1.The Role of NEAT1 in Bone and Cartilage Metabolism and Bone Diseases
Rui-Ming WEN ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Yi-Xing CHANG ; Ke XU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):930-945
In the process of maintaining the steady state of bone tissue, the transcription network and signal pathway of the body play a vital role. These complex regulatory mechanisms need precise coordination to ensure the balance between bone formation and bone absorption. Once this balance is broken, it may lead to pathological changes of bone and cartilage, and then lead to various bone diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand these regulatory mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. In recent years, with the deepening of research, more and more lncRNA has been found to be closely related to bone health. Among them, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as an extremely abundant RNA molecule in mammalian nuclei, has attracted extensive attention. NEAT1 is mainly transcribed from a specific site in human chromosome 11 by RNA polymerase II (RNaseP), which can form two different subtypes NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2. These two subtypes are different in intracellular distribution and function, but they participate in many biological processes together. Studies have shown that NEAT1 plays a specific role in the process of cell growth and stress response. For example, it can regulate the development of osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC) and chondrocytes by balancing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus maintaining the steady state of bone metabolism. This discovery reveals the important role of NEAT1 in bone development and remodeling. In addition, NEAT1 is closely related to a variety of bone diseases. In patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS), the expression level of NEAT1 is different. These differential expressions may be closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of bone diseases. By regulating the level of NEAT1, it can affect a variety of signal transduction pathways, and then affect the development of bone diseases. For example, some studies show that by regulating the expression level of NEAT1, the activity of osteoclasts can be inhibited, and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted, thus improving the symptoms of osteoporosis. It is worth noting that NEAT1 can also be used as a key sensor for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. When exercising or receiving some natural products, the expression level of NEAT1 will change, thus reflecting the response of bones to external stimuli. This feature makes NEAT1 an important target for studying the prevention and treatment strategies of bone diseases. However, although the role of NEAT1 in bone biology and bone diseases has been initially recognized, its specific mechanism and regulatory relationship are still controversial. For example, the expression level, mode of action and interaction with other molecules of NEAT1 in different bone diseases still need further in-depth study. This paper reviews the role of NEAT1 in maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism, and discusses its expression and function in various bone diseases. By combing the existing research results and controversial points, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, and provide useful reference and enlightenment for future research.
2.Progress in the application of poloxamer in new preparation technology
Xue QI ; Yi CHENG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Aiping ZHENG ; Dongzhou KANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):630-635
Poloxamer, as a non-ionic surfactant, exhibits a unique triblock [polyethylene oxide-poly (propylene oxide)-polyethylene oxide] structure, which endows it with broad application potential in various fields, including solid dispersion technology, nanotechnology, gel technology, biologics, gene engineering and 3D printing. As a carrier, it enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In the field of nanotechnology, it serves as a stabilizer etc., enriching preparation methods. In gel technology, its self-assembly behavior and thermosensitive properties facilitate controlled drug release. In biologics, it improves targeting efficiency and reduces side effects. In gene engineering, it enhances delivery efficiency and expression levels. In 3D printing, it provides novel strategies for precise drug release control and the production of high-quality biological products. As a versatile material, poloxamer holds promising prospects in the pharmaceutical field.
3.Effects of Spleen Deficiency on Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemia Model Rats Based on Gut Microbiota Sequencing and Fecal Metabolomics
Xue LENG ; Qi WANG ; Yang LI ; Xintong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1046-1056
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms by which spleen deficiency affects lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia, from the perspective of gut microbiota and fecal endogenous metabolites. MethodsEighteen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, hyperlipidemia group, and spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group, with 6 rats in each group. The control group was fed with standard diet; the hyperlipi-demia group was given high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia model; and the spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group received combination of high-fat diet, irregular feeding, and exercise restriction to induce the model. After 12 weeks of modeling, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota composition in fecal samples, and fecal metabolites were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Differential metabolites and microbial taxa were screened for pathway enrichment and functional prediction analysis, followed by correlation analysis. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the hyperlipidemia and spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia groups showed significantly increased serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels, and decreased HDL-C levels (P<0.01). Compared with the hyperlipidemia group, the spleen-deficiency with hyperlipidemia group showed further increases in TG, TC, and LDL-C and further decrease in HDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Gut microbiota analysis revealed 3,066 unique species in the control group, 2,637 in the hyperlipidemia group, and 1,581 in the spleen-deficiency group. Chao1, Simpson, and Shannon indices were significantly reduced in the spleen-deficiency group compared with the hyperli-pidemia group, with an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Differentially abundant genera such as Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Allobaculum, and Xylanibacter were significantly upregulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Metabolomics identified 25 differential metabolites in feces of spleen-deficient rats, with 18 downregulated and 7 upregulated. Key enriched pathways included serotonergic synapse, nucleotide metabolism, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between Romboutsia and Desulfovibrio and metabolites such as digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), dehydrated artemetin, lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4), and glucuronosyldiacylglycerol (46∶5); Clostridium was positively correlated with cyclopassifloric acid E1, digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), and lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4); Xylanibacter was positively correlated with digalactosyldiacylglycerol (48∶5), dehydrated artemetin, and lysophosphatidylcholine (26∶4). ConclusionSpleen deficiency can further alter gut microbiota composition in hyperlipi-demia model rats, leading to microbial dysbiosis and metabolic disturbances that aggravate lipid metabolism disorders. This mechanism may be associated with changes in pathways such as serotonergic synapse, nucleotide metabolism, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and arachidonic acid metabolism.
