1.Fibroblast Growth Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: Multi-target Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involving Neuroinflammation, Cellular Stress, and Ferroptosis
Hui WANG ; Zi-Gui ZHOU ; Teng-Teng HAN ; Chang-Zhi YANG ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):855-874
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the pathological accumulation ofα‑synuclein. Although extensive progress has been made in elucidating its pathogenesis, current therapeutic approaches remain largely symptomatic, and effective disease-modifying treatments are still unavailable. Increasing evidence indicates that PD is driven by the interaction of multiple pathological processes, including neuroinflammation, iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired protein homeostasis, which together contribute to neuronal vulnerability and degeneration. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a family of 22 ligands that play important roles in neural development, stress responses, metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of nervous system homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that several FGF family members, such as FGF1, FGF2, FGF9, and FGF21, exert neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of PD. These effects include the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, cellular stress adaptation, and neuronal survival. Compared with therapeutic strategies targeting a single pathogenic pathway, FGFs appear to influence multiple disease-related processes, suggesting their potential relevance to the complex pathophysiology of PD. Experimental evidence indicates that altered FGF signaling may contribute to dopaminergic neuron dysfunction through the coordinated regulation of several interconnected mechanisms. FGFs have been reported to modulate neuroinflammation by affecting the activation of microglia and astrocytes, thereby influencing the inflammatory environment in the central nervous system. In addition, FGFs are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, partly through antioxidant signaling pathways associated with NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Moreover, FGFs can alleviate ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, AMPK-PGC-1α, as well as SIRT1-dependent programs, which support cellular energy metabolism and redox balance. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomic studies further suggest that FGF signaling is not limited to neuron-intrinsic mechanisms but also involves interactions among different glial cell types. Altered FGF ligand-receptor communication between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes has been observed in PD models and is associated with increased susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings indicate that the biological effects of FGFs are influenced by cell type and disease stage and may vary under different pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the roles of FGF family members in PD, with a focus on their involvement in iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, neuroinflammation, cellular stress responses, and neuronal protection and regeneration. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide a clearer understanding of how FGFs participate in PD pathogenesis and to offer a theoretical basis for future studies exploring their potential value in disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.
2.Mechanism of action of hispidulin on cervical cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro cell experiments
Hui-jun MENG ; Wen-jie HUANG ; Xiao-tong YU ; Hai YANG ; Ye WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1367-1375
Aim To explore the mechanism of hispidu-lin in the treatment of cervical cancer by using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods and veri-fy it by in vitro experiments.Methods Cervical canc-er HeLa and SiHa cells were cultivated in vitro,and CCK-8 assay,cloning assay,scratch assay,transwell as-say,and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of hispidulin on cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis.SwissTarget Prediction was used to ob-tain predicted targets for hispidulin.Potential targets for cervical cancer were screened in GeneCards disease database.R software Venn package was used to obtain the intersection target genes of hispidulin and cervical cancer,STRING website and Cytoscape software were used to obtain protein-protein interaction(PPI)net-work,and the core targets were screened.The GEIPA data analysis platform was employed to analyze the dif-ferential gene expression levels of core targets in cervi-cal cancer.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclo-pedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment a-nalysis were performed,and molecular docking was car-ried out on key targets.Western blot was used to detect the regulatory effects of hispidulin on the expression of key proteins PI3K,p-Akt,as well as core target pro-teins MMP9 and RARP1 in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Results Cell experiments showed that after treatment with hispidulin,the proliferation and colony formation abilities of HeLa and SiHa cells significantly decreased in a concentration-and time-dependent man-ner.At the same time,the lateral and longitudinal mi-gration and invasion abilities of HeLa cells decreased,and the level of apoptosis significantly increased.A to-tal of 87 intersection targets between hispidulin and cervical cancer were obtained,and eight core targets,namely,Akt1,EGFR,SRC,ESR1,PTGS2,GSK3β,MMP9,and PARP1,were selected based on the degree values in network topology analysis.KEGG enrichment screening identified PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,canc-er pathway,and other signaling pathways.The molecu-lar docking results showed that hispidulin had strong affinity activity with AktⅠ,P13K,MMP9,and RARP1.Western blot results showed downregulation of PI3K,p-Akt expression,as well as MMP9 and RARP1 expres-sion.Conclusions Hispidulin can inhibit the prolif-eration,migration,invasion,and promote apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the expression of MMP9 and RARP1.
3.Surgical approach and efficacy evaluation for tympanosclerosis under endoscopic surgery
Bing WANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Qimei YANG ; Hui LIU ; Wen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(9):1147-1153
Objective:To evaluate the surgical management and clinical efficacy of endoscopic operation for tympanosclerosis (TS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 228 patients with TS who underwent endoscopic surgery at Shaanxi Provincial People′s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. There were 79 males and 149 females, aged 18-68 years (median 50 years). Surgical management, perforation healing rate, pre-and post-operate hearing characteristics, and complications were analyzed. The air conduction threshold values at 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz and 4 000 Hz, average air conduction pure tune audiometry (AC-PTA), and air-bone conduction (ABG) pre-and post-operation were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0.Results:All 132 cases of type Ⅰ tympanosclerosis underwent myringoplasty. Among 55 cases with type Ⅱ tympanosclerosis, 33 (60.0%) received typeⅠand 22 (40.0%) received type Ⅱ tympanoplasty. Of 16 cases with type Ⅲ tympanosclerosis, 10 (62.5%) underwent type Ⅰand 6 (37.5%) underwent type Ⅱtympanoplasty. Among 25 cases with type Ⅳ, 5 (20.0%) underwent type Ⅰ, 13 (52.0%) type Ⅱ, and 3 (12.0%) type Ⅲ tympanoplasty, while, 4 (16.0%) underwent tympanoplasty with autologous cartilage. The average follow-up period was 8.2 months (6 months to 3 years); The overall healing rate of the tympanic perforation was (97.8%)223/228. All cases exhibited improved air conduction hearing threshold at all frequencies, AC-PTA and ABG postoperatively. The differences between types Ⅰ, Ⅱ at 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, 4 000 Hz, AC-PTA and ABG were statistically significant (all P<0.001 for type Ⅰ, all P<0.05 for type Ⅱ). In type Ⅲ, improvements were significant for all tested parameters except at 4 000 Hz (all P<0.05) and no statistically significant difference were found in type Ⅳ. No severe complications such as profound sensorineural hearing loss or facial nerve paralysis were encountered. Conclusion:Totally, endoscopic transcanal surgery is an effective management for tympanosclerosis, providing favorable short-term hearing outcomes with an acceptable safety profile.
4.Research Progress on the Application of Hot Melt Extrusion Technology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Bing YANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Siyi SHUAI ; Xiaoxuan HONG ; Conghui LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Jia WEN ; Aiping ZHENG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):73-80
Hot melt extrusion(HME)technology employs thermodynamic and kinetic principles to mix pharmaceutical polymers with crystalline drugs at high temperatures and extrude them,embedding drug molecules within the polymer matrix to form solid dispersions.Due to its solvent-free nature,capability for one-step processing,and support for continuous operation,HME has garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years.This article introduced the basic principles and development history of HME technology and its marketed drugs.It reviewed the research progress of HME technology in improving drug solubility,masking taste,controlled release,targeted release,oral dispersible films,implant formulations,semi-solid formulations,and 3D printed formulations.Additionally,the article summarized the advantages and limitations of HME technology and provided an outlook on its future development.
5.Surgical approach and efficacy evaluation for tympanosclerosis under endoscopic surgery
Bing WANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Qimei YANG ; Hui LIU ; Wen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(9):1147-1153
Objective:To evaluate the surgical management and clinical efficacy of endoscopic operation for tympanosclerosis (TS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 228 patients with TS who underwent endoscopic surgery at Shaanxi Provincial People′s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. There were 79 males and 149 females, aged 18-68 years (median 50 years). Surgical management, perforation healing rate, pre-and post-operate hearing characteristics, and complications were analyzed. The air conduction threshold values at 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz and 4 000 Hz, average air conduction pure tune audiometry (AC-PTA), and air-bone conduction (ABG) pre-and post-operation were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0.Results:All 132 cases of type Ⅰ tympanosclerosis underwent myringoplasty. Among 55 cases with type Ⅱ tympanosclerosis, 33 (60.0%) received typeⅠand 22 (40.0%) received type Ⅱ tympanoplasty. Of 16 cases with type Ⅲ tympanosclerosis, 10 (62.5%) underwent type Ⅰand 6 (37.5%) underwent type Ⅱtympanoplasty. Among 25 cases with type Ⅳ, 5 (20.0%) underwent type Ⅰ, 13 (52.0%) type Ⅱ, and 3 (12.0%) type Ⅲ tympanoplasty, while, 4 (16.0%) underwent tympanoplasty with autologous cartilage. The average follow-up period was 8.2 months (6 months to 3 years); The overall healing rate of the tympanic perforation was (97.8%)223/228. All cases exhibited improved air conduction hearing threshold at all frequencies, AC-PTA and ABG postoperatively. The differences between types Ⅰ, Ⅱ at 500 Hz, 1 000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, 4 000 Hz, AC-PTA and ABG were statistically significant (all P<0.001 for type Ⅰ, all P<0.05 for type Ⅱ). In type Ⅲ, improvements were significant for all tested parameters except at 4 000 Hz (all P<0.05) and no statistically significant difference were found in type Ⅳ. No severe complications such as profound sensorineural hearing loss or facial nerve paralysis were encountered. Conclusion:Totally, endoscopic transcanal surgery is an effective management for tympanosclerosis, providing favorable short-term hearing outcomes with an acceptable safety profile.
6.Differences between boiled powder and decoction of Ermiao Powder based on volatile constituents and anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity
Yu-meng ZHANG ; Hai-zhu JIN ; Wen-yue JIA ; Yang LIU ; Hui-qin HAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2514-2522
AIM To investigate the differences between boiled powder and decoction of Ermiao Powder.METHODS GC-MS was used to identify volatile constituents,after which the content determination of linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,β-eucalyptol and taxifolin in distillate was performed,evaporation rate curve was drawn.The rat model for collagen-induced arthritis was established,then HE and SO/FG staining were conducted,and body weight,footpad swelling degree,arthritis score,immune organ(spleen,thymus)indices,serum inflammatory factors(IL-10,IL-6),ankle joint structure(foot claw swelling,micro-CT)and locomotor ability were detected.RESULTS Total 43 and 26 volatile constituents were identified in boiled powder and decoction,respectively.With the extension of boiling time,the average evaporation rates of 5 volatile constituents in the boiled powder distillate demonstrated the trends of first increase and then decrease,which reached a maximum at 15-20 min;those in the decoction distillate displayed the trends of decrease,which were not detected after 15 min except for β-eucalyptol.Compared with the decoction,the boiled powder exhibited stronger effects on improving foot swelling and arthritis score,alleviating pathological changes in joint tissues,inhibiting inflammatory factors and restoring motor ability.CONCLUSION More volatile constituents are observable in the boiled powder of Ermiao Powder than those in its decoction,along with stronger anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity.The optimal decocting endpoint is determined to be within 15 min in boiling water.
7.Clinical effects of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction on postoperative patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern
Jia-man YANG ; Tong LIU ; De-hui FAN ; Mei-yi SU ; Ying LIN ; Man-guang LIANG ; Zhi-wen OU ; Shun-cong ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3630-3634
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction on postoperative patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned into control group(60 cases)for 6-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(60 cases)for 6-week intervention of both Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,spinal cord conduction signals(SEP amplitude,MEP amplitude),serum neurotrophic factors(NGF,IGF-1,BDNF),coagulation and inflammatory indices(PT,APTT,TNF-α,IL-1 β)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,TNF-α,IL-1β(P<0.05),increased spinal cord conduction signals,coagulation and inflammatory indices(P<0.05),and shortened PT,APTT(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with lumbar vertebral fracture complicated with spinal cord injury due to Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Pattern,Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction can safely and effectively promote neurological function recovery.
8.Development of transparent manikin and its application to surgical training on medical train
Ya-jun SONG ; Wen-gang HU ; Ming-hui YANG ; Sheng-qing LYU ; Chi-bing HUANG ; Ji-feng ZOU ; Yang LI ; Yun WANG ; Ji ZHENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):111-115
Objective To develop a novel type of transparent simulation manikin as a surgical training model to meet the surgical treatment demand on the medical train.Methods A transparent manikin was developed with the steps of basic data collection,motherboard design and manufacture and module production and assembly.Firstly,basic data collection was carried out with reference to standardized human anatomy and parameters.Secondly,some software such as UG NX7.5 was used to construct the motherboard of the manikin.Finally,module production and assembly were performed with the materials of acrylic,transparent rubber,silicone and hydrogel and the technology of silicone infusion.Results The transparent manikin developed had its anatomy structure close to that of the real body and high visuality for its internal and external components,which simulated a variety of war wounds and thus could be integrated with the surgical training scenarios on the medical train effectively.Conclusion The transparent manikin developed is characterized by high visuality,modularity and blood flow,and meets the demands for surgical training on the medical train.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):111-115]
9.Analysis of dosimetric verification results of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for breast cancer based on EPID fraction images
Xiao-hui WU ; Ya-zheng CHEN ; Zu-wen YAO ; Rui LIU ; Yang LIU ; Xiao-hua WANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):54-58
Objective To investigate the stability and reproducibility of the treatment fractions during the intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)for breast cancer and the effect of respiratory motion on the dose irradiation of breast cancer radiotherapy by comparing the results of breast cancer dosimetric verification based on fractionated images by an electronic portal imaging device(EPID).Methods A total of 28 IMRT patients admitted to some hospital from January to June 2023 were grouped according to the pathological results and effects of respiratory motion on the accuracy of radiotherapy during clinical treatment,including 14 cases in a breast group and 14 cases in a non-breast group with 8 ones of head and neck tumors,5 ones of esophageal cancer and 1 case of cervical cancer.All the patients underwent a scan with cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)before the first radiotherapy,and image registration was carried out with a positioning