Tohoku J. Exp. Med. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Detection of Cataract with a New Perimetry Method Using Retinal Projection Technology.
Yabana T, Takada N, Tsuda S … +13 more , Ishikawa M, Yamazaki M, Sato M, Ninomiya T, Yokoyama Y, Himori N, Hashimoto K, Osanai A, Morino S, Suzuki M, Sugawara M, Kunikata H, Nakazawa T
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 40467484 · Publisher ↗
To investigate the cataract-detecting ability of MEOCHECK, a novel, simple visual field measurement device, we undertook cataract examinations in 90 eyes of 45 male taxi drivers (chosen because their occupation requires...
To investigate the cataract-detecting ability of MEOCHECK, a novel, simple visual field measurement device, we undertook cataract examinations in 90 eyes of 45 male taxi drivers (chosen because their occupation requires a high degree of visual function) using conventional ophthalmological techniques (refraction, intraocular pressure, logMAR visual acuity, central foveal threshold, and Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2-measured mean deviation) and MEOCHECK. Cataracts were graded according to the WHO Simplified Cataract Grading System (WHOSCGS) criteria. After the exclusion of 17 eyes with inserted intraocular lenses, a history of ocular disease, and missing both logMAR and IOP value, 72 eyes were enrolled in the present study. According to the WHOSCGS criteria, 17 eyes had nuclear cataract grade 0 (NUC0), 43 eyes had nuclear cataract grade 1 (NUC1), and 12 eyes had nuclear cataract grade 2 (NUC2). To evaluate the diagnostic power of each measurement factor, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted using sensitivity and specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) was measured as an indicator of the performance of a binary classifier. In discrimination between NUC0/1 and NUC2, the AUCs for age and MEOCHECK score were calculated to be 0.857 and 0.914, respectively. Comparing NUC0/1 with NUC2 in the 70-79-year age group showed that there was no significant difference in age, but was a significant difference in MEOCHECK score. Based on these findings, MEOCHECK, based on retinal projection technology, efficiently discriminated NUC2 from NUC0/1 in taxi drivers, indicating that MEOCHECK has the potential to detect cataracts.
Functional Mechanism and Clinical Implications of miR-378a-3p in Femoral Shaft Fracture Healing Processes.
Shao Y, Min X, Zhang F … +5 more , Zhao N, Wu X, Chen R, Jing S, Li D
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 40467483 · Publisher ↗
Femoral shaft fractures are high-energy injuries to the femur that have a probability of delayed union. Prolonged fracture healing time can cause more pain and financial burden to the patient. miR-378a-3p has been report...
Femoral shaft fractures are high-energy injuries to the femur that have a probability of delayed union. Prolonged fracture healing time can cause more pain and financial burden to the patient. miR-378a-3p has been reported to be the promoter of bone formation. This study thus investigated the association between miR-378a-3p and femoral shaft fracture delayed union, as well as the underlying mechanism. This study aimed to provide valuable information on treating femoral shaft fracture and preventing its delayed union. Serum samples were obtained from femoral shaft fracture delayed or normal-union patients to investigate the expression level of miR-378a-3p. Cell experiments were conducted using the MC3T3-E1 cell line to explore the underlying mechanism. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of microRNA (miRNA) and gene. To estimate the effect of miR-378a-3p and Zinc Finger Protein, FOG Family Member 2 (ZFPM2) on osteoblast proliferation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was chosen in this study. The mechanism was investigated using dual luciferase reporter assay. miR-378a-3p was downregulated in femoral shaft fracture patients with delayed union. The miR-378a-3p downregulation was found as an independent risk factor for the delayed union of femoral shaft fracture. miR-378a-3p could facilitate osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. miR-378a-3p affected osteoblast activities by targeting ZFPM2. In conclusion, the miR-378a-3p downregulation was an indicator of delayed union of femoral shaft fracture. miR-378a-3p played a crucial role in the fracture healing process. ZFPM2 mediated the effect of miR-378a-3p on the fracture healing process.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is Negatively Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Psoriasis Patients.
Zhang B, Qu M, Cuomu Y … +1 more , Chen Y
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Jun · PMID 40467482 · Publisher ↗
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Etiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Infection.
