1.Mechanism and clinical research progress of calcineurin inhibitor-induced hyperglycemia
Suna LU ; Qiuxia MIN ; Xi WEN ; Ling ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):407-412
Calcineurin inhibitor(CNI) is potent immunosuppressive agents and serve as cornerstone therapies in the treatment of organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases, with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus being the representative drugs. Long-term use of CNI can lead to drug-induced hyperglycemia, severely affecting patients’ prognosis. The pathogenesis involves multilevel pathological alterations: at the pancreatic β-cell level, CNI directly damage β-cell by inducing calcium overload, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, suppressing the expression of key insulin synthesis factors and promoting apoptosis; in peripheral tissues, CNI interfere with insulin receptor substrate phosphorylation and inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, resulting in decreased glucose uptake and insulin resistance; additionally, CNI can also induce β-cell injury by suppressing the secretion and receptor signal transduction of glucagon-like peptide-1, as well as by activating the nuclear factor kappa B pathway to promote inflammatory responses. Clinical studies demonstrate that the incidence of CNI-associated hyperglycemia is closely related to drug type, dosage, and individual patient factors. For high-risk patients, dose adjustment of CNI, switching to agents with lower metabolic toxicity when necessary, and selection of appropriate glucose-lowering regimens based on glycemic levels are recommended. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CNI metabolic toxicity and optimize individualized pharmacotherapy strategies to improve long-term patient outcomes.
2.NAD+Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertension via Activation of SIRT3/IDH2 Signal Pathway
Yumin QIU ; Xi CHEN ; Jianning ZHANG ; Zhangchi LIU ; Qiuxia ZHU ; Meixin ZHANG ; Jun TAO ; Xing WU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):70-80
[Objective]To investigate the effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide on vascular endothelial injury in hypertension and its molecular mechanism.[Methods]C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into saline group(Saline)and hypertension group(Ang Ⅱ,which were infused with Ang Ⅱ via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps),and supplemented daily with nicotinamide mononucleotide(300 mg/kg),a precursor of NAD+.Blood pressure,endothelial relaxation function and pulse wave velocity were measured after 4 weeks.Wound healing assay and adhesion assay were used to evaluate the function of endothelial cells in vitro.mtROS levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining.RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of mtDNA,SIRT3 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2(IDH2).8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The protein expression levels of p-eNOS,eNOS,SIRT3 and IDH2 were detected by Western blot.[Results]NMN supplementation reduced blood pressure(P<0.001)and improved endothelial function and arterial stiffness(P<0.001)in hypertensive mice.In vitro,NMN improved endothelial function in Ang Ⅱ-stimulated endothelial cells(P<0.05)and attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress levels(P<0.001).Mechanistically,NMN elevated SIRT3 activity(P<0.001),which subsequently enhanced IDH activity(P<0.001)and reduced oxidative stress levels in endothelial cells.Conversely,knockdown of IDH2 would reverse the effect of SIRT3 in improving endothelial function(P<0.001).[Conclusion]NAD+lowers blood pressure and enhances vascular function in hypertension by reducing the level of oxidative stress in endothelial cells through activation of the SIRT3/IDH2 signal pathway.
