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.Treatment and research status of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures
Long CHEN ; Xiaozhen WANG ; Jintao XI ; Qilin LU
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):890-893
With changes in lifestyle,the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures is increasing.These fractures are prone to being underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.In severe cases,they can lead to nonunion,kyphotic deformity,and even neurological injury.The best treatment plan for such unstable fractures has always been controversial.On the one hand,the fracture degree is severe and the morphology is complex,and there is no unified classification standard.On the other hand,the general condition and bone quality of the patients are poor,which affects the surgical decision.This article reviews the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic lumbar body blowout fractures.
3.Ultrasound combined with whole-exome sequencing for the diagnosis of fetal congenital chloride diarrhea: a case report
Longfei SHI ; Xiangdang LONG ; Sui YAO ; Qiongli WEN ; Gang ZHONG ; Xuan CHEN ; Yongfang XI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):74-76
This paper reported a case of fetal congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) indicated by prenatal ultrasound and confirmed by whole-exome sequencing. At 26 weeks and two days of gestation, a routine prenatal ultrasound revealed fetal bowel dilation and numerous floating echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid, suggesting the possibility of CCD. Multiple follow-up ultrasounds in late pregnancy showed persistent bowel dilation, polyhydramnios with numerous floating echogenic particles, and fetal development larger than the gestational age. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger validation revealed two compound heterozygous mutations in the fetal SLC26A3 gene: c.2006C>A (p.S669*) inherited from the mother and c.1355T>A (p.L452Q) inherited from the father, leading to a diagnosis of CCD. Postnatally, the infant exhibited persistent watery diarrhea. Based on prenatal ultrasound and diagnostic results, the infant was immediately given intravenous and oral electrolyte supplementation after birth, preventing severe electrolyte imbalance. As of June 2024, the infant was five months old, with follow-up showing good growth and development.
4.Effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in a rat model of preneoplastic breast cancer of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern via DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway
Hua YANG ; Jun-yao LONG ; Jie GONG ; Bing-bing LU ; Xi ZOU ; Yu-rong WU ; Li-fang LIU ; Hui LIU ; Qi-hua CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):774-781
AIM To investigate the effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in cancer tissues of rats with preneoplastic breast cancer(PBC).METHODS 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats and a model group of 50 rats for the establishment of the PBC models of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern with 9 weeks of oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)and cervical ligation.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into the model group,the tamoxifen group(3.2 mg/kg),the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(128 mg/kg),the 3,5-difluorobenzoyl group(DAPT,5 mg/kg),and the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets(128 mg/kg via gavage)+DAPT(5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection)group,for 1 month corresponding drug administration,with 10 rats in each group.Then the rats had their cancer progression and syndrome scores observed;their angiogenesis evaluated by assessment of microvascular density(MVD);their vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression assessed by immunohistochemistry;and their mRNA and protein expressions of proteins related to the DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway measured using RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS During carcinogenesis of rats induced by DMBA,there was gradual disappearance of E-cadherin expression and consistency of HE staining result with the PBC progression confirming the success of the modeling.Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group exhibited reduced MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).The Rutong Ruanjian Tablets+DAPT group showed reduced mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1 compared to the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Rutong Ruanjian Tablets can inhibit angiogenesis and attenuate cancer progression in PBC rats of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern,and the mechanism may lie in the downregulation of DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway related proteins.
5.Mechanism of action for the treatment of Cong Rong San in the Alzheimer's disease based on PERK-eIF20e-NF-κB signaling pathway
Xi WANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Yuan-qin CAI ; Zheng-yu WANG ; Xian-bing CHEN ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):80-87
Aim To explore the mechanism of Cong Rong San on AD model rats based on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Cong Rong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g·kg-1)and donepezil group,with 10 mice in each group.All groups of rats received bilateral hippocampal injections of Aβ1-42 to establish the AD model,except the normal group.After the intragastric administration,the Morris water maze behavior test was performed for rats to test-ed the learning and memory abilities.Nissl staining was detected the quantity and Nissl bodies of nerve cells.To detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by immu-nofluorescence.To observe the ultrastructure of endo-plasmic reticulum by Transmission electron microsco-py.ELISA for Aβ1-42 and inflammatory cytokines quantification.Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression level of protein in the hippocampus in PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The morris water maze results showed that Cong Rong San im-proved the escape latency time,increased the number of platform crossings,and prolonged the time spent in the target quadrant in AD rats.(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Nissl staining shows the neuronal cells are ar-ranged neatly,nucleus are present and the number of Nissl bodies was numerous and the number of neurons was increased in various doses of Cong Rong San.Im-munofluorescence showed that the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus of rats was decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The shape of endoplasmic reticulum was neat,no significantly expanded,and the structure was normal in various doses of Cong Rong San.The levels of Aβ1-42,IL-1,TNF-α and the ratio of p-PERK/PERK,p-eIF2α/eIF2α,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in hippo-campus of Cong Rong San group was significantly de-creased in ELISA and Western blot test(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Cong Rong San can alleviates the immune inflammatory response of neuronal cells in the ERS state for improve the learning and memory a-bility of AD rats,the mechanism of action may through restraint the activation of PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signa-ling pathway.
