1.NG2-Glia Cause Diabetic Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption by Secreting MMP-9
Xiaolong LI ; Yan CAI ; Zhu ZHONG ; Maolin LI ; Dong HUANG ; Zhifei QIAO ; Hongli ZHOU ; Zuo ZHANG ; Jiyin ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):47-61
Background:
Disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) arising from diabetes mellitus are closely related to diabetic encephalopathy. Previous research has suggested that neuron-glia antigen 2 (NG2)-glia plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB. However, the mechanism by which NG2-glia regulates the diabetic BBB remains unclear.
Methods:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice and db/m mice were used. Evans-Blue BBB permeability tests and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied. Tight junction proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. NG2-glia number and signaling pathways were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Detection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
In T2DM db/db mice, BBB permeability in the hippocampus significantly increased from 16 weeks of age, and the structure of tight junction proteins changed. The number of NG2-glia in the hippocampus of db/db mice increased around microvessels from 12 weeks of age. Concurrently, the expression of MMP-9 increased in the hippocampus with no change in serum. Sixteen- week-old db/db mice showed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hippocampal NG2-glia. Treatment with XAV-939 improved structural and functional changes in the hippocampal BBB and reduced MMP-9 secretion by hippocampal NG2-glia in db/db mice. It was also found that the upregulation of β-catenin protein in NG2-glia in the hippocampus of 16-week-old db/db mice was significantly alleviated by treatment with XAV-939.
Conclusion
The results indicate that NG2-glia can lead to structural and functional disruption of the diabetic BBB by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, upregulating MMP-9, and degrading tight junction proteins.
2.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
3.The value of preoperative LNLR combined with cM0(i+)staging in prognostic assessment and model construction for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Yu QIAO ; Zhenlong WANG ; Haibin ZHOU ; Huayang ZHENG ; Zihao LI ; Yao DONG ; Geng TIAN ; Tie CHONG ; Yue CHONG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):207-216
Objective To construct and evaluate a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)based on preoperative lipid ratios, cM0(i+)staging, and other clinical characteristics, so as to provide a precise tool for clinical prognosis assessment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 215 ccRCC patients treated in our hospital during May 2014 and May 2023. Lipid ratios were calculated using preoperative lipid data, and patients were divided into cM0(i+)stage or cM0 stage according to postoperative circulating tumor cells(CTCs)test results. The optimal lipid ratio and cutoff value were selected using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and the X-tile method. Patients were subdivided into three groups based on the level of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to non-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(LNLR)and cM0(i+)staging:Group A [LNLR>1.68 and diagnosed with cM0(i+)], Group B [LNLR>1.68 or diagnosed with cM0(i+)], and Group C(LNLR ≤1.68 and diagnosed with cM0). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to plot survival curves for patients in different groups. The log-rank test was employed to compare differences in recurrence-free survival(RFS)among the subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent risk factors influencing RFS, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these results. The predictive performance of the model was validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curves. Results ROC curves were plotted for lipid markers, and LNLR was identified as the most predictive for RFS. Its optimal cutoff point was 1. 68. Patients in Group A experienced a significantly shorter postoperative RFS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified preoperative LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, pathological grade, and stage as independent risk factors for RFS. A nomogram model was constructed based on these risk factors. The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS was 0.896(95% CI:0.8121-0.9627), 0.890(95%CI:0.7879-0.9641), and 0.870(95%CI:0.7697-0.9526), indicating good discriminatory ability and predictive performance. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual outcomes. Clinical decision curve analysis showed high clinical net benefit. Conclusion Preoperative LNLR level is an independent risk factor for RFS in ccRCC patients. The prognostic prediction model based on LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, patient pathological grade, and staging demonstrates good predictive performance for RFS and holds potential clinical application value.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
5.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of brivaracetam versus perampanel as add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Jiale QIAO ; Fanqi LIU ; Yuchen TANG ; Jie CHENG ; Yan SHI ; Jun QI ; Zhiqiang DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2382-2388
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of brivaracetam (BRV) versus perampanel (PER) as add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.METHODS A Markov model was established to simulate the progression of drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults, with a simulation cycle of 5 months, a time horizon of 44 years, and a discount rate of 4.5%. Clinical data required for the model were derived from the phase Ⅲ clinical trial of BRV and a post hoc analysis of PER; cost data and utility data were obtained from Yaozh and related literature. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at twice China’s 2025 per capita gross domestic product (GDP) [199 330 yuan per quality-adjusted life year (QALY)], and a cost-effectiveness analysis was adopted to compare the cost-effectiveness of the regimens. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to confirm the stability of the base-case analysis conclusions.RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of BRV 50 mg/d as an add-on therapy versus PER 8 mg/d was 44 823.08 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold; the ICER of BRV 200 mg/d versus PER 12 mg/d was 238 783.00 yuan/QALY, which was above the WTP threshold. In the one-way sensitivity analysis, the direct medical cost of seizures ≥53 times/year and the health utility value of a seizure-free state per year had a relatively large impact on the two ICER results mentioned above, respectively. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the above results were robust.CONCLUSIONS For the selection of add-on therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults in China, when twice China’s per capita GDP is used as the WTP threshold, BRV 50 mg/d has a cost-effectiveness advantage over PER 8 mg/d, whereas BRV 200 mg/d not have a cost-effectiveness advantage over PER 12 mg/d.
