1.Study on the molecular mechanisms by which gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes the development of cholangiocarcinoma through immunometabolic reprogramming
FANG Chen ; KE Xi△ ; SHI Lijuan
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):429-438
[摘 要] 目的:通过多组学整合分析,解析肠道菌群在胆管癌(CCA)发生发展中的潜在作用机制并识别相关关键基因。方法:基于SRA数据库的16S rRNA测序数据,比较CCA患者与健康对照者的肠道菌群组成;采用孟德尔随机化(MR)分析评估菌群与CCA风险的遗传关联。通过gutMGene和GeneCards数据库获取相关代谢物与基因,进行代谢和功能富集分析。整合GEO单细胞转录组数据(GSE213452),解析肿瘤微环境的细胞组成,重点关注T细胞亚群及其功能状态,并结合TCGA-CHOL数据集验证关键候选基因的表达差异。结果:与健康对照组相比,CCA患者肠道菌群组成发生显著改变,变形菌门下菌群异常富集(LDA > 4)。MR分析进一步证实,肠杆菌目与肠杆菌科的遗传易感性均与CCA风险呈正向关联。代谢通路富集分析提示,菌群相关代谢物主要参与嘌呤代谢及糖酵解/糖异生等通路;功能富集分析显示,相关基因显著富集于NOD样受体、IL-17、Toll样受体及NF-κB信号通路等炎症免疫通路。单细胞转录组分析结果显示,CCA组织中肿瘤细胞比例显著升高(P < 0.05),T细胞比例由20.7%增至39.2%;拟时序分析结果表明,MKI67⁺ T细胞处于分化末期并呈高增殖特征,其差异基因与菌群相关基因存在交集,其中SERPINA1和IFNG表达在肿瘤免疫微环境中显著变化(P < 0.001),可能发挥核心调控作用。TCGA-CHOL数据集验证显示,SERPINA1在CCA肿瘤组织中显著下调(P < 0.001),而IFNG在肿瘤与正常组织间无显著差异(P > 0.05)。结论:肠道菌群失衡(尤其是肠杆菌科异常增殖)可能通过代谢-免疫调控网络促进CCA进展,T细胞功能变化与关键基因(SERPINA1和IFNG)在MKI67+ T细胞中的差异化表达模式密切相关。
2.Relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Lei CAO ; Fang GAO ; Jing HAO ; Lei GUO ; Yingjuan LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):123-127
Objective To explore the relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to analyze the related influencing factors. Methods A total of 310 patients with COPD who were admitted to Air Force Military Medical University Tangdu Hospital from June 2022 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on intestinal flora status, the enrolled patients were classified into imbalance group (n=83) and non-imbalance group (n=227). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the independent related factors of intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients. Based on the above factors, a prediction model was constructed, and ROC curve analysis model was applied to analyze the predictive value of the model on intestinal flora imbalance. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, IL-6, albumin, pulmonary function, long-term bed rest and long-term use of antibiotics were related to intestinal flora imbalance in COPD patients (all P<0.05). ROC results of the Logistic prediction model showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and 95%CI were 0.961, 0.880, 0.996 and 0.932-0.989 respectively. Conclusion The intestinal flora imbalance in patients with COPD is closely related to lung function, age, inflammatory status, nutritional indicators, activity ability and antibiotic use.
3.Effects of miR-204-3p inhibitor on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced alveolar epithelial cells
Fang CHEN ; Jing YU ; Wenxuan HU ; Yangyang PI ; Xi ZHANG ; Luning WANG ; Ping ZHAO ; Faxuan WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):622-629
Background The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and microRNAs (miRNA) may be involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis. Objective To investigate the effect of miR-204-3p inhibitor on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide dust-induced alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A co-culture model of macrophages and epithelial cells was established using a Transwell chamber. NR8383 macrophages were seeded into the upper chamber of the Transwell, and RLE-6TN cells were seeded into the lower chamber. After 24 h of culture, the medium in the lower chamber was discarded, washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and replaced with serum-free medium. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, silicosis group, miRNA NC group, and miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chamber was transfected with miRNA NC for the miRNA NC group or the miR-204-3p inhibitor for the miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chambers of the remaining two groups were added by equal amounts of serum-free medium. After 24 h, except for the control group that received an equal volume of serum-free medium, the upper chambers of the remaining three groups were treated with 800 μg·mL−1 silicon dioxide dust. Morphological changes in each group were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related factors, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin, were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin, were also assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The fluorescence expression intensities of α-SMA, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results The morphological observation revealed that RLE-6TN cells in the control group exhibited a regular oval shape. After treatment with silicon dioxide, the cells predominantly displayed a long spindle shape. Following the intervention with the miR-204-3p inhibitor, the number of long spindle-shaped cells increased, and the intercellular gaps widened. The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group exhibited significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of EMT-related markers (α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin) (P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression level of E-Cadherin was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related markers (Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin) were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), decreased E-Cadherin mPNA expression (P<0.05), and elevated mPNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The Western blot analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group had significantly higher protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), lower E-Cadherin protein expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited significantly elevated protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), reduced E-Cadherin expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group showed enhanced fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and reduced fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited increased fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and decreased fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Conclusion The miR-204-3p inhibitor may exacerbate the EMT process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-204-3p plays a negative regulatory role in silicosis fibrosis.
