1.Screening of biomarkers for fibromyalgia syndrome and analysis of immune infiltration
Yani LIU ; Jinghuan YANG ; Huihui LU ; Yufang YI ; Zhixiang LI ; Yangfu OU ; Jingli WU ; Bing WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1091-1100
BACKGROUND:Fibromyalgia syndrome,as a common rheumatic disease,is related to central sensitization and immune abnormalities.However,the specific mechanism has not been elucidated,and there is a lack of specific diagnostic markers.Exploring the possible pathogenesis of this disease has important clinical significance. OBJECTIVE:To screen the potential diagnostic marker genes of fibromyalgia syndrome and analyze the possible immune infiltration characteristics based on bioinformatics methods,such as weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),and machine learning. METHODS:Gene expression profiles in peripheral serum of fibromyalgia syndrome patients and healthy controls were obtained from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database.The differentially co-expressed genes were screened in the expression profile by differential analysis and WGCNA analysis.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)machine learning algorithm were further used to identify hub biomarkers,and draw receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome.Finally,single sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)were used to evaluate the immune cell infiltration and pathway enrichment in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Eight down-regulated differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were obtained after differential analysis of the GSE67311 dataset according to the conditions of log2|(FC)|>0 and P<0.05.After WGCNA analysis,497 genes were included in the module(MEdarkviolet)with the highest positive correlation(r=0.22,P=0.04),and 19 genes were included in the module(MEsalmon2)with the highest negative correlation(r=-0.41,P=6×10-5).After intersecting DEGs and the module genes of WGCNA,seven genes were obtained.Four genes were screened out by LASSO regression algorithm and five genes were screened out by SVM-RFE machine learning algorithm.After the intersection of the two,three core genes were identified,which were germinal center associated signaling and motility like,integrin beta-8,and carboxypeptidase A3.The areas under the ROC curve of the three core genes were 0.744,0.739,and 0.734,respectively,indicating that they have good diagnostic value and can be used as biomarkers for fibromyalgia syndrome.The results of immune infiltration analysis showed that memory B cells,CD56 bright NK cells,and mast cells were significantly down-regulated in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome compared with the control group(P<0.05),and were significantly positively correlated with the above three biomarkers(P<0.05).The enrichment analysis suggested that there were nine fibromyalgia syndrome enrichment pathways,mainly related to olfactory transduction pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and infection pathway.The above results showed that the occurrence and development of fibromyalgia syndrome are related to the involvement of multiple genes,abnormal immune regulation,and multiple pathways imbalance.However,the interactions between these genes and immune cells,as well as their relationships with various pathways need to be further investigated.
2.A survey on the current status of gynecological and breast diseases among 13 031 women in Pudong New Area, Shanghai in 2023
Lu LI ; Xichang ZHAO ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Yufang YE
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):160-163
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of gynecological and breast diseases among retired or economically disadvantaged women in part of Pudong New Area of Shanghai under the policy support of screening gynecological diseases and breast diseases for retired and women with economic difficulties in life in Shanghai, to analyze the characteristics of these diseases, so as to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of relevant prevention and treatment strategies. MethodsBased on the gynecological census data of 13 031 cases in five towns, including Xinchang Town, Xuanqiao Town, Laogang Town, Wanxiang Town and Shuyuan Town, conducted by Shanghai Pudong Hospital in 2023, descriptive analysis methods were used to explore the prevalence and age characteristics of common gynecological and breast diseases. ResultsThe total detection rate of gynecological and breast diseases among women in the screening area in this study was 68.29%, with uterine fibroid (22.35%), sarcoidosis of the breast (17.06%), cervicitis (15.37%), vaginitis (8.39%) and ovarian cyst (2.61%) ranking the top 5 in the detection rate among the screening population. The differences of the detection rates in the four major diseases [uterine fibroid (χ2=233.217, P<0.001), breast nodules(χ2=169.896, P<0.001), cervicitis (χ2=388.683, P<0.001), and ovarian cysts (χ2=72.298, P<0.001)] by different age groups were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Moreover, the results of pairwise comparison of different age groups showed that the detection rates in the age group under 45 years old and 45‒55 years old were higher than that in the age group of 55‒65 years old and over 65 years old. ConclusionThe detection rate of gynecological and breast diseases in the younger age group was higher, indicating a certain trend of younger onset of diseases. Uterine fibroid, sarcoidosis of the breast , and reproductive tract diseases such as cervicitis, vaginitis, and ovarian cyst are the main diseases affecting the research subjects. Therefore, medical institutions can combine routine work in screening diseases and carry out corresponding health education and health promotion activities for these key diseases to improve women’s health.
