1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.Impact of birth weight on the trajectory of blood pressure among primary school students
CUI Chengpeng, YE Siyan, FANG Yanfei, LI Yan, PENG Zeqin, XIAO Yuqing, WU Meng, LIU Qin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):309-313
Objective:
To explore the early effects of birth weight at different gestational ages on blood pressure trajectory among primary school students, so as to provide evidence for incorporating gestational age birth weight into individualized early warning and intervention strategies for childhood hypertension.
Methods:
From May to November 2023, a purposeful sampling method was used to recruit 1 676 students in grade 1-3 from three primary schools in a certain urban district of Chongqing. Follow up assessments were conducted in May 2024(T1), November 2024(T2), and May 2025(T3). General demographic and birth related information were collected via self administered questionnaires, while height, weight and blood pressure were obtained through physical examinations. Linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the associations between birth weight at different gestational ages and blood pressure trajectories.
Results:
During the T1-T3 period, the systolic blood pressure of boys were 98.5 (93.0, 104.5 ),98.5 (93.5, 105.0), and 97.5 (92.5, 103.5)mmHg, respectively, while the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.5, 65.0), 61.5 ( 57.0 , 65.5), and 60.0 (56.0, 64.0)mmHg, respectively. For girls, the systolic blood pressure were 95.5 (90.0, 102.0),95.5 (90.5, 101.5), and 96.0 (90.5, 101.5)mmHg, respectively, and the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.0, 64.5 ),61.5 (57.5, 65.5), and 59.5 (56.0, 63.0)mmHg, respectively. Through Friedman test within both boys and girls, diostolic blood pressure were statistically significant across three measurements( χ 2=48.85,81.54,both P <0.01). The proportion of normal blood pressure increased , and the proportion of prehypertension and hypertension decreased with time( χ 2=39.72,25.62,both P < 0.01 ). Linear mixed effects model analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, sex, household income monthly, parental education, family history of hypertension and maternal pregnancy complications, large for gestational age had significantly higher trajectories of systolic ( β = 1.50) and diastolic( β =0.94) blood pressure compared to appropriate for gestational age(both P <0.01).
Conclusion
Large for gestational age is associated with elevated blood pressure trajectories during school age, and it may be considered as an early indicator for individualized screening and intervention for childhood hypertension.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Predictive value and related mechanism of serum sialic acid on microvascular invasion in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Jiao WEI ; Jun JI ; Yueping ZHAN ; Linlin WU ; Xuewen XU ; Chenjun HUANG ; Peicheng FANG ; Xiao XIAO ; Min XU ; Chunfang GAO
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(1):56-64
Objective:To explore the value and related mechanism of preoperative serum sialic acid (SA) on evaluating microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:A total of 91 patients who underwent surgical resection and were pathologically diagnosed with ICC from December 2020 to September 2024 at the Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital affiliated to the Naval Medical University were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into non-MVI (41 cases) and MVI groups (50 cases). The general data and laboratory examination indexes were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for predicting MVI. The predictive value of serum indicators for MVI was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. The correlation between MVI and SA was analyzed by point-biserial correlation. ICC cells stably overexpressing β-galactoside α2, 6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) were generated through lentiviral transfection. ST6GAL1 protein expression and mRNA expression were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin fluorescence staining was used to detect α2, 6-sialylation levels on cells. Cell migration ability was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays, and cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assays.Results:Compared with the non-MVI group, patients in the MVI group exhibited significantly higher levels of fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, SA and 5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SA ( OR=1.01,95% CI 1.01-1.02, P=0.023) was the only independent predictor for MVI. The area under curve of SA in predicting MVI was 0.757 (95% CI 0.640-0.870), sensitivity 67.65%, specificity 77.78%. SA was positively correlated with MVI ( r=0.443, P<0.001). ICC cells overexpressing ST6GAL1 were featured with increased mean fluorescence intensity of SNA lectin, and increased level of α2, 6-sialylation on the cell surface (both P<0.05). The number of colonies formed by hypersialylated ICC cells was also increased ( P<0.05), and both the migration rate and the number of migrating cells were significantly higher ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum SA is an independent predictor for MVI in ICC patients. Hypersialylation in ICC cells is associated with higher malignancy.
