1.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
2.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
3.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
4.Drying kinetics of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and dynamics of active components in drying process.
Yu-Qin LI ; Xiu-Xiu SHA ; Zhe ZHANG ; Shu-Lan SU ; Liang NI ; Sheng GUO ; Hui YAN ; Da-Wei QIAN ; Jin-Ao DUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):128-139
This study explored the drying kinetics of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(SM), established the suitable models simulating the drying kinetics, and then analyzed the dynamic changes of active components during the drying processes with different methods, aiming to provide a basis for the establishment of suitable drying methods and the quality control of SM. The drying kinetics were studied based on the drying curve, drying rate, moisture effective diffusion coefficient, and drying activation energy, and the appropriate drying kinetics model of SM was established. The drying performance of different methods, such as hot air drying, infrared drying, and microwave drying of SM was evaluated, and the changes in the content of 10 salvianolic acids and 6 tanshinones during drying were analyzed by UPLC-TQ-MS. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution(TOPSIS) was employed to evaluate the quality of SM dried with different methods. The results showed that the drying rate and moisture effective diffusion coefficient of SM increased with the rise in drying temperature, and the maximum drying rates of different methods were in the order of microwave drying > infrared drying > hot air drying, slice > whole root. The drying rate decreased with the rise in temperature and the extension of drying time. The activation energy of hot air drying was higher than that of infrared drying in SM. The most suitable model for simulating the drying process of SM was the Page model. The TOPSIS results suggested infrared drying at 50 ℃ was the optimal drying method for SM. During the drying process, the content of salvianolic acids increased in different degrees with the loss of moisture, among which salvianolic acid B showed the largest increase of 44 times compared with that in the fresh medicinal material. Tanshinones also existed in the fresh herb of SM, and the content of tanshinone Ⅱ_A increased by 3 times after drying. The results provided a basis for the establishment of suitable drying methods and the quality control of SM.
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry*
;
Desiccation/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Rhizome/chemistry*
;
Kinetics
;
Quality Control
;
Abietanes
5.Construction of a Prognostic Model for Lysosome-dependent Cell Death in Gastric Cancer Based on Single-cell RNA-seq and Bulk RNA-seq Data.
Peng NI ; Kai Xin GUO ; Tian Yi LIANG ; Xin Shuang FAN ; Yan Qiao HUA ; Yang Ye GAO ; Shuai Yin CHEN ; Guang Cai DUAN ; Rong Guang ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):416-432
OBJECTIVE:
To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC).
METHODS:
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay.
RESULTS:
A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells.
CONCLUSION
C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Lysosomes/physiology*
;
RNA-Seq
;
Cell Death
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Cell Proliferation
;
Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis
6.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline (3):Reporting Frameworks and Presentation
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Nannan SHI ; Ziyu TIAN ; Ruixiang WANG ; Xiaojia NI ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Dan YANG ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2304-2309
Standardized reporting is a crucial factor affecting the use of patient guidelines (PGs), particularly in the reporting and presentation of recommendations. This paper introduced the current status of PG reporting, including the research on PG content and presentation formats, and provided comprehensive recommendations for PG reporting from aspects such as overall framework, recommendations, presentation format, and readability. First, the presentation of PG recommendations should include clearly defined clinical questions, recommendations and their rationale, and guidance on how patients should implement the interventions; for specific content in the PG, such as level of evidence, level of recommendation, it is recommended to explain in text the reasons for giving different levels of recommendation, i.e., to present the logic behind giving the level of recommendation to the patient; additional information needed in the recommendation framework should be supplemented by tracing references or authoritative textbooks and literature that support the recommendations. Subsequently, the PG text should be written based on the Reporting Checklist for Public Versions of Guidelines (RIGHT-PVG) reporting framework. Finally, to enhance readability and comprehension, it is recommended to refer to the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for translating PG content. To enhance the readability of PGs, it is suggested to present the PG content in a persona-lized and layered manner.
7.Effects of Shenyan 1 Prescription on renal fibrosis improvement in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction based on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Guoqiang LIANG ; Jin XU ; Lixia ZHOU ; Daolei NI ; Yan REN ; Chunbo JIANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):42-48
Objective:To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of Shenyan 1 Prescription on renal fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats through TGF- β 1/Smad homologous 3 (Smad3) pathway regulating ferroptosis.Methods:Totally 48 male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham-operation group, UUO model group, and Shenyan 1 Prescription low-(10 drug/kg) , and high-dosage (20 crude drug/kg) groups according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The UUO model was induced by the method of unilateral ureteral obstruction except for those sham-operation group. After modeling, rats received corresponding drugs or normal saline by gavage for 4 weeks, once per day. After 4 weeks, the body mass and the left kidney weight were measured. The 24 h urine protein and the levels of serum albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected by biochemical analysis method; the ROS level in renal tissue was measured using a chemical fluorescence assay kit, and the SOD and MDA levels in left renal tissue of rats were measured using ELISA method; the morphology of renal tissue and the specific blue staining of hemosiderin were observed using HE and Prussian blue staining methods, respectively; the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad3, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5) were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the model group, the 24 h urinary protein excretion in Shenyan 1 Prescription high-dosage group decreased ( P<0.05), the serum ALB level increased ( P<0.05), the ALT level decreased ( P<0.05), and the expression of SLC1A5 in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05); the left kidney weight/body decreased in Shenyan 1 Prescription low- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.05); the levels of serum ROS and MDA decreased ( P<0.05), and the activity of SOD significantly increased ( P<0.05); the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05), and the expression of GPX4 increased ( P<0.05), and the renal pathological injury and ion deposition were improved. Conclusion:Shenyan 1 Prescription has a protective effect on the structure and function of renal tissues in UUO rats through regulating ferroptosis via inhibition of the TGF-β1/ Smad3 pathway to inhibit renal fibrosis of UUO rats.
