1.Research and application progress on recognition components of surface plasmon resonance sensors in the pharmaceutical field
Xiaofei WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jiayu GU ; Xiner HU ; Hai ZHANG ; Yan CAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(5):205-212
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is an optical detection technique enables real-time and dynamic monitoring of biological samples. SPR-based biosensors have remarkable characteristics such as label-free detection and high sensitivity, making them important tools for studying molecular interactions. The recognition element, which plays a critical role in SPR sensors,which could specifically identify and capture of target analytes, closely influencing the selectivity performance of the sensor. The progress on SPR sensors in pharmaceutical research were reviewed, which focused on the application of recognition elements such as antibodies, aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers, and metal nanoparticles.
2.Lupeol Alleviates Chondrocytes Senescence in Osteoarthritis by Regulating Autophagy via the Sirtuin 3/Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Kinase Pathway
Yunfeng MA ; Yujing CAO ; Xiaofei HAN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):83-93
Objective To investigate the role of lupeol in mitigating chondrocyte senescence in osteoarthritis(OA)by regulating autophagy through the sirtuin 3(SIRT3)/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase(mTOR)pathway.Methods Knee articular chondrocytes from primary-generation mice were isolated and divided into different groups,including a control group,a lupeol group(given 2.5,5,10,20,and 40 μmol/L lupeol),a tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide(TBHP)group(receiving 50 μmol/L TBHP),TBHP+lupeol group,TBHP+lupeol+chloroquine(CQ)group(receiving 20 μmol/L CQ,an autophagy inhibitor),TBHP+lupeol+si-NC group,and TBHP+lupeol+si-SIRT3 group.Cell proliferation,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels,and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8,DCFH-DA probe,and flow cytometry.Cell senescence was evaluated by β-gal staining.Western blot was used to determine the expressions of SIRT3,mTOR,senescence marker proteins(p21 and p16),extracellular matrix(ECM)degradation-related proteins(aggrecan,collagen Ⅱ,ADAMTS5,and MMP13),and autophagy-related proteins(LC3B Ⅰ,LC3BⅡ,and P62).RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes(SASP),including IL-6,Cxcl10,MCP1,and MMP3.The expression of LC3 was detected by immunofluorescence.Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy.A total of 30 male wild-type C57BL/6 mice were divided into different groups(n=10),including a Sham group,an OA group,and an OA+lupeol group receiving 50 mg/(kg·d)lupeol via gastric gavage.Cartilage damage was evaluated by safranin O-fast green staining.Results Based on the results of cell viability assay,20 μmol/L lupeol treatment for 24 h was identified as the optimal intervention concentration and duration.Compared with that in the TBHP group,cell viability was elevated in the TBHP+lupeol group(P<0.05);ROS production,the proportion of β-gal-positive cells,the protein expression levels of p21 and p16,and the mRNA levels of SASP were decreased(P<0.05);the protein levels of aggrecan and collagen Ⅱ were elevated and the protein levels of ADAMTS5 and MMP13 were decreased(P<0.05);apoptosis was reduced(P<0.05);P62 protein levels were reduced and the LC3B Ⅱ/LC3B Ⅰ ratio,the intensity of LC3B fluorescence spots,and the number of autophagosomes were increased(P<0.05);the expression level of SIRT3 was elevated and the level of mTOR phosphorylation was reduced(P<0.05)in the TBHP+Lupeol group.CQ treatment effectively abolished the promotion effects of lupeol on cell viability and autophagy,and the inhibitory effects of lupeol on ROS level,cell senescence,ECM degradation,and apoptosis(P<0.05).Silencing of SIRT3 reversed the inhibitory effect of lupeol on mTOR phosphorylation level and the promotion effect of lupeol on autophagy(P<0.05).In the in vivo experiment,compared with the OA group,the OA+lupeol group showed reduced cartilage degeneration and lower scores for the Osteoarthritis Research Society International grading system(P<0.05).The OA+lupeol group also showed up-regulated SIRT3 expression,reduced mTOR phosphorylation level,increased LC3B Ⅱ/LC3B Ⅰ ratio,reduced MMP13 protein level,and reduced mRNA level of SASP(P<0.05).Conclusion Lupeol alleviates chondrocyte senescence in osteoarthritis by regulating autophagy through the SIRT3/mTOR pathway.
