1.The Dual Roles of ERK Signaling in Parkinson’s Disease: From Neurotoxicity to Neuroprotection
Chang-Zhi YANG ; Hui WANG ; Min YAN ; Shuai WEI ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2316-2333
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and abnormal accumulation of α‑synuclein. Its pathogenesis involves multiple interconnected processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired protein homeostasis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling network, plays an important role in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, stress responses, and cell death. However, accumulating evidence indicates that ERK signaling in PD is not unidirectional, as both insufficient activity and sustained overactivation have been associated with neuronal dysfunction and disease progression. In this review, we systematically summarize the evidence for the pathological and protective roles of ERK signaling in PD. Insufficient ERK activity may impair neurotrophic support, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and neuronal adaptation to stress, thereby increasing the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, persistent and excessive ERK activation may promote neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy-lysosomal impairment, and abnormal α-synuclein accumulation. Conversely, moderate and transient ERK activation induced by neurotrophic factors, bioactive compounds, or exercise may enhance neuronal survival, antioxidant defense, synaptic plasticity, and functional recovery. These apparently contradictory findings suggest that ERK activation itself cannot be simply classified as either neuroprotective or neurotoxic. Based on the available evidence, we propose the concept of an “ERK activity window” to explain the context-dependent effects of ERK signaling in PD. This hypothesis suggests that ERK activity needs to remain within an appropriate dynamic range to maintain neuronal homeostasis and adaptive responses. ERK activity below this range may weaken neurotrophic support and stress resistance, whereas prolonged and high-intensity activation may exceed the adaptive capacity of neurons and glial cells, thereby promoting inflammatory and degenerative processes. Importantly, this functional window should not be regarded as a fixed threshold. Its biological effects are likely determined by the intensity and duration of activation, cell type, subcellular localization, upstream stimuli, interaction with other signaling pathways, and disease stage. This framework may therefore help reconcile the apparently inconsistent findings among different PD models and experimental conditions. From a therapeutic perspective, these findings indicate that ERK should not necessarily be considered a target for simple activation or inhibition. Instead, restoring ERK signaling toward an appropriate functional state may represent a more rational strategy. Exercise is of particular interest because it can simultaneously influence neurotrophic signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, synaptic plasticity, and ERK activity, potentially promoting adaptive remodeling of ERK signaling according to pathological conditions. Nevertheless, current evidence is predominantly derived from cellular and animal studies, and the dynamic, cell-specific, and spatial characteristics of ERK signaling remain insufficiently defined. Blood-brain barrier penetration, long-term safety, preservation of physiological ERK functions, and the lack of reliable biomarkers for monitoring brain ERK activity also limit clinical translation. Importantly, the “ERK activity window” remains a theoretical framework, and direct clinical evidence that ERK modulation can alter the progression of human PD is currently lacking. Future studies should therefore integrate longitudinal analysis, cell-specific and spatial approaches, and clinical biomarker validation to determine whether precise regulation of ERK signaling can provide a viable strategy for disease-modifying intervention in PD.
2.Application of"sequential theory"combined with"clinical simulation"in musculoskeletal intervention teaching
Shuai FU ; Jie JIANG ; Bo ZHAO ; Heng XUE ; Ling JIANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):417-420
Objective To evaluate"sequential theory"combined with"clinical simulation"method in teaching ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal intervention therapy.Methods Thirty-four students who participated in the"Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and New Technology Excellent Class"organized by the Department of Ultrasound Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital from November 20 to November 24,2023 were selected as the study objects.After"sequential theory"and"clinical simulation"training,the trainees joined theoretical exami-nation,ultrasound operation and model puncture examination,then a questionnaire survey was carried out.Results The theoretical and practical test scores of 34 students were all qualified,and there was no statistical difference in theoretical and practical test results among students with different educational backgrounds,profes-sional titles and whether they came from basic hospitals.The questionnaire showed that the students were satisfied with the content of the class.Conclusions The application of"sequential theory"and"clinical simulation"methods improves training outcomes of musculoskeletal ultrasound interventional therapy and shortens the learning curve of students.
