1.Association between photoreceptor gene mutation-caused diseases and myopia
Yunqing LIANG ; Jiali LI ; Shanshan LIU ; Xiaohe LU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):452-457
Myopia has become a significant eye health problem, which is thought to result from the complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors. This review focuses on two types of hereditary retinal diseases caused by mutations in photoreceptor genes, including rod-cone cell dystrophy(retinitis pigmentosa)and cone dysfunction syndromes(achromatopsia, blue cone monochromatism and Bornholm eye disease). It systematically explores the intrinsic connection between these diseases and the myopia phenotype, and elaborates on the core mechanisms by which pathogenic genes such as RPGR and OPN1LW/OPN1MW, which cause defects in ciliary structure and protein transport and interfere with the visual signal pathway, jointly induce choroidal thinning and scleral remodeling, ultimately driving the elongation of axial length and the occurrence of myopia. By tracing the association of photoreceptor gene mutations with myopia, this article provides a new perspective for in-depth understanding of the genetic mechanism of myopia and is of great significance for the development of early risk warning and targeted intervention strategies.
2.Research on the correlation between Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and spermatogenesis in rats based on the testicular tissue co-culture system
Yan LI ; Shanshan LIU ; Lin GAO ; Lingyi KONG ; Xia YUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Taodi LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):91-97
ObjectiveTo verify the association between the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and rat spermatogenesis by constructing an in vitro co-culture system of testis. MethodsTesticular tissue blocks from 20-25-day-old male rats were placed in an in vitro culture system, and the culture medium was replaced every 2 to 3 days. PCR was used to verify the expression of marker genes of various spermatogenic cells. RNA interference technology was employed to verify the correlation between the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and rat spermatogenesis. ResultsThe co-culture system could be continuously cultured for more than 2.5 months in vitro. RT-PCR showed that specific marker genes of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermoblast were expressed. The RNA and protein expression of Trib3 and Akt changed after the knocking down of Ddit3 and Trib3, respectively. It demonstrated the existence of Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway in rat spermatogenesis. ConclusionThe culture time of more than 2.5 months indicates that the culture system can temporarily maintain the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, and simultaneously maintain and stabilize spermatogenesis in a simple system. The successful validation of the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway also confirms that this culture system can be used to study possible molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis in vitro.
3.PET/CT imaging of PD-1 receptor probe targeting S180 sarcoma in mice
Haifeng HUANG ; Jiangnan SUN ; Huan ZOU ; Tao BAO ; Hua ZHU ; Xianteng YANG ; Shanshan LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):682-688
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of constructing a programmed death receptor-1(PD-1) molecular probe for non-invasive micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Micro-PET/CT) imaging of PD-1 protein in mouse S180 sarcoma. MethodsA transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model was established using the S180 sarcoma cell injection. Furthermore, 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody probe was synthesized. 18.5 MBq of the 124I-anti-PD-1 probe was injected into the tail vein of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice. Subsequently, S180 sarcoma was imaged using Micro-PET/CT. ResultsStudy successfully established a transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results showed PD-1 protein expression in S180 sarcoma. Micro-PET/CT imaging successfully visualized the PD-1 protein receptor in S180 sarcoma at different time points (20, 48, 72, and 120 h) after probe injection. ConclusionThe 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody molecular probe successfully targets the PD-1 receptor in S180 sarcoma of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice, and presents clear Micro-PET/CT immunoassay results, thus it potentially enables the non-invasive screening of patients with PD-1 positive malignant tumors.
4.Research progress on strategies for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement of triptolide
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Shanshan HAN ; Yaping XING ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenhao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1496-1501
Triptolide (TP), the core active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii , exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects, and holds broad application prospects in the treatment of major diseases such as autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. However, TP has a narrow therapeutic window and causes multi-organ toxicities including liver, kidney and reproductive toxicities, which severely restrict its safe clinical application and new drug development. Therefore, toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement has become a core scientific problem urgently to be solved in this field. This paper systematically reviews the four core strategies for TP toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, including structural modification, dosage form improvement, herbal compatibility, and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. Among them, structural modification optimizes the toxic and efficacy characteristics of TP from the molecular structure level, with typica l derivatives including (5 R )-5-hydroxy triptolide, ZT01, PG490-88, etc. Dosage form modification achieves toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement via targeted and sustained-controlled drug release of diverse delivery systems. It includes triptolide preparations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsion gels and liquid crystals, possessing favorable clinical transformation potential. The herbal compatibility and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine conform to the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine and have a profound clinical application foundation, but their mechanisms of action are insufficiently elucidated, and they lack unified standardized specifications and high-quality evidence-based proof. In the future, we should rely on multi-omics technology to elucidate the toxic and efficacy mechanisms, integrate technologies to optimize preparations, improve the evaluation system and promote clinical transformation.
