1.Plasma metabolites,immune cells,and hip osteoarthritis:causal inference based on GWAS data from European populations
Xiangbin RONG ; Haibo ZHENG ; Xueshen MO ; Kun HOU ; Ping ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1028-1035
BACKGROUND:Some studies have confirmed the changes in the function of immune cell subsets such as monocytes,T cells,B cells,and natural killer cells(NK cells)in patients with osteoarthritis,but the specific regulatory mechanisms are unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between plasma metabolite-mediated immune cells and hip osteoarthritis.METHODS:The Genome-Wide Association Studies(GWAS)data of 731 immune cells were used as the exposure,the GWAS data of hip osteoarthritis were used as the outcome,and 1 400 plasma metabolites were selected as mediating factors.The GWAS database is an important database for genetic association studies,maintained by international organizations with no country-specific affiliation.The inverse variance weighting method in the two-sample Mendelian randomization method was the main method,and the Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method was used to analyze the prior distribution,sample data and weights,which were then used to calculate the posterior distribution.The accuracy and reliability of the inverse variance weighting results were evaluated according to the posterior distribution,supplemented by MR-Egger,weighted median,simple model,and weighted mode methods.The pliotropy test and heterogeneity test were used to ensure the robustness of the process.The results of the inverse variance weighting method were used for subsequent mediating effect analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The inverse variance weighting method identified 4 immune cells strongly correlated with hip osteoarthritis,and 20 metabolites strongly associated with hip osteoarthritis,all of which had no reverse causal relationship.At the same time,the validation results of Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method showed that the posterior mean value was similar to the estimated value of the inverse variance weighting,and the posterior variance was relatively lower.One monocyte subtype(PDL-1 on CD14-CD16+)was finally screened out to have a causal relationship with hip osteoarthritis,with a total effect of-0.047(odds ratio=0.954,95%confidence interval:0.926-0.983),and a mediating effect of-0.004(odds ratio=0.939,95%confidence interval:0.902-0.978)mediated by alliin levels,accounting for 8.5%of the total effect.It was concluded that alliin is a protective factor in the progression of hip osteoarthritis,in which this metabolite plays a mediating role.(2)The large amount of data from international databases and European population analysis is of great significance to Chinese biomedicine,which can provide clues for research on the genetic susceptibility to similar diseases in the Chinese population,aiding in discovering the unique associations.The pharmacogenomic approaches used can be adapted to screen for drug response genes in the Chinese population,enhancing the precision of personalized medicine.Additionally,the advanced high-throughput technologies and statistical methods employed can be learned and applied to disease prevention and treatment research.
2.Plasma metabolites,immune cells,and hip osteoarthritis:causal inference based on GWAS data from European populations
Xiangbin RONG ; Haibo ZHENG ; Xueshen MO ; Kun HOU ; Ping ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1028-1035
BACKGROUND:Some studies have confirmed the changes in the function of immune cell subsets such as monocytes,T cells,B cells,and natural killer cells(NK cells)in patients with osteoarthritis,but the specific regulatory mechanisms are unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between plasma metabolite-mediated immune cells and hip osteoarthritis.METHODS:The Genome-Wide Association Studies(GWAS)data of 731 immune cells were used as the exposure,the GWAS data of hip osteoarthritis were used as the outcome,and 1 400 plasma metabolites were selected as mediating factors.The GWAS database is an important database for genetic association studies,maintained by international organizations with no country-specific affiliation.The inverse variance weighting method in the two-sample Mendelian randomization method was the main method,and the Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method was used to analyze the prior distribution,sample data and weights,which were then used to calculate the posterior distribution.The accuracy and reliability of the inverse variance weighting results were evaluated according to the posterior distribution,supplemented by MR-Egger,weighted median,simple model,and weighted mode methods.The pliotropy test and heterogeneity test were used to ensure the robustness of the process.The results of the inverse variance weighting method were used for subsequent mediating effect analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The inverse variance weighting method identified 4 immune cells strongly correlated with hip osteoarthritis,and 20 metabolites strongly associated with hip osteoarthritis,all of which had no reverse causal relationship.At the same time,the validation results of Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method showed that the posterior mean value was similar to the estimated value of the inverse variance weighting,and the posterior variance was relatively lower.One monocyte subtype(PDL-1 on CD14-CD16+)was finally screened out to have a causal relationship with hip osteoarthritis,with a total effect of-0.047(odds ratio=0.954,95%confidence interval:0.926-0.983),and a mediating effect of-0.004(odds ratio=0.939,95%confidence interval:0.902-0.978)mediated by alliin levels,accounting for 8.5%of the total effect.It was concluded that alliin is a protective factor in the progression of hip osteoarthritis,in which this metabolite plays a mediating role.(2)The large amount of data from international databases and European population analysis is of great significance to Chinese biomedicine,which can provide clues for research on the genetic susceptibility to similar diseases in the Chinese population,aiding in discovering the unique associations.The pharmacogenomic approaches used can be adapted to screen for drug response genes in the Chinese population,enhancing the precision of personalized medicine.Additionally,the advanced high-throughput technologies and statistical methods employed can be learned and applied to disease prevention and treatment research.
