1.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
2.Intraoperative renal collecting system damage increases risks of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy:a 1∶2 propensity-matched case-control study
Yanzhong LIU ; Run ZHU ; Yuzhu LI ; Xin MA ; Haixing MAI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1880-1888
Objective To investigate the incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy and its risk factors.Methods We retrospectively analyzed baseline patient characteristics(age,gender,and body mass index),smoking,alcohol consumption,comorbidities(hypertension,diabetes,hypertriglyceridemia,hyperuricemia,and cardiovascular diseases),preoperative tumor conditions(tumor diameter,multiple foci,location,hemorrhage,necrosis,cystic changes,and endophytic growth),preoperative glomerular filtration rate and intraoperative factors(renal collecting system damage,ischemia time,operation time,surgical approach,and estimated intraoperative blood loss)to identify the risk factors for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy in our center.Results The overall incidence of upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy was 7.80%(112/1435).The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones was significantly higher than those of contralateral stones(4.95%vs 1.46%,P<0.001)and bilateral stones(4.95%vs 1.39%,P<0.001).Intraoperative damage to the renal collecting system was identified as a significant risk factor for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones(OR=4.550,95%CI:2.237-9.252,P<0.001).Diabetes was a probable risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy(OR=2.419,95%CI:0.973-6.012,P=0.057).Conclusions The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy is higher than that of contralateral and bilateral stones.Intraoperative renal collecting system damage is a risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy.
3.A multicenter retrospective study of secondary transport on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically ill children
Zhe ZHAO ; Ye CHENG ; Xiaohong WU ; Yingyue LIU ; Mai LI ; Xiaoyu HE ; Wenzhe CHENG ; Feng WANG ; Yuxiong GUO ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Guodong HUANG ; Guoping LU ; Yuhan CHEN ; Kenan FANG ; Xiaoyang HONG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(3):243-248
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary transport on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill children.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Data from 222 pediatric patients who underwent ECMO transport from May 2019 to May 2024 at 5 ECMO centers and Chinese Database of Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support Organization were collected. The cases were divided into primary and secondary transport groups by nature of transport. The clinical data, including demographics, ECMO indications, transport distance, pre-transport lab results, prognosis and complications were analyzed. Two independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon test, and χ2 test or Fisher′s exact probability method were used to compare the differences between 2 groups and evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary transport. Results:Among the 222 children transported with ECMO, there were 135 males and 87 females, with an age of 3.0 (0.2, 7.0) years. There were 202 cases in the primary transport group and 20 cases in the secondary transport group. All secondary transport patients had failed attempts at weaning ECMO before transfer. The patients in the secondary transport group were older, had higher rates of surgical cannulation, circulatory support, and pre-ECMO lactate levels compared to the primary transport group (7.0 (2.8, 10.0) vs. 3.0 (0.2, 6.0) years old, 55.0% (11/20) vs. 3.6% (7/202), 80.0% (16/20) vs. 41.6% (84/202), (10±4) vs. (7±6) mmol/L, Z=3.41, χ 2=66.31, 10.99, t=2.24, all P<0.05). In the secondary transport group, the vasoactive-inotropic scores of patients on circulatory support and the oxygenation index for patients requiring respiratory support were higher than those in the primary transport group (83±33 vs. 82±68, 51.0±1.8 vs. 37.4±10.2, t=2.36, 2.63, respectively; both P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in sex, transport distance, pre-ECMO creatinine, arterial blood gas BE values, and ECMO duration (all P>0.05). No life-threatening complications occurred during the transport in either group. Two patients in the secondary transport group underwent heart transplantation, and 1 patient underwent radiofrequency ablation. The overall survival rate between the 2 groups showed no statistically significant difference (45.0% (9/20) vs. 55.4% (112/202), χ2=1.15, P>0.05). Conclusions:Secondary ECMO transport for critically ill children don't increase mortality or life-threatening complications during transport. ECMO patients who cannot receive effective treatment locally can benefit from secondary transport to an advanced ECMO center provides further treatment opportunities.
4.Investigation and analysis of eye lens dose of interventional radiology staff in 34 medical institutions in Guangdong province during 2019-2023
Mingfang LI ; Xiaolian LIU ; Weiji MAI ; Sufen ZHANG ; Hongwei YU ; Xuan LONG ; Huifeng CHEN ; Weixu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(2):108-115
Objective:To study and analyze radiation doses to the eye of the lens dose in interventional radiology staff of Guandong medical institutions from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Employing a convenience sampling method, the lens dose and chest dose was monitored with TLD dosimeters in 34 level A tertiary medical institutions. The monitoring data were analyzed on the basis of a summary, and the relationship between the two was explored.Results:A total of 1 033 interventional radiology staff were monitored. The ocular lens doses were in the range of (
5.The 510th case: fever of unknown origin, acute kidney injury
Yiran SHOU ; Yulin MAI ; Fuping GUO ; Hua ZHENG ; Congwei JIA ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Zhengyin LIU ; Taisheng LI
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(1):83-87
A 65-year-old male was admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The patient had intermittent fever for 2 months with a maximum body temperature of 39.3 ℃ and elevated serum creatinine levels for 1 week. He had no other suggestive symptoms or positive signs. Laboratory test results suggested acute kidney injury and a sharp elevation in serum lactic dehydrogenase levels. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple low-density lesions, and further biopsy pathology demonstrated chronic inflammation. Thereafter, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT showed abnormally elevated uptake value for the bones throughout the entire body, in addition to the liver and brain. Repeated bone marrow biopsy finally confirmed metastatic bone cancer, which possibly originated from the kidney according to immunohistochemical staining. In this rare case of fever of unknown origin, the primary lesion was a renal tumor with bone, liver, and brain metastases. Enhanced CT and PET/CT provided negative results, and the diagnosis was eventually confirmed by repeated bone marrow pathology.