Huang S, Jiang J
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 · PMID 40436773 · Publisher ↗
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Predictive Value of Abnormally Expressed Serum MiR-204-5p in Pregnancy during Second Trimester on Subclinical Hypothyroidism.
Wang Q, Cheng J, He W … +6 more , Li X, Ma J, Wang X, Wu X, Ma L, Guo L
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40436772 · Publisher ↗
MiR-204-5p is involved in a variety of diseases related to thyroid dysfunction and pregnancy. However, the effect on subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy remained unclear. We focused on the expression differ...
MiR-204-5p is involved in a variety of diseases related to thyroid dysfunction and pregnancy. However, the effect on subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy remained unclear. We focused on the expression difference of serum miR-204-5p in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the second trimester and evaluated the correlation between them in this study. One hundred normal pregnant women and 175 individuals diagnosed with SCH were enrolled. The miR-204-5p level was calculated by qRT-PCR and its relevance to serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was assessed by Pearson analysis. The predictive value was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk factor of SCH was identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The miR-204-5p was obviously depressed in SCH group compared to control (P < 0.001) and was significantly negatively correlated to the serum TSH levels (r = -0.6082, P < 0.0001). ROC curve showed the potential predictive value while the area under the curve was 0.9153 with sensitivity of 90.29% and specificity of 86.00%. TSH (OR: 1.793, 95% CI: 1.072-2.998, P = 0.026) and miR-204-5p (OR: 0.528, 95% CI: 0.317-0.878, P = 0.014) were related to SCH risk in pregnant women. In both SCH group and low miR-204-5p group, individuals with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or depression possessed a higher proportion of adverse events during 32-38 gestational weeks. Depressed miR-204-5p was observed in SCH patients and was significantly negatively correlated to TSH level. MiR-204-5p was a risk factor for SCH in pregnant women. Additionally, depressed miR-204-5p might be related to the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Curcumin Nano-Formulations with Enhanced Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy for Osteoarthritis Treatment.
Zhong F, Zhang J, Teng L … +3 more , Liu D, Xiao Y, Zhong G
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 40436771 · Publisher ↗
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by the chronic and progressive degenerative illness of articular cartilage that leads to tenacious joint pain and inflammation as well as functiona...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by the chronic and progressive degenerative illness of articular cartilage that leads to tenacious joint pain and inflammation as well as functional disability, impairing the life quality in elderly people. Unfortunately, there is no regenerative therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a hydrophobic polyphenol compound isolated from curcuma longa rhizome, has been broadly employed as a safe supplement traditionally. Despite great beneficial impacts, achieving the desired pharmacological effects of curcumin has shown limitations because of its low systemic bioavailability. It has been found that biological activities and bioavailability of curcumin could be efficiently enhanced using nanoscale drug carriers. The current literature review aimed to discuss nanoscale delivery systems that have been constructed to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of curcumin for treating osteoarthritis. In brief, various delivery systems composed of polymer, metal, or emulsion nanocarriers have been manufactured to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Intra-articular injection of curcumin nanoparticles could induce chondrogenesis, inhibit degradation of articular cartilage, and reverse abnormalities in joint structure and smooth surface of articular cartilage in knee osteoarthritis, thus preventing osteoarthritis development, mechanistically, through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of curcumin. In conclusion, nano-formulations of curcumin have been found to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin for treating osteoarthritis and introduce a promising therapeutic alternative to current therapies, however, future clinical investigations are warranted to approve their application in humans.
Effects of SCN2A Gene Polymorphism on Drug Response in Han Chinese Children with Epilepsy.
Xu L, Fan J, Zou Y
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Feb · PMID 40436770 · Publisher ↗
Childhood epilepsy is a prevalent neurological syndrome featuring a complex etiology and a propensity to recur, which significantly affects the growth and development of children. This study was intended to investigate t...
