1.Changing trend of benign hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases among people aged 15—39 years in China in 1990—2021
Wenkai JIANG ; Huiqi SUN ; Junhao FENG ; Ru HE ; Wenrui PENG ; Ming TIAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):160-166
ObjectiveTo investigate the changing trends of the incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of benign hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases among people aged 15 — 39 years in China in 1990 — 2021. MethodsThe data of 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study were downloaded to obtain the epidemiological data of liver fibrosis/chronic liver disease, benign gallbladder/biliary tract diseases, and pancreatitis among people aged 15 — 39 years in China, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess the changing trends of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the incidence and mortality rates from 2022 to 2030. ResultsIn 2021, there were 10 448 778 new cases of benign hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases among the individuals aged 15 — 39 years in China, which was increased by 3.8% compared with the data in 1990, while the numbers of prevalent cases, deaths, and DALYs were reduced by 20.4%, 59.6%, and 50.2%, respectively. In 2021, the age-standardized incidence rates of liver fibrosis/chronic liver disease, benign gallbladder/biliary tract diseases, and pancreatitis were 1 104.40/100 000, 1 045.05/100 000, and 16.64/100 000, respectively; the age-standardized prevalence rates were 20 592.37/100 000, 2 364.85/100 000, and 9.43/100 000, respectively; the age-standardized mortality rates were 1.61/100 000, 0.04/100 000, and 0.18/100 000, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, there was a tendency of increase in the age-standardized incidence rate of liver fibrosis/chronic liver disease (EAPC=0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23 — 0.63), and there was also a tendency of increase in the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of benign gallbladder/biliary tract diseases (incidence rate: EAPC=1.07, 95%CI: 0.91 — 1.24; prevalence rate: EAPC=0.75, 95%CI: 0.59 — 0.89), while there was a tendency of reduction in the age-standardized mortality rate of all three disease categories. Predictions for 2022 — 2030 indicated a potential reduction in the incidence rate of benign gallbladder/biliary tract diseases and an increase in the incidence rate of pancreatitis. ConclusionThere has been an overall upward trend in the incidence rate of liver fibrosis/chronic liver disease and gallbladder/biliary tract diseases over the past three decades, and it is needed to pay attention to the disease burden of benign hepatobiliary diseases among the people aged 15 — 39 years in China.
2.Research progress on subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic retinopathy
Yali HE ; Ming JIN ; Peijuan YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):142-145
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a subclinical state of mild hypothyroidism. In recent years, the impact of SCH on multiple systems of the body has gradually attracted attention. Although SCH patients usually do not have obvious clinical symptoms, studies have shown that SCH may be associated with a variety of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Due to the complex interrelationship between diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease, researchers have begun to pay attention to the potential impact of SCH on diabetic retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy, DR). This article aims to comprehensively review the current research progress on the impact of SCH on DR, and explore in depth the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies, providing clinicians with more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment ideas.
3.Risk factors associated with postoperative adjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Teng ZENG ; Rui HE ; Xiaobo CHEN ; Chao MING ; Guangqiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):326-332
The benefit of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not yet supported by high-level evidence. This review analyzes the role of adjuvant therapy by examining the discrepancy between clinical needs and guidelines, its historical evolution, recent advances in high-risk factors, and future outlooks. We provide a detailed discussion of high-risk factors used for patient selection, including lymph node positivity, and for node-negative patients, features such as tumor length, location, T stage, extent of lymph node dissection, differentiation, vascular and neural invasion, laboratory indices, and molecular markers. The goal is to inform the development of individualized precision treatment strategies for resectable ESCC.
