1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Brain-Tumor Axis-Driven Multimodal Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer: Neuroendocrine-Immunometabolic Mechanisms and Translational Interventions
Yue WANG ; Die WANG ; Yuanzhi XIANG ; Haihong QIAN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(7):561-565
Treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of breast cancer remain critical issues affecting long-term patient survival. Chronic psychological stress may act as a host biological driver of breast cancer treatment resistance rather than a mere comorbidity. Through the sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, also referred to as the "brain-tumor axis", stress signaling reshapes inflammatory, immune, and metabolic networks within the tumor microenvironment and thereby influences chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Current evidence indicates that the key pathways with translational potential are mainly the β-adrenergic axis and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) pathway. The former is more involved in amplifying inflammatory responses, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis, whereas the latter is closely associated with anti-apoptosis, maintenance of tumor stemness, and reprogramming of estrogen receptor function. This review focuses on the discrepancies in evidence regarding these pathways between population-based studies and preclinical models, and discusses clinically operable non-pharmacologic interventions such as cognitive behavioral stress management, nurse navigation and treatment adherence support, and exercise interventions during the neoadjuvant phase. Although high-level evidence for direct survival benefit remains limited, these interventions have shown favorable effects on cortisol levels, depressive symptoms, quality of life, adherence, relative dose intensity, and some biology-related intermediate endpoints, making them valuable complementary approaches in comprehensive breast cancer management.
3.Analyses of T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in human immunodeficiency virus antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024
Runfang TIAN ; Qiang SHEN ; Xuerong YA ; Yue DAI ; Qian GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):210-215
ObjectiveTo investigate the T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in newly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou (2021‒2024), and to analyze potential influencing factors by integrating their demographic characteristics, immune status, and viral replication patterns, thereby providing evidence for HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. MethodsPeripheral whole blood samples were collected from newly confirmed HIV-positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024. T lymphocyte subset analysis and viral load testing were performed, and influencing factors were identified in combination with demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·μL-1, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between logarithmic value of viral load and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. ResultsAmong the 3 022 confirmed HIV-positive samples, the median CD4+T lymphocyte count was 298.00 cells·μL-1, with 882 cases (29.19%) showing CD4+ T lymphocyte counts <200 cells·μL-1. The median CD8+T lymphocyte count was 1 011.00 cells·μL-1. The median CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.28, with 32.46% of cases exhibiting CD4+/CD8+ ratios <0.20, and there were statistically significant differences in CD4+/CD8+ ratio among different genders, age groups, marital status, and sample sources (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals aged ≥20 years, those who were divorced or widowed, and cases identified through medical institutions had a significantly higher proportion of CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·µL⁻¹ compared to those aged <20 years, unmarried individuals, and cases sourced from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics, respectively. The mean logarithmic value of viral load was (4.29±1.15) copies·mL-1. The logarithmic value of viral load demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with both CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r=-0.43, P<0.001) and CD4+T lymphocyte count (r=-0.37, P<0.001). ConclusionA substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Suzhou are late presenters with high viral load levels. Targeted interventions should prioritize high-risk populations through enhanced active surveillance and the implementation of combined T lymphocyte subsets analysis and viral load testing, which can enable earlier case-finding and timely antiretroviral therapy initiation.
