1.Research progress on the mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Ke CAI ; Sheng-ru HUANG ; Fang-fang GAO ; Xiu-juan PENG ; Sheng GUO ; Feng LIU ; Jin-ao DUAN ; Shu-lan SU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):12-21
With the rapid development of social economy and the continuous improvement of human living standard, the incidence, fatality and recurrence rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing year by year, which seriously affects people's life and health. Conventional therapeutic drugs have limited improvement on the disability rate, so the search for new therapeutic drugs and action targets has become one of the hotspots of current research. In recent years, the therapeutic role of the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) in CVD has attracted much attention, which is capable of preventing CVD by modulating multiple signalling pathways and exerting physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, as well as anti-coagulation and endothelial function protection. In this paper, the role of RA in the prevention of CVD is systematically sorted out, and its mechanism of action is summarised and analysed, with a view to providing a scientific basis and important support for the in-depth exploration of the prevention value of RA in CVD and its further development as a prevention drug.
2.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
3.Ca2+ Release From The Endoplasmic Reticulum Mediates Electric Field Guided Cell Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum
Yi-Fan WANG ; Shu-Qin YUAN ; Run-Chi GAO ; San-Jun ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1252-1263
ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca2+ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca2+ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca2+ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA, Ca2+-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca2+ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2-, Gβ -, and Erk2- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ- mutant cells. ConclusionCa2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.
4.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
5.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
6.Efficacy of focal radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer
Shu GAO ; Zhen JIANG ; Jiyuan SUN ; Haifeng HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Hongqian GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(2):143-147
Objective: To explore the efficacy of focal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer and its impact on postoperative urinary control and sexual function recovery,in order to explore the feasibility of minimally invasive methods for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 28 patients with low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer who underwent RFA in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School during Jun.2017 and Feb.2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) rate,surgery related complications,postoperative urinary control and sexual function were collected.The differences between the survival curves of patients in the low-risk and intermediate-risk subgroups were assessed with log-rank test and Breslow test. Results: All surgeries were successfully completed under local anesthesia.During the median follow-up of 43 (40-49) months,the 5-year FFS rate predicted by Kaplan-Meier method was 78.57%; 25 patients (89.29%) did not experience surgery-related complications; 27 patients (96.43%) were able to control urination; 1 patient developed new-onset sexual dysfunction.There was no significant difference in the survival curves between patients in the low-risk and intermediate-risk groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: RFA for patients with low-to-intermediate risk localized prostate cancer has good clinical efficacy,little impact on urinary control and sexual function recovery,and few postoperative complications,which can be used as one of the treatment options for these patients.
7.Neuroimaging Mechanism of The Modified Electro-convulsive Therapy on The Anti-depressive Effects and Cognitive Impairment
Ruo-Bing SHEN ; Wen-Wen SHEN ; Shu-Gui GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1817-1832
Modified electro-convulsive therapy (MECT) is one of the most potent treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it remains a second-line option due to significant side effects, such as transient memory loss. The relationship between therapeutic efficacy and cognitive impairment warrants further investigation to develop improved treatment regimens. In this review, we examine recent evidence from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies aiming to identify structural and functional brain changes specifically associated with both the antidepressant effects and the amnesic outcomes of MECT. MECT induces widespread alterations across multiple brain systems. Increases in gray matter volume (GMV) have been observed in the prefrontal, temporal, and parietal cortices, as well as in subcortical regions such as the hippocampus (HP), amygdala, and striatum. Strengthening of myelination has also been reported along the dorsolateral prefrontal-limbic pathways. Functional changes include increased spontaneous neural activity in prefrontal areas, reorganization of intrinsic connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), and altered functional connectivity (FC) among the DMN, salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN). Correlational studies have identified structural and functional alterations linked to antidepressant efficacy, including right hippocampal volume enlargement, prefrontal cortical thickening, reduced iron deposition in the striatum, decreased FC within certain DMN nodes, and enhanced effective connectivity from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to the right angular gyrus. In contrast, the amnesic effects have been associated with increased volumes in the left hippocampus and bilateral dentate gyrus; enhanced FC in the left angular gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); increased FC between the right ventral anterior insula and DLPFC; and reduced FC in the left thalamus and bilateral precuneus. Changes in the hippocampus appear to correlate with both antidepressant efficacy and memory impairment. Clinical studies have found no significant correlation between the severity of memory impairment and the reduction in depressive symptoms, suggesting that the therapeutic and adverse effects may arise from distinct regional or subregional mechanisms. Supporting this hypothesis, recent findings show that increased right hippocampal volume is significantly associated with reduced depression scores, whereas increased volume in the left dentate gyrus correlates with declines in delayed recall performance. Additionally, enhanced connectivity between the anterior hippocampus and middle occipital gyrus (MOG) has been linked to mood improvement, while decreased FC between the mid-hippocampus and angular gyrus has been associated with impairments in memory integration. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that the antidepressant and memory-impairing effects of MECT may localize to distinct hippocampal subregions. These effects likely result from differential modulation of local neural activity and functional connectivity, leading to divergent behavioral outcomes. Given that both effects may originate in deep and spatially constrained structures such as the hippocampus, small-sample studies and conventional methodologies may fail to differentiate them effectively. Future research should employ large-scale, longitudinal designs utilizing high-field MRI and multimodal neuroimaging to characterize MECT-induced structure-function coupling in the hippocampus and its integration at the network level. Additionally, multiscale analyses spanning molecular, circuit, and network dimensions would be beneficial.