3.A Method for Detecting Depression in Adolescence Based on an Affective Brain-Computer Interface and Resting-State Electroencephalogram Signals.
Zijing GUAN ; Xiaofei ZHANG ; Weichen HUANG ; Kendi LI ; Di CHEN ; Weiming LI ; Jiaqi SUN ; Lei CHEN ; Yimiao MAO ; Huijun SUN ; Xiongzi TANG ; Liping CAO ; Yuanqing LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(3):434-448
Depression is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and can profoundly impact their lives. However, the early detection of depression is often hindered by the time-consuming diagnostic process and the absence of objective biomarkers. In this study, we propose a novel approach for depression detection based on an affective brain-computer interface (aBCI) and the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). By fusing EEG features associated with both emotional and resting states, our method captures comprehensive depression-related information. The final depression detection model, derived through decision fusion with multiple independent models, further enhances detection efficacy. Our experiments involved 40 adolescents with depression and 40 matched controls. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 86.54% on cross-validation and 88.20% on the independent test set, demonstrating the efficiency of multimodal fusion. In addition, further analysis revealed distinct brain activity patterns between the two groups across different modalities. These findings hold promise for new directions in depression detection and intervention.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Adolescent
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Case-Control Studies
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Depression/diagnosis*
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Early Diagnosis
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Rest
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Electroencephalography/methods*
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Brain-Computer Interfaces
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Models, Psychological
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Reproducibility of Results
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Affect/physiology*
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Photic Stimulation/methods*
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Video Recording
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Brain/physiopathology*
4.Epimedii Folium flavonoids: A double-edged sword effect on the liver, a dual exploration of efficacy and toxicity.
Meijun YUE ; Yanlu LIU ; Xiaoan FENG ; Bo CAO ; Xiaofei FEI ; Guohui LI ; Chunyu LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101269-101269
Flavonoids, the key active compounds in Epimedii Folium, have both protective and toxic effects on the liver. Their hepatoprotective effects are associated with reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, which contribute to the management of various liver conditions. In contrast, the mechanisms driving Epimedii Folium-induced hepatotoxicity are less understood but likely involve oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Pharmacokinetic studies, especially on icaritin, indicate that it undergoes isopentenyl dehydrogenation, glycosylation, and glucuronidation in vivo, contributing to its pharmacological effects. However, intermediate metabolites of icaritin may interact with biomolecules, potentially leading to liver toxicity. This review offers a detailed examination of the dual effects of Epimedii Folium flavonoids on liver function, emphasizing recent discoveries in their hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic pathways. We also summarize and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these flavonoids, highlighting how their metabolism affects therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. Lastly, we propose strategies to mitigate liver injury, providing new perspectives on the safe use of Epimedii Folium.
5.Combining label-free quantitative proteomics and 2D-DIGE to identify the potential targets of Sini Decoction acting on myocardial infarction.
Fei FENG ; Weiyue ZHANG ; Yan CAO ; Diya LV ; Yifeng CHAI ; Dandan GUO ; Xiaofei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):1016-1024
Sini Decoction (SNT) is a traditional formula recognized for its efficacy in warming the spleen and stomach and dispersing cold. However, elucidating the mechanism of action of SNT remains challenging due to its complex multiple components. This study utilized a synergistic approach combining two-dimensional fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) with label-free quantitative proteomics techniques to identify the direct and indirect protein targets of SNT in myocardial infarction. The analysis identified 590 proteins, with 30 proteins showing significant upregulation and 51 proteins showing downregulation when comparing the SNT group with the model group. Through the integration of 2D-DIGE DARTS with proteomics data and pharmacological assessments, the findings indicate that protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) may serve as a potential protein target through which SNT provides protective effects on myocardial cells during myocardial infarction.