4.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
5.Research progress on the pathogenesis of central retinal vein occlusion
Qi HAN ; Xue HAN ; Xingchen GUO ; Yuanhui YANG ; Yuanmin LI ; Yufang TENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1261-1266
Central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)is a retinal vascular disorder that significantly impairs vision, with its underlying mechanisms involving complex interactions across multiple biological systems. This article provides a systematic review of the pathological mechanisms associated with CRVO, emphasizing critical factors such as endothelial dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, thrombophilia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The pathological mechanisms of CRVO are characterized by arteriosclerosis, which obstructs venous return through a dual mechanism involving mechanical compression and endothelin-1-mediated contraction; endothelial dysfunction, which exacerbates disturbances in blood flow; genetic and acquired coagulation abnormalities that disrupt hemostatic balance and promote thrombosis; and the synergistic effects of inflammation and oxidative stress that activate cytokines, thereby aggravating ischemia and vascular leakage. Innovatively, this review explores emerging mechanisms such as miRNA-mediated vascular regulation via exosomes, gut microbiota-retina crosstalk through the “gut-eye axis,” and systemic metabolic interactions that link local retinal lesions to broader dysregulation of CRVO. These insights underscore the importance of integrated eye-system interventions and provide a theoretical foundation for advancing early biomarker discovery, multitarget therapeutics, and personalized treatment paradigms. By bridging localized pathology and systemic mechanisms, this work promotes a transformative shift toward an integrative medicine model in the diagnosis and management of CRVO.
6.Influencing factors of bladder management practices in patients with spinal cord injury
Zhirong LUO ; Xuyan GUO ; Qi XUE ; Xiao TAN ; Yunhua JI ; Fuxun ZHANG ; Yong JIAO ; Bo ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):284-289
Objective: To explore the key factors affecting the selection and effectiveness of bladder management modalities in patients with spinal cord injury,so as to provide reference for the optimization of individualized bladder management strategies. Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 78 patients with spinal cord injury treated in our hospital during Jan.1,2013 and Dec.31,2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The distribution of bladder management modalities among different grades of injuries was analyzed. Bowker symmetry test was used to evaluate the difference between bladder management modalities at discharge and at the end of follow-up. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the influencing factors of bladder management effects. Plotting Kaplan-Meier survival curves were adopted to calculate the median time of changes in bladder management. Results: At discharge,there were 9 cases of self-catheterization,19 cases of intermittent catheterization,22 cases of reflexive voiding,26 cases of long-term catheterization,and 2 cases using urinary collector.At the end of follow-up,there were 15 cases of self-catheterization,8 cases of intermittent catheterization,34 cases of reflexive voiding,14 cases of long-term catheterization,and 7 cases using urinary collector.There was a significant difference between the modalities of bladder management at discharge and at the end of follow-up (χ
=21.43,P=0.018).Multiple linear regression showed a significant decrease of 8.60 in the total neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) for grade D injuries compared with grade A injuries (P=0.026). The median time to bladder management change was 7.93 months (95%CI:5.44-9.44), with approximately 50% of patients experiencing a change in bladder management within 8 months after discharge. Conclusion: The modalities of bladder management changed significantly after discharge.The grade of injury was a key factor affecting the effectiveness of bladder management.Higher grade was associated with worse effectiveness of bladder management.