3.AAV vector-mediated Sall2 overexpression slowing disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis transgenic mice
Xue ZHANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Xue-Shuai GAO ; Xue BAI ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Jin-Meng LIU ; Ying-Jun GUAN ; Yan-Chun CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):127-135
Objective To investigate the effect of sal-like gene 2(Sall2)gene overexpression on the progression of disease in human superoxide dismutase 1(hSOD1)-G93A mutant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)transgenic mice,with the aim of identifying potential therapeutic targets for ALS gene therapy.Methods Differential Sall2 gene were screened through bioinformatics analysis.Forty-eight ALS transgenic mice were selected for this study.AAV-PHP.eB-Sall2 adeno-associated virus with a neuron-specific promoter,human synapsin I(hSyn),was constructed and administered via tail vein injection to six-week-old mice.In parallel,the same litter of ALS mice received an injection of AAV-PHP.eB-GFP.The staining of Sall2 and neuron-specific nuclear protein(NeuN)/GFAP in the spinal cord and cerebral cortex of mice were detected through immunofluorescent double-label staining technology.The survival period,weight changes,exercise ability,and electromyographic changes of the gastrocnemius muscle were detected.The morphological changes in the spinal cord anterior horn neurons were detected through Nissl staining.The effect of Sall2 gene overexpression on the expression of the cell cycle protein E1(cyclin E1)was investigated through Western blotting.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed out that Sall2 was differentially expressed in ALS mice.Compared with ALS mice in the control group,the Sall2 protein expression of ALS mice in the overexpressing Sall2 gene group increased in both the spinal cord and cerebral cortex,and the Sall2 integral absorbance values of Sall2+/NeuN+double-positive cells were higher.The survival time of ALS mice in the Sall2 gene overexpressing group was prolonged,the rate of weight loss was slowed down,the performance in the rotarod and inverted grid tests was improved with longer times,and the positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials in the gastrocnemius electromyography were reduced.The number of Nissl bodies labeled neurons increased in the spinal cord anterior horn of the Sall2 gene overexpressing mice,and the condition of neuronal damage was improved.Overexpression of the Sall2 gene also reduced the expression of cyclin E1 in both the spinal cord and cerebral cortex of ALS transgenic mice.Conclusion Overexpression of the Sall2 gene can delay disease progression and improve motor performance in ALS transgenic mice,affecting the expression of cyclin E1,thus exerting a therapeutic effect on these mice.
4.Role of SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase-activating protein 2 in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Chen-Chen WANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Xue-Shuai GAO ; Xue BAI ; Qiu-Peng YAN ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Jin-Meng LIU ; Yan-Chun CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(4):413-420
Objective To explore the role of SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase-activating protein 2(srGAP2)in spinal motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).Methods Applied bioinformatics analysis to investigate the expression changes of srGAP2 in the spinal cord of human superoxide dismutase 1(hSOD1)mutant ALS transgenic mice.hSOD1 G93A mutant ALS transgenic mice were selected for animal experimental validation,with littermate wild type(WT)mice serving as the control group.A total of 36 pairs were divided into four groups,namely the pre-onset stage,early-onset stage,mid-onset stage,and late-onset stage.The expression changes and cellular localization of srGAP2 in the spinal cord of ALS mice were detected by Real-time PCR,Western blotting and immunofluorescent double-label staining.The hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 motor neuron-like cell model was established,and in vitro experiments were carried out to detect the changes in srGAP2 expression,and the effects of srGAP2 over-expression on the viability of hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells and the growth of cell protrusions.Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed abnormally low expression of srGAP2 in the spinal cord of hSOD1 mutant ALS mice.Animal experiments verified that compared with the WT mice,the expression of srGAP2 was reduced at both mRNA level and protein level in the spinal cord of hSOD1G93A mutant ALS transgenic mice at early-onset,mid-onset and late-onset stages.Compared with the WT mice,srGAP2 integral absorbance(IA)values in srGAP2+/NeuN+double-positive cells in the anterior horn of the spinal cord of hSOD1G93A mutant ALS transgenic mice were lower,srGAP2 IA values in srGAP2+/GFAP+double-positive cells were higher;Compared with the hSOD1WT NSC34 cells,the expression of srGAP2 was reduced at both mRNA level and protein level in hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells.Over-expression of srGAP2 elevated the viability of hSOD1G93A mutant NSC34 cells,and up-regulated the expression level of synapse-related protein β Ⅲ-tubulin and growth associated protein 43(GAP43).Conclusion Low expression of srGAP2 is closely associated with the progression of ALS,while over-expression of srGAP2 can promote outgrowth of cell protrusions and exert a protective effect on spinal motor neurons in ALS.
