1.Mechanism and therapeutic targets of angiopoietin-like protein 4 in diabetic retinopathy
Jingrong FENG ; Yan LI ; Xiaocao REN ; Jixin LI ; Yu MA ; Wenfang ZHANG ; Yi YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):785-791
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)remains the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapies are limited by inadequate response in some patients and the necessity for repeated intravitreal injections, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Angiopoietin-like protein 4(ANGPTL4), a multifunctional secreted protein, has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of DR, positioning it as a promising interventional target. This review systematically elaborates the biological characteristics of ANGPTL4, with a focus on its expression dynamics, molecular mechanisms, and regulatory networks rolesin the development of DR. Furthermore, the prospects of ANGPTL4-targeted therapeutic strategies are discussed, aiming to offer new insights and directions for understanding DR pathogenesis, advancing multi-target drug development, and improving clinical management.
2.Genetic analysis of a de novo EFTUD2 variant causing Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly in a fetus.
Jianyu REN ; Xiaojiao GUAN ; Shuang LIU ; Yousheng YAN ; Shufa YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):288-294
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the genetic etiology of a fetus diagnosed with Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM).
METHODS:
A fetus that underwent prenatal diagnosis at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, on May 19, 2025 was selected for analysis. Results of fetal ultrasound findings, chromosomal karyotyping, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were collected. Sanger sequencing was performed for familial validation of the pathogenic variant. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA), STRING, and Simple ClinVar databases were queried to characterize the biological features of the candidate gene. Three-dimensional structures of the wild-type and variant proteins were modeled and analyzed, and the evolutionary conservation of the affected amino acid was assessed using UGENE. Prenatal phenotypes associated with EFTUD2 variants were summarized through a review of the literature. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-KY-029-01).
RESULTS:
At 23+2 weeks of gestation, ultrasound examination revealed bilateral microtia with low-set ears, mild micrognathia with a reduced mandibular-facial angle, a single umbilical artery, a slightly narrow aortic diameter, and trivial mitral regurgitation. Amniotic fluid karyotyping and CNV-seq showed no abnormalities. WES identified a de novo, previously unreported EFTUD2 variant, c.698dupA (p.V235Gfs*27), in the fetus. This frameshift variant is predicted to alter the structural integrity of the EFTUD2 protein. Literature review indicated that micrognathia and microtia or low-set ears are the most common sonographic features in fetuses with EFTUD2 variants, while secondary findings may include abnormal stomach bubble, cleft palate, single umbilical artery, gastrointestinal atresia, polyhydramnios, and reduced aortic diameter.
CONCLUSION
The EFTUD2: c.698dupA (p.V235Gfs*27) variant is likely the genetic cause underlying MFDM in this fetus.
Humans
;
Mandibulofacial Dysostosis/diagnostic imaging*
;
Microcephaly/diagnostic imaging*
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Ribonucleoprotein, U5 Small Nuclear/chemistry*
;
Peptide Elongation Factors/chemistry*
;
Fetus
;
DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
3.Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB type) after kidney transplantation
Yan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Tong XU ; Guohui WANG ; Ruochen QI ; Dongjuan WU ; Kepu LIU ; Weijun QIN ; Shuaijun MA
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):257-265
Objective To analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the context of specific cases and literature. Methods A case of EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type) after kidney transplantation is reported. The patient was a 45-year-old male who underwent living-related kidney transplantation in 2016 and has been receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone since then. In 2024, the patient presented with intermittent fever, night sweats and gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic pathology, immunohistochemical staining and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The R-CDOP regimen (rituximab + cyclophosphamide + liposomal doxorubicin + vincristine + dexamethasone) was used for treatment. Results The patient was diagnosed with EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type, Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ B). After 4 cycles of R-CDOP chemotherapy, the efficacy assessment was partial remission, and the transplant kidney function remained stable. Conclusions For EBV-negative PTLD after kidney transplantation, it is necessary to break through the "virus-dependent" diagnostic thinking. In clinical practice, the focus should be on protecting the transplant kidney, and individualized treatment plans should be developed for patients.
