1.Pathological Characteristics of Vascular Microenvironment Injury and Nanotargeted Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways in Ischemic Stroke
Yun-Zhe CI ; Li-Jing NIU ; Ying-Ying HAN ; Yan-Zhong CHANG ; Si-Yu TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2629-2646
Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all stroke cases worldwide and remains a leading cause of long‑term neurological disability and mortality. Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy constitute the mainstay of acute reperfusion therapies, yet their clinical utility is severely constrained by narrow therapeutic time windows. Even when large‑vessel recanalization is successfully achieved, a considerable proportion of patients still suffer poor functional outcomes due to futile reperfusion and ischemia‑reperfusion injury. Historically, preclinical studies have largely focused on direct neuronal protection against calcium overload, oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Unfortunately, most promising neuroprotective agents that exhibited robust benefits in rodent models have failed to demonstrate satisfactory efficacy in phase‑Ⅱ and phase‑Ⅲ clinical trials. One critical contributor to such translational failure is the disregard for the pathological disturbance within the cerebral vascular microenvironment. Instead of merely regarding neuronal death as an autonomous cellular event, accumulating evidence indicates that sequential biochemical disruption of perivascular microenvironment acts as an initiating amplifier that propagates damage toward brain parenchyma after ischemic insult. The cerebral vascular microenvironment centers on brain microvessels and comprises endothelial cells, endothelial glycocalyx, basement membrane, pericytes, astrocytic end‑feet, perivascular microglia, as well as interstitial ions, inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species and extracellular matrix components. Distinct from the concept of neurovascular unit which emphasizes functional coupling between neurons, glia and vessels, the vascular microenvironment highlights dynamic biochemical homeostasis in perivascular interstitial space. Following cerebral ischemia, injured brain tissue can be spatially divided into the irreversibly damaged infarct core, metabolically‑stressed ischemic penumbra and mildly‑affected peripheral regions. These three zones lack rigid anatomical boundaries and evolve dynamically depending on reperfusion timing, presenting divergent features in blood perfusion, blood‑brain barrier integrity, cellular viability and immune‑inflammatory profiles. Four interrelated pathological cascades jointly disrupt microenvironmental homeostasis: calcium‑overload‑triggered cytotoxic cascades; blood‑brain barrier breakdown resulting from glycocalyx shedding, tight‑junction dissociation and matrix metalloproteinase‑driven basement‑membrane degradation; inflammatory‑immune dysregulation dominated by microglial phenotypic reprogramming; and mutual crosstalk between coagulation disturbance and neuroinflammation that exacerbates secondary brain injury. Multiple molecular layers orchestrate these pathological alterations. Excessive activation of HIF‑1α, NF‑κB and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways promotes barrier leakage, pro‑inflammatory factor secretion and extracellular‑matrix remodeling. Epigenetic modulation mediated by non‑coding RNAs including miRNAs and lncRNAs reshapes vascular microenvironment via three major patterns: modulating endothelial‑pericyte barrier integrity, switching microglia‑astrocyte inflammatory phenotypes, and driving metabolic reprogramming among multiple cell populations within microdomains. In addition, metabolic shift toward glycolysis among endothelial cells, microglia, astrocytes and compromised neurons establishes self‑amplifying vicious cycles of energy depletion and oxidative stress in perivascular niches. Targeted theranostic approaches oriented toward vascular microenvironment bring new opportunities for precision medicine of ischemic stroke. Magnetic nanoprobes and near‑infrared fluorescent probes respond to elevated reactive oxygen species, pH shift and inflammatory signals, enabling in situ visualization of pathological signatures of microenvironment and risk evaluation of hemorrhagic transformation. Function‑tailored nanodelivery systems exert multi‑modal protective effects: reactive oxygen species‑responsive polymeric micelles deliver calcium chelators to block calcium‑overload‑initiated injury cascades; nanozymes scavenge reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and revert microglial pro‑inflammatory polarization; biomimetic membrane‑coated nanoparticles accumulate at micro‑thrombosis sites to break thrombo‑inflammatory loops and mitigate no‑reflow phenomenon; ferroptosis‑inhibitor‑loaded nanocarriers eliminate excessive labile iron within perivascular toxic microdomains. During subacute and recovery phases, spatiotemporally controlled release of angiogenic factors by nanocarriers facilitates maturation of newly‑formed microvessels rather than blind vascular sprouting, which helps reconstruct intact blood‑brain barrier and restore microenvironmental homeostasis. Nevertheless, substantial translational bottlenecks still impede clinical transformation of these nanomedicines, including potential biosafety risks caused by in vivo material accumulation, protein‑corona‑induced impairment of targeting capacity, intrinsic blood brain barrier transport obstacles, lack of unified quality‑control criteria for large‑scale manufacture, reliance on high‑end clinical imaging instruments, and prominent interspecies discrepancies between experimental animals and human patients. On the basis of summarizing spatiotemporal pathological characteristics, multi‑level regulatory mechanisms and cutting‑edge microenvironment‑oriented diagnostic and interventional strategies, the present review advocates a conceptual shift from isolated neuronal protection to comprehensive reconstruction of perivascular vascular microenvironment homeostasis. Such perspective provides theoretical foundations for expanding therapeutic time windows and inspires future development of novel therapeutic modalities for ischemic stroke.
2.Risk factors and development of a predictive model for myocardial injury in children with rotavirus-induced diarrhea.
Li-Ping FENG ; Xiao-Gang WANG ; Wen-Si NIU ; Jin-Jin SHI ; Hong-Ying WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):709-715
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the incidence of myocardial injury in children with rotavirus-induced diarrhea, analyze its risk factors, and develop a predictive model for myocardial injury.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 203 children diagnosed with rotavirus infection at the Suzhou Wujiang District Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. The children were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of myocardial injury. Basic information and laboratory indicators at admission were collected and compared between the two groups. LASSO regression was used to screen potential risk factors, followed by multivariate logistic regression to evaluate independent factors. A nomogram model was established and validated.
RESULTS:
Out of 203 children with rotavirus infection, 53 cases (26.1%) showed myocardial injury. Age, severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis, red cell distribution width, and blood sodium were closely associated with myocardial injury in children with rotavirus-induced diarrhea (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the predictive model of myocardial injury was 0.841 (95%CI: 0.777-0.905), with a sensitivity of 73.6% and specificity of 85.3%. The model curve closely fit the ideal diagonal line. Decision curve analysis showed that using the model for prediction resulted in the highest net benefit when the probability threshold was 0.18-0.98.
CONCLUSIONS
The model developed in this study can predict the risk of myocardial injury in children with rotavirus-induced diarrhea.
Humans
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Rotavirus Infections/complications*
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Diarrhea/etiology*
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Male
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Female
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Infant
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Retrospective Studies
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Risk Factors
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Child, Preschool
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Logistic Models
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Child
3.Research status of pharmacological mechanism of PCSK9 inhibitors and discussion of their clinical application
Wen-Hui MO ; Si-Lei XU ; Xia HE ; Niu-Niu BAI ; Meng-Ying YUAN ; Zhi-Min LI ; Jiao ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Yuan-Kun ZHENG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2438-2441
Atherosclerosis caused by disorders of lipid metabolism is the main pathological basis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Statins are the cornerstone of lipid-modulating therapy for this type of disease,but in practice there are still some patients with suboptimal lipid management.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)inhibitors have been gradually applied as a new class of lipid-modulating drugs for the treatment in patients with this type of disease,and recent studies have shown that in addition to regulating lipid metabolism,PCSK9 inhibitors also have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activation effects.This article sorts out the multiple pharmacological mechanisms of action of PCSK9 inhibitors and the current status of clinical research of PCSK9 inhibitors.Besides,it discusses the factors that may affect the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors,in order to provide a reference for the safe and rational medication of PCSK9 inhibitors.
4.The effect of electroacupuncture on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats
Jie OUYANG ; Haiqian ZHAO ; Yun KONG ; Qin NIU ; Ying CHEN ; Yongyu SI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(11):1141-1146
Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on the expression of NKCC1,KCC2 and activation of microglia in spinal dorsal horn of paclitaxel(PTX)-induced neuropathic pain rats and its possible mechanism.Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into the vehicle group(vehicle),the PTX group,the PTX+EA group and the PTX+sham EA group,with 12 rats in each group.The rat model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain was established by intraperitoneal injection of PTX.After modeling,EA was applied to"Zusanli"and"Yanglingquan"for 7 days in the PTX+EA group.Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were tested at 2 days before and 1,3,5,7,14 and 21 days after PTX injection.Immunofluorescence and Western blot assay were used to detect expression levels of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1(NKCC1),potassium-chloride cotransporters 2(KCC2)and microglia markers-ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)in spinal dorsal horn.Results Compared with the vehicle group,mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia of both hind feet were found in the PTX group,and the expression of NKCC1 and the number of activated microglia in dorsal horn tissue of spinal cord were increased.Compared with the PTX group,mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly improved in the PTX+EA group at day 14 and 21,and the expression levels of NKCC1 and Iba1 in dorsal horn tissue of spinal cord were decreased.There was no significant difference in KCC2 expression between the four groups.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively relieve paclitaxol-induced neuropathic pain,which may be related to the inhibition of NKCC1 expression and microglia activation in spinal dorsal horn of rats.
5.Research Progress on the Mechanism of Tubulin in Megakaryopoiesis and Regulation of Platelet Count--Review.
Si-Ying NIU ; Li-Jun XIA ; Miao JIANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2022;30(1):323-326
Tubulin affects platelets count through the control of mitosis and the formation of pro-platelets during the maturation of megakaryoblast to platelets. Tubulin is involved in maintaining the integrity of platelet skeleton, and also participates in the change of platelet morphology during platelet activation. Some new anti-tumor drugs targeting cell mitosis are trying to reduce the effect on tubulin in order to reduce the side effect of drugs on platelet formation. In some patients with thrombocytopenia, the variation and polymorphism of the tubulin gene affect the structure of microtubule multimers, which leads to the decrease of platelet formation. This review summarized the latest progresses of tubulin in the regulation of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.
Blood Platelets
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Humans
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Megakaryocytes
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Platelet Count
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Thrombopoiesis
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Tubulin
6.Tocilizumab therapy for immune checkpoint inhibitor associated myocarditis: a case report.
Si Jin WU ; Xiao Hang LIU ; Wei WU ; Min QIAN ; Ling LI ; Li ZHANG ; Hua Xia YANG ; Mei GUAN ; Jian CAO ; Yi Ning WANG ; Gui Ren RUAN ; Na NIU ; Ying Xian LIU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2022;50(4):397-400
7.Differential transcriptomic landscapes of multiple organs from SARS-CoV-2 early infected rhesus macaques.
Chun-Chun GAO ; Man LI ; Wei DENG ; Chun-Hui MA ; Yu-Sheng CHEN ; Yong-Qiao SUN ; Tingfu DU ; Qian-Lan LIU ; Wen-Jie LI ; Bing ZHANG ; Lihong SUN ; Si-Meng LIU ; Fengli LI ; Feifei QI ; Yajin QU ; Xinyang GE ; Jiangning LIU ; Peng WANG ; Yamei NIU ; Zhiyong LIANG ; Yong-Liang ZHAO ; Bo HUANG ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Ying YANG ; Chuan QIN ; Wei-Min TONG ; Yun-Gui YANG
Protein & Cell 2022;13(12):920-939
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes complicated clinical manifestations with variable multi-organ injuries, however, the underlying mechanism, in particular immune responses in different organs, remains elusive. In this study, comprehensive transcriptomic alterations of 14 tissues from rhesus macaque infected with SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed. Compared to normal controls, SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in dysregulation of genes involving diverse functions in various examined tissues/organs, with drastic transcriptomic changes in cerebral cortex and right ventricle. Intriguingly, cerebral cortex exhibited a hyperinflammatory state evidenced by significant upregulation of inflammation response-related genes. Meanwhile, expressions of coagulation, angiogenesis and fibrosis factors were also up-regulated in cerebral cortex. Based on our findings, neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, was significantly elevated in cerebral cortex post infection, accompanied by active immune response releasing inflammatory factors and signal transmission among tissues, which enhanced infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in a positive feedback way, leading to viral encephalitis. Overall, our study depicts a multi-tissue/organ transcriptomic landscapes of rhesus macaque with early infection of SARS-CoV-2, and provides important insights into the mechanistic basis for COVID-19-associated clinical complications.
Animals
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COVID-19/genetics*
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Macaca mulatta
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SARS-CoV-2/genetics*
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Transcriptome
8.The role of IL-1 related receptor SIGIRR in immune related diseases
Rujia SI ; Ying SHI ; Junqi NIU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2021;41(3):233-236
SIGIRR, a member of the interleukin 1 receptor superfamily, is also known as a single immunoglobulin (Ig)-related receptor, which is believed to play a key role in the development of inflammation and the regulation of anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies believe that the abnormal down-regulation of SIGIRR can lead to intestinal inflammation, pyelonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases, but it can promote tumor growth and potentially cause anti-tumor immune damage when its genes are overexpressed. Therefore, the role of SIGIRR in disease occurrence and development is considered a double-edged sword. At present, the detailed molecular mechanism of SIGIRR′s biological role is not fully understood. This article reviews the functions of SIGIRR in the occurrence and development of immune-related diseases and immune regulation, as well as related cell signaling pathways, which have been discovered and confirmed.
9.Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Longmu Zhuanggu Granule in Treatment of Children Recurrent Respiratory Infection with Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Xin-lu ZHU ; Si-yuan HU ; Cheng-liang ZHONG ; Hong-fang LUO ; Yun-feng ZHANG ; Yue-xia ZHANG ; Mo-li GAO ; Hai-jun FENG ; Juan WU ; Ying DING ; Niu-an MENG ; Yu-hua BAI ; Wen-long YI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(23):111-117
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Longmu Zhuanggu granule for the treatment of children recurrent respiratory infection due to lung-spleen Qi deficiency. Method:This multicenter stratified, block-randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, positive drug (pidotimod granule) parallel controlled, and non-inferiority trail intended to included 240 children patients and divided them into the experimental group (
10.Neuroprotective Effect and Mechanisms of Notoginsenosides:A Review
Yin YUAN ; Yan-yan ZHANG ; Ai-xia JU ; Wen-ying NIU ; Si-ying LIU ; Hong-bin XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2021;27(13):184-190
Notoginsenosides, the saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng, have many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, nervous system and cardiovascular system protection, microcirculation improvement and calcium overload inhibition. At present, notoginsenosides are widely used clinically for treating many diseases with good efficacy, especially for nervous system diseases such as stroke, stroke sequelae and Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, the mechanism underlying their neuroprotective effect has been continuously explored. To advance the applied research on notoginsenosides in the prevention and treatment of central nervous system diseases, this paper, combined with the latest reports, summarizes their neuroprotective effect and mechanisms in terms of regulating voltage-gated ion channels, protecting nerve cells and neurovascular unit, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction, promoting angiogenesis and reducing excitatory neurotoxicity. Although the protective mechanism of notoginsenosides for the nervous system mainly involves the above several aspects, some of them still remain to be fully elucidated, which necessitates the further exploration of neuroprotective effect of notoginsenosides with molecular biology, metabolomics, proteomics and other technologies.

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