1.Fibroblast Growth Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: Multi-target Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involving Neuroinflammation, Cellular Stress, and Ferroptosis
Hui WANG ; Zi-Gui ZHOU ; Teng-Teng HAN ; Chang-Zhi YANG ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):855-874
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the pathological accumulation ofα‑synuclein. Although extensive progress has been made in elucidating its pathogenesis, current therapeutic approaches remain largely symptomatic, and effective disease-modifying treatments are still unavailable. Increasing evidence indicates that PD is driven by the interaction of multiple pathological processes, including neuroinflammation, iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired protein homeostasis, which together contribute to neuronal vulnerability and degeneration. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a family of 22 ligands that play important roles in neural development, stress responses, metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of nervous system homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that several FGF family members, such as FGF1, FGF2, FGF9, and FGF21, exert neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of PD. These effects include the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, cellular stress adaptation, and neuronal survival. Compared with therapeutic strategies targeting a single pathogenic pathway, FGFs appear to influence multiple disease-related processes, suggesting their potential relevance to the complex pathophysiology of PD. Experimental evidence indicates that altered FGF signaling may contribute to dopaminergic neuron dysfunction through the coordinated regulation of several interconnected mechanisms. FGFs have been reported to modulate neuroinflammation by affecting the activation of microglia and astrocytes, thereby influencing the inflammatory environment in the central nervous system. In addition, FGFs are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, partly through antioxidant signaling pathways associated with NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Moreover, FGFs can alleviate ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, AMPK-PGC-1α, as well as SIRT1-dependent programs, which support cellular energy metabolism and redox balance. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomic studies further suggest that FGF signaling is not limited to neuron-intrinsic mechanisms but also involves interactions among different glial cell types. Altered FGF ligand-receptor communication between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes has been observed in PD models and is associated with increased susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings indicate that the biological effects of FGFs are influenced by cell type and disease stage and may vary under different pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the roles of FGF family members in PD, with a focus on their involvement in iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, neuroinflammation, cellular stress responses, and neuronal protection and regeneration. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide a clearer understanding of how FGFs participate in PD pathogenesis and to offer a theoretical basis for future studies exploring their potential value in disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.
2.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Bupi Qingfei Prescription in Treating Stable Bronchiectasis
Zi YANG ; Guangsen LI ; Bing WANG ; Bo XU ; Jianxin WANG ; Sheng CAO ; Xinyan CHEN ; Xia SHI ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):162-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription (BPQF) in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control (PC) groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time, twice a day, for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores, Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) scores, lung function indicators, T lymphocyte subsets, level of inflammatory factors in the sputum, level of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the sputum, and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study, encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment, the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores (P<0.01), increased QOL-B scores (P<0.01), and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and NE (P<0.05, P<0.01). The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom (except spleen deficiency) scores (P<0.01), increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a declined TNF-α level (P<0.01). Moreover, the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom (except chest tightness) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher QOL-B (except treatment burden) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05) than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.
3.Meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate,transurethral resection of the prostate or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Zhongchao HUO ; Haifeng CHENG ; Yongzhi HE ; Lei WANG ; Rui DING ; Jianqi YANG ; Wenting ZHAO ; Zi CAI ; Caiying KONG ; Yiping GAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):140-146
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods The domestic and foreign clinical studies on transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate (observation group), TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (control group) in the treatment of BPH during Jan. 2015 and Mar. 2025 were retrieved. The data were extracted with Cochrane systematic review method. The operation time, decrease in hemoglobin, bladder irrigation time, catheter indwelling time, total complication rate, retrograde ejaculation rate and urinary incontinence rate of the two groups were compared with RevMan 5.3.0 statistical software. Results A total of 5 Chinese studies involving 491 patients (248 in the observation group and 243 in the control group) were included in the Meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter operation time [MD=-20.80, 95%CI:-26.88—-14.72, P<0.00001], less decrease in hemoglobin [MD=-10.61, 95%CI: -20.21—-1.01, P=0.03], shorter bladder irrigation time [MD=-17.85, 95%CI: -32.62—-3.09, P=0.002], shorter catheter indwelling time [MD=-1.71, 95%CI: -2.81—- 0.62, P=0.002], lower total complication rate [OR=0.11, 95%CI: 0.06—0.21, P<0.00001], lower retrograde ejaculation rate [OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.02—0.16, P<0.00001] and lower urinary incontinence rate [OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.07—0.79, P=0.02]. There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The international erectile function score (IIEF-5) of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group [MD=1.87, 95%CI:1.16—2.57, P<0.00001]. There were no significant differences in international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-voiding residual (PVR) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion All three surgical procedures can effectively improve the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH patients. Compared with TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate, transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate has obvious advantages in terms of perioperative recovery, reduction of total complications, urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation rates, and preservation of sexual function.