4.Mechanistic Interplay Between Remodeling of The Peritubular Capillary Microenvironment and Renal Fibrosis
Qi-Fa QIN ; Wen-Hui HUANG ; Jun-Yue HUANG ; Guang-Run ZHANG ; Rong XUE ; Rui QIAN ; Li-Li XU ; Li-Ting DONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2647-2664
Renal fibrosis is the common pathological endpoint of many forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the mechanisms determining effective repair versus persistent fibrotic remodeling remain incompletely understood. Peritubular capillaries (PTCs) are not merely passive targets of fibrotic injury, but form a dynamic vascular microenvironment linking regional perfusion, oxygen delivery, tubular metabolism, endothelial barrier integrity, pericyte support, immune-cell trafficking, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. We propose that PTC abnormalities should not be interpreted simply as reduced capillary density, but as a multidimensional disturbance of microvascular structure and function. Structural vascular preservation does not necessarily indicate effective microcirculation: anatomically detectable capillaries may still exhibit impaired perfusion, barrier dysfunction, abnormal endothelial-pericyte interactions, disturbed oxygen metabolism, or reduced network connectivity. Conversely, increased angiogenesis does not necessarily signify successful vascular repair if vessels remain immature, poorly perfused, or inadequately integrated into the existing network. To organize these abnormalities, we conceptualize PTC remodeling into four predominant but nonexclusive states: endothelial barrier disruption with inflammatory adhesion; endothelial-pericyte uncoupling with no-reflow; dysregulated angiogenesis with network simplification; and capillary rarefaction with fibrotic matrix locking. These states are not sequential stages of CKD. They may coexist within the same kidney, overlap within the same anatomical region, and vary with disease etiology, injury phase, vascular compartment, and treatment exposure. We further propose six dimensions for evaluating PTC status—structural presence, functional perfusion, barrier integrity, pericyte coupling, oxygen metabolism, and network connectivity—so that vascular quantity, function, and reparative capacity are assessed separately rather than inferred from a single endothelial marker or capillary-density measurement. Mechanistically, these states converge on a bidirectional microvascular-fibrotic feedback loop. Barrier disruption facilitates leukocyte recruitment and alters vascular paracrine signaling. Endothelial-pericyte uncoupling compromises capillary stability, whereas abnormal pericyte contraction may increase local vascular resistance and contribute to no-reflow before overt capillary loss. Dysregulated angiogenesis may generate vessels that fail to mature or connect to an effective perfusion network. Progressive capillary rarefaction compromises oxygen delivery, while sustained tubular transport demand and mitochondrial dysfunction may aggravate regional oxygen supply-demand mismatch. Injured tubules, immune cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts communicate through soluble mediators, extracellular vesicles, direct cell contact, and cell-matrix signaling. Importantly, fibrosis is not merely a downstream consequence of microvascular injury. Altered ECM may increase diffusion distance, modify mechanotransduction, impair endothelial survival and migration, and restrict capillary reopening and regeneration. We use the term matrix locking to describe this sustained constraint on vascular repair, while emphasizing that current evidence does not establish irreversible disease in humans. This framework also has therapeutic implications. PTC-directed treatment should not be reduced to increasing vessel number or uniformly promoting angiogenesis. Instead, intervention should be matched to the dominant and potentially reversible abnormality: preserving endothelial barrier function; restoring endothelial-pericyte stability and reducing pathological microvascular resistance; normalizing angiogenesis so that vascular growth is accompanied by maturation, barrier competence, network integration, and effective perfusion; and, in advanced rarefaction, relieving matrix-related constraints while supporting vascular regeneration. The context- and time-dependent effects of signaling through VEGF, Tie2, PDGF-B/PDGFRβ, eNOS/NO, and related pathways indicate that the same molecular signal may exert different effects depending on disease context and timing. Therapeutic efficacy should therefore be evaluated by restoration of effective microcirculation and tissue function rather than by isolated molecular changes or capillary counts alone. Despite increasing mechanistic evidence, the translational basis for this framework remains limited. Most causal and interventional data derive from animal or cell models, whereas human evidence is largely limited to pathological observations, patient-sample associations, and prognostic studies. Currently available circulating and urinary candidate biomarkers generally lack sufficient specificity for PTC injury or state assignment, and no standardized quantitative thresholds have been externally validated. The four-state model should therefore be regarded as a hypothesis-generating analytical framework rather than a clinicopathological classification system. Future studies should integrate spatially resolved tissue phenotyping, blood and urine biomarkers, and dynamic microcirculatory assessment in longitudinal cohorts. They should test reproducibility, assess prognostic value beyond conventional pathology, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria, and determine whether changes in PTC status precede or mediate therapeutic benefit. Linking reproducible microvascular phenotypes to defined mechanisms, treatment response, and long-term renal outcomes will be essential to determine whether state-directed assessment and restoration of the PTC microenvironment can ultimately inform patient stratification and therapeutic decision-making.