Childhood epilepsy is a prevalent neurological syndrome featuring a complex etiology and a propensity to recur, which significantly affects the growth and development of children. This study was intended to investigate the potential impact of the polymorphisms of sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 2 gene (SCN2A) rs2121371 and rs1864885 on the drug efficacy in the clinical treatment of epilepsy. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to perform polymorphism detection of the rs2121371 and rs1864885 genes of SCN2A in 98 epilepsy patients. Subsequently, following the patient's responses to the drugs, they were classified into the seizure-free group and the epileptic-seizure group. Meanwhile, based on the outcomes of liver injury, the patients were also categorized into the group without liver injury disorders and the group with liver injury disorders. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the correlation between these two polymorphisms and the drug response. The allele frequencies of the rs2121371 and rs1864885 genotypes of SCN2A exhibited differences between the non-epileptic seizure group and the epileptic seizure group. Among them, the C allele (P = 0.004) and CC genotype (P = 0.013) of rs2121371 were correlated with adverse drug reactions; the G allele (P < 0.001) and AG genotype (P < 0.001) of rs1864885 were associated with adverse drug reactions. Additionally, the polymorphism of rs2121371 was related to liver injury caused by epilepsy drugs, whereas the polymorphism of rs1864885 was not related to such liver injury. The polymorphisms of rs2121371 and rs1864885 of SCN2A might potentially exert an influence on the drug efficacy in the clinical treatment of epilepsy.
An Indolent Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma in a Young Hypertensive Patient Manifested during 7-Year Follow-up.
Tezuka Y, Ono Y, Yamazaki Y … +12 more , Higuchi S, Nishikawa J, Omata K, Oguro S, Ota H, Takase K, Kawasaki Y, Ito A, Suzuki T, Sasano H, Tanaka T, Satoh F
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 40436769 · Publisher ↗
Early identification and treatment optimization for the patients with primary aldosteronism are crucial to minimizing the enhanced cardiovascular risks. However, the natural course of primary aldosteronism development re...
Early identification and treatment optimization for the patients with primary aldosteronism are crucial to minimizing the enhanced cardiovascular risks. However, the natural course of primary aldosteronism development remains unclear. An 18-year-old man visited our outpatient clinic for hypertension. At baseline, confirmatory testing ruled out primary aldosteronism, and computed tomography showed normal adrenal glands. During subsequent outpatient follow-up, his blood pressure gradually increased despite treatment with multiple antihypertensive medications. At his 7-year visit, he eventually presented severe hypokalemia with a right adrenal tumor. Endocrinological evaluation revealed hyperaldosteronism along with suppressed renin activity, suggesting primary aldosteronism. Subsequent diagnostic procedures, including the captopril challenge test and adrenal venous sampling, confirmed the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism due to the right adrenal tumor. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy, leading to remission of primary aldosteronism. Histopathological analysis confirmed the resected adrenal tumor as a KCNJ5-mutated aldosterone-producing adenoma. Notably, plasma steroid profiling retrospectively revealed elevated peripheral 18-oxocortisol levels, a biomarker of KCNJ5-mutated aldosterone-producing adenomas, before the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. This case clearly demonstrated a natural course of unilateral primary aldosteronism and highlights the potential utility of steroid profiling as part of the diagnostic strategy for primary aldosteronism.
Effect of Serum miR-106a-5p on Vascular Calcification in Dialysis Patients.
Zhang H, Jiang Z, Xu L … +3 more , Zhang J, Yuan Y, Lu X
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 40436768 · Publisher ↗
Vascular calcification (VC) represents a highly significant and independent risk factor associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the potential clinical significance of...
Vascular calcification (VC) represents a highly significant and independent risk factor associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the potential clinical significance of microRNA (miR)-106a-5p in the pathogenesis of vascular VC. This study included 165 hemodialysis patients with VC and 90 hemodialysis patients without VC. The expression levels of miR-106a-5p were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were determined via chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), while osteocalcin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, the diagnostic value of miR-106a-5p for VC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors associated with VC. Advanced age, prolonged dialysis duration, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, higher blood calcium concentrations, and increased inflammatory response [as indicated by higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels] were potential risk factors for VC in dialysis patients. RT-qPCR revealed a significant reduction in miR-106a-5p expression in the VC patient group. Furthermore, as the severity of VC progressed from mild to moderate to severe, miR-106a-5p expression progressively decreased. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, CRP, and miR-106a-5p as significant predictors of VC. Additionally, PTH and osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the VC group, with miR-106a-5p expression negatively correlated with PTH and osteocalcin levels. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that miR-106a-5p has diagnostic utility for VC. In conclusion, miR-106a-5p held potential as a diagnostic marker in the process of VC.
Clinical Significance and Biological Role of lncRNA linc00893 in Diabetic Retinopathy.
