1.Clinical observation of mycophenolate mofetil combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive IgA nephropathy
Li SHEN ; Yao ZHANG ; Yaping XIAO ; Yuewu TANG ; Ni DU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):927-932
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS A total of 150 adult patients with high-risk progressive IgAN who attended the Department of Nephrology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, between August 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025 were enrolled in this study. The control group ( n =94) received MMF combined with glucocorticoid, while the observation group ( n =56) received MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules. The 24-hour urine protein (24 h UP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albumin (ALB) levels of patients in both groups were compared at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The complete response (CR) rate and overall response rate were calculated for both groups at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse reactions occurring during treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Compared with before treatment, 24 h UP decreased significantly in both groups at different time points after treatment ( P <0.05), and ALB increased significantly ( P <0.05). However, there was no significant change in eGFR ( P >0.05). The 24 h UP in the observation group at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P <0.05), while the ALB level was significan tly higher ( P <0.05). However, at 6 months after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in these two indicators between the two groups ( P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at different time points after treatment ( P >0.05). The overall response rates in the observation group at 1 and 2 months after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate at the remaining treatment time points and the CR rate at all time points between the two groups ( P >0.05). Patients in the observation group had significantly lower rates of skin abnormalities, elevated blood glucose, and overall adverse reactions compared with the control group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with MMF combined with glucocorticoids, MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules for the treatment of high-risk progressive IgAN patients can reduce proteinuria and improve serum ALB levels more quickly, significantly increase the early overall response rate, and significantly reduce glucocorticoid-related skin adverse reactions, blood glucose elevation, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions, demonstrating a better short-term benefits.
2.Genetic analysis and reproductive intervention for 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses.
Lilan SU ; Xiao HU ; Jing DAI ; Zhengxing WAN ; Duo YI ; Shuangfei LI ; Liang HU ; Yueqiu TAN ; Fei GONG ; Ge LIN ; Guangxiu LU ; Qianjun ZHANG ; Juan DU ; Wenbin HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):253-258
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology of 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) and provide genetic counseling and reproductive intervention.
METHODS:
Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were carried out on 87 patients from the 46 pedigrees to analyze the variants of EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Pathogenicity of the variants was assessed based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP). Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were provided for couples with identified pathogenic mutations. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: LL-SC-SG-2014-010).
RESULTS:
In total 17 and 22 pathogenic variants were respectively identified in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, among which 5 EXT1 and 12 EXT2 variants were unreported previously. Three patients with no family history were found to harbor de novo variants of the EXT1 gene. Twenty nine couples had opted for PGT or underwent prenatal diagnosis following natural conception, and 17 healthy babies were born.
CONCLUSION
This study has clarified the genetic etiology of 45 HME pedigrees and identified 17 novel variants, which has enriched the mutational spectrum of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Reproductive intervention through PGT and prenatal diagnosis have prevented the recurrence of HME in these families.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary/diagnosis*
;
N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Exostosin 1
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Testing
;
Exostosin 2
;
Mutation
;
China
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Pregnancy
;
Genetic Counseling
;
Preimplantation Diagnosis
;
Exome Sequencing
;
East Asian People
3.Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Diabetic Retinopathy: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Targets
Xiao-Yan ZHU ; Tao JIN ; Yu ZHANG ; Lu-Lu LIAN ; Wan-Li DU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1849-1866
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent and vision-threatening microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, yet its pathogenesis extends far beyond vascular injury alone. As the retina is among the most energy-demanding tissues in the body, its neurons, glial cells, pigment epithelial cells, pericytes, and endothelial cells are highly dependent on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to maintain visual signal transduction, ionic homeostasis, and neurovascular integrity. This review summarizes current evidence indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction is not merely a downstream consequence of chronic hyperglycemia, but a central pathogenic hub that initiates, amplifies, and perpetuates retinal neurovascular degeneration in DR. Persistent hyperglycemia activates multiple abnormal metabolic pathways, including the polyol pathway, hexosamine pathway, protein kinase C signaling, advanced glycation end-product formation, and angiotensin II-related responses. Although these pathways differ mechanistically, they converge on excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant depletion, and mitochondrial injury. Under diabetic stress, electron transport chain overload promotes mitochondrial ROS leakage, damages mitochondrial DNA, disrupts membrane potential, and impairs the transcription of key respiratory chain components. In parallel, mitochondrial quality-control systems become progressively compromised. The balance between fusion and fission shifts toward pathological fragmentation through reduced MFN1/2 and OPA1 activity and enhanced DRP1-mediated fission. Mitochondrial biogenesis is suppressed through inhibition of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, while mitophagy changes from an early compensatory response to a later state of autophagic flux blockade and accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Importantly, damaged mitochondria serve as signal amplifiers linking metabolic stress to inflammation and programmed cell death. Mitochondrial ROS, oxidized mitochondrial DNA, calcium overload, cardiolipin exposure, and membrane permeabilization activate interrelated death pathways, including intrinsic apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor promote caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis; iron dyshomeostasis, glutathione depletion, GPX4 dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation drive ferroptosis; and mitochondrial danger signals activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and gasdermin-dependent pyroptosis. These pathways jointly damage the retinal neurovascular unit and contribute to pericyte loss, endothelial barrier breakdown, Müller cell dysfunction, retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, retinal pigment epithelial injury, and photoreceptor degeneration. This review also emphasizes the role of epigenetic regulation in stabilizing mitochondrial pathology. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs interact to silence mitochondrial protective genes, alter antioxidant responses, and maintain the “metabolic memory” of DR even after glycemic normalization. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction should be understood as a dynamic, multidimensional network rather than a single pathological event. Current clinical approaches, such as laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, and vitrectomy, mainly target advanced vascular lesions and are limited by invasiveness, incomplete responsiveness, recurrence, and potential adverse effects. Therapeutically, strategies targeting mitochondrial ROS, restoring mitochondrial dynamics, enhancing biogenesis, regulating mitophagy, inhibiting inflammasome activation, correcting epigenetic abnormalities, and improving targeted delivery systems show promising potential. However, major translational barriers remain, including retinal cell heterogeneity, stage-specific mitochondrial responses, insufficient organelle-specific drug delivery, and long-term safety concerns. A deeper understanding of mitochondrial regulatory networks may support earlier, more precise, and multi-target interventions for preventing or slowing DR progression.
4.Carthamus tinctorius L.-derived nanovesicles alleviate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway
Guojun ZHANG ; Zhongpeng DU ; Lu WANG ; Junyu CHEN ; Huanjun RUAN ; Ye LUO ; Weili DUAN ; Shiyu CHEN ; Teng LI ; Xiao KE
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1416-1423
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Carthamus tinctorius L.-derived nanovesicles (CDNVs) can alleviate angiotensin Ⅱ (ANGⅡ)-induced cardiomyocyte (H9C2) hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsCDNVs were isolated and purified by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and their morphology and particle size distribution were identified by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the normal control group (NC), ANGⅡ (1.0 μmol/L) group, ANGⅡ+CDNVs group, and ANGⅡ+CDNVs+NF-κB activator 1 group. After 24 h of intervention, cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay, the expression of myocardial hypertrophy-related genes (ANP, BNP) was determined by qPCR, the relative cell area was measured by phalloidin staining, the expression of hypertrophy marker proteins and NF-κB pathway proteins (P-p65/p65, P-IκBα/IκBα) was examined by Western blot, and nuclear translocation of p65 was observed by immunofluorescence. Subsequently, NF-κB signaling pathway agonist activator 1 was added, and the expression of myocardial hypertrophy marker proteins and NF-κB pathway proteins was detected. ResultsCDNVs exhibited a typical round-like vesicle structure with an average particle size of 140.4 nm, which was consistent with the morphological characteristics of exosomes. ANGⅡ at concentrations of 0.1-1.0 μmol/L had no significant effect on cardiomyocyte viability. Compared with the NC group, ANGⅡ significantly upregulated the gene expression of ANP and BNP, increased the relative surface area of cardiomyocytes, elevated the levels of myocardial hypertrophy marker proteins and NF‑κB pathway proteins, and promoted the nuclear translocation of p65 (P<0.05). Following treatment with CDNVs, all the above indicators were markedly reduced in comparison with the ANGⅡ group (all P<0.05). However, all these experimental results were reversed after the addition of an NF‑κB agonist. ConclusionCDNVs alleviate ANGⅡ-induced H9C2 cell hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
