1.Psoriasis relapse following biologic therapy: current status
Wenqiu WANG ; Chengxin LI ; Rui WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1090-1095
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, systemic, inflammatory disease. Over the past 20 years, with the development and application of biologics targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or TNF receptors, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) or IL-17A receptors, IL-23, and others, significant progress has been made in the treatment of psoriasis. However, recurrence remains a major challenge in the management of psoriasis after discontinuation of biologic therapy or during maintenance treatment. This review summarizes the recurrence of psoriasis following biologic treatment and proposes comprehensive management recommendations to prevent its recurrence.
2.Identification of endothelial cell key genes associated with pathogenesis and invasion of human venous malformations using single-nucleus RNA sequencing-based co-expression network analysis
Wenbo LIU ; Junjie LIN ; Meijuan ZHANG ; Chunjie YUAN ; Xiaojuan FENG ; Wenting JIAO ; Junbo QIAO ; Wenqiu WANG ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(4):458-467
Objective:This study aimed to identify key genes in endothelial cell (EC) associated with the pathogenesis and progression of human venous malformations (VMs) through bioinformatics analysis, providing potential biomarkers for early screening and targeted therapy of VMs.Methods:A case-control study was conducted using surgically resected tissue specimens from VMs patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (from September 2021 to September 2023), with malformed venous tissues as the experimental group and distal normal venous tissues as controls. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on paired experimental and control samples from four VM patients. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), combined with gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, identified critical genes. Validation experiments included 15 additional VM cases and controls using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot.Results:A total of 55 430 nuclei were captured using snRNA-seq, with 30 391 nuclei from the experimental group and 25 039 nuclei from the control group. Cluster analysis identified 22 distinct cell populations, which were annotated into 8 cell types. hdWGCNA revealed four modules associated with invasion, which were enriched in angiogenesis, integrin signaling, and cell adhesion according to GO analysis. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and focal adhesion are key regulatory mechanisms. PPI network analysis combined with cytoscape identified EGFL7, TEK, and FLT1 as key genes. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the relative mRNA expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (6.66±2.31, 1.86±0.62, 3.49±0.58) were significantly higher than those in the control group (1.05±0.14, 1.00±0.14, 1.06±0.25), with statistically significant differences ( t=9.37, 4.27, 11.20, P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the cytoplasm of the experimental group (0.84±0.15, 0.68±0.14, 0.85±0.12) were also significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.05, 0.23±0.06, 0.30±0.05), with statistically significant differences ( t=16.62, 5.93, 11.68, P<0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (0.35±0.04, 0.36±0.09, 0.31±0.04) were significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.01, 0.13±0.02, 0.14±0.04), with statistically significant differences ( t=7.05, 4.61, 5.93, P<0.05). Conclusion:EGFL7, FLT1, and TEK in EC may play crucial roles in the occurrence and invasion of VMs.
3.Application of TEG-PM and drug-related gene detection in guiding the selection of antiplatelet regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms after receiving stenting
Xuerou MENG ; Wenqiu PAN ; Cheng WAN ; Genfa YI ; Junchao WANG ; Jihong HU ; Wei ZHAO
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(5):461-467
Objective To discuss the application of partial antiplatelet drug genotype detection and thromboelastography-platelet mapping(TEG-PM)in guiding the selection of antiplatelet regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms(IAs)after receiving stenting.Methods A total of 106 patients with IAs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,who underwent implantation of stent and received the testings of platelet-endothelial aggregation receptor 1(PEAR 1)and clopidogrel-related gene-cytochrome P450 enzyme 2C19(CYP2C19),and some of whom received TEG-PM testing from January 2019 to August 2022,were collected for this study.The patients were divided into group A(gene detection group,according to the drug-related gene detection results to adjust the medication)and group B(combination group,according to the two testing results to guide the medication).The patient's gender,age,testing data were collected,and the occlusion of IAs,stent intimal hyperplasia,drug-related hemorrhagic and ischemic complications during follow-up period were recorded.Results A total of 123 IAs lesions in 106 patients were treated.The patient's mean age was(53.67±6.66)years,67 patients were female.Group A had 41 patients and group B had 65 patients.No statistically significant differences in the baseline data,IAs features,stent types used,and medication regimen existed between the two groups(all P>0.05).In Group A,the ischemic complications and hemorrhagic complications occurred in two patients each.In Group B,no ischemic complications occurred and 4 patients developed hemorrhagic complications.The difference in the incidence of related complications between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.287 and P=0.782 respectively).There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative one-month and 3-month intimal hyperplasia grade and the aneurysm occlusion rate between the two groups(all P>0.05).The postoperative 6-month overall intimal hyperplasia grade in Group A was slightly higher than that in Group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.034).Conclusion In order to improve the precision and individualized treatment of antiplatelet therapy,it is suggested that clinicians should adopt TEG-PM-guided conventional double-antibody therapy first when making selection of testing items.For patients with insufficient inhibition rate indicated by TEG-PM,testing of the genes associated with antiplatelet drugs should be used.Based on the genetic test results it is necessary to determine the reasons for the insufficient inhibition rate as well as to adjust the medication promptly according to the specific situation of the patient,so as to ensure the effectiveness of antiplatelet therapy and achieve the purpose of individualized precision therapy.
4.Retrospectively study of series cases with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for Kasabach-Merritt syndrome
Junbo QIAO ; Junjie LIN ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN ; Jianpeng CAO ; Jianhao ZHANG ; Gaozan ZHU ; Wenqiu WANG ; Wenbo LIU ; Yuanqi LI ; Shoufu HOU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1136-1142
Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical efficacy and experience of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of pediatric patients with KMS who underwent ultrasound-guided RFA in Department of Hemangioma Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between March 2018 and March 2024. Preoperative laboratory tests and imageological examination were performed. Under general anesthesia, the working tip of the RFA electrode needle was precisely reached the bottom of the lesion under ultrasound guidance. The electrode needle was then gradually withdrawn until the entire lesion area was covered by hyperechoic signals, indicating complete ablation. Postoperative symptomatic and supportive treatments, such as ice pack application and dressing changes, were administered to the surgical area. Platelet detection was performed immediately after the operation. Complications were closely monitored and regular follow-ups were carried out.Results:A total of 30 pediatric patients were included, comprising 14 males and 16 females, from 10 min to 5 months and 29 d after birth, with a median time of 6 d. Lesions were located in the limbs and trunk in 27 cases, and head and neck region in 3 cases, with lesion volumes ranged from 2.4 cm×2.3 cm×1.2 cm to 14.4 cm×9.3 cm×3.3 cm. The mean preoperative platelet count was 43×10 9/L, among them, the platelet values of 11 cases were (10-30) ×10 9/L, and those of 6 cases were lower than 10×10 9/L, other 13 cases with progressive thrombocytopenia. All patients successfully underwent RFA, achieving complete lesion ablation and normalization of platelet counts postoperatively. Platelet counts recovered to above 300×10 9/L in 15 patients, with no severe complications observed. The RFA area became slightly hardened within 7 d postoperatively but gradually returned to normal after consistent dressing changes for 2 weeks. During the follow-up period of 6 months to 2 years, complete lesion ablation was confirmed, with disappearance of the mass, no recurrence, good local function, mild local scar formation, and satisfactory cosmetic appearance. Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided RFA for KMS has advantages of favorable therapeutic outcomes, minimal tissue damage, no significant complications, and satisfactory cosmetic result.
5.Research on the role of the key gene RhoJ in human limb venous malformation endothelial cells using single-nucleus RNA sequencing technology
Gaozan ZHU ; Junjie LIN ; Meijuan ZHANG ; Meilin KAN ; Wenting JIAO ; Junbo QIAO ; Wenqiu WANG ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(2):144-157
Objective:To utilize single-nucleus RNA sequencing(snRNA-seq) technology to investigate the primary cell subpopulations in human limb venous malformations (VMs) tissue and the role of the key gene RhoJ.Methods:Surgical resection specimens of VMs tissues and surrounding normal vein tissues were collected from 100 clinically diagnosed and screened patients with limb VMs at the Department of Hemangioma Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2023. (1) Transcriptome analysis: Three patient samples were randomly selected for snRNA-seq studies, with the surgically removed VMs tissue serving as the experimental group and the surrounding normal vein tissue as the control group. A gene expression matrix for cell nuclei was established, followed by data quality control, dimensionality reduction, clustering, and cell type annotation. Cell-to-cell communication analysis was performed using the R language CellChat package to identify dominant cell subpopulations. The FindMarkers function was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the dominant cell subpopulations of the experimental and control groups, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted. (2) Tissue experiments: An additional 35 patient samples from both the experimental and control groups were randomly selected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the RhoJ gene were measured using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. (3) Validation experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs): HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC (blank control) and pcDNA3.1-RhoJ (plasmid expression vector carrying the RhoJ gene), respectively. The biological behavior differences between the two groups of cells were examined using the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and Matrigel angiogenesis assay. Measurement data conforming to a normal distribution were expressed as Mean±SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using an independent samples t-test. Results:Through CellChat intercellular communication analysis, it was discovered that endothelial cells were the predominant cell subpopulation in both the experimental and control groups, exhibiting strong communication links with other cell subpopulations. In the analysis of DEGs, it was found that the RhoJ gene in endothelial cells was significantly involved in the biological processes of angiogenesis and regulation. In tissue experiments, RT-qPCR and Western bloting results indicated that the relative expression levels of RhoJ mRNA (4.48±1.29 vs. 1.01±0.17) and protein (1.22±0.03 vs. 0.51±0.20) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.01 for both). The results of the HUVECs validation experiment showed that the cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities of the pcDNA3.1-RhoJ group were significantly enhanced compared to the pcDNA3.1-NC group. Conclusion:Endothelial cells represent the dominant cell subpopulation during the occurrence and locally invasive progression of VMs, playing a crucial role in this process. The RhoJ gene is significant in regulating the biological behavior of VMs endothelial cells.
6.Psoriasis relapse following biologic therapy: current status
Wenqiu WANG ; Chengxin LI ; Rui WANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1090-1095
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, systemic, inflammatory disease. Over the past 20 years, with the development and application of biologics targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or TNF receptors, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) or IL-17A receptors, IL-23, and others, significant progress has been made in the treatment of psoriasis. However, recurrence remains a major challenge in the management of psoriasis after discontinuation of biologic therapy or during maintenance treatment. This review summarizes the recurrence of psoriasis following biologic treatment and proposes comprehensive management recommendations to prevent its recurrence.
7.Identification of endothelial cell key genes associated with pathogenesis and invasion of human venous malformations using single-nucleus RNA sequencing-based co-expression network analysis
Wenbo LIU ; Junjie LIN ; Meijuan ZHANG ; Chunjie YUAN ; Xiaojuan FENG ; Wenting JIAO ; Junbo QIAO ; Wenqiu WANG ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(4):458-467
Objective:This study aimed to identify key genes in endothelial cell (EC) associated with the pathogenesis and progression of human venous malformations (VMs) through bioinformatics analysis, providing potential biomarkers for early screening and targeted therapy of VMs.Methods:A case-control study was conducted using surgically resected tissue specimens from VMs patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (from September 2021 to September 2023), with malformed venous tissues as the experimental group and distal normal venous tissues as controls. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on paired experimental and control samples from four VM patients. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), combined with gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, identified critical genes. Validation experiments included 15 additional VM cases and controls using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot.Results:A total of 55 430 nuclei were captured using snRNA-seq, with 30 391 nuclei from the experimental group and 25 039 nuclei from the control group. Cluster analysis identified 22 distinct cell populations, which were annotated into 8 cell types. hdWGCNA revealed four modules associated with invasion, which were enriched in angiogenesis, integrin signaling, and cell adhesion according to GO analysis. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and focal adhesion are key regulatory mechanisms. PPI network analysis combined with cytoscape identified EGFL7, TEK, and FLT1 as key genes. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the relative mRNA expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (6.66±2.31, 1.86±0.62, 3.49±0.58) were significantly higher than those in the control group (1.05±0.14, 1.00±0.14, 1.06±0.25), with statistically significant differences ( t=9.37, 4.27, 11.20, P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the cytoplasm of the experimental group (0.84±0.15, 0.68±0.14, 0.85±0.12) were also significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.05, 0.23±0.06, 0.30±0.05), with statistically significant differences ( t=16.62, 5.93, 11.68, P<0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (0.35±0.04, 0.36±0.09, 0.31±0.04) were significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.01, 0.13±0.02, 0.14±0.04), with statistically significant differences ( t=7.05, 4.61, 5.93, P<0.05). Conclusion:EGFL7, FLT1, and TEK in EC may play crucial roles in the occurrence and invasion of VMs.
8.Retrospectively study of series cases with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for Kasabach-Merritt syndrome
Junbo QIAO ; Junjie LIN ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN ; Jianpeng CAO ; Jianhao ZHANG ; Gaozan ZHU ; Wenqiu WANG ; Wenbo LIU ; Yuanqi LI ; Shoufu HOU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1136-1142
Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical efficacy and experience of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of pediatric patients with KMS who underwent ultrasound-guided RFA in Department of Hemangioma Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between March 2018 and March 2024. Preoperative laboratory tests and imageological examination were performed. Under general anesthesia, the working tip of the RFA electrode needle was precisely reached the bottom of the lesion under ultrasound guidance. The electrode needle was then gradually withdrawn until the entire lesion area was covered by hyperechoic signals, indicating complete ablation. Postoperative symptomatic and supportive treatments, such as ice pack application and dressing changes, were administered to the surgical area. Platelet detection was performed immediately after the operation. Complications were closely monitored and regular follow-ups were carried out.Results:A total of 30 pediatric patients were included, comprising 14 males and 16 females, from 10 min to 5 months and 29 d after birth, with a median time of 6 d. Lesions were located in the limbs and trunk in 27 cases, and head and neck region in 3 cases, with lesion volumes ranged from 2.4 cm×2.3 cm×1.2 cm to 14.4 cm×9.3 cm×3.3 cm. The mean preoperative platelet count was 43×10 9/L, among them, the platelet values of 11 cases were (10-30) ×10 9/L, and those of 6 cases were lower than 10×10 9/L, other 13 cases with progressive thrombocytopenia. All patients successfully underwent RFA, achieving complete lesion ablation and normalization of platelet counts postoperatively. Platelet counts recovered to above 300×10 9/L in 15 patients, with no severe complications observed. The RFA area became slightly hardened within 7 d postoperatively but gradually returned to normal after consistent dressing changes for 2 weeks. During the follow-up period of 6 months to 2 years, complete lesion ablation was confirmed, with disappearance of the mass, no recurrence, good local function, mild local scar formation, and satisfactory cosmetic appearance. Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided RFA for KMS has advantages of favorable therapeutic outcomes, minimal tissue damage, no significant complications, and satisfactory cosmetic result.
