1.Research progress of mitochondrial unfolded protein response in eye diseases
Liang GU ; Pengfei LI ; Huaijin GUAN ; Min JI
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1425-1430
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt)represents a crucial intracellular stress response mechanism that plays a fundamental role in maintaining mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation of UPRmt contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of various systemic disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as age-related pathologies. Emerging research has particularly highlighted the involvement of UPRmt in ocular diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This comprehensive review examines the physiological functions of UPRmt and its regulatory mechanisms in age-related eye diseases. The roles of key UPRmt downstream effector molecules in ocular cell populations such as lens epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and retinal ganglion cells are systematically analyzed. Importantly, the dual regulatory nature of UPRmt in ocular pathophysiology is discussed, that is, its moderate activation promotes mitochondrial homeostasis, mitigates oxidative stress, and suppresses inflammatory responses, its chronic or excessive activation triggers apoptotic pathways, induces metabolic dysfunction, and ultimately accelerates disease progression. By elucidating these mechanisms, our review provides novel insights into ocular disease pathogenesis and proposes potential therapeutic strategies targeting UPRmt modulation for the prevention and treatment of age-related eye disorders.
2.GRK2-YAP signaling is implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension development
Peng YE ; Yunfei DENG ; Yue GU ; Pengfei LIU ; Jie LUO ; Jiangqin PU ; Jingyu CHEN ; Yu HUANG ; Nanping WANG ; Yong JI ; Shaoliang CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(7):846-858
Background::Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by excessive proliferation of small pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) plays an important role in the maintenance of vascular tone and blood flow. However, the role of GRK2 in the pathogenesis of PAH is unknown.Methods::GRK2 levels were detected in lung tissues from healthy people and PAH patients. C57BL/6 mice, vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Grk2-knockout mice ( Grk2?SM22), and littermate controls ( Grk2flox/flox) were grouped into control and hypoxia mice ( n = 8). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced by exposure to chronic hypoxia (10%) combined with injection of the SU5416 (cHx/SU). The expression levels of GRK2 and Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pulmonary arteries and PASMCs were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA expression levels of Grk2 and Yes-associated protein ( YAP) in PASMCs were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Wound-healing assay, 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining were performed to evaluate the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Meanwhile, the interaction among proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation assays. Results::The expression levels of GRK2 were upregulated in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and the lungs of PH mice. Moreover, cHx/SU-induced PH was attenuated in Grk2?SM22 mice compared with littermate controls. The amelioration of PH in Grk2?SM22 mice was accompanied by reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling. In vitro study further confirmed that GRK2 knock-down significantly altered hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration, whereas this effect was severely intensified by overexpression of GRK2. We also identified that GRK2 promoted YAP expression and nuclear translocation in PASMCs, resulting in excessive PASMCs proliferation and migration. Furthermore, GRK2 is stabilized by inhibiting phosphorylating GRK2 on Tyr86 and subsequently activating ubiquitylation under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion::Our findings suggest that GRK2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PAH, via regulating YAP expression and nuclear translocation. Therefore, GRK2 serves as a novel therapeutic target for PAH treatment.