Zhang J, Lu W, Xu D
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 40399053 · Publisher ↗
To examine the diagnostic value and mechanism of action of serum linc00893 in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), 209 diabetic patients, including 106 patients with DR, were included in the study. ROC curves assesse...
To examine the diagnostic value and mechanism of action of serum linc00893 in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), 209 diabetic patients, including 106 patients with DR, were included in the study. ROC curves assessed the clinical value of linc00893 in predicting DR, and logistic analyzed the factors affecting DR. RT-qPCR detected serum linc00893 and miR-107 expression, CCK8 measured cell proliferation, flow cytometry documented apoptosis, and ELISA detected the inflammatory factor. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay verified the interactions between linc00893 and miR-107. Biochemical indicators are more severe in DR than in diabetes alone, and linc00893 expression was notably down-regulated in DR patients. linc00893 is an influential factor in the promotion of DR and has diagnostic value for it. Transfection of linc00893 enhanced the proliferative capacity of high-glucose (HG) cells, reduced apoptosis, and lowered the levels of inflammatory factors (VEGF, IL-1β, IL-18). The results also demonstrated that miR-107 is a target gene of linc00893 and the two can directly bind. miR-107 was markedly up-regulated in DR patients and had a clear negative correlation with linc00893 expression. miR-107 overexpression inhibited HG cell proliferation and increased apoptosis and inflammatory. linc00893 is lowly expressed in DR patients, and it has the diagnostic value of predicting DR. miR-107 is involved in the DR mechanism as linc00893, which is manifested by low-linc00893 promoting miR-107 induced slowing down of cell proliferation, increasing apoptosis and inflammation level, which triggers DR.
Effectiveness of Remote Symptom Monitoring and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Enhancing Well-Being and Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.
Jiang Y, Yang JP, Liu Q
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40399052 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of remote symptom monitoring (RSM) combined with progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 134 lung cancer patients were recr...
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of remote symptom monitoring (RSM) combined with progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 134 lung cancer patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the RSM + PMR group (n = 67) or the control group (n = 67). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), after the first chemotherapy cycle (T1), and after the second cycle (T2). Outcomes included pain [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)], sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], anxiety and depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, EORTC QLQ-C30). The RSM + PMR group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group in reducing pain, enhancing sleep quality, lower anxiety and depression scores at T1 and T2. In terms of HRQoL, the RSM + PMR group showed significant reductions in fatigue, pain, and nausea/vomiting, along with improvements in physical function, role functioning, and social functioning at T1. These positive effects persisted and even strengthened by T2, with further significant improvements in fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and nausea/vomiting. Additionally, the RSM + PMR group reported better global health status at both T1 and T2. By the end of the study (T2), patient satisfaction with the RSM + PMR intervention was significantly higher than in the control group. The RSM + PMR intervention effectively improved pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and HRQoL in lung cancer patients during chemotherapy, offering a valuable strategy for symptom management.
A High Ratio of D-1 Dimer to Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Large Right-to-Left Shunt by Contrast-Enhanced Transthoracic Echocardiography as Risk Factors for Cryptogenic Stroke in Patent Foramen Ovale.
Zhang F, Cui W
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40399051 · Publisher ↗
The study investigated the relationship between ratio of D-dimer to brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), large right-to-left shunt (RLS) by contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE), and cryptogenic stroke (CS...
The study investigated the relationship between ratio of D-dimer to brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), large right-to-left shunt (RLS) by contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE), and cryptogenic stroke (CS) in patent foramen ovale (PFO). The study populations were composed of 61 patients with PFO who had been scheduled for transcatheter closure for CS (n = 20) or migraine (n = 41). Large RLS was defined as more than 20 microbubbles at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver by c-TTE. The PFO/CS group exhibited a higher proportion of large RLS at rest (3 vs. 0, P = 0.032) and during the Valsalva maneuver (14 vs. 11, P = 0.002) than the PFO/migraine group. More specifically about PFO characteristics, the height of PFO in the PFO/CS group was higher than that in the PFO/migraine group, and the proportion of atrial septal aneurysm in the PFO/CS group was higher than that in the PFO/migraine group (8 vs. 4, P = 0.013). The ratio of D-dimer to BNP was found to be significantly higher in the PFO/CS group than the PFO/migraine group (P = 0.010). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a large RLS during Valsalva maneuver and a high ratio of D-dimer to BNP were independent factors associated with CS in PFO. The study demonstrates that a high ratio of D-dimer to BNP and large RLS by c-TTE as risk factors for CS in PFO.
