1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Preliminary exploration of X-ray imaging features in triple-negative breast cancer with different expression levels of human epidermalgrowth factor receptor 2
Xue ZHAO ; Dengbin WANG ; Lijun WANG ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Yixue GONG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanmin YU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):95-101
Objective To preliminary explore the imaging manifestations of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with different levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on TNBC patients who underwent preoperative DBT or CEM examinations at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 and Shanghai Second People’s Hospital from January 2022 to May 2025. Clinical data, pathological and immunohistochemical results, and imaging data were collected. Results A total of 69 TNBC patients pathologically confirmed as invasive ductal carcinoma were included, among which 34 underwent DBT and 35 underwent CEM. Among these patients, 34 (49.28%) had HER2-low expression and 35 (50.72%) had HER2-zero expression. DBT results showed that the proportion of spiculation signs in HER2-low group (n=14) was significantly higher than that in HER2-zero group (n=20; P=0.009, Padj=0.045). However, there were no significant differences in breast density type, mass shape, or calcification between the two groups. CEM results showed that on low-energy images, the proportion of spiculation signs in the HER2-low group (n=20) was higher than that in the HER2-zero group (n=15; P=0.011, Padj=0.077). Results of CEM showed that on reconstructed images, differences in background parenchymal enhancement and mass enhancement patterns between the two groups were not statistically significant; in both groups, heterogeneous enhancement was the most common, followed by homogeneous enhancement, with ring enhancement being the least common. Conclusions TNBC with low HER2 expression and TNBC with zero HER2 expression may have potential differences in the presentation of spiculation signs on DBT. However, the correlation between CEM manifestations and TNBC with different HER2 expression levels requires further research.
3.Fabrication and evaluation of an inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel with dual capabilities of self-mineralization and osteoinduction
LIU Mingyi ; MIAO Xiaoyu ; CAI Yunfan ; WANG Yan ; SUN Xiaotang ; KANG Jingrui ; ZHAO Yao ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):29-40
Objective:
To fabricate a hydrogel loaded with inositol hexaphosphate-zinc and preliminarily evaluate its performance in self-mineralization and osteoinduction, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of bone regeneration materials.
Methods:
The hydrogel framework (designated DF0) was formed by copolymerizing methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride and four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate, followed by sequentially loading inositol hexaphosphate anions via electrostatic interaction and zinc ions via chelation. The hydrogel loaded only with inositol hexaphosphate anions was named DF1, while the co-loaded hydrogel was named DF2. The self-mineralization efficacy of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The biocompatibility was assessed via live/dead cell staining and a CCK-8 assay. The osteoinductive capacity of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels on MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. In the aforementioned cell experiments, cells cultured in standard medium served as the control group
Results:
The DF0, DF1, and DF2 hydrogels were successfully synthesized. Notably, DF1 and DF2 exhibited distinct self-mineralization within 6 days. Results from TEM, EDS, and SAED confirmed that the mineralization products were amorphous calcium phosphate in group DF1, and amorphous calciumzinc phosphate in group DF2. Biocompatibility tests revealed that none of the hydrogels (DF0, DF1, and DF2) adversely affected cell viability or proliferation. In osteogenic induction experiments, both ALP and ARS staining were intensified in the DF1 and DF2 groups, with the most profound staining observed in the DF2 group.
Conclusion
The developed inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel (DF2) demonstrates the dual capacity to generate calcium-phosphate compounds through self-mineralization while exhibiting excellent osteoinductive properties. This biocompatible, dual-promoting osteogenic hydrogel presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration.
4.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
5.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
6.Regulatory effect of Jiedu Huayu granules on liver injury in mice with acute liver failure and its mechanism
Chengyu YA ; Tingshuai WANG ; Huiping YAN ; Yi WANG ; Qingrui ZHAO ; Shenglan ZENG ; Weiyu CHEN ; Rongzhen ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):143-150
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Jiedu Huayu granules in improving liver injury in mice with acute liver failure (ALF) by observing its effect on a mouse model of ALF after prophylactic administration, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA total of 60 specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were divided into normal group, model group, Jiedu Huayu granules group (JDHY group), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (GW4064) group using a random number table, with 15 mice in each group. The model of ALF was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine combined with lipopolysaccharide. The mice in the JDHY group were given prophylactic administration of 0.3 g/mL drug solution of Jiedu Huayu granules by gavage for 3 days before modeling, those in the normal group and the model group were given 0.9% NaCl solution by gavage, and those in the GW4064 group were given intraperitoneal injection of GW4064 for 3 consecutive days before modeling. The mice were sacrificed after modeling, and serum and liver tissue samples were collected. A veterinary automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), total bile acids (TBA), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mice from each group; HE staining was used to observe liver pathological changes; RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of FXR, fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), small heterodimer partner (SHP), and bile salt export pump (BSEP) in mice, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and the Dunett method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant reductions in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P <0.01). HE staining showed that compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had milder pathological injury, a reduction in the area of hepatocyte necrosis, and alleviation of cellular swelling and edema. Compared with the normal group, the model group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.05). ConclusionJiedu Huayu granules may alleviate liver injury in mice with ALF through the FXR/SHP axis.