5.The treatment of moderate and severe glabellar lines by W-shaped excision of glabellar lines combined with botulinum toxin type A injection
Xue DONG ; Shuai SHAO ; Kejia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(10):1008-1015
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of W-shaped excision of glabellar lines combined with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients at the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, from June 2021 to June 2024. All the patients had noticeable dynamic and static glabellar lines—primarily featuring vertical, depressed wrinkles. All of them underwent W-shaped glabellar excision combined with BTX-A injection. All the depressed wrinkles were completely removed during the operation, followed by suturing the bilateral tissues towards the center to improve the underlying tissue depression. Immediately following surgery, 20 units of BTX-A were administered into the glabellar muscle complex using the standardized five-point injection technique. Patients were instructed to receive repeat BTX-A injections at regular intervals of 4 to 6 months. Postoperative assessments were conducted at 6 and 12 months to evaluated both surgical efficacy and patient-reported satisfaction. Surgical outcomes were assessed by three independent physicians who evaluated the severity of glabellar lines at rest using a four-grade scale (none, mild, moderate, or severe). The consensus rating was determined by majority agreement. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a three-point Likert-type scale, categorized as very satisfied, satisfied, or dissatisfied.Results:The study cohort comprised 37 patients (12 males and 25 females), aged between 29 and 59 years (mean age, 42.4 years). All patients exhibited moderate to severe glabellar lines characterized by vertical depressed wrinkles. All incisions achieved primary healing without hematoma, infection, or other complications. During a follow-up period of 12 to 24 months, with an average of 13.7 months, all patients presented various degrees of improvement in glabellar lines. At 6 months postoperatively, 54.1% (20/37) of patients exhibited no visible lines, 40.5% (15/37) had mild static lines, and 5.4% (2/37) had moderate static lines; no cases of severe static lines were observed. The overall patient satisfaction rate (very satisfied and satisfied) was 94.6% (35/37). At 12 months postoperatively, 95.2% (20/21) of patients in the regular injection group (≥2 injections) maintained a status of no or mild static lines, whereas 43.8% (7/16) of patients in the single-injection group developed moderate to severe static lines. The patient satisfaction survey showed that the proportion of patients reporting "very satisfied" or "satisfied" was 100% (21/21) in the regular injection group and 87.5% (14/16) in the single-injection group. No serious complications were observed throughout the follow-up period.Conclusion:The combination of W-shaped excision and BTX-A injection provides satisfactory clinical result for moderate to severe glabellar lines. Patients who adhere to a regimen of regular injections demonstrate longer-lasting surgical effects.
6.Simultaneous content determination of eleven constituents in Bunao Soft Capsules by HPLC
Ting CHEN ; Xue-mei WANG ; Shuai-yin LI ; Xi-xiang LI ; Ya-li ZHOU ; Xiao-feng LI ; Shou-yuan YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2144-2148
AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,strychnine,paeoniflorin,ferulic acid,paeoniflorin Ⅰ,epimedium glycoside,psoralen,isopsoralen and glycyrrhetinic acid in Bunao Soft Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Waters Symmetry C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 230,280 nm.RESULTS Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 98.47%-103.30%with RSDs of 1.13%-2.80%.CONCLUSION This simple and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Bunao Soft Capsules.
