1.Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Modification Interactions and Their Roles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Jia-Wen FANG ; Chao ZHE ; Ling-Ting XU ; Lin-Hai LI ; Bin XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2252-2266
RNA modifications constitute a crucial class of post-transcriptional chemical alterations that profoundly influence RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby shaping cellular protein expression profiles. These diverse chemical marks are ubiquitously involved in key biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic potential, and they exert precise regulatory control over these functions. A major advance in the field is the recognition that RNA modifications do not act in isolation. Instead, they participate in complex, dynamic interactions—through synergistic enhancement, antagonism, competitive binding, and functional crosstalk—forming what is now termed the “RNA modification interactome” or “RNA modification interaction network.” The formation and functional operation of this interactome rely on a multilayered regulatory framework orchestrated by RNA-modifying enzymes—commonly referred to as “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” These enzymes exhibit hierarchical organization within signaling cascades, often functioning in upstream-downstream sequences and converging at critical regulatory nodes. Their integration is further mediated through shared regulatory elements or the assembly into multi-enzyme complexes. This intricate enzymatic network directly governs and shapes the interdependent relationships among various RNA modifications. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying both direct and indirect interactions between RNA modifications. Building upon this foundation, we introduce novel quantitative assessment frameworks and predictive disease models designed to leverage these interaction patterns. Importantly, studies across multiple disease contexts have identified core downstream signaling axes driven by specific constellations of interacting RNA modifications. These findings not only deepen our understanding of how RNA modification crosstalk contributes to disease initiation and progression, but also highlight its translational potential. This potential is exemplified by the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers based on interaction signatures and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic modification networks. Together, these insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional regulatory roles of RNA modifications in cellular systems. In conclusion, the emerging concept of RNA modification crosstalk reveals the extraordinary complexity of post-transcriptional regulation and opens new research avenues. It offers critical insights into the central question of how RNA-modifying enzymes achieve substrate specificity—determining which nucleotides within specific RNA transcripts are selectively modified during defined developmental or pathological stages. Decoding these specificity determinants, shaped in large part by the modification interactome, is essential for fully understanding the biological and pathological significance of the epitranscriptome.
2.Clinical implication of post-angioplasty quantitative flow ratio in the patients with coronary artery de novo lesions underwent drug-coated balloons treatment.
Yun-Hui ZHU ; Xu-Lin HONG ; Tian-Li HU ; Qian-Qian BIAN ; Yu-Fei CHEN ; Tian-Ping ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Guo-Sheng FU ; Wen-Bin ZHANG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(3):332-343
BACKGROUND:
Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) holds significant value in guiding drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment and enhancing outcomes. However, the predictive capability of post-angioplasty QFR for long-term clinical events in patients with de novo lesions who receive DCB treatment remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the potential significance of post-angioplasty QFR measurements in predicting clinical outcomes in patients underwent DCB treatment for de novo lesions.
METHODS:
Patients who underwent DCB-only intervention for de novo lesions were enrolled. QFR was conducted after DCB treatment. The patients were then categorized based on post-angioplasty QFR. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), encompassing all-cause death, cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization.
RESULTS:
A total of 553 patients with 561 lesions were included. The median follow-up period was 505 days, during which 66 (11.8%) MACEs occurred. Based on post-procedural QFR grouping, there were 259 cases in the high QFR group (QFR > 0.93) and 302 cases in the low QFR group (QFR ≤ 0.93). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of MACE in the low QFR group (log-rank P = 0.004). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between QFR and the occurrence of MACEs (HR = 0.522, 95%CI: 0.289-0.942, P = 0.031). Landmark analysis indicated that high QFR had a significant reducing effect on the cumulative incidence of MACEs within 1 year (log-rank P = 0.016) and 1-5 years (log-rank P = 0.026).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients who underwent DCB-only treatment for de novo lesions, higher post-procedural QFR values (> 0.93) were identified as an independent protective factor against adverse prognosis.
3.Expert consensus on the application of nasal cavity filling substances in nasal surgery patients(2025, Shanghai).
Keqing ZHAO ; Shaoqing YU ; Hongquan WEI ; Chenjie YU ; Guangke WANG ; Shijie QIU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongtao ZHEN ; Yucheng YANG ; Yurong GU ; Tao GUO ; Feng LIU ; Meiping LU ; Bin SUN ; Yanli YANG ; Yuzhu WAN ; Cuida MENG ; Yanan SUN ; Yi ZHAO ; Qun LI ; An LI ; Luo BA ; Linli TIAN ; Guodong YU ; Xin FENG ; Wen LIU ; Yongtuan LI ; Jian WU ; De HUAI ; Dongsheng GU ; Hanqiang LU ; Xinyi SHI ; Huiping YE ; Yan JIANG ; Weitian ZHANG ; Yu XU ; Zhenxiao HUANG ; Huabin LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):285-291
This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans
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Nasal Cavity/surgery*
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Nasal Surgical Procedures
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China
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Consensus
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Sinusitis/surgery*
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Dermal Fillers
4.Psychological stress-activated NR3C1/NUPR1 axis promotes ovarian tumor metastasis.