3.Study on the individualized dose verification of patients with CyberKnife treatment based on dose verification system of SRS MapCHECK matrix
Hanshun GONG ; Shanshan GU ; Shaojuan WU ; Jinglin SUN ; Pengfei XU ; Xiaoliang LIU ; Jingmin BAI ; Chuanbin XIE
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(7):17-22
Objective:A dose verification system of two-dimensional semiconductor matrix(SRS MapCHECK)was used to verify the dose of the clinical treatment plan of patients who underwent CyberKnife(CK),which realized rapid verification for individualization of radiotherapy plans of patients through analyzed the γ-passing rates of them.Methods:A total of 253 patients with tumor who received CK clinical treatment in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from March 2021 to May 2023 were selected.Among of them,121 cases received CK treatment on head,and 30 cases received that on lung,and 102 cases received CK treatment on abdomen and other metastatic tumor.In the MultiPlan treatment plan system,the plan of patient was mapped to the integrated model composed of StereoPHAN model and SRS MapCHECK matrix dose verification system by the means of the plan image center overlap.The dose verification was conducted on the plan of each patient on the basis of ensuring the consistency of the number of beam,direction of beam and the monitor unit.The different γ analysis standards(1%/1 mm,2%/1 mm,3%/1 mm,1%/2 mm,2%/2 mm,3%/2 mm,1%/3 mm,2%/3 mm and 3%/3 mm)were adopted to conduct global analysis of absolute dose for each verification plan,and the threshold(TH)of low dose was set as 10%.Results:The γ passing rates of phantom verification plans of 253 patients were respectively(88.64±5.91)%,(95.43±3.40)%,(97.90±2.06)%,(96.51±2.35)%,(98.15±1.68)%,(99.06±1.12)%,(98.30±1.39)%,(99.09±0.97)%and(99.52±0.63)%under different analysis standards.The γ passing rates of other standards of patients with tumor on different parts were larger than 95%except the analysis result of 1%1 mm standard.The overall analysis result of the deviation of central point dose was(-1.30±2.17)%,among of which the tumor of head,abdominal tumors and other metastatic tumor were about approximately-2%,while that of lung tumors were approximately-3%.The deviation of abdominal and other metastatic tumor was the minimum.The correlation analysis showed that the target volume and the size of the minimum collimator were respectively correlated to the dose deviation of the center.Conclusion:SRS MapCHECK dose verification system can conveniently and quickly realize the individualized verification for the plan of patients who receive CK treatment.
4.A randomized controlled trial on sodium hyaluronate gel in prevention of postoperative intestinal adhesion
Wensheng HUANG ; Jiancong HU ; Chuanqing WU ; Liang SHANG ; Chengle ZHUANG ; Ke AN ; Zhichao ZHAI ; Changmin DING ; Zhaoya GAO ; Qingkun GAO ; Pengfei NIU ; Yanzhao WANG ; Qingmin ZENG ; Yuming HONG ; Wanshui RONG ; Fuming LEI ; Zhongchen LIU ; Leping LI ; Kaixiong TAO ; Xiaojian WU ; Jin GU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2023;38(11):809-813
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate gel in preventing adhesion after prophylactic enterostomy.Methods:One hundred and twenty four patients from 6 hospitals were enrolled in this prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into the study group ( n=59) or the control group ( n=65).All patients underwent prophylactic enterostomy. Patients of study group received odium hyaluronate gel for adhesion-prevention,while those in control group did not receive any adhesion-prevention treatment. The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area were evalutated during stoma reduction surgery. Results:The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area was 6.3% in the study group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) compared to that of the control group (32.6%). Conclusion:Sodium hyaluronate gel can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of moderate and severe adhesions after abdominal surgery.
5.Total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy for unilateral sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Jinming ZHANG ; Jingzhu ZHAO ; Dongmei HUANG ; Pengfei GU ; Jingtai ZHI ; Xiangqian ZHENG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2022;37(8):579-583
Objective:To compare the prognosis of patients with unilateral sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma treated by different surgical selection, and analyze the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis.Methods:One hundred and twenty-six patients at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from Feb 2011 to Oct 2018 were retrospectively divided into group A (total thyroiclectomy) and group B (unilateral lobectomy).Results:There were no significant differences in postoperative recurrence rate ( χ2=0.394, P=0.530), mortality ( χ2=3.175, P=0.146), biochemical cure rate ( χ2=0.613, P=0.434), progression free survival and overall survival ( P=0.278, 0.175) between group A and group B; Tumor diameter ≥4 cm and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival. The incidence of postoperative temporary hypocalcemia ( χ2=5.068, P=0.024) and permanent hypocalcemia ( χ2=6.590, P=0.010) in group A was higher than that in group B. Conclusions:Ipsolateral thyroidectomy can be applied to patients with unilateral sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma with similar long term prognosis and tower incidence of temporary hypocalcemia and permanent hypocalcemia compared to total thyroidectomy.
