANG ; Zheng-gang SHI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3225-3232
AIM To investigate the effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction(CPYJD)on striatal mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS).METHODS Thirty-six SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned to the control group(n=9)and the TS modeling group(n=27).Rats in the modeling group received daily intraperitoneal injections of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile(IDPN)(300 mg/kg)for 7 consecutive days to establish the TS model.Post-modeling,successfully induced TS rats were re-randomized into model group(no treatment),tiapride group(47.91 mg/kg)and CPYJD group(77.28 g/kg).All groups received their respective interventions via intragastric administration daily for 28 days.Following drug administration,behavioral scores were assessed in each group.Pathological alterations in the striatum were examined using HE staining,while ultrastructural changes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Neuronal apoptosis was quantified via TUNEL staining,and ROS levels in striatum were measured by ELISA.Co-localization of PINK1 and LC3B was assessed using immunofluorescence(IF).Finally,mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1,P62 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group demonstrated significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.01),elevated neuronal apoptosis rate and higher ROS levels in the striatum(P<0.01);severe neuronal and mitochondrial damage in the striatum;significantly reduced mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)in the striatum(P<0.01);markedly upregulated P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the tiapride and CPYJD intervention groups exhibited significantly reduced behavioral scores(P<0.01);decreased neuronal apoptosis rate and lower ROS levels(P<0.01);improved pathological alterations in the striatal neurons and mitochondria;increased mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 in the striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).Furthermore,the rats in the CPYJD group specifically showed elevated LC3B mRNA level and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ratio in striatum(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The effect of CPYJD intervention in TS rats may involve activation of mitophagy through regulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway,improving mitochondrial function,reducing ROS levels,and thereby protecting neurons.
5.Exploring the therapeutic effect of cornuside on diabetic retinopathy in rats based on the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Mei CHEN ; Xuewei QIN ; Xianfeng YAO ; Zongzhi LI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(5):348-353
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of cornuside on diabetic retinopathy(DR)in rats and ana-lyze the acting mechanism of the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/thioredoxin interacting protein(TXNIP)/NOD-like recep-tor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in this process.Methods A total of 56 suc-cessfully modeled DR rats were randomly divided into the model group,the cornuside 20 mg·kg-1 group,the cornuside 40 mg·kg-1 group,the calcium dobesilate 5.8 mg·kg-1 group,with 14 rats in each group;while,meanwhile another 14 healthy rats were selected as the control group.After the corresponding intervention of rats in each group,retinal tissue in-flammation,oxidative stress indicators,fasting blood glucose(FBG),and angiogenic factor levels were detected by the en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transfer-ase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining were used to observe retinal histopathology and retinal cell apoptosis,re-spectively.The mRNA expression of ROS,TXNIP,and NLRP3 in the retinal tissue was detected by the quantitative fluores-cence polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The apoptosis of retinal cells and the protein expression of the ROS/TXNIP/NL-RP3 signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the control group,the model group showed disordered arrangement of retinal cells and a significant decrease in the cell number,accompanied by nuclear con-densation and edema;interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),malondialdehyde(MDA),FBG,angiopoie-tin-1(Ang-1),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),retinal cell apoptosis rate,ROS,and the mRNA and protein ex-pression levels of TXNIP and NLRP3 increased significantly,while superoxide dismutase(SOD)and B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)protein expression levels decreased significantly(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the arrangement of retinal cells in the cornuside 20 mg·kg-1 group,the cornuside 40 mg·kg-1 group,and the calcium dobesilate 5.8 mg·kg-1 group gradually became normal,the number of retinal cells increased,and the nuclear condensation and edema were relieved;IL-6,TNF-α,MDA,FBG,Ang-1,VEGF,retinal cell apoptosis rate,ROS,and the mRNA and protein expression level of TXNIP and NLRP3 decreased significantly,while the protein expression level of SOD and Bcl-2 increased signifi-cantly(all P<0.05).In the intergroup comparison of the pathological damage of retinal tissue and the improvement degree of the above quantitative indexes in DR rats,the cornuside 40 mg·kg-1group was superior to the cornusin 20 mg·kg-1 group(all P<0.05);the calcium dobesilate 5.8 mg·kg-1 group was superior to the cornusin 20 mg·kg-1 group,but infe-rior to the cornuside 40 mg·kg-1 group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Cornuside can mitigate retinal inflammation,oxi-dative stress,and pathological damage in DR rats and inhibit blood glucose,retinal angiogenesis,and cell apoptosis.The acting mechanism of cornuside may be related to the inhibition of the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
6.Daurisoline Inhibits Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating the γγ-Secretase/Notch Axis
Xiangyi ZHAN ; Xiaoyong CHEN ; Mei FENG ; Kuo YAO ; Kefan YANG ; Hui JIA
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):331-343
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is challenging to treat and lacks targeted therapeutic drugs in the clinic. Natural active ingredients provide promising opportunities for discovering and developing targeted therapies for TNBC. This study investigated the effects of daurisoline on TNBC and elucidated its potential mechanisms. Using network pharmacology, a correlation was identified between daurisoline, derived from Menispermum dauricum, and breast cancer, particularly involving the Notch signaling pathway. The effects of daurisoline on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells were evaluated in vitro. Additionally, the impact of daurisoline on the growth of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors in nude mice was assessed through in vivo experiments. Expression levels of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins, including Notch-1, NICD, PSEN-1, Bax, and Bcl-2, were examined using molecular docking and Western blotting to explore the underlying mechanisms of daurisoline’s anti-breast cancer effects. It was revealed that daurisoline could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells and promote apoptosis. Furthermore, it significantly reduced the growth of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. Notably, daurisoline could reduce the hydrolytic activity of γ-secretase by binding to the catalytic core PSEN-1, thereby inhibiting activation of the γ-secretase/Notch axis and contributing to its anti-TNBC effects.This study supported the development of naturally targeted drugs for TNBC and provided insights into the research on dibenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, such as daurisoline.
7.Golgi apparatus stress and its role in infectious diseases:a review of recent advances
Qi FAN ; Yao WU ; Xiao-Mei ZHU ; Yong-Ming YAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(1):83-91
The Golgi apparatus(GA),an essential membrane organelle in eukaryotes positioned between the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane,is responsible for transporting and modifying proteins and lipids generated by the endoplasmic reticulum.The homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum and GA plays a crucial role in regulating cellular life.When GA is unable to bear the load of protein or lipid processing and transportation,it enters a state of stress.Cells sense this and activate Golgi-related quality control mechanisms.By regulating the structure and function of GA,it provides important protection for the cell or induces programmed cell death,known as the GA stress response.Understanding the mechanisms and outcomes of cellular GA stress is of great significance for exploring Golgi dynamics and its impact on human diseases.This review summarizes the structure and function of GA under physiological conditions,the phenomenon of GA stress under pathological conditions,and the role of GA in infectious diseases,aiming to provide a basis for the clinical study of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
8.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury
Jiang-Ming ZHANG ; Ze-Qian WANG ; Cun-Lian XU ; Pai DENG ; Yang WU ; Min-Jun QI ; Lu-Mei MA ; Wei-Qing YAO ; Dong LIU ; Dong-Mei LIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):935-942
Objective To explore the risk factors for 28-day mortality of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury(SA-AKI)patients and to develop a nomogram risk prediction model.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted,involving 184 patients with SA-AKI admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA between January 2017 and December 2022.Patients were categorized into survival(n=135)and non-survival(n=49)groups based on 28-day mortality.Clinical data were collected,and statistically significant risk factors were preliminarily screened.Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for 28-day mortality of SA-AKI patients.A nomogram predictive model was constructed using these factors,and internally validated with the Bootstrap method.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC curve)was drawn,and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was calculated to verify the predictive value and accuracy of the model.Results The 28-day mortality rate among 184 SA-AKI patients was 26.6%(49/184).Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis identified multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)(OR=16.393,95%CI 4.317-62.254,P<0.001),high acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score(OR=1.097,95%CI 1.036-1.161,P=0.002),low oxygenation index(OR=0.992,95%CI 0.986-0.998,P=0.015),low neutrophil count(OR=0.912,95%CI 0.860-0.968,P=0.002)and low fibrinogen concentration(OR=0.733,95%CI 0.549-0.978,P=0.034)as independent risk factors.The prediction model equation was P=1/1+e-logit(P),logit(P)=-1.626+2.797×MODS+0.092×AP ACHE Ⅱ+(-0.311)×fibrinogen+(-0.092)×neutrophil count+(-0.008)×oxygenation index.Internal validation with 1000 Bootstrap resamples showed high consistency between predicted and actual values.ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.911(95%CI 0.868-0.955,P<0.05)for the model,with 93.9%sensitivity and 78.5%specificity at a cut-off of 0.194.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed good calibration(P=0.62),and decision-making curve analysis demonstrated clinical utility within the high-risk threshold range(0.1-0.9).Conclusions MODS,high APACHE Ⅱ score,low oxygenation index,low neutrophil count,and low fibrinogen concentration are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in SA-AKI patients.The developed nomogram risk prediction model may provide important guidance for predicting 28-day mortality in SA-AKI patients.
9.Association between use of vibrating tools and low back pain in automobile manufacturing workers: A propensity score matching analysis
Xiaoyi QIAN ; Jiabing WU ; Yanli RAN ; Yan YAO ; Yong MEI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):712-716
Background The prevalence of low back pain among workers using vibrating tools in the automobile manufacturing industry is high; however, research on associated risk factors remains limited. Objective To investigate the association between use of vibrating tools and low back pain among automobile manufacturing workers, and to estimate related population attributable risk percentage (PAR%). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire among workers with over one year of service in an automobile manufacturing enterprise. Workers were categorized into an exposed group (vibrating tool users) and a control group (non-users) based on their use of vibrating tools during work. The variables showing statistically significant differences between the two groups were selected as covariates for matching by 1∶2 nearest-neighbor propensity score. Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of low back pain between the matched exposed and control groups. Log-binomial regression model was employed to calculate the prevalence ratio (PR), and the PAR% of low back pain attributable to vibrating tool use was subsequently determined. Results A total of
10.A case report of giant neurofibromatosis of maxillofacial, neck and chest was treated by multidisciplinary cooperation.
Shuzhen CHEN ; Leifeng LIU ; Haitao QIU ; Jun YAO ; Qizhu CHEN ; Mei XU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):376-378
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary neurological disorder. One of the typical manifestations of NF1 is neurofibroma, which can develop gradually over time. When the volume exceeds 100 cm², it is referred to as giant neurofibroma, representing a tumor-like proliferation of Schwann cells within the nerve fiber sheath. The Department of Otolaryngology at the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University received a rare case involving a patient with giant neurofibromatosis affecting the maxillofacial region, neck, and chest. The patient underwent successful surgical treatment with the collaboration of various medical disciplines.
Humans
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Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery*
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Neck
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Neurofibromatoses
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Neurofibromatosis 1/surgery*
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Thoracic Neoplasms/surgery*

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