1.The causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure risk and the mediating role of serum metabolites: A Mendelian randomization study
Yun ZHU ; Jiaming WEI ; Ruifang LIN ; Yongjun LIU ; Yue LIU ; Guohua ZHANG ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):115-121
Objective To explore the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure (HF), and the mediating role of serum metabolites, in order to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of 731 types of immune cells and 1 400 metabolites on HF. We selected valid instrumental variables and conducted statistical analyses using R software. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger analysis and weighted median method. The stability of the results was assessed through tests such as Cochran’s Q test. Results Our research found a negative causal relationship between PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ and HF. Sensitivity analysis supported this result. The reverse MR analysis did not find an effect of HF on PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+, indicating that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might play a unidirectional role in reducing the risk of HF. Further mediation MR analysis showed that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might influence the risk of HF onset by regulating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), with a mediation effect ratio of 6.7%. Conclusion PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ may reduce the risk of HF by elevating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), which provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of HF.
2.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
3.Chinese expert consensus on salvage esophagectomy for esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Zhaoxian LIN ; Yang HU ; Lei XIAN ; Yun LI ; Jinbo ZHAO ; Xiaobin HOU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Sunkui KE ; Changying GUO ; Songping XIE ; Haitao WEI ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):977-987
Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) has become a cornerstone in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, local control remains suboptimal, and persistent lesions or locoregional recurrences after treatment are not uncommon. For patients without distant metastases but with local failure, whether surgical intervention can still offer curative potential remains a major clinical dilemma. Salvage esophagectomy (SE) offers potential long-term survival for selected patients, but this procedure is performed in the context of severe fibrosis, impaired local blood supply, and obscured anatomical planes following chemoradiotherapy, resulting in significantly higher perioperative risk compared to primary esophagectomy. Consequently, controversies exist regarding patient selection, preoperative restaging, choice of surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management. In recent years, with the refinement of restaging modalities such as PET/CT, the accumulation of experience in high-volume centers, and emerging evidence from clinical studies, the clinical role of SE has gradually shifted from a "high-risk salvage measure" to a "selective curative strategy aimed at achieving long-term survival in carefully selected patients". Nevertheless, standardized guidelines for patient selection, technical approaches, and perioperative management are still lacking. Based on current evidence and clinical experience, experts organized by the Integrated Esophageal Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association systematically reviewed key issues regarding SE, including its definition, indications, preoperative evaluation, choice of surgical approach, lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management, and formulated a Chinese expert consensus. This consensus aims to provide guidance for standardized assessment, appropriate referral, individualized surgical decision-making, and optimized perioperative management of patients with locoregional failure after dCRT. Ultimately, this will increase the likelihood of R0 resection, reduce the risk of severe complications, and promote the safer, more judicious, and standardized implementation of SE in high-risk scenarios.
4.Creation and Exploration of the"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"Disci-pline Construction Model for Forensic Medicine in the New Era
Zhi-Wen WEI ; Hong-Xing WANG ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Hao-Liang FAN ; Hong-Liang SU ; Le-Le WANG ; Wen-Ting HE ; Zhe CHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiang-Jie GUO ; Ji LI ; Geng-Qian ZHANG ; Xin-Hua LIANG ; Jiang-Wei YAN ; Qiang-Qiang ZHANG ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Jun XIE ; Bo-Feng ZHU ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):25-29
Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.
