1.Novel therapeutic advances for uveal melanoma
Xiaodie LI ; Chaoqun LIU ; Xiaojuan CHENG ; Yuhan SHANG ; Ruixue REN ; Yulu HE ; Xiaoli YANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):823-830
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by high invasiveness and unique metastatic biological features. Although local treatments(such as proton beam therapy and brachytherapy)can effectively control the primary lesion, approximately 50% of patients eventually develop distant metastasis, with the liver being the primary target organ(occurring in 90% of cases). This highlights a paradigm shift in treatment focus from mere local control to systemic prevention and management. For metastatic UM(mUM), current treatment strategies encompass biomarker-guided molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy(including Tebentafusp, vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapy), and liver-directed therapy. Focusing on the synergy between local and systemic prevention and control, this article systematically elaborates on the precision local treatment for primary UM, the decision-making pathway for systemic treatment of metastatic UM based on molecular subtyping, the integration of local and systemic therapies for liver metastases, and the translational value of nanomedicine in addressing therapeutic bottlenecks. It provides insights for optimizing clinical management of mUM and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
2.Ambient temperature affects the risk of ischemic stroke: the possible mechanisms
Yuhan DU ; Shaoling LI ; Jingjing CAI ; Lijie REN
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(7):534-538
Epidemiological investigations and clinical studies have shown that inappropriate ambient temperatures (high and low temperatures) are the independent risk factors for ischemic stroke, but their underlying physiological mechanisms are not fully understood. This article systematically reviews the potential mechanisms by which inappropriate ambient temperatures promote the occurrence of ischemic stroke through multiple pathways, such as activating the sympathetic-renin-angiotensin system, inducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the integrity of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier, and disrupting coagulation-fibrinolysis balance.
3.Research advances in assessment of toxic mechanisms of micro-plastics using Drosophila melanogaster models
Yanfei HE ; Yuhan WANG ; Kefeng REN ; Tian WEI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(5):380-390
Microplastics(particles<5 μm in diameter),generated through plastic processing or natural degradation,have emerged as novel environmental contaminants with increasing threats to ecosys-tems and human health.Recent studies have demonstrated the accumulation of microplastics in various environmental matrices,human tissues and even placentas,highlighting the urgent need to investigate their health effects.These particles enter the human system primarily through dietary intake and water consumption,yet critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their bioaccumulation potential,toxicological profiles,and synergistic interactions with co-existing environmental contaminants.The Drosophila mela-nogaster(fruit fly),a well-established model organism,offers distinct advantages for contaminant toxicity assessment,including a compact life cycle,small body size,rapid reproduction,ease of laboratory maintenance,and extensive availability of transgenic strains.In particular,its genome has a high degree of homology with the human genome,which further enhances its scientific relevance for toxicological studies.In this review,we summarize the advantages of Drosophila models in microplastic toxicity studies,with particular emphasis on recent advances in understanding intestinal toxicity,neuro toxicity,genotox-icity,reproductive toxicity,developmental toxicity,and transgenerational toxicity.We point to critical research gaps that require urgent investigation,including the bioaccumulation dynamics of microplas-tics,metabolic transformation and elimination pathways,multi-pollutant interaction effects,molecular mechanisms of toxicity,and comprehensive health risk assessment frameworks.The review aims to provide data for elucidating the mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and formulating evidence-based prevention strategies.
4.Exploring pathways and evaluating the impact of experimental technology teams empowering undergraduate medical innovation and entrepreneurship training
Ling CHEN ; Yuhan LIU ; Kaifeng YU ; Lingzhi XING ; Beihui REN ; Xiaoyu LI ; Lingfang JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(5):632-636
This paper used the Experimental Teaching Management Center as an example to explore the transformation practices of experimental technicians in job responsibilities, team structure, teaching and research capabilities, performance mechanisms, and collaborative education systems. The article systematically analyzed the advantages of the experimental technical team in resource openness, technical support, large instrument management, and multi-team collaboration, and summarized the practical performance through data on project approvals, competition awards, research achievements, and student growth. Additionally, it identified key challenges, including insufficient training, incomplete incentive mechanisms, and the need for improved resource coordination. To address these challenges, the study recommends the continuous enhancement of personnel capacity building, the reform of assessment systems, and the reinforcement of cross-departmental collaboration. This study provides a reference for medical schools to construct the practical path of experimental technical teams participating in the cultivation of innovative and entrepreneurial talents.
