1.GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes: New therapeutic targets for diseases.
Yanxin PAN ; Ning JI ; Lu JIANG ; Yu ZHOU ; Xiaodong FENG ; Jing LI ; Xin ZENG ; Jiongke WANG ; Ying-Qiang SHEN ; Qianming CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):101178-101178
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in eukaryotes, with nearly 800 genes coding for these proteins. They are involved in many physiological processes, such as light perception, taste and smell, neurotransmitter, metabolism, endocrine and exocrine, cell growth and migration. Importantly, GPCRs and their ligands are the targets of approximately one third of all marketed drugs. GPCRs are traditionally known for their role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the cell's interior via the plasma membrane. However, emerging evidence suggests that GPCRs are also localized on mitochondria, where they play critical roles in modulating mitochondrial functions. These mitochondrial GPCRs (mGPCRs) can influence processes such as mitochondrial respiration, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By interacting with mitochondrial signaling pathways, mGPCRs contribute to the regulation of energy metabolism and cell survival. Their presence on mitochondria adds a new layer of complexity to the understanding of cellular signaling, highlighting the organelle's role as not just an energy powerhouse but also a crucial hub for signal transduction. This expanding understanding of mGPCR function on mitochondria opens new avenues for research, particularly in the context of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role. Abnormalities in the phase conductance pathway of GPCRs located on mitochondria are closely associated with the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we examined the various types of GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes and analyzed the complex relationships between mGPCRs and the pathogenesis of various diseases. We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the emerging significance of mGPCRs in health and disease, and to underscore their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these conditions.
2.Combined mandibular angle osteotomy and wing-shaped genioplasty for the correction of low-angle mandibular prominence and microgenia
Ning LIU ; Huili WANG ; Shuang CHEN ; Xiaodong NI ; Yufeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1167-1174
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of mandibular angle osteotomy combined with wing-shaped genioplasty for the correction of low-angle mandibular prominence with microgenia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent mandibular angle osteotomy and wing-shaped genioplasty at the Second Hospital of Nanjing between January 2020 and December 2022. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography and lateral cephalograms were obtained, and relevant parameters were measured, including the Frankfort horizontal plane to mandibular plane angle (∠FH-MP), the lower lip to soft tissue pogonion angle (∠LiaV-Pog) and the facial height index (FHI). Based on the measurements, surgical experience, and patient preference, the osteotomy lines for the mandibular angle and the wing-shaped genioplasty were designed. During the procedure, mandibular angle osteotomy and wing-shaped genioplasty were performed in accordance with the preoperative surgical plan. The distal genial segment was advanced and inferiorly repositioned according to the predetermined measurements and rigidly fixed to the bilateral mental tubercles using titanium plates and screws. The bone segments resected from the mandibular angle were then longitudinally split into either single- or double-layer bone grafts. These grafts were meticulously implanted into the interpositional gap at the genial region to optimize chin projection and refine the lower facial contour. Postoperative monitoring included assessments of wound healing, complications and lower facial contour. At the final follow-up, lateral cephalograms were taken for remeasurement, and patient satisfaction was surveyed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Pre- and postoperative data for ∠FH-MP, ∠LiaV-Pog, and FHI were presented as Mean ± SD and compared using paired t-tests, with a P-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:Twelve female patients, aged 22-35 years (mean 28.3), were included. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months. All surgical sites achieved primary healing without early complications such as hemorrhage, hematoma, or wound infection. However, all patients experienced transient mental numbness, which resolved within 3 to 6 months. All patients achieved a smooth and natural mandibular contour. CT scans confirmed satisfactory survival of the grafted bone. All patients expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes. Postoperative measurements of ∠FH-MP, ∠LiaV-Pog, and FHI were (25.2±4.6)°, (24.0±1.2)°, and (52.0±1.3)%, respectively, which were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values of (16.8±5.9)°, (36.5±4.8)°, and (66.0±4.3)% (all P < 0.01). Conclusion:The combination of mandibular angle osteotomy and wing-shaped genioplasty is an effective and safe procedure for correcting low-angle mandibular prominence with microgenia. This technique significantly increases the mandibular plane angle, creates a natural and smooth mandibular contour, and yields stable result with high patient satisfaction.