CT.An EPID was used to acquire transmission dose images of 10 fractions of radiotherapy,and γ analysis was performed using the RIT 113 QA software to compare the images of the subsequent 9 fractions with those of the first fraction,with the images of the first fraction of radiotherapy as the baseline values.Absolute maximum dose normalization was implemented under the condition of 10%dose assessment threshold,and the γ-pass rates under the 3 criteria of 2%/2 mm,3%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm were counted separately.The fraction dose verification results of the 28 patients were divided into 3 treatment phases of 2-4 times(T1),5-7 times(T2)and 8-10 times(T3)to analyze the stability of dose irradiation during the radiotherapy.SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results Under the condition of 10%dose assessment threshold,the breast and non-breast groups had the γ-pass rates being(95.80±2.65)%and(94.60±6.59)%under the 2%/2 mm criterion and(98.46±1.31)%and(97.50±3.30)%under the 3%/2 mm criterion respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Under the assessment criteria of 2%/2 mm,3%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm,the breast group had the γ-pass rates of fractions of treatment significantly lower than those of the non-breast group(all P<0.05),while the γ-pass rates showed no significant differences at T1,T2 and T3 treatment phases(all P>0.05).Conclusion EPID fraction images contribute to evaluating IMRT accuracy effectively.IMRT has high stability and reproducibility during the treatment cycle,while respiration may result in dose deviation during the fraction radiotherapy for breast cancer,and optical surface tracking technology or active breathing control technology is suggested to be involved in to relieve dose deviation.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):54-58]
10.Changing antibiotic resistance profiles of the bacterial strains isolated from geriatric patients in hospitals across China:data from CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Xiaoman AI ; Yunjian HU ; Chunyue GE ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Ping JI ; Yi XIE ; Mei KANG ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Yuxing NI ; Jingyong SUN ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Sufang GUO ; Lianhua WEI ; Fengmei ZOU ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Fangfang HU ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Jihong LI ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanping ZHENG ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Jilu SHEN ; Wenhui HUANG ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Bixia YU ; Yong ZHAO ; Ping GONG ; Kaizhen WENG ; Yirong ZHANG ; Jiangshan LIU ; Longfeng LIAO ; Hongqin GU ; Lin JIANG ; Wen HE ; Shunhong XUE ; Jiao FENG ; Chunlei YUE
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):290-302
Objective To investigate the antimicrobial resistance of clinical isolates from elderly patients(≥65 years)in major medical institutions across China.Methods Bacterial strains were isolated from elderly patients in 52 hospitals participating in the CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program during the period from 2015 to 2021.Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by disk diffusion method and automated systems according to the same CHINET protocol.The data were interpreted in accordance with the breakpoints recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2021.Results A total of 514 715 nonduplicate clinical isolates were collected from elderly patients in 52 hospitals from January 1,2015 to December 31,2021.The number of isolates accounted for 34.3%of the total number of clinical isolates from all patients.Overall,21.8%of the 514 715 strains were gram-positive bacteria,and 78.2%were gram-negative bacteria.Majority(90.9%)of the strains were isolated from inpatients.About 42.9%of the strains were isolated from respiratory specimens,and 22.9%were isolated from urine.More than half(60.7%)of the strains were isolated from male patients,and 39.3%isolated from females.About 51.1%of the strains were isolated from patients aged 65-<75 years.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains(MRSA)was 38.8%in 32 190 strains of Staphylococcus aureus.No vancomycin-or linezolid-resistant strains were found.The resistance rate of E.faecalis to most antibiotics was significantly lower than that of Enterococcus faecium,but a few vancomycin-resistant strains(0.2%,1.5%)and linezolid-resistant strains(3.4%,0.3%)were found in E.faecalis and E.faecium.The prevalence of penicillin-susceptible S.pneumoniae(PSSP),penicillin-intermediate S.pneumoniae(PISP),and penicillin-resistant S.pneumoniae(PRSP)was 94.3%,4.0%,and 1.7%in nonmeningitis S.pneumoniae isolates.The resistance rates of Klebsiella spp.(Klebsiella pneumoniae 93.2%)to imipenem and meropenem were 20.9%and 22.3%,respectively.Other Enterobacterales species were highly sensitive to carbapenem antibiotics.Only 1.7%-7.8%of other Enterobacterales strains were resistant to carbapenems.The resistance rates of Acinetobacter spp.(Acinetobacter baumannii 90.6%)to imipenem and meropenem were 68.4%and 70.6%respectively,while 28.5%and 24.3%of P.aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem and meropenem,respectively.Conclusions The number of clinical isolates from elderly patients is increasing year by year,especially in the 65-<75 age group.Respiratory tract isolates were more prevalent in male elderly patients,and urinary tract isolates were more prevalent in female elderly patients.Klebsiella isolates were increasingly resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents,especially carbapenems.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance is helpful for accurate empirical antimicrobial therapy in elderly patients.

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