1.Characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 gene methylation and its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huajie XIE ; Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Wanlin NA ; Huan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Zonghai HU ; Yuan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):284-291
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 (MTIF2) gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples, including survival curve analysis, methylation signature analysis, the association of tumor signaling pathways, and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level, and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races, ethnicities, BMI levels, and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation (hazard ratio [HR]=0.492, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels (P>0.05). The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages, sexes, BMI levels, races, ethnicities, and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age, and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population (P<0.05); the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (P<0.05). Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population (P<0.05). ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.
2.Research progress in antibody drug therapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Yanyan SUN ; Weichen ZHAO ; Chunyuan HE ; Yimiao XIA ; Wei ZHOU ; Yuanyuan ZHEN ; Junjie JIANG ; Facai WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1677-1682
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Although standard first-line regimens can cure >50% of patients, approximately one-third of them develop relapsed/refractory DLBCL (r/r DLBCL). Consequently, immunotherapy targeting molecular abnormalities has become pivotal for managing r/r DLBCL. The results of this review show that with advances in understanding DLBCL pathogenesis and the tumor immune microenvironment, antibody-based therapies have evolved rapidly, progressing from monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab, tafasitamab) to bispecific antibodies(e.g., odronextamab,glofitamab, epcoritamab) and antibody-drug conjugate (e.g., polatuzumab vedotin, loncastuximab tesirine). These engineered agents enhance immune cytotoxicity and tumor-specific targeting, providing novel therapeutic options for r/r DLBCL patients.
3.Protein palmitoylation: A potential therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
Sijia ZHAO ; Yanyan YANG ; Hong LI ; Pin SUN ; Xiangqin HE ; Chao WANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Yu TIAN ; Tao YU ; Zhirong JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5127-5144
Palmitoylation, an essential covalent attachment of a fatty acid (usually C16 palmitate) to cysteine residues within proteins, is crucial for regulating protein functionality and enzymatic activities. This lipid modification facilitates the anchoring of proteins to cellular membranes, dictating their subcellular distribution and influencing protein transport dynamics and intracellular positioning. Additionally, it plays a role in regulating protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Palmitoylation is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases by modulating substrates and prompting additional post-translational modifications, as well as by interacting with other molecular alterations. Moreover, an intervention strategy focusing on palmitoylation processes is anticipated to offer novel therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular pathologies and address extant challenges in clinical settings. This review consolidates current research on the role and importance of palmitoylation in cardiovascular diseases by exploring its regulatory functions, the catalyzing enzymes, and the involved substrates. It highlights recent discoveries connecting palmitoylation-targeted therapies to cardiovascular health and examines potential approaches and future challenges in cardiovascular treatment.
4.Carrier screening for 223 monogenic diseases in Chinese population:a multi-center study in 33 104 individuals
Wei HOU ; Xiaolin FU ; Xiaoxiao XIE ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Jiaxin BIAN ; Xiao MAO ; Juan WEN ; Chunyu LUO ; Hua JIN ; Qian ZHU ; Qingwei QI ; Yeqing QIAN ; Jing YUAN ; Yanyan ZHAO ; Ailan YIN ; Shutie LI ; Yulin JIANG ; Manli ZHANG ; Rui XIAO ; Yanping LU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(6):1015-1023
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and mutation spectrum of monogenic diseases in Chinese population through a large-scale,multicenter carrier screening.Methods This study was conducted among a total of 33 104 participants(16 610 females)from 12 clinical centers across China.Carrier status for 223 genes was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and different PCR methods.Results The overall combined carrier frequency was 55.58%for 197 autosomal genes and 1.84%for 26 X-linked genes in these participants.Among the 16 669 families,874 at-risk couples(5.24%)were identified.Specifically,584 couples(3.50%)were at risk for autosomal genes,306(1.84%)for X-linked genes,and 16 for both autosomal and X-linked genes.The most frequently detected autosomal at-risk genes included GJB2(autosomal recessive deafness type 1A,393 couples),HBA1/HBA2(α-thalassemia,36 couples),PAH(phenylketonuria,14 couples),and SMN1(spinal muscular atrophy,14 couples).The most frequently detected X-linked at-risk genes were G6PD(G6PD deficiency,236 couples),DMD(Duchenne muscular dystrophy,23 couples),and FMR1(fragile X syndrome,17 couples).After excluding GJB2 c.109G>A,the detection rate of at-risk couples was 3.91%(651/16 669),which was lowered to 1.72%(287/16 669)after further excluding G6PD.The theoretical incidence rate of severe monogenic birth defects was approximately 4.35‰(72.5/16 669).Screening for a battery of the top 22 most frequent genes in the at-risk couples could detect over 95%of at-risk couples,while screening for the top 54 genes further increased the detection rate to over 99%.Conclusion This study reveals the carrier frequencies of 223 monogenic genetic disorders in the Chinese population and provides evidence for carrier screening strategy development and panel design tailored to the Chinese population.In carrier testing,genetic counseling for specific genes or gene variants can be challenging,and the couples need to be informed of these difficulties before testing and provided with options for not screening these genes or gene variants.
