1.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
2.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
3.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
4.Engineering of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and their application progress in the field of oral medicine
ZHAO Yunfeng ; LIU Qian ; LI Meng ; LI Luying ; ZHANG Wei ; HU Xiantong ; MA Chufan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):792-800
In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) have garnered increasing attention in the field of stomatology and have become an established research area in biomedical research. This article reviews the engineering of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and their application in the field of stomatology, in order to provide new ideas for the development of stomatology. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane vesicles secreted by cells and contain a variety of proteins, RNAs, lipids, and other biomolecules. They are transported through the circulatory system and can interact with other cells to regulate their biological behavior and participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In the treatment of oral diseases, exosomes have shown great potential due to their natural biological activity and versatility. However, studies have found that relying solely on the function of natural exosomes may not fully meet the complex clinical requirements. Therefore, the concept of engineered exosomes has emerged. Engineered exosomes can be modified by bioengineering technology to enhance their targeting, allowing them to reach the lesion site more accurately. At the same time, engineered exosomes can also be surface modified or loaded internally to carry specific therapeutic molecules, such as drugs, gene editing tools or signaling molecules to improve the therapeutic effect. In addition, this engineered treatment can also confer greater stability to exosomes, making them better able to resist clearance by the immune system when circulating in the body, extending their half-life, and improving the effectiveness of treatment. Although engineered exosomes have attracted extensive attention in the fields of stomatology and other fields, their application is still mainly in the stage of basic research. To promote the clinical application of engineered exosomes, it is necessary to provide more sufficient evidence of biocompatibility and clarify their therapeutic effect and mechanism.
5.Short-term effectiveness of Gamma 3 U-Blade system for osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.
Wenbin FAN ; Liu SHI ; Tian XIE ; Cheng ZHANG ; Xiangxu CHEN ; Hui CHEN ; Yunfeng RUI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(1):47-52
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the short-term effectiveness between Gamma 3 intramedullary nails and Gamma 3 U-Blade system in the treatment of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 124 elderly patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures, who were admitted between February 2020 and February 2023 and met the selection criteria. The fractures were fixed with Gamma 3 intramedullary nails in 65 patients (control group) and Gamma 3 U-Blade systems in 59 patients (UB group). The differences between the two groups were not significant in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, bone mineral density, time from injury to operation, fracture classification, and affected side ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and fracture healing time were recorded; the tip-apex distance, fracture reduction quality, and lag screw position were evaluated on X-ray films at immediate after operation; the lag screw sliding distance and change value of neck-shaft angle were measured on X-ray films at last follow-up. Harris hip score at 1 year after operation and the occurrence of internal fixation-related complications were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay in the UB group increased compared to the control group, but the differences were not significant ( P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.1 months). At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in the Harris hip score between the two groups ( P<0.05). Radiological examination showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in terms of tip-apex distance, fracture reduction quality, and lag screw position. Fractures healed in both groups, and there was no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the change value of neck-shaft angle and lag screw sliding distance in the UB group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). During follow-up, no related complications occurred in the UB group, while 6 cases (9.2%) in the control group experienced complications, and the difference in the incidence was significant ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
For the osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly, the Gamma 3 U-Blade system fixation can achieve good short-term effectiveness, with better imaging results compared to Gamma 3 intramedullary nails fixation.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hip Fractures/surgery*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods*
;
Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery*
;
Bone Nails
;
Bone Screws
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Fracture Healing
;
Operative Time
;
Length of Stay
6.Trends in burden of pelvic fractures from 1990 to 2023 and long short-term memory-based insights into future projections.
Wenbin FAN ; Yueheng YIN ; Chuwei TIAN ; Jun ZHOU ; Tian XIE ; Liu SHI ; Guodong LIU ; Yunfeng RUI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1371-1380
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the disease burden of pelvic fractures at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2023 using data from the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), and to predict the disease burden through 2050.
METHODS:
Leveraging data from the GBD 2023, this study investigated the disease burden of pelvic fractures across 204 countries and regions. Assessment indicators included incidence rate, prevalence rate, and years lived with disability (YLDs). The Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze trends in pelvic fracture burden from 1990 to 2023, while the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to quantify this temporal trend. The relationship between the socio-demographic index and pelvic fracture burden was evaluated. Furthermore, the long short-term memory (LSTM) model was applied to predict trends in pelvic fracture burden through 2050.
