1.Effect of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤) on the VAPB-PTPIP51 Complex and Autophagy of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats
Chuyue WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingqi YANG ; Sicheng SHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Zhizhong XU ; Bensheng WU ; Meiyao CHEN ; Ziwei XIONG ; Jinhui GU ; Xiaopeng WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):985-993
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤, TD) in treating slow transit constipation (STC). MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, TD group, and mosapride group, with 6 rats per group. Except for the normal group, STC models were established by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride combined with normal saline. On the day following successful model establishment, rats in the TD group received 18.63 g·kg⁻¹ of TD by gavage, while those in the mosapride group received 1.605 mg·d⁻¹ of mosapride, and those in the normal group and the model group received 10 ml·kg⁻¹ of normal saline by gavage. All treatments were administered once daily for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, fecal pellet number and fecal water content were measured. After intragastric administration of a 10% activated charcoal suspension, the small intestinal transit rate was calculated 30 minutes later. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were measured by ELISA. Colonic histopathology was observed by HE staining, and mucus secretion by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Ultrastructure of colon tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of C-kit, stem cell factor (SCF), autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB), and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (VAPB-PTPIP51) were measured by Western Blot, and the mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF, C-kit, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression. The calcium content in colon tissue was determined by ELISA. ResultsCompared to the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly reduced fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, and serum GAS and MTL levels (P<0.01); the number of goblet cells decreased, and the mucosal and muscular layers of the colon became thinner; mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG5 and Beclin1 in colon tissue significantly increased, while calcium content decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and electron microscopy revealed vacuolar degeneration and increased autophagosomes in colonic cells. Compared to the model group, both TD group and mosapride group showed increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, serum GAS and MTL levels, and colonic calcium content, along with decreased Beclin1 and ATG5 protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mucosal thickness and goblet cell number increased significantly, and autophagosomes decreased; in the TD group, ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA levels decreased; in the mosapride group, SCF, VAPB, and PTPIP51 mRNA levels increased, while Beclin1 mRNA decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the mosapride group, the TD group showed higher fecal pellet number, fecal water content, serum GAS levels, colonic calcium content, and C-kit expression, along with lower ATG5 and Beclin1 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTD may improve constipation symptoms by upregulating the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex during mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions, reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal, and promoting intestinal motility.
2.Effect of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤) on the VAPB-PTPIP51 Complex and Autophagy of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats
Chuyue WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingqi YANG ; Sicheng SHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Zhizhong XU ; Bensheng WU ; Meiyao CHEN ; Ziwei XIONG ; Jinhui GU ; Xiaopeng WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):985-993
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤, TD) in treating slow transit constipation (STC). MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, TD group, and mosapride group, with 6 rats per group. Except for the normal group, STC models were established by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride combined with normal saline. On the day following successful model establishment, rats in the TD group received 18.63 g·kg⁻¹ of TD by gavage, while those in the mosapride group received 1.605 mg·d⁻¹ of mosapride, and those in the normal group and the model group received 10 ml·kg⁻¹ of normal saline by gavage. All treatments were administered once daily for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, fecal pellet number and fecal water content were measured. After intragastric administration of a 10% activated charcoal suspension, the small intestinal transit rate was calculated 30 minutes later. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were measured by ELISA. Colonic histopathology was observed by HE staining, and mucus secretion by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Ultrastructure of colon tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of C-kit, stem cell factor (SCF), autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB), and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (VAPB-PTPIP51) were measured by Western Blot, and the mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF, C-kit, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression. The calcium content in colon tissue was determined by ELISA. ResultsCompared to the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly reduced fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, and serum GAS and MTL levels (P<0.01); the number of goblet cells decreased, and the mucosal and muscular layers of the colon became thinner; mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG5 and Beclin1 in colon tissue significantly increased, while calcium content decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and electron microscopy revealed vacuolar degeneration and increased autophagosomes in colonic cells. Compared to the model group, both TD group and mosapride group showed increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, serum GAS and MTL levels, and colonic calcium content, along with decreased Beclin1 and ATG5 protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mucosal thickness and goblet cell number increased significantly, and autophagosomes decreased; in the TD group, ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA levels decreased; in the mosapride group, SCF, VAPB, and PTPIP51 mRNA levels increased, while Beclin1 mRNA decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the mosapride group, the TD group showed higher fecal pellet number, fecal water content, serum GAS levels, colonic calcium content, and C-kit expression, along with lower ATG5 and Beclin1 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTD may improve constipation symptoms by upregulating the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex during mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions, reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal, and promoting intestinal motility.
