Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation mechanism, maintains intracellular homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and abnormal proteins. Its dysregulation is closely associated with various diseases. Autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12), a core member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, covalently binds to ATG5 through a ubiquitin-like conjugation system to form the ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 complex. This complex directly regulates the formation and maturation of autophagosomes, making ATG12 a key molecule in the initiation of autophagy. Recent studies have revealed that ATG12 functions extend far beyond the classical autophagy context. It promotes apoptosis by binding to anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family (e.g., Bcl-2 and Mcl-1) and enhances host antiviral immunity by regulating the NF-κB and interferon signaling pathways. Moreover, ATG12 deficiency can lead to mitochondrial biogenesis impairment, energy metabolism disorders, and substrate-dependent metabolic shifts, underscoring its pivotal role in cellular metabolic homeostasis. At the disease level, dysregulation of ATG12 expression is closely linked to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. By modulating the dynamic balance between autophagy and apoptosis, ATG12 influences cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Notably, ATG12 is abnormally overexpressed in multiple cancers, including breast, liver, and gastric cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, ATG12 mitigates protein toxicity by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy. In cardiovascular diseases, it alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis, demonstrating its broad regulatory role across various pathological conditions. Genetic studies further underscore the clinical significance of ATG12. Polymorphisms in the ATG12 gene (e.g., rs26537 and rs26538) have been significantly associated with the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and atrophic gastritis. Notably, the risk allele of rs26537 enhances ATG12 promoter activity, leading to its overexpression and promoting tumorigenesis. These findings provide a molecular basis for individualized risk assessment and targeted interventions based on ATG12 genotype. Despite significant progress, many aspects of ATG12 biology remain unclear. The precise regulatory mechanisms of its post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitination and acetylation) are yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the molecular pathways underlying its non-canonical functions, such as metabolic regulation and immune modulation, require further investigation. Moreover, the functional heterogeneity of ATG12 in different tumor microenvironments and its role in drug resistance warrant in-depth exploration. Future research should integrate advanced technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy, single-cell sequencing, and organoid models to decipher the intricate regulatory network of ATG12. Additionally, developing small-molecule inhibitors or gene-editing tools targeting its protein interaction interfaces (e.g., the ATG12-ATG3 binding domain) may help overcome current therapeutic challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical translation, ATG12 holds promise as a next-generation molecular target for precision intervention in autophagy-related diseases. This review summarizes the structure and function of ATG12, its role in autophagy initiation, its physiological functions, and its involvement in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, it discusses future research directions and potential challenges, emphasizing ATG12’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in autophagy-related diseases.

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in college freshmen and the impacts of OAB on their mental health, quality of life and social interaction. Methods: An epidemiological questionnaire survey was conducted in an anonymous manner on the prevalence of OAB among 5300 freshmen aged 17 to 22 years enrolled in the 2023—2024 academic year in Xinxiang Medical University and Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University.The questionnaire included questions on basic information, history of urinary tract infection, constipation, smoking, history of alcohol consumption, history of coffee/strong tea drinking, history of carbonated beverage drinking, redundant prepuce, phimosis, holding urine, chronic insomnia, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), quality of life score (QoL), and social avoidance and distress scale (SADS).The influencing factors of OAB were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.The subjects were grouped according to whether they had OAB, and the differences in SAS, QoL and SADS between the OAB group and non-OAB group were compared.The impacts of OAB on the anxiety level, quality of life, and social interaction were analyzed with multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence rate of OAB was 4.9% (244/5018).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the history of urinary tract infection (OR=0.177), constipation (OR=0.636), smoking (OR=0.582), alcohol consumption (OR=0.685), coffee/strong tea drinking (OR=0.387), carbonated beverage drinking (OR=0.631), redundant prepuce (OR=0.673), phimosis (OR=0.311), urine holding (OR=0.593), and chronic insomnia (OR=0.256) were influencing factors for the occurrence of OAB (P＜0.05).The OAB group had higher SAS score [(41.18±6.54) vs. (38.61±6.36)], QoL score [(3.65±1.20) vs. (2.79±0.95)], social avoidance score [(6.25±1.86) vs. (5.86±1.51)], social distress score [(6.27±1.59) vs. (5.97±1.32)], and total SADS score [(12.51±2.35) vs. (11.84±2.01)] than the non-OAB group (P＜0.05).