1.Research advances in mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis
Yudie HONG ; Jinchen GUO ; Weibing SHI ; Yujie SUN ; Jiamin WANG ; Tiantian GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):190-196
Hepatic fibrosis refers to excessive accumulation and abnormal proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the liver triggered by multiple pathogenic factors, and it may progress to liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer. The pathological mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis involve hepatocyte injury, inflammatory cell infiltration with the release of inflammatory mediators, hepatic stellate cell activation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression, including the molecular pathways for hepatic fibrosis driven by metabolic disorders, energy deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, and autophagic dysfunction, all of which can induce liver injury. This article reviews the latest advances in hepatic fibrosis, in order to provide new therapeutic strategies for clinical management.
2.Real-world study on the application and influencing factors of SGLT-2i in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Tiantian CAI ; Junlong CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Siyi HE ; Jian LIU ; Ruonan XIAO ; Shangjian LUO ; Lei GAO ; Dongying ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1045-1049
OBJECTIVE To investigate the application and influencing factors of sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF) in the real world. METHODS Data from 358 patients with HFpEF who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2023 to May 2024 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into the SGLT-2i group and the non-SGLT-2i group based on whether they were prescribed SGLT-2i upon discharge. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and differences in drug treatment were compared between the two groups. Based on univariate analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent influencing factors of SGLT-2i use in patients with HFpEF, followed by further stratified analysis. RESULTS Among 358 HFpEF patients, the overall utilization rate of SGLT-2i was 33.5%. Combined with type 2 diabetes [OR=9.063,95%CI(4.924-16.679) ] , atrial fibrillation [OR=3.135,95%CI(1.590-6.178) ] , coronary artery heart disease [OR=1.888,95%CI(1.072-3.327) ] and the use of loop diuretics [OR=3.822, 95%CI (1.588-9.200) ] were all independent influencing factors for the use of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF ( P <0.05). The results of the stratified descriptive analysis were consistent with those of the multivariate analysis, showing a higher utilization rate of SGLT-2i among patients with concomitant T2DM,atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and those receiving loop diuretics ( P <0.05); whereas the utilization rate of SGLT-2i was comparable across patients with different levels of renal function ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the real-world clinical practice, the utilization of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF remains suboptimal, and treatment coverage still needs to be improved. Their use of SGLT-2i is primarily influenced by the presence of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and the use of loop diuretics.
3.lncRNA DLEU2 regulates IKKα-mediated 131I resistance in thyroid carcinoma TPC-1 cells via the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis
ZOU Huangren ; LIU Yanlin ; ZHANG Lu ; BAI Yuke ; GAO Rui ; QIN Tiantian ; FANG Ruotong ; DENG Ziyong
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):363-372
[摘 要] 目的:探讨lncRNA DLEU2通过EZH2/H3K27me3途径调控IKKα介导甲状腺癌(TC)放射性碘抵抗的作用机制。方法:利用TCGA数据库分析TC中DLEU2的表达及其与EZH2的相关性。构建放射性碘抵抗的TPC-1细胞(RR-TPC-1细胞)模型及裸鼠移植瘤模型,通过敲低或过表达DLEU2(si-DLEU2/OE-DLEU2)、抑制EZH2(UNC1999)、过表达IKKα(OE-IKKα)进行干预,采用qPCR、WB、RIP、ChIP、CCK-8、流式细胞术、TUNEL染色及体内成瘤实验检测基因与蛋白表达、表观修饰、细胞增殖、凋亡及肿瘤生长。结果:TCGA分析显示,DLEU2在TC组织中显著上调(P < 0.001),与患者不良预后相关(P = 0.008 4),且与EZH2表达呈正相关(r = 0.390, P < 0.001);RIP证实EZH2与DLEU2存在相互作用/结合(P < 0.05)。体外实验表明,敲低DLEU2可显著下调RR-TPC-1细胞中EZH2、IKKα表达及H3K27me3修饰水平,抑制NF-κB通路活化(P < 0.05或P < 0.01),抑制细胞增殖、促进凋亡(均P < 0.05)。联合敲低DLEU2与抑制EZH2进一步增强上述效应,而过表达IKKα则可部分逆转上述效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。体内实验进一步证实,敲低DLEU2联合抑制EZH2可显著抑制移植瘤生长,增加肿瘤细胞凋亡(均P < 0.01);IKKα过表达则部分逆转上述抗肿瘤效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:lncRNA DLEU2通过招募EZH2催化H3K27me3修饰,间接激活IKKα/NF-κB信号并形成正反馈环路,介导TPC-1细胞131I抵抗。
