1.New pathways in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis: oxidative stress and ferroptosis
Yurong WANG ; Jianlong YUAN ; Bingchun LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):776-781
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD) are increasingly becoming major challenges to global public health. The pathogenesis of these diseases is highly complex, with oxidative damage and ferroptosis emerging as potential core factors. Oxidative damage primarily results from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells, a process that impairs cellular function and viability. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in neuronal injury and apoptosis. Multiple studies indicate a significant interaction between oxidative damage and ferroptosis. This interplay not only accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative diseases but also offers new directions for potential therapeutic targets. This review systematically analyzes the mechanisms of oxidative damage and ferroptosis in various neurodegenerative diseases, evaluates current research frontiers, and explores feasible therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide new insights and perspectives for in-depth research in this field.
2.Huashi Baidu Granules Treat Influenza Viral Pneumonia by Regulating Gut-Lung Axis
Qijing LI ; Hanhui HUANG ; Yurong DENG ; Ao'ao WANG ; Jianliang LI ; Jianhui SUN ; Liyu HAO ; Zongyuan LI ; Guimin LIU ; Hongmei LI ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):59-69
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huashi Baidu granules in treating influenza A (H1N1) virus infection based on the gut-lung axis. MethodsBALB/c mice were randomly assigned into a blank control group, a model control group, a positive control (oseltamivir phosphate capsules, 19.5 mg·kg-1) group, and a Huashi Baidu granules (17.81 g·kg-1) group. Mice in other groups except the blank control group were instilled nasally by H1N1 viral fluid for the modeling of influenza viral pneumonia and treated with corresponding drugs once daily by gavage for 5 consecutive days. The mouse lung index was calculated, and pathological changes in the lung and colon tissue were observed. Western blot was employed to quantify the expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomeric domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase -1 (Caspase-1), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1β, and colonic tight junction protein 1 (CLDN1), and Occludin in the lung and colon tissue. Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to analyze the metabolic profiles of the lung tissue and intestinal contents. The 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiota structure in intestinal contents. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the serum, lung tissue, and colon tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model control group showed elevated lung index, marked inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar structural destruction in the lung tissue, obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and mucosal epithelial damage in the colon tissue, upregulated protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway proteins NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the lung and colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), downregulated protein levels of CLDN1 and Occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Huashi Baidu Granules reduced the lung index (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage in the lungs and colon, inhibited the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung and colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated the expression of CLDN1 and Occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics analysis showed that Huashi Baidu Granules downregulated the 5-HT pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway in the lung and colon tissue, while upregulating nucleotide metabolism and TCA cycle. Compared with the blank control group, the model control group exhibited elevated levels of 5-HT in the serum, lung tissue, and colon tissue (P<0.01). The intervention with Huashi Baidu Granules lowered the levels of 5-HT in the serum (P<0.05) and the lung and colon tissue (P<0.01). Huashi Baidu Granules increased the diversity of gut microbiota, enriched beneficial bacteria such as Blautia, and inhibited pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio. ConclusionHuashi Baidu Granules significantly alleviate lung inflammation and pathological damage in mice infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus, reshape the intestinal microecology, and repair the intestinal barrier. It may exert cross-organ regulation by inhibiting the cascade of "gutogenic 5-HT release-circulatory transport-pulmonary 5-HT receptor activation-NLRP3 inflammasome assembly." It exerts therapeutic effects on influenza viral pneumonia through the gut-lung axis. This study provides a modern biological interpretation for the TCM theories of interior-exterior relationship between the lung and large intestine and simultaneous treatment of the lung and intestine.
3.Short-term effectiveness of uni-portal non-coaxial spinal endoscopic surgery via crossing midline approach in treatment of free lumbar disc herniation.
Zhongfeng LI ; Yandong LIU ; Lipeng WEN ; Bo CHEN ; Ying YANG ; Yurong WANG ; Randong PENG ; En SONG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(1):83-87
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the short-term effectiveness of uni-portal non-coaxial spinal endoscopic surgery (UNSES) via crossing midline approach (CMA) in the treatment of free lumbar disc herniation (FLDH).
METHODS:
Between March 2024 and June 2024, 16 patients with FLDH were admitted and treated with UNSES via CMA. There were 9 males and 7 females with an average age of 55.1 years (range, 47-62 years). The disease duration was 8-30 months (mean, 15.6 months). The pathological segments was L 3, 4 in 4 cases, L 4, 5 in 5 cases, and L 5, S 1 in 7 cases. The preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.9±0.9 and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 57.22%±4.16%. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. The spinal pain and functional status were evaluated by VAS score and ODI, and effectiveness was evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria. CT and MRI were used to evaluate the effect of nerve decompression.
