1.ALKBH5 exacerbates psoriatic dermatitis in mice by promoting angiogenesis.
Chengfang ZHANG ; Fei LI ; Bao CHAI ; Jian JIANG ; Yinlian ZHANG ; Xuemei LI ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Yuqiong HUANG ; Zilin JIN ; Yixuan Wang WAN ; Suwen LIU ; Nan YU ; Hongxiang CHEN
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(4):653-664
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is largely modulated by abnormal angiogenesis. Previous research has indicated that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), an important demethylase affecting N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, plays a role in regulating angiogenesis in cardiovascular and eye diseases. Our present study found that ALKBH5 was upregulated and co-localized with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in the skin of IMQ group compared with control group. ALKBH5-deficient mice decreased IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis and exhibited histological improvements, including decreased epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, numbers of dermal capillary vessels and inflammatory cell infiltration. ALKBH5-KO mice alleviated angiogenesis in psoriatic lesions by downregulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Additionally, the expression of ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in IL-17A-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which further promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines and endothelial cell proliferation. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in ALKBH5 knockdown group, whereas ALKBH5 overexpression promoted these processes. The regulation of angiogenesis in HUVECs by ALKBH5 was facilitated through the AKT-mTOR pathway. Collectively, ALKBH5 plays a pivotal role in psoriatic dermatitis and angiogenesis, which may offer a new potential targets for treating psoriasis.
Animals
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Psoriasis/chemically induced*
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Mice
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Humans
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Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics*
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism*
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AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
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Cell Proliferation
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Mice, Knockout
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Disease Models, Animal
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Signal Transduction
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Male
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Skin/blood supply*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Angiogenesis
2.Distribution of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and its association with perinatal outcomes
Jin CHEN ; Dan YANG ; Qianrong LI ; Yan SANG ; Zhi YU ; Jiao XU ; Xuemei WANG ; Heying HUANG ; Xue TANG ; Lin ZHUANG ; Xiaoyin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2343-2350
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and its association with perinatal outcomes, and to provide a basis for precise treatment based on TCM syndrome differentiation. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 patients with ICP who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to April 2025. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to summarize TCM syndromes. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the clinical features significantly associated with TCM syndrome. ResultsThe cluster analysis identified three core TCM syndromes among the 275 patients with ICP, i.e., liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome (45.8%), syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind (30.9%), and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome (23.3%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of TCM syndromes between different groups stratified by maternal age at delivery, parity, history of ICP recurrence, gestational weeks at disease onset, total bile acid (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and comorbidity with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that<34 gestational weeks at disease onset was significantly associated with all three syndromes (damp-heat: odds ratio [OR]=3.769, P<0.001; blood deficiency: OR=4.031, P<0.001; liver stagnation: OR=3.552, P<0.001). Liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome was associated with maternal age ≥35 years at disease onset (OR=2.048, P=0.014), parity ≥2 times (OR=1.921, P=0.034), history of ICP recurrence (OR=2.404, P=0.030), ALT ≥200 U/L (OR=2.051, P=0.018), comorbidity with GDM (OR=1.944, P=0.029), and TBA ≥40 μmol/L (OR=2.542, P=0.024). The syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind syndrome was associated with maternal age ≥35 years (OR=2.939, P=0.003), parity ≥2 time (OR=3.222, P=0.003), history of ICP recurrence (OR=3.809, P=0.010), ALT ≥200 U/L (OR=2.889, P=0.006), comorbidity with GDM (OR=3.711, P=0.001), and comorbidity with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR=4.472, P=0.011). Liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was associated with TBA ≥40 μmol/L (OR=2.995, P=0.044). The analysis of perinatal outcomes showed that there were significant differences in mode of delivery, gestational weeks at the time of delivery, postpartum blood loss, and neonatal birth weight between the three groups with different TCM syndromes (all P<0.05). ConclusionLiver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome, syndrome of blood deficiency generating wind, and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome are the main TCM syndrome types in ICP, and the distribution of TCM syndromes is closely associated with clinical factors and perinatal outcomes, which provides a basis for precise TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment.