4.LINC00657 Promotes Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer by Sponging miR-30a-5p to Regulate Skp2 Expression
Changhui ZHOU ; Jingqin REN ; Zhen CHEN ; Qi YAN ; Nan YANG ; Jiaqi ZHAO ; Rong LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):103-111
Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of LINC00657 in the progression of cervical cancer. Methods Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential binding sites between LINC00657 and miR-30a-5p and between miR-30a-5p and Skp2. These sites were verified by using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC00657, miR-30a-5p, and Skp2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by utilizing RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the protein levels of Skp2 in cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze Skp2 expression in animal tissues. The cellular processes of cervical cancer cell lines were evaluated through CCK-8, scratch, and Transwell assays. Results LINC00657 and Skp2 presented binding sites for miR-30a-5p. In cervical cancer, LINC00657 and Skp2 showed high expression levels (P<0.05), whereas miR-30a-5p displayed low expression (P<0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that linc00657 upregulates Skp2 expression, a process that is dependent on its sequestration of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion LINC00657 promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer by upregulating Skp2 expression through specifically sequestering miR-30a-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene Skp2.
5.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. 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 further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
6.Construction and validation of machine learning predictive models for the risk of metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Linjie QIU ; Haiyan REN ; Yan REN ; Meijie LI ; Chacha ZOU ; Zijing WU ; Jin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):848-855
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of predictive models established based on machine learning methods in predicting the risk of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to analyze its key risk factors. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the 50 variables of 2 168 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in Department of Health Assessment, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, from January 2021 to December 2024, including body composition, past history, and laboratory tests, and according to whether they were diagnosed with MAFLD or not, they were divided into MAFLD group with 265 individuals and non-MAFLD group with 1 903 individuals. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Randomly split the research data into a training set and a validation set in a 70% to 30% ratio. Predictive factors were screened from the training set data using univariate analysis, LASSO regression, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Predictive models were then constructed using seven machine learning methods: Logistic regression, decision tree, random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting, light gradient boosting machine, support vector machine, and artificial neural network. Model performance was evaluated by plotting receiver operating characteristic curve for the validation set and calculating the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index for each model. Furthermore, the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method was used to analyze the contribution of variables in the optimal model. ResultsThe prevalence rate of MAFLD among the 2 168 subjects was 12.22% (265/2 168). Smoking, diastolic blood pressure, phase angle, visceral fat area, muscle fat ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio, triglyceride-glucose index, and gallstones were independent risk factors for MAFLD (all P<0.05). The seven predictive models of support vector machine, eXtreme gradient boosting, decision tree, light gradient boosting machine, artificial neural network, RF, and Logistic regression had an AUC of 0.738, 0.754, 0.757, 0.786, 0.795, 0.796, and 0.815, respectively, in the validation set, among which the RF model had the best discriminatory ability (AUC=0.796, 95% confidence interval: 0.754 — 0.839), with a sensitivity of 81.01%, a specificity of 63.16%, and a Youden index of 44.17%. The SHAP analysis showed that visceral fat area, waist-to-hip ratio, and diastolic blood pressure were the top three predictive factors in terms of importance. ConclusionThe RF model, constructed based on body composition and clinical indicators, has a good performance in predicting the risk of MAFLD, and its interpretability can help to identify high-risk individuals in the early stage in clinical practice.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
8.DING Ying's Experience in Treating Children with IgA Nephropathy from the Perspective of "Wind-Induced Water Turbidity"
Yudi LI ; Yan XU ; Xiaodan REN ; Wenbo LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):228-232
To summarize Professor DING Ying's clinical experience in treating children's IgA nephropathy from the perspective of "wind-induced water turbidity". It is believed that the core pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy in children is the wind stimμlating water to become turbidity, and the basic treatment principles are to eliminate wind and settle viscera, and to remove turbidity and drain water. For those with the syndrome of wind-heat invading the lungs and injury to blood collaterals, modified Yinqiao Powder (银翘散) combined with Xiaoji Decoction (小蓟饮子) could be used; for those with dampness-heat in Sanjiao, heavy dampness and light heat pattern, modified Sanren Decoction (三仁汤) combined with Bazheng Powder (八正散) could be used; for those with lung-spleen qi deficiency and kidney essence depletion pattern, modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) combined with Wuzi Yanzong Pill (五子衍宗丸) could be used; for those with deficiency of both qi and yin, kidney deficiency with stasis pattern, self-prescribed Yishen Huazhuo Formula (益肾化浊方) could be used. Meanwhile on the basis of pattern identification and treatment, rattan-type herbs could be combined in use in order to unblock the meridians and collaterals.
