1.Association between thyroid function and osteoporosis:genome-wide data analysis of European populations
Hao ZENG ; Pengcheng SUN ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1019-1027
BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have found a strong association between thyroid function and its related disorders and osteoporosis,but the causal relationship is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the causal relationship between genetically predicted thyroid function and its associated disorders,as well as osteoporosis,through the Mendelian randomization analysis with extensive pooled genetic data.METHODS:Pooled data from genome-wide association studies were employed to investigate the causal relationship between thyroid function and its associated disorders and osteoporosis.This was achieved through the utilization of the inverse variance weighting method as the primary Mendelian randomization analysis method,in conjunction with the MR-Egger method,weighted median method,simple model method,and weighted model method.A two-step mediated Mendelian randomization analysis was used to calculate the mediating effect of drug-mediated thyroid dysfunction on osteoporosis and the mediating proportion.Subsequently,sensitivity analyses were conducted using the MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO to detect multiplicity,Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity,and leave-one-out to perform sensitivity analyses.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of the inverse variance weighting method showed that thyroid function had an effect on bone mineral density,and that thyrotropin,free triiodothyronine on bone mineral density,free thyroxine,and subclinical hyperthyroidism all had a causal effect on bone mineral density.(2)In addition,mediation analyses revealed a potential mediating effect of carbimazole in the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis,as well as a potential mediating effect of levothyroxine sodium in the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis.(3)In conclusion,thyrotropin,which is high in the normal range,has been demonstrated to increase bone mineral density.Conversely,free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine,which are also high within the normal range,as well as subclinical hyperthyroidism,have been shown to decrease bone mineral density.The risk of developing osteoporosis is partially mediated by the pathway of taking the therapeutic medication in the context of pharmacologic treatment of thyroid dysfunction.(4)The present study primarily focuses on European population data.However,given the commonality of the genetic background and the generalizability of genome-wide data analysis methods,it is of significant importance to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the Chinese population,develop effective interventions,and provide genetic counseling.
2.Association between thyroid function and osteoporosis:genome-wide data analysis of European populations
Hao ZENG ; Pengcheng SUN ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1019-1027
BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have found a strong association between thyroid function and its related disorders and osteoporosis,but the causal relationship is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the causal relationship between genetically predicted thyroid function and its associated disorders,as well as osteoporosis,through the Mendelian randomization analysis with extensive pooled genetic data.METHODS:Pooled data from genome-wide association studies were employed to investigate the causal relationship between thyroid function and its associated disorders and osteoporosis.This was achieved through the utilization of the inverse variance weighting method as the primary Mendelian randomization analysis method,in conjunction with the MR-Egger method,weighted median method,simple model method,and weighted model method.A two-step mediated Mendelian randomization analysis was used to calculate the mediating effect of drug-mediated thyroid dysfunction on osteoporosis and the mediating proportion.Subsequently,sensitivity analyses were conducted using the MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO to detect multiplicity,Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity,and leave-one-out to perform sensitivity analyses.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of the inverse variance weighting method showed that thyroid function had an effect on bone mineral density,and that thyrotropin,free triiodothyronine on bone mineral density,free thyroxine,and subclinical hyperthyroidism all had a causal effect on bone mineral density.(2)In addition,mediation analyses revealed a potential mediating effect of carbimazole in the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis,as well as a potential mediating effect of levothyroxine sodium in the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis.(3)In conclusion,thyrotropin,which is high in the normal range,has been demonstrated to increase bone mineral density.Conversely,free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine,which are also high within the normal range,as well as subclinical hyperthyroidism,have been shown to decrease bone mineral density.The risk of developing osteoporosis is partially mediated by the pathway of taking the therapeutic medication in the context of pharmacologic treatment of thyroid dysfunction.(4)The present study primarily focuses on European population data.However,given the commonality of the genetic background and the generalizability of genome-wide data analysis methods,it is of significant importance to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the Chinese population,develop effective interventions,and provide genetic counseling.