3.Clinical characteristics analysis of peptic ulcers caused by eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children
Meng JIN ; Mingran MI ; Wenwen LIU ; Kunyu YAO ; Ran ZHANG ; Xuemei ZHONG
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):268-273
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,endoscopic features,treatment,and follow-up of peptic ulcers caused by eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders(EGIDs)in children,with the aim of improving the level of understanding,diagnosis and treatment of EGIDs in children with the onset of peptic ulcers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on children admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology,Capital Center for Children's Health,Capital Medical University from January 1st,2019 to October 31st,2023,who underwent complete endoscopic examination. The first examination showed the presence of peptic ulcers(gastric or duodenal ulcers)under the endoscope,and were ultimately diagnosed with peptic ulcers caused by EGIDs through examination and follow-up. The clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,endoscopic results,and treatment follow-up were analyzed.Results:Thirty-five children were EGIDs,22 males and 13 females.Twenty-two cases(62.9%)had abdominal pain as the main symptom.Laboratory tests:17 cases(48.6%)showed a decrease in hemoglobin,15 cases(42.9%)showed an increase in eosinophil count,20 cases(57.1%)tested gastro positive for food allergen specific IgE,and 17 cases(48.6%)showed thickening of the intestinal wall on gastrointestinal ultrasound. Endoscopic features:8 cases(22.9%)showed gastric antral ulcers,including 7 cases(20.0%)with multiple gastric antral ulcers,and 25 cases(71.4%)showed duodenal bulb ulcers.There were 15 cases(42.9%)showed huge ulcers,and 14 cases(40.0%)were located in the duodenal bulb. Comparison of clinical characteristics between children with EGIDs(EGIDs group)and those with peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection(Hp group):the first clinical symptom in both groups was mainly abdominal pain,but the incidence rate in the EGIDs group was lower(62.9% vs 93.5%),and the weigth for length Z score in the EGIDs group was lower[0(-1.6,0.8)vs 1.1(0,1.9)],with statistical significance(all P<0.05). Comparison of laboratory tests:the EGIDs group showed a statistically significant difference in hemoglobin levels[120(101,124)g/L vs 130(100,138)g/L],eosinophil count[0.28(0.13,0.71)× 10 9/L vs 0.16(0.08,0.22)×10 9/L],a positive rate of food allergen specific IgE detection(57.1% vs 32.3%),and a positive rate of intestinal wall thickening detected by gastrointestinal ultrasound(48.6% vs 16.1%)compared with the Hp group(all P<0.05). Comparison of endoscopic examinations:multiple ulcers in the gastric antrum were more common in the EGIDs group than in the Hp group(20.0% vs 0),and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:For children with peptic ulcers with onset of abdominal pain,with anemia or malnutrition,or multiple ulcers in the gastric antrum and huge ulcers in the duodenal bulb detected by endoscopy,it is recommended to perform multi site biopsies to help diagnose EGIDs early.
