1.Recent Progress in Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension
Daoxiong WU ; Yanjin LI ; Yuming WANG ; Ying HU ; Ya LIN ; Run MA
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):208-212
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of progressive diseases characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling,and some patients already have right heart insufficiency at the time of diagnosis. Therefore,early diagnosis of PH is essential to improve patients' quality of life and prolong survival. Biomarkers are an important indicator for early diagnosis of the disease,and there are many traditional biomarkers for PH diagnosis,but the sensitivity and specificity are low. With the progress of research,some new biomarkers have been shown to predict disease progression in early PH and play an important role in the early diagnosis of PH. This study reviews the research progress of biomarkers of PH from the aspects of right heart insufficiency,endothelial dysfunction,pulmonary artery smooth muscle dysfunction,inflammation,and in situ thrombosis to provide exploration direction and reference value for early diagnosis of PH.
2.Pan-cancer Analysis of Long Chain Non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 and Its Regulatory Role on Glutamine Metabolism in Gastric Cancer
Ya-Nan YU ; Jia-Qiu LI ; Xiao-Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):156-168
The long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 plays an important role in promoting the occurrence and development of various cancers.However,there is currently no systematic analysis of KCNQ1OT1 in pan cancer.To elucidate the value of KCNQ1OT1 in tumor diagnosis and prognosis,this study analyzed its expression levels in pan-cancer tissues and its impact on patient prognosis.By analyzing the regulatory mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer,new molecular targets may be found for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.Using Sangerbox 3.0,ACLBI and UALCAN databases,we found the expres-sion levels of KCNQ1OT1 were increased in 7 tumor tissues types(P<0.05).We found KCNQ1OT1 ex-pression was correlated with poor prognosis in many tumor types using Sangerbox 3.0 database.We used R software to analyze the differential genes between the high and low expression groups of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer patients(P<0.05,|log2FoldChange|>1).The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that KCNQ1OT1 was involved in the glutamine metabolism of gastric cancer.The cell counting and Western blot detection showed that knocking down KCNQ1OT1 significantly reduced the gastric canc-er cell activity,SLC1A5 expression level and SLC1A5-mediated glutamine transport process(P<0.01).Bioinformatics,RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase analysis confirmed that KCNQ1OT1 com-petitively bind to miR-138-5p to promote the expression of SLC1A5.Finally,ChIP-seq data was used to detect the high H3K27ac signaling at the gene locus of KCNQ1OT1,and ChIP-qPCR was used to verify that P300-mediated enhancer activity regulated the high expression of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer.KC-NQ1OT1 can serve as an independent diagnostic biomarker and prognostic predictor in various tumors.Targeting the KCNQ1OT1/miR-138-5p/SLC1A5 signaling axis to regulate glutamine metabolism may pro-vide new strategies and molecular targets for the treatment of gastric cancer.
3.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
4.Pan-cancer Analysis of Long Chain Non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 and Its Regulatory Role on Glutamine Metabolism in Gastric Cancer
Ya-Nan YU ; Jia-Qiu LI ; Xiao-Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):156-168
The long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 plays an important role in promoting the occurrence and development of various cancers.However,there is currently no systematic analysis of KCNQ1OT1 in pan cancer.To elucidate the value of KCNQ1OT1 in tumor diagnosis and prognosis,this study analyzed its expression levels in pan-cancer tissues and its impact on patient prognosis.By analyzing the regulatory mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer,new molecular targets may be found for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.Using Sangerbox 3.0,ACLBI and UALCAN databases,we found the expres-sion levels of KCNQ1OT1 were increased in 7 tumor tissues types(P<0.05).We found KCNQ1OT1 ex-pression was correlated with poor prognosis in many tumor types using Sangerbox 3.0 database.We used R software to analyze the differential genes between the high and low expression groups of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer patients(P<0.05,|log2FoldChange|>1).The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that KCNQ1OT1 was involved in the glutamine metabolism of gastric cancer.The cell counting and Western blot detection showed that knocking down KCNQ1OT1 significantly reduced the gastric canc-er cell activity,SLC1A5 expression level and SLC1A5-mediated glutamine transport process(P<0.01).Bioinformatics,RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase analysis confirmed that KCNQ1OT1 com-petitively bind to miR-138-5p to promote the expression of SLC1A5.Finally,ChIP-seq data was used to detect the high H3K27ac signaling at the gene locus of KCNQ1OT1,and ChIP-qPCR was used to verify that P300-mediated enhancer activity regulated the high expression of KCNQ1OT1 in gastric cancer.KC-NQ1OT1 can serve as an independent diagnostic biomarker and prognostic predictor in various tumors.Targeting the KCNQ1OT1/miR-138-5p/SLC1A5 signaling axis to regulate glutamine metabolism may pro-vide new strategies and molecular targets for the treatment of gastric cancer.
5.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Zhang CHU ; Ma ZHAOCHEN ; Li TAO ; Liu YUDONG ; Jia YAN ; Li QUN ; Liu CHUNFANG ; Lin YA ; Gong CHUNZHU ; Lin NA ; Chen WEIHENG ; Zhang YANQIONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background:Bushen Zhuanggu Formula(BZF),derived from the classic Yougui Pills,has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(NONFH),particularly by promoting bone repair.However,its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objective:This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH.Materials and methods:A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database.Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls.A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis.In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH.Results:Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction,immune-inflammatory imbalance,and abnormal bone metabolism.Protein kinase C alpha(PKCA),Ras proto-oncogene(RAS),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK),ETS proto-oncogene 1(ETS1),and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis.BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation,preserved trabecular bone morphology,reduced bone loss,and promoted bone repair.Mechanistically,BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA,RAS,ERK,ETS1,and RANKL,improved blood circulation,and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation.Conclusion:BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis,thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.
