1.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.
2.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.
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.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.
5.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
6.Isolation and application value of Yersinia enterocolitica phage strain in Yunnan Province
Shaogui ZI ; Chunpeng MAO ; Pan LIU ; Fengyi YANG ; Haipeng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Youhong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):173-178
Objective:To isolate Yersinia enterocolitica phage and study its biological and genomic characteristics, and explore its application value. Methods:Phages were isolated from cecum of Apodemus chevrieri in the plague focus of wild rodent in Lijiang employing Yersinia enterocolitica (CMCC52301) as the host strain. After purification, proliferation and concentration, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the host spectrum of the phage was determined by double-layer plate method. Phage DNA was extracted and sequenced, and the raw sequences data were assembled and visually analyzed, also performed genome functional annotation, phage classification status, phylogenetic tree, genome collinearity analysis, etc. Results:One strain of Yersinia enterocolitica phage was isolated and named vB_Yen_YN301-151, which had a head and a contractile tail. The phage only lysed Yersinia enterocolitica, and could not lyse other tested strains. And at a lysis temperature of 37 ℃, more transparent plaques were observed compared to at a lysis temperature of 21 ℃. The gene structure of this phage was double-stranded DNA, with a genome length of 51 176 bp and a GC content of 46.96%, and 95 genes were predicted to encode 15 structural morphological related proteins, 9 proteins involved in replication and metabolism, 3 DNA assembly functional proteins, 1 phage lysis related protein, and 67 hypothetical proteins. It was identified that the phage belong to the Drexlerviridae family of the Caudoviricetes class, clustered with vB_YenM_534, vB_Yen_X1, vB_YenM_281, and vB_YenM_531 in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited good collinearity with PY100, vB_YenM_ 25, and vB_Yen_X1. Conclusions:The successfully isolated vB_Yen_YN301-151 is a novel phage belonging to the Drexlerviridae family, and its gene encoded proteins are mostly hypothetical proteins. It only lyses Yersinia enterocolitica, with host specificity and has the potential to be used as diagnostic phage for screening Yersinia enterocolitica.
7.Therapeutic effect of external counterpulsation on cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease-a meta-analysis
Wei-tao WANG ; Tie-jun LIU ; Zi-shuang LIU ; Xi-lian HU ; Cheng YANG ; La-di SUN
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):172-179
Objective:To evaluate the clinical rehabilitation effect of external counterpulsation(ECP)on patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)by meta-analysis.Methods:We searched the databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library and Embase for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and prospective cohort studies upon rehabilitative effect of ECP on CHD patients before May 2024.And meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled MD and 95%CI using the random(P<0.5 or I2≥50%)or fixed effect models(other situations).Results:13 eligible literatures were finally included in the meta-analysis.Compared with participants in control group,those in trial group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(MD=4.15,95%CI 2.55~5.76,P<0.001),stroke volume(MD=9.11,95%CI 7.59~10.64,P<0.001),peak oxygen uptake(MD=5.42,95%CI 2.53~8.32,P<0.001),6-min walking distance(MD=31.14,95%CI 24.89~37.40,P<0.001),metabolic equiv-alent(MD=0.58,95%CI 0.45~0.71,P<0.001),exercise duration time(SMD=0.77,95%CI 0.55~0.99,P<0.001),oxygen pulse(MD=0.88,95%CI 0.68~1.09,P<0.001),and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(MD=-3.19,95%CI-5.20~-2.61,P<0.001).Conclusion:This study showed that ECP could effectively improve heart function,exercise capacity and tolerance of CHD patients.