4.From Golgi Stress to Golgiphagy—a New Regulatory Model Involved in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Hai-Jun WEI ; He-Ming WANG ; Shu-Jing CHEN ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):275-292
The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine
5.From Golgi Stress to Golgiphagy—a New Regulatory Model Involved in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Hai-Jun WEI ; He-Ming WANG ; Shu-Jing CHEN ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):275-292
The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine
6.Pseudoephedrine Improves Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Airway Senescence and Mitochondrial Function through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis
Lijuan WU ; Fenqiao CHEN ; He ZHANG ; Wenzhong XU ; Tan’e LIU ; Ming LIU ; Lianxing LIU ; Jianqiang MEI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):589-607
Ephedra can improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a main active ingredients of ephedra. It has anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. Its effect on COPD and its possible mechanism have not been elucidated. The COPD rat model was constructed by systemic cigarette smoke exposure combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tracheal instillation. BEAS-2B cells were treated using cigarette smoke extract; PSE was administered for treatment. The senescence level of rat lung tissue and bronchial epithelial cells was evaluated through staining, immunofluorescence and western blot.The mitochondrial damage of rats and BEAS-2B cells was detected by transmission electron microscopy, JC-1 probe, MitoSOX Red probe and kits. In addition, the lung function indexes of rats were detected by animal lung function analysis system. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining analyzed the pathological damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), kit and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate inflammation and oxidative stress. Western blot detected phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) axis protein. PSE significantly reduced senescent cells, apoptosis rate and P21 level in rat lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells, significantly increased the levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), restored mitochondrial structure, and visible mitochondrial cristae. It also inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial excessive fission. PSE also significantly improved lung function in rats, increased mean alveolar number (MAN), reduced pro-inflammatory factors, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. PSE markedly suppressed p-p85, p-AKT and p-mTOR protein expressions. In addition, the PI3K/AKT agonist 740Y-P weakened the effect of PSE on improving COPD. PSE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, improved lung tissue senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction and pathological damage, and reduced airway inflammation and oxidative stress damage, thereby alleviating COPD.
7.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
8.Genetic differentiation of Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) based on COⅠ and ITS2 sequences
Gang WANG ; Chun-juan SHI ; Dan KONG ; Xuan ZHU ; Ji HE ; Ming-hui ZHAO ; Chong-cai WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):90-95
Objective Exploring genetic differences among geographic strains of Anopheles sinensis in China. Methods Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I(COⅠ )and ribosomal the second internal transcribed spacer(ITS2), genetic distance analyses were conducted on An. sinensis samples collected nationwide. Results Genetic differentiation was observed within An. sinensis geographic strains, primarily reflected in the genetic distances of COⅠ sequences, with some distances between samples exceeding those between closely related species. However, ITS2 sequences showed relatively low levels of differentiation within geographic strains. No significant separation was observed, and gene exchange exhibited a random pattern among geographic strains. Conclusions Significant differences in genetic distance were observed among An. sinensis samples, along with evidence of interspecific continuity among sibling species. For the identification of closely related species using wild-collected Anopheles mosquitoes samples, reliance solely on commonly used barcodes such as COⅠ and ITS2 may be insufficient. Additional molecular markers, including COⅡ and D3 gene fragments, should also be considered. Caution should be exercised when using COⅠ genes to identify cryptic species, especially within Anopheles mosquitoes.
9.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
10.Feasibility of Multiparameter MRI-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy for Central Lung Lesions With Atelectasis
Peipei LI ; Chengli LI ; Yujun XU ; Xiangmeng HE ; Roberto Blanco SEQUEIROS ; Ming LIU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):498-507
Objective:
To prospectively evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of multiparameter MRI-guided percutaneous biopsy using a 1T open MRI scanner for evaluating suspicious centrally located lung lesions with associated post-obstructive atelectasis.
Materials and Methods:
In this single-center study, MRI-guided percutaneous coaxial cutting biopsy was performed for 107 suspicious central lung lesions with associated post-obstructive atelectasis in 107 patients between July 2015 and December 2020. A fast T2-weighted imaging (T2WI)-turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence and an enhanced fast T1-weighted imaging (T1WI)-TSE sequence were used to identify, localize, and biopsy lung lesions, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was used as a supplementary sequence for identifying the lesion location. The final diagnosis was confirmed by surgical histopathology or clinical follow-up for a minimum of 24 months. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing lung malignancies were calculated, and the complications were recorded for each case.
Results:
Using multiparameter MRI, central lung lesions could be clearly distinguished from post-obstructive atelectasis in 96 patients (89.7%). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI-guided percutaneous biopsy for diagnosing lung malignancy was 97.0% (98/101), 100% (6/6), and 97.2% (104/107), respectively. Self-limited hemoptysis occurred in three patients. Pneumothorax occurred in five patients, of which none required pleural drainage. No serious procedure-related complications were observed.
Conclusion
As a technology that does not involve ionizing radiation, multiparameter MRI-guided percutaneous coaxial cutting biopsy is a safe and accurate diagnostic technique for evaluating centrally located lung lesions associated with post-obstructive atelectasis.


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