1.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
2.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
3.Expression characteristics and prognostic value of CENPM, and its mechanisms in regulating malignant phenotypes in glioma
YUAN Hao ; ZHANG Siwei ; WANG Mengyue ; SUN Qiaoxin ; BAI Zili ; CHEN Peng
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):418-428
[摘 要] 目的:探究着丝粒蛋白M(CENPM)在脑胶质瘤中的表达特征、临床预后价值及其对肿瘤恶性生物学行为的调控机制,为脑胶质瘤的精准治疗提供潜在靶点。方法:基于中国胶质瘤基因组图谱(CGGA)和癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库分析CENPM在胶质瘤中的表达及其与患者临床病理特征和预后的相关性。通过基因本体论(GO)分析、京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)富集分析和单细胞转录组分析探索CENPM的生物学功能和作用机制。WB法检测CENPM在胶质瘤细胞(LN-18、LN-229、U-138MG、U-251MG)和正常胶质细胞(HEB)中的表达;构建CENPM敲低细胞后,通过CCK-8、集落形成、Transwell和划痕实验评估恶性表型改变。结果:CENPM在WHO高级别胶质瘤中呈高表达(P < 0.05),与肿瘤恶性程度正相关。高表达组患者总体生存期显著短于低表达组(P < 0.01),Cox回归证实CENPM是影响胶质瘤患者预后的独立危险因素(P < 0.05)。功能富集分析结果显示CENPM相关基因主要富集于细胞周期调控、PI3K-Akt通路和免疫相关过程。单细胞分析结果显示CENPM主要在CD8⁺ T细胞高表达,并通过PTN-PTPRZ1/NCL配受体调控细胞通信。体外实验证实CENPM在胶质瘤细胞表达高于正常胶质细胞(LN-18:P < 0.01,LN-299:P < 0.05);敲低CENPM显著抑制迁移(P < 0.05),但增强集落形成,提示其在肿瘤进展中的双重调控作用。结论:CENPM作为胶质瘤独立预后危险因子,通过调控细胞周期、PTN通路和免疫微环境驱动肿瘤进展,其差异化调控机制(抑制迁移、促进增殖)具有潜在的临床转化价值,可作为分子分型和靶向治疗候选标志物。
4.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
5.Divergent Small Vessel Disease Burden in Warfarin-Associated and Direct Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Sung-Chun TANG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Ching-Hua KUO ; Yuan-Chang CHAO ; Yu-Fong PENG ; Shu-Wen LIN ; Shin-Yi LIN ; Jiann-Shing JENG
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):334-338
6.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
7.Comparison of small-sample multi-class machine learning models for plasma concentration prediction of valproic acid
Xi CHEN ; Shen’ao YUAN ; Hailing YUAN ; Jie ZHAO ; Peng CHEN ; Chunyan TIAN ; Yi SU ; Yunsong ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1399-1404
OBJECTIVE To construct three-class (insufficient, normal, excessive) and two-class (insufficient, normal) models for predicting plasma concentration of valproic acid (VPA), and compare the performance of these two models, with the aim of providing a reference for formulating clinical medication strategies. METHODS The clinical data of 480 patients who received VPA treatment and underwent blood concentration test at the Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital were collected from November 2022 to September 2024 (a total of 695 sets of data). In this study, predictive models were constructed for target variables of three-class and two-class models. Feature ranking and selection were carried out using XGBoost scores. Twelve different machine learning algorithms were used for training and validation, and the performance of the models was evaluated using three indexes: accuracy, F1 score, and the area under the working characteristic curve of the subject (AUC). RESULTS XGBoost feature importance scores revealed that in the three-class model, the importance ranking of kidney disease and electrolyte disorders was higher. However, in the two-class model, the importance ranking of these features significantly decreased, suggesting a close association with the excessive blood concentration of VPA. In the three-class model, Random Forest method performed best, with F1 score of 0.704 0 and AUC of 0.519 3 on the test set; while in the two-class model, CatBoost method performed optimally, with F1 score of 0.785 7 and AUC of 0.819 5 on the test set. CONCLUSIONS The constructed three-class model has the ability to predict excessive VPA blood concentration, but its prediction and model generalization abilities are poor; the constructed two-class model can only perform classification prediction for insufficient and normal blood concentration cases, but its model performance is stronger.
8.Correlation between different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target levels and prognosis on the application of Evolocumab in patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention
Ze ZHENG ; Peng YUAN ; Han-wei DAN ; Huan-yu JING ; Shi-ying LI ; Yu-chen SHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):553-560
Objective This study explores the clinical correlation between different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels and prognosis,providing evidence-based guidance for the development of personalized lipid-lowering goals.Methods Patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)treatment at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 and received lipid-lowering therapy with the addition of Evolocumab were selected.Based on the results of blood lipid rechecks 3 to 6 months after surgery,the patients were divided into five groups:low-density lipoprotein<0.5 mmol/L,0.5 to<1.0 mmol/L,1.0 to<1.4 mmol/L,1.4 to<1.8 mmol/L,and above 1.8 mmol/L.All patients were followed up for more than one year,and clinical conditions and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)were recorded.Results A total of 1 106 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled;after propensity score matching and exclusion of patients lost to follow up,550 remained(110 per group).During 12 months of follow-up,58 patients(10.5%)experienced a MACE,with incidence rising step-wise across LDL-C categories.In multivariable Cox models adjusted for age,sex,diabetes,hypertension,baseline LDL-C,follow-up LDL-C,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and left ventricular ejection fraction,the hazard ratios[HR(95%CI)]for MACE,relative to the<0.5 mmol/L group,were 1.810(0.507-6.454,P=0.361),3.036(0.945-9.749,P=0.062),5.228(1.737-15.735,P=0.003),7.708(2.633-22.565,P<0.001)for LDL-C levels of 0.5 to<1.0,1.0 to<1.4,1.4 to<1.8 and≥ 1.8 mmol/L,respectively.A restricted cubic spline model demonstrated a significant non-linear positive association between LDL-C and MACE(P-overall≤0.001;P-non-linear=0.008).Stratified analyses by age,sex,hypertension and diabetes showed consistent HR with no significant interactions(all P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in the incidence of bleeding events,elevated creatinine levels,or abnormal liver function(all P>0.05).Conclusions In patients using PCSK9 after PCI,there is a significant positive correlation between LDL-C levels and the risk of MACE,and no correlation was observed between different LDL-C levels and the risk of adverse events such as bleeding.
9.Prediction of cumulative live birth rate in in vitro fertilization using multi-model machine learning algorithms
Peng XING ; Hui LIANG ; Ying CHEN ; Ting LIU ; Jiawei ZHAI ; Bo YUAN ; Yingjun TIAN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):358-364
Objective:To develop and validate machine learning models for predicting the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to analyze key predictive features using SHAP values. Methods:This retrospective study included data from patients who underwent IVF-embryo transfer at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on live birth outcome: the live birth group ( n=1 036) and the non-live birth group ( n=756). The dataset was randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a ratio of 7∶3. Five algorithms were utilized for model development: logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine, and neural networks. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve, F1 score, and calibration curves. Clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to evaluate the clinical utility of the models. SHAP values were used to interpret feature importance in the XGBoost model and enhance its explainability. Results:The XGBoost model demonstrated the best performance in predicting CLBR,with accuracy of 72.44%, AUC of 0.775, and F1 score of 0.654, accuracy and F1 score outperforming logistic regression (accuracy was 70.02%, F1 score was 0.585), random forest (accuracy was 71.69%, F1 score was 0.606), support vector machine (accuracy was 70.20%, F1 score was 0.607), and neural network (accuracy was 68.72%, F1 score was 0.560). The calibration curve of XGBoost closely aligned with the diagonal line, indicating that the predicted probabilities were very close to the actual outcomes, demonstrating good calibration. DCA indicated that the XGBoost model provided higher net benefits across a wide range of clinical decision thresholds. SHAP value analysis identified number of previous IVF failures, antral follicle count, anti-Müllerian hormone level, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation index as key predictors of CLBR.Conclusion:The XGBoost model exhibits excellent predictive performance and calibration for CLBR, with SHAP values providing important insights into feature importance. This model has the potential to support the development of personalized treatment strategies in clinical practice. However, its generalizability needs to be validated using external datasets to ensure its applicability to diverse populations.
10.Analysis of clinical factors affecting live birth outcomes in the first FET cycle after intrauterine adhesion separation: a real-world study
Chen WANG ; Yangqin PENG ; Hui CHEN ; Deying BAN ; Yuan LI ; Fei GONG ; Ge LIN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):45-58
Objective:To investigate the independent clinical factors of live birth rate of the first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA).Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with intrauterine adhesion (IUA) who received FET in Reproductive Center of Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA from January 2019 to June 2022 ( n=6 154). According to the severity of intrauterine adhesions in patients, they were classified into mild adhesions ( n=172), moderate adhesions ( n=5 723), and severe adhesions ( n=259). Based on the FET outcome, the patients were divided into live birth group and non-live birth group. The risk factors and protective factors of live birth were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results:1) No independent factor of live birth was found in the mild IUA group. 2) In the moderate IUA group, the protective factors of live birth included secondary infertility ( OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.80, P=0.015), hysteroscopic polypectomy ( OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.83, P=0.023), No. of high-quality embryos transferred (one embryo: OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.37-1.82, P<0.001; two embryos: OR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.80-3.64, P<0.001), two embryos transferred ( OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.48-2.12, P<0.001), embryo stage (blastocyst transferred, OR=4.93, 95% CI: 3.68-6.63, P<0.001; blastocyst+cleavage transferred OR=1.90, 95% CI: 1.11-3.21, P=0.021), preimplantation genetic testing embryo ( OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.69, P<0.001), endometrial thickness before transplantation ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.15, P<0.001). Risk factors of live birth included female age ( OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96, P<0.001), infertility due to male factor ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96, P=0.011), combined repeated implantation failure ( OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.87, P=0.007), combined unicornuate uterus/uterus didelphys ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.06-0.79, P=0.033), American Fertility Society score ( OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.98, P=0.010), No. of TCRA ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90, P<0.001), gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists down-regulation combined with artificial cycle ( OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.45-0.69, P<0.001), artificial cycle ( OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.51-0.76, P<0.001). 3) In the severe IUA group, the risk factor of live birth was artificial cycle ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.80, P=0.027). Conclusion:The clinical factors that affect the live birth outcome of the first FET cycle after TCRA have different results in patients with different degrees of adhesion. In patients with moderate adhesions, there are 17 clinical indicators that affect the live birth rate. In patients with severe adhesions, the artificial cycle is an independent factor affecting the live birth rate.

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