1.Research progress on the regulation of diabetic retinopathy by the mTOR-autophagy pathway
Tingting QIN ; Leying ZHANG ; Ting LI ; Xiaohui KUANG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Zongming SONG
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1617-1622
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications in diabetic patients and has become one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With the continuous rise in the prevalence of diabetes, in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of DR and effective intervention measures is of great clinical significance. The mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR), as a protein kinase, is widely involved in cellular processes such as growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Research indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial regulatory role in the pathological progression of DR, and its abnormal activity can disrupt retinal cell autophagy function, thereby accelerating cellular damage and disease progression. Autophagy, as an important regulatory mechanism for cellular homeostasis, maintains cellular functional balance by clearing damaged organelles and protein aggregates. This article provides a systematic review of the structural and functional aspects of the mTOR signaling pathway, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of autophagy, and their roles in retinal pathological changes. By summarizing current research findings, the article aims to clarify the key regulatory role of the mTOR-autophagy axis in DR, providing theoretical support for elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of DR and offering potential targets and research directions for developing novel targeted therapeutic strategies, thereby holding significant scientific and clinical value.
2.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
3.Overexpression of miR-320e inhibits inflammatory response of bronchial epithelial cells infected by respiratory syncytial virus
Zhenlang XU ; Xiangdong KUANG ; Jingchen XIE ; Yuchun QIN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(12):2506-2512
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of overexpression of miR-320e in inhibiting inflammatory response of re-spiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infected bronchial epithelial cells.Methods:Human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE were cultured in vitro and infected with RSV,and cells were divided into Con group,RSV group,RSV+miR-NC group,RSV+miR-320e group,RSV+miR-320e+vector group,RSV+miR-320e+TLR4 group.RT-qPCR was used to detect expression levels of miR-320e and TLR4 mRNA;MTT to detect cell proliferation changes;flow cytometry to detect cell apoptosis;Western blot was used to detect Bcl-2,Bax,TLR4,IκBα,p-IκBα,NF-κB and p-NF-κB protein expressions;ELISA to detect TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β and IFN-α,IFN-β expres-sions;dual luciferase experiment to verify the tageting relationship between miR-320e and TLR4.Results:Compared with Con group,miR-320e expression level,survival rate,Bcl-2 and IκBα protein expressions were significantly reduced,apoptosis rate,Bax protein expression,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β and IFN-α,IFN-β expressions,TLR4 mRNA and protein expression,and p-IκBα protein expres-sion and p-NF-κB/NF-κB were increased significantly in RSV group.Compared with RSV+miR-NC group,miR-320e expression level,survival rate,IFN-α,IFN-β expressions,Bcl-2 and IκBα protein expressions were significantly increased,apoptosis rate,Bax pro-tein expression,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β expressions,TLR4 mRNA and protein expression,and p-IκBα protein expression and p-NF-κB/NF-κB in RSV+miR-320e group were significantly reduced.miR-320e targets and negatively regulates the expression of TLR4.Up-regulation of TLR4 can partially restore the effect of overexpression of miR-320e on apoptosis and inflammatory response of RSV-infected bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE.Conclusion:miR-320e inhibits 16HBE apoptosis and inflammation in RSV-infected bronchial epi-thelial cells by targeting and negatively regulating TLR4 expression.
4.The deubiquitinating enzyme 13 retards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via blocking inactive rhomboid protein 2-dependent pathway.
Minxuan XU ; Jun TAN ; Liancai ZHU ; Chenxu GE ; Wei DONG ; Xianling DAI ; Qin KUANG ; Shaoyu ZHONG ; Lili LAI ; Chao YI ; Qiang LI ; Deshuai LOU ; Linfeng HU ; Xi LIU ; Gang KUANG ; Jing LUO ; Jing FENG ; Bochu WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(3):1071-1092
Nowadays potential preclinical drugs for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have failed to achieve expected therapeutic efficacy because the pathogenic mechanisms are underestimated. Inactive rhomboid protein 2 (IRHOM2), a promising target for treatment of inflammation-related diseases, contributes to deregulated hepatocyte metabolism-associated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Irhom2 regulation is still not completely understood. In this work, we identify the ubiquitin-specific protease 13 (USP13) as a critical and novel endogenous blocker of IRHOM2, and we also indicate that USP13 is an IRHOM2-interacting protein that catalyzes deubiquitination of Irhom2 in hepatocytes. Hepatocyte-specific loss of the Usp13 disrupts liver metabolic homeostasis, followed by glycometabolic disorder, lipid deposition, increased inflammation, and markedly promotes NASH development. Conversely, transgenic mice with Usp13 overexpression, lentivirus (LV)- or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-driven Usp13 gene therapeutics mitigates NASH in 3 models of rodent. Mechanistically, in response to metabolic stresses, USP13 directly interacts with IRHOM2 and removes its K63-linked ubiquitination induced by ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2N (UBC13), a ubiquitin E2 conjugating enzyme, and thus prevents its activation of downstream cascade pathway. USP13 is a potential treatment target for NASH therapy by targeting the Irhom2 signaling pathway.