Myocardial Infarction/genetics*
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Proteomics/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Animals
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Protein Disulfide-Isomerases/genetics*
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Male
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Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis/methods*
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Humans
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
6.CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout library screening identifies BAG3 as a potential regulator of radiosensitivity
Zhengyue CAO ; Youfeng ZHANG ; Zhichun LÜ ; Huiying GAO ; Shensi XIANG ; Jingjing LI ; Xiaofei ZHENG ; Changyan LI
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):421-429
Objective To identify genetic regulators of ionizing radiation(IR)sensitivity through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas9)genome-wide screening.Methods A specialized single guide RNA(sgRNA)library was developed targeting 987 stress-response regulatory genes identified through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome and gene ontology(GO)databases,followed by construction of sgRNA plasmids and packaging into a lentiviral library.Using colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells as a model system,the Cas9-stable transgenic line was established via lentiviral transduction and antibiotic selection.Library-transduced cells underwent puromycin selection,followed by γ-irradiation(dose optimized via preliminary experiments).Post-irradiation phenotypic selection was conducted after 14 days,with subsequent next-generation sequencing of surviving cell populations to identify enriched/depleted sgRNAs.Candidate genes were functionally validated through orthogonal assays:cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)proliferation analysis,clonogenic survival assays and flow cytometric quantification of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and apoptotic markers.Results The optimized screening platform identified 281 radiation response genes(165 radiosensitive and 116 radioprotective candidates).Functional validation revealed Bcl2-associated athanogene 3(BAG3)knockdown significantly enhanced radioresistance.Proliferation was increased 1.2-1.5 fold,clonogenic survival improved 1.5-2.0 fold,and ROS was reduced by 13%-25%coupled with 32%-73%apoptosis attenuation compared to control groups.Conclusion The integrated CRISPR/Cas9 screening platform effectively identifies novel radiation response regulators,as evidenced by the discovery of BAG3 as a critical radiosensitivity determinant.This high-throughput functional genomics approach provides a robust methodology for systematically mapping molecular determinants of cellular radiation response,with potential applications in both mechanistic studies and therapeutic target discovery.
7.Expression and clinical significance of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum extracellular vesicles of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion
Jin LIU ; Xiangting CAO ; Rongshu CUI ; Xiaofei XU ; Zhaogang DONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2024;42(1):48-51
Objective To investigate the expression level and clinical significance of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum extracellular vesicles(EVs)of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA).Methods Fourteen RSA patients and 14 normal pregnant women from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were enrolled in a training set,and 64 RSA pa-tients and 48 normal pregnant women were enrolled in a validation set.The expression levels of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs were detected by the quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),and their correlation with clinical pathological parameters of RSA patients were analyzed.Serum anti-thyroid globulin antibody(A-TG)and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody(A-TPO)were detected by the elec-trochemiluminescence assay.Serum anticardiolipin(ACA)IgA,IgG,and IgM antibodies and anti-β2 glycoprotein 1(β2GP1)IgA,IgG,and IgM antibodies were determined by the chemiluminescence immunoassay.The correlation of these autoantibodies with the lev-els of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs was analyzed by the Pearson correlation.The clinical application value of hsa_circ_0005075 in the diagnosis of RSA was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The detection results of the training set showed that the expression levels of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs of RSA patients(7.69[4.74,42.15])were significantly high-er than that in normal pregnant women(1.02[0.51,4.23],U=28,P<0.01].Similarly,in the validation set,the expression levels of hsa_circ_0005075 in RSA patients(4.96[1.73,8.89])were also significantly higher than that in normal pregnant women(1.00[0.24,2.96],U=693,P<0.01).The ROC curve showed that hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs had good diagnostic value for RSA(AUCROC=0.774),with 70.3%of sensitivity and75.0%of specificity.In addition,the expression level of hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs was significantly correlated with A-TPO(r=0.298,P<0.05).Conclusion The hsa_circ_0005075 in serum EVs is highly ex-pressed in RSA patients,which may have a potential differential diagnostic value for the diagnosis of RSA.