6.Exploring the Vitreoretinal Interface: A Key Instigator of Unique Retinal Hemorrhage Patterns in Pediatric Head Trauma
Helen H. SONG ; Wallace B. THORESON ; Pengfei DONG ; Yasin SHOKROLLAHI ; Linxia GU ; Donny W. SUH
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2022;36(3):253-263
Purpose:
Various types of trauma can cause retinal hemorrhages in children, including accidental and nonaccidental head trauma. We used animal eyes and a finite element model of the eye to examine stress patterns produced during purely linear and angular accelerations, along with stresses attained during simulated repetitive shaking of an infant.
Methods:
Using sheep and primate eyes, sclerotomy windows were created by removing the sclera, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium to expose the retina. A nanofiber square was glued to a 5 mm2 area of retina. The square was pulled and separated from vitreous while force was measured. A finite element model of the pediatric eye was used to computationally measure tension stresses during shaking.
Results:
In both sheep and primate eyes, tension stress required for separation of retina from vitreous range from 1 to 5 kPa. Tension stress generated at the vitreoretinal interface predicted by the computer simulation ranged from 3 to 16 kPa during a cycle of shaking. Linear acceleration generated lower tension stress than angular acceleration. Angular acceleration generated maximal tension stress along the retinal vasculature. Linear acceleration produced more diffuse force distribution centered at the poster pole.
Conclusions
The finite element model predicted that tension stress attained at the retina during forcible shaking of an eye can exceed the minimum threshold needed to produce vitreoretinal separation as measured in animal eyes. Furthermore, the results show that movements that involve significant angular acceleration produce strong stresses localized along the vasculature, whereas linear acceleration produces weaker, more diffuse stress centered towards the posterior pole of the eye.
7.Design of Customized Decompression Insole with Zonal Gradient Hardness Structure
Pengfei CHU ; Yanjie GU ; Sen WANG ; Li CHEN ; Wenming CHEN ; Xin MA
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2021;36(5):E679-E683
Objective To design a kind of customized insole with zonal gradient hardness for people with high arch foot in need of plantar decompression. Methods A functional gradient structure was designed and applied to the customized insole. Porous elements with corresponding elastic modulus were used in different areas of insole. The relationship between structural element parameters and modulus was studied through mechanical tests. The foot geometry and plantar pressure distribution data of volunteers were collected, and the plantar region was divided according to the pressure contour line, so as to assemble the structural unit. Four kinds of customized insoles were designed: ordinary flat insole, optimized flat insole, ordinary full contact insole and optimized full contact insole. Through plantar pressure test experiment, the optimization design of sub region was verified. Results The designed insole could reduce the peak pressure of high arch foot by 52.8% in static standing state and 18.43% in gait condition. Conclusions This method can be used to design customized insoles, such as functional insoles for patients with diabetes and high arch feet, by providing better decompression function. The research findings provide references for conservative treatment of foot diseases with decompression needs.
8.Inhibitory effects of miR-146a on retinal inflammation induced by high glucose in human retinal endothelial cells
Shun GU ; Pengfei ZHAN ; Wenjuan WANG ; Xiaolu WANG ; Tingting WEI ; Lingpeng ZHU ; Yangningzhi WANG ; Li YIN ; Tianhua XIE ; Yong YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2020;38(9):733-739
Objective:To observe the effects of miR-146a on human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) under high glucose condition.Methods:Total of 57 cases diagnosed as diabetic mellitus and 40 cases with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from October to December 2013.Forty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled and served as control group.The clinical data and venous blood samples of subjects were collected.HRECs were cultured in normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L) or high glucose medium (30 mmol/L). Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-146a.The cultured HRECs were transfected with miR-146a mimic, mimic negative control, inhibitor and inhibitor negative control by lipofectamine2000, respectively.The expression of miR-146a and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA was examined by real-time PCR and the expression of nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) p65 and NF-кB p65 Ser536 was detected by Western blot assay. Results:The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the diabetic mellitus group and DR group was 0.36±0.08 and 0.27±0.08, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.16 in the control group (both at P<0.01). The expression of miR-146a mRNA was 0.37±0.11 in the high glucose group, which was lower than 1.00±0.18 in the normal control group ( t=5.57, P<0.01). The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the miR-146a mimic group was 2 540.00±105.00, which was significantly higher than 61.00±17.90 in the miR-146a mimic control group; The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 0.04±0.01, which was significantly lower than 0.88±0.04 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=23.23, 17.12; both at P<0.01). The relative expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the miR-146a mimic group was 0.35±0.12, which was significantly lower than 1.00±0.13 in the miR-146a mimic control group; The relative expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 2.74±0.48, which was significantly higher than 1.00±0.16 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=3.58, 3.37; both at P<0.05). The relative expression of NF-кB p65 Ser536 in the miR-146a mimic group was 0.43±0.03, which was significantly lower than 1.07±0.09 in the miR-146a mimic control group ( t=6.74, P<0.01). The relative expression of NF-кB p65 Ser536 in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 2.08±0.12, which was significantly higher than 1.00±0.01 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=8.76; P<0.01). Conclusions:miR-146a can reduce inflammation of HREC in high glucose condition through inhibiting ICAM-1 expression and NF-кB phosphorylation.