3.Effect of galangin on immune function in nephrotic syndrome rats by regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway
Qiuxia ZHANG ; Chunmei XU ; Wenjing LIN ; Yu ZHANG ; Chun LIN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1945-1950
Objective:To investigate effect of galangin(Gal)on immune function in nephrotic syndrome(NS)rats by regula-ting stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)signaling pathway.Methods:A NS rat model was established by injecting doxorubicin into tail vein.After successful modeling,rats were randomly grouped into Model group,Gal low,medium and high doses groups,activator group.Twelve rats were randomly selected as control group,and each group was given corre-sponding drug by gavage and intraperitoneal injection,once a day for 6 consecutive weeks.Biochemical indicators such as 24-hour urine protein,urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(Scr)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected in rats;HE staining was applied to observe pathological damage in rat kidney tissue;spleen and thymus were taken and weighed,and organ index was calculated;flow cytometry was applied to detect levels of CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,Th1 and Th2 cells in rat peripheral blood;ELISA was applied to detect IL-10,IL-2,TNF-α,IgG and IgM in serum;qRT-PCR and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4.Results:Compared with control group,24-hour urine protein,BUN,Scr,TC,triglyceride(TG)contents,CD8+T,Th1,Th1/Th2,IL-2,TNF-α,SDF-1,CXCR4 mRNA and protein expressions of rats in Model group were obviously in-creased,albumin(ALB)content,spleen index,thymus index,CD3+T,CD4+T,Th2 cell proportions,CD4+T/CD8+T,IL-10,IgG,and IgM levels were obviously reduced(P<0.05);compared with Model group,24-hour urine protein,BUN,Scr,TC,TG contents,CD8+T,Th1,Th1/Th2,IL-2,TNF-α,SDF-1,CXCR4 mRNA and protein expressions of rats in Gal low,medium and high doses groups were gradually decreased,ALB content,spleen index,thymus index,CD3+T,CD4+T,Th2 cell proportions,CD4+T/CD8+T,IL-10,IgG and IgM levels were gradually increased(P<0.05);compared with high-dose Gal group,changes in above indicators in activator group of rats were obviously reversed(P<0.05).Conclusion:Gal may enhance T lymphocyte immune function by inhibiting SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway,thereby alleviating renal injury in NS rats.
4.Biomechanical characteristics of lower extremities during counter movement jump in male patients with functional ankle instability
Zilong WANG ; Xin MENG ; Zhiqi ZHANG ; Yu XIE ; Lingyue MENG ; Qiuxia ZHANG ; Lingyu KONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):478-485
BACKGROUND:As the end bearing joint of the human body,the ankle joint bears the top-down pressure of the body,which leads to the ankle joint is easy to be damaged in the movement,can induce functional ankle instability,which negatively affects daily life.The study of lower extremity biomechanics in patients with functional ankle instability during counter movement jump is of great significance for scientific training,prevention of ankle injury,and clinical rehabilitation after injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the kinetics and kinematics of lower limbs in the longitudinal jumping of functional ankle instability population. METHODS:From March to September 2023,15 male patients with functional ankle instability and 15 healthy people,aged 22-28 years old,were recruited in Soochow University.All subjects completed counter movement jump experiment.Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force measuring table were used to simultaneously collect the lower limb kinematics and kinetics indexes of the two groups of subjects at the take-off stage of counter movement jump,the instant off the ground,the initial landing moment and the peak moment of vertical ground reaction force. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At the instant off the ground,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed smaller knee internal rotation moment(P=0.020)and smaller ankle internal rotation moment(P=0.009)compared with the affected side of the healthy control group.(2)At the moment of landing,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed a smaller hip flexion angle than the affected side of the healthy control group(P=0.039).Compared with the healthy control group,functional ankle instability group showed smaller hip abduction angle(P=0.022),smaller knee varus angle(P=0.010),larger knee external rotation angle(P=0.021),smaller ankle varus angle(P=0.004),and smaller external ankle rotation angle(P=0.008).(3)At the peak of vertical ground reaction force,functional ankle instability group showed a smaller ankle varus angle than healthy control group(P=0.044).(4)The results showed that the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of the patients with functional ankle instability were abnormal compared with the healthy people during counter movement jump,which mainly showed the changes of the kinematics and kinetics indexes of the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane at the moment of lift-off and landing.These changes reflect that people with functional ankle instability adopt rigid take-off and landing patterns when performing counter movement jump,tend to transfer the load of the affected ankle joint to other joints of the lower limb,and show compensatory phenomenon of the healthy lower limb.Therefore,detection and correction of abnormal biomechanical features should be a part of rehabilitation training for those with functional ankle instability.