4.Association of serum and body fluid HBP and blood lactate levels with disease severity and their impact on prognosis in sepsis patients
Yujuan YANG ; Xiaoxiang JIN ; Xuemei DONG ; Jimin MA
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(4):267-272
Objective:To investigate the association of serum/body fluid heparin-binding protein (HBP) and blood lactate levels with disease severity and their impact on prognosis in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis.Methods:Clinical data from 100 sepsis patients admitted to Ma'anshan Shiqiye Hospital ICU (January 2023-September 2024) were retrospectively analyzed. According to Sepsis-3.0 criteria, patients were divided into: uncomplicated sepsis (general group, n=28), sepsis with organ failure/hypotension (severe group, n=61), and septic shock (shock group, n=11). Comparisons included serum/body fluid HBP, lactate, APACHE Ⅱ scores, and mortality across severity groups and laboratory parameters between survivors and non-survivors. Logistic regression was used to identify prognostic predictors. Non-normally distributed data were presented as M(Q1,Q3), comparison between groups were completed by Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman correlation was used to analyze relationships between biomarkers and APACHE Ⅱ scores. Categorical data were presented as n(%), and comparison between groups were completed by χ2 test or Fisher's exact tests. ROC curves was used to evaluate predictive value. Results:Shock group demonstrated significantly higher serum HBP [13.3 (12.6-16.4) μg/L], infection-site HBP [230.3 (226.3-241.1) μg/L], lactate [5.4 (4.9-5.6) mmol/L], and APACHE Ⅱ[22.0 (21.0-24.0)] than severe group [9.6 (8.9-10.5) μg/L; 208.9 (200.5-216.1) μg/L; 2.7 (2.6-2.8) mmol/L; 18.0 (17.0-19.0)] and general group [7.4 (6.3-8.1) μg/L; 190.6 (180.5-202.1) μg/L; 1.5 (1.4-1.7) mmol/L; 13.0 (12.0-14.0)] (all P<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in the mortality rate during hospita lization among three groups of patients ( χ2=30.49, P<0.001). Mortality was higher in shock group than severe group than general group [72.7% (8/11) vs. 11.5% (7/61) vs. 3.6% (1/28), all P<0.001]. Non-survivors exhibited elevated lactate [4.8 (2.7-5.5) vs. 2.6 (1.7-2.8) mmol/L, Z=-4.13, P=0.001], serum HBP [12.2 (9.2-13.3) vs. 9.3 (7.8-10.4) μg/L, Z=-3.12, P=0.002], and infection-site HBP [226.8 (209.9-237.6) vs. 203.6 (194.0-212.8) μg/L, Z=-4.32, P<0.001] vs. survivors. Serum HBP ( r=0.74), infection-site HBP ( r=0.64), and lactate ( r=0.86) were all positively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ (all P<0.001). After adjusting for age and APACHE Ⅱ, elevated serum HBP ( OR=3.743, 95% CI:1.834-7.640), infection-site HBP ( OR=3.540, 95% CI:1.932-6.486), and lactate ( OR=5.155, 95% CI:1.868-14.229) independently predicted mortality (all P<0.001). Combined biomarker detection showed superior predictive value (AUC=0.909) versus individual markers (serum HBP:0.747, infection-site HBP:0.842, lactate:0.827, all P<0.001). Conclusion:Elevated blood lactate and serum/infection-site HBP levels correlate with sepsis severity and independently predict mortality. The biomarker combination provides optimal prognostic stratification.
5.Clinical analysis and follow-up outcomes of 25 pediatric cases with hepatic glycogen storage disease
Wenwen LIU ; Meijuan WANG ; Meng JIN ; Ran ZHANG ; Mingran MI ; Xuemei ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(1):63-69
Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics and follow-up status of pediatric patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease in order to further improve the prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of hospitalized children diagnosed with hepatic glycogen storage disease in the Department of Gastroenterology at the Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2010 to April 2023 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The results of laboratory examination and gene sequencing were analyzed, and the number of cases that exceeded three (n) were grouped according to the genetic results: Group 1 was type Ⅰ ( n=8), Group 2 was type Ⅲ ( n=5), and Group 3 was type Ⅸa ( n=8).The growth, development and prognosis of the children were followed up. The related clinical characteristics of pediatric hepatic glycogen storage disease were summarized. Results:Twenty-five pediatric patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease were enrolled in this study, with fifteen males and ten females. The mean age of diagnosis was (29.1±13.5) months. There were twelve cases (48%) accompanied with varying degrees of hypoglycemia, and two cases (8%) with severe hypoglycemia.There were nineteen cases with stature retardation (76%), four cases with anemia (16%), three cases with proteinuria (12%), and one case with cholestasis (4%).The genetic results showed that there were four cases of type Ⅰa (16%), four cases of type Ⅰb (16%), one case of type Ⅱ (4%), five cases of type Ⅲ (20%), two cases of type Ⅳ (8%), one case of type Ⅵ (4%), and eight cases of type Ⅸ (32%).The three subgroups analysis showed that there were significant statistical differences in uric acid and triglycerides among the