1.The Critical Roles of GABAergic Interneurons in The Pathological Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Ke-Han CHEN ; Zheng-Jiang YANG ; Zi-Xin GAO ; Yuan YAO ; De-Zhong YAO ; Yin YANG ; Ke CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2233-2240
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by severe cognitive decline, loss of daily living abilities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This condition imposes a substantial burden on patients, families, and society. Despite extensive research efforts, the complex pathogenesis of AD, particularly the early mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction, remains incompletely understood, posing significant challenges for timely diagnosis and effective therapeutic intervention. Among the various cellular components implicated in AD, GABAergic interneurons have emerged as critical players in the pathological cascade, playing a pivotal role in maintaining neural network integrity and function in key brain regions affected by the disease. GABAergic interneurons represent a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons essential for sustaining neural network homeostasis. They achieve this by precisely modulating rhythmic oscillatory activity (e.g., theta and gamma oscillations), which are crucial for cognitive processes such as learning and memory. These interneurons synthesize and release the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, exerting potent control over excitatory pyramidal neurons through intricate local circuits. Their primary mechanism involves synaptic inhibition, thereby modulating the excitability and synchrony of neural populations. Emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in AD pathogenesis. Contrary to earlier assumptions of their resistance to the disease, specific subtypes exhibit vulnerability or altered function early in the disease process. Critically, this impairment is not merely a consequence but appears to be a key driver of network hyperexcitability, a hallmark feature of AD models and potentially a core mechanism underlying cognitive deficits. For instance, parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons display biphasic alterations in activity. Both suppressing early hyperactivity or enhancing late activity can rescue cognitive deficits, underscoring their causal role. Somatostatin-positive (SST+) neurons are highly sensitive to amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dysfunction. Their functional impairment drives AD progression via a dual pathway: compensatory hyperexcitability promotes Aβ generation, while released SST-14 forms toxic oligomers with Aβ, collectively accelerating neuronal loss and amyloid deposition, forming a vicious cycle. Vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive (VIP+) neurons, although potentially spared in number early in the disease, exhibit altered firing properties (e.g., broader spikes, lower frequency), contributing to network dysfunction (e.g., in CA1). Furthermore, VIP release induced by 40 Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) enhances glymphatic clearance of Aβ, demonstrating a direct link between VIP neuron function and modulation of amyloid pathology. Given their central role in network stability and their demonstrable dysfunction in AD, GABAergic interneurons represent promising therapeutic targets. Current research primarily explores three approaches: increasing interneuron numbers (e.g., improving cortical PV+ interneuron counts and behavior in APP/PS1 mice with the antidepressant citalopram; transplanting stem cells differentiated into functional GABAergic neurons to enhance cognition), enhancing neuronal activity (e.g., using low-dose levetiracetam or targeted activation of specific molecules to boost PV+ interneuron excitability, restoring neural network γ‑oscillations and memory; non-invasive neuromodulation techniques like 40 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), GENUS, and minimally invasive electroacupuncture to improve inhibitory regulation, promote memory, and reduce Aβ), and direct GABA system intervention (clinical and animal studies reveal reduced GABA levels in AD-affected brain regions; early GABA supplementation improves cognition in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a therapeutic time window). Collectively, these findings establish GABAergic interneuron intervention as a foundational rationale and distinct pathway for AD therapy. In conclusion, GABAergic interneurons, particularly the PV+, SST+, and VIP+ subtypes, play critical and subtype-specific roles in the initiation and progression of AD pathology. Their dysfunction significantly contributes to network hyperexcitability, oscillatory deficits, and cognitive decline. Understanding the heterogeneity in their vulnerability and response mechanisms provides crucial insights into AD pathogenesis. Targeting these interneurons through pharmacological, neuromodulatory, or cellular approaches offers promising avenues for developing novel, potentially disease-modifying therapies. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Exploring lncRNA Expression Patterns in Patients With Hypertrophied Ligamentum Flavum
Junling CHEN ; Guibin ZHONG ; Manle QIU ; Wei KE ; Jingsong XUE ; Jianwei CHEN
