1.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
2.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.
3.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
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Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Retrospective Studies
4.Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis With Pitting Edema Syndrome With Fever as the First Clinical Manifestation:Report of One Case.
Tian-Chang ZHONG ; Zi-Hao FANG ; Ying-Yan WEN ; Kang-An LAI ; Jia-Chun LI
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2024;46(6):970-973
Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a rare seronegative synovial inflammatory disease in which fever is a rare symptom.There are few case reports of RS3PE syndrome with fever as the first clinical manifestation in China.In this paper,we report a case of RS3PE syndrome with fever as the first symptom and diagnosed by systematic fever investigation.
Humans
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Edema/etiology*
;
Fever/etiology*
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Syndrome
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Synovitis/drug therapy*
5.Key Elements and Development Trends in the Construction of Medical Groups in Tight Cities in China
Pengqian FANG ; Chong TIAN ; Chang LI
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(1):1-5
The construction of compact urban medical groups has been carried out in 81 pilot cities,and whether the pilot work can form useful experiences that can be replicated depends on the grasp of key elements and develop-ment trends.It proposes that the key elements in the construction of a compact urban medical group include the le-gal status of the compact urban medical group,the distribution of rights and responsibilities between the compact medical group and local health administrative departments,the structure and integrated operation mechanism of the compact urban medical group,the demarcation between the city medical group and one hospital and multiple dis-tricts,and the evaluation of health benefits.Under the background of the superposition of healthy China and digital China construction,China's urban medical group has five significant development trends including new development models led by the digital revolution,diversifying development models oriented to demand,emphasizing the coopera-tion mechanism based on value inclusion and benefit sharing,and promoting the further strengthening of medical and prevention integration and the effectiveness evaluation shifts to results-oriented indicators.
6.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
7.Expert consensus on plasma exchange nursing for severe autoimmune encephalitis
Lichao GONG ; Hong CHANG ; Fang LIU ; Siying TIAN ; Rui SUN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(14):1821-1828
Objective:To form an expert consensus on plasma exchange nursing for severe autoimmune encephalitis ( " Consensus" for short) and standardize the practice of plasma exchange nursing for severe autoimmune encephalitis. Methods:After reviewing and summarizing the literature related to plasma exchange of severe autoimmune encephalitis, the relevant nursing evidence was extracted and the draft of Consensus was formed. From September to October 2023, a total of 20 experts were selected to conduct two rounds of expert letter consultation, and then the expert results were analyzed, sort outed and modified to form the final draft of the Consensus. Results:The expert positive coefficient was 100.00% (20/20), the expert judgment basis coefficient was 0.89, the expert familiarity coefficient was 0.85, the expert authority coefficient was 0.87, and the Kendall harmony coefficient was 0.15-0.22 ( P<0.05). The final Consensus included plasma exchange quality control management, preparation and evaluation before plasma exchange, setting and monitoring during plasma exchange, and evaluation and maintenance after plasma exchange. Conclusions:This Consensus is practical and can provide guidance for clinical nursing practice and quality control of plasma exchange in severe autoimmune encephalitis.
8.Comparison of self-radiopaque markers guiding physician-modified fenestration, chimney technique and hybrid Ⅳb technique on reconstruction of left subclavian artery in thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Xiye ZHAI ; Chang SHU ; Yidan ZHANG ; Bowen FAN ; Hui HAN ; Chuan TIAN ; Kun FANG ; Mingyao LUO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(9):662-666
Objective:To compare the effect of self-radiopaque markers guiding physician-modified fenestration, chimney technique and hybrid Ⅳb technique on reconstruction of left subclavian artery (LSA) in endovascular treatment of aortic dissection (TEVAR).Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 312 TEVAR patients treated with LSA blood supply reconstruction technology from Jan 2016 to Dec 2019 at Fuwai hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 35 patients in the hybrid Ⅳb technique group, 93 in the chimney technique group, and 184 in the in vitro fenestration group. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 24 months. No artificial blood vessel and stent occlusion occurred in all patients during follow-up, and the LSA blood flow was unobstructed. A total of 19 patients had endoleak by the last follow-up, and there was no statistical difference between the three groups. Eleven patients underwent reintervention surgery, all were from chimney technique group and in vitro fenestration group, with no statistical difference ( P>0.05). Severe complications occurred in 28 patients during hospitalization, and the incidence of complications was the highest in the hybrid Ⅳb technique group ( P<0.01). During follow-up, 4 patients died in the bypass group, 6 died in the external window group, and 8 died in the chimney group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The safety and efficacy of the left subclavian artery flow reconstruction by in vitro fenestration and chimney technique were similar. The occurrences of early complications were lower than that of the hybrid Ⅳb technique, but the reintervention rate of endoleak was higher.