3.Mechanism of Zuogui pill in improving pancreatic β cell function in offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus based on Wnt7a/GSK-3β signaling axis
Ziwei ZHANG ; Kainan SUN ; Siqi PENG ; Kaixia XU ; Yonghui WANG ; Chaoqun WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2248-2253
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Zuogui pill in improving pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).METHODS Thirty-six pregnant rats were divided into normal group, model group, insulin glargine group (positive control), and low-, medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups, with 6 rats in each group. The normal group and model group were given intragastric administration of equal-volume normal saline. The insulin glargine group was subcutaneously injected with insulin glargine at an initial dose of 1 U/kg, and the dosage was increased by 1 U per day until random blood glucose returned to normal. The low-, medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups were intragastrically administered with Zuogui pill solutions at 4.725, 9.45 and 18.9 g/kg once a day until the birth of offspring. On postnatal day 21 (12 offspring in each group), body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance test were performed on the offspring. Pancreatic histopathological changes of 60-day-old offspring were observed. The insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue, serum levels of glycated serum protein (GSP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 7a(Wnt7a)and glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β) in pancreatic tissue were detected.RESULTS Compared with normal group, the body weight, insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue, serum HDL-C level, and the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of Wnt7a in pancreatic tissue were significantly decreased of the offspring in the model group ( P <0.05). Meanwhile, FBG, blood glucose levels at 60, 90 and 120 min after intragastric administration of 20% glucose solution, serum GSP and LDL-C levels, as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of GSK-3β in pancreatic tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.05);mild degeneration and necrosis of islet cells were observed in pancreatic tissue. Compared with the model group, the above-mentioned indexes were significantly reversed in medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups ( P <0.05), and pancreatic pathological injury was improved to varying degrees.CONCLUSIONS Zuogui pill may restore the homeostasis of Wnt7a/GSK-3β signaling axis, so as to improve pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of GDM rats.
4.Research progress on rehabilitation motivation in cancer patients
Yiru WANG ; Hong WANG ; Xiao AN ; Zhicong ZHOU ; Xu SUN ; Xiaoyi LIU ; Ziwei TONG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(12):1512-1517
Rehabilitation is an effective measure to improve the quality of life for cancer patients,and strong rehabilitation motivation is an important influencing factor for patients' compliance with rehabilitation.This paper mainly reviews the concepts,assessment tools,influencing factors,and intervention strategies of rehabilitation motivation in cancer patients,with the aim of providing references for medical staff to improve the level of rehabilitation compliance in cancer patients and develop targeted rehabilitation management strategies.
5.Rehabilitation effects based on immersive virtual reality as a treatment for peripheral vestibular dysfunction:a Meta-analysis
Xiaoyi LIU ; Hong WANG ; Zhicong ZHOU ; Xu SUN ; Yiru WANG ; Ziwei TONG ; Xiaoying LIU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1140-1146
Objective To systematically evaluate the rehabilitation effect of immersive virtual reality technology for patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction,and to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for the design of efficient rehabilitation training programs.Methods PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database were searched for randomized controlled trials on the intervention effect of immersive virtual reality technology in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction from inception to February 2025.RevMan5.4 software was used to perform meta-analysis of the literature that met the quality standards.Results A total of 10 papers with 491 patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction were included.Meta-analysis showed that immersive virtual reality technology improved vertigo symptoms in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction compared with conventional vestibular rehabilitation care[SMD=-1.41,95%CI(-1.58,-0.70),P<0.001],and subgroup analysis showed that the frequency of intervention was<5 times/week[SMD=-1.31,95%CI=(-1.96,-0.66),P<0.001],single intervention duration<30 min[SMD=-1.45,95%CI=(-2.21,-0.70),P<0.001],and intervention period≤7 weeks[SMD=-1.49,95%CI(-2.04,-0.94),P<0.001]were more significant.Immersive virtual reality technology reduced the risk of falls[MD=4.66,95%CI(3.84,5.48),P<0.001],and improved anxiety and depression[SMD=2.65,95%CI(1.98,3.33),P<0.001].Conclusion Immer-sive virtual reality technology improves vertigo symptoms,reduces the risk of falls,and improves anxiety and depres-sion symptoms in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction,in which the intervention period of ≤7 weeks,<5 training sessions per week,and each training session of<30 min are better for improving vertigo symptoms in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
6.Correlation study on prealbumin,ischemic stroke severity, hemorrhage transformation and 1-year prognosis
Limin ZHANG ; Jianwei WU ; Dan WANG ; Yuehong SUN ; Chenxi ZHANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Huiwen XU ; Yunzhuan ZHAO
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(3):182-188