Neurospine 2024;21(1):330-341
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			Hypertrophy ligamentum flavum (LFH) is a common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis, resulting in significant disability and morbidity. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with various biological processes and disorders, their involvement in LFH remains not fully understood. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			Human ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed using lncRNA sequencing followed by validation through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To explore the potential biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNA-associated genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. We also studied the impact of lncRNA PARD3-AS1 on the progression of LFH in vitro. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			In the LFH tissues when compared to that in the nonhypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LFN) tissues, a total of 1,091 lncRNAs exhibited differential expression, with 645 upregulated and 446 downregulated. Based on GO analysis, the differentially expressed transcripts primarily participated in metabolic processes, organelles, nuclear lumen, cytoplasm, protein binding, nucleic acid binding, and transcription factor activity. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the hippo signaling pathway, nucleotide excision repair, and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. The expression of PARD3-AS1, RP11-430G17.3, RP1-193H18.3, and H19 was confirmed to be consistent with the sequencing analysis. Inhibition of PARD3-AS1 resulted in the suppression of fibrosis in LFH cells, whereas the overexpression of PARD3-AS1 promoted fibrosis in LFH cells in vitro. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			This study identified distinct expression patterns of lncRNAs that are linked to LFH, providing insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Notably, PARD3-AS1 appears to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of LFH. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Single mini-incision combined with honeycomb titanium plate in treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint disloca-tion
Yu-Chen WANG ; Wei-Zhong YU ; Yun-Feng LI ; Wen-Ke ZHU ; Chuan JIA ; Jun-Qi WU ; Hua GAO ; Lin JI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(6):576-582
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore clinical effect of single small incision with honeycomb titanium plate in treating acute acromioclavicular dislocation.Methods The clinical data of 40 patients with acute acromioclavicular dislocation admitted from December 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to different surgical methods.Among them,20 patients were fixed with single small incision with honeycomb titanium plate(titanium plate group),including 11 males and 9 females,aged from 23 to 65 years old with an average of(47.40±12.58)years old;12 patients on the left side,8 patients on the right side;11 patients with type Ⅲ,3 patients with type Ⅳ,and 6 patients with type Ⅴ according to Rockwood classification.Twenty patients were fixed with clavicular hook plate(clavicular hook group),including 8 males and 12 females,aged from 24 to 65 years old with an average of(48.40±12.08)years old;12 patients on the left side,8 patients on the right side;10 patients with type Ⅲ,2 patients with type Ⅳ,and 8 patients with type V according to Rockwood classifica-tion.Operative time,incision length,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,visual analogue scale(VAS)and Constant-Murley score of shoulder joint function were compared between two groups.Anteroposterior radiographs of the affected shoulder joint were recorded before,immediately and 6 months after surgery,and the coracoclavicular distance was measured and compared.Results Both groups of patients were successfully completed operation without serious complications.All patients were fol-lowed up for 6 to 15 months with an average of(11.9±4.8)months.There were no incisional infection,internal plant fracture or failure,bone tunnel fracture and other complications occurred.The incision length of titanium plate group(35.90±3.14)mm was significantly shorter than that of clavicular hook group(49.30±3.79)mm(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in operative time,intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05).At 1 and 3 months after operation,VAS of titanium plate group was lower than that of clavicular hook group(P<0.05).Connstant-Murley scores in titanium plate group at 1,3 and 6 months after operation were(86.80±1.36),(91.60±2.32)and(94.90±2.22),respectively;and in clavicular hook group were(78.45±5.47),(85.55±2.01)and(90.25±1.92),which were higher than that of clavicular hook group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in coracoclavicular distance between two groups immediately and 6 months after op-eration(P>0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation,single small incision combined with honeycomb titanium plate have advantages of shorter incision,fast recovery of shoulder joint function without the second operation,and has good satisfaction of patient.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Exploring lncRNA Expression Patterns in Patients With Hypertrophied Ligamentum Flavum
Junling CHEN ; Guibin ZHONG ; Manle QIU ; Wei KE ; Jingsong XUE ; Jianwei CHEN
Neurospine 2024;21(1):330-341
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			Hypertrophy ligamentum flavum (LFH) is a common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis, resulting in significant disability and morbidity. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with various biological processes and disorders, their involvement in LFH remains not fully understood. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			Human ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed using lncRNA sequencing followed by validation through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To explore the potential biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNA-associated genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. We also studied the impact of lncRNA PARD3-AS1 on the progression of LFH in vitro. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			In the LFH tissues when compared to that in the nonhypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LFN) tissues, a total of 1,091 lncRNAs exhibited differential expression, with 645 upregulated and 446 downregulated. Based on GO analysis, the differentially expressed transcripts primarily participated in metabolic processes, organelles, nuclear lumen, cytoplasm, protein binding, nucleic acid binding, and transcription factor activity. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the hippo signaling pathway, nucleotide excision repair, and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. The expression of PARD3-AS1, RP11-430G17.3, RP1-193H18.3, and H19 was confirmed to be consistent with the sequencing analysis. Inhibition of PARD3-AS1 resulted in the suppression of fibrosis in LFH cells, whereas the overexpression of PARD3-AS1 promoted fibrosis in LFH cells in vitro. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			This study identified distinct expression patterns of lncRNAs that are linked to LFH, providing insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Notably, PARD3-AS1 appears to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of LFH. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Hmga2 knockdown enhances osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and accelerates bone defect healing in mice
Zhiyong KE ; Zicheng HUANG ; Ruolin HE ; Qian ZHANG ; Sixu CHEN ; CUI ZHONG-KAI ; Jing DING
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1227-1235
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the role of high-mobility group AT-hook 2(HMGA2)in osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)and the effect of Hmga2 knockdown for promoting bone defect repair.Methods Bioinformatics studies using the GEO database and Rstudio software identified HMGA2 as a key factor in adipogenic-osteogenic differentiation balance of ADSCs.The protein-protein interaction network of HMGA2 in osteogenic differentiation was mapped using String and visualized with Cytoscape to predict the downstream targets of HMGA2.Primary mouse ADSCs(mADSCs)were transfected with Hmga2 siRNA,and the changes in osteogenic differentiation of the cells were evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin red S staining.The expressions of osteogenic markers Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),osteopontin(OPN),and osteocalcein(OCN)in the transfected cells were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.In a mouse model of critical-sized calvarial defects,mADSCs with Hmga2-knockdown were transplanted into the defect,and bone repair was evaluated 6 weeks later using micro-CT scanning and histological staining.Results GEO database analysis showed that HMGA2 expression was upregulated during adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs.Protein-protein interaction network analysis suggested that the potential HMGA2 targets in osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs included SMAD7,CDH1,CDH2,SNAI1,SMAD9,IGF2BP3,and ALDH1A1.In mADSCs,Hmga2 knockdown significantly upregulated the expressions of RUNX2,OPN,and OCN and increased cellular alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition.In a critical-sized calvarial defect model,transplantation of mADSCs with Hmga2 knockdown significantly promoted new bone formation.Conclusion HMGA2 is a crucial regulator of osteogenic differentiation in ADSCs,and Hmga2 knockdown significantly promotes osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs and accelerates ADSCs-mediated bone defect repair in mice.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Analysis of core functional components in Yinchenhao Decoction and their pathways for treating liver fibrosis
Xingmei CHEN ; Qinwen LIU ; Yi LI ; Xiaoyu ZHONG ; Qiling FAN ; Ke MA ; Liuting LUO ; Daogang GUAN ; Zhibo ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(8):1508-1517