3.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
4.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
5.Intestinal flora regulates bone metabolism:a visual analysis of literature from the Web of Science Core Collection
Hao ZENG ; Shunyi ZOU ; Zhengpeng LI ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5652-5661
BACKGROUND:In recent years,a number of studies have confirmed that gut microbiome regulates bone metabolism through multiple pathways,and this field has become a research hotspot in orthopedics and microbiology.However,there is still no literature metrology and visual analysis on this field.OBJECTIVE:To explore the research status,hot spots and development trends in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism,and to provide certain data support and reference for subsequent studies.METHODS:The Web of Science core collection database was used as the retrieval platform to retrieve the related literature in the field of intestinal flora regulating bone metabolism from 2004 to 2024.Citespace software was used to visually analyze the included literature and generate a visual atlas.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 1,035 papers were included in this study.In the past 20 years,the number of publications in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism has shown a significant growth trend,with the United States and China dominating research and publication activities in this field.Harvard University and the University of California system are the research institutions with the highest number of published papers and research centrality in this area,and Professor Pacifici R of Emory University is the most prolific author.(2)Inflammatory bowel disease,chain fatty acids,bone marrow are the core keywords in this field.Postmenopausal osteoporosis,rheumatoid arthritis,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction are the latest research frontiers in this field.(3)Among the top 10 cited papers,4 discussed the mechanism of short-chain fatty acids affecting bone metabolism;3 investigated the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of intestinal flora in postmenopausal osteoporosis,glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,and senile osteoporosis;1 discussed the relationship between intestinal inflammation,intestinal flora,parathyroid hormone,and bone metabolism;and 1 examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and T cells on the gut microbiome and bone metabolism.(4)NUTRIENTS has the most papers,while ENDOCRINOLOGY& METABOLISM has the most citations.(5)Based on literature co-citation analysis and keywords,further exploration is needed on the specific pathogenesis and treatment strategies of gut microbiome in postmenopausal osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis,revealing the molecular mechanism of regulating gut microbiota to inhibit oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial dysfunction affecting bone metabolism,and translating mechanism research into clinical application,which all constitute the future research directions and trends in this field.
6.Expression regulation of lipid metabolism gene ABHD5 in the mouse of testes
Hao LIU ; Ze-yu LI ; Kai-cheng SHEN ; Yuan-di HUANG ; De-xi SU ; Rui CHENG ; Ke XIONG ; Yi ZHI ; Wei-bing LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(6):492-498
Objective:To explore the expression regulation of lipid metabolism gene ABHD5 in testes.Methods:Differential gene analysis was performed by integrating databases of TCGA and GTEx to identify the target gene ABHD5.The expression trends of ABHD5 gene in testicular carcinoma tissue were analyzed.Human testis single-cell atlases were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases to determine the expression distribution of ABHD5 across different testicular cell types.Additionally,the GTEx database was utilized to visualize the expression pattern of ABHD5 in the testis,thereby enhancing the understanding of its transcriptional profile.The relationship between ABHD5 expression and age was assessed through integrated database analysis.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect differential expressions of ABHD5 in testicular tissues of young and aged mice respectively.Results:The TCGA database indicated that the expression of ABHD5 in human testicular carcinoma tissue was significantly lower than that in normal testicular tissue which showed a negative correlation with patient survival.ABHD5 was highly ex-pressed in germ cells of the testis reveaked from Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases.The stability of ABHD5 protein was crucial for testicular tissue,and its expression decreased with age.Furthermore,Western blot and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ABHD5 expression in the testicular tissue of aged mice was significantly lower than that in young mice.Conclu-sion:ABHD5 plays an important role in testicular tissue,and may be inseparable from testicular tumors and reproductive aging.How-ever,its mechanism of action remains to be further studied.
