1.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
2.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
3.Salvianolic Acid B and Ginsenoside Rg1 Combination Attenuates Cerebral Edema Accompanying Glymphatic Modulation.
Lingxiao ZHANG ; Yanan SHAO ; Zhao FANG ; Siqi CHEN ; Yixuan WANG ; Han SHA ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Linlin WANG ; Yi JIN ; Hao CHEN ; Baohong JIANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):1909-1923
Cerebral edema is characterized by fluid accumulation, and the glymphatic system (GS) plays a pivotal role in regulating fluid transport. Using the Tenecteplase system, magnesium salt of salvianolic acid B/ginsenoside Rg1 (SalB/Rg1) was injected intravenously into mice 4.5 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion and once every 24 h for the following 72 h. GS function was assessed by Evans blue imaging, near-infrared fluorescence region II (NIR-II) imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SalB/Rg1 had significant effects on reducing the infarct volume and hemorrhagic transformation score, improving neurobehavioral function, and protecting tissue structure, especially inhibiting cerebral edema. Meanwhile, the influx/efflux drainage of GS was enhanced by SalB/Rg1 according to NIR-II imaging and MRI. SalB/Rg1 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, reduced cleaved β-dystroglycan (β-DG), and stabilized aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarity, which was verified by colocalization with CD31. Our findings indicated that SalB/Rg1 treatment enhances GS function and attenuates cerebral edema, accompanying the regulation of the MMP9/β-DG/AQP4 pathway.
Animals
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Ginsenosides/administration & dosage*
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Brain Edema/etiology*
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Male
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Benzofurans/administration & dosage*
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Glymphatic System/diagnostic imaging*
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Mice
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Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy*
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Aquaporin 4/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
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Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology*
;
Depsides
4.Effect of Electroacupuncture on Autophagy and Apoptosis of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Gastric Antrum of Functional Dyspepsia Rats
Mohao ZHU ; Ling QIU ; Wenhua HAN ; Tianya YAN ; Yuhui SONG ; Yuhan HE ; Jianan CAO ; Weiai LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):75-81
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at"Neiguan"and"Gongsun"on autophagy and apoptosis related indexes of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD);To explore its possible mechanism on improving gastrointestinal motility of FD.Methods Totally 32 SPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group and Western medicine group,with 8 rats in each group.An FD model was constructed using a composite etiology modeling method.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Neiguan"and"Gongsun",while the Western medicine group received oral administration of mosapride once a day for 7 consecutive days.The general condition,body mass and average daily intake of rats were observed every week,and gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate were detected,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structure of gastric antrum ICC,Western blot was used to observe the expressions of c-kit,Beclin1,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ,p62,Caspase-3 protein in gastric antrum tissue,qPCR was used to observe the mRNA expressions of Beclin1,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ,p62 and c-kit in gastric antrum tissue,TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis rate of cells in gastric antrum tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats were mentally lethargic,clustered and curled up,with reduced activity,rough and dull hair,loose and unformed feces,reduced body mass and daily food intake(P<0.05),and gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate decreased(P<0.01),ICC mitochondria swelled and dissolved,with varying degrees of vacuolar formation,rough endoplasmic reticulum dilation and destruction,and a large number of autophagosomes,the expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein and mRNA in gastric antrum tissue increased(P<0.01),the expressions of p62,c-kit protein and mRNA decreased(P<0.01),while Caspase-3 protein expression increased(P<0.01),and the apoptosis rate of gastric antral tissue cells increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the condition of rats in electroacupuncture group and the Western medicine group were improved,with increased responsiveness,increased mobility,neat hair,formed feces,increased body mass and daily food intake(P<0.01),and gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate increase(P<0.01),a normal ICC structure,and a small amount of autophagosomes were still visible,the expressions of Beclin1,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein and mRNA in gastric antrum tissue decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of p62,c-kit protein and mRNA increased(P<0.01),while Caspase-3 protein expression decreased(P<0.01),and the apoptosis rate of gastric antral tissue cells decreased(P<0.01).There was no statistically significant difference in various indicators between electroacupuncture group and Western medicine group(P>0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Neiguan"and"Gongsun"can restore the number and structure of ICC and improve gastrointestinal motility,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis levels.