5.Application of domestic high-flow percutaneous left ventricular assist device in patients with low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery: a preclinical trial report
Liangwan CHEN ; Qilian XIE ; Xiaofu DAI ; Zhihuang QIU ; Qianzhen LI ; Guanhua FANG ; Heng LU ; Qingsong WU ; Jun XIAO ; Zhaofeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(3):177-182
Objective:To report the preclinical trial results of the application of a domestic high-flow percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) in patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) following cardiac surgery.Methods:Six patients who developed LCOS after direct cardiac surgery were implanted with a domestic high-flow pLVAD. Clinical outcomes, including hemodynamic changes, complications, and survival rates were observed post-implantation.Results:Four patients underwent pLVAD implantation under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance, while two patients had the procedure performed under ultrasound guidance. The implantation process was straightforward, rapid, and uneventful, with no instances of bleeding or arrhythmias. The flow rate at the initiation of pLVAD support was 3.8-5.0 (4.22±0.44)L/min, and the flow rate during pump removal was 1.0-1.3(1.18±0.15)L/min. The duration of pLVAD support was 16.5-165.0(101.3±60.65)h. Hemodynamic parameters showed immediate improvement following pLVAD support: mean arterial pressure increased from (62.67±4.46)mmHg to (80.50±18.96)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, P=0.049), cardiac output increased from (2.45±0.66)L/min to (4.35±1.32)L/min( P=0.01), cardiac index improved from (1.95±0.21)L·min -1·m -2 to (2.77±0.33)L·min -1·m -2( P<0.001), pulmonary artery diastolic pressure decreased from (27.50±1.87) mmHg to(18.33±4.18)mmHg( P=0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 0.27±0.04 to 0.37±0.06 ( P=0.004). No visible hemoglobinuria was noted during the support period. No malignant arrhythmias or cerebrovascular complications occurred. One patient required transition to surgical LVAD implantation, while the other five patients had the pLVAD successfully removed and were discharged. Three months later, all six patients were alive, with functional status classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class Ⅰ-Ⅱ. Conclusion:The implantation of a domestic high-flow pLVAD provides a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with LCOS following cardiac surgery.
6.Development and testing of validity and reliability in evidence-based health care related competence assessment scale for medical personnel
Shuang WANG ; Ning WANG ; Lin XIAO ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Xiaofen WU ; Lijie WANG ; Chen YANG ; Qinghong FANG ; Lili ZHANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):352-359
Objective To develop the Evidence-Based Health Care Related Competence Assessment Scale for Health Professionals(hereinafter referred to as the Scale),and to test its validity and reliability.Methods Based on the JBI evidence-based health care model as the theoretical framework,the initial items of the Scale were formed by reviewing the literature.Through the discussion of the research group,two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and pre-inspection,the items of the Scale were optimized.The convenience sam-pling method was adopted to extract 928 health professionals as the research subjects.The Scale conducted the validity and reliability testing.Results The Scale included the four dimensions of evidence generation,evi-dence synthesis,evidence transfer and evidence implementation,including 47 entries in total.The cumulative variance contribution rate was 59.08%.The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the model had good fitness.The convergent validity of all dimensions reached the standard,and the distinguishing validity was good.Finally,the Cronbach's α coefficient of the Scale was 0.971,and the split-half reliability was 0.928.Conclusion The developed Scale possesses good reliability and validity,which can be used to evaluate the competence of health professionals carrying the evidence-based healthcare related link works.