4.Research progress on the mechanisms of alkaloid components against colorectal cancer
Di LIU ; Zongyue GAO ; Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Dan CAO ; Tiantian DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3143-3148
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China have been on a steady rise. Current therapeutic approaches can curb the progression of CRC to a certain extent, but issues such as toxic side effects, high metastasis rate, and high recurrence rate cannot be ignored. In recent years, alkaloid components derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated tremendous potential in the prevention and treatment of CRC due to their diverse structures, complex mechanisms, and broad biological activities. Representative alkaloids such as matrine, berberine and evodiamine exert anti-CRC effects through multiple pathways: regulating signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin; inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells; inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy; arresting the cell cycle progression; regulating the gut microbiota; suppressing cellular glycolysis; and inducing ferroptosis.
5.Comparison of empirical cefazolin versus vancomycin on outcomes of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a propensity-score-matched study
Yumeng QIAO ; Shuang GAO ; Tiantian MA ; Zhikai YANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(11):833-840
Objective:To compare the effect of empirical cefazolin and vancomycin on the adverse outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis patients.Methods:This was a retrospective analysis of a single-centre prospective cohort. Clinical data of consecutive PD-related peritonitis episodes occurring for the first time in patients (≥18 years) between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2021 were reviewed. Patients were classified into a cefazolin group or a vancomycin group according to the empirical antibiotic regimen. The primary endpoint was peritonitis-related death within 1 month of onset and the secondary endpoint was transfer to haemodialysis for peritonitis-related reasons within the same period. Differences in both endpoints between the two regimens were analysed in the overall population and in the Gram-positive peritonitis subgroup. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of adverse outcomes associated with antibiotic choice. Propensity-score matching was performed to control for confounding bias.Results:A total of 516 eligible PD patients developed peritonitis during the study period were included, among whom 138 received empirical cefazolin and 322 received vancomycin. Baseline characteristics were significantly different between the cefazolin and vancomycin groups, including annual income >50 000 yuan ( χ2=17.854, P<0.001), cardiovascular disease history ( χ2=3.909, P=0.048), prior peritonitis history ( χ2=18.327, P<0.001), serum albumin ( t=2.430, P=0.013), triglycerides ( Z=-3.108, P=0.002), total cholesterol ( t=3.752, P<0.001), phosphate ( t=3.362, P=0.002) and sodium ( t=3.021, P=0.004). Neither peritonitis-related mortality nor transfer to haemodialysis differed between the cefazolin and vancomycin groups in the overall cohort or in the Gram-positive peritonitis subgroup (all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis (univariable and multivariable) showed that empirical vancomycin was not associated with a higher risk of adverse outcome when compared with cefazolin in the overall cohort or in the Gram-positive peritonitis subgroup (all P>0.05). After propensity-score matching, results remained consistent (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Empirical cefazolin and vancomycin yield similar rates of short-term adverse outcomes in patients with PD-associated peritonitis, including those caused by Gram-positive organisms.