5.Disease spectrum and genetic profiles of neonatal inborn errors of metabolism in selected areas of Nanning city
Xiao QIN ; Juan KUANG ; Guofeng LAN ; Guixiang ZENG ; Yufang GU ; Xuekai SHI
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2023;38(5):289-293
Objective:To study disease spectrum and genetic profiles of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) among newborns in selected areas of Nanning city.Methods:From July 2019 to December 2021, neonates born and received IEM screening in our hospital were prospectively enrolled. Heel blood samples were tested using tandem mass spectrometry as IEM screening. Neonates with positive results were called back for recheck. Whole exome sequencing was used to detect possible pathogenic genes in suspected cases and IEM was diagnosed combining clinical manifestations. Sanger sequencing method was used for the diagnosed neonates and their parents to confirm the diagnoses.Results:A total of 16 207 live-birth neonates were enrolled. For initial IEM screening, 1 423 neonates were positive (8.8%) and 1 311 were called back (92.1%). 15 cases were suspected with IEM and 8 were diagnosed. The overall detection rate was 1∶2 026. Among 8 confirmed cases, 4 cases had amino acid metabolism disorders (2 cases of phenylketonuria, 1 case of Citrin deficiency and 1 case of tyrosinemia), 2 cases had organic acid metabolism disorders (1 case of methylmalonic acidemia and 1 case of glutaric acidemia) and 2 cases had fatty acid oxidation disorders (1 case of carnitine palmitotransferaseⅡdeficiency and 1 case of primary carnitine deficiency). 5 cases had homozygous genetic variants (2 in PAH, and 1 in SLC25A13, SLC22A5 and FAH, respectively) and 3 had heterozygous genetic variants (1 in CPT2, MUT, and GCDH, respectively). During follow-up, all 8 cases had normal growth and developmental outcomes after standardized treatment.Conclusions:The overall detection rate of IEM is high, with varied genetic profiles in selected areas of Nanning. Timely genetic testing may lead to early diagnosis and treatment and improve the quality of life of neonates.
7.Metabolic Disease Management Guideline for National Metabolic Management Center(2nd edition)
Weiqing WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Guang NING ; Dalong ZHU ; Ping LIU ; Libin LIU ; Jianmin LIU ; Zhaoli YAN ; Xulei TANG ; Bangqun JI ; Sunjie YAN ; Heng SU ; Jianling DU ; Sheli LI ; Li LI ; Shengli WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Yubo SHA ; Ping ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Lei CHEN ; Zunhai ZHOU ; Chao ZHENG ; Qidong ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Dong ZHAO ; Zhigang ZHAO ; Ling HU ; Tingyu KE ; Yu SHI ; Yingfen QIN ; Mingjun GU ; Xuejiang GU ; Fengmei XU ; Zuhua GAO ; Qijuan DONG ; Yi SHU ; Yuancheng DAI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023;39(6):538-554
The latest epidemiological data suggests that the situation of adult diabetes in China is severe, and metabolic diseases have become significant chronic illnesses that have a serious impact on public health and social development. After more than six years of practice, the National Metabolic Management Center(MMC) has developed distinctive approaches to manage metabolic patients and has achieved a series of positive outcomes, continuously advancing the standardized diagnosis and treatment model. In order to further improve the efficiency, based on the first edition, the second edition guideline was composed by incorporating experience of the past six years in conjunction with the latest international and domestic guidelines.
