2.Mechanism of artemether in treating diabetic sarcopenia via network pharmacology and animal experiment
Jiaxin LI ; Yuchun CAI ; Xiufen GU ; Yating ZHANG ; Shoupan GAO ; Huili SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1032-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artemether in diabetic sarcopenia(DS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsPotential active components and therapeutic targets were screened using artemisinin as the parent compound. The predicted targets were intersected with DS-related targets, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the key biological processes and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was further used to evaluate the binding affinity between artemether and core targets. The DS mouse model was established using db/db mice, followed by artemether intervention. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, diabetes-related symptoms, body composition, grip strength, serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. The expression levels of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), Atrogin-1, muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) in skeletal muscle were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, metabolomics was performed to analyze changes in acylcarnitine metabolites in skeletal muscle. ResultsA total of 68 overlapping targets between artemether and diabetic sarcopenia (DS) were identified. The core targets included AKT1, FoxO1, NFKB1, FBXO32, and TRIM63, which were mainly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signWaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance-related pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that artemether exhibited favorable binding affinity with the core targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that artemether reduced fasting blood glucose, ameliorated metabolic symptoms, increased lean mass and grip strength, decreased serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in DS mice. In addition, artemether downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxO1, FBXO32/Atrogin-1, TRIM63/MuRF1, ACSS2, CPT2, and FABP3, and improved the disturbance of acylcarnitine metabolism in skeletal muscle. ConclusionArtemether improves metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotypes in DS mice. Its effects may be associated with the amelioration of lipid metabolic disorders and the downregulation of FoxO1 and its downstream ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in skeletal muscle.
3.The influence of mechanical pressure on the migration of dural cells in different parts and their ability to promote bone formation
Haidong ZHANG ; Jie SHEN ; Yajie GAO ; Guo SHAO ; Chunyang ZHANG ; Zhijun ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1576-1583
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of mechanical pressure regulation on the migration and bone-promoting ability of suture dural cells (S-DCs) and non-suture dural cells (NS-DCs). MethodsDural cells (S-DCs), non-cranial suture dural cells (NS-DCs) and cranial suture mesenchymal stem cells (CS-MSCs) of 5-day-old SD rats were isolated and cultured. Four experimental conditions, namely S-DCs-Normal, S-DCs-Stress, NS-DCs-Normal and NS-DCs-Stress, were set according to the source of the cells and whether mechanical pressure (1.07 kPa, 24 hours) was applied. The migration ability of dural cells was detected by cell scratch test. Four experimental condition culture media were collected and co-cultured with CS-MSCs for osteogenic induction. Calcium salt deposition was detected by alizarin red staining, and the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Normal group, the migration abilities of both S-DCs and NS-DCs decreased after Stress treatment (P<0.05). Compared with S-DCs, NS-DCs has a weaker migration ability under the same processing conditions (P<0.05). The conditioned medium experiment showed that Stress treatment reduced the osteogenic ability of CS-MSCs (P<0.05), and the osteogenic effect of the conditioned medium derived from NS-DCs was weaker than that of S-DCs (P<0.05). The Western blot results were consistent with the trend of alizarin red staining. Both Stress treatment and NS-DCs sources could down-regulate the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins (P<0.05). ConclusionMechanical stress can significantly inhibit the migration of dural cells and the osteogenic differentiation process of CS-MSCs mediated by it. The mechanical tolerance and osteogenic regulation ability of S-DCs are significantly better than those of NS-DCs.