5.Characteristics of traumatic brain injury-related articles published in Chinese Journal of Trauma from 1985 to 2024
Junfeng FENG ; Yuhan HAN ; Rongze SUN ; Zhaoyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(9):864-871
Objective:To analyze the characteristics and significance of traumatic brain injury-related articles published in Chinese Journal of Trauma (hereinafter referred to as"the Journal") from 1985 to 2024. Methods:Using the CNKI database as the data source, traumatic brain injury-related articles published in the Journal from 1985 to 2024 were retrieved. Key metrics analyzed included total publication count, article types [original articles (including basic and clinical research, with clinical research further categorized as prospective/retrospective and single-center/multicenter studies), case reports, reviews/expert forums, consensus/guidelines], publication timeline, provincial and institutional collaborations, authors, and key words.Results:Among 10 687 total publications, 1 579 articles (14.77%) focused on traumatic brain injury, comprising comprised 1 196 original articles (75.74%), 226 ase reports (14.31%), 151 reviews/expert forums (9.56%), and 6 consensus/guidelines (0.38%). When stratified by decade (1985-1994, 1995-2004, 2005-2014, 2015-2024), the proportion of basic research among original articles was 12.67%, 28.13%, 31.70%, and 37.32%, respectively. Of clinical studies, prospective designs accounted for 23.39%, 34.21%, 34.73%, and 51.69%, respectively and multicenter collaborations accounted for 17.74%, 27.96%, 33.83%, and 47.19%, respectively. The number of case reports was 38, 142, 27, and 19, respectively; the number of reviews/expert forums was 4, 17, 53, and 77, respectively; and the number of consensus and guidelines was 0, 0, 1, and 5, respectively. The regions with more than 150 published articles were Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province and Chongqing Municipality. The top 3 prolific institutions in the last two decades were Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (46 articles), Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (26 articles), and Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to Naval Medical University (25 articles). The top 3 prolific authors were Jiang Jiyao (66 articles), Zhang Sai (40 articles), and Zhu Cheng (38 articles). Beyond "brain injury", the top five key words were "treatment", "prognosis", "intracranial pressure", "brain edema", and "therapeutic hypothermia". Among the top 20 key words, "intracranial pressure" was the only specific monitoring metric, while "therapeutic hypothermia" and "decompressive craniectomy" were the most frequently cited specific treatment and surgical procedure, respectively.Conclusion:Over the 40-year period, the Journal′s traumatic brain injury-related articles have demonstrated a rising proportion of basic research among original articles, increased adoption of prospective and multicenter designs in clinical studies, and substantial growth in reviews/expert forums alongside consensus/guidelines in recent years, with research output concentrated among a limited number of institutions and authors.
6.Electroacupuncture at Yanglingquan and Quchi Points in Regulates the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Improve the Post-Stroke Spasticity in Rats
Xin HE ; Jian ZHAO ; Wei JING ; Min LIU ; Yuhan LIU ; Peng HAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):430-436
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB34)and Quchi(LI11)points for post-stroke spasticity(PSS)in rats.Methods The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,model group,electroacupuncture group and electroacupuncture+CA1[Janus kinase 2(JAK2)agonist]group.The PSS model was prepared by the modified middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with internal capsule injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)receptor method in all groups of rats except the sham-operated group.After the intervention,the neurological deficit scale scoring,Ashworth Spasticity Scale(Ashworth)scoring and electrophysiological determination were carried out;the levels of interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in the brain tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);the content of glutamate(Glu)was observed by colorimetry;the pathological changes in brain tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining method;the protein expression levels of JAK2,phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)in brain tissues were detected by Western Blot method.Results The neurological deficit scale scores,Ashworth scores,contents of IL-6,TNF-α and Glu as well as p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios in brain tissues in the model group were all significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group(P<0.05),and the muscular tension signal value and GABA content in brain tissues in the model group were significantly lower than those in the sham-operated group(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the neurological deficit scale scores,Ashworth scores,contents of IL-6,TNF-α and Glu as well as p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios in brain tissues were significantly lower in the electroacupuncture group(P<0.05),and the muscular tension signal value and GABA content in brain tissues were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group(P<0.05);compared with the electroacupuncture group,the neurological deficit scale scores,Ashworth scores,contents of IL-6,TNF-α and Glu as well as p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios in brain tissues in the electroacupuncture+CA1 group were significantly higher(P<0.05),and the muscular tension signal value and GABA content in brain tissues in the electroacupuncture+CA1 group were significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture may inhibit inflammatory responses and regulate the neuronal excitation/inhibition balance by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway,thus relieving PSS in rats.