RESULTS:
All 16 patients underwent operation successfully without any complications. The operation time was 63-81 minutes (mean, 71.0 minutes). The intraoperative bleeding volume was 47.3-59.0 mL (mean, 55.0 mL). The length of hospital stay after operation was 3-4 days (mean, 3.5 days). All patients were followed up 1-3 months, with 15 cases followed up for 2 months and 14 cases for 3 months. The VAS score and ODI gradually decreased over time after operation, and there were significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases according to the modified MacNab criteria, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CT and MRI during follow-up showed a significant increase in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, indicating effective decompression of the canal.
CONCLUSION
When using UNSES to treat FLDH, choosing CMA for nerve decompression has the advantages of wide decompression range, large operating space, and freedom of operation. It can maximize the preservation of the articular process, avoid fracture and breakage of the isthmus, clearly display the exiting and traversing nerve root, and achieve good short-term effectiveness.
Humans
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Male
;
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery*
;
Endoscopy/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Operative Time
;
Pain Measurement
;
Length of Stay
4.CMD-OPT model enables the discovery of a potent and selective RIPK2 inhibitor as preclinical candidate for the treatment of acute liver injury.
Yong CHEN ; Xue YUAN ; Wei YAN ; Yurong ZOU ; Haoche WEI ; Yuhan WEI ; Minghai TANG ; Yulian CHEN ; Ziyan MA ; Tao YANG ; Kongjun LIU ; Baojian XIONG ; Xiuying HU ; Jianhong YANG ; Lijuan CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3708-3724
Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.
5.Characteristics and risk factors of portal hypertensive colopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis
Zhihui DUAN ; Shubo CHEN ; Tianyou SUN ; Yabing LIU ; Xiaolin JI ; Zheng QI ; Yurong MA ; Cuiping HAN ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(7):1421-1429
Background and Aims:Portal hypertensive colopathy(PHC)is a common complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.It may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding,yet its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear,and systematic research in China is limited.This study aimed to analyze the colonoscopic features in cirrhotic patients and to explore their associations with relevant clinical factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 cirrhotic patients who underwent colonoscopy at Xingtai People's Hospital between July 2020 and December 2024.Colonoscopy,gastroscopy,and clinical data were reviewed.Differences between patients with PHC and those without were compared in terms of sex,Child-Pugh classification,platelet count,presence of ascites,and hepatic encephalopathy.Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for PHC.Additionally,colorectal lesion detection rates were compared with those of a contemporaneous cohort of 444 participants undergoing national colorectal cancer(CRC)screening at the same center.Results:Among the 105 patients with cirrhosis,the detection rates of PHC,adenomatous polyps,and CRC were 32.32%,28.28%,and 3.03%,respectively,while only 37.37%had no abnormal findings.No serious colonoscopy-related complications were observed.The proportion of males in the PHC group was significantly higher than in the non-PHC group(78.13%vs.50.75%,P=0.009).The PHC group also showed significantly higher rates of Child-Pugh class B/C,and lower platelet count(all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy between the two groups(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis identified that male gender(OR=3.307,95%CI=1.219-8.971)and Child-Pugh class B/C(OR=2.867,95%CI=1.046-7.861)were independent risk factors for PHC.Compared to the CRC screening cohort,cirrhotic patients had a similar adenoma detection rate(28.28%vs.25.00%,P=0.499),and a slightly higher colorectal cancer detection rate that did not reach statistical significance(3.03%vs.0.68%,P=0.135).Conclusion:Colonoscopy revealed a high rate of abnormalities in cirrhotic patients,with PHC and adenomatous polyps being the most common findings.Routine colonoscopy is recommended for cirrhotic patients without contraindications,especially males,and patients with Child-Pugh class B/C,to facilitate early detection of PHC and precancerous lesions,thereby reducing the risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and missed diagnoses of malignancy.