6.Recent Progress in Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension
Daoxiong WU ; Yanjin LI ; Yuming WANG ; Ying HU ; Ya LIN ; Run MA
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):208-212
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of progressive diseases characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling,and some patients already have right heart insufficiency at the time of diagnosis. Therefore,early diagnosis of PH is essential to improve patients' quality of life and prolong survival. Biomarkers are an important indicator for early diagnosis of the disease,and there are many traditional biomarkers for PH diagnosis,but the sensitivity and specificity are low. With the progress of research,some new biomarkers have been shown to predict disease progression in early PH and play an important role in the early diagnosis of PH. This study reviews the research progress of biomarkers of PH from the aspects of right heart insufficiency,endothelial dysfunction,pulmonary artery smooth muscle dysfunction,inflammation,and in situ thrombosis to provide exploration direction and reference value for early diagnosis of PH.
7.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Chu ZHANG ; Zhaochen MA ; Tao LI ; Yudong LIU ; Yan JIA ; Qun LI ; Chunfang LIU ; Ya LIN ; Chunzhu GONG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background: Bushen Zhuanggu Formula (BZF), derived from the classic Yougui Pills, has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH), particularly by promoting bone repair. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH. Materials and methods: A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database. Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls. A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis. In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH. Results: Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction, immune-inflammatory imbalance, and abnormal bone metabolism. Protein kinase C alpha (PKCA), Ras proto-oncogene (RAS), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK), ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis. BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation, preserved trabecular bone morphology, reduced bone loss, and promoted bone repair. Mechanistically, BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA, RAS, ERK, ETS1, and RANKL, improved blood circulation, and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation. Conclusion: BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis, thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.
8.A population-based study on meteorological conditions in association with motor vehicle collisions among people with type 2 diabetes.
Chung-Yi LI ; Ya-Hui CHANG ; Hon-Ping MA ; Ping-Ling CHEN ; Chang-Ta CHIU ; I-Lin HSU
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():91-91
BACKGROUND:
Prior studies have shown that drivers with type 2 diabetes are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) compared to the general population. Certain meteorological factors have been increasingly recognized as contributors to MVC risk. This study aims to examine the association of MVCs with temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and sunshine duration among drivers with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS:
Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance data (2019-2021), we identified individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and linked their records to the Police-Reported Traffic Accident Registry to obtain daily MVC counts. Meteorological data were sourced from the Central Weather Administration. Associations between daily weather conditions and MVCs were assessed using a Distributed Lag Non-Linear Model.
RESULTS:
Over the 1,096-day study period, 170,468 MVC events involving drivers with type 2 diabetes were recorded. A U-shaped association was observed between same-day temperature and MVC rates. Compared with the reference temperature of 17.5 °C, both lower temperatures (≤15 °C; rate ratio [RR] = 1.014-1.053) and higher temperatures (≥30 °C; RR = 1.062) were associated with increased MVC risk. Rainfall showed an inverse relationship with MVCs. Compared with 70 mm of rainfall, the lowest MVC rate occurred at 129 mm (RR = 0.873), while the highest was on rain-free days (0 mm; RR = 1.068). Stronger effects were observed when lag periods up to 14 days were considered. Wind speed and sunshine duration were not significantly associated with MVC risk.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that drivers with type 2 diabetes should exercise greater caution on days with extreme temperatures or in days with lesser rainfall, as these conditions may elevate MVC risk.
Humans
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*
;
Taiwan/epidemiology*
;
Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Weather
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Temperature
;
Risk Factors
9.Structural insights into the distinct ligand recognition and signaling of the chemerin receptors CMKLR1 and GPR1.
Xiaowen LIN ; Lechen ZHAO ; Heng CAI ; Xiaohua CHANG ; Yuxuan TANG ; Tianyu LUO ; Mengdan WU ; Cuiying YI ; Limin MA ; Xiaojing CHU ; Shuo HAN ; Qiang ZHAO ; Beili WU ; Maozhou HE ; Ya ZHU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):381-385
10.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Zhang CHU ; Ma ZHAOCHEN ; Li TAO ; Liu YUDONG ; Jia YAN ; Li QUN ; Liu CHUNFANG ; Lin YA ; Gong CHUNZHU ; Lin NA ; Chen WEIHENG ; Zhang YANQIONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background:Bushen Zhuanggu Formula(BZF),derived from the classic Yougui Pills,has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(NONFH),particularly by promoting bone repair.However,its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objective:This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH.Materials and methods:A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database.Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls.A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis.In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH.Results:Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction,immune-inflammatory imbalance,and abnormal bone metabolism.Protein kinase C alpha(PKCA),Ras proto-oncogene(RAS),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK),ETS proto-oncogene 1(ETS1),and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis.BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation,preserved trabecular bone morphology,reduced bone loss,and promoted bone repair.Mechanistically,BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA,RAS,ERK,ETS1,and RANKL,improved blood circulation,and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation.Conclusion:BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis,thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.

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