1.Rapid health technology assessment of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
Pian SHA ; Xiaojie WANG ; Tao WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):504-509
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, Embase, and the official websites of leading health technology assessment (HTA) agencies was conducted for randomized controlled trials, pharmacoeconomic studies, meta-analyses/systematic reviews, and HTA reports on lecanemab published up to October 2025. After screening against predefined eligibility criteria, methodological quality was appraised with validated tools, relevant data were extracted, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS A total of 6 studies were included, consisting of 3 randomized controlled trials and 3 pharmacoeconomic evaluations. In terms of efficacy, lecanemab significantly slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo, reduced the decline in daily activity ability by 37%, and markedly reduced intracerebral amyloid levels. Regarding safety, the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) was higher in the lecanemab group than in the control group, with the incidence of edema/effusion of 12.6% (vs. 1.7% in the placebo group), and the incidence of hemorrhage/hemosiderin deposition of 17.3% (vs. 9.0% in the placebo group). Economically, the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of lecanemab compared with standard treatment exceeded commonly used willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United States (USD 50 000-150 000 per QALY). CONCLUSIONS Lecanemab confers significant cognitive protection in early-stage AD; however, it is associated with a relatively high risk of ARIA and economic burden.
2.Effect of RUNX3 on the activation, proliferation, and migration capabilities of hepatic stellate cells
Hui LING ; Xianchen WANG ; Junbo YOU ; Jiahao FAN ; Xiao CUI ; Jiming SHA ; Liquan YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):277-284
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line (JS-1) was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered, they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, and TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Alpha 1 type I collagen (Collagen I) were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3, α-SMA, and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group, a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β1-induced activated HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Additionally, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced (P<0.001). In contrast, when compared to TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators, such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (P<0.05). Concurrently, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group (P<0.01). ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely, RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs, thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.
3.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
4.RUNX3 regulates FAP to influence the proliferation of mouse lung primary fibroblasts
Junbo YOU ; Xianchen WANG ; Hui LING ; Jiahao FAN ; Qi CHEN ; Hui TAO ; Jiming SHA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):606-611
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced activation of mouse primary pulmonary fibroblasts (PFs), and its effects on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis. MethodsPFs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and cultured. A RUNX3 knockdown model was established using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cells were assigned to the control group (Control), TGF-β1-treated group (TGF-β1), negative control group (TGF-β1+siRNA-NC), and RUNX3-silenced group (TGF-β1+si-RUNX3). In addition, a RUNX3 overexpression rescue experiment was performed based on TGF-β1 stimulation. Protein and mRNA levels of RUNX3, FAP, and typeⅠcollagen (COL1A1) were measured by Western blot and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Co-expression of COL1A1 and FAP was examined by double immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the Control group, RUNX3, FAP, and COL1A1 expression levels were upregulated in PFs in the TGF-β1 group (P<0.01). The CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value was reduced in the RUNX3 knockdown group compared with the negative control group (P<0.01). Consistently, the EdU assay demonstrated a lower proportion of EdU-positive cells in the RUNX3 knockdown group than in the negative control group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence double staining revealed decreased fluorescence intensities of COL1A1 and FAP in the RUNX3 knockdown group relative to the negative control. Under RUNX3 overexpression conditions, these fluorescence signals exhibited a partial rebound (P<0.01). ConclusionRUNX3 in TGF-β1-induced PFs may promote cell proliferation and collagen synthesis by positively regulating FAP expression. Targeting the RUNX3/FAP axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
5.Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles carrying component 1r induce fibroblast activation in silicosis mice
Ziqi WANG ; Yusi CHENG ; Xiaojuan SHA ; Jie CHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):28-34
Background Silicosis, an occupational lung disease induced by chronic silica (SiO2) exposure, is pathologically defined by progressive pulmonary fibrosis, and its associated molecular mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Objective To understand the critical role of macrophage-derived vesicles in silicotic pulmonary fibrosis via their carried complement component 1r (C1R). Methods Through integrated analysis of human plasma vesicle proteomics and spatial transcriptomics in silicosis mouse models, the key molecular C1R was identified in silicotic fibrosis. Spatial transcriptomic data were further employed to analyze the expression distribution of C1R in lung tissues. In animal experiments, a mouse silicosis model was established via tracheal instillation of silica dust, followed by pulmonary fibrosis assessed by Sirius Red staining, and C1R expression levels in plasma and lung tissue vesicles examined by Western blot. In cellular experiments, an in vitro model was constructed by stimulating macrophages with silica. Extracellular vesicles isolated from this system were then co-cultured with mouse lung fibroblasts (MLG),followed by intervention with a C1R-neutralizing antibody. Results The proteomic analysis of human plasma vesicles revealed a significant upregulation of C1R in silicosis patients, confirmed by Western blot. The spatial transcriptomics in silicotic mice indicated elevated C1R expression in lung tissues after 56 d of SiO2 exposure, colocalizing with fibrotic lesions. The results of Western blot further demonstrated increased C1R levels in both lung tissue-derived and peripheral blood-derived vesicles during silicosis progression, consistent with the findings in an ex vivo macrophage model. The results of functional assays demonstrated that macrophage-derived vesicles significantly increased the expression of fibrosis markers, including fibronectin 1 (FN1), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the migratory capacity of lung fibroblasts; these effects were blocked by the C1R-neutralizing antibody. Conclusion Macrophage vesicles drive fibroblast activation and migration through C1R. Since a C1R-neutralizing antibody blocks this pro-fibrotic effect, C1R represents a key mediator in silicosis and thus is considered a new potential therapeutic target.
