1.Macrophage autophagy in lung diseases:two-sided effects
Huijuan YOU ; Shuzhen WU ; Rong RONG ; Liyuan CHEN ; Yuqing ZHAO ; Qinglu WANG ; Xiaowei OU ; Fengying YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1516-1526
BACKGROUND:Macrophages play a key role in the occurrence and progression of lung diseases,and autophagy plays an important role in maintaining environmental homeostasis and functional stability in macrophages.It has been suggested that macrophage autophagic activity has two sides in lung inflammatory diseases.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the relationship between macrophage autophagy and lung diseases,thereby providing reference for exploring the prevention and treatment strategies of lung inflammatory diseases by targeting macrophage autophagy.METHODS:Literature retrieval was performed in CNKI and PubMed for relevant literature published from database inception to September 2024.The search terms were"macrophage autophagy,efferocytosis,macrophage polarization,acute lung injury,pneumonia,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,pulmonary fibrosis,asthma"in Chinese and English,respectively.The search results were included or excluded based on the selection criteria,and 100 papers that met the criteria were finally included in the review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obstruction of autophagy flow will induce the polarization imbalance of macrophages and impair their efferocytosis,resulting in the increase of M1 macrophages and aggravating inflammation.(2)The judgment of autophagic activity should be based on whether the autophagy flow is smooth or not,and it is essential to evaluate the degradation ability of autophagy.Some studies failed to comprehensively detect the degradation ability of autophagy lysosomes to assess whether the autophagy flow is unobtrusive.As a result,the so-called two-sided view of pulmonary macrophage autophagy in pulmonary inflammatory diseases in such studies is actually related to the one-sided judgment of autophagy activity.(3)The pathological manifestations vary across different pulmonary diseases and even at different stages of the same disease.Activation of macrophage autophagy plays a positive role in regulating pulmonary inflammatory homeostasis in conditions such as acute lung injury,infectious pneumonia,mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,early-stage pulmonary fibrosis,and secondary asthma.However,in the severe fibrotic stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the progressive stage of pulmonary fibrosis,the activation of pulmonary macrophage autophagy aggravates pulmonary fibrosis,reflecting the dual nature of macrophage autophagy.In allergic asthma,autophagy is activated in lung-resident macrophages but suppressed in infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages from circulation.The former is closely related to airway stenosis,and the latter aggravates pneumonia disorders.Therefore,identifying the types and progression stages of lung diseases,along with accurately assessing autophagic activity,is crucial for future investigations into the relationship between macrophage autophagy and disease pathogenesis,thereby facilitating the development of therapeutic strategies in the future.
2.Impact of adverse childhood experiences and psychological symptoms on health risk behaviors among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):398-402
Objective:
To explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health risk behaviors (HRBs) among college students and the mediating role of psychological symptoms, so as to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies.
Methods:
From March to April 2023, a convenience cluster sample of 1 801 students from 12 universities in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou of Guangxi completed an online survey. A self designed questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used for evaluation tools. Binary Logistic regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the associations and mediating effects.
Results:
Overall, 71.2% of college students experienced at least one type of ACE, with emotional neglect (40.3%) and emotional abuse ( 25.2 %) having the highest detection rates. The top three HRBs were unhealthy diet (77.8%), physical inactivity (54.1%), and smoking/alcohol use (18.5%). Logistic regression showed that poor family functioning, abuse, and extra familial violence were each associated with an increased risk of smoking/alcohol use ( OR =1.14, 1.11, 1.18) and deliberate self harm ( OR =1.26, 1.19,1.30) (all P <0.05). Experience of abuse increased the risk of high risk sexual behavior and family dysfunction increaded the risk of physical inactivity, respectively ( OR = 1.07 , 1.04, both P <0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that anxiety ( β =0.20) and depression ( β = 0.09 ) partially mediated the pathway from poor family functioning to deliberate self harm; paranoia ( β =0.02) partially mediated the pathway from abuse to high risk sexual behavior; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms ( β =0.26) and depression ( β =0.10) partially mediated the pathway from extra familial violence to deliberate self harm (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Psychological symptoms play a mediating role in the association between ACEs and HRBs, and mental health interventions may reduce the risk of HRBs among college students.