3.Research progress on the pathogenesis of central retinal vein occlusion
Qi HAN ; Xue HAN ; Xingchen GUO ; Yuanhui YANG ; Yuanmin LI ; Yufang TENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1261-1266
Central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)is a retinal vascular disorder that significantly impairs vision, with its underlying mechanisms involving complex interactions across multiple biological systems. This article provides a systematic review of the pathological mechanisms associated with CRVO, emphasizing critical factors such as endothelial dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, thrombophilia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The pathological mechanisms of CRVO are characterized by arteriosclerosis, which obstructs venous return through a dual mechanism involving mechanical compression and endothelin-1-mediated contraction; endothelial dysfunction, which exacerbates disturbances in blood flow; genetic and acquired coagulation abnormalities that disrupt hemostatic balance and promote thrombosis; and the synergistic effects of inflammation and oxidative stress that activate cytokines, thereby aggravating ischemia and vascular leakage. Innovatively, this review explores emerging mechanisms such as miRNA-mediated vascular regulation via exosomes, gut microbiota-retina crosstalk through the “gut-eye axis,” and systemic metabolic interactions that link local retinal lesions to broader dysregulation of CRVO. These insights underscore the importance of integrated eye-system interventions and provide a theoretical foundation for advancing early biomarker discovery, multitarget therapeutics, and personalized treatment paradigms. By bridging localized pathology and systemic mechanisms, this work promotes a transformative shift toward an integrative medicine model in the diagnosis and management of CRVO.
4.Nasal-to-Brain Drug Delivery Strategies for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Yang CHEN ; Tiantian WANG ; Yufang HUANG ; Guangdi YANG ; Shengmou HU ; Xiaomeng LEI ; Wenliu ZHANG ; Dongxun LI ; Canjian WANG ; Guosong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):252-261
Central nervous system(CNS) disorders are characterized by complex pathological mechanisms and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), which significantly limits the effectiveness of drug therapy. Traditional drug delivery modes include oral administration, intravenous injection and transdermal delivery, which have certain advantages, but it is difficult for the drugs to effectively cross the BBB. Therefore, it is crucial to find drug delivery modes that can efficiently traverse the BBB. Nasal drug delivery, as a non-invasive method, can realize the targeted delivery of drugs to the CNS via three pathways, including olfactory neurons, trigeminal neurons and blood circulation, and shows a broad application prospect in the treatment of CNS diseases. Numerous studies have further confirmed that nasal drug delivery combined with novel drug delivery systems such as lipid nanocarriers, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and composite in situ gels can effectively load the active components of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and significantly increase drug concentration in the brain, which provides new strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases. In this paper, the current status of drug delivery for CNS diseases was systematically sorted out, the characteristics of nasal drug delivery were discussed in depth, and the research progress of passive targeting, active targeting, and "guiding the meridian" drug delivery strategies for the nasal-to-brain transport of TCM active components was summarized and analyzed, which was aimed to provide references and insights for the development of drugs for CNS diseases and the application of TCM in nasal-to-brain delivery.