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To analyze the core functional component groups(CFCG)in Yinchenhao Decoction(YCHD)and their possible pathways for treating hepatic fibrosis based on network pharmacology.Methods PPI data were extracted from DisGeNET,Genecards,CMGRN and PTHGRN to construct a weighted network using Cytoscape 3.9.1.The data of the chemical components in YCHD were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),and the potential active components and targets were selected using PreADMET Web server and SwissTargetPrediction.A fusion model was constructed to obtain the functional effect space and evaluate the effective proteins to identify the CFCG followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses for all the targets.In cultured human hepatic stellate cells(LX-2 cells),the cytotoxicity of different compounds in YCHD was tested using CCK-8 assay;the effects of these compounds on collagen α1(Col1a1)mRNA expression and the pathways in 20 ng/mL TGF-β1-stimulated cells were analyzed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Results A total of 1005 pathogenic genes,226 potential active components and 1529 potential targets in YCHD and 52 potential targets of CFCG were obtained.Benzyl acetate,vanillic acid,clorius,polydatin,lauric acid and ferulic acid were selected for CCK-8 verification,and they all showed minimal cytotoxicity below the concentration of 200 μmol/L.Clorius,polydatin,lauric acid and ferulic acid all effectively inhibited TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell activation.At the concentration of 200 μmol/L,all these 4 components inhibited PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,p-AKT,ERK,p-ERK,P38 MAPK and p-P38 MAPK expressions in TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of YCHD on hepatic fibrosis is probably mediated by its core functional components including benzyl acetate,vanillic acid,clorius,polydatin,lauric acid and ferulic acid,which inhibit the PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways in hepatic stellate cells.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Association between baseline hemoglobin level and early neurological deterioration after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Tinghuan WANG ; Wansi ZHONG ; Zhicai CHEN ; Ke SHEN ; Huiya YE ; Zhihui YU ; Jia LUO ; Jun MA ; Min LOU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2024;53(2):168-174
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To investigate the association between baseline hemoglobin level and early neurologic deterioration(END)after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:Data of AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy at multiple hospitals across the country between January 2017 and July 2020 were collected from the online database Acute Stroke Patients for Stroke Management Quality Evaluation(CASE-Ⅱ,NCT04487340).Binary logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors affecting the occurrence of END after intravenous thrombolytic therapy,and the correlation between baseline hemoglobin level and END was investigated by limiting cubic spline curve analysis.Results:A total of 8162 patients were included.Patients with END had lower baseline hemoglobin levels(136 and 140 g/L,P<0.01)and higher rates of anemia(24.2%and 16.9%,P<0.01)compared with non-END patients.Binary logistic regression analysis showed that baseline hemoglobin level(OR=0.995,95%CI:0.991-0.999,P<0.05)and anemia(OR=1.238,95%CI:1.055-1.454,P<0.01)were independently correlated with the occurrence of END after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients.Restricted cubic spline regression showed that there was a U-shaped relationship between hemoglobin level and the risk of END after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients(P<0.01),although this relationship was only significant in male patients(P<0.05)and not in female patients(P>0.05).Conclusion:There is a correlation between baseline hemoglobin level and the risk of END in AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis,especially in male patients,in whom both lower and higher hemoglobin level may increase the risk of END.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Staphylococcus pas-teuri:one case report
Chong-Zhen WANG ; Shan ZHONG ; Li-Xia XU ; Li-Cheng WANG ; Xiao-Ying FU ; Huan LI ; Yuan-Li LI ; Xiong ZHU ; Hai CHEN ; Dong-Ke CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(8):1040-1043
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			One patient was admitted to a hospital due to"sepsis,chronic kidney disease,type 2 diabetes,shock,and cerebral infarction".Patient's blood specimen was taken for clinical examination.Aerobic and anaerobic culture results of catheter blood and venous blood were both positive.The pathogen was identified as Staphylococcus pas-teuri by VITEK MS,and the patient was diagnosed as catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Staphylo-coccus pasteuri.Clinical empirical use of piperacillin for anti-infection treatment was ineffective,and vancomycin was eventually used for treatment based on in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Patient's condition improved after removing the venous catheter.There are currently no reported cases of Staphylococcus pasteuri in China.Ear-ly identification of pathogen and adjustment of treatment plans based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing results are crucial for effective treatment of this case.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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