8.The causal relationship between neuroticism and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study in the European population
Siding ZHOU ; Hongbi XIAO ; Mingjun GAO ; Mengmeng WANG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Yusheng SHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):814-818
Objective To analyze the relationship between neuroticism and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using the Mendelian randomization (MR) method. Methods Exposure and outcome data were downloaded from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) database in August 2023, including summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for neuroticism (n=374 323) and GERD (n=602 604). MR was conducted using the weighted median method, MR-Egger method, inverse variance weighted method, weighted mode method, and simple mode method. The causal relationship between the two was assessed using odds ratio (OR), and sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the accuracy of the results. Results Neuroticism was associated with an increased risk of GERD [OR=1.229, 95%CI (1.186, 1.274), P<0.001]. Similarly, GERD was associated with an increased risk of neuroticism [OR=1.786, 95%CI (1.623, 1.965), P<0.001]. Conclusion There is a bidirectional causal relationship between neuroticism and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
9.Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets Improves Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer in Rats via Regulating PI3K-Akt-eNOS Pathway
Hai-Yang HUANG ; Shao-Wen ZHONG ; Yun AN ; Yu-Xin WANG ; Shu-Min ZHU ; Jie GAO ; Xiao-Min LU ; Ming-Guo DONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):709-718
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets on rats with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC).Methods Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the folic acid group and the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group,with 10 rats in each group.In addition to the normal group,the other three groups of rats were prepared by gavage with Ranitidine Aqueous Solution combined with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG)solution drinking method for the preparation of PLGC model.After successful modeling,drugs were administered accordingly for 7 weeks.The changes in body mass of rats during modeling and drug administration were recorded,the gross view of the stomach was observed and scored pathologically,the coefficients of spleen and liver were determined,the pathological changes in gastric tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure serum gastrin(GAS),motilin(MTL)and glucagon(GC),Alisin Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff's(AB-PAS)staining was used to observe the thickness of the mucosal layer of gastric tissues,the expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt),and endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)proteins in gastric tissues were detected by protein immunoblotting(Western Blot),and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)protein in gastric tissues was detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the normal group,the body mass of rats in the model group grew slowly during the experimental period,gastric macroscopic pathological scores were significantly increased(P<0.01),splenic coefficient and hepatic coefficient were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the gastric tissues showed cuprocyte hyperplasia and intestinal chemotaxis,gastric tissues'inflammation scores were significantly increased(P<0.01),the serum GAS content was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the MTL,GC contents were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the thickness of the mucous membrane layer of gastric tissue was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the protein expression levels of PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt and eNOS were reduced(P<0.01),and the protein expression level of VEGFA was reduced(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the above indexes of the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group and the folic acid group were all significantly improved(P<0.05 or P<0.01),among which,the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group had a better improvement effect in the proliferation of cup cells and intestinal chemotaxis in gastric tissues,the content of serum GAS,and the thickness of the mucous layer in gastric tissues.Conclusion The mechanism of the improvement of PLGC in rats by Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets may be related to the activation of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway,which in turn promotes the angiogenesis and repair of gastric damaged tissues.
10.Predictive Ability of Hypertriglyceridemic Waist,Hypertriglyceridemic Waist-to-Height Ratio,and Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Clustering Screening among Chinese Children and Adolescents
Li Tian XIAO ; Qian Shu YUAN ; Yu Jing GAO ; S.Baker JULIEN ; De Yi YANG ; Jie Xi WANG ; Juan Chan ZHENG ; Hui Yan DONG ; Yong Zhi ZOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):233-241
Objective Hypertriglyceridemic waist(HW),hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio(HWHtR),and waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors.However,it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents.We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW,HWHtR,WHR,and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. Methods This was a national cross-sectional study.Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6-18 years from seven provinces in China.Demographics,physical activity,dietary intake,and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires.ANOVA,x2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results A significant sex difference was observed for HWHtR and WHR,but not for HW phenotype.The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHtR phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHtR phenotypes among children and adolescents(HW:OR = 12.22,95%CI:9.54-15.67;HWHtR:OR = 9.70,95%CI:6.93-13.58).Compared with the HW and HWHtR phenotypes,the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors(CHRF)clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant(WHR:OR = 1.14,95%CI:0.97-1.34). Conclusion Compared with HWHtR and WHR,the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator with higher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.

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