8.Inhibitory effect of ferulic acid on the retina of diabetic mice and high glucose-induced human retinal pigment epithelium cell injury and the mechanism
Dejun ZHU ; Wenqing ZOU ; Xiangmei CAO ; Xiaofei WANG ; Zhaogang LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(8):705-715
Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of ferulic acid on the retina of diabetic mice and high glucose-induced human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell injury and the mechanism.Methods:Thirty 8-week-old SPF male type 2 diabetic db/db mice were selected and divided into a model group and a ferulic acid group by the random number table method, with 15 mice in each group.Another 15 db/m mice of the same age were selected as a control group.The model and control groups received normal saline (5 ml/kg) by gavage daily, and the ferulic acid group received ferulic acid solution (0.05 g/kg) by gavage daily.After two months of treatment, the mice were sacrificed and the eyeballs were removed.The morphological changes of mouse retinal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The fluorescence intensity and expression levels of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) in mouse retinal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot.Human RPE cells were divided into control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, high glucose group and high glucose+ ferulic acid group.The control group received no treatment, and the other cell groups were cultured with the corresponding reagents for 24 hours.The reactive oxygen (ROS) level of RPE cells in each group was detected with the ROS detection kit.The mitochondrial membrane potential level of RPE cells was detected with the a mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit (JC-1).The MCU and microfilament fluorescence intensity of RPE cells were detected with the a microfilament green fluorescent probe.To explore the regulatory relationship between MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK, the MCU protein level was silenced and overexpressed by lentivirus transfection technology.The fluorescence intensity and expression levels of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins in RPE cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot.The use and feeding of experimental animals followed the 3R principle and the Statement of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology on the Use of Animals in Ophthalmology and Vision Research.This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (No.2019085).Results:The intercellular space of the outer nuclear layer, inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer of the retinal tissue in the model group was increased and the cell arrangement was disordered compared with the control group, and the retinal tissue in the ferulic acid group was significantly improved.Compared with the control group, the fluorescence intensity of MCU, p-p38 MAPK and MCU+ p-p38 MAPK protein of mouse retinal tissue in model group and ferulic acid group was significantly increased (all at P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the fluorescence intensity of MCU, p-p38 MAPK and MCU+ p-p38 MAPK protein of mice retinal tissue in ferulic acid group was significantly decreased (all at P<0.05).Compared with the control group, the relative expression levels of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins of mouse retinal tissue in model group were significantly increased (all at P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the relative expression levels of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins of mice retinal tissue in ferulic acid group were significantly decreased (all at P<0.05).The ROS fluorescence intensities in the control group, DMSO group, high glucose group and high glucose+ ferulic acid group were 0.22±0.02, 0.22±0.03, 0.30±0.02 and 0.24±0.02, respectively, and the overall difference was statistically significant ( F=7.845, P<0.01).The ROS fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in the high glucose group than in the control and DMSO groups, and it was significantly lower in the high glucose+ ferulic acid group than in the high glucose group (all at P<0.05).The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly lower in high glucose group and high glucose+ ferulic acid group than in control and DMSO groups, and significantly higher in high glucose+ ferulic acid group than in high glucose group (all at P<0.05).Compared with the control group and DMSO group, the fluorescence intensity of MCU was higher in the high glucose group, accompanied by the decrease and thinning of cell microfilaments, and the fluorescence intensity of MCU protein was significantly decreased in high glucose+ ferulic acid group, with the number of microfilaments increased significantly.Compared with the control group and DMSO group, the fluorescence intensity and relative expressions of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins were significantly increased in the high glucose group (all at P<0.05).Compared with the high glucose group, the fluorescence intensity and relative expressions of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins were significantly decreased in the high glucose+ ferulic acid group (all at P<0.05).Compared with the control group and the empty vector group, the relative expressions of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins were significantly increased in the MCU overexpression group and significantly decreased in the MCU shRNA group and the MCU overexpression+ ferulic acid group (all at P<0.05).Compared with MCU overexpression group, the relative expressions of MCU, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK proteins were significantly decreased in MCU shRNA group and MCU overexpression+ ferulic acid group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Ferulic acid can regulate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby ameliorating retinal damage and high glucose-induced RPE cell injury in diabetic mice, which may play a protective role through MCU and p38MAPK signaling pathways.
9.Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens in children with influenza-like illnesses in a children′s hospital in Beijing from 2022 to 2023
Xiaofei ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Jianbo HUO ; Shuhui CAO ; Xiaoyi TIAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(6):905-909
To investigate the status and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens infections in children with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in Beijing Children′s Hospital from 2022 to 2023. A dual amplification technique was used to detect nucleic acids of seven common respiratory pathogens, including influenza A virus (Flu A), influenza B virus (Flu B), mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), adenovirus (ADV), and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP), in outpatient and inpatient children (aged 0-18 years) with influenza-like symptoms who sought medical care at Beijing Children′s Hospital, from January 2022 to March 2023. A total of 43 663 children were included in the study, of which 27 903 tested positive for respiratory pathogens with a total detection rate of 63.91%. Flu A had the highest detection rate of 69.93% (27 332/39 084), followed by MP about 13.22% (380/2 875). The total detection rate of RSV, PIV and ADV was 7.69% (131/1 704). Flu B had a detection rate of 0.16% (64/39 084). No CP was detected in this study. A total of 7 cases of dual infections were detected, with a detection rate of 0.41% (7/1 704). The Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in detection rates of pathogens among different genders, age groups, and different seasons. Among the seven pathogens, only Flu A had statistically significant differences in gender ( χ2=16.712, P<0.001). The detection rates of Flu A and MP showed an increasing trend with age (both P trend<0.001), while the detection rates of RSV and PIV showed a decreasing trend with age (both P trend<0.001). Flu A had its epidemic peak in winter and spring, with detection rates of 61.30% (3 907/6 374) and 77.47% (23 207/29 958) respectively; MP and PIV had higher detection rates in autumn (25.14% and 7.64% respectively); RSV showed a relatively higher detection rate in winter (8.69%); Flu B and ADV had lower detection rates throughout the study period (0.16% and 1.17% respectively). In conclusion, children with ILI in 2022-2023 were mainly infected with a single respiratory pathogen, and occasionally dual pathogen infections were observed. Among them, the detection rate of Flu A was the highest, and only Flu A showed a gender difference in detection rate. As the age of the children patients increased, the detection rate of Flu A and MP showed an increasing trend, while RSV and PIV showed a decreasing trend. The prevalence of Flu A, Flu B, MP, PIV, and RSV were seasonal.
10.CACNA1C rs58619945 genotype influences the cortical thickness of attention network among patients with Bipolar Ⅰ disorder
Xiaofei ZHANG ; Xiaoyu LIANG ; Xiaofang CHENG ; Jianshan CHEN ; Wenhao DENG ; Yizhi ZHANG ; Liqian CUI ; Xiongchao CHENG ; Xuan LI ; Chanjuan YANG ; Biyu YE ; Liping CAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(9):1045-1052
Objective:To explore the impact of CACNA1C rs58619945 genotype on the cortical thickness of attentional networks in patients with Bipolar 1 disorder type (BD-Ⅰ). Methods:From August 2013 and August 2019, a total of 155 BD-Ⅰ patients were recruited from the outpatient and inpatient Departments of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, along with 82 healthy controls (HC) from the community and university. Genotype for the CACNA1C rs58619945 locus was determined for all BD-I patients and HC subjects, followed by 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging scans to measure the cortical thickness in the alert, orienting, and executive control subnetworks. General linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate the impact of CACNA1C rs58619945 on the cortical thickness of attentional networks. Concurrently, attentional dimension functions were assessed using repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) and Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery rapid visual information processing (CANTAB RVP) test. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University(Ethics No. 2023-056). Results:Compared with the HC group, the BD-Ⅰ patients had shown reduced thickness in bilateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex, and bilateral superior temporal cortex( P<0.05). A significant interaction between the CACNA1C genotype and the cortical thickness(HC vs.BD) of right prefrontal cortex, right posterior parietal cortex and right superior temporal cortex was noted( P<0.05). Partial correlation analysis has demonstrated a significant correlation between CANTAB RVP and RBANS attention indices and cortical thickness in the right prefrontal cortex, right posterior cingulate cortex( P<0.05), and right superior temporal cortex predominantly among carriers of the BD-Ⅰ G allele. Conclusion:The G allele of CACNA1C rs58619945 is associated with cortical thickness of the right prefrontal cortex, right posterior cingulate cortex, and right superior temporal cortex in BD-Ⅰ, which are part of the alerting and orienting network.

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