5.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
6.Effects of various mouse sample storage conditions on median fluores-cence intensity of antibodies and positive cell percentage using flow cy-tometry
Dongmei WEI ; Xianing GUO ; Na GUO ; Hao XU ; Minghua LÜ ; Dandan YUN ; Zhenyu ZHU ; Jing LUAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):2064-2072
AIM:Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effects of short-term storage conditions(fresh,frozen at-80℃for 7 d,and stored at 4℃for 7 d)on the median fluorescence intensity(MFI)of antibodies and the percentage of immune cell subsets in mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)and splenocytes.METHODS:The PBMC and splenocyte suspensions from six male Kunming mice were collected and analyzed under three different processing con-ditions to compare differences in the antibody MFI and percentages of monocyte subsets(Ly-6clow/Ly-6cmedium/Ly-6chigh),macrophages(M1/M2),and dendritic cells.RESULTS:Both tissue and antibody specificity were demonstrated by changes in the antibody MFI values.Following storage at-80℃,the MFIs of certain antibodies(such as CD45 and F4/80 in PBMCs,and CD115,Ly-6c,F4/80,CD80 and MHC-II in the spleen)were similar to those of the fresh groups,where-as after storage at 4℃,the MFIs of other antibodies(such as 7-AAD,CD115,Ly-6c and MHC-II in PBMCs,and CD11b,CD206 and CD11c in the spleen)were closer to those of the fresh groups.The MFI of most of the examined anti-bodies varied significantly following storage.Both storage conditions significantly reduced the viability of PBMCs and sple-nocytes.In PBMCs stored at 4℃,the percentages of total monocytes,Ly-6cmedium/Ly-6chigh monocytes,total macrophages,and dendritic cells were similar to those in the fresh group.Compared with the fresh group,both storage groups presented significantly lower percentages of M1 macrophages and dendritic cells(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of total monocytes,Ly-6cmedium monocytes,Ly-6chigh monocytes,total macrophages,M1 and M2 macrophages,or dendritic cells in the spleen among the three groups(P>0.05).The percentage of Ly-6clow monocytes did not differ substantially(P>0.05)between the fresh and-80℃frozen groups but was significantly lower in the 4℃storage group than in the fresh group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The storage conditions of the samples had a substantial effect on the flow cytometry results(antibody MFI and cell subset percentages)of the PBMCs and splenic cells,with tissue specificity.If the percentage of immune cell subgroups(particularly monocytes/macrophages/dendritic cells)in PBMCs is highly important,storage at 4℃for 7 d is preferable.If the MFI values of specific antibodies(such as CD45 and F4/80)are important,freezing at-80℃may be more appropriate.If the MFI values of most antibodies or the percentages of criti-cal subgroups(such as total monocytes/Ly-6chigh/total macrophages/dendritic cells)in splenic cells need to be close to those of fresh samples,4 ℃ storage for 7 d is more effective.Freezing at-80℃is preferable if the MFI values of particular anti-bodies(such as CD115 and Ly-6c)need to be determined.
7.Treatment and mechanism of chrysoeriol on pulmonary hypertension based on network pharmacology and experimental study
Ying-fang MA ; Meng CAI ; Dan FENG ; Yang GUO ; Yu-he TIAN ; Yun-hua ZHANG ; Li-li WEI ; Yang WANG ; Jun-qiang SI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2167-2176
Aim To investigate the effect of chrysoeriol on pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hyper-tension by animal experiments combined with cell ex-periments,and to explore its potential therapeutic tar-gets by network pharmacology.Methods The target of chrysoeriol was collected in Targetnet,SEA and SwissTargetPrediction database.Pulmonary arterial hy-pertension(PAH)targets were collected in the Dis-GeNET and GeneCards databases,and PPI network map was drawn in the STRING database,and key tar-gets were screened.The GO and KEGG pathway en-richment analysis was carried out through DAVID data-base and Weishengxing platform.AutoDock software was used for molecular docking of key core targets.The PAH model of rats was constructed,and the pulmo-nary hemodynamics and vascular remodeling were de-tected by echocardiography,HE and Masson staining.Primary pulmonary smooth muscle cells were extracted,and the effects of drugs on pathway proteins were de-tected in vitro.Results The results of network phar-macology showed that chrysoeriol exerted therapeutic effects on pulmonary hypertension by affecting key tar-gets such as AKT1,SRC,EGFR,MMP9 and gsk3 β,and signaling pathways such as EGFR and PI3K-AKT.Molecular docking showed that chrysoeriol had good binding ability with 5 key target genes.Animal experi-ments showed that the pulmonary hemodynamic func-tion of PAH rats was significantly improved after ad-ministration of chrysoeriol.The remodeling of small pulmonary arteries was significantly reduced.Cell ex-periments showed that chrysoeriol could inhibit the ex-pression of proliferation,migration and phenotypic transformation genes.Conclusion Chrysoeriol may play a role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension through multiple targets.