9.Effect of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C on hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha in periodontal cells by modulation of miR-1246
Jing BAI ; Xue ZHANG ; Yan REN ; Yuehui LI ; Xiaoyu TIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):928-935
BACKGROUND:LncRNA-TNFRSF13C,an important factor in B cell development and function,is expressed in periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis,but the specific mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C regulating miR-1246 on hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in periodontal cells. METHODS:Human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were treated with lipopolysaccharide and divided into group A(hPDLCs cell lines without transfection),group B(hPDLCs cell lines transfected with TNFRSF13C NC-siRNA),group C(hPDLCs cell lines transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA),group D(hPDLCs cell line transfected with miR-1246 mimics),group E(hPDLCs cell line transfected with miR-1246 siRNA),group F(hPDLCs cell line transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA+miR-1246 mimics),and group G(hPDLCs cell line transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA+miR-1246 siRNA).The relative expression of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C and miR-1246 in each group was detected by qRT-PCR.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect cell viability.Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins was detected by western blot.The correlation between lncRNA-TNFRSF13C and miR-1246 was analyzed by Pearson,and the targeting relationship was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in human periodontal ligament cell activity,apoptosis rate and protein indexes between groups A and B(P>0.05).Compared with group B,hPDLCS cell activity in group C was increased,and apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with group C,hPDLCS cell activity in group D was decreased,and apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins were increased(P<0.05).Compared with group D,the cell activity of group E was increased(P<0.05).The cell activity in group F was lower than that in group E,and the apoptosis rate was reduced in both groups E and F(P<0.05).Compared with group F,the cell activity of group G was increased,and the apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor were decreased(P<0.05).LncRNA-TNFRSF13C was positively correlated with miR-1246(P<0.05).Compared with the TNFRSF13C-siRNA group,the fluorescence activity of miR-1246-wt in the TNFRSF13C-NC group was reduced(P>0.05);compared with the miR-1246-NC group,the fluorescence activities of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-wt and vascular endothelial growth factor-wt in the miR-1246 mimics group were increased(P<0.05).To conclude,down-regulation of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C can promote the activity of periodontal cells treated with lipopolysaccharide,reduce apoptosis,and inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor.The mechanism is related to the regulation of miR-1246 activity.
10.Study on the effect of high-fidelity intelligent simulator combined with scenario simulation in emergency response training of radiology department
Zhengting ZHU ; Yuping ZHENG ; Manli CHENG ; Yang LIU ; Xueqiu YAN ; Li REN ; Haibo QU ; Huayan XU ; Yun WANG ; Gang NING
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(9):1158-1163
Objective:To explore the application effect of high-fidelity intelligent simulator combined with scenario simulation for emergency response training in the Department of Radiology, and to improve the emergency preparedness of medical, nursing, and technical staff in managing contrast agent adverse reactions.Methods:From January to July 2024, 132 medical, nursing, and technical staff from the Department of Radiology of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu City, China were selected as the training subjects. The high-fidelity intelligent simulator combined with scenario simulation teaching mode was used to conduct emergency response training for the participants. The differences in theoretical knowledge and post competence regarding contrast agent adverse reactions among the staff were compared before and after the training. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate their needs and satisfaction of the emergency response training. SPSS 26.0 was used for data analysis. The differences in theoretical knowledge and post competence scores before and after training were compared using the paired samples t test. Results:After the training, the average score of theoretical knowledge examination increased from (84.32±10.19) points to (90.34±7.87) points, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). After the training, the scores of knowledge reserve, operational skills, situational decision-making ability, professional literacy, comprehensive literacy, and overall post competency were all significantly higher than those before the training ( P<0.05). The satisfaction score of emergency response training was (4.17±0.25) points. Conclusions:High-fidelity intelligent simulator combined with scenario simulation training improved the emergency preparedness and teamwork of radiology staff in clinical emergencies. The training received high recognition and satisfaction from the participants, which is of great significance for clinical emergency response and patient safety.

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