4.Astragaloside Ⅳ alleviates D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and apoptosis by inhibiting the STING pathway
Wenyu GUO ; Jiajia GAO ; Weili DUAN ; Huanjun RUAN ; Yulang HUANG ; Kemei WANG ; Xiao KE
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(1):133-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and its potential mechanisms. MethodsUsing H9C2 cardiomyocytes as a model, D-gal was used to induce cardiomyocyte senescence. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, senescenceextent was evaluated via β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured to assess intracellular oxidative stress, apoptosis extent was determined using the TUNEL assay, and qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to examine the expression levels of senescence-related genes and proteins (p21、p53) and key genes (STING, CXCL10, and MX-1) and proteins (STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3) of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. ResultsThe 50 g/L D-gal significantly reduced myocardial cell viability, increased SA-β-Gal positivity, apoptosis rate, and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and upregulated the expression of p16, p21, and STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3 pathway proteins (P< 0.05); After intervention with 200 μmol/L of AS-Ⅳ, cell viability was significantly enhanced, the SA-β-Gal-positive rate decreased, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels decreased, oxidative stress damage was alleviated, myocardial cell apoptosis was inhibited, and the mRNA and protein levels of aging-related p21 and p53 were downregulated (P<0.05). Further detection of STING pathway-related molecules showed that 200 μmol/L of AS-IV inhibited D-galactose-induced STING mRNA and protein expression and reduced p-IRF3/IRF3 protein expression levels, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and Western blot results. However, the SA-β-Gal positivity rate, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA damage results, and Western blot findings suggested that the STING agonist (STING agonist-7) could reverse the ameliorative effects of AS-Ⅳ on D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence. ConclusionAS-Ⅳ may mitigate D-gal-induced cardiomyocytes senescence by inhibiting STING pathway activation, providinga new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular senescence-related diseases.
5.Analysis of Postoperative Obesity and Glucolipid Metabolism Characteristics in Children and Adolescent with Craniopharyngioma
Zulin LIU ; Chenchen GAO ; Dilong WANG ; Huilian DAI ; Lele HOU ; Hui OU ; Zhe MENG ; Liyang LIANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(4):747-755
ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence, glucolipid metabolism characteristics, and associated factors of postoperative overweight/obesity in children and adolescent with craniopharyngioma. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using follow-up data from 44 patients (aged 0-18 years) diagnosed with craniopharyngioma who underwent surgical treatment and received follow-up care at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, between January 2006 and February 2024. The incidence and glucolipid metabolism characteristics of overweight/obesity were summarized, and potential influencing factors were analyzed. ResultsA total of 44 patients were enrolled. The mean age at surgery was (8.57 ± 4.25) years, and the mean age at last follow-up was (16.02 ± 5.36 )years. The mean follow-up duration was (7.45 ± 4.64) years (range, 8 months to 17.5 years). The preoperative incidence of overweight/obesity was 40.91% (predominantly overweight, 27.27%), which increased to 68.18% postoperatively (predominantly obesity, 50.00%). Postoperatively, all patients (44/44, 100%) underwent fasting plasma glucose (FPG) testing, among whom 2 (4.55%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Fasting insulin (FINS) was measured in 20 patients, and insulin resistance was identified in 11 (55.00%). Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) with insulin release assessment was performed in 12 patients, and all (100%) exhibited abnormal insulin secretion, including 5 (41.67%) with hyperinsulinemia and 3 (25.00%) diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). All patients (44/44, 100%) underwent lipid profile assessment. The incidence of dyslipidemia was 81.82% (36/44), including elevated non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (29/44, 65.91%), hypertriglyceridemia (29/44, 65.91%), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (22/44, 50.00%), and mixed hyperlipidemia (13/44, 29.55%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative overweight/obesity and postoperative abnormal glucose metabolism were significant factors associated with postoperative overweight/obesity. Compared with normal-weight patients, those with postoperative overweight/obesity had higher FINS levels (14.22 mU/L vs. 3.57 mU/L), higher insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) (2.88 vs. 0.52), and a higher incidence of abnormal glucose metabolism (77.78% vs. 23.08%). However, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of dyslipidemia (94.44% vs. 73.08%). ConclusionsChildren and adolescent with craniopharyngioma exhibit a higher incidence of overweight/obesity than healthy peers preoperatively, which becomes more pronounced after surgery. This is accompanied by a high incidence of glucolipid metabolic disorders, placing these patients at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which warrants clinical attention and regular metabolic assessment. In patients who develop postoperative obesity, particular attention should be given to the risk of glucose metabolism abnormalities, and further monitoring of glucose homeostasis is recommended.
6.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (2025 edition)
Chentian SHEN ; Yushen GU ; Hui TAN ; Anren KUANG ; Sijin LI ; Yaming LI ; Jing WANG ; Ningyi JIANG ; Jian TAN ; Zhuoying WANG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jugao FANG ; Dingcun LUO ; Youben FAN ; Hui WANG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Feng WANG ; Wei FU ; Feng SHI ; Xuegong LIU ; Zhongwei LÜ ; Yan XING ; Lin LI ; Hui YANG ; Jun XIN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Yansong LIN ; Wei OUYANG ; Shuzhan YAO ; Changjiu ZHAO ; Xinming ZHAO ; Zairong GAO ; Dingde HUANG ; Qiang WEN ; Xingmin HAN ; Cen LOU ; Weibing MIAO ; Wei FAN ; Quanyong LUO ; Hongcheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):932-944
The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before 131I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.
