1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.An exploratory study on the effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae
Shuqing JIN ; Xinyi CAI ; Heyi WEN ; Jian FAN ; Hui CAO ; Tianyu SHA ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Qiang GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):550-555
ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae at various exposure parameters (distance and time), and to preliminarily investigate the effects of different containers (water volume and depth) and ultrasonic devices on the larvicidal efficacy, so as to provide experimental evidence for the application of ultrasound-based mosquito control technology. MethodsUnder controlled laboratory conditions, two commercially available ultrasonic devices [40 kHz/300 W and (50±5) kHz/70 W] were used to systematically examine the effects of exposure distance (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 cm), exposure duration (1, 3, 6, 15 and 60 min), larval instar(Ⅰ‒Ⅱ and Ⅲ‒Ⅳ), and container type on the immediate mortality of Aedes albopictus larvae collected from urban areas of Shanghai. Statistical analysis of the mortality rates of larvae among different experimental groups was performed using the chi-square test. ResultsUltrasonic exposure exerted a detectable larvicidal effect against Aedes albopictus larvae of all instars. For early-instar larvae, exposure time significantly affected mortality at all tested distances (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with χ² values ranging from 25.57 to 32.74 ( all P<0.001). No significant distance effect was observed in the first and second instar larvae after short-term exposure (1 and 3 min; P>0.05). However, a distance-dependent effect emerged from 6 min onward (P<0.05). During short-term exposure (1 min and 3 min) at close range (20 cm and 40 cm), the immediate mortality of the third and fourth instar larvae was higher than that of the first and second instar larvae. Conversely, during prolonged exposure (15 min and 60 min), the first and second instar larvae exhibited significantly higher mortality than that of the third and fourth instar larvae. These results indicated that larval mortality was jointly influenced by exposure duration and distance. Preliminary experiments indicated that larvicidal efficacy in shallow water was lower than that in deep water. No significant difference in larvicidal effect was observed between the two ultrasonic devices with different frequencies and power outputs. ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, ultrasound can effectively kill Aedes albopictus larvae, and the larvicidal effect is jointly influenced by larval instar, exposure distance, and aquatic environment. Compact ultrasonic devices show potential for field application in biological mosquito control.
3.Value of demographic factors in early identification of pediatric malignant vasovagal syncope in head-up tilt test
Shuo WANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Hong CAI ; Ping LIU ; Fang LI ; Chuan WEN ; Liqun LIU ; Runmei ZOU ; Cheng WANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):353-361
Background:
Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS.
Results:
Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS.
Conclusion
Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.
4.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
5.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (2025 edition)
Chentian SHEN ; Yushen GU ; Hui TAN ; Anren KUANG ; Sijin LI ; Yaming LI ; Jing WANG ; Ningyi JIANG ; Jian TAN ; Zhuoying WANG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jugao FANG ; Dingcun LUO ; Youben FAN ; Hui WANG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Feng WANG ; Wei FU ; Feng SHI ; Xuegong LIU ; Zhongwei LÜ ; Yan XING ; Lin LI ; Hui YANG ; Jun XIN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Yansong LIN ; Wei OUYANG ; Shuzhan YAO ; Changjiu ZHAO ; Xinming ZHAO ; Zairong GAO ; Dingde HUANG ; Qiang WEN ; Xingmin HAN ; Cen LOU ; Weibing MIAO ; Wei FAN ; Quanyong LUO ; Hongcheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):932-944
The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before 131I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.
6.Expert recommendations on mass population vaccination
Wen WANG ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Yong HUANG ; Qi ZHU ; Shiheng CUI ; Yan LIU ; Zhiwei ZHU ; Fang HUANG ; Lin TANG ; Zhoubin ZHANG ; Wenzhou YU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(1):1-7
Mass vaccination represents a highly effective strategy for accelerating disease control while simultaneously reducing incidence and mortality rates. By developing comprehensive plans and standards for mass vaccination, it is feasible to optimize resource allocation and swiftly enhance vaccination coverage, thereby preventing, controlling, or interrupting outbreaks or epidemics of specific infectious diseases. To standardize the mass vaccination process and establish a population immunity barrier in an orderly, efficient, and safe manner, a panel of experts was convened to develop the Recommendations on Mass Vaccination. These recommendations are grounded in the requirements of relevant policies and regulations in China, as well as the insights gained from the mass vaccination campaign for COVID-19 vaccines conducted in the country. The recommendations outline the system requirements pertaining to initiation conditions, departmental coordination, responsibilities, mobilization, operational specifications, and responses to vaccine reactions, among other aspects of mass vaccination implementation, so as to serve as a reference for future mass vaccination initiatives and the formulation of related policies.
7.Analysis of prostate cancer screening results and exploration of screening model for elderly males in Songjiang Rural Areas of Shanghai City based on PSA preliminary screening under the community linkage mode
Daocheng FANG ; Lingfeng WU ; Lixin CHEN ; Chunhua TANG ; Yong WANG ; Hui LI ; Hui WANG ; Kui ZHANG ; Shuangquan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Mingyuan DONG ; Chao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Zhiwei YANG ; Jing LIU ; Wendi DU ; Zhenbing SHI ; Shumei BI ; Hui WEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):230-234
This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.
8.Performance validation and result analysis of bioinformatics procedure for metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Wen XI ; Yang XIAO ; Shangdong YANG ; Zhe LIU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoqin WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(1):117-124
Objective:To establish a preliminary performance validation protocol for the bioinformatics procedure of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in clinical laboratories.Methods:Three types of simulated datasets were designed and the CatⅠ dataset mainly consisted of pathogen reference genomes and human sequences. CatⅠA was a dataset composed of common pathogens mixed with human sequences and was used to evaluate the inclusiveness, accuracy, recall rates, precision, F1-Score, and other indicators of the mNGS bioinformatics procedure. CatⅠB was a dataset composed of closely related species of common pathogens mixed with human sequences, which was used to evaluate the discriminating ability of closely related species of bioinformatics procedure by calculating the detection rates and the relative abundance ratio of closely related species. The real data of 200 clinical samples was selected to construct CatⅡ and the simulated dataset consisted of colonized bacteria, experimental environment bacteria, reagent engineering bacteria, pathogen reference genomes, and human sequences, which was used to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of bioinformatics pipeline for pathogens detection. The CatⅢ dataset was obtained from the negative bronchoalveolar lavage fluid BALF sequencing data mixed with 20 rare pathogens sequences in order to evaluate the positive detection rates and recall rates of rare pathogens in the bioinformatics analysis.Results:The analysis of the CatⅠA dataset showed that the positive consistency rate, inclusiveness, precision and accuracy of the bioinformatics peocedure under three sequence gradients were all greater than 99%, with a recall rate of 72.31% (95% CI 69.61%-75.01%) and a F1 Score of 82.00% (95% CI 79.77%-84.22%). In the CatⅠB dataset, the closely related species could be effectively detected at all sequence and proportion gradients, and the relative abundance ratio of closely related species was within 2 times of the design ratio except for the coronavirus, haemophilus, primate bocaparvovirus, human respiratory syncytial virus, and eimeria, indicating good ability to identify the closely related species. All the 24 species of pathogens included in CatⅡ dataset were effectively detected, with the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy all greater than 90%. All rare pathogens were detected in the CatⅢ dataset, with a detection rate of 100%. Conclusions:With the simulated datasets, the performance validation scheme for the mNGS bioinformatics analysis was preliminary established and could evaluate the accuracy of sequence classification, the ability to identify the closely related species, and detection ability of common and rare pathogens, which may provide some references for the construction of mNGS process.
9.Study on the Mechanism of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-Medicated Serum in Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism and Activating Immunogenic Cell Death in Lung Cancer Cells via c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 Signaling Axis
Lingjuan TAN ; Shengqiang ZHOU ; Wen ZENG ; Xiaolan JIAN ; Kexiong LI ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):112-122
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum regulates c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 signaling axis to inhibit glutamine(Gln)metabolism and activate immunogenic cell death(ICD)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells.Methods A549 cells were divided into control group,model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum low-,medium-and high-dosage groups and positive control group.A Gln-dependent growth model was established,and cells were treated with different concentrations of Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum or the SLC1A5 inhibitor V-9302.Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8,EdU and colony formation assays;Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell and wound-healing assays;intracellular Gln,glutathione(GSH),and α-ketoglutarate(α-KG)contents were determined by colorimetric assay;reactive oxygen species(ROS)contents were measured with fluorescent probes;Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1;c-Myc/SLC1A5 colocalization and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)expression were assessed by dual immunofluorescence staining;flow cytometry was used to evaluate calreticulin(CRT)exposure on the cell surface,and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatants were quantified by ELISA.Results Compared with the control group,the model group showed significantly increased A549 cell viability,EdU-positive rate and migration rate(P<0.05),as well as higher colony counts and invasion cell numbers(P<0.05);cellular Gln,GSH and α-KG contents were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while ROS content were not significantly different(P>0.05),E-cadherin protein expression significantly decreased,whereas the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).c-Myc and SLC1A5 colocalization was enhanced,HMGB1 expression was significantly increased(P<0.01),CRT exposure significantly increased(P<0.01),and ATP and HMGB1 contents in cell supernatant were significantly elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction-medicated serum at different concentrations significantly inhibited Gln-stimulated A549 cell proliferation,migration and invasion in a dosage-dependent manner.Mechanistic studies indicated that Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction could reduce Gln uptake and synthesis of its metabolic products GSH and α-KG,induce ROS accumulation,up-regulate protein expression of E-cadherin,down-regulate the protein expressions of N-cadherin,c-Myc,SLC1A5 and GLS1(P<0.05,P<0.01),and enhance CRT exposure,ATP release and HMGB1 secretion(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenqi Xiaozheng Decoction may exert a synergistic"metabolism-immunity"antitumor effect by inhibiting c-Myc/SLC1A5/GLS1 axis-mediated Gln uptake,inducing ROS accumulation,and activating ICD signaling.
10.Research Progress of Chirp ABR and Its Application in Forensic Auditory Identi-fication
Yan GAO ; Fang CHEN ; Wen-Tao XIA ; Xiao-Ping YANG ; Ze-Yu WANG ; Ze-Ren YANG ; Xia LIU ; Yan-Liang SHENG
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):387-393
The objective assessment of hearing loss is one of the critical components in forensic clini-cal research.Auditory brainstem response(ABR)is an important method for objectively assessing hearing levels.It is divided into various types based on different stimulus signals,each with its own characteris-tics and applications.Among them,narrow-band Chirp ABR,due to its frequency specificity,fulfills the basic requirements for objective assessment of forensic audiology,promising to be an important method of objective hearing assessment in forensic medicine.This article reviews the development history,charac-teristics and clinical applications of Chirp ABR,and envisions its application prospects in forensic audi-tory identification.

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