5.Nasal-to-Brain Drug Delivery Strategies for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Yang CHEN ; Tiantian WANG ; Yufang HUANG ; Guangdi YANG ; Shengmou HU ; Xiaomeng LEI ; Wenliu ZHANG ; Dongxun LI ; Canjian WANG ; Guosong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):252-261
Central nervous system(CNS) disorders are characterized by complex pathological mechanisms and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), which significantly limits the effectiveness of drug therapy. Traditional drug delivery modes include oral administration, intravenous injection and transdermal delivery, which have certain advantages, but it is difficult for the drugs to effectively cross the BBB. Therefore, it is crucial to find drug delivery modes that can efficiently traverse the BBB. Nasal drug delivery, as a non-invasive method, can realize the targeted delivery of drugs to the CNS via three pathways, including olfactory neurons, trigeminal neurons and blood circulation, and shows a broad application prospect in the treatment of CNS diseases. Numerous studies have further confirmed that nasal drug delivery combined with novel drug delivery systems such as lipid nanocarriers, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and composite in situ gels can effectively load the active components of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and significantly increase drug concentration in the brain, which provides new strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases. In this paper, the current status of drug delivery for CNS diseases was systematically sorted out, the characteristics of nasal drug delivery were discussed in depth, and the research progress of passive targeting, active targeting, and "guiding the meridian" drug delivery strategies for the nasal-to-brain transport of TCM active components was summarized and analyzed, which was aimed to provide references and insights for the development of drugs for CNS diseases and the application of TCM in nasal-to-brain delivery.
6.Investigation of latent tuberculosis infection among the elderly in rural areas of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province
Jian ZHANG ; Yufang SONG ; Feilin REN ; Xuejing LI ; Jiasheng QIN ; Bin SHAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):503-506
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the elderly population in rural areas of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, and to provide an evidence for the development of LTBI prevention and control measures. MethodsBetween January and May 2024, elderly individuals participating in urban and rural residents’ health checkups were screened for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using a domestically produced interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) kit. Individuals tested positive by IGRA but without active tuberculosis were classified as LTBI cases. The prevalence of LTBI among the participants was subsequently analyzed. ResultsAmong the 6 765 subjects, 637 tested positive by IGRA, including one identified active tuberculosis patient, resulting in a LTBI prevalence rate of 9.40%. There was a statistically significant difference in positivity rates across different IGRA methodologies (χ2=35.530, P<0.001). Higher LTBI rate was observed in males, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, exhibiting statistically significant differences (χ2=32.401, P<0.001; χ2=5.789, P=0.020; χ2=39.248, P<0.001, respectively.) No statistically significant difference in LTBI rate was found across different age groups (χ2=0.238, P=0.971). ConclusionThe prevalence of LTBI among the elderly rural residents in Changxing County is relatively low. Male, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis have an increased risk of LTBI, warranting targeted risk monitoring and timely interventions.
7.LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster ameliorates neuropathic pain in mice by suppressing TLR4/TNF-α signaling.
Yufang FU ; Weiling TAN ; Xiaocui LI ; Rongtian LIN ; Shuwen LIU ; Ling YE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2285-2296
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the therapeutic effect of LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster (LFS) on neuropathic pain (NP) and its molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
Mouse models of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) were treated with low, medium, and high doses (2.2, 4.4, and 8.8 cm2, respectively) of LFS by topical application for 14 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and signaling pathways. The key targets were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The biosafety of LFS was evaluated by measuring the organ indices and damage indicators of the heart, liver, and kidneys.
RESULTS:
Compared with the CCI group, LFS dose-dependently increased MWT and PWL, reduced plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and alleviated sciatic nerve inflammation in the mouse models. Network pharmacology identified 378 bioactive compounds targeting 279 NP-associated genes enriched in TLR and TNF signaling. Molecular docking showed that quercetin and ursolic acid in LFS could stably bind to TLR4 and TNF‑α. In the mouse models of sciatic nerve CCI, LFS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Tlr4 and Tnf-α in the spinal cord in a dose-dependent manner and lowered the protein expressions of TLR4 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve. LFS treatment did not cause significant changes in the organ indices or damage indicators of the heart, liver and kidneys as compared with those in the CCI model group and sham-operated group.
CONCLUSIONS
LFS alleviates NP in mice by suppression of TLR4/TNF-α-mediated neuroinflammation with a good safety profile.