7.Anesthesia management experience in transcatheter ultrasound-guided percutaneous interventional treatment of congenital heart disease at a mobile operating platform
Chunmei XIE ; Da ZHU ; Shouzheng WANG ; Yaling FENG ; Jiang LU ; Jianbin GAO ; Ke YANG ; Xinghuan LI ; Deyuan ZHANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(10):1467-1472
Objective To explore the anesthesia management experience in the interventional treatment of pediatric congenital heart diseases (CHD) percutaneously guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on a mobile operating platform. Methods From March to July 2023, a total of 13 patients from remote areas underwent interventional treatment for CHD on the mobile operating platform of Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital. Patients who received non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia were retrospectively included. Results Eight children who had difficulty cooperating with the surgery (due to young age, emotional tension, crying) received monitored anesthesia care with local anesthesia supplemented by sedative and analgesic drugs while maintaining spontaneous breathing under the monitoring and management of an anesthesiologist (i.e., non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia). Among them, there were 5 males and 3 females, with an age of (6.95±3.29) years and a body weight of (19.50±6.04) kg. Through transthoracic echocardiography, they were diagnosed with atrial septal defect (6 patients), residual shunt after patent ductus arteriosus ligation (1 patient), and severe pulmonary valve stenosis (1 patient). The surgery proceeded smoothly, with satisfactory anesthesia and surgical effects, complete analgesia, and satisfactory postoperative recovery. There was 1 patient of body movement and 1 patient of respiratory depression during the operation, and both patients completed the surgery successfully after treatment. All children had no serious surgery- and anesthesia-related complications. The anesthesia time was 40.5 (34.5, 47.5) min, the surgery time was 39.0 (33.0, 45.5) min, and the recovery time was 43.0 (28.0, 52.5) min Conclusion Interventional surgery for CHD guided by TTE at a mobile platform is a minimally invasive approach without radiation damage. Non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing can be safely and effectively implemented in children who cannot cooperate.
8.Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive impairment and mitophagy mediated by KIF5A/Miro1 pathway in Parkinson's disease mice.
Mengzhu LI ; Jiafan CHEN ; Mengxuan CHEN ; Haiyan LI ; Zhenyi ZHANG ; Da GAO ; Weicong ZENG ; Lijun ZHAO ; Meiling ZHU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1111-1119
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the improvement effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) on cognitive impairment in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore its regulatory mechanisms on the kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A)/mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (Miro1) pathway and mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
METHODS:
A total of 70 male C57BL/6J mice of clean grade were randomly divided into a normal group (12 mice), a sham operation group (12 mice), and a model pre-screening group (46 mice). Unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle was adopted to establish the PD model in the model pre-screening group. Twenty-four mice after successful modeling were randomly selected and divided into a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at "Shuigou" (GV26) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6), ipsilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6) were connected to EA respectively, with disperse-dense wave, 5 Hz/20 Hz in frequency, 0.5 mA in current intensity, 20 min a time, 6 times a week for 30 days. Cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests; morphology of prefrontal cortex was observed by H.E. staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in prefrontal cortex was detected by fluorescence probe method; mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy; the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR; the protein expression of TH, KIF5A, Miro1, p62, Parkin and PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham operation group, both the model group and the EA group exhibited increased rotation number of per minute (P<0.001). Compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was shortened (P<0.001), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was reduced (P<0.01); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was increased (P<0.001), and mitochondrial autophagosomes could be observed; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was increased (P<0.001), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was decreased (P<0.001). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was prolonged (P<0.01), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was shortened (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was increased (P<0.05); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was decreased (P<0.001), and the number of mitochondrial autophagosomes reduced and the mitochondrial morphology was improved; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was decreased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Xingnao Kaiqiao electroacupuncture effectively alleviates cognitive impairment and damage of neuronal function in PD mice, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of KIF5A/Miro1 pathway, hence reducing the mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology*
;
Kinesins/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Mitophagy
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Mitochondria/genetics*
;
Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism*
9.Influence of network latency and bandwidth on robot-assisted laparoscopic telesurgery: A pre-clinical experiment.