6.Acupuncture-synchronized exercise can improve the learning and memory of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion
Fang QIN ; Tiantian MA ; Zifu YU ; Shiai GAO ; Jinhui CHEN ; Xihua LIU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(7):577-584
Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture-synchronized exercise training on the learning and memory of rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and to explore its mechanism.Methods:Among sixty 8-week-old SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley male rats, 6 were randomly chosen to form a sham group, and the rest received MCAO. After successful modeling, 18 rats were assigned at random to either the model, asynchronous or synchronous group, each of 6. The asynchronous group received 20 minutes of acupuncture followed by 20 minutes of treadmill training, while the synchronous group received the acupuncture during their treadmill training. There was no special intervention for the sham and model groups. There were 5 sessions/week for 21 days. Neurological deficit in the rats was assessed using Longa scoring 24h after the modeling and after the 21 days. The localization navigation test was performed on days 17-20 of the experiment, and the latency to escape was recorded. A space exploration experiment was performed the next day, and rats were tested for dwell time and the number of transits of the original platform quadrant. After the intervention, the morphology of hippocampal tissue was observed using HE staining. The mitochondria of the rats′ hippocampal neurons were observed using transmission electron microscopy. MDA and SOD levels were recorded. And the protein expression levels of the Parkin, PINK1, LC3-II/ LC3-Ⅰ, P62 and Beclin-1 genes were detected using western blotting.Results:The model group showed significantly higher average Longa scores than the sham group, with less time spent in the target quadrant and fewer crossings of the platform quadrant. The HE staining revealed numerous degenerating neurons, and swollen mitochondria with vacuolization and sparse cristae. There was also a significant decrease in Parkin, PINK1, LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1 expression and in SOD. But there was a significant increase in P62 expression and MDA, on average. Compared with the model group, both the non-synchronous and synchronous groups showed significantly lower average Longa scores, with more time spent in the target quadrant and more platform crossings. Their neuron morphology was close to normal, with more intact cristae and autophagic bodies in the mitochondria. Those groups showed greater Parkin, PINK1, LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1 expression and had higher SOD levels, on average, with significantly lower P62 expression and less MDA. But compared with the non-synchronous group, the synchronous group spent more time in the target quadrant and had significantly more platform crossings. LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1 expression were higher, on average, as were SOD levels. P62 expression and MDA levels were significantly lower.Conclusions:Acupuncture synchronized with exercise improves the learning and memory of rates after MCAO. The mechanism may be related to reducing oxidative stress levels and activating mitochondrial autophagy.
7.The Problems and Solutions in the Design and Record of TCM Clinical Research Case Report Form
Fang HAN ; Kegang CAO ; Ying GAO ; Baoli LIU ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Jing HU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(2):533-538
Case report form(CRF)is an important tool to obtain clinical research data.Scientifically designed and properly recorded CRF is of great significance to improve the quality of clinical research.The author summarized the common problems existing in the design and recording of CRF in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical studies,including:①Delayed design time point.②Unstandardized CRF design,recording and modification.③Imperfect records of combined medication/therapy.④Insufficient quantification of syndrome efficacy indicators and objectification of tongue and pulse.⑤ Insufficient protection of subjects' privacy.⑥ Unstandardized records of adverse events.Accordingly,this paper discusses some solutions to provide reference for other TCM researchers,including:①Advance CRF design time.②Standardize CRF design,recording and modification.③Design drug combinations/therapies according to Clinical Data Acquisition Standards Harmonization(CDASH).④Standardization of syndrome and tongue and pulse.⑤Use of subject identification codes to protect privacy.⑥AE records should vary from study to study.