6.Intraoperative renal collecting system damage increases risks of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy: a 1∶2 propensity-matched case-control study.
Yanzhong LIU ; Run ZHU ; Yuzhu LI ; Xin MA ; Haixing MAI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1880-1888
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy and its risk factors.
METHODS:
We retrospectively analyzed baseline patient characteristics (age, gender, and body mass index), smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and cardiovascular diseases), preoperative tumor conditions (tumor diameter, multiple foci, location, hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic changes, and endophytic growth), preoperative glomerular filtration rate and intraoperative factors (renal collecting system damage, ischemia time, operation time, surgical approach, and estimated intraoperative blood loss) to identify the risk factors for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy in our center.
RESULTS:
The overall incidence of upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy was 7.80% (112/1435). The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones was significantly higher than those of contralateral stones (4.95% vs 1.46%, P<0.001) and bilateral stones (4.95% vs 1.39%, P<0.001). Intraoperative damage to the renal collecting system was identified as a significant risk factor for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones (OR=4.550, 95% CI: 2.237-9.252, P<0.001). Diabetes was a probable risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy (OR=2.419, 95% CI: 0.973-6.012, P=0.057).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy is higher than that of contralateral and bilateral stones. Intraoperative renal collecting system damage is a risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy.
Humans
;
Nephrectomy/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Male
;
Female
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Kidney Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Intraoperative Complications
;
Kidney Tubules, Collecting/injuries*
;
Propensity Score
;
Incidence
;
Kidney Calculi/etiology*
;
Urinary Calculi/epidemiology*
8.Progress on body composition assessment techniques and clinical applications in infants
Ting ZHANG ; Mai GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Yan LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):248-253
Infancy is a critical period for children's growth and development. During this period,the reasonable increase of fat mass percentage and fat mass index is very important for children's healthy growth. However,excessive increases in fat mass percentage and fat mass index may increase the risk of metabolic related diseases. In China,the research field of body composition in infants is still in the development stage,and the relevant research results and literature are relatively few. This article summarizes the domestic and foreign research on infant body composition,including application techniques,influencing factors and application significance,so as to provide reference for the formulation of domestic infant body composition reference standards and related clinical and scientific research work.
9.Buqi-Tongluo Decoction inhibits osteoclastogenesis and alleviates bone loss in ovariectomized rats by attenuating NFATc1, MAPK, NF-κB signaling.
Yongxian LI ; Jinbo YUAN ; Wei DENG ; Haishan LI ; Yuewei LIN ; Jiamin YANG ; Kai CHEN ; Heng QIU ; Ziyi WANG ; Vincent KUEK ; Dongping WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Yang SHAO ; Pan KANG ; Qiuli QIN ; Jinglan LI ; Huizhi GUO ; Yanhuai MA ; Danqing GUO ; Guoye MO ; Yijing FANG ; Renxiang TAN ; Chenguang ZHAN ; Teng LIU ; Guoning GU ; Kai YUAN ; Yongchao TANG ; De LIANG ; Liangliang XU ; Jiake XU ; Shuncong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):90-101
Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals
;
NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Ovariectomy
;
Osteoclasts/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Osteoporosis/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Bone Resorption/genetics*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
RANK Ligand/metabolism*
;
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Transcription Factors
10.Burden of Headache Disorders in China and its Provinces, 1990-2021.
Zhe LIU ; Xue Hua HU ; Lin YANG ; Jin Lei QI ; Jiang Mei LIU ; Li Jun WANG ; Mai Geng ZHOU ; Peng YIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):547-556
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021.
METHODS:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, the number of prevalent cases, prevalence rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized DALY rates were analyzed by sex, age group, and province for headache disorders and their subtypes (migraine and tension-type headache [TTH]) between 1990 and 2021. Percentage changes during this period were also estimated.
RESULTS:
In 2021, approximately 426 million individuals in China were affected by headache disorders, with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27,582.61/100,000. The age-standardized DALY rate for all headache disorders was 487.15/100,000. Between 1990 and 2021, the number of prevalent cases increased by 37.78%, while the prevalence of all headache disorders, migraine, and TTH increased by 6.92%, 7.57%, and 7.86%, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed in the 30-34 age group (39,520.60/100,000). Migraine accounted for a larger proportion of DALYs attributable to headache disorders, whereas TTH has a greater impact on its prevalence. In 2021, the highest age-standardized DALY rates for headache disorders were observed in Heilongjiang (617.85/100,000) and Shanghai (542.86/100,000).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of headache disorders is increasing in China. Effective health education, improve diagnosis and treatment are essential, particularly for middle-aged working populations and women of childbearing age.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Prevalence
;
Young Adult
;
Adolescent
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Headache Disorders/epidemiology*
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Child, Preschool
;
Cost of Illness
;
Infant
;
Aged, 80 and over

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail