1.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
2.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
3.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
4.The constituent elements, experiences, and popularization significance of the palliative care model of integrated elderly care and medical services
Zehuan HUANG ; Mengdong XIN ; Lidan QI ; Long ZHAO ; Minyu WANG ; Lu QIN ; Zhenhua LU ; Zhao LI ; Yue HE ; Xi ZENG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):914-923
Under the trend of increasing aging, integrated elderly care and medical services is an important measure to optimize the supply of elderly care services and promote the good death of the elderly. Using the cooperative production theory and the classical grounded theory, a qualitative analysis was conducted on 38 cases of elderly palliative care and 25 cases of hospital-based palliative care under the integrated elderly care and medical services model from a hospital in Nanning City using Nvivo 20.0 software. This paper found that the integrated elderly care and medical services mode emphasized the deep integration of medical and elderly care services by integrating resources and improving service efficiency, to achieve the basic experience of comprehensive health care for the elderly. The promotion of these experiences has a positive significance for building a multi-agent cooperative production system, strengthening personnel training, perfecting the performance distribution mechanism, and further promoting the development of the national palliative care pilot.
5.Association between PM 2.5 Chemical Constituents and Preterm Birth: The Undeniable Role of Preconception H19 Gene Variation.
Ya Long WANG ; Pan Pan SUN ; Xin Ying WANG ; Jun Xi ZHANG ; Xiang Yu YU ; Jian CHAI ; Ruo DU ; Wen Yi LIU ; Fang Fang YU ; Yue BA ; Guo Yu ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1016-1022
6.(Meta)transcriptomic Insights into the Role of Ticks in Poxvirus Evolution and Transmission: A Multicontinental Analysis.
Yu Xi WANG ; Jing Jing HU ; Jing Jing HOU ; Xiao Jie YUAN ; Wei Jie CHEN ; Yan Jiao LI ; Qi le GAO ; Yue PAN ; Shui Ping LU ; Qi CHEN ; Si Ru HU ; Zhong Jun SHAO ; Cheng Long XIONG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1058-1070
OBJECTIVE:
Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.
METHODS:
Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences.
RESULTS:
Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals
;
Poxviridae/physiology*
;
Ticks/virology*
;
Phylogeny
;
Transcriptome
;
Evolution, Molecular
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Poxviridae Infections/virology*
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Genome, Viral
7.Investigation and analysis of hearing impaired children's ability to use hearing equipment
Shuang LIANG ; Qingqing LIU ; Huimin TAN ; Nan ZHAO ; Xi CHEN ; Wenjing SHI ; Yanfang MA ; Wei BAO ; Xingcheng WANG ; Jin LI ; Liping SHI ; Jiang LONG
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(4):359-362
Objective To investigate the status of hearing impaired children's hearing device independence skills,and to explore the ways to improve their self-use of hearing equipment.Methods This study surveyed 64 re-habilitation teachers and 411 parents of children with hearing impairment aged 0-12 years.Through face-to-face or remote telephone interview,3 good habits(A asking parents for advice before removing the HA,B putting the de-vice into a moisture-proof box after removing it,C bringing batteries to school and knowing where are them)and 3 key abilities[D wearing the device independently,E replacing the battery independently,and F independently handle foreign bodies in the ear mold(Fa)and water vapor(Fb)]was investigated.The age when mastering skills or de-veloping habits difference of hearing impaired children in different groups were compared.Results ① The ratio of ability D in the bilateral CI group and the bilateral HA group of preschool children was 30.97%and 18.57%respec-tively.Among elementary school children,85.29%and 90.70%had this ability respectively.② The ratio of ability E in the bilateral CI group,the bilateral HA group and the bimodel group were 11.50%,15.71%and 16.49%,re-spectively.Among elementary school children,64.71%,53.49%and 68.52%had this ability,respectively.③Among preschool children,there was no statistical difference in age when different equipment groups developed the three good habits and acquired ability D and E(P>0.05).④ Among primary school children,there was a statisti-cal difference in the age when different equipment groups formed habit A(P<0.05),and the age when double CI group had this ability was slightly earlier than the double HA group.There was no significant difference in other abilities among age groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The age at which hearing impaired children develop the three good habits precedes the age at which they master the key skills,which accords with the law of skill acquisition and development of ordinary children.Corresponding teaching process should be based on the age and ability of hearing-impaired children without considering the type of equipment.
8.Research on In-Situ Extractive Ionization for Original Ecological Samples and Its Miniature Device
Xiao-Feng DONG ; Feng LIU ; You-Han XUE ; Xi-De YE ; Shuang-Long WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):749-757
Current ambient mass spectrometry ionization often requires external auxiliary equipment such as high-voltage power supply,gas cylinder,and syringe pump.Moreover,the process of sample preparation is cumbersome,and the experimental operations are complex,which makes it difficult to adapt to real-time on-site detection.In this work,a novel method was proposed,in which direct sampling of raw samples,online extraction of interest analytes,and ionization of target molecules were integrated into a single unit.With the developed method,the in-situ extraction and nano-electrospray ionization for both liquid and solid raw samples were achieved.Also,a handheld ion source and its pose adjustment device were developed,and the position and angle parameters were subsequently optimized.The performance of the ionization device was tested using standard solutions of caffeine and reserpine.The limits of detection(LODs)were 0.08 μg/L and 0.14 μg/L,with relative standard deviations(RSDs)≤3.7% and≤5.6%,respectively,indicating that the device possessed high sensitivity and stability.Using this device,three different concentrations of reserpine standard solutions were continuously tested for five days.The intra-day RSDs were consistently≤4.7% and the inter-day RSDs were all≤10.3%,showing the good working stability of the device.Without any pretreatment,a rapid qualitative detection of medicinal components including astragaloside II and cycloastragenol in five traditional Chinese medicines was carried out,with RSDs≤8.0% and≤7.1%,respectively.Additionally,rapid qualitative detection of gallic acid,a medicinal component,in white peony roots,and hypaphorine as well as quercetin in cowherb seeds were carried out,with RSDs≤7.0%,≤6.4% and≤6.1%,respectively.These results demonstrated that the ionization technology and device exhibited good stability during qualitative detection of raw samples.
9.Association between dietary behavior and type 2 diabetes in the older adults aged 65 years and over in 18 longevity areas of China
Xuehua HU ; Yue CHEN ; Zenghang ZHANG ; Chen CHEN ; Yingli QU ; Xi MENG ; Jun WANG ; Zinan XU ; Zheng LI ; Sixin LIU ; Wenhui SHI ; Zhanhong XUE ; Fanye LONG ; Xiaoming SHI ; Yuebin LYU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):588-596
Objective:To explore the impact of plant and animal dietary behaviors on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults aged ≥65 in 18 longevity areas of China.Methods:The subjects were 5 223 older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) in 18 longevity areas in China. Through a questionnaire survey and physical examination, information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, daily activities, self-health status, current diseases, and fasting venous blood were collected. Food Frequency and Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect data on food intake frequency. Based on the prior method, the plant-based diet index (PDI) and animal-based diet index (ADI) of 5 223 older adults were calculated. Subjects were divided into three groups (low-level group: PDI<39 or ADI<31, middle-level group: 39≤PDI≤42 or 31≤ADI≤34, high-level group: PDI>42 or ADI>34) by tertiles of PDI and ADI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PDI and ADI and the risk of T2DM.Results:The average age of 5 223 subjects was (84.8±11.5) years, with the median ( Q1, Q3) of PDI about 41(38, 43) and the median ( Q1, Q3) of ADI about 33 (30, 35). The prevalence rate of T2DM was 16.41% (857/5 223). After adjusting for covariates, multivariate logistic regression showed that PDI was negatively associated with T2DM. Compared with the low-level group, the OR (95% CI) for T2DM in the high-level group was 0.83 (0.69-0.99). ADI was positively associated with T2DM, and compared with the low-level group, the OR (95% CI) for T2DM in the high-level group was 1.28 (1.06-1.55). For every one-point increase in PDI and ADI, the risk of T2DM decreased by 2% and increased by 3%, respectively, with the OR (95% CI) of 0.98 (0.96-1.00) and 1.03 (1.01-1.06), respectively. Conclusion:In Chinese older adults ≥65 years in 18 longevity areas, higher adherence to the plant-based behavior may be negatively associated with the risk of T2DM, while higher adherence to the animal-based behavior may be positively associated with the risk of T2DM.
10.Effects of Congrong San on neuronal apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase3 signaling pathway in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease
Yuan-qin CAI ; Yang XIANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Xi WANG ; Jing-fan ZHANG ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1122-1128
AIM To investigate the effects of Congrong San on neuronal apoptosis and the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase3 signaling pathway in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease(AD).METHODS A total of 60 2-month-old SD male rats were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the memantine hydrochloride group(0.025 g/kg)and low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Congrong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g/kg).All groups except the control group received stereotactic intracerebral injection of Aβ1-42 to establish AD models.Following the successful modeling,each group received its corresponding intragastric administration once daily for 28 consecutive days.After the administration,the rats had their learning and memory ability detected by the morris water maze test;their hippocampal neuronal morphology observed with HE and Nissl staining;their hippocampal neuronal apoptosis observed with TUNEL staining;and their hippocampal expressions of amyloid precursor protein(APP),β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1),and apoptosis-related proteins Bax,Bcl-2 and Caspase3 detected with Western blot assay.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with medium-dose and high-dose Congrong San exhibited improved learning and memory performance,alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage,increased Nissl body count(P<0.01),reduced hippocampal apoptosis rate(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased protein expressions of APP,BACE1,Bax and cleaved-Caspase3/Caspase3 ratio(P<0.05,P<0.01),and elevated Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Congrong San mitigates cognitive impairment,hippocampal neuronal damage,and apoptosis in AD rats,probably through inhibition of the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase3 signaling pathway activation.

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