9.Construction and preliminary evaluation of Stroke Nursing Specialist theoretical training curriculum system
Hong CHANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Kaiting FANG ; Siying TIAN ; Wenya CAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2023;39(5):355-362
Objective:Based on the core competence of stroke certified registered nurses, this study construct the theoretical raining curriculum system for stroke certified registered nurses and made a preliminary evaluation.Methods:Using Delphi expert consultation method and based on literature research, the first draft of training course for stroke certified registered nurses was formed. In the form of Email, 14 experts in the field of stroke care who met the selection criteria were sent a questionnaire, and two rounds of consultation were conducted. The theoretical raining curriculum system for the training of stroke specialist nurses was constructed; the purpose sampling method was used to evaluate the application effect of the stroke specialist nursing theoretical training curriculum system through the theoretical performance and satisfaction evaluation of 127 trainees who participated in the first phase of the stroke specialist nursing theoretical training curriculum.Results:The recovery rate and effective rate of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaire were 14/14, the authority coefficient of the second round of expert consultation was 0.94, and the expert Kandall coordination coefficients of the first, second and third-level indexes were 0.356, 0.216, 0.207 respectively ( P<0.05). The training curriculum of stroke specialist nurses finally formed included 5 primary indicators (Professional practice concept, general nursing knowledge, stroke diagnosis and treatment, acute stroke nursing management, secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease), 21 secondary indicators and 63 tertiary indicators. The Analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weight coefficients of all levels of indicators, and the consistency Ratio <0.1. Based on the curriculum system as the content framework, theoretical courses were set up to train stroke specialist nurses. 109 trainees completed the post-training assessment. Before training, the qualified rate of theoretical performance of stroke certified registered nurses was 77.95% (99/127), and after training, the qualified rate of theoretical performance of stroke certified registered nurses was 100% (109/109). The difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=27.60, P<0.01). The excellent rate of theoretical performance of stroke certified registered nurses before training was 35.43% (45/127), and 100% (109/109) after training, the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=24.17, P<0.01).The average score of the trainees′ satisfaction was (38.90±2.55) points. Conclusions:The theoretical raining curriculum system for stroke certified registered nurses setting constructed in this study standardizes the training system of stroke nurses to a certain extent, and provides a basis for the construction of homogeneous training courses in China in the future.
10. Treatment advice of small molecule antiviral drugs for elderly COVID-19
Min PAN ; Shuang CHANG ; Xiao-Xia FENG ; Guang-He FEI ; Jia-Bin LI ; Hua WANG ; Du-Juan XU ; Chang-Hui WANG ; Yan SUN ; Xiao-Yun FAN ; Tian-Jing ZHANG ; Wei WEI ; Ling-Ling ZHANG ; Jim LI ; Fei-Hu CHEN ; Xiao-Ming MENG ; Hong-Mei ZHAO ; Min DAI ; Yi XIANG ; Meng-Shu CAO ; Xiao-Yang CHEN ; Xian-Wei YE ; Xiao-Wen HU ; Ling JIANG ; Yong-Zhong WANG ; Hao LIU ; Hai-Tang XIE ; Ping FANG ; Zhen-Dong QIAN ; Chao TANG ; Gang YANG ; Xiao-Bao TENG ; Chao-Xia QIAN ; Guo-Zheng DING
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(3):425-430
COVID-19 has been prevalent for three years. The virulence of SARS-CoV-2 is weaken as it mutates continuously. However, elderly patients, especially those with underlying diseases, are still at high risk of developing severe infections. With the continuous study of the molecular structure and pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs for COVID-19 have been successively marketed, and these anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs can effectively reduce the severe rate and mortality of elderly patients. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical medication regimens, drug interactions and adverse reactions of five small molecule antiviral drugs currently approved for marketing in China, so as to provide advice for the clinical rational use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the elderly.


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