7.Analysis of the causal relationship between gut microbiota and bladder cancer with Mendelian randomization
Xuyan GUO ; Zhirong LUO ; Qi XUE ; Yunhua JI ; Xiao TAN ; Yong JIAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):400-407
Objective: Previous observational studies have confirmed the correlation between gut microbiota and bladder cancer,but the causal relationship is still unclear.This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between them with Mendelian randomization. Methods: Genetic variation summary data of 211 gut microbiota and bladder cancer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were obtained from the MiBioGen Consortium and Finngen database.Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely related to these studies were screened as instrumental variables.The causal relationship between gut microbiota and bladder cancer were analyzed with inverse variance weighting (IVW),MR-Egger,weighted median,maximum likelihood,robust adjustment feature score and MR-PRESSO,with IVW as the primary analysis method.Additionally,sensitivity analysis was used to test the heterogeneity (Cochran Q) and horizontal pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept term and global test from MR-PRESSO estimator) to ensure the robustness of the results. Results: The IVW results indicated that Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (OR:1.42),Desulfovibrionales (Order) (OR:1.48),Eubacterium ruminantium group (OR:1.33),Olsenella (OR:1.24),Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (OR:1.39),Ruminococcaceae UCG005 (OR:1.42) and Ruminococcaceae UCG013 (OR:1.64) significantly increased the risk of bladder cancer.Conversely,Bacteroidetes (Phylum) (OR:0.61),Eubacterium brachy group (OR:0.80),Ruminococcaceae UCG004 (OR:0.73),Rikenellaceae (Family) (OR:0.67),Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group (OR:0.47), Adlercreutzia (OR:0.73) and an unknow genus (OR:0.75) were associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer.Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusion: This study reveals the causal role of 14 gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer,among which Lachnospiraceae UCG004,Desulfovibrionales (Order),Eubacterium ruminantium group,Olsenella,Ruminococcaceae UCG002,Ruminococcaceae UCG005 and Ruminococcaceae UCG013 are risk factors for bladder cancer,while Bacteroidetes (Phylum),Eubacterium brachy group,Ruminococcaceae UCG004,Rikenellaceae (Family),Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group,Adlercreutzia and an unknown genus are the protective factors.
8.Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Pei-Yang LI ; Feng-Qi LI ; Xiao-Jun HOU ; Xue-Ren LI ; Xin MU ; Hui-Min LIU ; Shou-Chun PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1998-2017
Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.
9.Evaluation progress of the application of staplers in thoracoscopic lung surgery
Shenghui LI ; Yijiu REN ; Hang SU ; Minglei YANG ; Guofang ZHAO ; Yongxiang SONG ; Xuefei HU ; Deping ZHAO ; Qi XUE ; Chang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):709-713
Compared to traditional suturing, lung stapling using automatic staplers offers advantages such as smaller trauma, faster wound healing, ease of operation, and lower complication rates, making it widely used in clinical practice. However, there are significant differences in bronchial tissue thickness at different anatomical locations, and the market is flooded with various types of staplers. Currently, there is a lack of recommended stapling schemes for bronchial staplers at different anatomical locations. This article reviews the development and application of automatic staplers and summarizes some types of staplers that are currently used in clinical practice, with the aim of promoting the formation of individualized stapler selection protocols for minimally invasive thoracic surgery based on the Chinese population.
10.Effects of Non-invasive Light Flicker on Functional Properties of Primary Visual Cortex in Adult Mice
Xue-Qi LI ; Yi-Feng ZHOU ; Guang-Wei XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2360-2375
ObjectiveAs the central hub of the classical visual pathway, the primary visual cortex not only encodes and processes visual information but also establishes dense neural circuit connections with higher-order cognitive brain regions. Numerous studies have shown that 40 Hz flicker stimulation can induce γ oscillations in the brain and significantly improve learning and cognitive impairments in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, flickering light phenomena naturally occur in daily environments. Given that the primary visual cortex serves as the brain’s first cortical hub for receiving visual input, it is essential to comprehensively understand how non-invasive light flicker stimulation modulates its information processing mechanisms. This study systematically investigates the effects of non-invasive light flicker stimulation at different frequencies on the functional properties of neurons in the primary visual cortex of adult mice, aiming to uncover how such stimulation modulates this region and, consequently, affects overall brain function. MethodsThree groups of adult mice (approximately 12 weeks old) were exposed to light flicker stimulation at frequencies of 20 Hz, 40 Hz, and 60 Hz, respectively, for a duration of two months. A control group was exposed to the same light intensity without flickering. Following the stimulation period, in vivo multi-channel electrophysiological recordings were conducted. During these recordings, anesthetized mice were presented with various types of moving sinusoidal light gratings to assess the effects of different flicker frequencies on the functional properties of neurons in the primary visual cortex. ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that two months of light flicker stimulation at 20 Hz, 40 Hz, and 60 Hz enhances the orientation tuning capabilities of neurons in the primary visual cortex. Specifically, 40 Hz and 60 Hz stimulation improved contrast sensitivity, whereas 20 Hz had no significant effect. Further analysis revealed that all three frequencies reduced neuronal response variability (as measured by the Fano factor), increased the signal-to-noise ratio, and decreased noise correlation (rsc) between neurons. ConclusionNon-invasive light flicker stimulation enhances orientation tuning (e.g., orientation bias index) and contrast sensitivity (e.g., contrast threshold and C50) in neurons of the primary visual cortex. This enhancement is likely due to improved information processing efficiency, characterized by reduced neuronal variability and increased signal-to-noise ratio. These findings suggest that the primary visual cortex can achieve precise and efficient information encoding in complex lighting environments by selectively adapting to different flicker frequencies and optimizing receptive field properties. This study provides new experimental evidence on how various types of light flicker influence visual perception and offers insights into the mechanisms through which specific frequencies enhance brain function.

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