1.The Regulatory Effects and Mechanisms of Piezo1 Channel on Chondrocytes and Bone Metabolic Dysregulation in Osteoarthritis
Yan LI ; Tao LIU ; Yu-Biao GU ; Hui-Qing TIAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Bi-Hui BAI ; Zhi-Jun HE ; Wen CHEN ; Jin-Peng LI ; Fei LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):564-576
Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca2+, K+, and Na+, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca2+ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca2+ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca2+ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.
2.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
3.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
4.Mechanisms by which microgravity causes osteoporosis
Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Shenghong WANG ; Changshun CHEN ; Cong TIAN ; Zhenxing YAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2132-2140
BACKGROUND:The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation in microgravity environments leads to significant bone loss in astronauts.Current research indicates that bone loss under microgravity conditions is the result of the combined effects of various cells,tissues,and systems. OBJECTIVE:To review different biological effects of microgravity on various cells,tissues,or systems,and summarize the mechanisms by which microgravity leads to the development of osteoporosis. METHODS:Databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant literature from 2000 to 2023.The inclusion criteria were all articles related to tissue engineering studies and basic research on osteoporosis caused by microgravity.Ultimately,85 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In microgravity environment,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tend to differentiate more into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts,and hematopoietic stem cells in this environment are more inclined to differentiate into osteoclasts,reducing differentiation into the erythroid lineage.At the same time,microgravity inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,promotes apoptosis of osteoblasts,alters cell morphology,and reduces the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.Microgravity significantly increases the number and activity of osteoclasts.Microgravity also hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes and promotes the apoptosis of osteocytes.(2)In a microgravity environment,the body experiences changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,microvascular remodeling,bone microcirculation disorders,and endocrine disruption.These changes lead to mechanical unloading in the bone microenvironment,insufficient blood perfusion,and calcium cycle disorders,which significantly impact the development of osteoporosis.(3)At present,the mechanism by which microgravity causes osteoporosis is relatively complex.A deeper study of these physiological mechanisms is crucial to ensuring the health of astronauts during long-term space missions,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
5.Qualitative study on coping experience of abdominal distension in elderly patients with chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yue ZHANG ; Qin LI ; Kaili PAN ; Lu ZHU ; Yan LI ; Wenling CHEN ; Tian FENG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(17):1337-1342
Objective:To analyze the real experience of elderly patients with chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes in dealing with abdominal distension, and to provide a basis for medical staff to formulate targeted intervention strategies.Methods:Using the purpose sampling method, semi-structured interview was conducted on elderly patients with chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from April 2024 to June 2024. Extract themes used Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results:There were 6 males and 8 femdes, aged 60-80 years old. A total of 4 themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted, namely somatic symptom distress (obvious related symptom clusters, aggravation of basic disease symptoms), emotional response differentiation (weakening of emotional control, positive psychological derivation), diversified coping strategies (negative coping included self-neglect and avoidance of medical treatment, positive coping included active medical treatment and self-adjustment), coping difficulties (lack of disease knowledge, contradiction of coping strategies, urgent need for optimization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, imperfect external support system).Conclusions:Medical staff should pay attention to the physical and mental feelings of elderly patients with chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes in the process of abdominal distension coping, and provide targeted health guidance and comprehensive nursing, so as to reduce the physical symptoms of patients and promote their physical and mental health.
6.Yiqi Zishen Formula ameliorates inflammation in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway
Liming WANG ; Hongrui CHEN ; Yan DU ; Peng ZHAO ; Yujie WANG ; Yange TIAN ; Xinguang LIU ; Jiansheng LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1409-1422
Objective To investigate pharmacologically active components of Yiqi Zishen Formula(YZF)and their mechanisms for alleviating airway inflammation in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the chemical components in YZF and YZF-medicated rat serum.A compound-disease target network was constructed based on serum components of YZF to screen the key pathways and targets using enrichment analysis.A mouse model of cigarette smoke-induced COPD was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of YZF and validate the expression of key proteins in network pharmacology-enriched pathways.Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group,COPD model group,high-and low-dose YZF treatment groups,and N-acetylcysteine treatment group.Pulmonary function of the mice was assessed using whole-body plethysmography,and lung histopathology,alveolar structure,and airway remodeling were analyzed using HE staining.The levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were determined with ELISA,and pulmonary expressions of PI3K,Akt,phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt),p65,and phosphorylated p65(p-p65)were detected using immunohistochemistry.Results We identified a total of 156 chemical components(including 26 flavonoids or flavonoid glycosides,27 alkaloids,and 11 saponins)in YZF and 43 prototype components in medicated rat serum.Network pharmacology revealed 704 YZF-related targets and 1199 COPD-associated targets.Integrated analysis suggested that the anti-COPD effects of YZF were associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.In mouse models of COPD,YZF treatment significantly increased mean alveolar number and peak expiratory flow(P<0.05),reduced mean linear intercept,bronchial wall thickness,lung coefficient,and BALF cytokine levels,and suppressed the expressions of PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,p65,and p-p65 in the lung tissues.Conclusion YZF alleviates COPD symptoms and airway inflammation in mice possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway through its multiple components that interact with multiple targets.
7.Consensus on the use of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for cancer pain management
Yi LU ; Cunzhi LIU ; Wujun GENG ; Xiaozhen ZHENG ; Jingdun XIE ; Guangfang ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Yun LI ; Yan QU ; Lei CHEN ; Xizhao HUANG ; Hang TIAN ; Yuhui LI ; Hongxin LI ; Heying ZHONG ; Ronggui TAO ; Jie ZHONG ; Yue ZHUANG ; Junyang MA ; Yan HU ; Jian FANG ; Gaofeng ZHAO ; Jianbin XIAO ; Weifeng TU ; Jiaze SUN ; Yuting DUAN ; Bao WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1800-1808
Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.
8.Administration of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi) during pregnancy causes mild liver injury in mouse mothers and weaned offspring
Chenyue LIU ; Jingzhuo TIAN ; Yan YI ; Chunying LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Jiayin HAN ; Lianmei WANG ; Suyan LIU ; Yushi ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Shasha QIN ; Jing MENG ; Sulakkana NOIPRASERT ; Aihua LIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(2):168-177
Background: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi, BGZ), known for its efficacy in supporting pregnancy and preventing miscarriage, has been used in China for over 1000 years. Recently, BGZ has been identified as a potential cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear, which significantly hinders its routine clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effects of BGZ administration during pregnancy on the liver of mouse mothers and their weaned 21-day-old offspring. Methods: Mice were orally administered BGZ at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, with BGZ withdrawal during the lactation period. Liver histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), biochemical analysis, and evaluation of liver bile acid metabolism were performed after the lactation period. Results: BGZ administration at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, followed by withdrawal during the lactation period, caused mild liver damage in both mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. Serum total bile acid (TBA) levels were elevated compared with those in the control group. Additionally, changes were observed in the levels and proportions of various bile acids (BAs) in the liver, suggesting mild effects on BA metabolism. Conclusion: BGZ administration during pregnancy caused mild liver damage and increased serum TBA levels in both mouse mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. This phenomenon may be associated with imbalanced BA metabolism in the liver. Based on the present study and the limited toxicological research on BGZ, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use of BGZ. If BGZ is administered during pregnancy, serum TBA levels should be monitored, and if elevated, BGZ should be discontinued.
9.Toxicological evaluation of aristolochic acid II following single and repeated oral administration over a 24-week period
Yan YI ; Chunying LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Jingzhuo TIAN ; Yuan WANG ; Yushi ZHANG ; Suyan LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lianmei WANG ; Shuangrong GAO ; Jianyin HAN ; Zhong XIAN ; Chenyue LIU ; Dunfang WANG ; Jing MENG ; Meiting LIU ; Aihua LIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):366-377
Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.
10.Dynamic changes in genetic mutations in myelodysplastic neoplasms with progressive disease and leukemic transformation
Xin YAN ; Haiyang CHEN ; Lian WANG ; Yulu TIAN ; Yan GU ; Na LIU ; Zheng GE
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(3):252-260
Objective:To investigate the key genetic mutations during the progressive disease (PD) /leukemic transformation (LT) course in MDS by analyzing the dynamic changes of genetic mutations in patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) with or without PD/LT.Methods:This study enrolled 84 patients with sequential MDS from May 2019 to August 2023 at ZhongDa Hospital Southeast University and used the next generation sequencing to detect gene mutations. The dynamic changes of genetic mutations in patients with MDS with or without PD/LT were retrospectively analyzed.Results:①This study analyzed data from 84 patients diagnosed with MDS with a median age of 63 (range: 31-95) years and consisting of 51 males and 33 females. Participants were distributed to the PD cohort ( n=20), LT cohort ( n=13), and non-PD/LT cohort ( n=51). Patients from the PD/LT cohorts demonstrated a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts than the non-PD/LT cohort at the first sequencing (1.6% vs. 0.4%, P=0.013). ②The most frequently mutated genes that were detected at first sequencing were ASXL1 ( n=21, 25.0%), TP53 ( n=17, 20.2%), TET2 ( n=12, 14.3%), DNMT3A ( n=11, 13.1%), and U2AF1 ( n=11, 13.1%). Further, patients from the PD/LT cohorts exhibited a higher median number of mutated genes than the non-PD/LT cohort (2 vs.1, P=0.014) at first sequencing. TET2 (27.3% vs. 5.9%, P=0.010), SETBP1 (15.2% vs.2.0%, P=0.033), and RUNX1 (18.2% vs. 2.0%, P=0.013) mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohort. ③The most frequently detected acquired mutations (Ⅰ mutations) and clonally expanded mutations (Ⅱ mutations) were TP53 ( n=9, 10.7%), TET2 ( n=7, 8.3%), ASXL1 ( n=7, 8.3%), and RAS pathway ( n=7, 8.3%). Furthermore, patients from the PD/LT cohorts showed a higher median number of Ⅰ/Ⅱ genes than the non-PD/LT cohort (2 vs. 0, P<0.001), and Ⅰ/Ⅱ RAS pathway (21.2% vs. 0, P=0.001), TP53 (27.3% vs. 0, P<0.001), and TET2 (18.2% vs. 2.0%, P=0.013) mutations were enriched in PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohorts. ④Most of the TP53 mutations (9/12, 75.0%) in PD/LT cohorts were Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations, whereas all of the TP53 mutations in non-PD/LT cohort were clone-decrease mutations (Ⅲ mutations) (5/8, 62.5%) or clone-stable mutations (Ⅳ mutations) (3/8, 37.5%). Most of the RAS pathway mutations (7/8,87.5%) in the PD/LT cohorts were Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations, whereas only one patient in the non-PD/LT cohort demonstrated RAS pathway mutations, which belonged to Ⅳ mutations. Conclusion:Patients from the PD/LT cohorts demonstrated a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts and a higher median number of mutations than the non-PD/LT cohort at first sequencing; TET2, SETBP1, and RUNX1 mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohort at first sequencing. Patients from the PD/LT cohorts exhibited a higher number of Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations than the non-PD/LT cohort. Further, Ⅰ/Ⅱ TP53, RAS pathway, and TET2 mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts, and Ⅰ/Ⅱ TP53 and RAS pathway mutations may contribute to the PD/LT.

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