9. Clinicopathological characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with colorectal cancer
Zihan HAN ; Jiajia CHEN ; Nan FENG ; Pengfei NIU ; Can SONG ; Zhaoya GAO ; Qingkun GAO ; Dengbo JI ; Wenbo WANG ; Fuming LEI ; Jin GU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2019;22(10):966-971
Objective:
To analyze the clinicopathological features of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with colorectal cancer (DCRC).
Methods:
A case-control study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) hospitalized patients receiving fibrocolonoscopy; (2) adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma diagnosed by pathology; (3) with preoperative cTNM clinical staging; (4) colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment; (5) with postoperative pTNM staging; (6) no smoking or drinking habits. Exclusion criteria: (1) familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP); (2) Lynch syndrome; (3) carcinoma of anal canal and perianal carcinoma; (4) multiple primary cancer; (5) with serious cardiocerebrovascular diseases or multiple organ failure. Clinicopathlogical data of 32 DCRC patients who were diagnosed and treated in Peking University Shougang Hospital from December 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Forty nondiabetic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during the same period were selected as control group according to the sex ratio and the age difference less than 5 years. Student′s
10.Application of CT-based radiomics in differentiating primary gastric lymphoma from Borrmann type IV gastric cancer.
Jiao DENG ; Yixiong TAN ; Qianbiao GU ; Pengfei RONG ; Wei WANG ; Sheng LIU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2019;44(3):257-263
To explore the feasibility of CT-based image radiomics signature in identification of primary gastric lymphoma and Borrmann type IV gastric cancer.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 71 patients with primary gastric lymphoma or Borrmann type IV gastric cancer confirmed by pathology in our Hospital from January 2009 to April 2017 was performed. There were 28 patients with primary gastric lymphoma and 43 patients with Borrmann type IV gastric cancer. The feature extraction algorithm based on Matlab 2017a software was used to extract the features of image, and the logistic regression model was used to screen the features to establish radiomics signature. The CT sign diagnosis model was established, which included the periplasmic fat infiltration, softness of the stomach wall, abdominal lymph node and peripheral organ metastasis, ascites, mucosal white line sign and lesion thickness. The classification of the two models was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve.
Results: A total of 32 3D features were extracted from CT image for each patients. Two features were found to be the most important differential diagnosis factors, and the radiomics signature was established. The CT sign diagnosis model consisted of ascites, periplasmic fat infiltration, stomach wall softness and mucosal white line. For the radiomics signature and the CT subjective finding model, the AUCs were 0.964 and 0.867 with the accuracy at 94.4% and 80.2%, the sensitivity at 93.0% and 74.4%, the specificity at 96.4% and 89.3%, respectively. After Delong test, the diagnostic efficacy of the radiomics signature was higher than the CT sign diagnosis model (P<0.001).
Conclusion: CT-based image radiomics signature can accurately identify primary gastric lymphoma and Borrmann type IV gastric cancer, and can potentially provide important assistance in clinical diagnosis for the two diseases.
Humans
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Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
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Neoplasm Staging
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Retrospective Studies
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Stomach Neoplasms
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Tomography, X-Ray Computed

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