7.Imaging Analysis of Extracellular Dopamine Based on DNA Prism Probes
Tong-Kai ZHAN ; Jia-Dong WU ; Xiao-Fang GUO ; Meng-Meng LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1250-1258
Dopamine(DA)is an essential neurotransmitter.Research on its dynamic concentration fluctuations,particularly within the extracellular microenvironment,is crucial for elucidating neural signaling mechanisms and pathogenesis of related disorders.Among DA detection methods,fluorescence probe-based imaging offers advantages such as high sensitivity,high specificity,and non-invasiveness.However,the application of these probes for in situ DA monitoring has been limited by the challenges including probe internalization and difficulties in labeling across cells.Here,leveraging the programmability and high stability of DNA nanostructures,a DNA prism-based probe for imaging DA release at the single-cell level was designed and constructed.This probe utilized surface-modified cholesterol for efficient membrane anchoring and a DA aptamer-based"turn-on"sensing module to detect DA directly on the cell membrane.Using this probe,rapid DA release triggered by high K+stimulation was observed,with the released DA concentration increasing over time and peaking at 8 min post-stimulation.More notably,exploiting the probe's ability to simultaneously anchor to two cells,thereby forming cell clusters,revealed that the distribution of DA within the intercellular space was significantly higher than that in the cell body regions.This probe not only provided a method for DA imaging on the cell membrane but also laid a theoretical foundation for developing broader neurotransmitter detection platforms,holding significant scientific merit and application potential.
8.Micronucleus counts correlating with male infertility: a clinical analysis of chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive parameters.
Shun-Han ZHANG ; Ying-Jun XIE ; Wen-Jun QIU ; Qian-Ying PAN ; Li-Hao CHEN ; Jian-Feng WU ; Si-Qi HUANG ; Ding WANG ; Xiao-Fang SUN
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):537-542
Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study; 41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.
Humans
;
Male
;
Infertility, Male/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Micronucleus Tests
;
Semen Analysis
;
Oligospermia/genetics*
;
Azoospermia/genetics*
;
Chromosome Aberrations
;
Sperm Count
;
Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective
;
Middle Aged
9.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of chronic disseminated candidiasis in children with acute leukemia following chemotherapy: a multicenter clinical study.
Xin-Hong JIANG ; Pei-Jun LIU ; Chun-Ping WU ; Kai-Zhi WENG ; Shu-Quan ZHUANG ; Shu-Xian HUANG ; Xiao-Fang WANG ; Yong-Zhi ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):540-547
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) in children with acute leukemia (AL) following chemotherapy.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on children diagnosed with CDC (including confirmed, clinically diagnosed, and suspected cases) after AL chemotherapy from January 2015 to December 2023 at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital, and Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University. Clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed.
RESULTS:
The incidence of CDC in children with AL following chemotherapy was 1.92% (32/1 668). Among the children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the incidence of CDC in the high-risk group was significantly higher than in the low-risk group (P=0.002). All patients presented with fever unresponsive to antibiotics during the neutropenic period, with 81% (26/32) involving the liver. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly elevated (≥50 mg/L) in 97% (31/32) of the patients. The efficacy of combined therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin or posaconazole for CDC was 66% (19/29), higher than with caspofungin (9%, 2/22) or liposomal amphotericin B (18%, 2/11) monotherapy. The overall cure rate was 72% (23/32). The proportion of patients with CRP ≥50 mg/L and/or a positive β-D-glucan test for more than 2 weeks and breakthrough infections during caspofungin treatment was significantly higher in the treatment failure group compared to the successful treatment group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
CDC in children with AL after chemotherapy may be associated with prolonged neutropenia due to intensive chemotherapy. Combination antifungal regimens based on liposomal amphotericin B have a higher cure rate, while persistently high CRP levels and positive β-D-glucan tests may indicate poor prognosis.
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Male
;
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Candidiasis/diagnosis*
;
Chronic Disease
;
Leukemia/complications*
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/complications*
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies
10.Sequential treatment with siltuximab and tocilizumab for childhood idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: a case report.
Ping YI ; Xing-Xing ZHANG ; Tian TANG ; Ying WANG ; Xiao-Chuan WU ; Xing-Fang LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):613-617
The patient, an 11-year-old girl, was admitted with recurrent fever for 20 days, worsening with abdominal distension for 7 days. Upon admission, she presented with recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, polyserositis, and multiple organ dysfunction. Lymph node pathology and clinical manifestations confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease-TAFRO syndrome. Treatment with siltuximab combined with glucocorticoids was initiated, followed by maintenance therapy with tocilizumab. The patient is currently in complete clinical remission. Therefore, once a child is diagnosed with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease -TAFRO syndrome, early use of siltuximab should be considered for rapid disease control, followed by tocilizumab for maintenance therapy.
Humans
;
Castleman Disease/drug therapy*
;
Child
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage*
;
Female
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage*


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