4.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
5.Improvements in automatic diagnosis methods for knee osteoarthritis based on deep learning
Ying FANG ; Yanwei ZHANG ; Xi LI ; Peidong YAN ; Miao BI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7511-7518
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that significantly impacts patients'quality of life and increases the societal healthcare burden.Early and accurate diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is crucial for the treatment and prognosis of patients.Traditional diagnostic methods are not only subjective and time-consuming but also do not guarantee consistently high accuracy.OBJECTIVE:To develop an automatic diagnostic method for knee osteoarthritis based on deep learning,utilizing deep learning networks to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.METHODS:A new network model,YOLOV8-ViT,was proposed by replacing the backbone network of YOLOv8n with the Efficient-ViT network and incorporating attention mechanisms for the automatic identification and classification of X-ray images of knee osteoarthritis.The experimental dataset included 5 078 X-ray images of patients with knee osteoarthritis obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.Three imaging physicians annotated the sites of knee osteoarthritis and classified them according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading standard using Labelme software,and the results were combined.The evaluation indicators used in this study included Precision,F1 score,mean average precision(mAP),Recall,val/box_loss,val/cls_loss,and val/dfl_loss.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The experimental results showed that the YOLOV8-ViT model outperformed the YOLOv5n,YOLOv8n,and YOLOv9n models in terms of precision,mAP50,mAP50-95,F1 score,and Recall,while lowering val/box_loss,val/cls_loss,and val/dfl_loss by 0.496,0.45,and 0.523;1.037,0.305,and 0.728;and 0.267,0.654,and 0.854,respectively.These experimental data validate that this model has high detection accuracy.
6.miR-204-3p affects silica dust-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in a rat silicosis model
Jing YU ; Fang CHEN ; Wenxuan HU ; Yangyang PI ; Xi ZHANG ; Luning WANG ; Ping ZHAO ; Faxuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):40-47
Objective To explore the role of miR-204-3p in silicosis and to elucidate the mechanism by which it affects silicosis fibers by regulating silica dust-induced alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in rats.Methods Forty SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups:Control,Silicosis,AAV-Control,and AAV-miR-204-3p groups.The pathology of lung tissue damage was detected by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Relative expression levels of miR-204-3p and EMT marker genes in lung tissues from rats in each group were analyzed by real-time fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),and protein expression levels of EMT-related markers in lung tissues were detected by Western blot.Results The alveolar structure was damaged,the lung septa showed interstitial fibrosis,and expression levels of mesenchymal markers were elevated in the Silicosis group compared with the Control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).The alveolar structure was more complete,the EMT process was alleviated,fibrosis was improved,and mesenchymal marker expression was reduced in the AAV-miR-204-3p group compared with the AAV-Control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusions Free silica dust induces EMT in rat lung tissue.Overexpression of miR-204-3p can attenuate the EMT process induced by free silica dust in rats,and may thus affect silicosis fibrosis.
7.Improvements in automatic diagnosis methods for knee osteoarthritis based on deep learning
Ying FANG ; Yanwei ZHANG ; Xi LI ; Peidong YAN ; Miao BI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7511-7518
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that significantly impacts patients'quality of life and increases the societal healthcare burden.Early and accurate diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is crucial for the treatment and prognosis of patients.Traditional diagnostic methods are not only subjective and time-consuming but also do not guarantee consistently high accuracy.OBJECTIVE:To develop an automatic diagnostic method for knee osteoarthritis based on deep learning,utilizing deep learning networks to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.METHODS:A new network model,YOLOV8-ViT,was proposed by replacing the backbone network of YOLOv8n with the Efficient-ViT network and incorporating attention mechanisms for the automatic identification and classification of X-ray images of knee osteoarthritis.The experimental dataset included 5 078 X-ray images of patients with knee osteoarthritis obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.Three imaging physicians annotated the sites of knee osteoarthritis and classified them according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading standard using Labelme software,and the results were combined.The evaluation indicators used in this study included Precision,F1 score,mean average precision(mAP),Recall,val/box_loss,val/cls_loss,and val/dfl_loss.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The experimental results showed that the YOLOV8-ViT model outperformed the YOLOv5n,YOLOv8n,and YOLOv9n models in terms of precision,mAP50,mAP50-95,F1 score,and Recall,while lowering val/box_loss,val/cls_loss,and val/dfl_loss by 0.496,0.45,and 0.523;1.037,0.305,and 0.728;and 0.267,0.654,and 0.854,respectively.These experimental data validate that this model has high detection accuracy.
8.miR-204-3p affects silica dust-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in a rat silicosis model
Jing YU ; Fang CHEN ; Wenxuan HU ; Yangyang PI ; Xi ZHANG ; Luning WANG ; Ping ZHAO ; Faxuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):40-47
Objective To explore the role of miR-204-3p in silicosis and to elucidate the mechanism by which it affects silicosis fibers by regulating silica dust-induced alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in rats.Methods Forty SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups:Control,Silicosis,AAV-Control,and AAV-miR-204-3p groups.The pathology of lung tissue damage was detected by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Relative expression levels of miR-204-3p and EMT marker genes in lung tissues from rats in each group were analyzed by real-time fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),and protein expression levels of EMT-related markers in lung tissues were detected by Western blot.Results The alveolar structure was damaged,the lung septa showed interstitial fibrosis,and expression levels of mesenchymal markers were elevated in the Silicosis group compared with the Control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).The alveolar structure was more complete,the EMT process was alleviated,fibrosis was improved,and mesenchymal marker expression was reduced in the AAV-miR-204-3p group compared with the AAV-Control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusions Free silica dust induces EMT in rat lung tissue.Overexpression of miR-204-3p can attenuate the EMT process induced by free silica dust in rats,and may thus affect silicosis fibrosis.
9.Molecular mechanisms and prospects for disease treatment of ciliogenesis and autophagy
Hao-liang HU ; Jin WANG ; Jia-yan LIU ; Shi-fang HUANG ; Yu-ting LI ; Zhe CHEN ; Lin-xi CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):631-637
Cilia,as cellular sensory organelles,actively partici-pate in and regulate cellular processes such as autophagy and metabolic breakdown during their generation and transportation.Autophagy,on the other hand,is a cell self-protection mecha-nism that maintains cellular homeostasis by clearing aggregates and damaged organelles.Combining recent research findings,this review comprehensively elucidates the bidirectional crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy.Specifically,it highlights the crucial role of cilia-dependent signaling pathways in activa-ting cellular autophagy and how autophagy regulates cilia genera-tion and length by degrading specific ciliary proteins.Moreover,the dysregulation of primary cilia and autophagy is closely asso-ciated with the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of vari-ous ciliopathy-related diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis.In terms of pharmacotherapy,this review provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of small mole-cule inhibitors targeting ciliogenesis,including cytoskeletal drugs and Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors.Despite the current limitations in clinical use,these drugs lay the groundw-ork for developing highly specific targeted small molecule inhibi-tors of ciliogenesis and for the treatment of ciliopathies and canc-ers.By systematically discussing ciliogenesis,autophagy,disea-ses and drugs,this review offers new insights for further elucida-ting the crosstalk between ciliogenesis and autophagy,exploring their pathological mechanisms in disease development,and de-veloping therapeutic strategies in the future.
10.Effects of Xuesaitong Capsules(Panax notoginseng saponins)on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model of skin frostbite
Cheng QIN ; Xiang-yi KONG ; Chen-xi LIAO ; Run-li LI ; Fang WANG ; Xue-song YANG ; Jian-zhou YE
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):430-437
AIM To investigate the effects of Xuesaitong Capsules(Panax notoginseng saponins)on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model of skin frostbite.METHODS The mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(1 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Xuesaitong Capsules groups(0.036,0.072,and 0.144 g/kg),with eight mice in each group.A frostbite model was established using a dry ice-cooled ceramic(ferrite)magnet.On the 2nd day after modeling,each group started its corresponding dosing by gavage for 14 consecutive days.The wound healing,histopathological changes,and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),thromboxane B2(TXB2),6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-K-PGF1α),nitric oxide(NO)and endothelin(ET)were assessed using ELISA.The superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in skin tissues were measured biochemically.The protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,Toll-like receptor(TLR)4 and phosphorylated nuclear factor-KB p65(p-NF-κB p65)in skin tissues were determined by Western blot.Additionally,LncRNA H19 mRNA expression in skin tissues was evaluated using RT-qPCR.RESULTS After the final administration,compared with the control group,the model group exhibited partial scab detachment,wound healing,and larger wound areas;hyperkeratosis with incomplete keratinization,detachment of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue,partial loss of appendages,subcutaneous edema,and dilated,congested,and hemorrhagic stromal vessels with extensive lymphocyte infiltration revealed by the histopathological examination;elevated serum levels of hs-CRP,TXB2,and ET(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased 6-K-PGF1α and NO levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced SOD activity in skin tissues(P<0.01);increased MDA levels(P<0.01);and upregulated protein expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65,as well as LncRNA H19 mRNA expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the group intervened with high-dose Xuesaitong Capsules displayed reduced wound areas(P<0.01);decreased serum levels of hs-CRP,TXB2 and ET(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased 6-K-PGF1α and NO levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);enhanced SOD activity(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced MDA level in skin tissues(P<0.05,P<0.01);and down-regulated TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 protein expressions and suppressed LncRNA H19 mRNA expression in skin tissues as well(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Xuesaitong Capsules alleviate ischemia/reperfusion injury in frostbite-injured mice by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti oxidative stress effects and restoring vascular endothelial function mediated by the downregulation of LncRNA H19 expression and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.


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