3.Singapore consensus statements on the management of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Leong Chai LEOW ; Chuen Peng LEE ; Sridhar VENKATESWARAN ; Michael Teik Chung LIM ; Oon Hoe TEOH ; Ruth CHANG ; Yam Cheng CHEE ; Khai Beng CHONG ; Ai Ping CHUA ; Joshua GOOLEY ; Hong Juan HAN ; Nur Izzianie KAMARUDDIN ; See Meng KHOO ; Lynn Huiting KOH ; Shaun Ray Han LOH ; Kok Weng LYE ; Mark IGNATIUS ; Yingjuan MOK ; Jing Hao NG ; Thun How ONG ; Chu Qin PHUA ; Rui Ya SOH ; Pei Rong SONG ; Adeline TAN ; Alvin TAN ; Terry TAN ; Jenny TANG ; David TAY ; Jade TAY ; Song Tar TOH ; Serene WONG ; Chiang Yin WONG ; Mimi YOW
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(10):627-643
INTRODUCTION:
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Singapore, with moderate to severe OSA affecting around 30% of residents. These consensus statements aim to provide scientifically grounded recommendations for the management of OSA, standar-dise the management of OSA in Singapore and promote multidisciplinary collaboration.
METHOD:
An expert panel, which was convened in 2024, identified several areas of OSA management that require guidance. The expert panel reviewed the current literature and developed consensus statements, which were later independently voted on using a 3-point Likert scale (agree, neutral or disagree). Consensus (total ratings of agree and neutral) was set a priori at ≥80% agreement. Any statement not reaching consensus was excluded.
RESULTS:
The final consensus included 49 statements that provide guidance on the screening, diagnosis and management of adults with OSA. Additionally, 23 statements on the screening, diagnosis and management of paediatric OSA achieved consensus. These 72 consensus statements considered not only the latest clinical evidence but also the benefits and harms, resource implications, feasibility, acceptability and equity impact of the recommendations.
CONCLUSION
The statements presented in this paper aim to guide clinicians based on the most updated evidence and collective expert opinion from sleep specialists in Singapore. These recommendations should augment clinical judgement rather than replace it. Management decisions should be individualised, taking into account the patient's clinical characteristics, as well as patient and caregiver concerns and preferences.
Humans
;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis*
;
Singapore
;
Consensus
;
Adult
4.SIRT3 protects endometrial receptivity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Zhonghong ZENG ; Hongying SHAN ; Mingmei LIN ; Siyu BAO ; Dan MO ; Feng DENG ; Yang YU ; Yihua YANG ; Ping ZHOU ; Rong LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:
The sirtuin family is well recognized for its crucial involvement in various cellular processes. Nevertheless, studies on its role in the human endometrium are limited. This study aimed to explore the expression and localization of the sirtuin family in the human endometrium, focusing on sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and its potential role in the oxidative imbalance of the endometrium in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS:
Endometrial specimens were collected from both patients with PCOS and controls undergoing hysteroscopy at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, from July to August 2015 and used for cell culture. The protective effects of SIRT3 were investigated, and the mechanism of SIRT3 in improving endometrial receptivity of patients with PCOS was determined using various techniques, including cellular bioenergetic analysis, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) silencing, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analysis.