Objective:To investigate the influence of prealbumin on cerebral infarction severity, hemorrhage transformation and 1-year prognosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to select 752 patients with cerebral infarction who were treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from December 2018 to December 2019 as the study objects. Personal information and laboratory indicators of the patients were collected including prealbumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, etc.Patients were divided into group B1 (<238 mg/L) and group B2 (≥238 mg/L) based on median prealbumin. By inquiry patient's case, NIHSS score (<16 was classified as mild, ≥16 as moderate and severe)and cerebral infarction volume (<20 cm 3 as small infarct, >20 cm 3 as large infarct) were recorded to evaluate the severity of the disease, and whether hemorrhage transformation occurred during hospitalization was recorded. Patients were followed up 1 year after discharge, and prognostic information of patients was recorded, including neurological function recovery (mRS score <3 was classified as good recovery, ≥3 as poor recovery),all-cause case fatality rate, and recurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ±s, non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as median and quartiles[ M( Q1, Q3)], categorical variable were expressed as ratio and percent(%). Comparison between groups of measurement data were performed by independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Chi-square test were used on comparison between groups of categorical variable. Single-factor comparison, Spearman correlation analysis and multiple Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between prealbumin and other laboratory indicators, cerebral infarction severity, hemorrhage transformation and 1-year prognosis, respectively. Results:The NIHSS score and infarct volume of patients in group B1 were 5(2,10) and 3.18(0.72,18.00) cm 3, and those in group B2 were 3(2,7) and 2.0(0.5,10.0) cm 3, respectively, which were higher in group B1 than in group B2, the differences were statistically significant ( Z=3.85, P<0.001, Z=2.81, P=0.005). The proportion of mRS Score ≥3 in group B1 was 28.8%(107/371), and the all-cause case fatality rate was 7.5%(28/371), both higher than 20.5%(78/381) and 3.1%(12/381) in group B2, with statistical significance ( χ2=7.10, P=0.008, χ2=7.22, P=0.007). Hemorrhage transformation and recurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events were 13.5%(50/371) and 11.6%(43/371) in group B1 and 9.2% (35/381) and 8.7%(33/381) in group B2, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=3.45, P=0.063, χ2=1.78, P=0.183). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusted for potential confounding factors, prealbumin was protective factor of NIHSS ( OR and 95% CI: 0.990(0.984-0.997), P=0.035), poor neurological recovery(mRS≥3) ( OR and 95% CI:0.992(0.988-0.997), P<0.001) and all-cause case fatality rate ( OR and 95% CI:0.991(0.983-0.999), while prealbumin had no significant influence on cardiocerebrovascular recurrence events ( OR and 95% CI: 0.999(0.993-1.005), P=0.729). Conclusion:Prealbumin is significantly associated with the severity of cerebral infarction and poor prognosis 1 year after discharge, and low prealbumin was an independent risk factor for NIHSS score(≥16), poor neurological recovery (mRS≥3) and all-cause case fatality rate.
7.Study on the correlation between hemorrhage transformation and infarct volume, type, inflammation and coagulation indexes in patients with acute cerebral infarction
Limin ZHANG ; Jianwei WU ; Dan WANG ; Yuehong SUN ; Chenxi ZHANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Huiwen XU ; Yunzhuan ZHAO
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(4):260-266
Objectives:To explore the effects of infarct volume, infarct type, inflammation, and coagulation indicators on hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods:711 patients with cerebral infarction admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital were retrospectively included as the study objects from December 2018 to December 2019 [535 males and 176 females, age 22-95 years, mean age (59.6±12.1) years]. Clinical data, laboratory indicators such as inflammation and coagulation function of patients were collected, and information such as location, volume and type of infarction were recorded. The patients were divided into hemorrhage transformation group and non-hemorrhage transformation group according to whether hemorrhage transformation occurred during hospitalization. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ± s, non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as median and quartiles [ M( Q1, Q3)], categorical variable were expressed as ratio and percent (%). Comparison between groups of measurement data were performed by independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. χ2 test were used on comparison between groups of categorical variable. Univariate comparison and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between hemorrhage transformation and infarct volume, infarction type and laboratory indicators, respectively, to explore the risk factors of hemorrhage transformation. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of indicators. Results:The rates of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation history in the hemorrhage transformation group were 23.5% (20/85) and 22.4% (19/85), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the non-hemorrhage transformation group (13.9% (87/626) and 5.8% (36/626), respectively), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=5.43, χ2=28.90, P=0.020, P<0.001, respectively). The NIHSS score [10(4,17) points] and infarct volume [46.50 (14.21,118.42) mL] in the hemorrhage transformation group were significantly higher than those in the non-hemorrhage transformation group [4(2,7) points, 2.00(0.51,8.94) mL]. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z values were 6.69 and 10.69, respectively, P<0.001). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that atrial fibrillation (OR=2.604, 95% CI: 1.186-5.716, P=0.107), infarct volume (OR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.004-1.015, P=0.001), infarct type of Chinese ischemic stroke subclassfication (OR=1.371, 95% CI: 1.085-1.731, P=0.008) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR=1.047, 95% CI: 1.006-1.090, P=0.023) were independent risk factors for hemorrhage transformation. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of infarct volume and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were 0.861 (0.821-0.901) and 0.684 (0.626-0.741), respectively, which were effective in predicting hemorrhage transformation after cerebral infarction. The prediction of infarct volume was more efficient. Conclusion:History of atrial fibrillation, classification of cardioembolic stroke, infarct volume, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are all risk factors for hemorrhagic transformation after acute cerebral infarction.