6.Bacterial Diversity in Phyllosphere and Rhizosphere Soil of Angelica sinensis in Continuous Cropping and Effects of Different Disease Control Measures
Zhanwen TANG ; Tao YANG ; Tong PENG ; Yinquan WANG ; Jiang ZHAO ; Jie SHA ; Zhiye WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):199-207
ObjectiveTo investigate the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere of Angelica sinensis and examine the effects of foliar applications of a composite bacterial agent,salicylic acid,and coronatine on the bacterial diversity,disease incidence,and plant yield,thus providing a theoretical basis and guidance for the artificial construction of functional minimal communities and the regulation of rhizosphere through foliar treatments. MethodsUnder continuous cropping conditions in the field,foliar applications of a composite bacterial agent,salicylic acid,coronatine,and sterile water were conducted. The 100-plant weight was measured via the conventional method,and the incidence of diseases was recorded. The microbial community composition,diversity,and inter-group differences in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere soil of A. sinensis were analyzed by 16S high-throughput sequencing,and the potential microbial functions were predicted. ResultsCompared with the blank control,foliar applications of salicylic acid and coronatine both significantly reduced the yield and root rot incidence of A. sinensis. The foliar application of salicylic acid decreased the content of ferulic acid and increased that of ligustilide. The foliar application of coronatine increased the content of both ferulic acid and ligustilide. The microbial communities and functions in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere soil were significantly different. The phyllosphere had lower microbial diversity,with all bacteria being Gram-negative,mainly Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria with limited functions. The rhizosphere soil had higher microbial diversity,harboring dominant phyla including Proteobacteria,Actinobacteria,Acidobacteria,and Bacteroidetes with rich functions. All foliar treatments regulated the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil,with a more significant effect on the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil than that in the phyllosphere. The coronatine treatment significantly reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and nitrate-reducing and aromatic compound-degrading microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil,thus affecting nutrient cycling and autotoxic substance degradation and leading to a yield reduction. Compared with the salicylic acid treatment,the coronatine treatment significantly increased the abundance of Bacillus and Streptomyces in the rhizosphere soil,demonstrating enhanced disease control efficacy. ConclusionFoliar application of coronatine and salicylic acid can significantly regulate the composition and function of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil,thereby reducing the disease incidence and the plant yield.
7.Causal relationship of liposomes and circulating metabolomes to schizophrenia: a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Mengyun LEI ; Yanhong DU ; Yao GAO ; Huaili DENG ; Binhong WANG ; Zhiyong REN ; Sha LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):223-228
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex, chronic and severe mental disorder, and the pathogenesis of which has not been fully elucidated. The abnormalities in lipid metabolism and circulating metabolomes have already been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, available studies have mainly focused on a few liposomes and circulating metabolites, failing to systematically reveal the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo uncover mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, thereby providing biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were analyzed, taking data on 179 liposomes as exposure variables, data on 123 circulating metabolites as intermediate variables, and data on schizophrenia as outcome variable. A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR- Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode methods to study the causal relationship of liposomes with schizophrenia and the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the relationship. ResultsIVW model identified 8 lipids associated with schizophrenia without reverse causality. There were 5 circulating metabolomes strongly associated with schizophrenia. Acetate played a significant mediating role in the causal relationship between phosphatidylinositol (18:0_18:2) and schizophrenia (P=0.023, 95% CI: 0.036~0.532), accounting for 28.4% of the causal relationship. ConclusionThis study demonstrates a causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, with phosphatidylinositol being a risk factor in the progression of schizophrenia, and acetate playing a mediating role in this process. [Fund by National Natural Science Foundation of China General Program (number, 82271546); Shanxi Merit Funding for Overseas Students Sci-Tech Activities Project (number, 20240041); Shanxi Province Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent Team Project (number, 202304051001049); Shanxi Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars (number, 2022-190); "Six Measures for Health Care Prosperity" Specialized Research Program (number, Y2024008)]
8.Analysis of Quality Difference Factors of Perillae Caulis Based on Chemometrics Combined with TOPSIS Model
Maoqing WANG ; Sha CHEN ; Qian MA ; Jun ZHANG ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Rui SHEN ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):168-175
ObjectiveTo explore quality difference factors of Perillae Caulis based on the contents of multiple chemical components and comprehensively evaluate the quality. MethodsA total of 32 batches of Perillae Caulis samples were collected from 12 producing areas such as Hebei, Anhui and Guangdong, and their diameter range, epidermis color and producing areas were recorded. Total flavonoids, total phenols, volatile oils, 5 active components and 84 volatile components in 32 batches of samples were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determined by colorimetry, ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector(UPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Then the differences between the contents of these components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and non-parametric test. According to the weights of the index components determined by PCA model, entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) model was constructed to evaluate the quality of Perillae Caulis with different characters and origins. ResultsThere were significant differences in the composition of Perillae Caulis with different diameters, epidermis colors and producing areas, and 9 differential components were screened out, including 6 index constituents(total flavonoids, total phenols, caffeic acid, scutellarin, rosmarinic acid and luteolin) and 3 volatile components(caryophyllene oxide, (-)-humulene epoxide Ⅱ, 14-hydroxycaryophyllene), of which 6 index constituents were higher in samples with small diameter, purple-brown epidermis and southern origin, while the contents of 3 volatile components were higher in samples with large diameter, dark-brown epidermis and northern origin. A significant difference was shown in the model scores of different diameters, epidermis colors and origins(P<0.05), and the scores of Perillae Caulis with small diameter and purple-brown epidermis from southern area, especially Guangdong, had a high score. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition and content of chemical constituents between different diameters, epidermal colors and production areas of Perillae Caulis, samples showing small diameter, owing purple-brown epidermis, and originating from Guangdong were of higher-quality due to their higher content of 8 key indices.