3.Expert consensus on prevention and control of Chikungunya in healthcare institutions(2025 Edition)
Ling HE ; Yan LIU ; Fang YU ; Ying LIU ; Dayue LIU ; Hongyan LIU ; Ruiting WANG ; Shuxian CHEN ; Chen ZHU ; Xiaodong HAN ; Ting HUANG ; Fengxia GUO ; Zhen-feng ZHONG ; Yuanchun MO ; Xiujuan QU ; Yinan LI ; Yi XU ; Chengxiang KONG ; Ning LI ; Shaoyan LU ; Ming WU ; Zide DENG ; Shumei SUN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3361-3369
OBJECTIVE To standardize the strategies for prevention and control of Chikungunya(CHIK)in healthcare in-stitutions so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the institutions.METHODS A working group comprising the ex-perts in hospital infection control,infectious diseases,and microbiology systematically reviewed domestic and international evidence and current guidelines,integrated China's vector ecology and healthcare realities,conducted two rounds of Delphi to achieve expert consensus,and graded the evidence and recommendation strength using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine system.RESULTS The consensus issues 18 actionable recommendations on triage,patient mosquito-proof isolation,integrated vector control,protection of susceptible populations,environmental cleaning and disinfection,specimen management,medical textile handling,and outbreak emergency response,with each statement assigned an evi-dence level and recommendation strength.CONCLUSION This consensus is for the first time in China to provide evidence-graded strategies for control of CHIK in healthcare institutions,offering work flow-oriented,implementable guidance for clinicians,laboratorians,and infection-control personnel under different risk scenarios and enhancing the comprehensive coping capacity of the healthcare institutions.
4.A modular total sacral prosthesis for reconstruction after total sacrectomy: finite element analysis and effectiveness evaluation
Dongxiao BIAN ; Jie ZANG ; Siyi HUANG ; Ning LIU ; Shengqiang LIU ; Xiaodong TANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(14):946-953
Objective:To compare the biomechanical differences among modular total sacral prosthesis, integrated total sacral prosthesis and screw-rod system for lumbosacral reconstruction after total sacrectomy by finite element analysis.Methods:Three finite element models of reconstruction after total sacrectomy were established: six-rod plus anterior column, integrated total sacral prosthesis, and modular total sacral prosthesis. A vertical load of 600 N was applied to the L 3 vertebra, and the bilateral acetabula were fixed in all degrees of freedom to restrict their movement, simulating a bipedal standing posture. The maximum stress, stress distribution on the iliac screws, stress distribution on the longitudinal rods, the shift-down displacement of the L 5 vertebra, and the stress direction on the contact surface between the prosthesis and the ilium on all implant components (including prosthesis, screws, and connecting rods) were compared. Results:Finite element analysis results show that the average maximum stress of the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction on all implant instrumentation was 217.9±10.2 MPa, the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction was 185.7±21.1 MPa, and the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction was 157.4±31.2 MPa. The differences were statistically significant ( F=12.357, P<0.001). Among them, the difference between the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction and the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction was statistically significant ( P<0.001), while the difference between the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction and the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction was not statistically significant ( P=0.051). The maximum stress on the iliac bone screws and longitudinal connecting rods: for the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction, it was 157.2 MPa and 105.4 MPa respectively; for the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction, it was 59.2 MPa and 97.8 MPa respectively; for the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction, it was 58.4 MPa and 35.6 MPa respectively. The distance of L 5 vertebral body downward displacement: for the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction, it was 1.05±0.06 mm; for the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction, it was 0.34±0.02 mm; for the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction, it was 0.40±0.05 mm. The difference was statistically significant ( F=357.730, P<0.001), among which the differences between the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction and the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction and that between the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction and the six-rod plus anterior column reconstruction were all statistically significant ( P<0.05), while the difference between the modular total sacral prosthesis reconstruction and the integrated total sacral prosthesis reconstruction was not statistically significant ( P=0.145). The stress on the iliac bone contact surface of the integrated total sacral prosthesis was 34.2° and manifested as shear force; the stress on the iliac bone contact surface of the modular total sacral prosthesis was 88.9° and manifested as compressive stress. Conclusions:This modular total sacral prosthesis exhibits lower peak stress compared with the integrated total sacral prosthesis and screw-rod system. The spinal stability of the modular total sacral prosthesis is comparable to that of the integrated total sacral prosthesis and superior to that of the screw-rod system.