8.Effects of sulforaphane on the ferroptosis pathway and iron homeostasis in rats with diabetic retinopathy
Fa LIU ; Dan HAN ; Ziwei XU ; Kunying LU ; Weiqi ZHANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(11):870-876,882
Objective To reveal the effects of sulforaphane(SFN)on the ferroptosis pathway and iron homeostasis in rats with diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods A DR rat model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 65 mg·kg-1.After modeling,the rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=12 per group):Group C(control group),DR group,0.5SFN group,1.0SFN group,2.0SFN group,and 2.0SFN+Erastin group.Group C con-sisted of non-intervention control rats,while the other groups were DR model rats.Groups C and DR were orally adminis-tered 0.5 g·L-1 sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC-Na).The 0.5SFN,1.0SFN,and 2.0SFN groups were orally ad-ministered SFN at 0.5,1.0,and 2.0 mg·kg-1,respectively.The 2.0SFN+Erastin group was orally administered 2.0 mg·kg-1 SFN and simultaneously received a tail intravenous injection of the ferroptosis inducer Erastin at 10.0 mg·kg-1.The intervention lasted for 4 weeks.Fasting blood glucose(FPG)was measured with a glucometer,glycosylated hemoglo-bin(GHb)was detected by visible spectrophotometry,and fasting insulin(FINS)was measured by ELISA.Retinal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)staining.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the retina was detected using the DCFH-DA probe,malondialdehyde(MDA)was measured by the TBA method,and reduced glutathione(GSH)was assessed by spectrophotometry.Retinal Fe2+content was determined by spectrophotometry.The mRNA expression levels of ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),ferroportin 1(FPN1),transferrin re-ceptor(TFRC),glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),thioredoxin 1(Trx1),and thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)in the retina were detected by qRT-PCR.GPX4 protein expression in the retina was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the DR group,the 0.5SFN,1.0SFN,and 2.0SFN groups showed decreased FPG and GHb,increased FINS,improved retinal morphology with reduced neovascular capillaries,decreased levels of ROS and MDA,increased GSH levels,decreased retinal Fe2+content,increased FTH1 and FPN1 mRNA levels,de-creased TFRC mRNA levels,increased retinal GPX4,SLC7A11,and Trx1 mRNA levels,decreased TXNIP mRNA levels,and increased retinal GPX4 protein levels(all P<0.05).Compared with the 2.0SFN group,the 2.0SFN+Erastin group showed increased FPG and GHb,decreased FINS,aggravated retinal damage with increased neovascular capillaries,elevat-ed levels of ROS and MDA,decreased GSH levels,increased retinal Fe2+content,decreased FTH1 and FPN1 mRNA levels,increased TFRC mRNA levels,decreased retinal GPX4,SLC7A11,and Trx1 mRNA levels,increased TXNIP mRNA levels,and decreased retinal GPX4 protein levels(all P<0.05).Conclusion SFN alleviates DR in rats by inhibiting the ferrop-tosis pathway and maintaining iron homeostasis.
