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.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.
3.Extraction process optimization,component analysis and biological activity evaluation for total polyphenols from Conioselinum vaginatu
Jun-long WANG ; Hui-jie YAN ; Yong-gang LIN ; Zi-wei LI ; Wen-pan SHI ; Sheng-qi JIANG ; Bin WU ; Qin-ze GU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1449-1455
AIM To optimize the extraction process for total polyphenols from Conioselinum vaginatu(Spreng.)Thell.,make component analysis,and evaluate their anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.METHODS The effects of ultrasound,enzymatic hydrolysis,acid hydrolysis,alcohol extraction and hydrolysis processes on the extraction quantity of total polyphenols were investigated,respectively.With extraction temperature,extraction time,ethanol concetration and liquid-solid ratio as influencing factors,extraction quantity of total polyphenols as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method.HPLC was adopted in the identification of polyphenolic composition and determination of their contents.Subsequently,total polyphenols' scavenging capacities on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals,total reducing power and inhibitory capacity on α-glucosidase were determined.RESULTS The highest extraction quantity of total polyphenols was observable when extraction process was employed.The optimal conditions were determined to be 62 ℃ for extraction temperature,54 min for extraction time,69%for ethanol concentration,and 50∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,the extraction quantity of total polyphenols was(9.51±0.2)mg GAE/g.Seven constituents existed in C.vaginatu,among which ferulic acid demonstrated the highest content,followed by that of myricetin,while D-tryptophan content was the lowest.At the concentration of 7.61 mg/L,total polyphenols displayed the scavenging rates on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals of 80.70%,85.97%,28.60%,total reducing power of 0.22,and inhibition rate on α-glucosidase of 77.23%,respectively.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the extraction of total polyphenols from C.vaginatum with strong anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.
4.Characteristics of peripheral blood CD4 + T lymphocytes and cytokines in patients with mixed connective tissue disease
Hui WANG ; Rui SU ; Xin ZHANG ; Ronghui SU ; Xiaoyu ZI ; Xueying GU ; Xiaofeng LI ; Caihong WANG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(5):400-406
Objective:To analyze the characteristics of CD4 + T cell subsets and cytokines in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and the correlation of MCTD disease activity, laboratory data, and clinical symptoms with cytokines. Methods:A total of 48 MCTD patients (including 24 newly diagnosed patients and 24 treated patients) were enrolled from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2018 to 2021. Meanwhile, 49 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination were recruited (healthy control group). The absolute counts of CD4 + T cell subsets in peripheral blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of serum cytokines were detected by flow bead array. Analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences between groups. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze related factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to detect the best cut-off value and effectiveness. Results:The absolute counts of Th1 ( P<0.01), Th2 ( P<0.01) and Treg cells ( P<0.01) in the newly diagnosed MCTD patients and the treated MCTD patients were lower than those in the healthy subjects. The levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in the two MCTD groups were higher than those in the healthy control group ( P<0.01). Further analysis revealed that the cardiac enzymes in MCTD patients included creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, aspartate aminotransferase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase were positively correlated with cytokines ( P<0.05). In addition, it was found that IL-2 was positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.477, P<0.001), but it was negatively correlated with complement C3 ( r=-0.546, P=0.002) and complement C4 ( r=-0.422, P=0.02). IL-10 was correlated with the myositis symptoms in MCTD patients and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.745 (95% CI: 0.576-0.915, P<0.05). Conclusions:This study provides insights into the unique immunological characteristics of CD4 + T lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in patients with MCTD, and also reveals a close correlation between cytokines and cardiac enzymes in MCTD patients. IL-2 has been shown to be associated with disease activity in MCTD patients. The level of IL-10 may be related to the occurrence of myositis symptoms in MCTD.
5.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.
6.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.
7.Association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute aortic dissection:a multicenter 10-year retrospective cohort study
Zi-Xuan LIU ; Hui-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Dan ZHONG ; Xing-Wei HE ; Wen-Hua WANG ; Dan YU ; Bao-Quan ZHANG ; Chun-Wen LI ; He-Song ZENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):917-924
Objective To investigate the role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in predicting the in-hospital mortality risk of patients with acute aortic dissection(AAD)in multicenter hospitals.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted.Clinical data were collected from 2642 AAD patients who were hospitalized in five teaching hospitals:Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology,Henan Provincial People's Hospital,Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University,and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between August 2010 and December 2021.According to the quartiles of serum NLRlevels,the patients were divided into four groups:first quartile(Q1,n=660),second quartile(Q2,n=661),third quartile(Q3,n=661),and fourth quartile(Q4,n=660).The clinical characteristics and biochemical indicators of each group were compared.Partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between NLR and cardiovascular parameters.Restricted cubic splines,Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,and Cox regression models were employed to evaluate the association between NLR levels and in-hospital mortality risk in AAD patients.Results The median age of all patients was 54[interquartile range(IQR):46-63]years,including 2096 males and 546 females.Compared with Q1-Q3 groups,patients inQ4group had a lower incidence of smoking history and diabetes history,and were more likely to have DeBakey type Ⅰ AAD(P<0.05).Additionally,the levels of aspartate aminotransferase,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,creatinine,and D-dimer in Q4 group were higher,while the levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein(CRP)were lower(P<0.01).The results of partial correlation analysis showed that the plasma NLR level was positively correlated with D-dimer(r=0.43,P<0.01)and creatinine(r=0.16,P<0.01).The restricted cubic spline function in the Cox model revealed a significant non-linear relationship between the plasma NLR level and clinical outcomes in AAD patients(P<0.01).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients in Q4 group had the highest in-hospital mortality rate compared with Q1-Q3 groups(P<0.0001).Furthermore,multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that compared with Q1 group,the hazard ratio(HR)of NLR in Q4 group was 1.77(95%CI 1.33-2.37,P<0.001),which was an independent risk factor for the primary endpoint events.Conclusion A higher plasma NLR level is significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events in AAD patients,and this association remains significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as the multicenter visiting hospitals.