6.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of imported dengue fever cases in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025
Yan MENG ; Yang YANG ; Xiao-xing YANG ; Jun-yong YANG ; Ruo-yi DU ; Li-na TIAN ; Ruo-xi LI ; Gui-yin LIN ; Xiao-li RUAN ; Jian-jun ZHANG ; Zhen-jiang XIN ; Li-li TIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):180-186
Objective We reviewed and analyzed the epidemiological data of 83 imported dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025, to delineate their epidemiological characteristics and guide the dengue fever prevention and control strategy in the future. Methods Data on dengue fever cases in Fengtai District from 2007 to 2025 were collected to identify the epidemic factors and characteristics using descriptive epidemiological method. Results All 83 dengue fever cases reported in this region over the past two decades have been imported from abroad or other domestic areas, with Southeast Asian countries being identified as the primary source of imported infections, accounting for 42 cases (50.60%), followed by 15 cases (18.07%) from Chinese provinces other than Beijing. The remaining import sources included 13 cases from South Asia,8 from African countries, and each from Oceania, South America, and Europe. Disease onset was found concentrated between May and November. The sex ratio (male-to-female) is 1.59:1. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 61 years old, with a median age of 36. The largest proportion of cases was observed among cadres and office workers (31 cases, 37.35%), followed by businessmen (13 cases, 15.67%), and householders or the unemployed (10 cases,12.05%). Travel visit was identified as the primary reason for their exposure history. Conclusions All dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai from 2007 to 2025 were imported, with an increasing trend of imported cases in Beijing originating from other Chinese provinces. It is essential to strengthen health education for foreign travelers and returning residents, enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment training for medical personnel, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and reduce mosquito density through active patriotic health campaigns.
8.Clinical characteristics of juvenile dermatomyositis in anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive patients and risk factors for severity: a national multicenter retrospective study
Huiyuan YANG ; Wanzhen GUAN ; Ling2 YANG ; Haimei LIU ; Xiaoqing3 LI ; Haiguo YU ; Meiping LU ; Jun YANG ; Xiaohui LIU ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jihong XIAO ; Xiaozhong LI ; Guomin LI ; Hong CHANG ; Sheng HAO ; Yue DU ; Daliang XU ; Ling WU ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinhui JIANG ; Shaohui ZHU ; Dongmei ZHAO ; Xuemei TANG ; Li SUN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1299-1305
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.
9.Clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants
Xiao LI ; Huan GONG ; Zheng CHEN ; Xianhe JIANG ; Zhibin LI ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Hao CHEN ; Jing GUAN ; Lina KONG ; Kaixian DU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1360-1365
Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants.Methods:A cases series study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 6 children with HUWE1 gene variants. The children were identified from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University between April 2021 and July 2023.The data included sex, age, dysmorphic features, intellectual and motor development, seizure history, neuroimaging findings, family history, and genetic results was analyzed.Results:A total of 6 children, including 5 boys and 1 girl. The age of onset ranged from 1 day to 3 years. All children presented with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with or without motor developmental delay. Dysmorphic features were observed in 4 children, including microcephaly in 3 children. Short stature were observed in 3 children. One child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and 1 child had seizures. Two boys had relevant maternal family histories of febrile seizures and mild intellectual disability, respectively. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were presented in 4 children, including cerebral dysplasia (1 child), prominent supratentorial ventricles (1 child), and mild white matter demyelination (2 children). Whole-exome sequencing identified 5 missense variants and 1 in-frame deletion variant. Five variants were novel and previously unreported (c.12290C>T, c.12701T>C, c.9875C>T, c.9641A>T and c.10313_10315del). The variants in 4 boys were maternally inherited, while the remaining 2 children had de novo variants. The child with the in-frame deletion variant (c.10313_10315del) presented with the most severe phenotype, exhibiting symptoms from 1 day of age, absent cognitive development, feeding difficulties, and congenital laryngeal chondrodysplasia. He was lost to follow-up at 3 months of age after treatment was withdrawn. The age at the last follow-up for the remaining 5 children ranged from 2 years and 10 months to 17 years. A boy with seizures died at 2 years and 10 months of age. The remaining 4 children were able to walk independently at the last follow-up, although their developmental progress was slow. Conclusions:HUWE1 gene related X-linked intellectual disability is characterized by varying degrees of developmental delay and intellectual disability, frequently accompanied by microcephaly, short stature, and occasionally by seizures and autism spectrum disorders. Missense variants are more common and the in-frame deletion variant appears to be associated with a particularly severe phenotypic presentation.