4.Population composition and seasonal distribution of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City
Zi-long TANG ; Na YU ; Yang YU ; Fan YIN ; Bing-hui LI ; Hong-yu WANG ; Ke-jia HUANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):114-120
Objective The study aimed to elucidate the population composition and seasonal distribution characteristics of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Methods Mosquito surveillance was conducted in Laoshan District in Qingdao City using light traps from April to November 2020-2022. Dominant mosquito species were identified using the Berger-Parker dominance index(I)and mosquito density was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The seasonal distribution characteristics of adult mosquitoes were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between mosquito populations and meteorological factors with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly rainfall. Results The mean mosquito density for the trapping period was 9.771 females/(trap·night)in 2020,9.771 in 2021, and 9.427 in 2022. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito density between different years(H = 0.095, P = 0.954). In total, 2 781 adult female mosquitoes comprising five species from four genera were captured over three years. Culex pipiens(I = 0.654), Aedes albopictus(I = 0.202), and Aedes aegypti(I = 0.118)were identified as dominant species. Seasonal fluctuations in the adult mosquitoes were unimodal, and primarily concentrated from June to September. The peak period of adult mosquito varied between years with statistical significance. (F = 3.838, P < 0.05). Mosquito density was highly correlated with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity and mean monthly precipitation(P< 0.05). Conclusions Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ar. inamoratus are the dominant mosquito species in the Laoshan District of Qingdao City. The activity of adult mosquitoes is seasonal, and primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, during which the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever is increased.
5.Effects of honey-processed Astragalus on energy metabolism and polarization of RAW264.7 cells
Hong-chang LI ; Ke PEI ; Wang-yang XIE ; Xiang-long MENG ; Zi-han YU ; Wen-ling LI ; Hao CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):459-470
In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed
6.Endovascular Treatment for Acute Posterior Circulation Tandem Lesions: Insights From the BASILAR and PERSIST Registries
Wei LI ; Mohamed F. DOHEIM ; Zhongming QIU ; Tan WANG ; Zhibin CHEN ; Wenjie ZI ; Qingwu YANG ; Haitao GUAN ; Hongyu QIAO ; Wenhua LIU ; Wei HU ; Xinfeng LIU ; Jinbo HUANG ; Zhongkui HAN ; Zhonglun CHEN ; Zhenqiang ZHAO ; Wen SUN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):75-84
Background:
and Purpose Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute posterior circulation tandem lesion (PCTL). This study aimed to explore the role of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenting in patients with PCTL stroke undergoing EVT.
Methods:
Individual patient data were pooled from the BASILAR (EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study) and PERSIST (Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) registries. Patients with PCTLs who underwent EVT were included in the present cohort and divided into the stenting and nonstenting groups based on the placement of extracranial VA stents. The primary efficacy outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days and 1 year. Safety outcomes included 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year post-surgery.
Results:
A combined dataset of 1,320 patients with posterior circulation artery occlusion, including 263 (19.9%) with tandem lesions, of whom 217 (median age, 65 years; 82.9% male) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The stenting group had 84 (38.7%) patients, while the non-stenting group had 133 (61.3%). After adjustment for the potential confounders, extracranial VA stenting was associated with favorable shifts in mRS scores at both 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–4.28; P<0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.04; 95% CI [1.05–3.97]; P=0.04), along with lower rate of mortality at both 90 days (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI [0.21–0.93]; P=0.01) and 1 year (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI [0.16–0.79]; P=0.01), with no significant difference in sICH incidence (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI [0.06–1.98]; P=0.24).
