1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.Role of SPINK in Dermatologic Diseases and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Yong-Hang XIA ; Hao DENG ; Li-Ling HU ; Wei LIU ; Xiao TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):417-424
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type (SPINK) is a skin keratinizing protease inhibitor, which was initially found in animal serum and is widely present in plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses, and they act as key regulators of skin keratinizing proteases and are involved in the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation, primarily through the inhibition of deregulated tissue kinin-releasing enzymes (KLKs) in skin response. This process plays a crucial role in alleviating various skin problems caused by hyperkeratinization and inflammation, and can greatly improve the overall condition of the skin. Specifically, the different members of the SPINK family, such as SPINK5, SPINK6, SPINK7, and SPINK9, each have unique biological functions and mechanisms of action. The existence of these members demonstrates the diversity and complexity of skin health and disease. First, SPINK5 mutations are closely associated with the development of various skin diseases, such as Netherton’s syndrome and atopic dermatitis, and SPINK5 is able to inhibit the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively preventing the metastasis of melanoma cells, which is important in preventing the invasion and migration of malignant tumors. Secondly, SPINK6 is mainly distributed in the epidermis and contains lysine and glutamate residues, which can act as a substrate for epidermal transglutaminase to maintain the normal structure and function of the skin. In addition, SPINK6 can activate the intracellular ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways through the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and protease receptor-2 (EphA2), which can promote the migration of melanoma cells, and SPINK6 further deepens its role in stimulating the migration of malignant tumor cells by inhibiting the activation of STAT3 signaling pathway. This process further deepens its potential impact in stimulating tumor invasive migration. Furthermore, SPINK7 plays a role in the pathology of some inflammatory skin diseases, and is likely to be an important factor contributing to the exacerbation of skin diseases by promoting aberrant proliferation of keratinocytes and local inflammatory responses. Finally, SPINK9 can induce cell migration and promote skin wound healing by activating purinergic receptor 2 (P2R) to induce phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor and further activating the downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In addition, SPINK9 also plays an antimicrobial role, preventing the interference of some pathogenic microorganisms. Taken as a whole, some members of the SPINK family may be potential targets for the treatment of dermatological disorders by regulating multiple biological processes such as keratinization metabolism and immuno-inflammatory processes in the skin. The development of drugs such as small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies has great potential for the treatment of dermatologic diseases, and future research on SPINK will help to gain a deeper understanding of the physiopathologic processes of the skin. Through its functions and regulatory mechanisms, the formation and maintenance of the skin barrier and the occurrence and development of inflammatory responses can be better understood, which will provide novel ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.
3.Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Bin YANG ; Chao WEI ; Yu-Cong ZHANG ; De-Lin MA ; Jian BAI ; Zhuo LIU ; Xia-Ming LIU ; Ji-Hong LIU ; Xiao-Yi YUAN ; Wei-Min YAO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):239-244
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans
;
Male
;
Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology*
;
Diet
;
Diet, Fat-Restricted
;
Feeding Behavior
;
Penile Erection/physiology*
;
Diet, Vegetarian
4.Avatrombopag for platelet engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: a retrospective clinical study.
Xin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan REN ; Xia CHEN ; Chao-Qian JIANG ; Ran-Ran ZHANG ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Li-Peng LIU ; Yu-Mei CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Yao ZOU ; Fang LIU ; Xiao-Juan CHEN ; Wen-Yu YANG ; Xiao-Fan ZHU ; Ye GUO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1233-1239
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of avatrombopag in promoting platelet engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children, compared with recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 53 pediatric patients who underwent allo-HSCT at the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from April 2023 to August 2024. Based on medications used during the periengraftment period, patients were divided into two groups: the avatrombopag group (n=15) and the rhTPO group (n=38).
RESULTS:
At days 14, 30, and 60 post-transplant, platelet engraftment was achieved in 20% (3/15), 60% (9/15), and 93% (14/15) of patients in the avatrombopag group, and in 39% (15/38), 82% (31/38), and 97% (37/38) in the rhTPO group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in platelet engraftment rates at each time point, cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment, overall survival, and relapse-free survival (all P>0.05). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that acute graft-versus-host disease was an independent risk factor for delayed platelet engraftment (P=0.043).
CONCLUSIONS
In children undergoing allo-HSCT, avatrombopag effectively promotes platelet engraftment, with efficacy and safety comparable to rhTPO, and represents a viable therapeutic option.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Adolescent
;
Transplantation, Homologous
;
Blood Platelets/drug effects*
;
Thiazoles/therapeutic use*
;
Thrombopoietin/therapeutic use*
;
Thiophenes
5.Thiotepa-containing conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with inborn errors of immunity: a retrospective clinical analysis.