5.Intravitreal Conbercept for macular edema secondary to non-ischemic retinal vein occlusion
Min YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Shuang LIU ; Dawei ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1147-1151
AIM:To observe the clinical efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept in the treatment of macular edema secondary to non-ischemic retinal vein occlusion(RVO).METHODS: Single center retrospective study. ME patients secondary to non-ischemic RVO admitted to the hospital from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected, and were divided into central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)group and branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO)group according to the location of obstruction. All patients were treated with intravitreal injection of conbercept once a month for 3 mo. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), macular foveal thickness(CMT), superficial capillary density(SVD), deep capillary density(DVD), and foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area were recorded before and after treatment(with 3 injections per course)at 1, 3, and 6 mo.RESULTS:This study included a total of 120 ME secondary to non-ischemic RVO patients(128 eyes), who were divided into CRVO group(51 cases, 56 eyes, 31 males, 20 females, mean age 61.39±10.32 y)and BRVO group(69 cases, 72 eyes, 41 males, 28 females, mean age 61.48±10.41 y)based on the location of obstruction. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups before treatment(both P>0.05). After 1, 3, and 6 mo of treatment, both groups showed improvement in BCVA, CMT, SVD, and DVD compared to before treatment(all P<0.05). BCVA in the BRVO group was better than that in the CRVO group at all time points after treatment(all P<0.05), while there was no difference in CMT, SVD, and DVD between the two groups(all P>0.05); There was no significant difference in FAZ area between the two groups before and after treatment(both P>0.05). Follow up for 6 mo showed no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in the recurrence rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The first intravitreal injection of conbercept is effective in treating macular edema caused by non-ischemic CRVO and BRVO, improving visual function, reducing macular edema, and repairing retinal structure and blood flow perfusion. Notably, the recovery of visual function and improvement of capillary density are more significant in BRVO patients.
6.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
7.Association between liver fibrosis staging and colorectal space-occupying lesions in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Jing QI ; Ziheng ZHAO ; Shanshan GAO ; Kun LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1301-1309
ObjectiveTo investigate whether there exists an independent association beyond shared risk factors between colorectal space-occupying lesions and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide new ideas for early identification of colorectal space-occupying lesions in the MAFLD population. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 12 252 patients who were hospitalized in The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital) and underwent both colonoscopy and abdominal imaging (abdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography) from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2023. According to colonoscopy findings, the patients were divided into colorectal space-occupying lesion group with 6 545 patients and non-colorectal space-occupying lesion group with 5 707 patients. Baseline data were compared between the two groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify influencing factors for colorectal space-occupying lesions, and further analysis was performed to investigate the association of MAFLD and liver fibrosis (assessed by fibrosis-4 [FIB-4], nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score [NFS], and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index) with colorectal space-occupying lesions. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsThe univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-colorectal space-occupying lesion group, the colorectal space-occupying lesion group had significantly higher age (Z=-95.628, P<0.001), proportion of male patients (χ2=406.910, P<0.001), body weight (Z=-24.928, P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (Z=-21.367, P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (Z=-15.527, P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (Z=-16.965, P<0.001), proportion of patients with history of coronary heart disease (χ2=28.112, P<0.001)/hypertension (χ2=152.993, P<0.001)/diabetes (χ2=52.175, P<0.001)/cerebral infarction (χ2=14.097, P<0.001), white blood cell count (WBC) (Z=-12.801, P<0.001), hemoglobin (HGB) (Z=-19.258, P<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (Z=-6.673, P=0.001), alanine aminotransferase (Z=-10.375, P<0.001), alkaline phosphatase (Z=-10.496, P<0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (Z=-18.893, P<0.001), blood urea nitrogen (Z=-13.291, P<0.001), creatinine (Z=-16.798, P<0.001), uric acid (Z=-16.822, P<0.001), triglyceride (Z=-10.186, P<0.001), and fasting blood glucose (Z=-15.761, P<0.001). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.052, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.045 — 1.057, P<0.001), sex (OR=0.523, 95%CI: 0.466 — 0.587, P<0.001), BMI (OR=1.031, 95%CI: 1.018 — 1.046, P<0.001), history of hypertension (OR=1.140, 95%CI: 1.019 — 1.276, P=0.022), WBC (OR=1.057, 95%CI: 1.028 — 1.087, P<0.001), GGT (OR=1.001, 95%CI: 1.000 — 1.002, P=0.021), Alb (OR=0.982, 95%CI: 0.969 — 0.995, P=0.008), and HGB (OR=1.004, 95%CI: 1.001 — 1.008, P=0.019) were independent influencing factors for colorectal space-occupying lesions. In the MAFLD population, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, history of hypertension, WBC, HGB, GGT, and Alb, intermediate-to-high risk of advanced liver fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 and NFS was still an influencing factor for colorectal space-occupying lesions (FIB-4: OR=1.457, 95%CI: 1.176 — 1.810, P<0.05; NFS: OR=1.499, 95%CI: 1.244 — 1.809, P<0.05). Liver fibrosis degree based on FIB-4 was not significantly associated with the pathological type, location, size, or number of colorectal space-occupying lesions (all P>0.05). While intermediate-to-high risk of advanced liver fibrosis based on NFS was not associated with pathological type, location, or size, it might be associated with the number of lesions (χ2=9.770, P<0.05). ConclusionAge, sex, BMI, history of hypertension, WBC, HGB, GGT, and Alb are independent influencing factors for colorectal space-occupying lesions. Intermediate-to-high risk of advanced liver fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 or NFS is independently associated with colorectal space-occupying lesions, and liver fibrosis assessed by NFS might be associated with the increase in the number of lesions.
8.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail