1.The application prospects of adeno-associated virus vectors in liver fibrosis
Suyu XIAO ; Sisi YAO ; Qing LI ; Tingzheng ZHAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):972-979
Liver fibrosis is a critical pathological stage in the progression of various chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. There are currently limited clinical treatment methods for liver fibrosis, and gene therapy has attracted increasing attention as a promising intervention strategy. Owing to its advantages of low immunogenicity, strong tissue tropism, and long-term gene expression, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become an ideal vector for gene therapy. This article systematically reviews the structural and functional features of AAV, the tissue-targeting properties of different serotypes, and the methods for preparation and purification of recombinant AAV and focuses on the advances in the application of AAV-mediated gene overexpression, gene silencing, gene editing, and cellular reprogramming in mechanism research and intervention of liver fibrosis, as well as the challenges in clinical translation and corresponding strategies. AAV-mediated gene therapy is expected to provide novel tools and strategies for the precise treatment and mechanism study of liver fibrosis.
2.Efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation therapy in treating persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers
Sisi CHEN ; Shuyan TONG ; Zhu TONG ; Wanlong LI ; Hanqing SHI ; Lei YAO ; Chao ZHOU ; Xiangrong ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):295-302
BackgroundNegative symptoms of schizophrenia impose a substantial burden on society, and the current antipsychotic drugs have limited efficacy in treating these symptoms. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), as a novel neuromodulation technique, shows potential therapeutic promise. However, the evidence for its efficacy in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with associated immuno-inflammatory changes remain to be further elucidated. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of iTBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) on persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and to analyze its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers, so as to provide references for the clinical application of iTBS in treating persistent negative symptoms and to offer clues for further research into its potential biological mechanisms. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Xuzhou Oriental Peopple's Hospital from February 20, 2024 to May 10, 2025 were consecutively enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) and fulfilled the criteria for persistent negative symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned into the study group and the control group, with 30 patients in each group. The two groups respectively received 20 sessions of either active iTBS or sham stimulation over a 4-week period. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at the baseline, the end of treatment, and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were measured at the baseline and at the end of treatment, including white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also calculated. A linear mixed model was used to compare PANSS scores between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the association between reductions in inflammatory markers at the end of treatment and reductions in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores, with body mass index (BMI) and chlorpromazine-equivalent dose as covariates. Results①The time-group interaction effect for the PANSS negative symptom subscale score was statistically significant (F=5.410, P<0.01). At the end of treatment and 3 months after treatment, the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANSS negative symptom subscale than the control group (P<0.01). ② At the end of treatment, group differences in reduction scores for neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR were significant (Z=-2.262, -2.048, -2.070, P<0.05). However, after FDR correction, the between-group differences in reductions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers were no longer statistically significant (P>0.05). ③ After adjusting for BMI and chlorpromazine equivalents, the reduction in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores was positively correlated with the reduction in neutrophil count in the study group (rs=0.382, P=0.045). ConclusioniTBS targeting the L-DLPFC may be beneficial in improving persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and its clinical efficacy may be associated with changes in neutrophil count. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82371510); Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (number, BE2023668). www.chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR2500101060]
3.Application and progress of artificial intelligence in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters
Zhaoyang ZHAO ; Huilin LI ; Yanfeng SHANG ; Sisi MENG ; Shaofeng HAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):787-791
This review summarizes the applications and advancements of artificial intelligence(AI)in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters. Retinal vascular parameters, including vessel diameter, fractal dimension, vascular tortuosity, branching angles, and vessel density, are important indicators for assessing changes in the retinal vascular network structure. These parameters are not only related to various ophthalmic diseases but also reflect the conditions of systemic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This article provides a detailed discussion on the advantages of AI technology in the automated identification and quantification of retinal vascular parameters, particularly in improving measurement efficiency and accuracy, and enabling the early detection and monitoring of various diseases. Additionally, the challenges faced by AI in the analysis of retinal vascular parameters were discussed, such as data standardization and insufficient sample diversity, and proposes directions for future research. By thoroughly analyzing the application of AI in retinal vascular parameter analysis, this article aims to offer new perspectives and methods for clinical diagnosis and early intervention of diseases, holding significant clinical significance and application prospects.
4.Analysis of Mechanism of Exosomes of BMSC Modified with Bushen Yisui Capsules on Promoting Differentiation and Maturation of OLN-93 Oligodendrocytes via Regulating miR-15b/Wnt Signaling Pathway
Sisi LIU ; Chunyu LI ; Chen LI ; Haixin LI ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):115-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSC-exos) modified with Bushen Yisui capsule(BSYS)-containing serum on promoting the differentiation and maturation of OLN-93 oligodendrocytes by regulating miR-15b/Wnt signaling pathway. MethodsOLN-93 cells were divided into 5 groups, including the normal(NC) group, BMSC-exos group, BSYS-BMSC-exos group, BSYS-BMSC+LV-miR-15b-5p inhibitor-exos group, and BSYS-BMSC+LV-miR-15b-5p NC-exos group. DiR staining was used to observe the uptake of Exos by OLN-93 cells. The effective dosage of BSYS-BMSC-exos on OLN-93 cells was assessed by cell proliferation and activity assay(CCK-8). Stable BMSCs lentiviral transfection strains were established to inhibit miR-15b-5p expression in both BMSCs and their exos, and transfection efficiency was verified by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of miR-15b-5p. The expressions of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase(CNPase) and myelin proteolipid protein(PLP) in OLN-93 cells were detected by immunocytochemistry(ICC) and Western blot. The mRNA expressions of miR-15b-5p and Wnt3a in OLN-93 cells were detected by Real-time PCR, and the protein expression of Wnt3a was measured by Western blot. The expression levels of key molecules in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway of OLN-93 cells, including glycogen synthase kinase(GSK)-3β, β-catenin, and T-cell specific transcription factor 4/transcription factor 7-like 2(TCF4/TCF7L2), were measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot. ResultsDiR-labeled Exos were efficiently taken up by OLN-93 cells. The CCK-8 assay results indicated that 20 mg·L-1 of BSYS-BMSC-exos exhibited the most significant effect in enhancing OLN-93 cell viability(P<0.01) and this dosage was selected for subsequent experiments. Following lentiviral transfection of BMSCs, Real-time PCR results revealed that miR-15b-5p was significantly suppressed in BMSCs(P<0.01), and miR-15b-5p was also notably inhibited in BSYS-BMSC-exos(P<0.01). ICC analysis further revealed an increase in the number of differentiated, mature CNPase and PLP-positive cells following BSYS-BMSC-exos treatment(P<0.01). Western blot results demonstrated that the protein expression of CNPase and PLP was significantly enhanced with BSYS-BMSC-exos treatment(P<0.01). Additionally, BSYS-BMSC-exos also increased the expression levels of miR-15b-5p and p-β-catenin proteins in OLN-93 cells, while decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt3a, as well as the mRNA expressions of β-catenin and TCF4/TCF7L2, and the protein expression level of p-GSK-3β(Ser9) was significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). After the transfection of miR-15b-5p inhibitor into BSYS-BMSC-exos, the above effects were significantly diminished(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSYS-BMSC-exos facilitate the differentiation and maturation of OLN-93 cells, and its mechanism is related to the upregulation of miR-15b-5p in OLN-93 cells, which inhibits the expression of Wnt3a and thereby suppresses the Wnt signaling pathway.
5.Hyperoside Alleviates LPS-induced Inflammation in Zebrafish Model via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Qing LAN ; Anna WANG ; Feifei ZHOU ; Keqian LIU ; Zhao LI ; Wenjing YU ; Shuyao TANG ; Ping LI ; Shaowu CHENG ; Sisi DENG ; Zhenyan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):63-72
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effects and mechanisms of the flavonoid hyperoside (Hyp) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the zebrafish model. MethodsZebrafish larvae were either microinjected with 0.5 g·L-1 LPS or immersed in 1 g·L-1 LPS for the modeling of inflammation. The larvae were then treated with Hyp at 25, 50, and 100 mg·L-1 through immersion for four consecutive days. The inflammatory phenotypes were assessed by analyzing the mortality rate, malformation rate, body length, and yolk sac area ratio. Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the inflammatory stress responses, and macrophage migration was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), chemokine C-X3-C motif receptor 1 (CX3CR1), chemokine C-C motif receptor 2 (CCR2), and genes associated with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, were measured by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the pure water injection group, the model group exhibited increased mortality, malformation rates and yolk sac area ratio (P0.01), reduced body length (P0.01), increased total swimming distance and high-speed swimming duration (P0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CX3CR1, and CCR2 (P0.01). Hyp at low, medium and high doses, as well as aspirin, reduced the mortality and malformation rates (P0.05,P0.01), increased the body length (P0.05,P0.01), decreased the yolk sac area ratio (P0.01), reduced the high-speed swimming duration (P0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CX3CR1, and CCR2 (P0.05,P0.01) compared with the model group. ConclusionHyp may modulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway to ameliorate inflammatory phenotypes and alleviate stress conditions in zebrafish, thereby exerting the anti-inflammatory effect.
6.Differentiation and treatment of urticarial vasculitis based on the theory of Xuanfu-collateral theory
Keyi LIU ; Ye TIAN ; Yue DU ; Ziye XI ; Haomin ZHANG ; Sisi LU ; Xin LI ; Lingling LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):542-546
Urticarial vasculitis is a skin disease with urticaria-like lesions and a histopathological pattern of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It is considered a "hidden rash" in traditional Chinese medicine. Xuanfu is the portal that regulates qi, blood, fluid, and the ascending, descending, exiting, and entering of nutrition qi and defensive qi. Collaterals are the pathways for the circulation of qi and blood. The two accompany each other, connecting zang-fu organs, reaching the surfaces of the skin, hair, and external body, circulating qi and fluid, and moistening and protecting the skin. Based on the theory of Xuanfu-collateral, this study aimed to clarify the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment method of urticarial vasculitis. External assault by wind and Xuanfu blockage are believed to be the initiating factors of this disease. The malnutrition of Xuanfu and collaterals and accumulated dampness-heat are important links in the occurrence and development of urticarial vasculitis. It spreads from Xuanfu to the collaterals, and blockage of the collaterals is the immanent trend of this disease. Clinically, by closely adhering to the core pathogenesis of blockage of Xuanfu-collateral, treatment method such as using wind medicinals to open Xuanfu with pungent and dispersing properties, using the method of supplement deficiency and removing the blockage, and using medicinals to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to unblock the blocked collaterals. The herbs are flexibly added or subtracted to unblock Xuanfu and collaterals, harmonize qi and blood, thus all symptoms can be relieved. We hope that this study will provide new ideas for the treatment of urticarial vasculitis with traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Value of combined detection of serum mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 in early diagnosis of cervical cancer
Xiaodan JIANG ; Huifang WANG ; Sisi CHEN ; Yiman TANG ; Zhuang ZHANG ; Meng LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(15):58-62,78
Objective To explore the value of combined detection of serum mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1)and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2(LOXL2)in early diagnosis of cervical cancer.Methods A total of 218 patients with cervical lesions were selected as study group(103 ca-ses in cervical cancer group,115 cases in benign tumor group).Additionally,100 patients with cer-vical intraepithelial neoplasia grade Ⅱ were selected as precancerous lesion group,and 79 healthy in-dividuals undergoing physical examinations during the same period were selected as control group.Se-rum levels of MAPK1 and LOXL2 were measured in each group.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer.Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen influencing factors for the occurrence of cervical cancer.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 for cervical cancer.Results Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in the study group were higher than those in the precancerous lesion group and the control group,and those in the precancerous lesion group were higher than those in the control group,with statistically signif-icant differences(P<0.05).The proportion of patients with high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV)infection and serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in the cervical cancer group were higher than those in the benign tumor group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ cervical cancer were higher than those in patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ cervical cancer,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer(r=0.468,P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that high-risk HPV infection,MAPK1 and LOXL2 were all influencing factors for the occurrence of cervi-cal cancer(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for com-bined diagnosis of serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 was 0.911,which was significantly greater than the AUCs for individual diagnoses(0.848 and 0.843,respectively).Conclusion Serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels in patients with cervical cancer are significantly upregulated,and the two indicators were positively correlated.High-risk HPV infection,serum MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels were influen-cing factors for the occurrence of cervical cancer.Combined detection of MAPK1 and LOXL2 levels is expected to assist in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.