Conclusion
Extracranial VA stenting during EVT may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with PCTL strokes.
7.Quality standard improvement of Dahuang Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets
Jing-hai CHEN ; Hua-hua HUANG ; Ya-li YANG ; Ying-ying WANG ; Xue-zi HE
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2137-2144
AIM To improve the quality standard for Dahuang Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets.METHODS TLC was adopted in the qualitative identification of rhein,emodin,chrysophanol,aloe-emodin,physcion and rhapontin,after which UPLC fingerprints were established,content determination of aloe emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside,rhein-8-O-β-D-glucoside,emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside,chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside,physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside,aloe-emodin,rhein,emodin,chrysophanol,physcion were performed.RESULTS The clear TLC plots demonstrated good specificity.There were 20 common peaks in the fingerprints for 8 batches of samples with the similarities of more than 0.535.Ten constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.997 0),whose average recoveries were 98.7%-104.1%with the RSDs of 0.59%-2.13%,whose content ranges were 0.274 1-2.005 9,0.547 8-5.192 2,1.209 2-3.936 3,1.039 3-3.330 2,0.307 0-1.248 1,0.118 2-0.674 7,0.115 1-0.970 3,0.224 5-1.789 3,0.881 4-4.882 6,0.801 4-5.099 1 mg/g,respectively.CONCLUSION This simple and stable method can effectively control the quality of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma in Dahuang Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets.
8.Systematic review of biologic therapy safety in pregnant and breastfeeding psoriasis patients
Zong-Yang LI ; Zheng GU ; Hui-Jing WANG ; Yu-Shi FANG ; Zi LI ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):545-552
Objective To systematically review and quantitatively analyze the safety of biologic agents for the clinical treatment of psoriasis during pregnancy and lactation.Methods The literature from start of database to June 27,2023,was searched in MEDLINE(PubMed),Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science by two researcher.Quality of included studies was assessed by the quality evaluation tool of case series from Australian JBI Evidence Based Healthcare Centre.According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA),a systematic review and was conducted to assess pregnancy or breastfeeding outcomes in psoriasis patients exposed to biologics within 3 months prior to pregnancy,during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Data on pregnancy and exposure characteristics were pooled,and the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome was summarized using a random effects model.Results A total of 54 studies involving 1206 pregnancies in 1177 female patients with psoriasis exposed to biologic agents were included in the analysis.Systematic review results demonstrated that the majority of the exposures were limited to early pregnancy,with pooled spontaneous abortion rates,elective abortion rates,overall mortality,preterm birth rates,incidence of low birth weights,and congenital anomalies similar to those of general population(P>0.05).Furthermore,no serious adverse reactions were reported during lactation.Conclusions The use of biologic agents in pregnant and breastfeeding women with psoriasis does not significantly increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and does not affect neonatal health or growth.However,the limited available safety data underscores the necessity of further studies to establish the relationship between psoriasis,biologic agents,and pregnancy/lactation outcomes,thereby providing comprehensive guidance for clinical practice.