5.Exploring pathways and evaluating the impact of experimental technology teams empowering undergraduate medical innovation and entrepreneurship training
Ling CHEN ; Yuhan LIU ; Kaifeng YU ; Lingzhi XING ; Beihui REN ; Xiaoyu LI ; Lingfang JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(5):632-636
This paper used the Experimental Teaching Management Center as an example to explore the transformation practices of experimental technicians in job responsibilities, team structure, teaching and research capabilities, performance mechanisms, and collaborative education systems. The article systematically analyzed the advantages of the experimental technical team in resource openness, technical support, large instrument management, and multi-team collaboration, and summarized the practical performance through data on project approvals, competition awards, research achievements, and student growth. Additionally, it identified key challenges, including insufficient training, incomplete incentive mechanisms, and the need for improved resource coordination. To address these challenges, the study recommends the continuous enhancement of personnel capacity building, the reform of assessment systems, and the reinforcement of cross-departmental collaboration. This study provides a reference for medical schools to construct the practical path of experimental technical teams participating in the cultivation of innovative and entrepreneurial talents.
6.Research advances in assessment of toxic mechanisms of micro-plastics using Drosophila melanogaster models
Yanfei HE ; Yuhan WANG ; Kefeng REN ; Tian WEI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(5):380-390
Microplastics(particles<5 μm in diameter),generated through plastic processing or natural degradation,have emerged as novel environmental contaminants with increasing threats to ecosys-tems and human health.Recent studies have demonstrated the accumulation of microplastics in various environmental matrices,human tissues and even placentas,highlighting the urgent need to investigate their health effects.These particles enter the human system primarily through dietary intake and water consumption,yet critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their bioaccumulation potential,toxicological profiles,and synergistic interactions with co-existing environmental contaminants.The Drosophila mela-nogaster(fruit fly),a well-established model organism,offers distinct advantages for contaminant toxicity assessment,including a compact life cycle,small body size,rapid reproduction,ease of laboratory maintenance,and extensive availability of transgenic strains.In particular,its genome has a high degree of homology with the human genome,which further enhances its scientific relevance for toxicological studies.In this review,we summarize the advantages of Drosophila models in microplastic toxicity studies,with particular emphasis on recent advances in understanding intestinal toxicity,neuro toxicity,genotox-icity,reproductive toxicity,developmental toxicity,and transgenerational toxicity.We point to critical research gaps that require urgent investigation,including the bioaccumulation dynamics of microplas-tics,metabolic transformation and elimination pathways,multi-pollutant interaction effects,molecular mechanisms of toxicity,and comprehensive health risk assessment frameworks.The review aims to provide data for elucidating the mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and formulating evidence-based prevention strategies.
7.Study on the levels and potential mechanisms of degranulated basophils in the blood of patients with sepsis
Yuhan SUN ; Shengyong REN ; Mengmeng ZHAN ; Xin DONG ; Shihao LIU ; Congyi ZHAO ; Junling WANG ; Bingyu QIN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(10):1373-1381
Objective:To compare the degranulation levels of basophils in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte populations between healthy subjects and patients with sepsis, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, plasma cytokine levels were measured in these volunteers.Methods:Peripheral blood samples were collected from both healthy individuals and sepsis patients. The degranulation level of basophils in sepsis patients and its potential mechanisms were examined. Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were detected, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population and IL-9 levels.Results:Compared with healthy subjects, sepsis patients showed a reduction in basophil percentages within PBMC and granulocyte populations by 94.8% and 37.9%, respectively ( Z = -6.441, P < 0.05; Z = -2.681, P < 0.05). In contrast, both the proportion and number of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population were increased (both P < 0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-9, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in sepsis patients--by 80.6%, 36.7%, and 11.9-fold, respectively ( Z = -4.258, P < 0.05; Z = -3.606, P < 0.05; Z = -4.814, P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma IL-9 levels were highly correlated with both the percentage and count of degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population (both P < 0.05). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed cytological changes and potential mechanisms involving basophils in the PBMC of sepsis patients. Conclusions:The decreased total count of basophils in sepsis patients may elevate the risk of secondary infection. Degranulated basophils in the granulocyte population may contribute to excessive inflammatory responses through IL-9 secretion.
8.Mechanism of joint injection of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Shaowa LYU ; Yunyu WU ; Quanli LIU ; Yuhan REN ; Yuyan GUO ; Haixue KUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):926-931
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of joint injection of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).METHODS The targets of main saponins in C.robustum Maxim were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction,and the RA treatment targets collected from the GeneCards and OMIM database were intercrossed to establish an interaction network based on network pharmacology.Gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were performed.RA model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant into the back of rabbits for verification.The arthritis index score,knee diameter and pain threshold of rabbits were compared.Pathological examination of rabbit synovial tissue was carried out.The levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-6 in rabbit serum and synovial fluid were detected.The phosphorylation levels of tyrosine protein Janus kinase 2(JAK2)and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)proteins in rabbit synovium were detected.RESULTS Network pharmacology identified 143 intersection targets between the drug and RA.After the construction of the"drug-component-target"network,the core components of the network were echinocystic acid,oleanolic acid,hederagenin,cauloside A and cauloside C,etc.Additionally,the top 10 core targets of PPI network were SRC,STAT3,MAPK1,EGFR,PIK3CA,MAPK3,GRB2,JUN,PTPN11 and JAK2.The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was mainly involved in the treatment of RA by joint injection of C.robustum Maxim.Results of validation test showed that compared with model group,joint injection of C.robustum Maxim could reduce the swelling of rabbit knee joint,relieve the hyperplasia of synovial layer,reduce the hyperplasia of lower connective tissue,and reduce the number of inflammatory cells and capillaries.The arthritis index score(excluding low-dose group of C.robustum Maxim),knee diameter,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum and synovial fluid,and the protein phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were decreased significantly(P<0.05 of P<0.01),while the pain threshold were reduced significantly(P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS The core components that may alleviate the inflammatory response of RA in joint injection of C.robustum Maxim could include echinocystic acid,oleanolic acid,hederagenin,cauloside A,and cauloside C.Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling pathway and the reduction of inflammatory responses.