6.Design and application of intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions
Guang-hua CHEN ; Jin XU ; Xi-long FENG ; Yong GAO ; Pei-yun NI ; Hua ZHU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):33-38
Objective To design an intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions(ADRs)to solve the problems of the traditional ADR monitoring mode.Methods The ADR intelligent monitoring platform was designed based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies,which was developed with Browser/Server(B/S)architecture,C#programming language and.NET development tool.There were five functional modules involved in the platform for ADR knowledge base,monitoring rule setting,intelligent monitoring,report management and statistical analysis.Results The platform realized the full-process management of ADR intelligent monitoring,reporting,review and statistical analysis,which enhanced the ADR report in quantity,quality and timeliness.Conclusion The platform contributes to improving the monitoring of ADR and patient medication safety.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):33-38]
7.Design and application of intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions
Guang-hua CHEN ; Jin XU ; Xi-long FENG ; Yong GAO ; Pei-yun NI ; Hua ZHU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):33-38
Objective To design an intelligent monitoring platform for adverse drug reactions(ADRs)to solve the problems of the traditional ADR monitoring mode.Methods The ADR intelligent monitoring platform was designed based on artificial intelligence and big data technologies,which was developed with Browser/Server(B/S)architecture,C#programming language and.NET development tool.There were five functional modules involved in the platform for ADR knowledge base,monitoring rule setting,intelligent monitoring,report management and statistical analysis.Results The platform realized the full-process management of ADR intelligent monitoring,reporting,review and statistical analysis,which enhanced the ADR report in quantity,quality and timeliness.Conclusion The platform contributes to improving the monitoring of ADR and patient medication safety.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):33-38]
8.Changes in NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A and the predictive value of their combined detection for prognosis of patients with severe autoimmune encephalitis
Bo LONG ; Ting CHEN ; Zhi LI ; Haiyan OUYANG ; Xi ZHANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(11):807-812
Objective To analyze the changes of neutrophil-to-albumin ratio(NPAR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and interleukin-17A(IL-17A)in patients with severe autoimmune encephalitis(AE)and the predictive value of their combined detection for prognosis.Methods A total of 105 patients with severe AE admitted from May 2021 to April 2025 were selected as the severe group.During the same period,35 patients with mild-to-moderate AE and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in a 3:1:1 ratio as the mild-to-moderate group and control group respectively.The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A were compared among the three groups.Patients with severe AE were observed for one month.According to the prognosis of patients,they were divided into poor prognosis subgroup[modified Rankin scale(mRS)score≥3,n=31]and good prognosis subgroup(mRS score<3,n=74).The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A in the two groups were compared,to analyze the correlation between NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A levels and mRS score in patients with severe AE,and to evaluate the predictive value of combined detection of the four indicators for prognosis in these patients.Results The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A in mild-to-moderate group and severe group were higher than those in control group,which were higher in the severe group than in the mild-to-moderate group(P<0.05).The course of disease in the poor prognosis group was longer than that in the good prognosis group,and the proportion of patients with γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibody and the levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were higher than those in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Higher levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were all risk factors for poor prognosis of patients with severe AE(OR=2.445,4.319,2.502,1.791,P<0.05).The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were positively correlated with the mRS score of patients with severe AE(r=0.546,0.519,0.554,0.561,P<0.001).The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A detected in combination in predicting the prognosis of patients with severe AE was higher than that of the four indicators detected alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The changes in NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A levels in patients with AE were closely related to the severity and prognosis of the disease.In the meantime,higher levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were risk factors for poor prognosis,and the combined detection of the four indicators could effectively improve the predictive value for prognosis in patients with severe AE.