7.Thoughts and Practices on the Development of Forensic Medicine Discipline in the Perspective of Building a Regional High-Level Medical University
Guang CHEN ; Rong-Shuai WANG ; Li SU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xue-Xia LIU ; Shi-Yong FANG ; Zhan-Zhan LIU ; Ya-Jun XU ; Xiang XU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):35-39
Under the background of forensic medicine becoming a first-level discipline,the opportuni-ties and challenges of discipline development coexist.Starting from the actual situation and characteris-tics of local medical colleges and universities,this paper discusses the problems and solutions for the development of forensic medicine discipline from the perspective of building a regional high-level medical university.Combined with the experiences of carrying out forensic medicine education in our college,this paper supplies our thoughts and practices on improving the discipline system,enhancing the ability to serve society,perfecting the talent cultivation model and promoting forensic culture,to provide reference and inspiration for the development of forensic medicine in other universities,jointly promote the advancement of forensic medicine in China to a new stage,and contribute the wisdom and strength of forensic medical experts to the construction of a law-based China,a safe China and a healthy China.
9.The application of modified pancreatic duct stone classification in chronic pancreatitis
Xue YANG ; Wanxing DUAN ; Shuai WU ; Jinpeng ZHAO ; Wanzhen WEI ; Qingyong MA ; Hao SUN ; Zheng WU ; Zheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(5):591-598
Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progre-ssive fibrosis of pancreatic tissue. Its pathological features primarily include parenchymal fibrosis, intraductal stone formation or calcification deposits, as well as segmental stenosis and dilation of the pancreatic duct. Prolonged chronic inflammatory stimulation not only leads to progressive pancreatic dysfunction but may also trigger the formation of pancreatic pseudocysts and even malignant transformation. In the comprehensive treatment of chronic pancreatitis, the core clinical goals are the removal of pancreatic duct stones, restoration of unobstructed pancreatic duct drainage, and preservation of residual pancreatic function. Traditional treatment strategies have been based on the principle of progressive intervention and early surgical management. In recent years, with advancements in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the application of new techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combined with laser lithotripsy under direct cholan-gioscopic visualization, and improvements in pancreas-preserving surgical approaches, the debate over the superiority of progressive intervention versus early surgical treatment has intensified. Against this backdrop, the treatment mode of Xi′an Jiaotong University Pancreatic Disease Center (hereinafter referred to as "Western Pancreas") has emerged, emphasizing a personalized, multimodal treatment strategy based on different types of pancreatic duct stones. The treatment mode of "Western Pancreas" integrates lithotripsy, endoscopic treatment, and surgical interventions to optimize patient outcomes. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of domestic and international pancreatic duct stone classi-fication systems and drawing from our team′s clinical experience in managing over a thousand cases of chronic pancreatitis, the authors have further refined and proposed a classification system for pancreatic duct stones under the treatment mode of "Western Pancreas". This refinement aims to enhance the overall diagnostic and therapeutic standards for chronic pancreatitis.
10.The molecular mechanism of YAP in regulating osteoclast differentiation in periodontal tissue under mechanical stress
Lili XUE ; Shuai CHEN ; Bing YAN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2528-2537
Objective To investigate the role of Yes-associated protein(YAP)in bone resorption exac-erbated by occlusal trauma during periodontitis and its molecular mechanisms,and to evaluate the interven-tional effect of YAP inhibition on alveolar bone destruction.Methods Osteoclasts were stimulated by in vitro mechanical loading combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to simulate the in vitro synergistic effect of occlu-sal stress and inflammation.A murine periodontitis model with occlusal trauma was established.Flow cytome-try,Western blot,qPCR,and immunofluorescence staining were employed to analyze YAP dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation in cellular and animal models,and to investigate YAP's regulatory effect on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand(RANKL)pathway.The YAP inhibitor XAV939 was administered to evaluate its impact on osteoclast activation and bone resorption through pathway intervention.Results In vitro,combined mechanical stress and LPS stimulation significantly reduced YAP phosphorylation in osteoclasts,promoted YAP nuclear translocation,and activated the JNK-RANKL pathway.In vivo,the periodontitis with occlusal trauma group exhibited markedly elevated expres-sion of YAP,JNK,and RANKL compared to the periodontitis-alone group(P<0.001).XAV939 intervention reversed YAP nuclear translocation,suppressed JNK phosphorylation and RANKL expression(P<0.01),and reduced osteoclast numbers.Conclusion YAP acts as a central hub integrating mechanical and inflammatory signals,exacerbating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via activation of the JNK-RANKL axis.Targeted inhibition of YAP effectively blocks this pathological cascade,offering a new approach for the precise treatment of periodontitis complicated by occlusal trauma.

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