1.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
2.The value of orthopedic metal artifact reduction technology in dual-layer detector CT for improving postoperative CT image quality in patients with lumbar internal fixation implants
Yuting WEN ; Yu YANG ; Xinyue LI ; Yan ZHENG ; Xuelin PAN ; Xiaodi ZHANG ; Huafeng CUI ; Zhenlin LI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(5):591-598
Objective:To evaluate the clinical utility of dual-layer detector CT integrated with virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) and an orthopedic metal artifact reduction (O-MAR) algorithm in improving the image quality of patients after lumbar pedicle screw fixation surgery, and to analyze its impact on different types of artifacts and image quality of different tissues.Methods:The study was a prospective study, The study enrolled patients who underwent lumbar pedicle screw fixation at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between March and September 2024. All patients underwent lumbar CT scans using a dual-layer detector system, and four image sets were reconstructed. CLumbar routine scans were performed using dual-layer detector CT, and four image sets were reconstructed:onventional images (CI non-O-MAR), conventional images with O-MAR (CI O-MAR), virtual monoenergetic images (VMI non-O-MAR), and VMI with O-MAR (VMI O-MAR). Objective metrics including artifact index (AI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantified, alongside subjective image quality assessment. One-way ANOVA or Friedman test were used to compare the objective evaluation indicators of image quality between VMI non-O-MAR and VMI O-MAR at different energy levels. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for CI non-O-MAR/VMI non-O-MAR versus CI O-MAR/VMI O-MAR comparisons. Results:A total of 30 patients were included, and all underwent internal fixation with titanium alloy pedicle screws. Objective analysis revealed that in both high-and low-density artifact regions, the AI values of the VMI O-MAR group decreased with the increase of energy levels, and were significantly lower than those of the corresponding VMI non-O-MAR group, with a statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). When the energy level≥140 keV, the AI value of the VMI O-MAR group was simultaneously lower than that of the CI non-O-MAR group and the CI O-MAR group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The SNR and CNR on the vertebral bodies in the VMI non-O-MAR group and the VMI O-MAR group showed a decreasing trend with increasing energy levels, and were always lower than those in the CI group at high energy levels (100-180 keV) (all P<0.05). At high energy levels (100-180 keV), the SNR of VMI O-MAR in the intervertebral disc and intraspinal tissues was higher than that of the VMI non-O-MAR group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Compared to other groups, subjective analysis indicated that the 140 keV VMI combined with O-MAR group received the highest image quality scores ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined application of VMI and O-MAR technology effectively reduces metal artifacts in post-lumbar fixation CT images. The 140 keV VMI with O-MAR reconstruction provides superior image quality and enhances diagnostic confidence.
3.Exploring the role of curcumol on mitochondrial autophagy in hepatic stellate cells based on the PINK1/Parkin signalling pathway
Huaye Xiao ; Lei Wang ; Jiahui Wang ; Tiejian Zhao ; Yang Zheng ; Xuelin Duan
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(5):919-928
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of curcumol on mitochondrial autophagy in hepatic stellate cells and its molecular mechanism against liver fibrosis.
Methods :
Hepatic stellate cells were divided into blank group, model group(lipopolysaccharide 5 mg/L), and low, medium and high curcumol group(12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L); Thiazolyland(MTT) was used to detect the effects of curcumol on the viability of hepatic stellate cells; flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of curcumol on apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells; 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylimidacarbocyanine iodide(JC-1) was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential; effects of curcumol on mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome were detected by transmission electron microscopy; effect of curcumol on mitochondrial localisation were detected by fluorescent probe; Immunoblotting assay was performed to detect the effects of curcumin on PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1), Parkinson's disease protein(Parkin), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3), autophagy-associated protein(Beclin1), mitochondrial inner membrane translocase 23(Timm23), mitochondrial outer membrane translocase 20(Tomm20), Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax), B lymphocytoma-2(Bcl2), cleaved-cysteine protease 3(Caspase3), α-smooth muscle actin(ɑ-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ(Collagen Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ(Collagen Ⅲ) protein expression.
Results :
Compared with the blank control group, cell proliferation rate, Caspase3, Bcl2, LC3Ⅱ, Beclin1, PINK1, Parkin, ɑ-SMA, CollagenⅠ, CollagenⅢ proteins significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), co-localisation of mitochondria and lysosomes increased, and the number of mitochondrial autophagosome significantly increased(P<0.01), while Timm23 and Tomm20 proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly(P<0.01), apoptosis rate decreased, and Bax protein expression decreased. Compared with the model group, after curcumol intervention, cell proliferation rate, Bcl2, Timm23, Tomm20, α-SMA, CollagenⅠ and CollagenⅢ protein expression significantly decreased in the curcumol low-, medium-and high-concentration groups(P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased(P<0.01), whereas apoptosis rate, Caspase3, Bax, LC3Ⅱ, Beclin1, PINK1 and Parkin proteins significantly increased(P<0.05), the co-localisation of mitochondria and lysosomes increased, and the number of mitochondrial autophagosome significantly increased(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Curcumol exerts ameliorative effects on hepatic fibrosis by modulating mitochondrial hyperautophagy mediated by the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, and promoting hepatic stellate cell apoptosis.
4.Cohort study of effects of shift work on renal function in oil workers in northern China
Zhikang SI ; Xuelin WANG ; Rui MENG ; Zekun ZHAO ; Ziwei ZHENG ; Jianhui WU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):379-384
Objective:To analyze the effects of shift work on the renal function of oil workers and investigate whether there is a measured response relationship between shift work and renal dysfunction.Methods:In this study, oil workers who participated in physical examinations at the North China Oilfield Downhole Hospital were selected as the study subjects, and the physical examinations as well as questionnaires of the study subjects in 2017 and 2018 were collected as the baseline data, which included blood biochemical indexes, socio-demographic characteristics, history of life behaviors, occupational exposures, and occupational histories. Three follow-up surveys were subsequently conducted in April 2019, April 2020, and January 2021. The presence of renal dysfunction in the study population was determined based on the glomerular filtration rate tested at the medical examination hospital. The exposure of the study subjects to shift work was assessed using the weighted shift index (WSI), the relationship between different levels of shift work and renal dysfunction was analyzed using Cox regression, and the measure of WSI and renal dysfunction was explored by restricted cubic spline (RCS). response relationship.Results:A total of 2292 study participants were included in this study, and the prevalence density of renal dysfunction was 87.44 k/year, of which the prevalence of renal dysfunction in females (30.31%), those with per capita monthly income <2, 000 yuan (27.00%), those who consume alcohol (27.10%), those who are hypertensive (23.05%), those who are exposed to high temperatures (27.37%), those who are exposed to organic solvents (30.42%), and those who are engaged in shift work (25.87%) were to be found had a higher prevalence of renal dysfunction ( P<0.05). After correcting for age, sex, and other risk factors, there was a nonlinear association between intensity of shift work and renal dysfunction, with a hazard ratio ( HR) of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.98-1.59) for the development of renal dysfunction in petroleum workers for shift work performed at higher intensities, and moderate intensity of exposure to shift work reduced the risk of renal dysfunction in petroleum workers ( HR=0.54 with a 95% CI: 0.39-0.75, P<0.001) . Conclusion:Prolonged shift work increases the risk of renal dysfunction in oil workers, and the occurrence of renal dysfunction in oil workers is influenced by multiple factors.
5.Research Progress on the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Telitacicept in the Treatment of IgA Nephropathy
Jiangman SONG ; Xuelin SUN ; Zhe XU ; Li ZHENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1413-1418
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide, accounting for 20%-40% of primary glomerulonephritis cases. Approximately 40% of patients progress to end-stage renal disease within 20 years. Traditional treatments primarily involve renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and glucocorticoids, but some patients show limited response and face infection risks. In recent years, the dual-target biologic agent Telitacicept, which targets B cell-activating factor/B lymphocyte stimulator(BAFF/BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), has demonstrated significant potentialin the treatment of IgAN. By simultaneously neutralizing BAFF/BLyS and APRIL, Telitacicept suppresses abnormal B-cell activation and the production of pathogenic IgA1, significantly reducing urinary protein levels and preserving renal function. This article systematically reviews its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety, aiming to provide insights for the clinical management of IgAN.
6.Role of miR-4738-3p targeting TDO2 in regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting immune escape of thyroid cancer cells
Zhenzhen LIU ; Yuanpeng SONG ; Xuelin ZHANG ; Ying HE ; Xiaodong ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2637-2644
Objective:To investigate role of miR-4738-3p in targeting tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2(TDO2)to regulate energy metabolism and inhibit immune escape in thyroid cancer cells.Methods:A total of 68 cases of thyroid cancer tissues and their corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues were collected,expressions of miR-4738-3p and TDO2 in tissues and cell lines were de-tected by qRT-PCR,relationship between miR-4738-3p expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.Effects of miR-4738-3p and TDO2 on proliferation,migration,invasion,energy metabolism and immune escape of TPC-1 and BCPAP cells were examined through CCK-8,clone formation,wound healing,Transwell experiments,biochemical analyses,ELISA and NK cell co-culture experiments,targeting relationship between miR-4738-3p and TDO2 was validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.In vivo xenograft experiments and immunohistochemical detections were conducted to observe effects of miR-4738-3p on tumorigenesis and expression of immune escape-related proteins in TPC-1 and BCPAP cells.Results:miR-4738-3p was lowly expressed(P<0.05),while TDO2 was highly expressed in thyroid cancer(P<0.05).Tumor size,lymph node metastasis and TNM staging were correlated with expression of miR-4738-3p(P<0.05).Compared with miR-NC group,miR-4738-3p mimics group exhibited decreased prolifera-tion,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production,ATP/ADP ratio,TDO2 mRNA and protein expressions,tumor volume,mass,Ki-67,TDO2 and PD-L1 expressions(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were increased(P<0.05).miR-4738-3p inhibitor group showed increased proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production,ATP/ADP ratio,TDO2 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were decreased(P<0.05).Binding sites were identified between miR-4738-3p and TDO2,and their expression were negatively correlated(r=-0.485 3,P<0.001).Compared with sh-NC group,proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production and ATP/ADP ratio were decreased in sh-TDO2 group(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Scrambled group,proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production and ATP/ADP ratio were increased in TDO2 group(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:miR-4738-3p targets TDO2 to regulate energy metabolism,inhibiting thyroid cancer cell proliferation,metastasis and immune escape.
7.Cohort study of effects of shift work on renal function in oil workers in northern China
Zhikang SI ; Xuelin WANG ; Rui MENG ; Zekun ZHAO ; Ziwei ZHENG ; Jianhui WU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):379-384
Objective:To analyze the effects of shift work on the renal function of oil workers and investigate whether there is a measured response relationship between shift work and renal dysfunction.Methods:In this study, oil workers who participated in physical examinations at the North China Oilfield Downhole Hospital were selected as the study subjects, and the physical examinations as well as questionnaires of the study subjects in 2017 and 2018 were collected as the baseline data, which included blood biochemical indexes, socio-demographic characteristics, history of life behaviors, occupational exposures, and occupational histories. Three follow-up surveys were subsequently conducted in April 2019, April 2020, and January 2021. The presence of renal dysfunction in the study population was determined based on the glomerular filtration rate tested at the medical examination hospital. The exposure of the study subjects to shift work was assessed using the weighted shift index (WSI), the relationship between different levels of shift work and renal dysfunction was analyzed using Cox regression, and the measure of WSI and renal dysfunction was explored by restricted cubic spline (RCS). response relationship.Results:A total of 2292 study participants were included in this study, and the prevalence density of renal dysfunction was 87.44 k/year, of which the prevalence of renal dysfunction in females (30.31%), those with per capita monthly income <2, 000 yuan (27.00%), those who consume alcohol (27.10%), those who are hypertensive (23.05%), those who are exposed to high temperatures (27.37%), those who are exposed to organic solvents (30.42%), and those who are engaged in shift work (25.87%) were to be found had a higher prevalence of renal dysfunction ( P<0.05). After correcting for age, sex, and other risk factors, there was a nonlinear association between intensity of shift work and renal dysfunction, with a hazard ratio ( HR) of 1.29 (95% CI: 0.98-1.59) for the development of renal dysfunction in petroleum workers for shift work performed at higher intensities, and moderate intensity of exposure to shift work reduced the risk of renal dysfunction in petroleum workers ( HR=0.54 with a 95% CI: 0.39-0.75, P<0.001) . Conclusion:Prolonged shift work increases the risk of renal dysfunction in oil workers, and the occurrence of renal dysfunction in oil workers is influenced by multiple factors.
8.Role of miR-4738-3p targeting TDO2 in regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting immune escape of thyroid cancer cells
Zhenzhen LIU ; Yuanpeng SONG ; Xuelin ZHANG ; Ying HE ; Xiaodong ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2637-2644
Objective:To investigate role of miR-4738-3p in targeting tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2(TDO2)to regulate energy metabolism and inhibit immune escape in thyroid cancer cells.Methods:A total of 68 cases of thyroid cancer tissues and their corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues were collected,expressions of miR-4738-3p and TDO2 in tissues and cell lines were de-tected by qRT-PCR,relationship between miR-4738-3p expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.Effects of miR-4738-3p and TDO2 on proliferation,migration,invasion,energy metabolism and immune escape of TPC-1 and BCPAP cells were examined through CCK-8,clone formation,wound healing,Transwell experiments,biochemical analyses,ELISA and NK cell co-culture experiments,targeting relationship between miR-4738-3p and TDO2 was validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.In vivo xenograft experiments and immunohistochemical detections were conducted to observe effects of miR-4738-3p on tumorigenesis and expression of immune escape-related proteins in TPC-1 and BCPAP cells.Results:miR-4738-3p was lowly expressed(P<0.05),while TDO2 was highly expressed in thyroid cancer(P<0.05).Tumor size,lymph node metastasis and TNM staging were correlated with expression of miR-4738-3p(P<0.05).Compared with miR-NC group,miR-4738-3p mimics group exhibited decreased prolifera-tion,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production,ATP/ADP ratio,TDO2 mRNA and protein expressions,tumor volume,mass,Ki-67,TDO2 and PD-L1 expressions(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were increased(P<0.05).miR-4738-3p inhibitor group showed increased proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production,ATP/ADP ratio,TDO2 mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were decreased(P<0.05).Binding sites were identified between miR-4738-3p and TDO2,and their expression were negatively correlated(r=-0.485 3,P<0.001).Compared with sh-NC group,proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production and ATP/ADP ratio were decreased in sh-TDO2 group(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Scrambled group,proliferation,clone formation,migration,invasion ability,glucose uptake,lactate production and ATP/ADP ratio were increased in TDO2 group(P<0.05),NAD+/NADH ratio,IFN-γ,TNF-α levels and NK cell killing rate were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:miR-4738-3p targets TDO2 to regulate energy metabolism,inhibiting thyroid cancer cell proliferation,metastasis and immune escape.