Hsa-miR-485-3p Can Be Involved in the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy by Targeting IL1RN.
Wu J, Wei T, Zheng S … +3 more , Long M, Chen Y, Yuan Y
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40399050 · Publisher ↗
This article aimed to study the molecular mechanism of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and find new targets for the treatment of DR. IL1RN and hsa-miR-485-3p were screened the key molecules using bioinformatics means. Western...
This article aimed to study the molecular mechanism of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and find new targets for the treatment of DR. IL1RN and hsa-miR-485-3p were screened the key molecules using bioinformatics means. Western blot or RT-qPCR results showed a high expression of hsa-miR-485-3p and a low IL1RN expression in high glucose (HG)-treated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and DR patients. The dual luciferase reporter assay verified the targeting relationship of hsa-miR-485-3p to IL1RN, and up-regulating hsa-miR-485-3p hindered IL1RN expression. The Annexin-V/PI and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay displayed that HG induced HREC apoptosis and broke the tight connection function between cells. These effects of HG on HRECs were exacerbated by hsa-miR-485-3p upregulation and were attenuated by IL1RN overexpression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and binary logistic regression analysis showed that hsa-miR-485-3p was a risk for progression to DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while IL1RN was a potential protective factor. In a word, hsa-miR-485-3p was involved in the development of DR by regulating IL1RN, and they have certain diagnostic value, indicating that they may be novel biomarkers of DR.
Clinical Significance and Functional Analysis of miR-487b-3p in Ovarian Cancer.
Zhang S, Chen J, Gao Q … +2 more , Li Y, Wang C
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40399049 · Publisher ↗
Ovarian cancer has been regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Dysregulation of miR-487b-3p has been observed in several cancers. Present research was performed to explore the expression and function of miR-487b-3p in ovarian...
Ovarian cancer has been regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Dysregulation of miR-487b-3p has been observed in several cancers. Present research was performed to explore the expression and function of miR-487b-3p in ovarian cancer. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) have been selected from GSE131790 dataset. miR-487b-3p level in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients has been verified by qRT-PCR. Effect of miR-487b-3p for EOC has been explored in SKOV3 and A2780 cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 conducted to assess the cell viability. Cell apoptosis rate was examined by flow cytometer. Transwell experiment was conducted to assess the migration and invasiveness of cells. Target gene of miR-487b-3p was predicted by databases. Target association was certified by double luciferase experiment. miR-487b-3p was upregulated in EOC patients. High miR-487b-3p could diagnose the onset of EOC (area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.924, sensitivity = 88.79%, specificity = 84.8%). High FIGO stage (P = 0.023) and low differentiation grade (P = 0.044) were more frequently discovered in high miR-487b-3p group. miR-487b-3p could facilitate the cell viability, migration, invasiveness and inhibit the apoptosis of EOC cells. Ferrochelatase (FECH) is a direct target gene of miR-487b-3p. FECH was decreased in EOC tissues and passively related to miR-487b-3p. FECH could reverse the function of miR-487b-3p for EOC cells. Upregulated miR-487b-3p in EOC patients had high diagnostic value for EOC. miR-487b-3p facilitated EOC development via FECH.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Mobile X-ray System for Use in Disaster Situations.
Fujisawa M, Inaba Y, Kato T … +2 more , Suzuki M, Chida K
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40368799 · Publisher ↗
Mobile radiography is useful for triaging patients during disasters. However, in the face of large-scale disasters, medical equipment, including X-ray systems, may be restricted because of power outages. Therefore, a nov...
Mobile radiography is useful for triaging patients during disasters. However, in the face of large-scale disasters, medical equipment, including X-ray systems, may be restricted because of power outages. Therefore, a novel mobile radiography system that can be used in any disaster was developed, and its basic performance was evaluated. This system is designed for use during power outages and can be recharged using both household and solar power sources. The reproducibility of the X-ray output of the system (irradiation dose, tube voltage, radiation quality and irradiation time) was excellent, confirming that radiography could be performed consistently. The entrance surface dose and scattered radiation during chest radiography were measured using a chest phantom. Both results were acceptable, verifying that the system is sufficiently safe from the viewpoint of radiation protection. This novel mobile radiology system is easy to carry and can generate solar power, making it useful during a power outage in the case of a large-scale disaster or when examinations need to be performed outside a hospital, such as at a first-aid station.