5.Analysis of genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus in Anhui province from 2022 to 2023
Shujie ZHOU ; Xiaodong CHENG ; Ning ZHANG ; Feiyang SONG ; Kun XUAN ; Tao LI ; Yu CHAI ; Binbing WANG ; Jihai TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):582-587
Objective:To analyze the genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus(VZV)in Anhui province from 2022 to 2023.Methods:Vesicle fluid and throat swab samples were collected from suspected varicella patients in Anhui province during 2022—2023. Fresh vesicle fluid samples were selected for VZV isolation,and real-time PCR was used for VZV nucleic acid detection. For positive samples,the region containing five single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites in the open reading frame 22(ORF22)fragment was amplified,and PCR products were sequenced to identify viral genotypes. Reference sequences of VZV genotypes were downloaded from GenBank,sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis were performed using Sequencher and MEGA5.0 software. Additionally,four SNP sites in ORF38 and ORF62 fragments were detected to distinguish vaccine strains from wild strains.Results:Among 96 samples from suspected varicella cases,55 of 61 vesicle fluid samples and 21 of 35 throat swab samples were positive for VZV nucleic acid. The virus isolation rate for vesicle fluid samples was 14.75%. Genetic sequencing was successful for 51 strains,all of which were wild strains belonging to the clade 2 genetic branch. Compared with the reference strain of clade 2,the nucleotide and amino acid homologies of the ORF22 fragment were 99.46%~100% and 98.39%~100%,respectively. One strain(2023VZVCZ45)exhibited an A→G mutation at site 37916.Conclusion:The prevalent VZV strains detected in Anhui province during 2022—2023 were all wild strains of clade 2,with no vaccine-associated cases identified.
6.Causal relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer:A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis in two races
Xiaoxu JIN ; Jing LIU ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Wenyi HUANG ; Ning DONG ; Shihao WANG ; Mengfei MA ; Yulin ZHOU ; Yuhao CHEN ; Jinlu SUN ; Jie DONG ; Jun HU ; Song XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(10):885-890
Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.
7.Prokaryotic expression of human Alg1 protein and analysis of the transmembrane domain properties.
Dongzhi WEI ; Zhenghui CHEN ; Chundi WANG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1535-1546
As the most common type of protein glycosylation, N-glycosylation begins with the synthesis of the dolichol-linked oligosaccharide (DLO) precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum. The mannosyltransferase Alg1 catalyzes the addition of the first mannose molecule to DLO, serving as a key enzyme in this biochemical pathway. The defect of human ALG1 gene can lead to the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), i.e., ALG1-CDG. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish the expression and activity assay system of Homo sapiens Alg1 (HsAlg1) in vitro. In this study, full-length plasmid pET28a-His6-HsAlg1 and transmembrane domain-lacking plasmid pET28a-His6-HsAlg123-464 were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the activity of recombinant HsAlg1 and HsAlg123-464 was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with dolichyl-pyrophosphate GlcNAc2 (DPGn2) as the substrate. The results showed that HsAlg1 had transglycosylation activity, while the activity decreased after protein purification, which was partially restored upon re-addition of membrane components. However, HsAlg123-464 was unable to catalyze glycosylation. The results indicate that the N-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) of HsAlg1 plays an important role in the catalytic reaction. This study lays a foundation for further expression and activity analysis of ALG1-CDG-related mutants.
Humans
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Escherichia coli/metabolism*
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Mannosyltransferases/biosynthesis*
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Glycosylation
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Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*
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Protein Domains
8.Incidence and risk factors of acute renal injury after Stanford type A aortic dissections
Xiao XU ; Xiaodong LI ; Jing WEN ; Jiaolin NING
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(14):1642-1651
Objective To explore the occurrence of acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection(TAAD)after surgical treatment,analyze the risk factors,and construct a prediction model.Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 138 TAAD patients undergoing surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2024.After Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO)criteria was performed within 1 week after surgery,they were divided into AKI(n=95)and non-AKI(n=43)groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the perioperative risk factors.Then a nomogram model were constructed,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze its predictive efficacy.Results The incidence of postoperative AKI was 68.84%(95 cases)in the TAAD patients,including 51.58%(49 cases)of stage 3 AKI and 38.95%(37 cases)requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.The length of ICU stay,time to extubation,and abandonment of treatment were significantly higher in the AKI group than the non-AKI group(P<0.001).Multifactorial analysis showed that the monocyte count on postoperative day 1(OR=3.521)and preoperative creatinine level(OR=1.019)were independent risk factors for AKI,postoperative uric acid level(OR=1.005)was correlated with AKI,and intraoperative urine volume(OR=0.739)and globulin level at 1 d postoperatively(OR=0.781)were protective factors.The area under the ROC curve of the constructed model was 0.866,with a sensitivity of 0.811 and a specificity of 0.791.Conclusion Postoperative AKI occurrence can be reduced in TAAD patients by optimizing the intraoperative urine output,modulating the postoperative inflammatory response,and strengthening nutritional support.Our prediction model for AKI risk is of significance for early clinical identification of high-risk patients in TAAD patients after surgical treatment.