5.Willingness-to-Pay for Combined Cancer Screening Among Rural Residents in Shandong Province
Xuan CHANG ; Jing XIE ; Qiuxia LI ; Yukun FENG ; Yanling ZHENG ; Nan ZHANG
China Cancer 2025;34(2):138-144
[Purpose]To investigate the acceptance and willingness-to-pay(WTP)of combined can-cer screening among rural residents in Shandong Province,and to analyze its influencing factors.[Methods]A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among rural residents aged 40~70 in villages setected by cluster sampling from three counties(county level city or district)in Shan-dong Province.The questionnaire was developed using the method of double-bound dichotomous choice combined with open-ended questions in contingent valuation.The factors influencing inten-sity of WTP was analyzed with using single-factor and ordinary least squares regression models.[Results]A total of 962 subjects were surveyed.89.19%of the respondents were willing to accept cancer combined screening,and 62.00%were willing to pay part of the costs.The average of WTP was 963.67 CNY,which accounted for 32.12%of the total cost.The proportion of respon-dents who were willing to pay between 0~1 500 CNY was the highest(76.49%).In the multivariate analysis,age,sex and income had significant effects on the maximum payment of multi-cancer screening.[Conclusion]The acceptance of multi-cancer screening among rural residents in the study sites is high,but the willingness-to-pay is limited.The out-of-pocket payment for multi-can-cer screening should be controlled,and a co-payment mechanism among government,enterprises,social organizations and individuals should be explored.
6.Study on the mechanism of lnRNA HOTAIR targeting TSC1 to regulate podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy
Qiuxia NIU ; Weili LIU ; Xuehui LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Shuangli WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(8):1787-1792
Objective To explore the regulatory effect of long non-coding RNA HOX transcript anti-sense RNA(lnRNA HOTAIR)targeting tuberous sclerosis complex 1(TSC1)on podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods Mice podocyte MPC5 were divided into 6 groups:the control group,the high glucose group(the HG group),the HG+si-NC group,the HG+si-HOTAIR group,the HG+si-HOTAIR+sh-NC group,and the HG+si-HOTAIR+sh-TSC1 group.qPCR was used to detect the levels of lnRNA HO-TAIR and TSC1 mRNA.Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),and apoptosis was detec-ted by flow cytometry.ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors[IL-6,tumor necrosis fac-tor-α(TNF-α)]and the levels of oxidative stress indicators[reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)]were detected by corresponding reagent kit.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of lnRNA HOTAIR,apoptosis rate,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS and MDA in the HG group were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the levels of TSC1 mRNA,cell viability and SOD were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the HG+si-NC group,the levels of lnRNA HOTAIR,ap-optosis rate,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS and MDA in the HG+si-HOTAIR group significantly decreased(P<0.05),the levels of TSC1 mRNA,cell viability and SOD were significant increased(P<0.05).Compared with the HG+si-HOTAIR+sh-NC group,the levels of apoptosis rate,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS and MDA in the HG+si-HOTAIR+sh-TSC1 group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the levels of TSC1 mRNA,cell viability and SOD were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Silencing lnRNA HOTAIR can target TSC1 to regulate the activity,apoptosis rate,inflammatory level and oxidative stress levels of podocyte injury in DN,thereby alleviating podocyte damage in DN.
7.Formulation principles of Houshiheisan and its mechanism in treating stroke
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):154-160
Houshiheisan, a classic prescription for stroke treatment, originates from Chapter 5 on Pulse Syndrome Complex and Treatment of Apoplexy and Acute Arthritis of Synopsis of Golden Chamber, which discusses pulse syndrome complex and apoplexy and acute arthritis treatment. Renowned as a primary prescription for stroke, it exemplifies the therapeutic principle of tonifying deficiencies while reducing excesses. This study showed that Houshiheisan improves hemorheology, reduces oxidative damage, protects neurovascular units after cerebral ischemic injury, promotes neovascularization maturation, and maintains cerebrovascular endothelial barrier integrity. Based on the pathogenesis theory of stroke, which is the cause of internal deficiency and pathogenic factor invasion, studies on Houshiheisan disassembling were conducted. The herbs in the prescription were divided into wind-dispelling herbs such as Flos Chrysanthemi, Radix Saposhnikoviae, and Ramulus Cinnamomi and deficiency-tonifying herbs such as Radix Ginseng, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae. Wind-dispelling herbs primarily reduced cerebral ischemia injury by downregulating Caspase-3 expression, an apoptotic protein, and deficiency-tonifying herbs reduced cerebral ischemia by upregulating poly ADP-ribose polymerase expression, a DNA repair protein. Wind-dispelling herbs exhibited a rapid yet short-lived effect by significantly downregulating aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression in the lateral ventricle six hours after cerebral ischemia. In contrast, deficiency-tonifying herbs showed a delayed but sustained regulatory impact on AQP4 expression. These complementary time-dependent effects reflect the dual function of the prescription of dispelling wind and tonifying deficiencies, aligning well with the early pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease, which is characterized by wind-phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the brain collaterals. Additionally, Houshiheisan reduces blood pressure and blood lipids, improves patients′ hemorheology, and alleviates vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Therefore, Houshiheisan is a safe and effective classic prescription for preventing and treating early cerebral small vessel disease. Future research should focus on exploring its molecular mechanisms in treating cerebral small vessel diseases.
