1.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
2.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
3.Role of IL-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia caused by highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Qi KUANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Lu LI ; Xueyan WANG ; Peijie YAN ; Lili ZHANG ; Meng LÜ ; Lingfei HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Wenhui YANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):599-605
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia induced by the highly drug-resistant and hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300-R in mice. MethodsAn acute inhalational pneumonia model was established in mice using an aerosolized pulmonary delivery technique. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the expression dynamics of Il17a mRNA and IL-17A protein, respectively, in the lungs of infected mice. Il17a knockout (Il17a-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The survival rate, body weight, bacterial load in lung tissue, and histopathological changes were compared between Il17a-/- and wild-type (WT) mice following inhalational infection with USA300-R. Results12 hours after USA300-R infection, compared to pre-infection, the expression level of Il17a mRNA in lung tissue and the level of IL-17A protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased by approximately 50-fold (P<0.01) and 6-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to WT mice, Il17a-/- mice exhibited approximately 10-fold higher bacterial loads in lung tissue at both 12 and 24 hours post-infection (P<0.001, P<0.05). However, they showed significantly attenuated lung histopathological injury, reduced alveolar wall thickening, markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and an approximately 50% improvement in survival rate (P<0.05). ConclusionIn acute Staphylococcus aureus USA300-R inhalational pneumonia, IL-17A contributes to bacterial clearance by recruiting neutrophils; however, excessive neutrophil infiltration exacerbates pulmonary inflammation and injury, reduces survival rates, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
4.Role and mechanism of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Lu PENG ; Qi ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHU ; Aijuan QU ; Yan WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1985-1989
Liver injury due to acetaminophen overdose is one of the main causes of acute liver failure, with a complex pathogenesis. In this process, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) injury is a key early event jointly mediated by factors such as oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and imbalance between fibrinolysis and coagulation. Subsequent LSEC dysfunction further induces sinusoidal microcirculatory disturbances, amplifies the inflammatory response, impairs the regeneration and repair abilities of the liver, and finally causes hepatocyte necrosis. This article systematically elaborates on the critical role and molecular mechanism of LSEC in acetaminophen-induced liver injury, in order to provide a theoretical basis for novel therapeutic strategies and research directions.
5.Perturbation response scanning of drug-target networks:Drug repurposing for multiple sclerosis
Yitan LU ; Ziyun ZHOU ; Qi LI ; Bin YANG ; Xing XU ; Yu ZHU ; Mengjun XIE ; Yuwan QI ; Fei XIAO ; Wenying YAN ; Zhongjie LIANG ; Qifei CONG ; Guang HU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1277-1290
Combined with elastic network model(ENM),the perturbation response scanning(PRS)has emerged as a robust technique for pinpointing allosteric interactions within proteins.Here,we proposed the PRS analysis of drug-target networks(DTNs),which could provide a promising avenue in network medicine.We demonstrated the utility of the method by introducing a deep learning and network perturbation-based framework,for drug repurposing of multiple sclerosis(MS).First,the MS comorbidity network was constructed by performing a random walk with restart algorithm based on shared genes between MS and other diseases as seed nodes.Then,based on topological analysis and functional annotation,the neurotransmission module was identified as the"therapeutic module"of MS.Further,perturbation scores of drugs on the module were calculated by constructing the DTN and introducing the PRS analysis,giving a list of repurposable drugs for MS.Mechanism of action analysis both at pathway and structural levels screened dihydroergocristine as a candidate drug of MS by targeting a serotonin receptor of se-rotonin 2B receptor(HTR2B).Finally,we established a cuprizone-induced chronic mouse model to evaluate the alteration of HTR2B in mouse brain regions and observed that HTR2B was significantly reduced in the cuprizone-induced mouse cortex.These findings proved that the network perturbation modeling is a promising avenue for drug repurposing of MS.As a useful systematic method,our approach can also be used to discover the new molecular mechanism and provide effective candidate drugs for other complex diseases.
6.A convenient research strategy for functional verification of epigenetic regulators during spermatogenesis.
Shan LI ; Ying YUAN ; Ke-Yu ZHANG ; Yi-Dan GUO ; Lu-Tong WANG ; Xiao-Yuan ZHANG ; Shu ZHANG ; Qi YAN ; Rong ZHANG ; Jie CHEN ; Feng-Tang YANG ; Jing-Rui LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):261-267
Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism*
;
Histones/metabolism*
;
RNA Interference
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Methylation
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Histone Demethylases
7.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
8.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
9.Explanation and interpretation of blood transfusion provisions for critically ill and severely bleeding pediatric patients in the national health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion".
Rong HUANG ; Qing-Nan HE ; Ming-Yan HEI ; Ming-Hua YANG ; 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
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):395-403
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). Critically ill children often present with anemia and have a higher demand for transfusions compared to other pediatric patients. This guideline provides guidance and recommendations for blood transfusions in cases of general critical illness, septic shock, acute brain injury, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, non-life-threatening bleeding, and hemorrhagic shock. This article interprets the background and evidence of the blood transfusion provisions for critically ill and severely bleeding children in the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion", aiming to enhance understanding and implementation of this aspect of the guidelines. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2025, 27(4): 395-403.
Humans
;
Critical Illness
;
Blood Transfusion/standards*
;
Child
;
Hemorrhage/therapy*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
10.Molecular targeted therapy for progressive low-grade gliomas in children.
Yan-Ling SUN ; Miao LI ; Jing-Jing LIU ; Wen-Chao GAO ; Yue-Fang WU ; Lu-Lu WAN ; Si-Qi REN ; Shu-Xu DU ; Wan-Shui WU ; Li-Ming SUN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):682-689
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the efficacy of molecular targeted agents in children with progressive pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on pLGG patients treated with oral targeted therapies at the Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2021. Treatment responses and safety profiles were assessed.
RESULTS:
Among the 20 enrolled patients, the trametinib group (n=12, including 11 cases with BRAF fusions and 1 case with BRAF V600E mutation) demonstrated 4 partial responses (33%) and 2 minor responses (17%), with a median time to response of 3.0 months. In the vemurafenib group (n=6, all with BRAF V600E mutation), 5 patients achieved partial responses (83%), showing a median time to response of 1.0 month. Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in progression-free survival rates between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). The median duration of clinical benefit (defined as partial response + minor response + stable disease) was 11.0 months for vemurafenib and 18.0 months for trametinib. Two additional cases, one with ATM mutation treated with olaparib for 24 months and one with NF1 mutation receiving everolimus for 21 months, discontinued treatment due to sustained disease stability. No severe adverse events were observed in any treatment group.
CONCLUSIONS
Molecular targeted therapy demonstrates clinical efficacy with favorable tolerability in pLGG. Vemurafenib achieves high response rates and induces early tumor shrinkage in patients with BRAF V600E mutations, supporting its utility as a first-line therapy.
Humans
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Glioma/genetics*
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Male
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Female
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Child
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Child, Preschool
;
Retrospective Studies
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Brain Neoplasms/genetics*
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Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects*
;
Adolescent
;
Infant
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics*
;
Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use*
;
Mutation

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