9.Pleiotropic prodrugs for both symptomatic and disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Anže MEDEN ; Neža ŽNIDARŠIČ ; Damijan KNEZ ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Ziwei XU ; Huajing YANG ; Weiting ZHANG ; Anja PIŠLAR ; Andrej PERDIH ; Simona Kranjc BREZAR ; Neža GRGUREVIČ ; Stane PAJK ; Haopeng SUN ; Stanislav GOBEC
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4807-4828
The inherent complexity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and failed clinical trials have spiked the interest in multifunctional ligands that target at least two key disease-associated macromolecules in AD pathology. Here we present a focused series of pleiotropic N-carbamoylazole prodrugs with dual mechanism of action. Pseudo-irreversible inhibition of the first therapeutic target, human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE), enhances cholinergic transmission, and thereby provides symptomatic treatment, same as the standard therapeutics in use for AD. Simultaneously, this step also functions as a metabolic activation that liberates a nanomolar selective α 2-adrenergic antagonist atipamezole, which blocks pathological amyloid β (Aβ)-induced and noradrenaline-dependent activation of GSK3β that ultimately leads to hyperphosphorylation of tau, thus achieving a disease-modifying effect. Lead compound 8 demonstrated long-term pseudo-irreversible hBChE inhibition, metabolic activation in human plasma, blood-brain barrier permeability, and p.o. bioavailability in mice. Multi-day in vivo treatment with 8 in an Aβ-induced AD murine model revealed a significant alleviation of cognitive deficit that was comparable to rivastigmine, the current drug of choice for AD therapy. Furthermore, decreased GSK3β activation and lowered tau phosphorylation were observed in APP/PS1 mice. This surpasses the symptomatic-only treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, as it directly blocks an essential pathological cascade in AD. Therefore, these multifunctional α 2-adrenergic antagonists-butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors, exemplified by lead compound 8, present an innovative, small molecule-based, disease-modifying approach to treatment of AD.
10.Correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 15 and the cardiorenal prognosis in patients with IgA nephropathy
Ziwei WEI ; Weiyi GUO ; Xiaoyi XU ; Guoqin WANG ; Lijun SUN ; Hongrui DONG ; Lingqiang KONG ; Hong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(1):1-10
Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and further explore the relationship of GDF15 with the cardiac and renal prognosis of IgAN patients.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective cohort study. From January 2018 to December 2022, the relevant data were collected from patients who were diagnosed with primary IgAN at the Department of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, and regularly followed up for at least 1 year. Serum samples were collected at admission and the baseline level of serum GDF15 was measured. Based on the median GDF15 level, IgAN patients were categorized into high-level GDF15 group and low-level GDF15 group, and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared. A multiple linear regression model was then constructed to identify independent factors associated with serum GDF15 level based on these comparisons. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the association between serum GDF15 level and the cardiorenal prognosis of IgAN patients.Results:A total of 104 IgAN patients were included in this study. The serum GDF15 level in these IgAN patients was 825.60 (556.84, 1 428.15) ng/L. Serum GDF15 level was positively correlated with 24 h urinary protein ( r=0.405, P<0.001), negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)( r=-0.606, P<0.001). The serum levels of GDF15 in patients with tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis (overall comparison among T0, T1, and T2, H=21.866, P<0.001), crescentic lesions (overall comparison among C0, C1, and C2, H=13.787, P=0.001), or intrarenal arteriolar lesions (overall comparison among none, mild, and moderate-to-severe, H=9.856, P=0.007) were significantly different. Compared with IgAN patients without tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis, those with Oxford classification T1 ( Z=-17.326, P=0.042) or T2 ( Z=-42.933, P<0.001) had higher serum GDF15 levels. Compared with IgAN patients without crescentic lesions, those with Oxford classification C2 had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-45.929, P=0.001). Compared with IgAN patients without intrarenal arteriolar lesions, those with moderate-to-severe arteriolar sclerosis had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-26.686, P=0.005). The median GDF15 was used as the cut-off value to divide IgAN patients into a high-level GDF15 group (≥825.60 ng/L, n=52) and a low-level GDF15 group (<825.60 ng/L, n=52). Compared to low-level GDF15 group, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group presented with a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ 2=9.420, P=0.002) and cardiovascular disease ( χ 2=7.792, P=0.005), a higher level of systolic blood pressure ( Z=-2.266, P=0.023), body mass index ( Z=-2.183, P=0.031), 24 h urinary protein ( Z=-3.485, P<0.001), blood total cholesterol ( Z=-2.002, P=0.045) and left ventricular mass index ( Z=-2.649, P=0.008), and a lower level of blood albumin ( Z=-3.053, P=0.002) and eGFR ( Z=6.480, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum GDF15 level was independently associated with systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient B=29.453, 95% CI 14.139–44.767, P<0.001), blood albumin ( B=-81.412, 95% CI -113.084–-49.740, P<0.001) and eGFR ( B=-9.797, 95% CI -17.554–-2.040, P=0.014). Moreover, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group exhibited significantly poorer cardiac and renal prognosis compared to low-level GDF15 group ( χ 2=9.955, P=0.002). Conclusion:High serum GDF15 level correlates with disease severity in IgAN, and high serum GDF15 level may suggest a poorer cardiorenal prognosis in IgAN patients.

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