8.Protein Kinase CK2:Regulation of Aging and Aging-related Diseases
Rui-Qi WANG ; Jie-Liang YANG ; Zi-Mei WANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):333-343
Aging is the result of the accumulation of various molecular and cellular damages over time,encompassing 12 characteristic hallmarks divided into three categories.These include primary hallmarks such as genomic instability,telomere attrition,epigenetic alterations,loss of proteostasis,and disabled macroautophagy;antagonistic hallmarks like deregulated nutrient sensing,mitochondrial dysfunction,and cellular senescence;and integrative hallmarks including stem cell exhaustion,altered intercellular com-munication,chronic inflammation and dysbiosis.Therefore,investigating cellular signaling factors within a single pathway is insufficient to comprehensively understand the complex mechanisms underlying aging.Casein kinase Ⅱ(CK2),one of the earliest identified protein kinases,is capable of phosphorylating ser-ine/threonine/tyrosine residues on hundreds of substrates.It exhibits highly constitutive expression and activity,and is extensively involved in the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation,differenti-ation,apoptosis,stress response,metabolism,and immune function.CK2 plays a unique role in coordi-nating the cross-talk and integration of various signaling pathways,which is crucial for maintaining cell survival and homeostasis.Recent studies have revealed that CK2 exhibits perturbations in both expression levels and enzymatic activity during aging process,with notable heterogeneity observed across different animals,tissues and cellular models.Overall,the downregulation of CK2 expression not only promotes the development of primary hallmarks but also alleviates antagonistic hallmarks and ameliorates integrative hallmarks of aging,demonstrating dual effect and interconnected mechanisms.Notably,aberrant activa-tion in CK2 expression and activity are associated with various aging-related diseases,including cancer,cardiovascular diseases,chronic metabolic disorders,neurodegenerative diseases and skeletal degenera-tive conditions.Therefore,maintaining CK2 homeostasis may represent an effective strategy for delaying aging.This review summarizes the latest advances in CK2 and aging research,providing not only deeper insights into the common mechanisms underlying aging and aging-related diseases,but also a theoretical foundation for identifying potential targets for the early prevention of aging-related diseases.
9.Protein Kinase CK2:Regulation of Aging and Aging-related Diseases
Rui-Qi WANG ; Jie-Liang YANG ; Zi-Mei WANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):333-343
Aging is the result of the accumulation of various molecular and cellular damages over time,encompassing 12 characteristic hallmarks divided into three categories.These include primary hallmarks such as genomic instability,telomere attrition,epigenetic alterations,loss of proteostasis,and disabled macroautophagy;antagonistic hallmarks like deregulated nutrient sensing,mitochondrial dysfunction,and cellular senescence;and integrative hallmarks including stem cell exhaustion,altered intercellular com-munication,chronic inflammation and dysbiosis.Therefore,investigating cellular signaling factors within a single pathway is insufficient to comprehensively understand the complex mechanisms underlying aging.Casein kinase Ⅱ(CK2),one of the earliest identified protein kinases,is capable of phosphorylating ser-ine/threonine/tyrosine residues on hundreds of substrates.It exhibits highly constitutive expression and activity,and is extensively involved in the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation,differenti-ation,apoptosis,stress response,metabolism,and immune function.CK2 plays a unique role in coordi-nating the cross-talk and integration of various signaling pathways,which is crucial for maintaining cell survival and homeostasis.Recent studies have revealed that CK2 exhibits perturbations in both expression levels and enzymatic activity during aging process,with notable heterogeneity observed across different animals,tissues and cellular models.Overall,the downregulation of CK2 expression not only promotes the development of primary hallmarks but also alleviates antagonistic hallmarks and ameliorates integrative hallmarks of aging,demonstrating dual effect and interconnected mechanisms.Notably,aberrant activa-tion in CK2 expression and activity are associated with various aging-related diseases,including cancer,cardiovascular diseases,chronic metabolic disorders,neurodegenerative diseases and skeletal degenera-tive conditions.Therefore,maintaining CK2 homeostasis may represent an effective strategy for delaying aging.This review summarizes the latest advances in CK2 and aging research,providing not only deeper insights into the common mechanisms underlying aging and aging-related diseases,but also a theoretical foundation for identifying potential targets for the early prevention of aging-related diseases.
10.Percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction combined with Lambl's excrescences on the aortic valve:a case report
Meng-qi YE ; Bang-guo YANG ; Zi-wei ZHANG ; Jiang WANG ; Jie BAI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):176-180
The Lambl's excrescences(LEs)are elongated valvular fronds with excessive mobility,commonly found at the closure lines of heart valves.These filiform projections are thin and long,exhibiting undulating independent motion.LEs predominantly occur on the ventricular side of the aortic valve and on the atrial side of the mitral valve,although there have been documented cases involving tricuspid,pulmonic,and prosthetic valves.To detect LEs,transesophageal echocardiography is often recommended.The high stress experienced by left-sided valves during closure can lead to tears or lesions in the endocardium that initiate LEs pathogenesis.In this particular case study,we present a patient who presented with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction alongside LEs located on the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve.This specific anatomical location posed significant challenges during percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),as it required direct contact between the guiding catheter and the aortic valve,thereby increasing the risk of dislodging the LEs.Fortunately,our team successfully performed PCI without encountering any notable complications or embolic events.

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