8.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline(1):The Concept of Patient Guideline
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Ziyu TIAN ; Nannan SHI ; Sihong YANG ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Xiaojia NI ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Ruixiang WANG ; Zeyu YU ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(20):2086-2091
Since the concept of patient versions of guidelines (PVGs) was introduced into China, several PVGs have been published in China, but we found that there is a big difference between the concept of PVG at home and abroad, and the reason for this difference has not been reasonably explained, which has led to ambiguity and even misapplication of the PVG concept by guideline developers. By analyzing the background and purpose of PVGs, and the understanding of the PVG concept by domestic scholars, we proposed the term patient guidelines (PGs). This refers to guidelines developed under the principles of evidence-based medicine, centered on health issues that concern patients, and based on the best available evidence, intended for patient use. Except for the general attribute of providing information or education, which is typical of common health education materials, PGs also provide recommendations and assist in decision-making, so PGs include both the patient versions of guidelines (PVG) as defined by the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and "patient-directed guidelines", i.e. clinical practice guidelines resulting from the adaptation or reformulation of recommendations through clinical practice guidelines.
9.Methodology for Developing Patient Guideline (2):Process and Methodology
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Sihong YANG ; Ziyu TIAN ; Dan YANG ; Xiaojia NI ; Yufang HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ruixiang WANG ; Yingfeng ZHOU ; Shibing LIANG ; Shuyu YANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Jianping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(21):2194-2198
At present, the process and methodology of patient guidelines (PGs) development varies greatly and lacks systematic and standardised guidance. In addition to the interviews with PG developers, we have sorted out the relevant methodology for the adaptation and development of existing clinical practice guideline recommendations and facilitated expert deliberations to achieve a consensus, so as to finally put forward a proposal for guidance on the process and methodology for the development of PGs. The development of PGs can be divided into the preparation stage, the construction stage, and the completion stage in general, but the specific steps vary according to the different modes of development of PGs. The development process of Model 1 is basically the same as the patient version of the guideline development process provided by the International Guidelines Network, i.e., team formation, screening of recommendations, guideline drafing, user testing and feedback, approval and dissemination. The developer should also first determine the need for and scope of translating the clinical practice guideline into a patient version during the preparation phase. Model 2 adds user experience and feedback to the conventional clinical practice guideline development process (forming a team, determining the scope of the PG, searching, evaluating and integrating evidence, forming recommendations, writing the guideline, and expert review). Based on the different models, we sort out the process and methods of PG development and introduce the specific methods of PG development, including how to identify the clinical problem and how to form recommendations based on the existing clinical practice guidelines, with a view to providing reference for guideline developers and related researchers.
10.Total body water percentage and 3rd space water are novel risk factors for training-related lower extremity muscle injuries in young males
Liang CHEN ; Ke-Xing JIN ; Jing YANG ; Jun-Jie OUYANG ; Han-Gang CHEN ; Si-Ru ZHOU ; Xiao-Qing LUO ; Mi LIU ; Liang KUANG ; Yang-Li XIE ; Yan HU ; Lin CHEN ; Zhen-Hong NI ; Xiao-Lan DU
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2024;27(3):168-172
Purpose::To identify the risk factors for training-related lower extremity muscle injuries in young males by a non-invasive method of body composition analysis.Methods::A total of 282 healthy young male volunteers aged 18 -20 years participated in this cohort study. Injury location, degree, and injury rate were adjusted by a questionnaire based on the overuse injury assessment methods used in epidemiological studies of sports injuries. The occurrence of training injuries is monitored and diagnosed by physicians and treated accordingly. The body composition was measured using the BodyStat QuadScan 4000 multifrequency Bio-impedance system at 5, 50, 100 and 200 kHz to obtain 4 impedance values. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check whether the data conformed to a normal distribution. Data of normal distribution were shown as mean ± SD and analyzed by t-test, while those of non-normal distribution were shown as median (Q 1, Q 3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The receiver operator characteristic curve and logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate risk factors for developing training-related lower extremity injuries and accuracy. Results::Among the 282 subjects, 78 (27.7%) developed training injuries. Lower extremity training injuries revealed the highest incidence, accounting for 23.4% (66 cases). These patients showed higher percentages of lean body mass ( p = 0.001), total body water (TBW, p=0.006), extracellular water ( p=0.020) and intracellular water ( p=0.010) as well as a larger ratio of basal metabolic rate/total weight ( p=0.006), compared with those without lower extremity muscle injuries. On the contrary, the percentage of body fat ( p=0.001) and body fat mass index ( p=0.002) were lower. Logistic regression analysis showed that TBW percentage > 65.35% ( p=0.050, odds ratio =3.114) and 3rd space water > 0.95% ( p=0.045, odds ratio =2.342) were independent risk factors for lower extremity muscle injuries. Conclusion::TBW percentage and 3rd space water measured with bio-impedance method are potential risk factors for predicting the incidence of lower extremity muscle injuries in young males following training.

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