8.Chinesization of Maternal Childbirth Fatigue Perception Questionnaire and its reliability and validity test
Huhua LIU ; Jinli GU ; Wenxiu ZHANG ; Rongrong WU ; Sisi WANG ; Lin LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(15):87-91
Objective To translate the Maternal Childbirth Fatigue Perception Questionnaire(MCFQ)into Chinese and examine its reliability and validity among women undergoing vaginal deliv-ery.Methods Following the Brislin translation model,the MCFQ was translated,back-translated,culturally adapted and pre-tested to develop a Chinese version.By using the convenience sampling method,574 parturients were selected for a questionnaire survey from January to April 2024,and the reliability and validity of the Chinese questionnaire were evaluated.Results The Chinese version of MCFQ consisted of 3 dimensions and 13 items,namely physical fatigue(7 items),perceived fatigue(3 items)and emotional fatigue(3 items).The item-level content validity index ranged from0.813 to 1.000,and the scale-level content validity index was 0.938.The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.870,and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.848.Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the question naire had a good fit.Conclusion The Chinese version of MCFQ has good reliability and validity and can be used as an effective tool to assess the fatigue level of parturients during the delivery process.It is helpful for clinical medical staff to optimize the management of the la-bor process,improve the quality of delivery,and ensure the safety of mothers and infants.
9.Life's Essential 8 scores, socioeconomic deprivation, genetic susceptibility, and new-onset chronic kidney diseases.
Panpan HE ; Huan LI ; Mengyi LIU ; Ziliang YE ; Chun ZHOU ; Yanjun ZHANG ; Sisi YANG ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Xianhui QIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1835-1842
BACKGROUND:
The American Heart Association recently released a new cardiovascular health (CVH) metric, Life's Essential 8 (LE8), for health promotion. However, the association between LE8 scores and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains uncertain. We aimed to explore the association of LE8 scores with new-onset CKD and examine whether socioeconomic deprivation and genetic risk modify this association.
METHODS:
A total of 286,908 participants from UK Biobank and without prior CKD were included between 2006 and 2010. CVH was categorized using LE8 scores: low (LE8 scores <50), moderate (LE8 scores ≥50 but <80), and high (LE8 scores ≥80). The study outcome was new-onset CKD, ascertained by data linkage with primary care, hospital inpatient, and death data. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to investigate the association between CVH categories and new-onset CKD.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 8857 (3.1%) participants developed new-onset CKD. Compared to the low CVH group, the moderate (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.53) and high CVH (adjusted HR, 0.31; 95% CI: 0.27-0.34) groups had a significantly lower risk of developing new-onset CKD. The population-attributable risk associated with high vs. intermediate or low CVH scores was 40.3%. Participants who were least deprived ( vs. most deprived; adjusted HR, 0.75; 95% CI: 0.71-0.79) and with low genetic risk of CKD ( vs. high genetic risk; adjusted HR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.85-0.94) had a significantly lower risk of developing new-onset CKD. However, socioeconomic deprivation and genetic risks of CKD did not significantly modify the relationship between LE8 scores and new-onset CKD (both P -interaction >0.05).
CONCLUSION
Achieving a higher LE8 score was associated with a lower risk of developing new-onset CKD, regardless of socioeconomic deprivation and genetic risks of CKD.
Humans
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Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology*
;
Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*
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Aged
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Risk Factors
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Adult
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Proportional Hazards Models
;
Socioeconomic Factors
10.Study on the application effect of logistic regression prediction model for stress ulcer after cerebral hemorrhage based on serum indicators
Lixiang WANG ; Yue ZHENG ; Chanchan FANG ; Sisi YE ; Yang ZHANG ; Yun LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1312-1318
Objective To construct a logistic regression prediction model for stress ulcer(SU)after cerebral hemorrhage.Methods A total of 230 patients with cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were prospectively selected as the study subjects.They were randomly di-vided into a training group and a validation group using a random number table method,with 115 patients in each group.The incidence of postoperative SU was statistically compared between the two groups.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(Lasso)and logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of SU after cerebral hemorrhage,and a logistic regression prediction model was established and valida-ted.Results The incidence of SU was 19.13%in the training group and 20.00%in the validation group.In-crement of age,blood loss≥30 mL,higher levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),heat shock protein 70(HSP70)and HSP90 were identified as independent risk factors for SU after cerebral hemorrhage(P<0.05),while lower levels of Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)score and albumin(Alb)were protective factors(P<0.05).The prediction model was logit(P)=0.409×age+1.288×blood loss-1.335×GCS score-1.126×Alb+0.452×NLR+1.483×HSP70+1.593×HSP90-10.325.The areas under the receiver operat-ing characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)for the training group and the validation group were 0.845(95%CI:0.765-0.906)and 0.855(95%CI:0.777-0.913),respectively.The sensitivities were 81.82%and 90.91%,and the specificities were 76.34%and 70.97%,respectively.Conclusion A logistic regression prediction model was successfully constructed,which has certain predictive value for SU after cerebral hemorrhage.


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