5.Moxibustion inhibits NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway mediated cell pyroptosis and alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Yanyan YU ; Juan LIU ; Yue YANG ; Qianhui WANG ; Shan LI ; Jie JIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(34):5473-5479
BACKGROUND:It was found that moxibustion can inhibit the inflammatory factors in the serum of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,resist oxidative stress,inhibit cell apoptosis,and effectively reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of different moxibustion intervention time on the expression levels of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like protein 3 inflammasome(NLRP3),cysteine aspartase(caspase-1),apoptosis-related speck-like protein,exfoliatin-D protein,interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,and to explore its action mechanism. METHODS:SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(n=9)and operation group(n=36).The model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion in the operation group.After successful modeling,the rats in the operation group were further divided into model group,moxibustion 10-minute group,moxibustion 15-minute group and moxibustion 30-minute group,with 9 rats in each group.Rats in the moxibustion 10-minute,15-minute and 30-minute groups were given moxibustion at"Baihui,Dazhui and Zusanli",respectively,once a day for a total of 7 days.The neurological deficits of rats were evaluated by LONGA method.The cerebral infarction was observed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.The pathological changes of brain tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The contents of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in serum of rats in each group were detected by ELISA.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay were used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,apoptosis-related spot-like protein and gasdermin D in the ischemic cortex of rats in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the neurological deficit score of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score of the moxibustion groups was significantly reduced(P<0.01).Compared with the sham operation group,the infarct volume of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the infarct volume of the moxibustion groups was significantly reduced(P<0.01);the infarct volume of the rats was smallest in the moxibustion 30-minute group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the contents of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in the serum of rats in the moxibustion groups were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the moxibustion 10-minute group,the contents of inflammatory factors in the serum of rats in the moxibustion 30-minute group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the expression of NLRP3,apoptosis-related spot-like protein,Caspase-1 and gasdermin D protein in the ischemic cortex of the moxibustion groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the moxibustion 10-minute and 15-minute groups,the expression of protein in the moxibustion 30-minute group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).It is concluded that moxibustion at Baihui,Dazhui and Zusanli can reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury,among which moxibustion for 30 minutes has the best effect,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway.