Bin LIU ; Wen-Zhe DENG ; Wen-Hua HU ; Rong-Xi LU ; Qing-Yu ZHANG ; Chen-Feng GAO ; Xiao-Jie HUANG ; Wei-Guo LIAO ; Jin GAO ; Yang LIU ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Yi-Fang LI ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Yan-Ping WU ; Lei LIANG ; Rong-Rong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3149-3162
Ovarian tumor (OT) is the most lethal form of gynecologic malignancy, with minimal improvements in patient outcomes over the past several decades. Metastasis is the leading cause of ovarian cancer-related deaths, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Psychological stress is known to activate the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), a factor associated with poor prognosis in OT patients. However, the precise mechanisms linking NR3C1 signaling and metastasis have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in OT through an NR3C1-dependent mechanism involving nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Mechanistically, NR3C1 directly regulates the transcription of NUPR1, which in turn increases the expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2), a key driver of EMT. Clinically, elevated NR3C1 positively correlates with NUPR1 expression in OT patients, and both are positively associated with poorer prognosis. Overall, our study identified the NR3C1/NUPR1 axis as a critical regulatory pathway in psychological stress-induced OT metastasis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for intervention in OT metastasis.
5.Qingjie Fuzheng Granule prevents colitis-associated colorectal cancer by inhibiting abnormal activation of NOD2/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by gut microbiota disorder.
Bin HUANG ; Honglin AN ; Mengxuan GUI ; Yiman QIU ; Wen XU ; Liming CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Shaofeng YAO ; Shihan LIN ; Tatyana Aleksandrovna KHRUSTALEVA ; Ruiguo WANG ; Jiumao LIN
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):500-512
OBJECTIVE:
This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of Qingjie Fuzheng Granules (QFG) in inhibiting colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) development via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) correlation analysis.
METHODS:
CAC was induced in BALB/c mice using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and QFG was administered orally to the treatment group. The effects of QFG on CAC were evaluated using disease index, histology, and serum T-cell ratios. RNA-seq and 16S rRNA analysis assessed the transcriptome and microbiome change. Key pharmacodynamic pathways were identified by integrating these data and confirmed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The link between microbiota and CAC-related markers was explored using linear discriminant analysis effect size and Spearman correlation analysis.
RESULTS:
Long-term treatment with QFG prevented AOM/DSS-induced CAC formation, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and increased CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio, without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. A 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QFG rebalanced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and mitigated AOM/DSS-induced microbiota disturbances. Transcriptomics and Western blotting analysis identified the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as key for QFG's treatment against CAC. Furthermore, QFG decreased the abundance of Bacilli, Bacillales, Staphylococcaceae, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillales, Aerococcus, Alloprevotella, and Akkermansia, while increasing Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Muribaculaceae, which were highly correlated with CAC-related markers or NOD2/NF-κB pathway.
CONCLUSION
By mapping the relationships between CAC, immune responses, microbiota, and key pathways, this study clarifies the mechanism of QFG in inhibiting CAC, highlighting its potential for clinical use as preventive therapy.
6.Effects of high altitude hypoxia on the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter in blood-brain barrier
Ming-Xia ZHANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Wen-Bin LI ; Yan-Mei XU ; Rong WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1488-1491
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-altitude hypoxia on the expression of ATP-binding cassette(ABC)transport proteins in the blood-brain barrier(BBB)and explore the mechanisms influencing their expression.Methods Wistar rats were divided into 1500 m group(Lanzhou field),4010 m group(simulated 4010 m,low-pressure oxygen chamber,hypoxia for 3 days),6000 m group(simulated 6000 m,low-pressure oxygen chamber,hypoxia for 3 days),phenytoin sodium+1500 m group(given 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium on the basis of the 1500 m group),phenytoin sodium+4010 m group(given 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium on the basis of the 4010 m group),phenytoin sodium+6000 m group(given 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium on the basis of the 6000 m group),and hypoxia 1 d group,hypoxia 2 d group,hypoxia 3 d group,hypoxia 4 d group(simulated altitude of 4010 m,low-oxygen chamber,hypoxia for 1,2,3,4 days).Western blot was used to detect the expression of BBB tissue proteins;and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the concentration of phenytoin sodium in cerebrospinal fluid.Results The relative expression levels of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in the 1500 m,4010 m,6000 m groups were 1.00±0.04,1.84±0.02,2.10±0.05,respectively;the relative expression levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein-4(MRP4)were 1.00±0.05,2.77±0.08,4.42±0.03,respectively;the concentrations of phenytoin sodium in cerebrospinal fluid were(864.78±348.32),(1 000.22±273.90),and(1 214.17±314.09)ng·mL-1,respectively.The differences in the above indicators between the 1500 m,4010 m,and 6000 m groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The relative expression levels of P-gp in the hypoxia 1 d,2 d,3 d,4 d groups were 1.00±0.03,1.85±0.04,3.10±0.02,2.17±0.05,respectively;the relative expression levels of MRP4 were 1.00±0.05,1.79±0.10,1.60±0.08,1.31±0.06,respectively;the differences in the above indicators between the hypoxia 1 d,2 d,3 d,4 d groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Different high-altitude hypoxic environments have different effects on the expression of ABC transport proteins in the BBB,influencing the drug concentrations of their substrate drugs in the body.