3.Role of Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence-induced Macrophage Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Leiming MAO ; Gongzhen CHEN ; Tong YANG ; Genyan LIU ; Xingli SUN ; Jiangqin OU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):312-322
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), characterized primarily by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation, is a major chronic respiratory disease with persistently high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, macrophage pyroptosis, as an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, has been recognized as playing a key role in amplifying inflammatory responses and promoting tissue damage. According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, spleen failing to disperse essence constitutes an important pathological basis for various chronic diseases, clinically manifesting as impaired transportation and transformation, internal generation of phlegm-dampness, and accumulation of turbid toxins. Based on a review of classical TCM pathogenesis and modern molecular biological research, this study proposes that there may be a correlation between spleen failing to disperse essence and macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD. Specifically, metabolic and immune disturbances such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and enterotoxicity may trigger macrophage pyroptosis through the advanced glycation end products(AGEs)/AGEs receptor(RAGE)/reactive oxygen species(ROS), fatty acids/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathways. Excessive pyroptosis, in turn, exacerbates metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle. Furthermore, TCM interventions such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, as well as resolving dampness and detoxifying, have demonstrated potential in modulating pyroptosis-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy. In summary, this article explores the role of spleen failing to disperse essence-macrophage pyroptosis mechanism in COPD and highlights possible therapeutic strategies of TCM, providing new insights for integrated Chinese and western medical research and clinical practice.
4.Macrophage autophagy in lung diseases:two-sided effects
Huijuan YOU ; Shuzhen WU ; Rong RONG ; Liyuan CHEN ; Yuqing ZHAO ; Qinglu WANG ; Xiaowei OU ; Fengying YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1516-1526
BACKGROUND:Macrophages play a key role in the occurrence and progression of lung diseases,and autophagy plays an important role in maintaining environmental homeostasis and functional stability in macrophages.It has been suggested that macrophage autophagic activity has two sides in lung inflammatory diseases.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the relationship between macrophage autophagy and lung diseases,thereby providing reference for exploring the prevention and treatment strategies of lung inflammatory diseases by targeting macrophage autophagy.METHODS:Literature retrieval was performed in CNKI and PubMed for relevant literature published from database inception to September 2024.The search terms were"macrophage autophagy,efferocytosis,macrophage polarization,acute lung injury,pneumonia,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,pulmonary fibrosis,asthma"in Chinese and English,respectively.The search results were included or excluded based on the selection criteria,and 100 papers that met the criteria were finally included in the review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obstruction of autophagy flow will induce the polarization imbalance of macrophages and impair their efferocytosis,resulting in the increase of M1 macrophages and aggravating inflammation.(2)The judgment of autophagic activity should be based on whether the autophagy flow is smooth or not,and it is essential to evaluate the degradation ability of autophagy.Some studies failed to comprehensively detect the degradation ability of autophagy lysosomes to assess whether the autophagy flow is unobtrusive.As a result,the so-called two-sided view of pulmonary macrophage autophagy in pulmonary inflammatory diseases in such studies is actually related to the one-sided judgment of autophagy activity.(3)The pathological manifestations vary across different pulmonary diseases and even at different stages of the same disease.Activation of macrophage autophagy plays a positive role in regulating pulmonary inflammatory homeostasis in conditions such as acute lung injury,infectious pneumonia,mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,early-stage pulmonary fibrosis,and secondary asthma.However,in the severe fibrotic stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the progressive stage of pulmonary fibrosis,the activation of pulmonary macrophage autophagy aggravates pulmonary fibrosis,reflecting the dual nature of macrophage autophagy.In allergic asthma,autophagy is activated in lung-resident macrophages but suppressed in infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages from circulation.The former is closely related to airway stenosis,and the latter aggravates pneumonia disorders.Therefore,identifying the types and progression stages of lung diseases,along with accurately assessing autophagic activity,is crucial for future investigations into the relationship between macrophage autophagy and disease pathogenesis,thereby facilitating the development of therapeutic strategies in the future.
5.Study on The Effect and Mechanism of Luteolin Against Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Xia OU ; Zhao-Hong LIU ; Lei TANG ; Jian-Ming XIA ; Kai YANG ; Kai-Yi DING ; Guo-Yang LIAO ; Ze LIU ; Ji-Hong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1207-1223
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC90 values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.
6.Study on The Effect and Mechanism of Luteolin Against Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Xia OU ; Zhao-Hong LIU ; Lei TANG ; Jian-Ming XIA ; Kai YANG ; Kai-Yi DING ; Guo-Yang LIAO ; Ze LIU ; Ji-Hong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1207-1223
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC90 values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.
7.Comparison of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion utilizing zero-profile self-locking cages versus the cage-with-plate system: a 5-year-minimum follow-up study
Haoyu HE ; Zhiwei YANG ; Lini DONG ; Ou ZHANG ; Yunlong LIAO ; Changyu PAN ; Lei KUANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):20-33
Methods:
Sixty-two patients (2014–2019) were divided into the SC (n=32) and PC (n=30) groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiological parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), fused segment angle (FSA), and disc height (DH), were assessed. Cage subsidence, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and other complications were also documented. The relationship between postoperative radiological changes and symptoms was also analyzed.