9.Effect of Yiqi Tongmai Formula in Intervening in Liver Inflammation and Lipidosis in ApoE-∕- Mice Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Yuhan CHEN ; Quanna REN ; Kun WANG ; Tingting SU ; Yanhua YANG ; Ming MA ; Yu ZHANG ; Xu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):64-72
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yiqi Tongxin formula (YQTM) on liver inflammation in apolipoprotein E-∕- (ApoE-∕-) mice by regulating the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. MethodForty ApoE-∕- mice were randomly divided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (positive drug group), and low-, medium-, and high-dose YQTM groups (0.39, 0.78, 1.56 g·kg-1). Each drug administration group was given the corresponding concentration of the drug by gavage on the basis of high-fat feeding for 12 consecutive weeks. Eight C57BL/6J mice were used as a blank group and fed with normal chow. After 12 weeks, oil red O staining and Masson staining were used to observe the aortic lesions in mice and to determine whether the modeling was successful. Oil red O staining was used to observe the lipidosis in the livers of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the tissue lesions in the livers of mice. Masson staining was used to observe the distribution of collagen fibers in the livers of mice. Enzyme markers were used to detect the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mouse serum, as well as total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the liver. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 were detected in mouse liver by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to observe the expression regions of NF-κB and NLRP3 in the livers of mice. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NF-κB inhibitory protein (IκB), IκB kinase β (IKKβ), phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), phosphorylated IκB (p-IκB), phosphorylated IKK β (p-IKKβ), NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the livers of mice. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed severe aortic lipidosis, and the intracellular fat droplets in the livers aggregated in large quantities. The cytoplasm was filled with fat vacuoles(P<0.01). The serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, AST, and ALT were significantly elevated in the mice(P<0.01). TG and TC levels were elevated in the liver(P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in liver tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of NF-κB, IκB, IKKβ, p-NF-κB, p-IκB, p-IKKβ, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the liver were significantly elevated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the aortic arch plaques of mice in each YQTM group were attenuated, and the fat aggregation in the liver was reduced. The inflammatory cell infiltration was alleviated(P<0.05,P<0.01). The serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, AST, and ALT were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01). TG and TC levels in the liver were reduced. The IL-1β and IL-18 levels in liver tissue, as well as protein expression levels of NF-κB, IκB, IKKβ, p-NF-κB, p-IκB, p-IKKβ, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the liver were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention mechanism of YQTM on liver inflammation in ApoE-∕- mice may be related to the down-regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
10.Effects of Yiqi tongmai formula on atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice and its mechanism
Quanna REN ; Yuhan CHEN ; Kun WANG ; Ming MA ; Yanhua YANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Xu ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(18):2232-2237
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Yiqi tongmai formula on atherosclerosis (AS) in ApoE-/- mice and its mechanism. METHODS Forty ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into model group, positive control group [atorvastatin calcium, 2.6 mg/(kg·d)], and low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of Yiqi tongmai formula [0.46, 0.91, 1.82 g/(kg·d), by raw material], with 8 mice in each group. Eight C57BL/6J mice were selected as the normal group. Except for the normal group, the other groups were given a high-lipid diet and relevant drug or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 12 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as well as the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured in mice. The proportion of aortic plaque area in each group of mice was detected and calculated, and the pathological morphological changes of the aortic sinus were observed; the protein phosphorylation levels of aortic phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (aka Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were examined. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and MCP-1 (including low-dose group) were decreased significantly in medium-dose and high-dose groups of Yiqi tongmai formula, while the content of HDL-C in high-dose group was increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); aortic plaques of the mice were reduced in Yiqi tongmai formula groups to different extents, and pathological changes such as lipid deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration were relieved to different extents; the proportion of aortic plaque area, the protein phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in aortic tissue were significantly reduced in medium-dose and high-dose groups of Yiqi tongmai formula (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Yiqi tongmai formula can improve lipid metabolism, reduce inflammatory response, and delay plaque development in AS mice. Its effect may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway activation.

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