7.Efficacy and feasibility of tunnel esophagogastrostomy to perform proximal gastrectomy
Chao YUE ; Rui PENG ; Guangli SUN ; Liang CHEN ; Haitian WANG ; Weiguo XU ; Wei WEI ; Bin ZHOU ; Xu WEN ; Rongmin GU ; Xuezhi MING ; Huanqiu CHEN ; Gang LI
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(10):1045-1049
Objective:To analyze the efficacy and feasibility of performing a new surgical procedure, tunnel esophagogastrostomy, to perform proximal gastrectomy.Methods:The study cohort comprised 10 consecutive patients who had undergone esophagogastrostomy by the tunnel technique in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between October 2019 and July 2022. All patients were male. Their average age was (64.2±8.1) years and body mass index (25.5±3.2) kg/m2. Nine had upper gastric body adenocarcinoma, the remaining one having signet ring cell carcinoma. TNM staging of the tumors showed that seven were Stage IA, one Stage IB, one Stage IIA, and one Stage IIIA. Briefly, tunnel esophagogastrostomy is performed as follows: After performing a proximal gastrectomy, a rectangular seromuscular flap (3.0 cm × 3.5 cm) is created. The posterior esophageal wall is sutured to the gastric wall at the orad end of the seromuscular flap 5 cm from the stump with three to four stitches. Next, the stump of the esophagus is opened, the posterior esophageal wall is sutured to the gastric mucosa and submucosa, and the anterior esophageal wall is sutured to the full layer of the stomach. Finally, the caudad end of the seromuscular flap is closed. Data on surgical safety, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative reflux esophagitis were analyzed. All enrolled patients completed endoscopic follow-up 1 year and 2 years after surgery.Results:All procedures were completed. They comprised four cases of laparoscopic assisted surgery, four of DaVinci robotic surgery, and two of open surgery. The mean operation time was 212.7±33.2 mins, mean anastomosis time (51.6±5.3) minutes, mean tunnel preparation time (20.0±3.5) minutes, and mean operative blood loss (90.0±51.6) mL. The time to first postoperative passage of flatus was (64.8±11.5) hours. The mean hospital stay after surgery was (9.2±1.7) days. There were no postoperative complications above Clavien-Dindo Grade II. The mean preoperative Reflux Disease Questionnaire score was (3.3± 0.4) before the surgery, (3.8±1.0) 1 month postoperatively, and (3.3±0.4) 12 months postoperatively. All patients underwent endoscopic follow-up; no anastomotic stenoses were found. However, one patient had Grade A reflux esophagitis 1 year after surgery and another Grade B reflux esophagitis 2 years after surgery.Conclusion:Esophagogastrostomy by the tunnel technique is a safe and feasible means of performing proximal gastrectomy.