RESULTS:
The sirtuin family was widely expressed in the human endometrium, with SIRT3 showing a significant increase in expression in patients with PCOS compared with controls ( P <0.05), as confirmed by protein and gene assays. Concurrently, endometrial antioxidant levels were elevated, while mitochondrial respiratory capacity was reduced, in patients with PCOS ( P <0.05). An endometrial oxidative stress (OS) model revealed that the downregulation of SIRT3 impaired the growth and proliferation status of endometrial cells and reduced their receptivity to day 4 mouse embryos. The results suggested that SIRT3 might be crucial in maintaining normal cellular state by regulating antioxidants, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to enhanced endometrial receptivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings proposed a significant role of SIRT3 in improving endometrial receptivity in patients with PCOS by alleviating OS and regulating the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, SIRT3 could be a promising target for predicting and improving endometrial receptivity in this patient population.
Humans
;
Female
;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism*
;
Endometrium/metabolism*
;
Sirtuin 3/genetics*
;
Oxidative Stress/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis/physiology*
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Cell Proliferation/physiology*
5.Prediction of quality markers of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in treatment of bronchial asthma based on analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method, fingerprint and network pharmacology.
Xiao-Hong YANG ; Xue-Mei LAN ; Hui-Juan XIE ; Bin YANG ; Rong-Ping YANG ; Hua LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):974-984
In this study, potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for treating bronchial asthma were predicted based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP), entropy weight method(EWM), fingerprint, and network pharmacology. AHPEWM was employed to quantitatively identify the Q-markers of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. AHP was used to weight the primary indicators(effectiveness, measurability, and specificity), while EWM was employed to analyze the secondary indicators of each primer indicator. Further, through fingerprint combined with network pharmacology, a ″component-target-pathway″ network was constructed to screen the components of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for treating bronchial asthma. It was finally determined that schisandrol A,schisandrin A, and schisandrin B were potential Q-markers of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in the treatment of bronchial asthma. This study is the first to comprehensively use AHP-EWM, fingerprint, and network pharmacology to screen the key Q-markers of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in the treatment of bronchial asthma. This study provides a scientific basis for improving the quality standard of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and lays a foundation for studying its material basis in treating bronchial asthma.
Schisandra/chemistry*
;
Asthma/drug therapy*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Humans
;
Entropy
;
Lignans/analysis*
;
Fruit/chemistry*
;
Quality Control
;
Cyclooctanes
;
Polycyclic Compounds/analysis*
6.Chemical constituents of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.
Qian-Wen LIU ; Rong-Qing ZHU ; Qian-Nan HU ; Xiang LI ; Guang YANG ; Zi-Dong QIU ; Zhi-Lai ZHAN ; Tie-Gui NAN ; Mei-Lan CHEN ; Li-Ping KANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):708-718
Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
;
Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Sophora/chemistry*
;
Flavonoids/chemistry*
;
Alkaloids/chemistry*
7.Comparison of the clinical efficacy in staged open reduction internal fixation and external fixation combined with limited internal fixation for the treatment of high-energy tibial Pilon fracture.
Wei-Qing CHEN ; Ye-Hai CHEN ; Jun-Rong SHU ; Bao-Ping XU ; Bao-Lin CHEN ; Jun-Tao YANG ; Xiu-Po HU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(7):716-721
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the clinical efficacy and complication rates of staged open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) in the treatment of high-energy Pilon fractures.
METHODS:
A retrospective selection was conducted on 78 patients diagnosed with high-energy tibial Pilon fractures who received treatment between January 2021 and October 2023. These patients were categorized into the staged ORIF group and the EFLIF group according to their respective treatment protocols. The staged ORIF group comprised 48 patients, including 29 males and 19 females, aged from 33 to 53 years old with a mean age of (43.25±4.67) years old. The time from injury to treatment averaged (6.54±2.21) hours. All patients received staged ORIF treatment. The EFLIF Group consisted of 30 patients, including 18 males and 12 females, aged from 36 to 54 years old with a mean age of (43.37±3.24) years old. The time from injury to treatment averaged (6.87±1.96) hours. All patients received EFLIF treatment. The recovery of ankle joint function, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, and surgical-related indicators between two groups were observed and compared six months after surgery. Additionally, the postoperative complications of the two groups were recorded.