7.Rreview of machine learning in CT and MRI imaging diagnosis and prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma
Yu-hang ZHANG ; Li-yuan FU ; Hao HUANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):92-98
An overview of the development of machine learning in medical imaging was presented.The current status of machine learning applied to CT and MRI imaging diagnosis and prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)was summarized.The challenges faced by machine learning in the application of CT and MRI imaging diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC were analyzed and its future development directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):92-98]
8.Correlation of TRPV1 and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood in patients with schizophrenia
Rui XU ; Yuan LI ; Xiaofen LI ; Shijing WANG ; Xiaowei WANG ; Huan HUANG ; Hao LIU ; Xuan GONG ; Huiling WANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(10):742-749
Objectives:This study aims to investigate the expression changes of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel and inflammatory factors in the peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia, and to evaluate their potential value for diagnostic prediction.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from September 2023 to June 2024. A total of 35 patients with schizophrenia (patient group) from the outpatient/inpatient departments and 35 age-and sex-matched healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Psychiatric symptoms and cognitive function were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), respectively. The between-group comparisons of the total scores of these two instruments were calculated using independent samples t-tests. Fasting peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for subsequent analysis. TRPV1 protein expression was quantified by Western blotting, while inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The between-group differences in TRPV1 and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and sex. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine relationships between continuous variables, controlling for years of education, age, and sex. The diagnostic performance of TRPV1 and inflammatory cytokines for schizophrenia was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results:Significant between-group differences were observed in BACS total and subscale scores ( t=2.57-9.72, all P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the patient group exhibits significantly decreased expression of TRPV1, IL-4, and IL-10 ( t=6.78, 2.75, 2.53, all P<0.01), increased expression of TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 ( t=4.08, 2.64, 2.63, all P<0.01), and an increased IL-6/IL-10 ratio ( t=3.18, P<0.01). Correlation analyses revealed that in the patient group, the TRPV1 expression level was negatively correlated with levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and positively correlated with levels of IL-4 and IL-10 ( r=-0.589, -0.234, 0.341, 0.293, all P<0.05). In the patient group, the TRPV1 expression level was negatively correlated with the negative symptom score of PANSS ( r=-0.299, P<0.05), and the IL-6 level was positively correlated with the negative symptom score, the general pathology score, and the total score of PANSS ( r=0.387, 0.356, 0.321, all P<0.05). The TRPV1 level was positively correlated with the total score of BACS in both the control group and the patient group ( r=0.144, 0.828, all P<0.01). The IL-6/IL-10 ratio was positively correlated with the total score of PANSS and negatively correlated with the total score of BACS in the patient group ( r=0.623, -0.333, all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve for the combination of TRPV1 level and IL-6/IL-10 ratio was 0.98 (95% confidence interval=0.96 to 1.00). Conclusions:Patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced expression levels of TRPV1 along with an imbalanced inflammatory response. The combined assessment of TRPV1 level and IL-6/IL-10 ratio has demonstrated a high predictive and diagnostic value for schizophrenia.
9.Intestinal flora regulates bone metabolism:a visual analysis of literature from the Web of Science Core Collection
Hao ZENG ; Shunyi ZOU ; Zhengpeng LI ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5652-5661
BACKGROUND:In recent years,a number of studies have confirmed that gut microbiome regulates bone metabolism through multiple pathways,and this field has become a research hotspot in orthopedics and microbiology.However,there is still no literature metrology and visual analysis on this field.OBJECTIVE:To explore the research status,hot spots and development trends in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism,and to provide certain data support and reference for subsequent studies.METHODS:The Web of Science core collection database was used as the retrieval platform to retrieve the related literature in the field of intestinal flora regulating bone metabolism from 2004 to 2024.Citespace software was used to visually analyze the included literature and generate a visual atlas.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 1,035 papers were included in this study.In the past 20 years,the number of publications in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism has shown a significant growth trend,with the United States and China dominating research and publication activities in this field.Harvard University and the University of California system are the research institutions with the highest number of published papers and research centrality in this area,and Professor Pacifici R of Emory University is the most prolific author.(2)Inflammatory bowel disease,chain fatty acids,bone marrow are the core keywords in this field.Postmenopausal osteoporosis,rheumatoid arthritis,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction are the latest research frontiers in this field.(3)Among the top 10 cited papers,4 discussed the mechanism of short-chain fatty acids affecting bone metabolism;3 investigated the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of intestinal flora in postmenopausal osteoporosis,glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,and senile osteoporosis;1 discussed the relationship between intestinal inflammation,intestinal flora,parathyroid hormone,and bone metabolism;and 1 examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and T cells on the gut microbiome and bone metabolism.(4)NUTRIENTS has the most papers,while ENDOCRINOLOGY& METABOLISM has the most citations.(5)Based on literature co-citation analysis and keywords,further exploration is needed on the specific pathogenesis and treatment strategies of gut microbiome in postmenopausal osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis,revealing the molecular mechanism of regulating gut microbiota to inhibit oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial dysfunction affecting bone metabolism,and translating mechanism research into clinical application,which all constitute the future research directions and trends in this field.
10.Study on secondary metabolites of Penicillium expansum GY618 and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Fei-yu YIN ; Sheng LIANG ; Qian-heng ZHU ; Feng-hua YUAN ; Hao HUANG ; Hui-ling WEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):427-433
Twelve compounds were isolated from the rice fermentation extracts of

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