5.Evaluation of Anti-osteoporosis Activity and Hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao Based on Zebrafish Model
Qiuman LI ; Yue QIAN ; Zixuan ZHU ; Yuan SONG ; Qian DENG ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):87-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the association and translational mechanism between the hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao (XLGB) and its treatment of osteoporosis based on a zebrafish model. MethodsZebrafish were randomly selected four days after fertilization (4 dpf) and exposed to different concentrations of XLGB (0.7,0.35 mg·L-1) for 96 h. At the endpoint of the exposure, the mortality rates of zebrafish in the treatment groups of different concentrations were counted, and the "dose-toxicity" curves were plotted. The 10% sublethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. The liver area, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP)] were used as indicators to confirm the hepatic damage caused by the sublethal concentration of XLGB. By using the prednisolone (PNSL)-induced osteoporosis model of zebrafish, the anti-osteoporosis activity of XLGB was evaluated by using the area of skull stained by alizarin red and the cumulative optical density value as indicators. Then, the toxicity difference of XLGB on the liver of zebrafish in healthy and osteoporotic states was compared, and the mechanism of the translational action of the toxicity of XLGB was predicted based on network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsThe LC10 of XLGB on zebrafish (8 dpf) was 0.7 mg·L-1. Compared with the blank group, the sublethal concentration (LC10=0.7 mg·L-1, 1/2 LC10=0.35 mg·L-1) of XLGB induced an increase in the number of apoptosis of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and the tissue arrangement of the liver was disordered and loose. The vacuoles were obvious, and the fluorescence area of the liver was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the mineralized area and cumulative optical density value of zebrafish skull in the PNSL model group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and those in the 0.7,0.35 mg·L-1 XLGB treatment group were significantly increased compared with the model group (P<0.01). Most importantly, 0.7 mg·L-1 XLGB had no significant effect on the liver of zebrafish in the osteoporosis disease model compared with the blank group. The results of network pharmacology and real-time PCR experiments showed that the toxic transformation of XLGB might be related to the differences in the expression levels of key targets, such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3(Caspase-3), interleukin(IL)-6, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in different organismal states. ConclusionUnder certain conditions, XLGB has hepatotoxicity in normal zebrafish, but under osteoporotic conditions, XLGB not only exerts significant anti-osteoporosis activity but also alleviates hepatotoxicity significantly, which provides a reference for the safe clinical use of XLGB and real evidence for the theories of traditional Chinese medicine of attacking poison with poison and of treating disease with corresponding drugs without damage to the body.
6.Research on the application of relaxation training combined with exercise intervention in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Jingyan YUE ; Cheng HANG ; Wei LIU ; Lufen ZHANG ; Qian GENG ; Weifen MENG ; Shuqin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1288-1294
Objective Analysis of the effects of relaxation training combined with exercise intervention in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy,aiming to provide reference for clinical nursing practice.Methods Using a convenience sampling method,80 colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the oncology ward of a tertiary A hospital in Changzhou,Jiangsu Province from November 2022 to November 2023 were selected as study subjects.Patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method,with 40 patients in each group.The experimental group received relaxation training combined with exercise interventionin addition to routine care provided to the control group.The control group received routine care.Differences in 6-minute walking distance,anxiety,depression and quality of life scores before and after six chemotherapy cycles were compared between the 2 groups.Results Finally,70 patients completed the intervention,with 35 patients in each group.After the intervention,there were differences in 6-minute walking distance,anxiety scores,depression scores,and overall health status scores between the 2 groups were all statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion Relaxation training combined with exercise intervention can maintain exercise endurance in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and alleviate anxiety and depression to some extent,helping to improve patients' quality of life.