Xiao-Jun WU ; Xia-Wei HAN ; Kai-Mei WANG ; Shao-Fen LIN ; Li-Ping QUE ; Xin-Yu LI ; Dian-Dian LIU ; Jian-Pei FANG ; Ke HUANG ; Hong-Gui XU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1240-1246
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thiotepa (TT)-containing conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with inborn errors of immunity (IEI).
METHODS:
Clinical data of 22 children with IEI who underwent HSCT were retrospectively reviewed. Survival after HSCT was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
RESULTS:
Nine patients received a traditional conditioning regimen (fludarabine + busulfan + cyclophosphamide/etoposide) and underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Thirteen patients received a TT-containing modified conditioning regimen (TT + fludarabine + busulfan + cyclophosphamide), including seven PBSCT and six umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) cases. Successful engraftment with complete donor chimerism was achieved in all patients. Acute graft-versus-host disease occurred in 12 patients (one with grade III and the remaining with grade I-II). Chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in one patient. The incidence of EB viremia in UCBT patients was lower than that in PBSCT patients (P<0.05). Over a median follow-up of 36.0 months, one death occurred. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 100% for the modified regimen and 88.9% ± 10.5% for the traditional regimen (P=0.229). When comparing transplantation types, the 3-year OS rates were 100% for UCBT and 93.8% ± 6.1% for PBSCT (P>0.05), and the 3-year event-free survival rates were 100% and 87.1% ± 8.6%, respectively (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
TT-containing conditioning for allogeneic HSCT in children with IEI is safe and effective. Both UCBT and PBSCT may achieve high success rates.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Transplantation Conditioning/methods*
;
Thiotepa/therapeutic use*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Child
;
Transplantation, Homologous
;
Graft vs Host Disease
;
Adolescent
6.Analysis of Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in Children with Repeated Blood Transfusion.
Li-Lan GAO ; Meng-Xing LYU ; Shu-Xia WANG ; Xiao-Hong JIN ; Jian-Xiang LIU ; Mei-Kun HU ; Ke-Xuan QU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):217-223
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize and analyze the characteristics of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children, in order to provide a scientific basis for clinical prevention, and ensure the safety of children's blood transfusion.
METHODS:
The basic situation, clinical symptoms and signs, diagnosis time and disappearance time of alloantibody of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children were retrospectively analyzed. The serological test, routine blood test, biochemical detection and urine analysis results were compared pre- and post-transfusion.
RESULTS:
Among 15 164 children with repeated blood transfusion, 23 cases occurred delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, with an incidence rate of 0.15%, and mainly children with thalassemia and acute leukemia. 39.13% of delayed hemolytic reactions occurred in children with more than 20 times of blood transfusions. Anemia was the main clinical symptom in 86.96% of children. 4.35% of children had hypotension and dyspnea. Serological test results showed that the positive rate of direct antiglobulin test was 91.30%, and that of erythrocyte homologous antibody test was 100%. Erythrocyte alloantibodies were common in Rh and Kidd blood group systems, accounting for 73.91% and 13.04%, respectively. Laboratory test results showed that hemoglobin, reticulocyte, spherocyte, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin and urine color were significantly different after transfusion compared with those before transfusion (all P <0.05). The average diagnosis time of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions was 18.56 days, and the average disappearance time of erythrocyte alloantibodies was 118.43 days.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction is high in children with repeated blood transfusion, and the disappearance time of erythrocyte homologous antibody is long. Blood matched ABO, Rh and Kidd blood group antigens should be transfused prophylactically. Once diagnosed, erythrocyte alloantibody corresponding to antigen-negative blood should be used throughout the whole process.
Humans
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Child
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child, Preschool
;
Transfusion Reaction
;
Male
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Adolescent
;
Isoantibodies/blood*
;
Blood Transfusion
7.Expression of Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-15 in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Its Clinical Significance.
Xiao-Dong ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Hai-Xia LIU ; Dan-Feng ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):828-833
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the expression and clinical significance of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-15 (IL-15) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
METHODS:
Eighty newly diagnosed MM patients in Department of Hematology in Nanyang First People's Hospital from September 2020 to January 2023 were selected as observation group, and 80 healthy people in our hospital were selected as control group. The expression of IL-10 and IL-15 of the two groups were detected, and survival analysis was conducted for the MM patients.