6.Investigation on the management and nurses' cognitive level of iodinated contrast media extravasation in Henan Province
Yuanyuan SONG ; Yu WANG ; Ruonan HAO ; Fangfang DONG ; Linlin HUANG ; Qiao-fang YANG ; Xiaohui JIA ; Shan BAI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1351-1358
Objective To investigate the status of management of iodinated contrast media(ICM)extravasation in Henan Province,as well as nurses' knowledge and influencing factors,in order to provide a basis for optimizing management strategies.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was applied,employing convenience sampling,to survey nursing administrators and nurses in the radiology departments of 55 tertiary hospitals across 16 regions of Henan Province,from December 2024 to January 2025.Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing nurses' knowledge.Results A total of 55 nursing administrators and 64 nurses participated,with a valid questionnaire response rate of 100%.The survey results reveal that only 5.45%of radiology depart-ments utilized high-pressure central venous catheters,and 32.73%employed vascular visualization techniques.When setting the high-pressure injection speed for ICM,only 54.55%of radiology departments required an assessment of the type and model of intravenous access.Additionally,only 9.09%of radiology departments mandated an observa-tion for 2 to 4 hours following ICM extravasation.Furthermore,only 50.91%of radiology departments had estab-lished an information system for ICM use.The nurses' knowledge score regarding the prevention and management of ICM extravasation was(90.00±17.59),influenced by years of experience in radiology and professional titles(P<0.05).Conclusion The prevention and management measures for ICM in radiology departments in Henan Province need further improvement.Nursing administrators should optimize management strategies,improve relevant training systems,and continuously enhance nurses' knowledge and practical abilities.
7.Nursing care of a patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with excessive dynamic airway collapse
Zhenyuan DONG ; Wenbo QIAO ; Yan LIN ; Tingting CHEN ; Chunhua GAO ; Junqing CHU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1638-1641
To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with excessive dynamic airway collapse.Key nursing points include:efficient treatment of airway collapse to avoid causes of airway hyper responsiveness;avoiding the blockage of phlegm suppository,ensuring a safe and smooth airway;preventing the risks of hemorrhage and thrombosis,and strictly implement hospital infection prevention and control measures.After active rescue and careful nursing care,the patient was transferred back to the general thoracic surgery ward 13 days later,improved 17 days later,and was admitted to the cancer hospital for continued treatment.
8.Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Linggui Qihua No.2 Prescription in Treating Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Siyu LIU ; Wenbo QIAO ; Xiaoyu LIANG ; Yujiao SHI ; Yongcheng LIU ; Chenguang YANG ; Guoju DONG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):167-172
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Linggui Qihua No.2 Prescription(LGQH2)in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF).Methods Totally 60 HFpEF patients were randomly divided into experimental group and control group according to random number table method,with 30 patients in each group.On the basis of standardized treatment for heart failure,the experimental group was given LGQH2 granules,13 g/time,twice a day,orally;the control group was given placebo granules of LGQH2,with the same administration method as the experimental group.The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks.6-minute walking distance(6MWD),Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire(KCCQ)score,TCM syndrome score and serum NT-proBNP levels.Echocardiography was used to detect the ratio of early diastolic blood flow velocity(E)at the mitral valve to early diastolic myocardial motion velocity(e')at the mitral annulus,left atrial diameter(LAD),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and interventricular septal thickness(IVST).Adverse reactions and events were also recorded.Results Compared with before treatment,both groups showed significant improvement in 6MWD,KCCQ score,TCM syndrome score,serum NT proBNP,and E/e'after treatment(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance in LAD,LVEDD and IVST between the two groups(P>0.05);after treatment,the experimental group showed better improvement in 6MWD,KCCQ score,TCM syndrome score and E/e'compared to the control group(P<0.05).During the research process,neither group of patients experienced any adverse reactions or events.Conclusion LGQH2 Prescription can effectively enhance exercise tolerance and cardiac function of HFpEF patients,alleviate symptoms,improve quality of life,and inhibit diastolic dysfunction of the heart,without notable adverse reactions.
