1.Severe Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report
Jianhua LI ; Wei HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Weiyuan LUO ; Yanqiong WU ; Xiukai CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):115-119
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVLBCL) is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma with diverse and nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of IVLBCL in a middle-aged male patient who initially presented with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH). The patient exhibited progressive hypoxemia and PAH, showing poor response to standard PAH therapy. Laboratory tests indicated a hyperinflammatory state and significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, while imaging revealed diffuse bilateral lung lesions. Random skin biopsy identified atypical B lymphocytes within subcutaneous capillaries, confirming the diagnosis of IVLBCL. Following treatment with the ZR-CHOP regimen, the patient's symptoms and laboratory parameters improved markedly. By reviewing relevant literature, this article systematically outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic process of this case, aiming to provide insights for the clinical recognition of such rare presentations.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
4.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
5.Neuroelectromagnetic Activities Across Temporal Scales
Zhuo-Qun SHEN ; Xiao-Fei XU ; Yan-Qing WANG ; Jing-Xin LI ; Lan TIAN ; Wei GUO ; Jing-Jing XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1541-1560
Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.
6.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
7.Regulatory policy analysis of pharmacy compounding drug products in the United States and its implications
Haijian LI ; Anqi DENG ; Qing GUO ; Wei LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1819-1825
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the key regulatory requirements for pharmacy compounding drug products in the United States, and to provide references for improving the management framework of pharmacy compounding drug products in China, thereby ensuring the safety and accessibility of medication use. METHODS A literature revi ew was conducted to summarize the regulatory requirements and practical characteristics of pharmacy compounding drug products under Section 503A of the United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act . Based on regulatory experience of the United States, current status and existing deficiencies in pharmacy compounding drug products in China were analyzed, and targeted recommendations were proposed. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The United States has established a systematic regulatory framework for pharmacy compounding drug products under Section 503A, covering prescription management, active pharmaceutical ingredient management, list management of withdrawn or removed drugs and drugs that present demonstrable difficulties for compounding, recordkeeping management, interstate distribution and so on. Through standardized regulation of the entire compounding process and collaborative governance with expert advisory committees, this framework effectively balances individualized medication needs with drug quality and safety. In contrast, pharmacy compounding drug products in China remain largely confined to traditional Chinese medicine and face several challenges, including the lack of legal and regulatory support, inadequate quality control, lagging development of industry standards, and shortages of specialized personnel. It is recommended that China should establish a tiered regulatory system, develop comprehensive technical standards, build a localized regulatory framework, promote technological innovation, and strengthen professional talent cultivation to better balance the legitimate rights and interests of public medication use with drug safety and efficacy, thereby enhancing public health.
8.Global epidemiological analysis of the burden of 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors from 1990 to 2023
Mei LIU ; Shiwen XIONG ; Qing WANG ; Han ZHOU ; Junji HE ; Hang ZHENG ; Hanluo LI ; Yanhong WEI ; Xiaoke SHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1428-1438
Objective To analyze the global pattern, long-term trends, and regional and population heterogeneity in the burden of 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors from 1990 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 (GBD 2023). Methods Publicly available GBD 2023 estimates were extracted for incidence, deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates at the global level and by socio-demographic index (SDI), GBD region, age group, and sex. Descriptive analysis, ranking comparison, stratified analysis, and trend analysis were performed, and 95% uncertainty interval was used to assess the stability of estimates. Results In 2023, non-communicable diseases were the leading contributor to global DALYs, accounting for 64.39% of DALYs across the three major disease and injury groups (communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries), and also had the highest age-standardized DALYs rate. From 1990 to 2023, age-standardized DALYs rates declined for three major disease and injury groups, with estimated annual percentage changes of −2.69%, −0.78%, and −1.47%, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases ranked first by both DALYs and deaths in 2023, whereas respiratory infections and tuberculosis ranked first by incidence. Non-communicable diseases were the leading cause of disease burden across all SDI strata. As the SDI level declined, the burden of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases, as well as injuries, increased markedly. Behavioral and metabolic risks remained the main contributors to attributable deaths and DALYs. Conclusion From 1990 to 2023, the global burden of disease continues to shift toward non-communicable diseases; however, some regions still face a double burden of infectious, maternal and child, injury-related, and chronic diseases. Integrating deaths, DALYs, YLLs, YLDs, and risk-attributable burden helps identify priority areas for prevention and resource allocation across regions and populations.
9.Advances in early diabetic neuroretinopathy
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):76-81
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a late-stage peripheral micro-neurovascular complication of chronic hyperglycemia, leading to blood-retinal barrier impairment and retinal dysfunction. Recent studies have found that diabetic neuroretinopathy(DN)may be one of the earliest events in diabetic retinal alterations. The main features include defective electroretinographic responses in newly diagnosed patients, early self-activation of microglia and Müller cells, reduced activity of neurotransmitters(e.g., DOPA/GABA), and early mitochondrial dysfunction, such as persistent Drp1-Fis1 fission and mtDNA methylation mismatches. Understanding the molecular basis of DN is essential for elucidating its pathogenesis and developing early treatments. This review summarizes pathological changes and mechanisms of retinal function, glial cells, neurotransmitters, mitochondria, and other factors in early diabetes mellitus, in order to provide a theoretical foundation for investigating early DN mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
10.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.

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