RESULTS:
The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in the observation group before treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P <0.05). The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in different DS stage had significant differences in MM patients (both P <0.05). The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in stage II and stage III had no significant differences, which were both significantly higher than those in stage I (both P <0.05). The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in sCR+CR group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (both P <0.05). The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in VGPR+PR group after treatment were also significantly lower than those before treatment (both P <0.05), but higher than those in the sCR+CR group (both P <0.05). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with IL-10>22.01 pg/ml were significantly shorter than those with IL-10≤22.01 pg/ml (both P <0.001). The PFS and OS of patients with IL-15>48.56 pg/ml were also shorter than those with IL-15≤48.56 pg/ml (both P <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The levels of IL-10 and IL-15 in MM patients are closely related to efficacy and prognosis, and both decreased after treatment. The more reduction, the better effect. Patients with IL-10 and IL-15 below the threshold have longer median PFS and OS.
Humans
;
Interleukin-10/metabolism*
;
Multiple Myeloma/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-15/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Clinical Relevance
8.Expression of METTL7B in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Influence on Prognosis.
Wen-Bang ZHANG ; Shu-Xia GUO ; Xiao-Juan ZHANG ; Huan-Jun LIU ; Meng-Yao LIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1287-1292
OBJECTIVE:
To detect the expression of methyltransferase-like 7B ( METTL7B) in bone marrow specimens of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to analyze its influence and significance on clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AML patients.
METHODS:
Bone marrow specimens from 60 newly diagnosed AML patients were collected as the observation group, and bone marrow specimens from 20 iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) patients were collected as the control group. Clinical and pathological data of AML patients were also collected. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of METTL7B in AML patients and IDA patients. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between the expression level of METTL7B and clinical-pathological characteristics in AML patients, as well as the impact of METTL7B expression level on efficacy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the effect of METTL7B expression level on the overall survival time (OS) in AML patients. Meanwhile, a Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to identify the factors potentially affecting the prognosis of AML patients.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, the expression level of METTL7B was significantly upregulated in AML patients (P < 0.05). Compared with the low-expression group of METTL7B, the high-expression group had a higher proportion of patients with high white blood cell (WBC) count, poor prognosis, and ineffective treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The OS of patients in the high-expression group of METTL7B was significantly shorter than that in the low-expression group (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high WBC count, poor prognosis in prognosis stratification, and high expression of METTL7B were independent risk factors for the prognosis of AML patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
METTL7B is highly expressed in AML patients, and patients with high METTL7B expression exhibit shorter survival and poor prognosis. METTL7B is expected to serve as a new indicator for evaluating the prognosis of AML patients and may develop into a potential target for targeted treatment of AML in the future.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Proportional Hazards Models
9.Research progress on molecular biomarkers related to polypoid choroidal vasculopathy
Jingjing LIU ; Yangyan XIAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):754-759
Polypoid choroidal vasculopathy(PCV)is associated with poor visual prognosis in its natural course and is more prevalent in Asian populations. Despite advancements in optical coherence tomography(OCT)and OCT angiography(OCTA)that have significantly improved morphological diagnostic capabilities, imaging biomarkers are limited by temporal resolution constraints and fail to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular angiogenesis, inflammation, genetic factors, and extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling. This review synthesizes current research on molecular biomarkers associated with PCV, focusing on its core pathological mechanisms. These biomarkers provide crucial insights into disease pathogenesis to inform precision prevention, dynamic disease monitoring, and therapeutic response prediction. Furthermore, this article proposes the integration of multi-omics data(genomics, proteomics, and radiomics)to establish a multimodal hierarchical diagnostic-therapeutic model. This framework will guide risk stratification, real-time disease assessment, and personalized treatment strategies, advancing the development of a precision medicine framework for PCV management.
10.Shaoyaotang Restores Th17/Treg Cell Balance by Regulating Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Shaijin JIANG ; Bo ZOU ; Dongsheng WU ; Youwei XIAO ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):78-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shaoyaotang on T helper cell 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg) cell balance in ulcerative colitis and decipher the intervention mechanism based on glucose metabolism reprogramming. MethodsThe mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established by the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal, model, Western drug control (mesalazine, 0.39 g·kg-1·d-1), Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1), inhibitor (2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor (2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1) + Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1) groups. Mice were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 days. The general conditions and the colon injury degree were observed 24 h after the last administration. The expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 in the colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the colon tissue. Th17/Treg cell differentiation was detected by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of lactic acid and glucose in the colon tissue and IL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 in the serum. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreases in body weight and disease activity index (DAI) (P<0.05), elevations in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and declines in the levels of of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed increases in body weight and DAI (P<0.05), declines in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and rises in levels of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Shaoyaotang+2-DG group had the most obvious effect. ConclusionShaoyaotang can relieve diarrhea and bloody stool in mice with ulcerative colitis by restoring the Th17/Treg cell balance via regulation of glucose metabolism reprogramming, thus playing a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

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