Clinical Value and Molecular Mechanism of MiR-411-5p in Coronary Atherosclerosis.
Liu C, Wang Y, Sun M … +1 more , Shi T
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40368798 · Publisher ↗
Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) is a frequent clinical disease that critically affects human health and requires an early diagnostic marker. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to be diagnostic markers due to their aber...
Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) is a frequent clinical disease that critically affects human health and requires an early diagnostic marker. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to be diagnostic markers due to their aberrant expression in a wide range of diseases. In this study, the levels of miR-411-5p and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) were analyzed by qRT-PCR. ROC curves were analyzed for the diagnostic value of miR-411-5p. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) were treated with ox-LDL to construct a cell model. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors levels were evaluated by the CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of miR-411-5p were higher in CAS patients than in controls. Ox-LDL promoted the miR-411-5p levels and suppressed VASP in cells. Suppressing miR-411-5p markedly mitigated ox-LDL suppressive effect on cell proliferation while also diminishing its stimulatory roles in apoptosis and inflammation. However, this alleviation was notably reversed when VASP expression was diminished. MiR-411-5p holds promising prospects as a diagnostic marker for CAS, and targeting the miR-411-5p/VASP axis could mitigate the progression of CAS.
Nutritional Modulation Improves the Immune Function of Cervical Carcinoma Patients Receiving Radiotherapy: a Retrospective Analysis of 106 Cases.
Li J, Fang M
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40368797 · Publisher ↗
The additional nutritional supplement will attenuate those impairments associated with radiotherapy. In the current study, we hypothesized that nutritional modulation could improve immune function of cervical cancer (CC)...
The additional nutritional supplement will attenuate those impairments associated with radiotherapy. In the current study, we hypothesized that nutritional modulation could improve immune function of cervical cancer (CC) patients receiving radiotherapy. 106 CC who patients underwent radiotherapy were included in the current analysis. Fifty-five patients received a nutritional supplement containing omega-3 fats, arginine, dietary nucleotides, and soluble fiber during the radiotherapy treatment, with the remaining patients receiving a normal diet. The effects of the nutritional supplement were evaluated by collecting clinicopathological information. The analysis results showed that the body weight and body mass index (BMI) in the Nutritional group were both significantly higher than those in the Control group, along with improved nutritional status in Nutritional group assessed by patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and nutritional risk screening (NRS)-2002 scales. Moreover, all three proteins were significantly higher in the Nutritional group after the treatment when compared with the Control group, and the Nutritional group had significantly higher levels of CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, NK cells, and B lymphocytes, suggesting that nutritional modulation improved immune function of CC patients undergoing radiotherapy. Collectively, nutritional modulation could effectively improve the health status of CC patients receiving radiotherapy by benefiting the patients' nutritional status and attenuating immune deficiency associated with radiotherapy.
Hypokalemia-Induced Rhabdomyolysis with Coexisting Hypomagnesemia: A Case Report.
Migita K, Yamasaki K, Takenaka Y … +7 more , Shimanine R, Sakimura N, Mori F, Araki S, Yoshida S, Asano T, Isomoto I
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40335297 · Publisher ↗
A 69-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to muscle weakness and gait disturbance. She noted weight loss attributed to inadequate dietary intake and alcohol use approximately 4 months prior. The laboratory fi...
A 69-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to muscle weakness and gait disturbance. She noted weight loss attributed to inadequate dietary intake and alcohol use approximately 4 months prior. The laboratory findings were as follows: K 2.9 mEq/L, Ca 3.7 mg/dL, Alb 2.4 mg/dL and creatine kinase (CK) 3,986 U/L. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated abnormal signals in the proximal lower limb muscles. Hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected. However, her hypokalemia was initially refractory to potassium replacement. Further examination revealed hypomagnesemia (Mg 1.6 mg/dL), and thus oral magnesium supplementation was given alongside potassium. Afterward, the patient's clinical symptoms and electrolyte disorders normalized within10 days; her muscle weakness and myalgia with elevated levels of CK also resolved. Thus, the hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis in this patient was attributed to the coexisting magnesium deficiency. Electrolyte abnormalities and trace element deficiencies can be complicated by states of malnutrition. Awareness of hypomagnesemia may be of crucial importance for the management of hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis. This case report suggests that hypomagnesemia can worsen hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis in patients with impaired nutritional status. Therefore, careful monitoring of electrolytes is required in patients with unusual rhabdomyolysis.