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that OAB could independently affect the scores of QoL, SAS, and SADS.The OAB group had higher scores of QoL, SAS, and SADS compared with the non-OAB group (P＜0.001). Conclusion: History of urinary tract infection, constipation, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee/strong tea drinking, carbonated beverage drinking, redundant prepuce, phimosis, urine holding, and chronic insomnia are influencing factors for the occurrence of OAB in male college students.Moreover, OAB has negative impacts on their mental health, quality of life, and social interaction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating defensive qi and nourishing brain) for post-ischemic stroke insomnia (PISI). METHODS: A total of 96 patients with PISI were randomized into an acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case was excluded), a medication group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded) and a sham-acupuncture group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out, 1 case was excluded). In the acupuncture group, Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shenmai (BL62), Zhaohai (KI6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), and Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (GV24⁺), Shenting (GV24), once a day, 1-day interval was taken after 6-day treatment, for 3 weeks totally. In the medication group, eszopiclone tablet was given orally, 1-3 mg a time, once a day for 3 weeks. In the sham-acupuncture group, non-invasive sham acupuncture was applied, the acupoint selection, frequency and course of treatment were the same as the acupuncture group. Before treatment, after 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating sleep scale (SRSS), National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS), Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) were observed; before and after treatment, the sleep parameters were recorded using polysomnography (PSG); and the efficacy and safety were evaluated after treatment in the 3 groups. RESULTS: After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, HAMD-17 and SRSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the SRSS scores in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); after 2 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS score in the acupuncture group was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group, the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS, HAMD-17 and NIHSS in the acupuncture group and the medication group, as well as the NIHSS score in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased compared with those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). After 2,3 weeks of treatment, the scores of PSQI, SRSS and HAMD-17 in the acupuncture group and the medication group were lower than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05), the NIHSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the medication group and the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); after 3 weeks of treatment, HAMD-17 score in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the NIHSS score in the medication group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, after treatment, the total sleep time was prolonged (P<0.05), the wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep latency were shortened (P<0.05), the sleep efficiency was improved (P<0.05), the number of awakenings was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of rapid eye movement (REM%) and the percentage of NREM stage 1 (N1%) were decreased (P<0.05), the percentage of NREM stage 2 (N2%) and the percentage of NREM stage 3 (N3%) were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group and the medication group; the sleep latency was shortened in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the PSG indexes in the acupuncture group and the medication group were superior to those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05); in the acupuncture group, the number of awakenings was less than that in the medication group (P<0.05), the REM% and N1% were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05), the N2% and N3% were higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate were 93.5% (29/31) and 90.0% (27/30) in the acupuncture group and the medication group respectively, which were higher than 10.0% (3/30) in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05). There was no serious adverse events in any of the 3 groups. CONCLUSION Tiaowei Jiannao acupuncture improves the insomnia symptoms in patients with ischemic stroke, improves the quality of sleep, increases the deep sleep, promotes the recovery of neurological function, and relieves the depression. It is effective and safe for the treatment of PISI.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Ischemic Stroke/complications* ; Stroke/complications* ; Sleep

This paper explored the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rg_1 in regulating mitochondrial fusion through the neurogenic gene Notch homologous protein 1(Notch1) pathway to alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury in HL-1 cells. The relative viability of HL-1 cells after six hours of hypoxia and two hours of reoxygenation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in the cell supernatant was detected by the lactate substrate method. The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) was detected by the luciferin method. Fluorescence probes were used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species(Cyto-ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨ_m). Mito-Tracker and Actin were co-imaged to detect the number of mitochondria in cells. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, mitochondrial fusion protein 2(Mfn2), and mitochondrial fusion protein 1(Mfn1). The results showed that compared with that of the control group, the cell activity of the model group decreased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant increased. The level of Cyto-ROS increased, and the content of ATP decreased. Compared with that of the model group, the cell activity of the ginsenoside Rg_1 group increased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant decreased. The level of Cyto-ROS decreased, and the ATP content increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 elevated ΔΨ_m and increased mitochondrial quantity in HL-1 cells with H/R injury and had good protection for mitochondria. After H/R injury, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and Mfn1 decreased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 increased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. Silencing Notch1 inhibited the action of ginsenoside Rg_1, decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and increased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. In summary, ginsenoside Rg_1 regulated mitochondrial fusion through the Notch1 pathway to alleviate H/R injury in HL-1 cells.