RESULTS:
In 2023, the estimated number of new pelvic fracture cases globally was 7 479 884 [95% uncertainty interval ( UI): 5 293 401-10 611 876], representing a 42.74% increase from 1990. In the same year, the number of prevalent pelvic fracture cases and YLDs were 23 007 508 (95% UI: 21 021 518-25 327 165) and 3 909 228 person-years (95% UI: 2 725 498-5 194 385), respectively. Additionally, age-standardized rates exhibited an opposing downward trend. Significant disparities in the disease burden of pelvic fractures were identified across different age groups, genders, and social contexts. According to predictions from the LSTM model, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of pelvic fractures will be approximately 88.44 per 100 000 persons by 2050, while the total number of incident cases will rise to 8 547 095.
CONCLUSION
Although the overall incidence rate, prevalence rate, and YLDs of pelvic fractures have exhibited an upward trend over the past three decades, the ASIR, age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized years of life lost rate (ASYR) have shown a downward trend. It is predicted that over the upcoming 26-year period, the age-standardized rate of disease burden due to pelvic fractures will further decrease, while the number of incident cases and prevalent cases will continue to exhibit an upward trend. Formulating more targeted disease prevention strategies is critical to addressing disparities across genders, regions, and other dimensions, and to mitigating the burden of pelvic fractures.
Humans
;
Fractures, Bone/epidemiology*
;
Pelvic Bones/injuries*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Incidence
;
Prevalence
;
Aged
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Global Health
;
Adolescent
;
Cost of Illness
;
Young Adult
;
Forecasting
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Memory, Short-Term
7.Anteromedial cortical support reduction in treatment of trochanteric femur fractures: a ten-year reappraisal.
Sunjun HU ; Shouchao DU ; Shimin CHANG ; Wei MAO ; Zhenhai WANG ; Kewei TIAN ; Tao LIU ; Yunfeng RUI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(12):1501-1509
OBJECTIVE:
This review summarized the first 10-year progresses and controversies in the concept of anteromedial cortical support reduction, to provide references for further study and clinical applications.
METHODS:
Relevant domestic and foreign literature on cortical support reduction was extensively reviewed to summarize the definition of positive, neutral, and negative support, anteromedial cortices at the inferior corner, intraoperative technical tips for fracture reduction, radiographic assessment at different periods, comparison between positive versus neutral and medial versus anterior support, and the clinical efficacy of Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) and postoperative stability score.
RESULTS:
Anteromedial cortical support reduction was only focused on the cortex of anteromedial inferior corner, with no concern the status of lateral wall or lesser trochanter. Anteromedial cortex was seldom involved by fracture comminution, it was thicker, denser, and stronger, and was the key for mechanical buttress of the head-neck fragment to share compression load. Positive, neutral, and negative support were also called "extramedullary, anatomic, and intramedullary reduction", respectively. There was hardly seen parallel cortical apposition, but characterized by some kinds of head-neck rotation, for example 10°-15° flexed rotation for positive cortical contact and support. Due to intraoperative compression and postoperative impaction, the status of cortical support may be changed at different time of radiographic examination. The positive medial cortex support was more reliable with less reduction loss than its neutral counterpart, and the anterior cortex contact was more predictive than the medial cortex for final results. As incorporation the bearing of cortex apposition and using a 4-point score, CRQC demonstrated more efficacy and was gradually accepted and applied in the evaluation of trochanteric fracture reduction quality. Postoperative stability score (8 points) provided a assessment tool for early weight-bearing in safety to prevent mechanical failure.
CONCLUSION
Anteromedial cortical support reduction is a key point for stability reconstruction in the treatment of trochanteric femur fractures. Evidence has definitely shown that non-negative (positive and neutral) is superior to negative (loss of cortical support). There is a tendency that positive cortex support is superior to neutral, but high quality study with large sample size is needed for a clear conclusion.