9.The value of orthopedic metal artifact reduction technology in dual-layer detector CT for improving postoperative CT image quality in patients with lumbar internal fixation implants
Yuting WEN ; Yu YANG ; Xinyue LI ; Yan ZHENG ; Xuelin PAN ; Xiaodi ZHANG ; Huafeng CUI ; Zhenlin LI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(5):591-598
Objective:To evaluate the clinical utility of dual-layer detector CT integrated with virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) and an orthopedic metal artifact reduction (O-MAR) algorithm in improving the image quality of patients after lumbar pedicle screw fixation surgery, and to analyze its impact on different types of artifacts and image quality of different tissues.Methods:The study was a prospective study, The study enrolled patients who underwent lumbar pedicle screw fixation at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between March and September 2024. All patients underwent lumbar CT scans using a dual-layer detector system, and four image sets were reconstructed. CLumbar routine scans were performed using dual-layer detector CT, and four image sets were reconstructed:onventional images (CI non-O-MAR), conventional images with O-MAR (CI O-MAR), virtual monoenergetic images (VMI non-O-MAR), and VMI with O-MAR (VMI O-MAR). Objective metrics including artifact index (AI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantified, alongside subjective image quality assessment. One-way ANOVA or Friedman test were used to compare the objective evaluation indicators of image quality between VMI non-O-MAR and VMI O-MAR at different energy levels. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for CI non-O-MAR/VMI non-O-MAR versus CI O-MAR/VMI O-MAR comparisons. Results:A total of 30 patients were included, and all underwent internal fixation with titanium alloy pedicle screws. Objective analysis revealed that in both high-and low-density artifact regions, the AI values of the VMI O-MAR group decreased with the increase of energy levels, and were significantly lower than those of the corresponding VMI non-O-MAR group, with a statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). When the energy level≥140 keV, the AI value of the VMI O-MAR group was simultaneously lower than that of the CI non-O-MAR group and the CI O-MAR group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The SNR and CNR on the vertebral bodies in the VMI non-O-MAR group and the VMI O-MAR group showed a decreasing trend with increasing energy levels, and were always lower than those in the CI group at high energy levels (100-180 keV) (all P<0.05). At high energy levels (100-180 keV), the SNR of VMI O-MAR in the intervertebral disc and intraspinal tissues was higher than that of the VMI non-O-MAR group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Compared to other groups, subjective analysis indicated that the 140 keV VMI combined with O-MAR group received the highest image quality scores ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined application of VMI and O-MAR technology effectively reduces metal artifacts in post-lumbar fixation CT images. The 140 keV VMI with O-MAR reconstruction provides superior image quality and enhances diagnostic confidence.
10.Research progress of chemotherapy-related diarrhea induced by molecularly targeted anti-tumor drugs
Xuelin SUN ; Li ZHENG ; Hongsheng LI ; Xin HU ; Yatong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):506-512
Diarrhea caused by chemotherapy is called chemotherapy-related diarrhea (CRD). CRD can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness and compliance, affect the long-term outcome of tumor patients, and can be life-threatening in severe cases. In addition to conventional chemotherapy drugs, many molecularly targeted drugs are also associated with CRD, including small molecule epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, BCR-ABL1 and KIT inhibitors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 target inhibitors, cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates and other molecularly targeted drugs. The occurrence mechanism may be related to the intestinal mucosal injury or enteritis caused by molecularly targeted drugs. The clinical manifestations are increased stool frequency and/or loose imposition, and patients are often associated with excess hyperproduction and/or colic. The incidence of CRD varies with different drugs. Great importance should be attached to collecting medical history and differential diagnosis, actively intervening and conducting dynamic evaluation, strengthening patient education, and timely detecting and preventing the occurrence of intestinal toxicity.


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