1.Research progress on the molecular genetic mechanism of Parkinson's disease.
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):151-157
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is closely related to genetic factors. This article has systematically reviewed the research progress of molecular genetic mechanism on Parkinson's disease by focusing on the role of six high-penetrance pathogenic genes (SNCA, LRRK2, PRKN, PINK1, PARK7, and VPS35) and some risk genes (such as GBA1). These genetic variants eventually converge in three core pathogenic biological pathways, including lysosomal-autophagy pathway disorder, mitochondrial quality control disorder and α-synuclein metabolic abnormality. In-depth understanding of these molecular mechanisms is of great significance for the development of targeted therapy and realization of precision medicine for this disease.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
alpha-Synuclein/genetics*
;
Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Glucosylceramidase/genetics*
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
2.Aquaporin 1 promotes proliferation and migration of tumor by up-regulating claudin-1 expression in colon cancer
Wei Wei XIE ; Lin XU ; Qian LI ; Dao Quan ZHANG ; Yu Bao ZHOU
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):307-318
With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.
3.The Clinical and Genetics Characteristics of Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy
Jiaxi YU ; Zhihao QUAN ; Yilei ZHENG ; Jing AN ; Jing LIU ; Qingqing WANG ; Lingchao MENG ; Meng YU ; Zhiying XIE ; Jianwen DENG ; He LYU ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Zhaoxia WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):164-174
To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes. A total of 65 genetically confirmed OPDM patients from 43 unrelated families, who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2025, were retrospectively included.The general demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory/auxiliary examinations, muscle pathology, and genetic test results were systematically collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathological characteristics among different OPDM subtypes were compared. Among the 65 patients(39 male and 26 female), the mean age of onset was (31.20±10.43) years (range: 14 to 63 years). The initial symptom was predominantly distal limb weakness (67.44%), which gradually progressed to involve the extraocular muscles, pharyngeal muscles, facial muscles and proximal limb muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Muscle pathological examinations revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear inclusions (within muscle fibers). The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was (12.33±7.88) years (range: 1 to 32 years). All probands had negative results on conventional next-generation whole-exome sequencing; pathogenic variants were identified through third-generation long-read sequencing or OPDM-targeted repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction(RP-PCR). Among the 43 families, OPDM2 subtype was the most common genetic subtype ( OPDM2 was the predominant subtype in this study. All subtypes share similar age of onset and muscular pathological changes, yet exhibit distinct disease progression patterns. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms, and prognostic differences among OPDM subtypes.
4.Exploring Mechanism of Breast Cancer Prevention by Liuwei Dihuangwan, Erzhiwan and Zuoguiwan Based on Macrophage Phagocytosis
Lixiang ZHENG ; Yishan CHEN ; Wei QUAN ; Youbao ZHONG ; Zifeng GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):10-17
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of three traditional Chinese medicine formulas for nourishing kidney Yin on the occurrence of breast cancer, including Zuoguiwan(ZGW), Liuwei Dihuangwan(LWDHW) and Erzhiwan(EZW), and to explore their preventive mechanisms from the phagocytic function of macrophages. MethodsTen-month-old post-breeding female mice were randomly divided into the blank group, soy isoflavone group(0.13 g·kg-1·d-1, mixed with feed), ZGW group(2.34 g·kg-1·d-1), LWDHW group(0.56 g·kg-1·d-1), and EZW group(4.68 g·kg-1·d-1). The mice were palpated every 3 d until the age of 18 months, and those with detected lumps were confirmed for tumor development through hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the incidence of breast cancer in mice was calculated. A total of 40 SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into the blank serum group(physiological saline), ZGW drug-containing serum group(16.20 g·kg-1·d-1of ZGW), LWDHW drug-containing serum group(3.89 g·kg-1·d-1 of LWDHW) and EZW drug-containing serum group(32.40 g·kg-1·d-1 of EZW), each group was orally administered 3 times a day for 5 consecutive days. On the 5th day, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 1 h after the last gavage to prepare drug-containing serum. The effect of drug-containing serum with different concentrations on the viability of RAW264.7 cells was assessed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). Taking 20% of drug-containing serum concentration as the research object, its effect on the expression levels of major histocompatibility complex-Ⅱ(MHC-Ⅱ), CD80 and CD86 on the surface of RAW264.7 cells was detected by immunofluorescence(IF), the phagocytic function of RAW264.7 cells was examined by flow cytometry, and the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and nitric oxide(NO) in RAW264.7 cells in the conditioned medium(CM) co culture system of 4T1 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Griess assay. ResultsAfter prophylactic administration, the tumor incidence rates in the soy isoflavone group(4%), ZGW group(4%), LWDHW group(4%), and EZW group(6%) were lower than that in the blank group(8%). Compared with the blank serum group, the drug-containing serum of the three nourishing kidney Yin formulas could enhance the expression levels of MHC-Ⅱ, CD80 and CD86 on the surface of RAW264.7 cells, enhance phagocytic ability towards tumor cells, and reduce the content of IL-6 and increase the level of NO(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe three nourishing kidney Yin formulas can reduce the incidence of tumor in mice, the mechanism may be related to activating RAW264.7 cells, increasing their phagocytosis to breast cancer cells, and regulating the secretion of IL-6 and NO.