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Receptor, Notch1/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Animals ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/drug effects* ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment. METHODS: ApoE^-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation. RESULTS: Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36. CONCLUSION Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Blood Platelets/drug effects* ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency* ; Thrombospondin 1/metabolism* ; CD36 Antigens/metabolism* ; Platelet Activation/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Probiotics play a crucial role in colon cancer treatment by metabolizing prebiotics to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Colon cancer patients are frequently propositioned to supplement with probiotics to enhance the conversion and utilization of prebiotics. Nevertheless, the delivery and colonization of probiotics is hindered by the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Here, we devised a straightforward yet potent modified prebiotic-based "shield" (Gelatin-Inulin, GI), employing dietary inulin and natural polymer gelatin crosslinked via hydrogen bonding for enveloping Lactobacillus reuteri (Lr) to formulate synbiotic hydrogel capsules (Lr@Gl). The GI "shield" serves as a dynamic barrier, augmenting the resistance of Lr to gastric acid and facilitating its bioactivity and adherence in the GIT, synergizing with Lr to elicit an anti-tumor effect. Simultaneously, Lr@GI demonstrates anti-tumor effects by depleting glutathione to release reactive oxygen species, accompanied by the activation of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3), and the induction M1 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, Lr@GI can not only promote the recovery of intestinal barrier but also regulate intestinal flora, promoting the production of SCFAs and further exerting anti-tumor effect. Crucially, Lr@GI also potentiates the anti-tumor effect of 5-Fluorouracil. The construction and synergistic anti-tumor mechanism of synbiotic hydrogel capsules system provide valuable insights for gut microbial tumor therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in northwest China; however, the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure during sand-dust storms (SDS) remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PM exposure on SDS days and COPD hospitalization risk in arid regions. METHODS: Data on daily COPD hospitalizations were collected from 323 hospitals from 2018 to 2022, along with the corresponding air pollutant and meteorological data for each city in Gansu Province. Employing a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression, we analyzed 265,379 COPD hospitalizations. RESULTS: PM exposure during SDS days significantly increased COPD hospitalization risk [relative risk ( RR) for PM _2.5, lag 3:1.028, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.021-1.034], particularly among men and the elderly, and during the cold season. The burden of PM exposure on COPD hospitalization was substantially high in Northwest China, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a positive correlation between PM exposure during SDS episodes and elevated hospitalization rates for COPD in arid and semi-arid zones in China. This highlights the urgency of developing region-specific public health strategies to address adverse respiratory outcomes associated with SDS-related air quality deterioration.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/chemically induced* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Adult ; Sand ; Air Pollution

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the electrocardiogram index， myocardial morphology， and connexin 43 （Cx43） expression of two rat models of acute cerebral infarction （ACI） due to stasis combined with toxin complicated with cerebral-cardiac syndrome （CCS）， and to provide experimental evidence for the research on the occurrence mechanism of cardiac diseases induced by ACI and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CCS. MethodSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into six groups （n=10）： normal ， syndrome of stasis combined with toxin induced by carrageenin combined with dry yeast （CA/Y）， multi-infarct induced by micro-embolism （ME）， middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）， CA/Y+ME， and CA/Y+MCAO groups. The model of syndrome of stasis combined with toxin was established by intraperitoneal injection with carrageenan （CA） at 10 mg·kg^-1 on the first day and subcutaneous injection with dry yeast （Y） suspension （2 mg·kg^-1） on the second day of modeling. Twenty-four hours after the modeling of ACI， the electrocardiograms （ECGs） of rats in each group were collected and the number/percentage （%） of abnormal ECG was calculated. The infarct area of the brain was evaluated by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining， and myocardial injury was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immumohistochemical staining and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of Cx43 in the myocardium. ResultA certain number of rats in each model group presented abnormal ECG. Compared with the normal group and CA/Y group， CA/Y+MCAO group had the highest rate of abnormal ECG （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal， CA/Y， ME， and CA/Y+ME groups， the CA/Y+ME and CA/Y+MCAO groups showed decreased amplitudes of P-wave and T-wave， shortened P-R interval， and extended Q-T interval， which were particularly obvious in the CA/Y+MCAO group （P<0.05， P<0.01） and in accordance with the cerebral infarction area and pathological changes. The expression of Cx43 was up-regulated in both CA/Y+ME and CA/Y+MCAO groups， especially in the CA/Y+MCAO group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe two rat models of ACI due to stasis combined with toxin complicated with CCS can be used to study the mechanism of heart diseases caused by cerebrovascular diseases and the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicines with the functions of resolving stasis and detoxifying. Moreover， the CA/Y+MCAO method has higher abnormal electrocardiogram rate， severer myocardial pathological injury， and higher expression of Cx43 protein. The models can be chosen according to specific experimental purpose.

Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death， characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Cardiovascular disease （CVD） is an ischemic or hemorrhagic disease of the heart caused by various factors， mainly including myocardial infarction， heart failure， etc. Ferroptosis is involved in the process of myocardial cell damage and plays a driving role in the progression of various CVDs. Its main mechanisms include the destruction of iron homeostasis， the production of reactive oxygen species， the disorder of the antioxidant system， mitochondrial membrane damage， endoplasmic reticulum stress， tumor suppressor gene p53， transcription factor Nrf2 pathway， etc. Myocardial injury is one of the causes of death in many patients with heart disease. Monomers or compounds of traditional Chinese medicine have shown good effects in the treatment of myocardial cell injury caused by ferroptosis， including baicalin protecting cardiac microvascular endothelial cells of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion （I/R） rats through intracellular phosphatidylinositol kinase/phosphokinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase （PI3K/Akt/eNOS） pathway， Aralia elata saponin inhibiting myocardial cell ferroptosis through glucocorticoid receptor/p53/solute carrier family 7 members 11 （NR3C1/p53/SLC7A11） pathway， Xinyang tablets improving oxidative stress by regulating phosphorylated serine/threonine protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase/p53 （MLK3/JNK/p53） signaling pathway. It is of great significance to explore the mechanism of ferroptosis and the protective effect of related traditional Chinese medicine after myocardial cell injury. This article reviews the mechanism of ferroptosis and its relationship with myocardial cells， as well as traditional Chinese medicine monomers and formulas for treating CVDs through the ferroptosis pathway. The article focuses on the pathways and effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment， so as to provide a reference for the treatment of CVDs with traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To summarize the incidence of cerebral venous reflux (CVR) in patients with recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI) and explore its correlation with enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS).Methods:Patients with RSSI in the lenticulostriate artery admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to December 2022 were included. The baseline demographic data, medical history, and laboratory results of the patients were collected. CVR was assessed by time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the presence (CVR group) or absence of CVR (non-CVR group), and baseline characteristics as well as laboratory test results were compared between the 2 groups. The location and number of EPVS were evaluated using a visual grading scale, with EPVS with higher scores defined as high-grade EPVS (HEPVS). Simultaneous evaluation of cerebral white matter hyperintensities and lacunar infarctions was conducted, followed by intergroup comparisons. The relationship between EPVS and CVR was studied using multiple Logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 571 patients with RSSI in the lentiform artery area were ultimately included, including 180 females (31.5%). Their age was (59.37±12.87) years. Among them, 73 patients (12.8%) exhibited CVR based on imaging findings, so the incidence of CVR was 12.8%. In comparison between the CVR group ( n=73) and the non-CVR group ( n=498), the proportion of females [21.9% (16/73) vs 32.9% (164/498), χ 2=3.578, P=0.059] was lower and the proportion of history of smoking [38.4% (28/73) vs 27.7% (138/498), χ 2=3.499, P=0.061] was higher in the CVR group, but without statistical significance. Additionally, the history of alcohol consumption [34.2% (25/73) vs 21.7% (108/498), χ 2=5.621, P=0.018] and the proportion of patients with concomitant HEPVS in the basal ganglia area [41.1% (30/73) vs 25.3% (126/498), χ 2=7.999, P=0.005] was higher in the CVR group with statistical significance. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that HEPVS in the basal ganglia region remained independently associated with CVR ( OR=1.988, 95% CI 1.190-3.320, P=0.009). Conclusion:EPVS in the basal ganglia region is significantly associated with CVR in the RSSI population, suggesting that venous dysfunction may be closely related to the formation of EPVS.