Calcitriol Prevents Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating the TGF-β1/SMAD Sensor via Binding to the Nuclear Vitamin D Receptor.
Wang J, Wang Q, Huang C … +3 more , Zhang B, Wang Q, Jiang T
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40335296 · Publisher ↗
This study sought to delineate the effects of calcitriol (CAL) and clarify its role in modulating TGF-β1/SMAD-mediated myocardial fibrosis in both animal and cellular models, instigated by isoproterenol (ISO). Cardiac dy...
This study sought to delineate the effects of calcitriol (CAL) and clarify its role in modulating TGF-β1/SMAD-mediated myocardial fibrosis in both animal and cellular models, instigated by isoproterenol (ISO). Cardiac dysfunction was precipitated through the subcutaneous administration of ISO in BALB/c mice, followed by an assessment of the remedial effects of CAL. CAL intervention ameliorated cardiac fibrosis induced by excessive ISO exposure, which was underscored by the reduction in myocardial hypertrophy and levels of interstitial fibrosis in the cardiac tissue. ISO exposure triggered the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway and suppressed vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression; effects that were nullified by CAL therapy. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were extracted from myocardial ventricles of mice, and CCK-8 assays were conducted to evaluate the viability of CFs under treatments with ISO, sTβRII (a TGF-β1 inhibitor), and CAL. The CF survival rate was increased by ISO treatment, although this was counteracted via sTβRII or CAL treatment. In this cell model, ISO treatment activated TGF-β1/SMAD pathway and downregulated VDR expression, whereas CAL cotreatment exerted a converse effect on the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway and VDR expression. VDR knockdown demonstrated its role in CAL-mediated alleviation of cell fibrosis. Our observations indicated that VDR intervention enhanced the influence of ISO on the proliferation of CFs and markedly negated the protective effects of CAL on the viability of ISO-exposed CFs. These insights unveil a pioneering role for CAL in curbing ISO-provoked cardiac fibrosis and the proliferation of CFs via the restraint of the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway through engagement with the VDR.
Oxymatrine Inhibits PKM2-Mediated Glycolysis and Enhances Cisplatin Sensitivity in Bladder Cancer.
Zhang H, Li J
Tohoku J Exp Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 40335295 · Publisher ↗
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a malignancy in the genitourinary tract. Aerobic glycolysis is involved in the progression and chemoresistance of BCa. Oxymatrine is an alkaloid from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait. and posses...
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a malignancy in the genitourinary tract. Aerobic glycolysis is involved in the progression and chemoresistance of BCa. Oxymatrine is an alkaloid from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait. and possesses anticancer properties. This study aimed to validate whether oxymatrine can inhibit BCa progression by regulating glycolysis. The effects of oxymatrine on BCa cellsin vitro were evaluated using CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, and transwell assays. To determine the levels of lactate production and glucose consumption, a lactate assay kit and a glucose assay kit were used. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) expression levels were measured using immunoblotting, immunofluorescent staining, and immunohistochemistry analysis. A mouse model of BCa was constructed to explore the impact of oxymatrine (40 mg/kg) combined with cisplatin (5 mg/kg) on BCa in vivo. Oxymatrine suppressed BCa cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Oxymatrine attenuated glycolysis and downregulated the expression of PKM2 and GLUT1 in BCa cells. Overexpression of PKM2 reversed the suppressive effects of oxymatrine on the malignant phenotypes of BCa cells, while silencing PKM2 further enhanced them. Moreover, oxymatrine (40 mg/kg) or cisplatin (5 mg/kg) restrained BCa tumor growth and PKM2 expression in vivo, and these effects were further enhanced by the combination treatment with oxymatrine and cisplatin. Overall, oxymatrine inhibits cell growth and enhances cisplatin sensitivity in BCa by attenuating PKM2-mediated glycolysis, suggesting that oxymatrine is a potential anti-BCa agent.
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