5.Treating premature ejaculation combined with anxiety and depression based on the "four-dimensional integration" of the "holism of body and spirit" theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Hao KUANG ; Yangling ZENG ; Quan WANG ; Wenbin ZHOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):418-423
Premature ejaculation refers to a sexual dysfunction in which men experience a short intravaginal ejaculation latency and a lack of control over ejaculation during sexual activity. The onset of this condition is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which can seriously affect the quality of the patient′s sexual life and the relationship between partners. Based on the "integration of body and spirit" theory in traditional Chinese medicine, our team believes that this condition is a comorbidity of physical and spiritual factors. We propose that the core pathogenesis of this disease lies in the "loss of form and essence, impairment of spirit, and depression of the mind, "while the primary treatment principle involves "nourishing form and regulating spirit." As a result, a new diagnosis and treatment approach of "four-dimensional integration" is summarized in this study. The disease is treated through the four dimensions of shape, body, spirit, and emotion. Traditional Chinese medicine is used to adjust the shape in cases where the physical form is damaged. For individuals with depression of heart and liver qi, the treatment focuses on soothing the heart and smoothing liver qi, and the modified Wangyou Powder and Xuanzhi Decoction is used. In cases where the heart and kidney function are compromised, the treatment involves nourishing both the heart and kidney while restoring interaction between the heart and the kidney, and modified Jihuo Yansi Elixir is used. To reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, the patient′s body is washed with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and a delicate fumigation formula is decocted for external washing. For those who are not in tune with their god, psychological counseling can be used to regulate their spirit and advocate "self-partner" and psychotherapy. If there are issues with intimacy, partners should focus on cooperating during foreplay, sexual intercourse, and post-coital interactions. Overall, the treatment aims to harmonize the body and spirit, addressing both physical and psychological factors through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. This method provides new perspectives and ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
6.Connotation and Application of WU Jutong's Theory of "Treating All Bi (痹) Diseases through Taiyin"
Liang MENG ; Shuai KANG ; Quan JIN ; Qiancheng WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):102-108
The Medical Cases of WU Jutong (《吴鞠通医案》) proposes the principle of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", which forms the basis for analyzing WU Jutong's understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of Bi (痹) diseases, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Through an interpretation of the phrase "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", it is suggested that Bi (痹) diseases is primarily caused by dampness, necessitating a focus on spleen and lung in treatment. WU emphasized four main causes of Bi (痹) diseases (wind, cold, dampness, and heat), with dampness being the predominant factor. The disease location is initially in lung, for which external dampness invades lung first, and internal dampness obstructs the source of water metabolism, impeding lung qi and qi failing to disperse, then dampness further accumulates in the joints, leading to Bi (痹) diseases. WU Jutong proposed the modified Mufangji Decoction (木防己汤) as the foundational prescription for treating Bi (痹) diseases. By comparing the similarities and differences between the modified and original Mufangji Decoction, and analyzing the adjustments in herbal prescriptions, the clinical characteristic of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin" is further substantiated.
7.Nitrogen-doped Carbon-supported Ruthenium Metal Atom Nanozyme for Colorimetric Determination of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Quan-Yi LIU ; Qi FANG ; Hui WEI ; Yan DU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):516-524
A colorimetric detection method for xanthine oxidase activity and its inhibitors(XOI)based on nitrogen-doped carbon-supported ruthenium metal atom(Ru/NC)nanozyme was developed.Through a host-guest strategy,Ru/NC nanozyme with excellent peroxidase-like activity was prepared using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8(ZIF-8)as the host molecule and ruthenium acetylacetonate(Ru(acac)3)as the guest molecule.Based on its peroxidase-like catalytic activity,the visual method for detection of hydrogen peroxide(H 2O 2)and analysis of xanthine oxidase(XO)activity were developed.Under optimized experimental conditions,the linear detection range for H 2O 2 was 10-500 μmol/L,with a detection limit of 4.8 μmol/L(3σ);for XO activity analysis,the linear range was 1-7 mU/mL,with a detection limit of 0.69 mU/mL(3σ).Furthermore,an effective method for screening XOI was developed,which had the advantages of low cost,simplicity,and visualization.
8.Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis to Explore the Ferroptosis Susceptibility of Venetoclax-Resistant AML Cells.