6.Proteomic analysis and validation of DNA repair regulation in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Wei SUN ; Chenxia LIU ; Wanlin NA ; Hongxuan XU ; Jing XIE ; Yuan LIU ; Min CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(2):319-326
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of DNA repair regulation in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. MethodsHCC tissue samples were collected from the patients with recurrence within two years or the patients with a good prognosis after 5 years, and the Tandem Mass Tag-labeled quantification proteomic study was used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins enriched in the four pathways of DNA replication, mismatch repair, base excision repair, and nucleotide excision repair, and the regulatory pathways and targets that play a key role in the process of HCC recurrence were analyzed to predict the possible regulatory mechanisms. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsFor the eukaryotic replication complex pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of MCM2 (P=0.018), MCM3 (P=0.047), MCM4 (P=0.014), MCM5 (P=0.008), MCM6 (P=0.006), MCM7 (P=0.007), PCNA (P=0.019), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), and LIG1 (P=0.042); for the nucleotide excision repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of PCNA (P=0.019), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), and LIG1 (P=0.042); for the base excision repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of PCNA (P=0.019) and LIG1 (P=0.042) in the HCC recurrence group; for the mismatch repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of MSH2 (P=0.026), MSH6 (P=0.006), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), PCNA (P=0.019), and LIG1 (P=0.042) in recurrent HCC tissue. The differentially expressed proteins were involved in the important components of MCM complex, DNA polymerase complex, ligase LIG1, long patch base shear repair complex (long patch BER), and DNA mismatch repair protein complex. The clinical sample validation analysis of important differentially expressed proteins regulated by DNA repair showed that except for MCM6 with a trend of reduction, the recurrence group also had significant reductions in the relative protein expression levels of MCM5 (P=0.008), MCM7 (P=0.007), RCF4 (P=0.002), RCF5 (P<0.001), and MSH6 (P=0.006). ConclusionThere are significant reductions or deletions of multiple complex protein components in the process of DNA repair during HCC recurrence.
7.Research progress on relationship between air pollutant exposure during early life and neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Yanyan JIANG ; Juan TONG ; Fangbiao TAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(7):828-833
In recent years, the effects of air pollutants on the neurodevelopmental disorders in children have received widespread attention. Early life is a critical period of rapid brain development, and exposure to air pollutants during this period may permanently alter brain function. This paper reviewed the epidemiological studies on the association between exposure to air pollutants during early life and children's neurodevelopmental disorders in recent years, with focus on outdoor air pollutants (e.g., PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and CO) and indoor air pollutants (e.g., cooking oil fumes, tobacco and mosquito incense smoke, and formaldehyde from home decoration), and summarized their possible biological mechanisms. Most studies indicate that pollutants in different periods and at different levels of exposure during early life can negatively affect children's neurodevelopment and that there may be a dose-response relationship between certain air pollutants and children's neurodevelopment. Current research on the effects of indoor air pollutants on children's neurodevelopment focus on exposure to tobacco smoke, while other indoor air pollutants such as cooking oil fumes and organic compounds produced by interior decorative materials are less well reported and their underlying biological mechanisms are not yet clear. Further epidemiological studies, animal and cellular experiments are needed to provide evidence for the neurodevelopmental toxicity of air pollutant exposure in the future, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for environmental eugenics and promote healthy development of children.
8.Analysis on Mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in Relieving Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Chuyang JIANG ; Zhaonan WANG ; Jiahao LI ; Qianyu QING ; Le ZHAO ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Yanyan LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):20-28
Objective To analyze the mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in relieving pain of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)based on network pharmacology;To verify it in animal experiments.Methods The active components of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment were obtained by TCMSP database,PubChem database and SwissADME platform,the effective components were screened,and the targets were obtained from SEA database.KOA disease-related targets were obtained from GeneCards,OMIM and other databases,and the intersection targets were obtained.A effective component-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 Software.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by STRING database and core targets were screened.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of intersection targets were analyzed using DAVID platform.The KOA rat model with cold and damp syndrome was established,and the intervention of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment was carried out.The efficacy was observed and the core target expressions were detected.Results Totally 104 effective components were screened from Huangwu Ganfu Ointment,and 59 potential targets were obtained for treating KOA.PPI network interaction analysis obtained the important targets of IL6,IL1B and PTGS2.KEGG enrichment results showed that Huangwu Ganfu Ointment may involve 84 signaling pathways such as IL-17,TNF,TRP and NF-κB in the treatment of KOA,most of which were related to inflammation.The results of animal experiments showed that Lecuesne MG scores increased in the model rats(P<0.05),and paw withdrawal threshold(PWT)significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,PWT in Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups were significantly recovered,and synovitis Krenn score decreased(P<0.05).The Mankin score of cartilage tissue of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment high-dosage group decreased(P<0.05).The contents of IL-6 and IL-1β in all Huangwu Ganfu Ointment groups decreased(P<0.01).Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups could down-regulate the expression of TRPV1 protein(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in alleviating the pain of KOA may be related to reducing inflammatory response,reducing the release of inflammatory factors of IL-1β and IL-6,alleviating inflammatory pain sensitivity of KOA,and down-regulating the expression level of TRPV1.