7.Value of metagenomic next generation sequencing in diagnosis of primary spinal suppurative infection
Yuelei WANG ; Yuhan LIN ; Zhaohui LI ; Jiaming LIU ; Qiang ZHANG ; Xiaofeng LIAN ; Feng SHEN ; Chuqiang YIN ; Zengshuai HAN ; Huafeng WANG ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(17):1147-1153
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for pyogenic spinal infections.Methods:A total of 255 patients diagnosed with pyogenic spinal infections were enrolled between September 2022 and September 2024 at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Fuzhou Second General Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Shandong University Affiliated Public Health Clinical Center, and the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Among them, 155 were male and 100 were female, with an average age of 62.5±14.2 years (ranging from 13 to 90 years). All patients had samples of infected tissue and/or pus collected for microbial culture and mNGS testing. The number, types, and positive rates of pathogens detected by microbial culture and mNGS were compared. Using culture results as the gold standard, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for mNGS testing and the combined method of mNGS and microbial culture, calculating the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% CI. Results:All 255 cases were clinically diagnosed as pyogenic spinal infections, with 194 cases providing microbiological evidence. The most common Gram-positive bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus, while the most common Gram-negative bacterium was Escherichia coli. A total of 33 pathogenic microorganisms were detected by mNGS, while microbial culture detected 18 pathogenic microorganisms. The positive rate of mNGS was 72.2% (184 out of 255), which was significantly higher than that of 30.2% (77 out of 255) for microbial culture, showing a significant difference (χ 2=90.150, P<0.001); the positive rate of mNGS combined with microbial culture was 76.1% (194 out of 255) with significant difference compared to mNGS alone (χ 2=8.100, P<0.001). Among 178 culture-negative samples, the detection rate of mNGS was 65.7% (117 out of 178); among 77 culture-positive samples, the detection rate of mNGS was 87.0% (67 out of 77), and 97.0% (65 out of 67) of the detected pathogens matched the culture results at the species level. The AUCs of the ROC curves for mNGS testing and the combination of mNGS with microbial culture were 0.606 [95% CI (0.534, 0.678)] and 0.671 [95% CI (0.606, 0.736)], respectively, with significant differences compared to microbial culture ( P=0.007; P=0.007). Conclusions:mNGS demonstrates superior performance over conventional culture in identifying pathogens in pyogenic spinal infections. Moreover, combining mNGS with culture further improves diagnostic yield, supporting its integration into clinical practice.
8.Mass spectrometry screening and genetic diagnosis of β-ketothiolase deficiency
Jiandang LI ; Yuhan CHEN ; Lei YAN ; Huilin HAN ; Yupei ZHANG ; Wanqiao ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):422-427
Objective To assess the efficacy of tandem mass spectrometry-specific indicators in diagnosing β-ketothiolase deficiency(BKD)and to elucidate the associated gene variations contributing to the corresponding pathogenic phenotype,thereby facilitating rapid and accurate diagnosis of BKD.Methods Data from tandem mass spectrometry(MS/MS)screening of dried blood spots collected from 16,071 children between January 2018 and December 2021,along with results from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis and high-throughput sequencing of positive cases,were analyzed retrospectively.The study aimed to evaluate the contribution of specific MS/MS indicators in the clinical diagnosis of BKD and to trace the genetic etiology of this disease.Results Among the 16 071 subjects screened by MS/MS,37 cases(2.30‰)exhibited elevated C5OH levels,41 cases(2.55‰)showed increased C5∶1 levels,and 2 cases were diagnosed with BKD based on GC-MS analysis.When diagnosing BKD using C5OH as a single indicator,the false positive rate was 0.22%,which is lower than that of C5∶1(0.24%).The positive predictive value for C5OH was 5.40%,higher than that of C5∶1(4.88%).Among the 16 071 pediatric patients,only 2 cases were diagnosed with BKD due to elevated C5OH combined with increased C5∶1 levels,resulting in a positive predictive value of 100%.Whole exome sequencing of these two BKD patients revealed that both carried acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1(ACAT1)gene double allele missense heterozygous mutations.The four previously unreported mutation sites were c.949G>C(p.Asp317His),c.1063G>A(p.Ala355Thr),c.146G>A(p.Arg49Lys),and c.700G>A(p.Glu234Lys).These findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of BKD.Conclusions The MS/MS screening indicator C5OH demonstrates superior diagnostic efficacy compared to C5∶1 in diagnosing BKD,as evidenced by lower false positive rates and higher positive predictive values.When diagnosing BKD,the use of combined indicators significantly enhances the accuracy of biochemical diagnosis compared to single indicators.Exome sequencing revealed that all BKD patients carried previously unreported mutations in the ACAT1.