Animals
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
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Neuralgia/metabolism*
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Mice
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Sciatic Nerve/injuries*
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Male
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Interleukin-6
8.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
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Gallstones/complications*
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Female
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Male
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Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Aged
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Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
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Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
9.Effect of Grain-sized Moxibustion on JAK2/ STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Colon Tissue of Ulcerative Colitis Mice
Tao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Hao YIN ; Yanting CHENG ; Yufang JI ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1925-1933
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan (RN12)" "Tianshu (ST25)" and "Shangjuxu (ST37)" on the colon tissue of mice with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to analyze the potential mechanism. MethodsForty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, moxibustion group and mesalazine group, with 10 mice in each group. In all the groups except for the blank group, UC mouse model was prepared by freely drinking 3% sodium dextran sulfate solution. After successful modeling, the moxibustion group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at Zhongwan, Tianshu and Shangjuxu , 3 cones per acupoint, 30 s of each cone. The mesalazine group was given 300 mg/kg of mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage. The blank group and the model group were only fixed by grasping without any intervention. Each group was intervened once a day for 7 consecutive days. The general condition of mice in each group was observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated. The colon length, intestinal weight and colon mucosal injury score were detected. The contents of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of colon tissue were observed by HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in colon tissue of mice were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of JAK2 and SOCS3 in colon tissue of mice was detected by immunofluorescence double staining. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the mice in the model group had unclean perianal area, unformed stool, destroyed colonic mucosal morphology, shortened body weight and colon length, increased DAI score, intestinal weight index, colonic mucosal injury and pathological score, serum ICAM-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, increased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue, and decreased mRNA and protein expression of SOCS3 (P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the perianal area of mice in the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group was improved, and the colonic mucosal morphology was more complete; body weight and colon length increased, while DAI score, intestinal weight index, colonic mucosal injury and pathological score, serum ICAM-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels decreased, with decreased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue, and increased SOCS3 mRNA and protein expression ( P<0.01 or P<0.05 ). There was no significant difference in any index between the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group. ConclusionGrain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan", "Tianshu" and "Shangjuxu" can improve the damage of colon mucosa in UC model mice, and the mechanism may be related to the key factors regulating JAK2 / STAT3 signaling pathway based on SOCS3.
10.OX40L promotes early antibody production after recombinant rabies virus immunization by activating dendritic cells
Yufang WANG ; Ting GAO ; Xiao XING ; Yong WANG ; Shaomei ZI ; Yaping LIU ; Yang HU ; Kang LI ; Yingying LI
Immunological Journal 2024;40(5):425-432
This study performed to determine whether OX40L overexpressed by recombinant rabies virus(LBNSE-OX40L)can enhance the innate immune response through activation of dendritic cells and thus activate early antibody production.Bone marrow dendritic cells(BMDCs)were extracted from the femur of Balb/c mice and cultured for 6 days,and the cultured BMDCs were infected with the parental virus LBNSE and the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L with the multiplicity of infections(MOI)=1.The effect of each virus on the maturation of BMDCs was analyzed by flow cytometry;ELISA was used to detect the expression of innate immunity-related cytokines such as interferon-α(IFN-α)and interleukin-12p40(IL-12p40)in the supernatants of the infected BMDCs.For in vivo study,Balb/c female mice were injected intramuscularly with 106 FFU of parental virus LBNSE and recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L in both hind limbs,and the inguinal lymph nodes of mice were collected on day 6 after immunization,and the proportion of mature DCs was detected by flow cytometry.The serum was collected on day 6 after immunization,and the content of virus-neutralizing antibody(VNA)was detected by antiviral neutralizing antibody titration.Mouse serum was collected on day 6 after immunization,and virus neutralizing antibody content was measured by titration of antiviral neutralizing antibody,while IgG antibody in mouse serum was detected by ELISA.IgM antibody subclasses were detected by ELISA on days 2,4,and 6 after immunization.Compared with the parental virus LBNSE,the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L was able to activate more BMDCs in vitro and produce significantly higher levels of IFN-α and IL-12p40.Furthermore,the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L stimulated the maturation and differentiation of the DCs in vivo,which led to the rapid production of high levels of VNA and RABV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies.Taken together,LBNSE-OX40L activates dendritic cells to promote the body's innate immune response,and in turn enhances early antibody production,thus can be an early effective rabies vaccine candidate.

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