1.Role and mechanism of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis
Qiaofeng CHEN ; Qingzi FU ; Huiying YANG ; Junbo HONG ; Liang ZHU ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Guodu TANG ; Shiyu ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):400-408
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) on the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by caerulein (CAE), to analyze the role of MCU in the development of AP, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, wild-type male C57BL6/J mice, aged 4 weeks, were randomly divided into control group and AP group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the AP group were given intraperitoneal injection of CAE to establish a model of AP, and those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of an equal volume of normal saline. Serum and pancreatic tissue samples were collected after 24 hours of modeling. HE staining was used to observe pancreatic histopathological changes; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ASCL4); kits were used to measure the serum level of amylase. In the in vitro experiment, the human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line HPDE6-C7 was co-cultured with CAE for 24 hours to establish an in vitro AP model, and the cells were divided into control group, CAE group, RR (an MCU activity inhibitor) group, CAE+RR group, Fer-1 (an ferroptosis inhibitor) group, CAE+Fer-1 group, Erastin (an ferroptosis inducer) group, and CAE+Erastin group. CCK-8 assay was used to observe the influence of different agents on cell viability; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, GPX4, and ASCL4; immunofluorescence assay was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin cytoskeleton, and monolayer permeability; kits were used to measure the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Fe2+, and total iron. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the in vivo experiment, compared with the control group, the AP group had significant increases in pancreatic histopathological score, the serum level of amylase, and the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, as well as a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4 (all P<0.05). In the in vitro experiment, compared with the control group, the CAE group had significant increases in the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4, and significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability, as well as a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with the presence of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+RR group had a significant increase in the expression level of GPX4, a significant reduction in the expression level of ASCL4, and significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Fer-1 group had significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Erastin group had significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with aggravation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. ConclusionDuring the onset of AP, MCU mediates oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis and leads to the disruption of the pancreatic ductal epithelial barrier, which may be one of the possible pathogeneses of AP.
2.The Development of the PRO Scale and the Construction of the PRO Evaluation System for TCM Diseases
Qiaofeng YAN ; Fengbin LIU ; Bo WANG ; Hong LIU ; Xiaoyan PAN ; Simeng YAO ; Yuanfang CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2110-2118
For TCM to go global,while carrying forward its own characteristics,it should also build a set of measurement methods recognized by the international medical field.PRO scale is more and more widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine because there are many confluence points between PRO scale and TCM connotation.The patient-reported outcomes measurement information system(PROMIS)provides a reference for the development of PRO scales in the field of TCM.We can learn from the methods and models relied on by PROMIS and build a PRO evaluation system for TCM diseases based on TCM culture,so as to promote the standardization,standardization and modernization of TCM.
3.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene and a literature review.
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene.
METHODS:
A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to "bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).
RESULTS:
The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c.348C>A and c.676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3; PM1+PM2_Supporting+PM3_Supporting+PM5+PP3_Strong). The c.676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases.
CONCLUSION
The c.348C>A and c.676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Humans
;
Female
;
CCN Intercellular Signaling Proteins/genetics*
;
Phenotype
;
Heterozygote
;
Young Adult
;
Mutation
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Joint Diseases/congenital*
4.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a case of progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia caused by CCN6 compound heterozygous mutations and literature review
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene. Methods:A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to " bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).Results:The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3; PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3_Supporting+ PM5+ PP3_Strong). The c. 676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases. Conclusion:The c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
5.Recent Developments in the Mechanisms and Management Strategies for Sarcopenia
Qiaofeng MA ; Jia SONG ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1156-1161
Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the human body and plays a crucial role in motor functions.With aging, skeletal muscle mass and function progressively decline, a phenomenon known as sarcopenia.This condition can result in various adverse health outcomes, including reduced muscle function, weakness, cognitive decline, increased medical expenses, and elevated mortality rates, thereby exerting significant social and lifestyle impacts.Several mechanisms contribute to the development of sarcopenia, including immune system alterations, inflammation, lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolic disorders, and impaired muscle stem cell regeneration.Although lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, mitochondrial transplantation, and stem cell therapy have shown promise in addressing sarcopenia, there remains a need for more effective and targeted interventions.This article aims to discuss the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and its interventions, providing new insights for clinical treatment.
6.The Development of the PRO Scale and the Construction of the PRO Evaluation System for TCM Diseases
Qiaofeng YAN ; Fengbin LIU ; Bo WANG ; Hong LIU ; Xiaoyan PAN ; Simeng YAO ; Yuanfang CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2110-2118
For TCM to go global,while carrying forward its own characteristics,it should also build a set of measurement methods recognized by the international medical field.PRO scale is more and more widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine because there are many confluence points between PRO scale and TCM connotation.The patient-reported outcomes measurement information system(PROMIS)provides a reference for the development of PRO scales in the field of TCM.We can learn from the methods and models relied on by PROMIS and build a PRO evaluation system for TCM diseases based on TCM culture,so as to promote the standardization,standardization and modernization of TCM.