6.Establishment and validation of urine AD7c-NTP reference intervals for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method
Yurong ZHANG ; Yifei HE ; Ping YANG ; Zixi XU ; Zhilong CAI ; Yang LIU ; Dan WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Bing HOU ; Jia YANG ; Xuemei JIANG ; Kun FANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(5):378-381
Objective To establish the reference interval of urine Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein(AD7c-NTP)for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method.Methods The detection results of urine AD7c-NTP from 5 093 healthy in-dividuals were collected from the information management database of Medical Laboratory Department of Sichuan Science City Hospital from March 2017 to March 2022.Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to determine whether the data followed a normal distribution.After removing outliers using the Box Plots method,the enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age.The Mann-Whitney U or Kruska-Wallis H tests were used to analyze the between-group differences of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy individu-als with different genders and ages.The adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05)were combined,and the indirect method(non-parametric test method)was used to calculate the reference intervals for different gender and age groups.Results Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the data followed a non-normal distribution.After removing 293 outliers using the Box Plots method,a total of 4 800 subjects,including 3 199 males and 1 601 females,were enrolled.The enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age,and the non-parametric test method were used to establish the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders.The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that urine AD7c-NTP levels existed gen-der differences(Z=14.09,P<0.01),and the reference intervals for males and females were≤1.10 ng/mL and≤1.40 ng/mL,re-spectively.There were also statistical differences in urine AD7c-NTP levels among different age groups of the same gender.After combi-ning adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05),the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages were established by the non-parametric test method,which were≤1.00 ng/mL for male 20-39 years old group,≤1.10 ng/mL for male 40-79 years old group,≤1.60 ng/mL for male≥80 years old group,≤1.30 ng/mL for female 20-69 years old group,and≤1.60 ng/mL for female≥70 years old group,respectively.The established reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP were further verified by healthy individuals,and the results met the standards.Conclusion The reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages in Mianyang area are established successfully using the indi-rect method,which may help to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease in clinical practice and provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
7.Expert consensus on the application of nasal cavity filling substances in nasal surgery patients(2025, Shanghai).
Keqing ZHAO ; Shaoqing YU ; Hongquan WEI ; Chenjie YU ; Guangke WANG ; Shijie QIU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongtao ZHEN ; Yucheng YANG ; Yurong GU ; Tao GUO ; Feng LIU ; Meiping LU ; Bin SUN ; Yanli YANG ; Yuzhu WAN ; Cuida MENG ; Yanan SUN ; Yi ZHAO ; Qun LI ; An LI ; Luo BA ; Linli TIAN ; Guodong YU ; Xin FENG ; Wen LIU ; Yongtuan LI ; Jian WU ; De HUAI ; Dongsheng GU ; Hanqiang LU ; Xinyi SHI ; Huiping YE ; Yan JIANG ; Weitian ZHANG ; Yu XU ; Zhenxiao HUANG ; Huabin LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):285-291
This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans
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Nasal Cavity/surgery*
;
Nasal Surgical Procedures
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China
;
Consensus
;
Sinusitis/surgery*
;
Dermal Fillers
8.Construction of risk prediction model for preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome in Dali Prefecture
Hong ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengcheng YANG ; Liyan LUO ; Wenlong ZHANG ; Yurong CHENG ; Wenlin LIU ; Wenbin DONG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(15):2342-2348
Objective To develop a nomogram-based predictive model for assessing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome(RDS)in premature infants in the high-altitude region of Dali.The predictive performance and clinical applicability of the model will be systematically evaluated to provide evidence-based guidance for the early diagnosis and clinical management of respiratory distress in premature infants.Methods A total of 680 preterm infants admitted to the Dali Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2020 and December 2024 were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into a training set(n=476)and a validation set(n=204)at a ratio of 7∶3.Independent predictors were identified through univariate logistic regression and multivariate stepwise regression analyses,and a nomogram model was subsequently developed using R software.The performance of the model,including its discrimination,calibration,stability,and clinical applicability,was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,bootstrap resampling method,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results The final model incorporated seven independent variables:gestational age,birth weight,Apgar score,blood oxygen saturation,gestational hyperglycemia,prenatal glucocor-ticoid therapy,and maternal history of infection.The areas under the curve(AUCs)for the training and validation sets were 0.88(95%CI:0.84~0.92)and 0.83(95%CI:0.76~0.89),respectively,with all Hosmer-Lemeshow test p-values exceeding 0.05.The bootstrap-corrected AUC was 0.85(95%CI:0.81~0.89).DCA indicated that the model achieved the highest net benefit at a risk threshold range of 10%to 35%.Conclusions This model integrates multiple risk factors associated with the occurrence of RDS in plateau environments,demonstrating robust predictive performance for RDS in preterm infants residing in high-altitude areas such as Dali.It can serve as a valuable tool for risk stratification and clinical decision-making,and may also provide a reference for future multicenter prospective studies.