Ye WANG ; Qing AI ; Taoping SHI ; Yu GAO ; Bin JIANG ; Wuyi ZHAO ; Chengjun JIANG ; Guojun LIU ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Huaikang LI ; Fan GAO ; Xin MA ; Hongzhao LI ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):325-331
BACKGROUND:
Telesurgery has the potential to overcome spatial limitations for surgeons, which depends on surgical robot and the quality of network communication. However, the influence of network latency and bandwidth on telesurgery is not well understood.
METHODS:
A telesurgery system capable of dynamically adjusting image compression ratios in response to bandwidth changes was established between Beijing and Sanya (Hainan province), covering a distance of 3000 km. In total, 108 animal operations, including 12 surgical procedures, were performed. Total latency ranging from 170 ms to 320 ms and bandwidth from 15-20 Mbps to less than 1 Mbps were explored using designed surgical tasks and hemostasis models for renal vein and internal iliac artery rupture bleeding. Network latency, jitter, frame loss, and bit rate code were systemically measured during these operations. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and a self-designed scale measured the workload and subjective perception of surgeons.
RESULTS:
All 108 animal telesurgeries, conducted from January 2023 to June 2023, were performed effectively over a total duration of 3866 min. The operations were completed with latency up to 320 ms and bandwidths as low as 1-5 Mbps. Hemostasis for vein and artery rupture bleeding models was effectively achieved under these low bandwidth conditions. The NASA-TLX results indicated that latency significantly impacted surgical performance more than bandwidth and image clarity reductions.
CONCLUSIONS
This telesurgery system demonstrated safety and reliability. A total of 320 ms latency is acceptable for telesurgery operations. Reducing image clarity can effectively mitigate the potential latency increase caused by decreased bandwidth, offering a new method to reduce the impact of latency on telesurgery.
Animals
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Laparoscopy/methods*
10.Clinical practice guidelines for perioperative multimodality treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Wenjie JIAO ; Liang ZHAO ; Jiandong MEI ; Jia ZHONG ; Yongfeng YU ; Nan BI ; Lan ZHANG ; Lvhua WANG ; Xiaolong FU ; Jie WANG ; Shun LU ; Lunxu LIU ; Shugeng GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2702-2721
BACKGROUND:
Lung cancer is currently the most prevalent malignancy and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although the early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents a relatively good prognosis, a considerable number of lung cancer cases are still detected and diagnosed at locally advanced or late stages. Surgical treatment combined with perioperative multimodality treatment is the mainstay of treatment for locally advanced NSCLC and has been shown to improve patient survival. Following the standard methods of neoadjuvant therapy, perioperative management, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and other therapeutic strategies are important for improving patients' prognosis and quality of life. However, controversies remain over the perioperative management of NSCLC and presently consensus and standardized guidelines are lacking for addressing critical clinical issues in multimodality treatment.
METHODS:
The working group consisted of 125 multidisciplinary experts from thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiotherapy, epidemiology, and psychology. This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The clinical questions were collected and selected based on preliminary open-ended questionnaires and subsequent discussions during the Guideline Working Group meetings. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for available evidence. The GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Finally, the recommendations were developed through a structured consensus-building process.
RESULTS:
The Guideline Development Group initially collected a total of 62 important clinical questions. After a series of consensus-building conferences, 24 clinical questions were identified and corresponding recommendations were ultimately developed, focusing on neoadjuvant therapy, perioperative management, adjuvant therapy, postoperative psychological rehabilitation, prognosis assement, and follow-up protocols for NSCLC.
CONCLUSIONS
This guideline puts forward reasonable recommendations focusing on neoadjuvant therapy, perioperative management, adjuvant therapy, postoperative psychological rehabilitation, prognosis assessment, and follow-up protocol of NSCLC. It standardizes perioperative multimodality treatment and provides guidance for clinical practice among thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiotherapists, aiming to reduce postoperative recurrence, improve patient survival, accelerate recovery, and minimize postoperative complications such as atelectasis.
Humans
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy*
;
Lung Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Combined Modality Therapy
;
Perioperative Care

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