7.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a case of progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia caused by CCN6 compound heterozygous mutations and literature review
Mengyu WANG ; Qiaofeng MA ; Zhenhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Jidong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1141-1150
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a patient with Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) due to compound heterozygous variants of CCN6 gene. Methods:A patient who was admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University due to " bilateral finger joint deformity, bilateral hip and knee joint movement limitation for 19 years" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient were retrospectively collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and her parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Long-read sequencing (LRS) and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was classified. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Ethics No.: KYLL-202502 061).Results:The patient, a 23-year-old female, presented with progressive polyarticular deformity, limited movement and abnormal growth and development since childhood. She was initially misdiagnosed as Ankylosing spondylitis and had poor response to sulphasalazine and etoricoxib treatment. WES revealed that she has harbored two heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene (NM_198239.2), namely c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C. LRS confirmed that the two variants are located on two homologous chromosomes and constitute compound heterozygous variants. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were rated as pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3; PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3_Supporting+ PM5+ PP3_Strong). The c. 676G>C variant has not been recorded by the HGMD and ClinVar databases. Conclusion:The c. 348C>A and c. 676G>C compound heterozygous variants of the CCN6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PPRD in this patient. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of PPRD and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
8.Recent Developments in the Mechanisms and Management Strategies for Sarcopenia
Qiaofeng MA ; Jia SONG ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1156-1161
Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the human body and plays a crucial role in motor functions.With aging, skeletal muscle mass and function progressively decline, a phenomenon known as sarcopenia.This condition can result in various adverse health outcomes, including reduced muscle function, weakness, cognitive decline, increased medical expenses, and elevated mortality rates, thereby exerting significant social and lifestyle impacts.Several mechanisms contribute to the development of sarcopenia, including immune system alterations, inflammation, lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolic disorders, and impaired muscle stem cell regeneration.Although lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, mitochondrial transplantation, and stem cell therapy have shown promise in addressing sarcopenia, there remains a need for more effective and targeted interventions.This article aims to discuss the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and its interventions, providing new insights for clinical treatment.
9.Types of Major Microorganisms in Pharmaceutical Water Systems and Control Measures
Yinghong LI ; Linshuang ZHANG ; Jue LI ; Xiaoling ZHENG ; Zhengnan WANG ; Yinhuan WANG ; Junhao CHEN ; Liang HONG ; Qiaofeng TAO ; Huan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(3):415-419
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the types and control measures of major microorganisms in pharmaceutical water systems, so as to provide guidance for effective control of pharmaceutical water systems.
METHODS
The main microbial species, abundance and harmfulness of drinking water, purified water and water for injection were reviewed, and the control measures on microorganisms in pharmaceutical water were discussed.
RESULTS
There were differences in the main microbial types in pharmaceutical water. Burkholderia cepacia complex and Ralstonia pickettii were conditioned pathogens in pharmaceutical water, thus causing certain biological safety hazards.
CONCLUSION
Pharmaceutical companies can strengthen the control of microorganisms in the water system by establishing microbial databases and common microbial strain banks at all levels. Trend analysis should to be conducted based on alert limits and action limits, so as to strengthen the control of microorganisms in the water system.
10.Exploration on Characteristics of Acupoint Efficacy Based on the Self-developed ACU&MOX-DATA Platform
Sihui LI ; Shuqing LIU ; Qiang TANG ; Ruibin ZHANG ; Wei CHEN ; Hao HONG ; Bingmei ZHU ; Xun LAN ; Yong WANG ; Shuguang YU ; Qiaofeng WU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):64-69
Objective To explore the effects of different acupoints,different target organs,and different interventions on acupoint efficacy based on ACU&MOX-DATA platform;To illustrate and visualize whether the above factors have the characteristics of"specific effect"or"common effect"of acupoint efficacy.Methods The multi-source heterogeneous data were integrated from the original omics data and public omics data.After standardization,differential gene analysis,disease pathology network analysis,and enrichment analysis were performed using Batch Search and Stimulation Mode modules in ACU&MOX-DATA platform under the conditions of different acupoints,different target organs,and different interventions.Results Under the same disease state and the same intervention,there were differences in effects among different acupoints;under the same disease state,the same acupoint and intervention,the responses produced by different target organs were not completely consistent;under the same disease state and acupoint,there were differences in effects among different intervention measures.Conclusion Based on the analysis of ACU&MOX-DATA platform,it is preliminary clear that acupoints,target organs,and interventions are the key factors affecting acupoint efficacy.Meanwhile,the above results have indicated that there are specific or common regulatory characteristics of acupoint efficacy.Applying ACU&MOX-DATA platform to analyze and visualize the critical scientific problems in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion can provide references for deepening acupoint cognition,guiding clinical acupoint selection,and improving clinical efficacy.


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