8.Efficacy of personalized expander placement in single expanded flap ear reconstruction surgery
Chenglong WANG ; Li GUO ; Tiantian YIN ; Dejin GAO ; Rui GUO ; Jiaxin LIANG ; Qingguo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(3):270-276
Objective:To investigate the application and efficacy of personalized expander placement in the single expanded flap auricular reconstruction for microtia.Methods:This study was a prospective cohort study that included patients with microtia who underwent single expanded flap auricular reconstruction in the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between February 2023 and March 2024, according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. During the first-stage surgery, the tension and thickness of the skin in the postauricular area were evaluated using a pinch test. The anatomical layer of the expander placement was personalized as follows: (1) for thicker skin, the expander was placed in the subcutaneous layer; (2) for thinner skin, the expander was placed in the subcutaneous layer in the scalp region and in the subfascial layer in the hairless region behind the ear; (3) for areas of thin skin behind the residual ear, the expander was placed in the subfascial layer, with the remainder in the subcutaneous layer. In the second-stage surgery, autologous costal cartilage scaffolds were implanted for ear reconstruction, followed by a third-stage revision surgery. Postoperative follow-up was conducted to record complications. Before the third-stage surgery, two plastic surgeons, who did not participate in the operations, evaluated the aesthetic outcomes of the reconstructed ear using the Likert 4-point scale (1-4 points, with higher scores indicating better aesthetic outcomes).Results:A total of 152 children were included, with 97 males and 55 females; ages ranged from 5 to 13 years old, with a mean age of 6.8 years old. Of these, 89 cases were right-sided microtia, 53 left-sided microtia, and 10 bilateral microtia. In terms of skin characteristics, 35 cases had thick skin, 69 thin skin, and 48 thin skin behind the residual ear. During the first-stage surgery, complications included 15 cases of expander hematoma and 3 cases of expander infection. Both were controlled with symptomatic treatment. No cases of expander exposure occurred. The second-stage follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months, with a mean of 7.9 months. The thickness of the reconstructed ear skin was appropriate, with well-defined subunits and no exposure of the cartilage scaffold. The aesthetic score for the reconstructed ear was (3.3 ± 0.5) points.Conclusion:The personalized placement of expanders effectively ensured appropriate thickness of the expanded flap in single expanded flap auricular reconstruction, providing good coverage for the rib cartilage framework and significantly enhancing the aesthetic outcomes of the reconstructed ears.
9.Thoughts on the Integration,Inheritance,and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Plateau Region
Wei ZHOU ; Yongqiang ZHOU ; Zhexin NI ; Zhixing WANG ; Tiantian XIA ; Yue GAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):918-923
To promote the high-quality development of healthcare in the highland areas and to enable traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)to make a more prominent contribution to the healthcare of the people in these areas,it is imperative to clarify the roles of TCM in the formation of the healthcare system in the past and present,as well as the direction of innovative development of TCM in the plateau in the future.To this end,this paper first systematically reviews the literature to summarize the influence of TCM on the cultural background,theoretical framework,and practical system of Tibetan medicine during its origin,development,and maturation;then,through the example of typical cases,it elaborates on the direct practical applications of TCM in the prevention and treatment of a series of highland diseases from the perspectives of pathogenesis,therapeutic principles,unique drugs,and techniques;finally,it deeply reflects on a series of problems restricting the integration,inheritance,and innovative development of TCM in the highland areas and puts forward targeted suggestions to enable TCM to serve and safeguard the health of people living in the plateaus better together with the local ethnic medicine.
10.Correlations of interleukin-1β level and percentage of CD16+CD56+natural killer cells in peripheral blood with severity of disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Ling YUAN ; Tiantian ZHANG ; Weiwei GAO ; Hongmei JIANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(18):102-105
Objective To investigate the correlations of interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)level and per-centage of CD16+CD56+natural killer(NK)cells in peripheral blood with severity of disease in pa-tients with pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods A total of 150 patients with active pulmonary tubercu-losis(APTB)in the Suqian First People's Hospital from January 1,2021 to September 1,2023 were selected as APTB group,and 150 patients with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis(IPTB)in the same period were selected as IPTB group.Level of IL-1 β and percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells in pe-ripheral blood of patients with different disease severities were compared,and their correlations with severity of disease were analyzed.Results In the APTB group,level of IL-1 β in the peripheral blood was significantly higher than that in the IPTB group,while the percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells was significantly lower(P<0.001).In the mild,moderate,and severe groups,level of IL-1 βshowed a significant gradual increasing trend in peripheral blood,while the percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells showed a significant gradual decreasing trend(P<0.001).After treatment,the level of IL-1β in the peripheral blood decreased significantly,while the percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells increased significantly in the APTB group(P<0.001).Correlation analysis revealed that level of IL-1β in the peripheral blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was positively correlated with severity of disease(r=0.732,P<0.001),while the percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells was negatively correlated with severity of disease(r=-0.612,P<0.001).Conclusion Level of IL-1β in the peripheral blood is elevated while the percentage of CD16+CD56+NK cells is de-creased in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis,which is closely related to the severity of APTB.

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