8.Mechanisms by which EPB41L4A-AS1 Influences Glial Cells-mediated Aβ Clearance
Li-xin NIU ; Xu-fei ZHANG ; Tian-zi LI ; Ming-hui LI ; Rui-xue YIN ; Zi-qiang WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1942-1947
Objective:To explore the changes in the whole transcriptome gene expression profile affected by EPB41L4A-AS,and to reveal its potential mechanisms that influence the progression of AD.Methods:U251 cells with stable low expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 were constructed using shRNA technology.Transcriptome sequencing was performed to screen for transcripts regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.KEGG pathway and GO analysis were used to explore the related signaling pathways and biological processes regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.Immunofluorescence assay was used to investigate the effects of EPB41L4A-AS1 on the activity of glial cells with antibodies against GFAP.Results:Knocking down the expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 in U251 cells significantly influenced the levels of multiple transcripts,with 626 upregulated and 949 downregulated.Further analysis revealed that the downregulated transcripts are related to AD,activation and proliferation of glial cells,and formation of amyloid fibers,and close to multiple signaling pathways that are involved in the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance.Cellular experiments have shown that EPB41L4A-AS1 regulated the synapses length and activity of glial cells.Conclusions:EPB41L4A-AS1 may influence the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance through multiple signaling pathways.
9.Mechanism of Polygonum capitatum on atherosclerosis based on data mining
Zi YE ; Yun-pei WANG ; Yu-hui WANG ; Xun-de XIAN ; Xiao-jie LI ; Chun-hua HUANG ; Yuan-zhu LIAO ; Di-dong LOU ; Yi-xia ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2369-2378
Aim To systematically investigate the ac-tive components,targets,and regulatory pathways of Po-lygonum capitatum in intervening atherosclerosis(AS)through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiments.Methods Active components of Polygonum capitatum and AS-related targets were screened and identified through database searches.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed using the STRING database,followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses via the David plat-form.Molecular docking validation was conducted with AutoDock.An AS model was established in Syrian golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet.Predicted pathways and targets were validated using qPCR,ELISA,and histopathological assessment of aortic and hepatic tis-sues via HE staining.Results Network pharmacology identified 27 potential active components of Polygonum capitatum(primarily flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin)and 110 drug-disease intersection targets,in-cluding core targets MMP-9,ALB,and AKT1.GO and KEGG analyses enriched 593 and 125 pathways,re-spectively,with the NF-κB inflammatory pathway,TNF signaling pathway and lipid metabolism/atherosclerosis pathways highlighted as key mechanisms.Animal ex-periments demonstrated that Polygonum capitatum im-proved serum lipid profiles(reduced TC,TG,LDL-C)in AS hamsters,suppressed the MMP-9/NF-κB signa-ling pathway(downregulated MMP-9,p65 phosphoryla-tion,TNF-α,and IL-6),and inhibited VSMC synthetic phenotypic transformation(upregulated α-SMA and myocardin)by downregulating MCPIP1.Additionally,Polygonum capitatum ameliorated aortic lesions and he-patic lipid deposition in AS hamsters.Conclusions Polygonum capitatum alleviates AS by synergistically regulating the MMP-9/NF-κB/MCPIP1 axis through flavonoid components,suppressing vascular inflammato-ry cascades and maintaining VSMC contractile pheno-types.This reflects Polygonum capitatum's multi-com-ponent,multi-pathway,and multi-target characteristics in combating AS.
10.Clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period
Yu WANG ; Hui-yong ZHANG ; Lin-jin CHEN ; Zheng-yi ZHANG ; Cui LI ; Jie CUI ; Ben SU ; Ping BAI ; Zi-feng MA ; Zhen-hui LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):81-86
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period.METHODS One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation,and observation group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of both Jiawei Yanghe Decoction and Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation.The changes in clinical effects,ACT score,bronchial asthma control rate,pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF,FEV1%,PEF%),inflammatory indices(EOS,EOS%,FeNO),TCM syndrome score and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased bronchial asthma control rate,ACT score,PEF(P<0.05),and decreased TCM syndrome score(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05);the observation group exhibited increased FEV1,FEV1%,PEF%(P<0.05),among which FEV1,PEF%were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05);the observation group showed decreased inflammatory indices(P<0.05),among which FeNO was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period,Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,airway inflammatory reactions,and enhance bronchial asthma control rate.


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