9.Long-term efficacy and literature review of liver transplant recipients with hepatic myelopathy
Zhaoxian LI ; Yan XIE ; Li ZHANG ; Jisan SUN ; Yanyan SUN ; Xinghui YU ; Zhongyang SHEN ; Wentao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(1):34-40
Objective:To explore the long-term therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of liver transplantation for patients with hepatic myelopathy (HM).Methods:Retrospective analysis of 24 adult liver transplantation recipients due to HM at First Central Municipal Hospital from January 2006 to October 2022. HM was extensively classified by the severity of lower extremity symptoms, degree of muscle stiffness, capability for independent ambulation and muscle strength. Furthermore, their long-term outcomes were examined. From January 2000 to October 2022, the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) , Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science were searched with such keywords as "肝性脊髓病and肝移植" "Hepatic Myelopathy and Liver Transplantation" .Results:After liver transplantation, liver functions and blood ammonia normalized and most clinical symptoms improved. During a follow-up period of (12-190) months, 19 patients showed a lowered grade of HC as compared to pre-transplantation. Four cases achieved a complete recovery of extremity function. No change occurred in severity grade for the remaining 5 patients. However, 4 of them experienced varying degrees of improvement in muscle strength and independent walking capability. This review summarized the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of 17 patients from both domestic and international sources. Most of them experiences varying degrees of symptomatic improvements after liver transplantation (16 cases).Conclusions:This study has confirmed the effectiveness of liver transplantation for HM and its contribution to the long-term patient recovery.
10.Preliminary Proteomics-based Investigation of Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of BD-77 by Nebulized Inhalation on Respiratory Viral Infections
Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Shanshan GUO ; Lirun ZHOU ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Xing LI ; Cigang HUANG ; Kun JIANG ; Feiyan PENG ; Zhou XU ; Chenggang HUANG ; Xiaolan CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):52-59
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of BD-77 by nebulized inhalation on animal models of various respiratory viral infections and investigate the mechanism of broad-spectrum antiviral action of BD-77 using proteomics. MethodThe influenza virus H1N1/FM1 experiment used ICR mice and divided them into a normal group, model group, Tamiflu group, and BD-77 groups of 75 and 37.5 g·L-1 for inhalation of 20 min and 25 min. Human coronavirus 229E and OC43 experiment divided the BALB/c mice into a normal group, model group, chloroquine phosphate group, and BD-77 groups of 75, 37.5, 18.75, and 9.375 g·L-1, with 10 mice in each group. Influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection-induced pneumonia models were used to detect mouse lung index, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the viral load in lung tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect related inflammatory factors in lung tissue, and proteomics analysis was performed on the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice. ResultCompared with that in the normal group, the lung index of mice in each infection group was significantly increased (P<0.01), and viral nucleic acid could be detected in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E were all significantly increased (P<0.01). BD-77 could significantly reduce the lung index of mice infected with influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.05, P<0.01), cut down the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.01), and lower the contents of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E (P<0.01). Proteomics analysis of the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice showed that BD-77 regulated the AMPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. ConclusionNebulized inhalation of BD-77 is effective in treating pneumonia caused by influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection in mice and may exert its antiviral effects by regulating the balance of cellular metabolism, enhancing the immune function of the host, and attenuating inflammatory responses.

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