three groups ( P<0.05), while there were no statistical significant differences in transaminase levels, fasting blood glucose, lactate, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels ( P>0.05). The height-for-age Z scores of the three groups were -2.86±1.62, -1.46±1.06, and -1.83±0.98, respectively. The growth and development of groups 2 and 3 were significantly improved compared with group 1 ( P<0.05), with Z scores of -2.28±1.07, 0.20±1.54, and 0.10±1.44 after at least one year of follow-up. All pediatric patients with type Ⅸa had discontinued using raw corn starch after more than one year of follow-up and their transaminases had returned to normal. Four pediatric patients with type Ia were orally administered raw corn starch on a regular basis, and the aminotransferases, uric acid, and lactate were normal, with hypoglycemia being monitored. Among the four cases with type Ⅰb, one had recurrent respiratory tract and intestinal infections, two were combined with Crohn's disease, and one was monitored for hypoglycemia. In four cases of type Ⅲ, raw corn starch was discontinued, and a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet was adopted, with the exception of the presence of high creatine kinase and normal aminotransferase. Liver failure resulted in the death of one type Ⅵ case, while two were type Ⅳ cases; one died, and one case recently had slightly elevated aminotransferase. Conclusion:When pediatric patients exhibit manifestations such as hepatomegaly, elevated transaminases, fasting hypoglycemia, and delayed growth and development, it is necessary to be alert to hepatic glycogen storage disease. Clinical manifestations and biochemical indicators combined with genetic testing are helpful for the diagnosis of hepatic glycogen storage disease. Simultaneously, targeted nutritional management should be carried out according to the metabolic characteristics of different subtypes, with attention on growth and development status.
6.Advances in the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders
Xuemei QIN ; Su SHU ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Xiaotian ZHAO ; Lingsi ZENG ; Mohan MA ; Wenwen OU ; Guanyi LYU ; Qi ZHENG ; Shuyin XU ; Mi WANG ; Mei LIAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yumeng JU ; Jin LIU ; Bangshan LIU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(4):292-296
Anticipatory anxiety is a negative emotion that arises when individuals encounter potential threats or uncertainties in the future. It is the core symptom of a variety of anxiety disorders, and is closely associated with the occurrence, severity, treatment outcome, and prognosis of anxiety disorders, which has garnered a growing amount of focus in clinical practice. Nevertheless, scientific research on anticipatory anxiety continues to face obstacles such as unclear pathological mechanisms, the absence of simple and consistent self-assessment tools, and effective interventions. To improve understanding of the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, this study reviews pertinent domestic and international literature, and briefly introduces the concept, assessment and measurement, activation paradigm, pathological mechanisms, and interventions of anticipatory anxiety.
7.Summary of the best evidence on family doctor-patient communication strategies for perinatal loss
Yiting WANG ; Xuan WANG ; Jin HE ; Xuemei FAN ; Congshan PU ; Ping XU ; Juan WANG ; Chunjian SHAN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(3):206-214
Objective:To retrieve, evaluate and summarize relevant evidence on communication strategies for families with perinatal loss, and to provide an evidence-based basis for communication practice among clinical health professionals.Methods:The system searches for evidence related to the loss of family doctor-patient communication strategies during the perinatal period in computer decision support systems such as UpToDate, BMJ Best Clinical Practice, International Guidelines Network, UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, as well as in Chinese and English databases and related websites.The search was conducted between January 2012 and December 2022. The literature ′s quality and extracted evidence were independently evaluated by two researchers according to professional judgement. Results:A total of 13 articles were included, including 1 clinical decision, 2 guidelines, 4 national standards, 2 expert consensus, and 4 systematic reviews. 30 pieces of evidence have been summarized across five aspects, comprising communication environment, communication skills, timing and key points of communication, communication for special populations, and system-level communication support.Conclusions:This study summarizes the relevant evidence on communication strategies for family doctor-patient communication strategies for perinatal loss. Clinical professionals should carefully select and apply relevant evidence based on available medical resources and parental preferences, Develop and implement practical standards for family doctor-patient communication strategies for perinatal loss at the system level, further harmonize communication behaviors, and improve communication quality.