9.Clinical and pathological characteristics of adrenal cortical carcinoma:a single-center retrospective study
Qing-Zheng WU ; Ming-Xiu YANG ; Bing LI ; Shu-Ying LI ; Zi-Xin GUO ; Yi-Jun LI ; Ya-Qi YIN ; Ya-Jing WANG ; Kang CHEN ; Li ZANG ; Wei-Jun GU ; Yi-Ming MU ; Zhao-Hui LYU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):786-792
Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of adrenal cortical carcinoma(ACC),compare differences between hypercortisolism and non-functional ACC,and assess the diagnostic value of indicators such as Ki-67 index.Methods The clinical data of 57 ACC patients admitted to the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of endocrine function assessment,47 of these patients were divided into hypercortisolism group(n=19)and non-functional group(n=28).The differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups were compared,and non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship between Ki-67 index and tumor stage as well as imaging features.Results Among the 57 patients,there were 20 males and 37 females,with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.85.The age ranged from 16 to 76 years,and the age at diagnosis was(48.7±13.3)years.The tumor diameter was(10.53±4.14)cm.The tumors were located on the right side in 12 cases(21.1%),on the left side in 34 cases(59.6%),and bilaterally in 11 cases(19.3%).Among them,16 cases(28.1%)were complicated with glucose metabolism disorders,31 cases(54.3%)had hypertension,and 20 cases(35.1%)had hypokalemia.According to ENSAT staging,there were 0 cases in stage Ⅰ,15 cases(26.3%)in stage Ⅱ,24 cases(42.1%)in stage Ⅲ,and 18 cases(31.6%)in stage Ⅳ.Endocrine function assessment was completed in 47 of the 57 patients,including 28 cases(59.6%)of non-functional ACC and 19 cases(40.4%)of hypercortisolism(including 1 case of hypercortisolism combined with increased sex hormone secretion).Compared with non-functional group,hypercortisolism group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension(P=0.014),later ENSAT stage(P=0.010),and a higher proportion of hypervascularization(P=0.048).The median Ki-67 index was 20%(10%-40%),showing no significant correlation with either the maximum tumor diameter or SUVmax value,but it was related to ENSAT staging,with Ki-67 index in stageⅣ patients being significantly higher than that in stage Ⅱ(P=0.032).Immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive rate of Inhibin-α was 84.8%,and the positive rate of Melan-A was 40.9%.Conclusions ACC is a rare malignant endocrine tumor.ACC patients with hypercortisolism are more likely to be complicated with hypertension,have later staging,and more common hypervascular manifestations.Clinically,their endocrine function should be prioritized for assessment,and more active treatment strategies should be adopted.Diagnosis should be combined with imaging characteristics(such as hypervascularization)and immunohistochemical indicators(Ki-67,Inhibin-α,Melan-A).The significant increase in Ki-67 is in the advanced stage can serve as an important prognostic indicator to guide individualized treatment.
10.Effects of estrogen signaling on T cell recruitment and polarization in inflamed skeletal muscle with acute myoinjury
Zi-Wei ZHAO ; Xiao-Ting JIAN ; Jun-Yi XIE ; Jing-Wen HUANG ; Yang-Yang LI ; Qi-Sen WANG ; Zhao-Hong LIAO ; Hua LIAO
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(6):688-696
Objective To investigate the effects of estrogen signaling on T-cell recruitment and polarization in acutely injured skeletal muscle.Methods One hundred C57BL/6 male mice,one hundred and eighty C57BL/6 female mice were selected.Twenty-five female mice were ovariectomized(OVX)and 10 male mice were taken as the sham-operated(sham).Then,cardiotoxin(CTX)induced tibialis anterior(TA)injury for preparing mice myoinjury model.Subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol(E2)or estrogen receptor antagonist 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT)was performed.A total of 140 mice(70 males and 70 females)were divided into four group including:PBS-male,CTX-male,PBS-female,and CTX-female.Serum estradiol(E2)levels were measured by ELISA,and muscle injury models were validated via HE staining.Subsequently,20 male and 20 female mice were selected for immunofluorescence(IF)and Real-time PCR to assess estrogen receptors(ER)expression in injured muscle tissue.Further,10 male and 40 female mice were allocated into five experimental groups,including CTX,CTX+E2,CTX+4-OHT,CTX+OVX,CTX+sham.HE staining and IF were performed to evaluate inflammatory infiltration in the injured muscle.Additionally,50 female mice were divided into CTX and CTX+OVX groups,and IF combined with flow cytometry were used to analyze T-cell phenotypes and muscle fiber regeneration in the injured muscle.Results In vivo,serum E2 and myofiber ERβ increased post-injury in mice of both sexes,significantly higher in females.Compared to the control group,E2 alleviated inflammation,OVX exacerbated inflammation,increased CD4+T-cell infiltration,elevated T helper 1 cell(Th1)response,decreased regulatory T cells(Tregs),impaired regeneration.In vitro,IFN-γ/LPS significantly upregulated ERβ in myotubes.Conclusion Estrogen signaling critically regulates muscle inflammation.Estrogen deficiency(OVX)delays repair of skeletal muscle by promoting Th1 response and suppressing Tregs function.


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