9.Research on the role of the key gene RhoJ in human limb venous malformation endothelial cells using single-nucleus RNA sequencing technology
Gaozan ZHU ; Junjie LIN ; Meijuan ZHANG ; Meilin KAN ; Wenting JIAO ; Junbo QIAO ; Wenqiu WANG ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(2):144-157
Objective:To utilize single-nucleus RNA sequencing(snRNA-seq) technology to investigate the primary cell subpopulations in human limb venous malformations (VMs) tissue and the role of the key gene RhoJ.Methods:Surgical resection specimens of VMs tissues and surrounding normal vein tissues were collected from 100 clinically diagnosed and screened patients with limb VMs at the Department of Hemangioma Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2023. (1) Transcriptome analysis: Three patient samples were randomly selected for snRNA-seq studies, with the surgically removed VMs tissue serving as the experimental group and the surrounding normal vein tissue as the control group. A gene expression matrix for cell nuclei was established, followed by data quality control, dimensionality reduction, clustering, and cell type annotation. Cell-to-cell communication analysis was performed using the R language CellChat package to identify dominant cell subpopulations. The FindMarkers function was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the dominant cell subpopulations of the experimental and control groups, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted. (2) Tissue experiments: An additional 35 patient samples from both the experimental and control groups were randomly selected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the RhoJ gene were measured using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. (3) Validation experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs): HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC (blank control) and pcDNA3.1-RhoJ (plasmid expression vector carrying the RhoJ gene), respectively. The biological behavior differences between the two groups of cells were examined using the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and Matrigel angiogenesis assay. Measurement data conforming to a normal distribution were expressed as Mean±SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using an independent samples t-test. Results:Through CellChat intercellular communication analysis, it was discovered that endothelial cells were the predominant cell subpopulation in both the experimental and control groups, exhibiting strong communication links with other cell subpopulations. In the analysis of DEGs, it was found that the RhoJ gene in endothelial cells was significantly involved in the biological processes of angiogenesis and regulation. In tissue experiments, RT-qPCR and Western bloting results indicated that the relative expression levels of RhoJ mRNA (4.48±1.29 vs. 1.01±0.17) and protein (1.22±0.03 vs. 0.51±0.20) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.01 for both). The results of the HUVECs validation experiment showed that the cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities of the pcDNA3.1-RhoJ group were significantly enhanced compared to the pcDNA3.1-NC group. Conclusion:Endothelial cells represent the dominant cell subpopulation during the occurrence and locally invasive progression of VMs, playing a crucial role in this process. The RhoJ gene is significant in regulating the biological behavior of VMs endothelial cells.
10.Effect of resveratrol on ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy
Wenqiu WANG ; Peng WANG ; Qing LU ; Feng HE ; Yanlin WANG ; Jianjuan KE
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2023;43(7):858-862
Objective:To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on ferropotosis in cardiomyocytes of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods:Thirty healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 22-26 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), diabetic cardiomyopathy group (group DCM) and resveratrol group (group RSV). Freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg·kg -1·d -1 was intraperitoneally injected for 5 consecutive days to develop the model of type 1 diabetes mellitus. After the model was successfully developed, resveratrol 25 mg·kg -1·d -1 was intragastrically given for 12 consecutive weeks in group RSV, while the equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide was given instead in group C and group DCM. Echocardiography was performed to examine the cardiac structure and function at the end of the 12th week. Then mice were sacrificed, and myocardial tissue specimens were harvested for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of myocardial tissues (by Hematologist-Eosin staining) and mitochondrial morphology of myocardial cells (with a transmission electron microscope) and for determination of the contents of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) (by colorimetry) and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group C, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were significantly increased, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening were decreased, the contents of iron and MDA were increased, the content of GSH was decreased, and the expression of GPX4 was down-regulated in group DCM ( P<0.05). Compared with group DCM, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were significantly decreased, the left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction were increased, the contents of iron and MDA were decreased, the content of GSH was increased, the expression of GPX4 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of myocardial tissues and changes in mitochondrial morphology of myocardial cells were significantly attenuated in group RSV. Conclusions:The mechanism by which resveratrol attenuates myocardial injury and further improves cardiac dysfunction is related to inhibition of ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

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