7.Research progress on stem cells in the treatment of sepsis
Ting CHEN ; Linlin CHEN ; Zhao CHEN ; Junping ZHANG ; Yan WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):59-64
At present, the treatment of sepsis depends largely on non-specific methods, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Stem cells have garnered significant attention in the treatment of various diseases due to their unique biological properties. Stem cells enhance sepsis survival through mechanisms such as reducing bacterial burden, modulating inflammation, and ameliorating organ dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that stem cells can increase the survival rate of sepsis patients through multiple pathways such as reducing the bacterial load of the host, regulating inflammatory homeostasis, and improving multi-organ dysfunction. Their derivatives, exosomes, can also alleviate the imbalanced immune response in sepsis patients. Recent advances in stem cell-based therapies for sepsis were summarized in this paper.
8.Visual analysis of the biological effects of tritium discharge from nuclear wastewater using CiteSpace
Ge YAN ; Lin ZHAO ; Jiaying XU ; Juan WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):74-82
Objective With the vigorous development of nuclear reactors and controlled thermonuclear fusion research, the release of tritium, the predominant radionuclide in nuclear wastewater, into the environment has attracted widespread attention. Its impact on human health has also become a hot topic of research. This article presents a visual analysis of the literature on the biological effects of tritium ingestion by organisms over the past 70 years, with the aim of elucidating the biological effects of tritiated water and identifying current research hotspots and emerging trends. Methods We retrieved articles on the biological effects of tritium radiation published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) over the past 70 years. CiteSpace software was used to generate visual maps, including annual number of publications, countries of publication, keyword clustering, keyword timeline, keyword burst, and literature co-citation. Results A total of 437 articles were included. The cumulative number of annual publications exhibited a linear growth trend. Research hotspots focused on low-radioactivity tritiated water, dose rate effect, DNA double-strand break damage, genetic effect, and cancer mortality. Emerging research frontiers included human lymphocyte immune injury, oxidase activity, comparison of marine organisms in different living environments, comparison of tritium and ionizing radiation effects, changes in mitochondrial ATP content, and the hormetic effect of low-dose radiation. Conclusion In cellular and animal models, high doses of tritium exposure induce negative biological effects. However, whether low doses of tritium esposure elicit beneficial biological effects remains to be further explored. It is suggested that domestic and foreign teams enhance academic collaboration and discussions, focusing on current hotspots and frontiers to deepen our understanding of the biological effects induced by tritium radiation. This will provide scientific solutions for disease treatment and establish a scientific basis for the safe utilization of nuclear energy and the formulation of safety standards for nuclear wastewater discharge.
9.BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 Axis Facilitates AKT-GLUT1/HK2-Mediated Warburg Effect in Gastric Cancer
Liang WANG ; Yufei LIANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Shan LIN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):112-120
Objective To elucidate the mechanism by which the BANCR/miR-145-5p axis regulates the AKT-GLUT1/HK2 pathway through downstream targets Reg3A/DMBT1 to facilitate the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. Methods Expression levels of BANCR, miR-145-5p, Reg3A, and DMBT1 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed targeted relationships. Glycolytic capacity was assessed via glucose uptake. Immunohistochemistry analyzed molecular expression in 60 paired clinical samples. The prognostic values of key molecules in the BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 axis were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results BANCR was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-145-5p was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues, correlating with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor differentiation. Reg3A and DMBT1 were identified as direct targets of miR-145-5p. Knockdown of BANCR or overexpression of miR-145-5p significantly suppressed Reg3A/DMBT1 expression, reduced AKT phosphorylation and GLUT1/HK2 levels, and inhibited glycolysis. Clinical analysis revealed positive correlations between Reg3A/DMBT1 expression and glycolytic markers, with both serving as independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusion The BANCR/miR-145-5p axis activates the AKT pathway by targeting Reg3A/DMBT1, thereby promoting GLUT1/HK2/LDHA-mediated glycolysis and facilitating the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. This regulatory axis represents a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.
10.Revisiting Intelligent Syndrome Differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the Disease-Syndrome Combination Model:Perspectives from Disease "Ambiguity and Precision"
Xinlong LI ; Sulin WANG ; Dongning YAN ; Xinran ZHAO ; Genming ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):705-709
The ambiguity of symptom information in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation can be amplified in the direct reasoning process from symptoms to syndromes in the absence of constraints, which affects the accuracy and stability of intelligent syndrome differentiation. TCM disease concepts, while historically rational, are structurally ambiguous in both their connotation and extension, making it difficult to serve as stable prior knowledge in intelligent modeling. In contrast, modern medical diseases, based on objective testing and quantifiable indicators, have relatively clear boundaries and reproducible standards. This study proposes a disease-syndrome combination model, adopting modern medical diseases as structural prior variables to reconstruct the hierarchical relationships among disease, symptoms, and syndromes. By applying disease constraints, effective screening of information from the four examinations and compressing the reasoning space are achieved. Furthermore, by integrating artificial intelligence technologies, such as multimodal fusion and knowledge graphs, an intelligent syndrome differentiation model driven by both prior knowledge and clinical data is constructed, providing a feasible path to enhance the accuracy of syndrome differentiation and realize the intelligentization of TCM diagnosis and treatment.


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