8.Treatment and mechanism of chrysoeriol on pulmonary hypertension based on network pharmacology and experimental study
Ying-fang MA ; Meng CAI ; Dan FENG ; Yang GUO ; Yu-he TIAN ; Yun-hua ZHANG ; Li-li WEI ; Yang WANG ; Jun-qiang SI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2167-2176
Aim To investigate the effect of chrysoeriol on pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hyper-tension by animal experiments combined with cell ex-periments,and to explore its potential therapeutic tar-gets by network pharmacology.Methods The target of chrysoeriol was collected in Targetnet,SEA and SwissTargetPrediction database.Pulmonary arterial hy-pertension(PAH)targets were collected in the Dis-GeNET and GeneCards databases,and PPI network map was drawn in the STRING database,and key tar-gets were screened.The GO and KEGG pathway en-richment analysis was carried out through DAVID data-base and Weishengxing platform.AutoDock software was used for molecular docking of key core targets.The PAH model of rats was constructed,and the pulmo-nary hemodynamics and vascular remodeling were de-tected by echocardiography,HE and Masson staining.Primary pulmonary smooth muscle cells were extracted,and the effects of drugs on pathway proteins were de-tected in vitro.Results The results of network phar-macology showed that chrysoeriol exerted therapeutic effects on pulmonary hypertension by affecting key tar-gets such as AKT1,SRC,EGFR,MMP9 and gsk3 β,and signaling pathways such as EGFR and PI3K-AKT.Molecular docking showed that chrysoeriol had good binding ability with 5 key target genes.Animal experi-ments showed that the pulmonary hemodynamic func-tion of PAH rats was significantly improved after ad-ministration of chrysoeriol.The remodeling of small pulmonary arteries was significantly reduced.Cell ex-periments showed that chrysoeriol could inhibit the ex-pression of proliferation,migration and phenotypic transformation genes.Conclusion Chrysoeriol may play a role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension through multiple targets.
9.A case of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair performed on a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation
Yi-jiang ZHOU ; Wei-cong XIA ; Kai WANG ; Jun LI ; Ya-wei CUI ; Kai-li WANG ; Yun MOU ; KUSHANI·REYIHAN ; Xiao-gang GUO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):236-240
Persistent atrial fibrillation and other factors can cause mitral and tricuspid annular dilation and leaflet regurgitation,leading to severe functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.Patients often experience significant heart failure symptoms and poor prognosis.For patients with severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk or contraindicated for surgical procedures,transbronchial repair(TEER)is an important alternative therapy that can effectively reduce valve regurgitation and improve cardiac function;Although there is a lack of large-scale data on atrial functional reflux,existing experience still shows that TEER can significantly reduce reflux and improve patients'quality of life.However,double valve intervention therapy poses challenges,especially when combined with TEER repair,which is technically more complex,time-consuming,and carries higher risks.Foreign data shows that simultaneous or staged double valve intervention can safely improve cardiac function and increase survival rates,but the optimal intervention strategy still needs further research.Due to the fact that tricuspid TEER devices have not yet been launched in China,only staged treatment can be adopted at present.This case report shows a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation who underwent staged transcatheter edge to edge repair surgery successfully.During a 1-year follow-up,bilateral valve regurgitation continued to improve,indicating that staged repair of bilateral atrioventricular valve regurgitation through the catheter margin is a feasible and effective treatment option.
10.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.

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