10.Study on transmission characteristics and genetic variation of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia based on whole genome sequencing
Jiachen LI ; Yanying CHEN ; Yanlei GE ; Jinrui HU ; Xiaoli DU ; Jinyue LIU ; Huan XING ; Pengfang GAO ; Xiao HAN ; Yuelong LI ; Yating TANG ; Juan LI ; Zhigang CUI ; Jinhui ZHANG ; Haijian ZHOU ; Aiying DONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(6):892-900
Objective:To analyze the short-term hospital-based transmission characteristics and gene variation of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) by genome-wide technique to provide evidence for transmission control. Methods:The experimental strain was derived from all the CRKP isolated in Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from October 2022 to December 2023. Strain identification and drug susceptibility were tested with VITEK 2-Compact automatic bacterial identification drug susceptibility analyzer or disk method, and the results were interpreted through whole genome sequencing. The ST type, carbapenem resistance gene, virulence factor, and O serotype of the collected strains were analyzed.Results:Among the 115 strains of CRKP, 94 strains were isolated from the intensive care unit (ICU), accounting for 81.7%, and 21 strains were isolated from the non-intensive care unit (NICU), accounting for 18.3%. The 115 strains of CRKP can be divided into 11 ST types, of which ST11 type was the most (54.8%, 63/115), followed by ST15 type (22.6%, 26/115) and ST5492 type (15.7%, 18/115). Type ST5492 was a new clonal group in the region. The 115 strains of CRKP could be divided into 7 O serotypes, most of which were O2a type(32.2%,37/115), followed by O5 type(30.4%,35/115) and O1 type(27.8%,32/115). The resistance genes of carbapenem antibiotics showed that there were 107 strains carrying the blaKPC-2 gene, one strain with the blaNDM-1 gene, and one strain with both the blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-13 genes. Virulence genes were detected in 55 CRKP strains (47.8%, 55/115), among which six strains detected peg-344, iucA, iroB, rmpA, and rmpA2 virulence genes (5.2%, 6/115). Four virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA, rmpA, and rmpA2) were detected in 34 strains (29.6%, 34/115). Three virulence genes ( iucA, iroB and rmpA) were detected in two strains (1.7%, 2/115). Three virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA and rmpA) were detected in one strain (0.8%, 1/115). IucA and rmpA virulence genes were detected in 12 strains (10.4%, 12/115). KPC-2_ST11_O2a, KPC-2_ST15_O1 and KPC-2_ST5492_O5 were dominant clones, and their distribution was mainly in the intensive care unit. The whole genome sequence analysis showed that there were three dominant clones, among which ST11 clones were subdivided into three dominant O serotypes, all of which were mainly in the intensive care unit. Conclusion:The popular strain in the hospital of CRKP is a KPC-2_ST11 clone group carrying iucA, rmpA/rmpA2, with cross-department transmission and mutation. ST5492 is a newly-launched clone type. The intensive care unit of hvKP carrying five virulence genes, including peg-344, should be alert to the epidemic risk of CR-hvKP outbreak.


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