8.Multicenter epidemiological features of parainfluenza virus respiratory tract infections among children in Hainan Province, 2012-2022
CHEN Qiuxia ; LU Chun ; ZHANG Xuemei
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(1):57-
Objective To explore the parainfluenza virus (PIV) infection in children hospitalized in Hainan between March 2012 and December 2022, and to analyze its epidemiological characteristics. Methods The samples were obtained from 62 553 kids with respiratory infections who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of multiple hospitals in various regions of Hainan from March 2012 to December 2022. Indirect immunofluorescence was employed to detect IgM antibodies in serum for nine respiratory pathogens, including PIV, adenovirus, influenza A virus, Legionella pneumophila, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza B virus, Coxiella burnetii, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Epidemiological and clinical data (time, gender, age, season, etc.) of PIV-IgM antibody-positive cases were analyzed in a descriptive study. Results The total PIV-IgM antibody positive rate of 62 553 respiratory tract infected children was 3.29% (2 015/62 553), with the highest positive rate of 11.01% (385/3 496) in 2017, and the second highest positive rate of 8.37% (351/4 196) in 2016, which were significantly higher than the positive rate of the rest of the years (P<0.001). The PIV positive rate was 3.18% (1 248/39 225) in males and 3.29% (767/23 328) in females, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). PIV infection occurred in all age groups, with the highest positive rate in the 6 to <12 years group at 4.50% (357/7 941), followed by the 3 to <6 years group at 4.47% (656/14 689), significantly higher than other age groups (P<0.001). The highest positive rate for PIV was in summer at 4.30% (693/16 093), followed by 3.78% (598/15 804) in spring, and the lowest rate of 2.27% (342/15 065) in winter, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Single PIV infection accounted for 63.08% (1 271/2 015), while mixed infections accounted for 36.92% (744/2 015), and the most common co-infection being with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection at 23.13% (466/2 015). Conclusions PIV is an important pathogen for children's acute respiratory infections in Hainan Province, exhibiting year-round sporadic occurrence with alternating high and low periods characteristics. PIV infection is to the gender of the child, predominantly affects preschool and school-age children, peaks in spring and summer, and commonly co-infects with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
9.Research progress on the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in diabetic retinopathy
Deshuang LI ; Haitao ZHANG ; Yishen WANG ; Qiuxia ZHOU ; Li LI ; Sheng CHEN
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1983-1988
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss globally.Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapies remain the clinical mainstay, a significant proportion of patients exhibit suboptimal responses, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), a multifunctional neuropeptide, is gaining attention due to its roles in vascular regulation, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of CGRP and its receptor-mediated signaling, and explores emerging evidence of CGRP's involvement in DR through its vasodilatory effects and regulatory effect on neurodegenerative disorders and release of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting the CGRP pathway in DR is evaluated, especially in cases unresponsive to VEGF inhibition. Despite currently the lack of CGRP-targeted drugs applied for DR, the peptide demonstrates efficacy and safety in other diseases, such as migraine, suggests promising translational opportunities. However, CGRP may play a dual role in different pathological stages of DR, thus its treatment strategy needs to be considered precisely. Future research elucidating the precise mechanisms of CGRP in DR may pave the way for innovative intervention strategies.
10.Gut microbiota and their metabolites in hemodialysis patients.
Junxia DU ; Xiaolin ZHAO ; Xiaonan DING ; Qinqin REN ; Haoran WANG ; Qiuxia HAN ; Chenwen SONG ; Xiaochen WANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Hanyu ZHU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):502-504


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