9.Clinical Study on Modified Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction Regulating Inflammatory Factors to Improve Chronic Kidney Disease with Depression
Kai-zhen WANG ; Hai-chen LI ; Fan LI ; Mei LONG ; Liang CHEN ; Yue-xi JIANG ; Min TANG ; Yue QIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3228-3237
Objective:To screen inflammatory markers that can be used for the diagnosis and intervention evaluation of patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)with depression,and to systematically study the therapeutic effect and safety of modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction in patients with CKD with depression.Methods:This study was a prospective study,a total of 120 patients with CKD who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Nephrology,Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to October 2024 were included.They were divided into CKD with depression(CKD-D)group and CKD without depression(CKD-N)group according to the diagnostic criteria by random number table method.The results of routine laboratory tests were collected,and the severity of depressive disorder was evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17(HAMD-17).The levels of interleukin-18(IL-18),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),β-thromboglobulin(β-TG),platlet factor-4(PF-4),eosinophil chemotactic factor(Eotaxin),soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2(sTNFR-2)and CD40 ligand(CD40L)in serum were quantitatively evaluated by liquid chip technology.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between HAMD-17 scores and inflammatory markers with statistical differences in CKD patients with depression at different stages.The patients in CKD-D group were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was given basic treatment of CKD,while the treatment group was treated with modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction on the basis of the control group.After 8 weeks of continuous intervention,the clinical effective rate,the changes of effective inflammatory markers and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:In the CKD-D group and the CKD-N group,the difference of HAMD-17 score,serum phosphorus(P),serum creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),albumin(ALB),serum iron(Fe3+),C-reactive protein(CRP),IL-18,IFN-γ,sTNFR-2 indicators were statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that in addition to HAMD-17 score(OR=1.259,P=0.006),SCr(OR=1.748,P=0.003),eGFR(OR=1.354,P=0.005),serum IL-18(OR=0.924,P=0.011)and IFN-γ(OR=0.859,P=0.031)levels were also independent influencing factors for CKD patients with depression.Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between HAMD-17 score and IL-18,IFN-γ,sTNFR-2 and CD40L.The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group,and the serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05),and no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:IL-18 and IFN-γ can be used as effective serum markers for the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders in CKD patients.At the same time,the changes of serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ can be used to evaluate the severity of symptoms in CKD patients with depression at different stages to a certain extent.Modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction may improve CKD combined with depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients by down-regulating the level of inflammatory factors.
10.Changes in NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A and the predictive value of their combined detection for prognosis of patients with severe autoimmune encephalitis
Bo LONG ; Ting CHEN ; Zhi LI ; Haiyan OUYANG ; Xi ZHANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(11):807-812
Objective To analyze the changes of neutrophil-to-albumin ratio(NPAR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and interleukin-17A(IL-17A)in patients with severe autoimmune encephalitis(AE)and the predictive value of their combined detection for prognosis.Methods A total of 105 patients with severe AE admitted from May 2021 to April 2025 were selected as the severe group.During the same period,35 patients with mild-to-moderate AE and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in a 3:1:1 ratio as the mild-to-moderate group and control group respectively.The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A were compared among the three groups.Patients with severe AE were observed for one month.According to the prognosis of patients,they were divided into poor prognosis subgroup[modified Rankin scale(mRS)score≥3,n=31]and good prognosis subgroup(mRS score<3,n=74).The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A in the two groups were compared,to analyze the correlation between NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A levels and mRS score in patients with severe AE,and to evaluate the predictive value of combined detection of the four indicators for prognosis in these patients.Results The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A in mild-to-moderate group and severe group were higher than those in control group,which were higher in the severe group than in the mild-to-moderate group(P<0.05).The course of disease in the poor prognosis group was longer than that in the good prognosis group,and the proportion of patients with γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibody and the levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were higher than those in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Higher levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were all risk factors for poor prognosis of patients with severe AE(OR=2.445,4.319,2.502,1.791,P<0.05).The levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were positively correlated with the mRS score of patients with severe AE(r=0.546,0.519,0.554,0.561,P<0.001).The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)of NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A detected in combination in predicting the prognosis of patients with severe AE was higher than that of the four indicators detected alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The changes in NPAR,MLR,NLR and IL-17A levels in patients with AE were closely related to the severity and prognosis of the disease.In the meantime,higher levels of NPAR,MLR,NLR and serum IL-17A were risk factors for poor prognosis,and the combined detection of the four indicators could effectively improve the predictive value for prognosis in patients with severe AE.

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