9.Association between skeletal muscle function, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Hongxia LIU ; Mingyu ZHU ; Tingting HAN ; Ning CHEN ; Yue LIU ; Ziyi WEI ; Yurong WENG ; Yaomin HU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(5):365-371
Objective:To investigate the association of skeletal muscle function(including muscle strength and physical performance) and insulin resistance as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:The retrospective study included 942 patients who visited the Department of Geriatrics at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, between October 2020 and July 2024. Low skeletal muscle function was defined as either reduced muscle strength or impaired physical performance. Muscle strength was assessed by grip strength, while physical performance was evaluated using the 5-time chair stand test. The associations between muscle function, insulin resistance, and T2DM were analyzed.Results:A significant association was observed between decreased skeletal muscle function and a higher prevalence of T2DM( P=0.001). Further analysis revealed that decreased physical performance was significantly associated with increased T2DM prevalence( P<0.001), whereas reduced muscle strength showed no significant association with T2DM prevalence( P=0.331). Linear regression analysis indicated that both the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA2-IR) and fasting blood glucose levels increased significantly with longer chair stand times( P<0.05). Restrictive cubic spline(RCS) analysis demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between chair-rising time and HOMA2-IR. Notably, when the cumulative chair-rising time exceed 8.1 s, HOMA2-IR increased significantly with prolonged chair stand time. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with patients with normal physical performance, those with decreased physical performance had significantly higher odds of T2DM( OR=2.64, P<0.001) and insulin resistance( OR=2.34, P=0.002). Conclusion:Decline in physical performance is significantly positively associated with insulin resistance and the risk of T2DM. Morever, when the cumulative chair stand time exceed 8.1 s, HOMA2-IR increases progressively with further prolongation of chair stand time.
10.Identification of the sugarcane β-1,3-glucanase gene family and analysis of their expression under various stress conditions.
Tingchen HUANG ; Yifei XIA ; Yurong LUO ; Shoujian ZANG ; Yan CHEN ; Qinghong LIU ; Yingying LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Wenyue ZHANG ; Yachun SU ; Chuihuai YOU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2913-2933
Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important sugar crop. Biotic and abiotic stresses such as diseases, cold, and drought are major factors limiting sugarcane production. β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39), a member of the pathogenesis-related protein family, plays an essential role not only in the plant defenses against pathogens but also in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. To systematically investigate the sugarcane β-1,3-glucanase gene family, 132 glycoside hydrolase (GH) 17 family members were identified in the genomes of the sugarcane wild species Saccharum spontaneum 'Np-X', the tropical species S. officinarum 'LA-Purple', and the Saccharum spp. hybrid cultivar 'R570'. The results of the phylogenetic analysis categorized them into four subfamilies, of which subfamily Ⅳ had the largest proportion of members (102). The members of the sugarcane GH17 gene family contained five conserved motifs and 0-16 introns. The majority of the GH17 genes exhibited a genome-wide replication pattern, with 89.50% originating from S. spontaneum 'Np-X' and S. officinarum 'LA-Purple', while 58.10% of them in the Saccharum spp. hybrid cultivar 'R570' belonged to the discrete replication type. Four major classes of cis-acting elements were identified in the promoters, including the elements related to plant growth, development, and tissue-specific expression (14.21%), light-responsive elements (38.24%), biotic or abiotic stress-responsive elements (9.18%), and hormone-responsive elements (38.37%), which suggested that this gene family was involved in plant growth, development, hormone responses, and stress responses. Transcriptome and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses showed that the sugarcane GH17 genes exhibited tissue-specific expression and were differentially expressed under low temperature, drought, and hormone treatments, as well as during the interactions between different sugarcane genotypes and Sporisorium scitamineum, suggesting their potential roles in plant defenses. In addition, some SsGlu genes (SsGlu5, SsGlu20, SsGlu21, SsGlu25, SsGlu28, and SsGlu39) were expected to serve as candidate stress-related genes. This study lays a foundation for further revealing the molecular mechanisms of the stress resistance of sugarcane via β-1,3-glucanase genes.
Saccharum/physiology*
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Stress, Physiological/genetics*
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Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase/metabolism*
;
Multigene Family
;
Phylogeny
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Plant Proteins/genetics*

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