8.Prevalence and risk evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the newly diagnosed prostate cancer population in China: A nationwide, multi-center, population-based cross-sectional study
Weiyu ZHANG ; Huixin LIU ; Ming LIU ; Shi YING ; Renbin YUAN ; Hao ZENG ; Zhenting ZHANG ; Sujun HAN ; Zhannan SI ; Bin HU ; Simeng WEN ; Pengcheng XU ; Weimin YU ; Hui CHEN ; Liang WANG ; Zhitao LIN ; Tao DAI ; Yunzhi LIN ; Tao XU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(11):1324-1331
Background::Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as the leading cause of death from prostate cancer (PCa) in recent decades, bringing a great disease burden worldwide. Men with preexisting CVD have an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events when treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The present study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk evaluation of CVD among people with newly diagnosed PCa in China.Methods::Clinical data of newly diagnosed PCa patients were retrospectively collected from 34 centers in China from 2010 to 2022 through convenience sampling. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and others. CVD risk was estimated by calculating Framingham risk scores (FRS). Patients were accordingly divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. χ2 or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical variables. Results::A total of 4253 patients were enrolled in the present study. A total of 27.0% (1147/4253) of patients had comorbid PCa and CVD, and 7.2% (307/4253) had two or more CVDs. The enrolled population was distributed in six regions of China, and approximately 71.0% (3019/4253) of patients lived in urban areas. With imaging and pathological evaluation, most PCa patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage, with 20.5% (871/4253) locally progressing and 20.5% (871/4253) showing metastasis. Most of them initiated prostatectomy (46.6%, 1983/4253) or regimens involving ADT therapy (45.7%, 1944/4253) for prostate cancer. In the present PCa cohort, 43.1% (1832/4253) of patients had hypertension, and half of them had poorly controlled blood pressure. With FRS stratification, as expected, a higher risk of CVD was related to aging and metabolic disturbance. However, we also found that patients with treatment involving ADT presented an originally higher risk of CVD than those without ADT. This was in accordance with clinical practice, i.e., aged patients or patients at advanced oncological stages were inclined to accept systematic integrative therapy instead of surgery. Among patients who underwent medical castration, only 4.0% (45/1118) received gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists, in stark contrast to the grim situation of CVD prevalence and risk.Conclusions::PCa patients in China are diagnosed at an advanced stage. A heavy CVD burden was present at the initiation of treatment. Patients who accepted ADT-related therapy showed an original higher risk of CVD, but the awareness of cardiovascular protection was far from sufficient.
9.Comparing Outcomes of Banana-Shaped and Straight Cages in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Guang-Xun LIN ; Li-Ru HE ; Jin-Niang NAN ; Wen-Bin XU ; Keyi XIAO ; Zhiqiang QUE ; Shang-Wun JHANG ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Ming-Tao ZHU ; Gang RUI
Neurospine 2024;21(1):261-272
Objective:
This meta-analysis aims to refine the understanding of the optimal choice between different cage shapes in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) by systematically comparing perioperative data, radiological outcomes, clinical results, and complications associated with banana-shaped and straight bullet cages.
Methods:
A meticulous literature search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, and Wanfang Data was executed up to October 5, 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies comparing banana-shaped and straight bullet cages in TLIF. The quality of included studies was assessed using appropriate tools such as the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for nonrandomized studies. Rigorous evaluations were performed for radiographic outcomes, including disc height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), subsidence, and fusion rates. Clinical outcomes were meticulously evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications.
Results:
The analysis incorporated 7 studies, involving 573 patients (297 with banana-shaped cages, 276 with straight cages), all with NOS ratings exceeding 5 stars. No statistically significant differences were observed in operative time, blood loss, or hospitalization between the 2 cage shapes. Banana-shaped cages exhibited greater changes in DH (p = 0.001), SL (p = 0.02), and LL (p = 0.01). Despite statistically higher changes in ODI for straight cages (26.33, p < 0.0001), the actual value remained similar to banana-shaped cages (26.15). Both cage types demonstrated similar efficacy in VAS, complication rates, subsidence, and fusion rates.
Conclusion
Although banana-shaped cages can excel in restoring DH, SL, and LL, straight bullet cages can provide comparable functional improvements, pain relief, and complication rates.
10.Effects of biorhythm factors on development of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass: a retrospective cohort study
Xiaodong LI ; Jing WEN ; Xiao XU ; Xianjian LIAO ; Yuxi SONG ; Jiaxiang DUAN ; Kaizhi LU ; Bin YI ; Jiaolin NING
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(9):1093-1096
Objective:To evaluate the effects of biorhythm factors on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Data from patients undergoing heart surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass from June 2018 to December 2019 were collected and divided into 2 groups ( n=125 each) based on the time of anesthesia operation: morning rhythm group (group Ⅰ) and afternoon rhythm group (group Ⅱ). Anesthesia operation was performed from 8: 00 to 12: 00 in group Ⅰ. Anesthesia was performed from 14: 00 to 18: 00 in group Ⅱ. The occurrence of postoperative AKI and other postoperative complications (pulmonary infection, sepsis, cerebral infarction) was recorded. Results:Compared with group Ⅱ, the incidence of postoperative AKI was significantly increased, the relative risk was 3.2 (95% confidence interval 1.31-7.70), and no significant change was found in the incidence of pulmonary infection, sepsis and cerebral infarction in group Ⅰ ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Biorhythm factors affect the development of AKI after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, and performing surgeries in the afternoon rather than the morning helps reduce the risk of postoperative AKI.

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