8. Rho A/ROCK signaling pathway involved in hyper responsiveness to aortic contraction in mice with type 2 diabetes
Shu-Zhen CHEN ; Yan-Xiang ZHENG ; Xiao-Yue QIN ; Chun-Yu DENG ; Shu-Zhen CHEN ; Yong-Jiang CAI ; Yan-Xiang ZHENG ; Xiao-Yue QIN ; Su-Juan KUANG ; Hui YANG ; Fang RAO ; Chun-Yu DENG ; Yong-Jiang CAI ; Chun-Yu DENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(8):1484-1492
Aim To investigate the mechanism of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in abnormal aortic contractility in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mice. Methods The experiment was divided into two groups, the control group (db/m mice) and the model group (db/db mice). Changes of the response to different methods were measured in aorta rings using a Multi Myograph System. At the same time, the protein expression changes of aortic smooth muscle contraction signaling pathway in mice were determined by Western method. Results Compared with the control group, the blood glucose and body weight levels of the mice in the T2DM group significantly increased, and the cardiac function was abnormal (P <0. 01). The contractile response of the aorta of the diabetic mice induced by the contractile agents Phe, 5-HT and CaCl
9.Expression profile of circular RNA in inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells induced by carbon black nanoparticles
Jiahao ZHANG ; Sijia ZHOU ; Zheng KUANG ; Zenghua QIN ; Liwen TAN ; Yueting SHAO
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2023;41(8):576-581
Objective:To explore the toxic effect of carbon black nanoparticles on human bronchial epithelial cells, and identify the differentially expressed circular RNA based on the full transcriptome high-throughput sequencing, so as to provide evidence for the development of biomarkers exposed to carbon black nanoparticles and their application on epigenetic toxicology.Methods:In June 2020, 16 HBE cells were treated with carbon black nanoparticles at concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml, and 16 HBE cells without any intervention were used as the control group. The cytotoxicity of carbon black nanoparticles was detected by CCK8 and LDH experiments. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA were used to detect the changes of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-6, IL-8) mRNA and protein levels of carbon black nanoparticles with concentration gradient after 72 h exposure. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (P-NF-κB), apoptosis-related speckled protein (ASC) and Caspase-1 associated with nuclear factor-κB. According to high-throughput sequencing results, differentially expressed Circrnas were screened and identified by qRT-PCR, and those with stable differentially expressed circrnas and the strongest association with the NF-κB pathway were selected for ring performance identification.Results:After being exposed to carbon black nanoparticles for 72 h, the activity of 16HBE cells decreased significantly ( P<0.05), and the release of lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly ( P<0.05). Compared with control group, mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8, protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were increased, and protein levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, ASC and Caspase-1 were significantly up-regulated in 16 HBE cells of different concentrations, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, a total of 492 differentially expressed circular Rnas (|log2 FC|>1) were detected. Among the 5 differentially expressed ( P<0.05) circular Rnas, circ_002642 was selected as the object of subsequent research on circular Rnas, affter 72 hours of exposure to 80 μg/ml CBNPs, 16HBE cells showed signlficantly higher expression of circ_002642 ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Carbon black nanoparticles can induce differentially expressed circular RNAs associated with inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells.
10.Expression profile of circular RNA in inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells induced by carbon black nanoparticles
Jiahao ZHANG ; Sijia ZHOU ; Zheng KUANG ; Zenghua QIN ; Liwen TAN ; Yueting SHAO
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2023;41(8):576-581
Objective:To explore the toxic effect of carbon black nanoparticles on human bronchial epithelial cells, and identify the differentially expressed circular RNA based on the full transcriptome high-throughput sequencing, so as to provide evidence for the development of biomarkers exposed to carbon black nanoparticles and their application on epigenetic toxicology.Methods:In June 2020, 16 HBE cells were treated with carbon black nanoparticles at concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml, and 16 HBE cells without any intervention were used as the control group. The cytotoxicity of carbon black nanoparticles was detected by CCK8 and LDH experiments. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA were used to detect the changes of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-6, IL-8) mRNA and protein levels of carbon black nanoparticles with concentration gradient after 72 h exposure. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (P-NF-κB), apoptosis-related speckled protein (ASC) and Caspase-1 associated with nuclear factor-κB. According to high-throughput sequencing results, differentially expressed Circrnas were screened and identified by qRT-PCR, and those with stable differentially expressed circrnas and the strongest association with the NF-κB pathway were selected for ring performance identification.Results:After being exposed to carbon black nanoparticles for 72 h, the activity of 16HBE cells decreased significantly ( P<0.05), and the release of lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly ( P<0.05). Compared with control group, mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and IL-8, protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were increased, and protein levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, ASC and Caspase-1 were significantly up-regulated in 16 HBE cells of different concentrations, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, a total of 492 differentially expressed circular Rnas (|log2 FC|>1) were detected. Among the 5 differentially expressed ( P<0.05) circular Rnas, circ_002642 was selected as the object of subsequent research on circular Rnas, affter 72 hours of exposure to 80 μg/ml CBNPs, 16HBE cells showed signlficantly higher expression of circ_002642 ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Carbon black nanoparticles can induce differentially expressed circular RNAs associated with inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells.

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