9.GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes:New therapeutic targets for diseases
Yanxin PAN ; Ning JI ; Lu JIANG ; Yu ZHOU ; Xiaodong FENG ; Jing LI ; Xin ZENG ; Jiongke WANG ; Ying-Qiang SHEN ; Qianming CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1427-1434
G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)are the largest family of membrane proteins in eukaryotes,with nearly 800 genes coding for these proteins.They are involved in many physiological processes,such as light perception,taste and smell,neurotransmitter,metabolism,endocrine and exocrine,cell growth and migration.Importantly,GPCRs and their ligands are the targets of approximately one third of all mar-keted drugs.GPCRs are traditionally known for their role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the cell's interior via the plasma membrane.However,emerging evidence suggests that GPCRs are also localized on mitochondria,where they play critical roles in modulating mitochondrial functions.These mitochondrial GPCRs(mGPCRs)can influence processes such as mitochondrial respi-ration,apoptosis,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)production.By interacting with mitochondrial signaling pathways,mGPCRs contribute to the regulation of energy metabolism and cell survival.Their presence on mitochondria adds a new layer of complexity to the understanding of cellular signaling,highlighting the organelle's role as not just an energy powerhouse but also a crucial hub for signal transduction.This expanding understanding of mGPCR function on mitochondria opens new avenues for research,particularly in the context of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role.Ab-normalities in the phase conductance pathway of GPCRs located on mitochondria are closely associated with the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease,diabetes,obesity and Alz-heimer's disease.In this review,we examined the various types of GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes and analyzed the complex relationships between mGPCRs and the pathogenesis of various diseases.We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the emerging significance of mGPCRs in health and disease,and to underscore their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these conditions.
10.Protective effects of cannabidiol on renal hydronephrosis in mice after unilateral ureteral obstruction
Xiaodong YAN ; Kanghao NING ; Xinyang ZHAO ; Hongwei SU ; Xiangdong LI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(9):792-796
Objective To investigate the efficacy of cannabidiol(CBD)in improving renal function and protecting the kidney in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).Methods A total of 24 healthy,8-week-old,WTC57BL/6 male mice were divided into the Sham group,UUO group and UUO+CBD group,with 8 rats in each group.The UUO models were established by ligating one side of the ureter and removing the contralateral kidney to ensure unilateral kidney hydronephrosis.In the UUO+CBD group,5 mg/kg CBD was intraperitoneally injected immediately after the operation,once a day for 10 days.The Sham and UUO groups were given the same amount of normal saline.Blood sample was collected through the inner canthus venous plexus of the orbit 24 hours after the last administration.The levels of serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected with an automatic biochemistry analyzer.The histopathological sections were prepared,the pathological changes of renal tissues were observed under a light microscope,and the pathological injuries were scored.Mitochondrial quantity and morphological structure changes were observed with a transmission electron microscopy.Results Compared with the Sham group,the UUO group exhibited significantly higher levels of Scr[(22.55±3.29)μmol/L vs.(12.11±3.32)μmol/L],BUN[(18.62±2.15)mmol/L vs.(10.05±1.19)mmol/L],TNF-α[(21.04±2.56)pg/mL vs.(9.26±0.47)pg/mL],IL-1β[(10.25±1.25)pg/mL vs.(5.44±0.99)pg/mL],and MDA[(31.26±1.17)nmol/mL vs.(17.12±1.39)nmol/mL],but significantly lower level of SOD[(90.26±2.11)U/mL vs.(136.54±3.05)U/mL],all P<0.000 1.Compared with the UUO group,the UUO+CBD group showed a significant decrease in the levels of Scr[(16.82±0.89)μmol/L vs.(22.55±3.29)μmol/L],BUN[(14.35±0.99)mmol/L vs.(18.62±2.15)mmol/L],TNF-α[(16.29±0.88)pg/mL vs.(21.04±2.56)pg/mL],IL-1β[(6.23±0.95)pg/mL vs.(10.25±1.25)pg/mL],MDA[(20.36±1.23)nmol/mL vs.(31.26±1.17)nmol/mL],and renal pathological damage score[(1.88±0.64)vs.(2.50±0.76)],but a significant increase in SOD level[(117.84±1.57)U/mL vs.(90.26±2.11)U/mL],all P<0.000 1.Under electron microscopy,mitochondrial swelling,loss of inner membrane structure,and membrane rupture were observed in the UUO group,while the UUO+CBD group showed milder morphological changes.Conclusion CBD improves renal function in UUO model mice through anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and mitochondrial protection,and is a potential therapeutic drug for renal protection in clinic.

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