8.The study on the correlation between cognitive impairment of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter hyperintensity grade and cerebral atrophy grade
Ting LIU ; Jin ZHI ; Zhongzhong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Fengzhu MENG ; Xuemei LIN ; Yan WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):1-4
Objective To investigate the correlation between cognitive impairment of cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)and white matter hyperintensity grade and cerebral atrophy grade.Methods The data of 213 patients with CSVD were analyzed retro-spectively.The semi-quantitative Fazekas visual score of brain MR was used to evaluate the white matter hyperintensity,and cerebral atrophy was evaluated by the whole cerebral cortex atrophy grade.Mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(Mo CA)were used to evaluate each patient and to classify according to the results.Results There was a statistically sig-nificant difference in age between male and female patients with CSVD(P=0.04,t=4.288).The mean age of males[(66.5±10.3)years]was less than females[(69.5±10.0)years].There was significant difference between patients with different gender and history of hypertension(P=0.02,t=5.424).There were statistical differences between white matter hyperintensity Fazekes grade and MMSE and Mo CA scores(P<0.001,χ2=5.639;P<0.001,χ2=5.843),and there were statistical differences between whole cerebral cortex atrophy grade and MMSE score(P=0.036,χ2=2.895).Conclusion There is a certain correlation between cognitive impairment of CSVD and head MR imaging evaluation grade.
9.Research progress on infection prevention and control as well as disinfec-tion in funeral parlors
Yaling QIN ; Jiayi LIN ; Xuemei ZHOU ; Hao WU ; Jin SHEN ; Hongyang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(7):1010-1018
As the location with special public health environments,funeral parlors are of paramount importance in the prevention and control of infectious diseases as well as disinfection practices.This paper analyzes the unique hy-gienic characteristics of funeral parlors,summarizes relevant laws,regulations,standards,and literatures in funeral parlors at home and abroad,and elaborates the problems relevant to infection prevention and control in funeral par-lors from perspectives of body disposal risks,microbial contamination characteristics in funeral parlors,and the current status of staff's knowledge on infectious diseases.It aims to enhance the professional prevention and control capabilities of funeral service personnel and management personnel,ensure the health and safety of service recipients and staff,optimize service quality,provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for forming a sound infectious disease prevention and control system for funeral service institutions,and clarify research directions for the preven-tion and control of infectious diseases in funeral parlors in the future.
10.Research progress on infection prevention and control as well as disinfec-tion in funeral parlors
Yaling QIN ; Jiayi LIN ; Xuemei ZHOU ; Hao WU ; Jin SHEN ; Hongyang DUAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(7):1010-1018
As the location with special public health environments,funeral parlors are of paramount importance in the prevention and control of infectious diseases as well as disinfection practices.This paper analyzes the unique hy-gienic characteristics of funeral parlors,summarizes relevant laws,regulations,standards,and literatures in funeral parlors at home and abroad,and elaborates the problems relevant to infection prevention and control in funeral par-lors from perspectives of body disposal risks,microbial contamination characteristics in funeral parlors,and the current status of staff's knowledge on infectious diseases.It aims to enhance the professional prevention and control capabilities of funeral service personnel and management personnel,ensure the health and safety of service recipients and staff,optimize service quality,provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for forming a sound infectious disease prevention and control system for funeral service institutions,and clarify research directions for the preven-tion and control of infectious diseases in funeral parlors in the future.

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