7.The postoperative nursing care of a child with Uhl's anomaly undergoing complex heart surgery
Yafei LIU ; Haiying XING ; Yue MO ; Mengran LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Yangxue SUN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1261-1265
To summarize the postoperative nursing experience for a child with Uhl's anomaly undergoing complex heart surgery.Nursing key points include implementing goal-oriented liquid negative balance management to promote the recovery of cardiac function;carrying out pressure load management and closely monitoring the heart rate and rhythm to maintain the stability of the circulatory system;closely monitoring the central venous pressure in the upper chamber and paying attention to the changes of the pulmonary artery pressure in real time;adopting a refined integrated management to avoid an abnormal rise in the pulmonary artery pressure;withdrawing invasive mechanical ventilation as early as possible and carrying out the non-invasive ventilator deconditioning training in an orderly manner;the synergistic management of bleeding and anticoagulation;the adoption of various measures to actively prevent complications;the prevention and control of infections in an all-round and multi-angle manner;the formulation of individualized cardiac rehabilitation training and nutritional intervention programs.The child was transferred from the pediatric intensive care unit back to the pediatric ward on postoperative day 9,transferred back to the pediatric intensive care unit on postoperative day 11 for 13 d for right atrial thrombus,stabilized and transferred back to the pediatric ward,and discharged after 10 d for recovery.The prognosis showed good recovery after 1 month and 3 months.
8.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for hypoglycemia in adult intensive care unit patients
Mengdie CHEN ; Yan YUE ; Shuhan TU ; Qian LI ; Qian XING ; Gang YI
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):460-466
Objective To screen the risk factors for hypoglycemia in adult intensive care unit(ICU)patients,construct a risk prediction model,and validate its predictive effect.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on adult critically ill patients admitted to the general ICU of Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to September 2024.Patients admitted from December 2023 to June 2024 served as the modeling group,and those from July to September 2024 as the validation group.A total of 928 patients were included,with 650 in the modeling group and 278 in the validation group.After literature review and expert consultation,27 potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in ICU patients were initially screened,and data were collected including general information[gender,age,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)score,sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,nutrition risk in critically ill(NUTRIC)score,mechanical ventilation status,hemodialysis status,enteral nutrition status],disease data(sepsis,liver disease history,kidney disease history,diabetes history,hypoglycemia history),blood glucose-related indicators[mean blood glucose,blood glucose coefficient of variation,insulin dosage,intravenous insulin titration use,inotropic drug use,insulin secretagogues(Sulfonylureas and Glinides),and combined use of hypoglycemic drugs(two or more)],and laboratory indicators[serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum albumin(Alb),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBil),glomerular filtration rate(GFR)].The patients were divided into a hypoglycemia group and a non-hypoglycemia group based on the occurrence of hypoglycemia.Univariate analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to identify influencing factors of hypoglycemia in adult ICU patients,and a nomogram prediction model was constructed.The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve(AUC)and calibration curves were employed to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the model.Results The modeling cohort included 552 non-hypoglycemic patients and 98 hypoglycemic patients,with an ICU hypoglycemia incidence rate of 15.1%.Compared with the hypoglycemia group,the non-hypoglycemia group showed significantly lower proportions of patients with renal disease history,diabetes history,hypoglycemia history,undergoing hemodialysis,using intravenous insulin titration,and combined use of hypoglycemic drugs,as well as lower blood glucose coefficient of variation,lower APACHEⅡ scores,and significantly elevated GFR(all P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed using the 9 variables with statistically significant differences in univariate analysis as independent variables and hypoglycemia occurrence as the dependent variable.The results indicated that a history of diabetes,a history of hypoglycemia,APACHEⅡ score,GFR,blood glucose coefficient of variation,and combined use of hypoglycemic drugs were independent risk factors for hypoglycemia in ICU patients[odds ratios(OR)were 1.761,2.095,1.048,0.990,1.029,and 1.975,respectively,and 95%confidence intervals(95%CI)were 1.052-2.949,1.220-3.600,1.022-1.074,0.982-0.997,1.013-1.046,and 1.145-3.408,respectively.The corresponding Pvalues were 0.031,0.007,0.000,0.009,<0.001,0.014].A nomogram prediction model for hypoglycemia in ICU patients was constructed using six independent predictors selected through binary logistic regression analysis.The ROC curve AUC for the modeling group was 0.884(95%CI 0.826-0.941,P=0.250),with a maximum Youden index of 0.713,sensitivity of 92.1%,and specificity of 79.2%.The validation cohort included 38 patients with hypoglycemia and 240 patients without hypoglycemia.Compared with the hypoglycemia group,the non-hypoglycemia group showed significantly lower proportions of patients with a history of diabetes,a history of hypoglycemia,and combined use of hypoglycemic drugs,as well as lower APACHEⅡ scores and lower blood glucose coefficient of variation,with significantly increased GFR(all P<0.05).The ROC curve AUC for the validation cohort was 0.803(95%CI was 0.757-0.849,P=0.138),indicating high discriminatory ability.The predicted probability at the diagnostic cutoff point was P=0.138.The model's diagnostic threshold for predicted probability was P=0.138,while the optimal cut-off value based on the Youden index was 0.513,yielding a sensitivity of 76.5%and specificity of 74.8%,indicating predictive value for hypoglycemia in adult ICU patients.The mean absolute error(MAE)results for the modeling group and validation group were<0.05.The calibration curves of both the modeling and validation groups showed close alignment with the ideal curve,indicating excellent calibration performance of the model.Conclusion The constructed hypoglycemia risk prediction model for adult ICU patients has good predictive performance,which can quickly identify high-risk populations of hypoglycemia in ICU and provide reference for clinical preventive nursing.
9.Clinical significance of changes in serum complement C1q/ tumor necrosis factor-associated protein 3 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Ting ZENG ; Caiwen WEI ; Weixiang CHEN ; Lihua GU ; Yue QIAN ; Xinfeng ZHAO ; Yan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(3):197-203
Objective:To investigate the changes of serum complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-associated protein 3 (CTRP3) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its clinical significance.Methods:A total of 60 RA patients admitted to Chongming Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences (Chongming Branch of Xinhua Hospital) from January 2023 to February 2024 were collected.They were divided into a plaque group (38 cases) and a plaque free group (22 cases) according to the results of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by carotid artery ultrasonography. ESR, CRP, blood lipid, HOMA-IR, RF, CCP antibody and CTRP3 levels were detected, and the relationship between CTRP3 levels and disease activity and atherosclerosis in RA patients was analyzed. The statistical analysis was carried out with independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression. Results:Serum CTRP3 level in RA patients was lower than that in healthy control group [(116±44)ng/ml and (184±63)ng/ml, t=-6.54, P=0.004]. The CTRP3 level in RA group with plaque was lower than that in RA group without plaque [(98±28) ng/ml and (123±38)ng/ml, t=-5.57, P=0.008]. Serum CTRP3 levels in RA patients were correlated with LDL-C ( r=-0.68, P=0.011), HOMA-IR ( r=-0.74, P=0.001), RF ( r=-0.46, P=0.042), anti-CCP antibody( r=-0.54, P=0.037), DAS28 ( r=-0.66, P=0.024) were negatively correlated with cIMT ( r=-0.76, P=0.001), and positively correlated with DMARDs duration ( r=0.51, P=0.040) and flow-mediated di latatiton ( r=0.70, P=0.004). The CTRP3 level [( OR(95% CI)=0.683(0.355, 0.807), P=0.023] was an independent correlation factor affecting cIMT. Conclusion:CTRP3 level in RA patients is significantly lower than that in healthy control group, and is negatively correlated with insulin resistance, autoantibody level and disease activity, and has a protective effect on early atherosclerosis in RA patients.
10.Application of IFN-induced protein 44-like gene methylation detection by methylation sensitive-high resolution melting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian CHEN ; Dong′e TANG ; Yue MENG ; Lijun ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zihua YANG ; Xiaoping HONG ; Yang CUI ; Tieying HOU ; Yong DAI ; Yongzhe LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(8):639-644
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.

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