RESULTS:
Both groups of patients were followed up and the duration ranged from 6 to 12 months, with an average of (8.97±1.26) months. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score in the ORIF group was (83.15±20.93), which did not show a statistically significant difference compared to the EFLIF group (81.88±20.67), P>0.05. The excellent and good rate of fracture reduction in the staged ORIF group was 33.33% (16/48), which did not show a statistically significant difference compared to the EFLIF group (30.00%, 9/30), P>0.05. The hospitalization duration and fracture healing time in the staged ORIF group were (16.57±1.25) days and (12.14±1.15) weeks, respectively. When compared to the EFLIF group, which demonstrated a hospitalization duration of (15.97±2.16 ) days and a fracture healing time of (12.36±1.17) weeks, no statistically significant differences were observed (P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss in the staged ORIF group was (76.54±11.65) ml, which was significantly higher than that in the EFLIF group (70.15±10.29) ml, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of superficial tissue infection was 2.08%(1/48), which was significantly lower than that observed in the EFLIF group at 16.67% (5/30), and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both staged ORIF and EFLIF were effective treatment options for high-energy closed Pilon fractures of the tibia. However, regarding the prevention of superficial tissue infection, staged ORIF demonstrates superior risk control compared to EFLIF.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Tibial Fractures/physiopathology*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
External Fixators
;
Open Fracture Reduction/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate viability, DNA synthesis and DNA damage of spermatogonial stem cells and improves reproductive capacity.
Tian-Long LIAO ; Cai-Mei HE ; Di XIAO ; Zhi-Rong ZHANG ; Zuping HE ; Xiao-Ping YANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):543-549
Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, and it helps the regulation of male reproduction. Nevertheless, the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development remain to be clarified. Here, we have demonstrated that Icariin promoted proliferation and DNA synthesis of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance iron (SPRi) and molecular docking (MOE) assays revealed that phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was an important target of Icariin in mouse SSCs. Mechanically, Icariin decreased the expression level of PDE5A. Interestingly, hydrogen peroxides (H 2 O 2 ) enhanced the expression level of phosphorylation H2A.X (p-H2A.X), whereas Icariin diminished the expression level of p-H2A.X and DNA damage caused by H 2 O 2 in mouse SSCs. Finally, our in vivo animal study indicated that Icariin protected male reproduction. Collectively, these results implicate that Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate mouse SSC viability and DNA damage and improves male reproductive capacity. This study thus sheds new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian SSCs and offers a scientific basis for the clinical application of Icariin in male reproduction.
Male
;
Animals
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5/drug effects*
;
DNA Damage/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Spermatogonia/drug effects*
;
Reproduction/drug effects*
;
Adult Germline Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
DNA Replication/drug effects*
9.Explanation and interpretation of blood transfusion provisions for children with hematological diseases in the national health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion".
Ming-Yi ZHAO ; Rong HUANG ; Rong GUI ; Qing-Nan HE ; Ming-Yan HEI ; Xiao-Fan ZHU ; Jun LU ; Xiao-Jun XU ; Tian-Ming YUAN ; Rong ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Jin-Ping LIU ; Jing WANG ; Zhi-Li SHAO ; Yong-Jian GUO ; Xin-Yin WU ; Jia-Rui CHEN ; Qi-Rong CHEN ; Jia GUO ; Ming-Hua YANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(1):18-25
To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Blood transfusion is one of the most commonly used supportive treatments for children with hematological diseases. This guideline provides guidance and recommendations for blood transfusions in children with aplastic anemia, thalassemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This article presents the evidence and interpretation of the blood transfusion provisions for children with hematological diseases in the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion", aiming to assist in the understanding and implementing the blood transfusion section of this guideline.
Humans
;
Child
;
Hematologic Diseases/therapy*
;
Blood Transfusion/standards*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
10.Explanation and interpretation of the compilation of blood transfusion provisions for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the national health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion".
Rong HUANG ; Qing-Nan HE ; Ming-Yan HEI ; Xiao-Fan ZHU ; Jun LU ; Xiao-Jun XU ; Tian-Ming YUAN ; Rong ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Jin-Ping LIU ; Jing WANG ; Zhi-Li SHAO ; Ming-Yi ZHAO ; Yong-Jian GUO ; Xin-Yin WU ; Jia-Rui CHEN ; Qi-Rong CHEN ; Jia GUO ; Rong GUI ; Ming-Hua YANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(2):139-143
To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Blood transfusion for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is highly complex and challenging. This guideline provides recommendations on transfusion thresholds and the selection of blood components for these children. This article presents the evidence and interpretation of the transfusion provisions for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with the aim of enhancing the understanding and implementation of the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion".
Humans
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Child
;
Blood Transfusion/standards*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic

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