Yue LI ; Jia-Qi WAN ; Xin-Tong YANG ; Bao-Quan SONG ; Fei LI ; Hong-Wei PENG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):621-632
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the susceptibility of venetoclax-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines to ferroptosis and to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms using transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis methods.
METHODS:
Venetoclax-resistant AML cell lines were constructed using a low-dose concentration escalation method. The sensitivity of cells to chemotherapeutic drugs was detected by CCK-8 assay. The susceptibility of drug-resistant cell lines to ferroptosis was assessed using transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis methods. The expression of cellular GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein was detected by Western blot, and cell death and lipid peroxidation levels were measured by flow cytometry. Depmap database and TCGA cohort were applied to explore the effect of ferroptosis-related genes expression on prognosis.
RESULTS:
Venetoclax-resistant cell lines exhibited sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers RSL3, APR246, and sorafenib. The ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 partially inhibited cell death induced by these inducers. Compared with the parental cells, significant changes in metabolites and gene expression levels related to ferroptosis were observed in the resistant cell lines. In particular, deregulated expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 may play critical role in ferroptosis susceptibility. Besides, GPX4 was identified as more important for AML cell survival and higher GPX4 expression may predict shortened overall survival, NPM1 mutant and IDH1 R132 mutation positive patients may prone to possess higher GPX4 expression.
CONCLUSION
Venetoclax-resistant AML cell lines remain susceptible to ferroptosis, higher GPX4 expression maybe a critical marker for poor prognosis. Regulating the expression of ferroptosis-related genes and metabolites may enhance the efficacy of venetoclax and provide new treatment options for AML patients.
Humans
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Ferroptosis
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism*
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Sulfonamides/pharmacology*
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology*
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
;
Metabolomics
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
;
Transcriptome
9.Plasma club cell secretory protein reflects early lung injury: comprehensive epidemiological evidence.
Jiajun WEI ; Jinyu WU ; Hongyue KONG ; Liuquan JIANG ; Yong WANG ; Ying GUO ; Quan FENG ; Jisheng NIE ; Yiwei SHI ; Xinri ZHANG ; Xiaomei KONG ; Xiao YU ; Gaisheng LIU ; Fan YANG ; Jun DONG ; Jin YANG
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():26-26
BACKGROUND:
It is inaccurate to reflect the level of dust exposure through working years. Furthermore, identifying a predictive indicator for lung function decline is significant for coal miners. The study aimed to explored whether club cell secretory protein (CC16) levels can reflect early lung function changes.
METHODS:
The cumulative respiratory dust exposure (CDE) levels of 1,461 coal miners were retrospectively assessed by constructed a job-exposure matrix to replace working years. Important factors affecting lung function and CC16 were selected by establishing random forest models. Subsequently, the potential of CC16 to reflect lung injury was explored from multiple perspectives. First, restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to compare the trends of changes in lung function indicators and plasma CC16 levels after dust exposure. Then mediating analysis was performed to investigate the role of CC16 in the association between dust exposure and lung function decline. Finally, the association between baseline CC16 levels and follow-up lung function was explored.
RESULTS:
The median CDE were 35.13 mg/m3-years. RCS models revealed a rapid decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and their percentages of predicted values when CDE exceeded 25 mg/m3-years. The dust exposure level (<5 mg/m3-years) causing significant changes in CC16 was much lower than the level (25 mg/m3-years) that caused changes in lung function indicators. CC16 mediated 11.1% to 26.0% of dust-related lung function decline. Additionally, workers with low baseline CC16 levels experienced greater reductions in lung function in the future.
CONCLUSIONS
CC16 levels are more sensitive than lung indicators in reflecting early lung function injury and plays mediating role in lung function decline induced by dust exposure. Low baseline CC16 levels predict poor future lung function.
Uteroglobin/blood*
;
Humans
;
Dust/analysis*
;
Occupational Exposure/analysis*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Lung Injury/chemically induced*
;
Coal Mining
;
Biomarkers/blood*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Air Pollutants, Occupational
;
Female
10.Exploring urban versus rural disparities in atrial fibrillation: prevalence and management trends among elderly Chinese in a screening study.
Wei ZHANG ; Yi CHEN ; Lei-Xiao HU ; Jia-Hui XIA ; Xiao-Fei YE ; Wen-Yuan-Yue WANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Quan-Yong XIANG ; Qin TAN ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Xiao-Min YANG ; De-Chao ZHAO ; Xin CHEN ; Yan LI ; Ji-Guang WANG ; FOR THE IMPRESSION INVESTIGATORS AND COORDINATORS
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):246-254
BACKGROUND:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese.
METHODS:
Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics.
RESULTS:
The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.


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