Humans
;
Femur/diagnostic imaging*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Hip Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods*
8.Experience of the use of cerebral embolic protection device during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Lan ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Ziwei XI ; Fei YUAN ; Jing YAO ; Zhengming JIANG ; Yunfeng YAN ; Guangyuan SONG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(4):541-548
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study is a subgroup analysis of the China Moderate to Severe Valvular Heart Disease Registry, which has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075006).
METHODS:
Patients undergoing TAVR with the Sentinel CEPD from October 2023 to September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 80 patients were included, with a median age of 72 (68, 76) years, including 52 males (65.0%) and 28 females (35.0%); 62 patients (77.5%) with tricuspid valves, and 18 patients (22.5%) with bicuspid valves; 34 patients (42.5%) with type Ⅰ aortic arch, 24 patients (30.0%) with type Ⅱ aortic arch, 12 patients (15.0%) with type Ⅲ aortic arch, and 10 patients (12.5%) with bovine-type aortic arch. Clinical data of the patients were summarized and analyzed. The primary endpoints were success rate of Sentinel CEPD implantation, as well as all-cause death, symptomatic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and Sentinel CEPD access vessel complications during hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively.
RESULTS:
In the 80 patients, self-expanding valves were used in 68 cases (85.0%) and balloon-expandable valves in 12 cases (15.0%). Seventy-nine patients (98.8%) successfully underwent TAVR with Sentinel CEPD deployment. Macroscopically visible debris was captured in 92.5% (74/80) by filters of Sentinel CEPD. Although the procedure time for Sentinel CEPD placement was slightly longer in patients with bovine-type aortic arch, there was no statistically significant difference in deployment time among different aortic arch types (P>0.05). During hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively, only one case of transient ischemic attack occurred, and there was no all-cause mortality, symptomatic stroke, or access-site vascular complications related to the Sentinel CEPD observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The Sentinel CEPD demonstrates high feasibility across aortic arch types, potential efficacy in embolic capture, and excellent safety in TAVR.
Humans
;
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Embolic Protection Devices
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Intracranial Embolism/prevention & control*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery*
;
Aortic Valve/surgery*
9.Clinical significance of CD45 and CD200 expression in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.
Xinyi LONG ; Jing LIU ; Rong HU ; Chen WANG ; Yunfeng FU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(4):545-559
OBJECTIVES:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologically malignant clonal plasma cell disease. This study aims to explore the association between immunophenotypes and prognosis in patients with MM, to determine whether the expression of CD45 and CD200 is related to the prognosis of newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients, and to evaluate the significance of the combined expression of CD45 and CD200 in NDMM.
METHODS:
A total of 123 NDMM patients admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from July 2015 to August 2019 were enrolled. Five key immunophenotypic markers (including CD38, CD138, CD45, CD56, and CD200) were screened through flow cytometry and identified using random forest analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A, CD45 and CD200 double-positive; Group B, CD45 or CD200 single-positive; Group C, CD45 and CD200 double-negative. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) across groups. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to evaluate prognostic factors, and a nomogram was constructed based on these results.
RESULTS:
The OS and PFS of single-positive groups for CD38, CD138, CD45, CD56, and CD200 were all shorter than those of their respective single-negative groups (all P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in OS (P<0.001) and PFS (P=0.001) among Groups A, B, and C. Group A had shorter OS and PFS (all P=0.001) compared to the Group B+C (cases from Group B and Group C were combined). CD45 and CD200 double-positive was an independent prognostic factor for NDMM [hazard ratio (HR)=2.178, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.048 to 4.529; P=0.037]. The nomogram and calibration curves constructed from multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated good concordance (concordance index=0.706; 95% CI 0.661 to 0.751).
CONCLUSIONS
NDMM patients with double-positive expression of CD45 and CD200 have significantly shorter OS and PFS. Compared with the use of either marker alone, the combined assessment of CD45 and CD200 may provide better prognostic stratification for MM patients.
Humans
;
Multiple Myeloma/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Antigens, CD/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Leukocyte Common Antigens/metabolism*
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Immunophenotyping
;
Nomograms
;
Biomarkers, Tumor
;
Clinical Relevance
10.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.


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