9.Analysis of Quality Difference Factors of Perillae Caulis Based on Chemometrics Combined with TOPSIS Model
Maoqing WANG ; Sha CHEN ; Qian MA ; Jun ZHANG ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Rui SHEN ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):168-175
ObjectiveTo explore quality difference factors of Perillae Caulis based on the contents of multiple chemical components and comprehensively evaluate the quality. MethodsA total of 32 batches of Perillae Caulis samples were collected from 12 producing areas such as Hebei, Anhui and Guangdong, and their diameter range, epidermis color and producing areas were recorded. Total flavonoids, total phenols, volatile oils, 5 active components and 84 volatile components in 32 batches of samples were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determined by colorimetry, ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector(UPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Then the differences between the contents of these components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and non-parametric test. According to the weights of the index components determined by PCA model, entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) model was constructed to evaluate the quality of Perillae Caulis with different characters and origins. ResultsThere were significant differences in the composition of Perillae Caulis with different diameters, epidermis colors and producing areas, and 9 differential components were screened out, including 6 index constituents(total flavonoids, total phenols, caffeic acid, scutellarin, rosmarinic acid and luteolin) and 3 volatile components(caryophyllene oxide, (-)-humulene epoxide Ⅱ, 14-hydroxycaryophyllene), of which 6 index constituents were higher in samples with small diameter, purple-brown epidermis and southern origin, while the contents of 3 volatile components were higher in samples with large diameter, dark-brown epidermis and northern origin. A significant difference was shown in the model scores of different diameters, epidermis colors and origins(P<0.05), and the scores of Perillae Caulis with small diameter and purple-brown epidermis from southern area, especially Guangdong, had a high score. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition and content of chemical constituents between different diameters, epidermal colors and production areas of Perillae Caulis, samples showing small diameter, owing purple-brown epidermis, and originating from Guangdong were of higher-quality due to their higher content of 8 key indices.
10.Serological and molecular biological analysis of a rare Dc- variant individual
Xue TIAN ; Hua XU ; Sha YANG ; Suili LUO ; Qinqin ZUO ; Liangzi ZHANG ; Xiaoyue CHU ; Jin WANG ; Dazhou WU ; Na FENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1101-1106
Objective: To reveal the molecular biological mechanism of a rare Dc-variant individual using PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Methods: ABO and Rh blood type identification, DAT, unexpected antibody screening and D antigen enhancement test were conducted by serological testing. The absorption-elution test was used to detect the e antigen. RHCE gene typing was performed by PCR-SSP, and the 1-10 exons of RHCE were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The full-length sequences of RHCE, RHD and RHAG were detected by PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Results: Serological findings: Blood type O, Dc-phenotype, DAT negative, unexpected antibody screening negative; enhanced D antigen expression; no detection of e antigen in the absorption-elution test. PCR-SSP genotyping indicated the presence of only the RHCE
c allele. Sanger sequencing results: Exons 5-9 of RHCE were deleted, exon 1 had a heterozygous mutation at c. 48G/C, and exon 2 had five heterozygous mutations at c. 150C/T, c. 178C/A, c. 201A/G, c. 203A/G and c. 307C/T. Third-generation sequencing results: RHCE genotype was RHCE
02N. 08/RHCE-D(5-9)-CE; RHD genotype was RHD
01/RHD
01; RHAG genotype was RHAG
01/RHAG
01 (c. 808G>A and c. 861G>A). Conclusion: This Dc-individual carries the allele RHCE
02N. 08 and the novel allele RHCE-D(5-9)-CE. The findings of this study provide data support and a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RhCE deficiency phenotypes.

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