9.Value of metagenomic next generation sequencing in diagnosis of primary spinal suppurative infection
Yuelei WANG ; Yuhan LIN ; Zhaohui LI ; Jiaming LIU ; Qiang ZHANG ; Xiaofeng LIAN ; Feng SHEN ; Chuqiang YIN ; Zengshuai HAN ; Huafeng WANG ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(17):1147-1153
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for pyogenic spinal infections.Methods:A total of 255 patients diagnosed with pyogenic spinal infections were enrolled between September 2022 and September 2024 at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Fuzhou Second General Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Shandong University Affiliated Public Health Clinical Center, and the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Among them, 155 were male and 100 were female, with an average age of 62.5±14.2 years (ranging from 13 to 90 years). All patients had samples of infected tissue and/or pus collected for microbial culture and mNGS testing. The number, types, and positive rates of pathogens detected by microbial culture and mNGS were compared. Using culture results as the gold standard, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for mNGS testing and the combined method of mNGS and microbial culture, calculating the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% CI. Results:All 255 cases were clinically diagnosed as pyogenic spinal infections, with 194 cases providing microbiological evidence. The most common Gram-positive bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus, while the most common Gram-negative bacterium was Escherichia coli. A total of 33 pathogenic microorganisms were detected by mNGS, while microbial culture detected 18 pathogenic microorganisms. The positive rate of mNGS was 72.2% (184 out of 255), which was significantly higher than that of 30.2% (77 out of 255) for microbial culture, showing a significant difference (χ 2=90.150, P<0.001); the positive rate of mNGS combined with microbial culture was 76.1% (194 out of 255) with significant difference compared to mNGS alone (χ 2=8.100, P<0.001). Among 178 culture-negative samples, the detection rate of mNGS was 65.7% (117 out of 178); among 77 culture-positive samples, the detection rate of mNGS was 87.0% (67 out of 77), and 97.0% (65 out of 67) of the detected pathogens matched the culture results at the species level. The AUCs of the ROC curves for mNGS testing and the combination of mNGS with microbial culture were 0.606 [95% CI (0.534, 0.678)] and 0.671 [95% CI (0.606, 0.736)], respectively, with significant differences compared to microbial culture ( P=0.007; P=0.007). Conclusions:mNGS demonstrates superior performance over conventional culture in identifying pathogens in pyogenic spinal infections. Moreover, combining mNGS with culture further improves diagnostic yield, supporting its integration into clinical practice.
10.Mass spectrometry screening and genetic diagnosis of β-ketothiolase deficiency
Jiandang LI ; Yuhan CHEN ; Lei YAN ; Huilin HAN ; Yupei ZHANG ; Wanqiao ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):422-427
Objective To assess the efficacy of tandem mass spectrometry-specific indicators in diagnosing β-ketothiolase deficiency(BKD)and to elucidate the associated gene variations contributing to the corresponding pathogenic phenotype,thereby facilitating rapid and accurate diagnosis of BKD.Methods Data from tandem mass spectrometry(MS/MS)screening of dried blood spots collected from 16,071 children between January 2018 and December 2021,along with results from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis and high-throughput sequencing of positive cases,were analyzed retrospectively.The study aimed to evaluate the contribution of specific MS/MS indicators in the clinical diagnosis of BKD and to trace the genetic etiology of this disease.Results Among the 16 071 subjects screened by MS/MS,37 cases(2.30‰)exhibited elevated C5OH levels,41 cases(2.55‰)showed increased C5∶1 levels,and 2 cases were diagnosed with BKD based on GC-MS analysis.When diagnosing BKD using C5OH as a single indicator,the false positive rate was 0.22%,which is lower than that of C5∶1(0.24%).The positive predictive value for C5OH was 5.40%,higher than that of C5∶1(4.88%).Among the 16 071 pediatric patients,only 2 cases were diagnosed with BKD due to elevated C5OH combined with increased C5∶1 levels,resulting in a positive predictive value of 100%.Whole exome sequencing of these two BKD patients revealed that both carried acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1(ACAT1)gene double allele missense heterozygous mutations.The four previously unreported mutation sites were c.949G>C(p.Asp317His),c.1063G>A(p.Ala355Thr),c.146G>A(p.Arg49Lys),and c.700G>A(p.Glu234Lys).These findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of BKD.Conclusions The MS/MS screening indicator C5OH demonstrates superior diagnostic efficacy compared to C5∶1 in diagnosing BKD,as evidenced by lower false positive rates and higher positive predictive values.When diagnosing BKD,the use of combined indicators significantly enhances the accuracy of biochemical diagnosis compared to single indicators.Exome sequencing revealed that all BKD patients carried previously unreported mutations in the ACAT1.

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