9.Efficacy and safety of needle-free injection of interferon-α2a for the treatment of palmoplantar warts: a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label trial
Yaxin DU ; Meihong DA ; Yakun HU ; Wenjie WU ; Mi TAO ; Qiao YAN ; Zhengbang DONG ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(5):440-445
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of needle-free and needle-based injections of recombinant human interferon (IFN) -α2a in the treatment of palmoplantar warts.Methods:Patients aged 6 to 75 years with palmoplantar warts were prospectively enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University between March and September 2023, and baseline data were collected. The patients were randomly and equally divided into a needle-free injection group and a needle-based injection group by using a random number table method, and received needle-free and needle-based injections of recombinant human IFN-α2a once every 2 to 3 weeks, respectively, with a maximum of 4 treatment sessions. Efficacy was assessed based on changes in wart size and skin lines under a dermoscope. Pain degrees and adverse reactions were recorded, and patients were followed up for 6 months after the end of treatment. Chi-square test was used to compare the cure rates, recurrence rates, and incidence rates of adverse reactions between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors related to the clearance of palmoplantar warts.Results:A total of 160 patients with palmoplantar warts were included, with 80 patients in each group. In the needle-free injection group, there were 45 females (56.2%) and 35 males (43.8%) ; their ages ( M[ Q1, Q3]) were 27 (23, 40) years, and the duration of disease ( M[ Q1, Q3]) was 12 (3, 24) months; warts were located on the hands in 12 cases (15.0%), on the feet in 60 cases (75.0%), and on both sites in 8 cases (10.0%) ; warts measuring ≤ 1 cm in diameter were observed in 71 cases (88.8%), and those measuring > 1 cm were observed in 9 cases (11.3%). In the needle-based injection group, there were 37 females (46.2%) and 43 males (53.8%) ; their ages were 28 (22, 39) years, and the duration of disease was 6 (2, 12) months; warts were located on the hands in 23 cases (28.7%), on the feet in 55 cases (68.8%), and on both sites in 2 cases (2.5%) ; warts measuring ≤ 1 cm in diameter were observed in 67 cases (83.8%), and those measuring > 1 cm in diameter were observed in 13 cases (16.3%). There were no significant differences in gender distribution, age, wart diameters, prior treatment status, or number of warts between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The duration of disease was longer in the needle-free injection group than in the needle-based injection group ( P = 0.041), and the dose of interferon was lower in the needle-free injection group than in the needle-based injection group ( P < 0.001). After treatment, 44 patients (55.0%) were cured in the needle-free injection group, and 39 (48.8%) in the needle-based injection group, with no significant difference in the cure rates between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.63, P = 0.429). Among patients with multiple warts, 54.8% (23/42) were cured in the needle-free injection group, and 47.4% (18/38) in the needle-based injection group, with no significant difference in cure rates between the two groups ( χ2 = 1.28, P = 0.509). The most common adverse reaction was fever or flu-like symptoms (186 instances), which resolved spontaneously in 141 instances and resolved after treatment with oral ibuprofen in 45 instances; the incidence rate of flu-like symptoms was significantly lower in the needle-free injection group (57 instances, 21.6%) than in the needle-based injection group (129 instances, 53.3%; χ2 = 54.63, P < 0.001). The pain score was significantly lower in the needle-free injection group (3.65 ± 1.25 points) than in the needle-based injection group (5.16 ± 1.17 points, t = -7.90, P < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of disease, lesion sites, patient age, and previous treatment history had no impact on the efficacy in either the needle-free injection group or the needle-based injection group (all P > 0.05) . Conclusions:The efficacy of needle-free and needle-based injections of interferon was similar in the treatment of palmoplantar warts, whereas needle-free injections resulted in less pain and a lower incidence of interferon-related adverse reactions. None of the duration of disease, lesion sites, patient age, or prior treatment status showed significant impact on the efficacy in the two groups.
10.Clinical and prognostic analysis of nine cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
Yongjun WAN ; Haijing YANG ; Qiao YAN ; Mei CHEN ; Fengyuan WANG ; Qianya SU ; Zhengbang DONG ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(4):347-351
Objective:To summarize clinical characteristics and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) -related Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) /toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with ICI-related SJS/TEN in Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University from January 2018 to October 2023. Data on clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment and prognosis of the patients were analyzed.Results:A total of 9 patients were diagnosed with ICI-related SJS/TEN, including 8 males and 1 female, with the onset age ranging from 58 to 77 (67.56 ± 7.33) years. ICI were applied to all the 9 patients before onset of SJS/TEN. The latent period was 6 - 261 d, and the median duration was 76 d. All the patients presented with erythema as initial lesions, 3 cases with target lesions, 6 with blisters, and 5 cases with a positive Nikolsky's sign. Oral mucosal damage occurred in 7 cases, eye damage occurred in 6 cases, and urogenital damage occurred in 6 cases. All the 9 cases were treated with systematic glucocorticoids, 7 cases with intravenous immunoglobulin and 7 cases with antibiotics. Eight cases recovered and 1 case died. Among 6 patients followed for an average of 6.92 months, none achieved complete or partial remission, 3 died and 3 experienced disease progression.Conclusions:ICI-related SJS/TEN occurred with a relatively long latent period, and all the cases presented with erythema initially, with mucosal damage present in most of the cases. Management required discontinuation of ICI, and most patients recovered with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, however, the prognosis for the primary malignancy remained poor.


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