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvement in symptoms, with fusion achieved in all surgical segments. The SC group had a shorter operative time and reduced intraoperative blood loss. However, the SC group had a higher subsidence rate (16.7% vs. 5.6%, p=0.017). The PC group maintained better cervical alignment in terms of CL, FSA, and DH (p<0.05), with an increased incidence of dysphagia and ASD (p<0.05). Spearman correlation analyses showed that neither CL nor FSA loss at the 5-year follow-up was significantly associated with improvements in the mJOA, VAS, and NDI scores (p>0.05) in either group. Regression analyses indicated that subsidence or loss of lordosis did not correlate with the degree of postoperative symptoms (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Both SC and PC achieved sustained pain relief, neurological improvement, and solid fusion in three-level ACDF at the 5-year follow-up. SC demonstrated significant advantages in reducing dysphagia and ASD, while PC better maintained cervical alignment and segmental stability. Patient-specific factors should be used to guide implant selection. Further multicenter studies are required to validate these findings.
8.The impact of the Guangzhou voluntary blood donation privilege certificate on blood donation behavior
Minxin HUANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Liqiao ZHOU ; Jian OU-YANG ; Wei SU ; Manyu HUANG ; Weifeng LUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):768-775
Objective: To evaluate the causal effects and population heterogeneity of Guangzhou′s Voluntary Blood Donation Privilege Certificate Policy on blood donation behavior, and to provide empirical evidence for optimizing blood management policies. Methods: Using an interrupted time series (ITS) design, we analyzed 30 quarters of blood collection data from Guangzhou Blood Center (from July 2018 to December 2025). Taking the third quarter of 2021 as the intervention node, we constructed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models incorporating level and trend effects, and conducted stratified analyses by gender, age group, previous donation frequency, and per-donation volume. Results: The tiered incentive policy demonstrated significant heterogeneous effects. Apheresis donations showed sustained growth, with 2 units of component blood exhibiting a significant trend effect (β=304.58, P<0.001); high-frequency donors (11+ times) demonstrated sustained growth trends in apheresis donations. For whole blood, immediate effects were significant for donors with 1-2 previous donations (β=4 537.55, P<0.001) and 3-10 previous donations (β=2 159.69, P<0.05); high-frequency donors (11-30 times) showed sustained growth trends (P<0.01). Stratified by per-donation volume, 400 mL whole blood demonstrated a significant immediate effect (β=4 391.01, P<0.1), while 200 mL whole blood showed a significant declining trend (β=-893.24, P<0.01). Conclusion: The tiered incentive policy effectively enhanced blood donation participation while maintaining the donors’ altruistic motivations. Young and middle-aged adults primarily drove apheresis donations. The policy demonstrated immediate incentive effects on low-frequency whole blood donors and long-term retention effects on high-frequency donors. Per-donation volume showed an "upward migration" trend, optimizing the blood collection structure. Differentiated outreach, conversion and retention strategies are recommended to further strengthen blood supply security.
9.Preclinical mouse models for studying cholangiocarcinoma
Shanru Yang ; Chaodi Bao ; Yuan Li ; Yangxiang Ou ; Yifan Jiang ; Wenjie Xu ; Dongfang Zheng ; Na Li ; Mengjie Yang ; Fuyan Wang ; Xin Hou
Liver Research 2026;10(1):22-34
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy characterized by tumor cells originating in the liver or bile ducts, exhibiting features of cholangiocyte differentiation. It poses a significant clinical challenge due to the limited diagnostic and therapeutic options available. Robust animal models are essential for advancing our understanding of CCA pathogenesis and developing effective treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CCA mouse models, highlighting various approaches, including chemical induction, genetically engineered models, and tumor xenografts. Each model is discussed in terms of its establishment techniques, pathological characteristics, and research significance, with a focus on intrahepatic CCA. Chemical induction models, such as diethylnitrosamine- and azoxymethane-induced models, offer insights into tumorigenesis processes, whereas genetically modified models involving alterations in key genes such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, tumor protein 53, and isocitrate dehydrogenase serve as important tools for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying CCA. Xenograft models, including patient-derived xenografts, bridge the gap between experimental research and clinical applications, allowing for precise therapeutic evaluations. By comparing these models, this review underscores their respective advantages and limitations, paving the way for future studies aiming to optimize and innovate CCA modeling strategies.
10.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.


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