1.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.
2.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
3.Preventive treatment of latent tuberculosis infections in schools clusters in Hefei during 2022-2024
GUO Ce, ZHANG Qiang, QIAN Bing, CHEN Shuangshuang, HE Yuqin, XU Rui, LI Zhen, ZHAO Cunxi, WU Jinju
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):421-424
Objective:
To analyze the school tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and preventive treatment in Hefei from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide reference for TB prevention and control in schools.
Methods:
Data were collected on all school based TB outbreaks occurring during 2022-2024 in Hefei, defined as ≥2 epidemiologically linked TB cases within the same school during a single semester. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test.
Results:
Close contacts exhibited significantly higher TB incidence (2.88%) and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) rates (13.80%) in the school TB outbreaks, compared to non close contacts (0.12% and 2.63%, respectively). Among close contacts, secondary school students showed lower TB incidence (0.48%) and LTBI prevalence (3.42%) than both primary school or younger children (0.68%, 6.95%) and college students ( 0.78% , 6.50%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=360.91, 6.37; 791.71, 102.03, all P <0.05). The proportion of LTBI individuals recommended for preventive therapy was higher in primary school or younger groups (98.59%) than in secondary (95.25%) or college students (86.34%) ( χ 2=25.86, P <0.01). However, among those recommended, close contacts had higher uptake (85.82%) and completion rates (87.25%) of preventive therapy than non close contacts (69.63% and 70.57%); similarly, secondary school students demonstrated higher uptake (91.21%) and completion rates (86.45%) compared to primary school or younger (88.57%, 83.87%) and college students (57.28%, 64.08%) ( χ 2=30.52, 26.72; 125.17, 38.84, all P <0.01). Subsequent TB incidence among LTBI close contacts (13.30%) and among those who did not complete preventive therapy (22.73%) were significantly higher than among non close contacts (2.80%, 2.41%), respectively ( χ 2=32.19, 13.87, both P <0.05).
Conclusions
In school TB outbreaks, close contacts face higher LTBI prevalence and subsequent TB risk than non close contacts. College students show notably low adherence to preventive therapy. It is necessary to take targeted measures to improve the compliance of preventive measures among students.
4.Intervention Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Depression Model Rats Based on JNK/c-Myc/p53 Pathway
Shuailin DU ; Zhicheng HAO ; Ce ZHANG ; Jiyuan GUO ; Xusheng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):12-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effects of Suanzaoren Tang on depression model rats induced by isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to examine its influence on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc)/tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53) signaling pathway, thereby revealing its potential functional mechanism. MethodsA total of 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups using a strict random number table: blank group, model group, fluoxetine group (3.6 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Suanzaoren Tang groups (10, 5, 2.5 g·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. A depression model was established using isolation combined with CUMS. Fluoxetine and different doses of Suanzaoren Tang were administered continuously for 28 days. Behavioral indicators such as sucrose water consumption and open field test scores were recorded. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to analyze the expression of key proteins in the JNK/c-Myc/p53 signaling pathway, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to evaluate the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significantly reduced sucrose preference index (P<0.01), a lower total score of horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01), significantly increased expression of JNK, c-Myc, and p53 proteins in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and a higher number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the sucrose preference index and the total score of horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test significantly increased in the high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of JNK, c-Myc, and p53 proteins significantly decreased in all Suanzaoren Tang groups (high, medium, and low doses) and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus also significantly decreased in these groups (P<0.01). ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang can regulate the expression of JNK/c-Myc/p53 proteins in the hippocampus of depression model rats, and its antidepressant mechanism may be related to its protective effect on hippocampal neurons.
5.Current status and latent profile analysis of elderly stroke patients' medication literacy
Ying YAO ; Yuan SONG ; Haixu ZHAO ; Yunjing XING ; Hongbing LIU ; Ce ZONG ; Ke ZHANG ; Yuanli GUO ; Yuan GAO
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(11):45-49
Objective To explore current status and potential subtypes of elderly stroke patients' medication literacy among,and to analyze related influencing factors of different subtypes.Methods A total of 285 elderly stroke patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from November 2023 to June 2024 were selected as subjects.General Information questionnaire,medication literacy scale for elderly patients with chronic diseases,and perceived social support scale were conducted.Latent profile analysis(LPA)of elderly stroke patients' medication literacy was conducted,and Logistic regression analysis was used to explore influencing factors of different profiles.Results Score of medication literacy scale for elderly stroke patients was(48.26±12.51)points.Medication literacy among elderly stroke patients can be divided into 3 profiles,namely proactive-high literacy type(51.9%),balanced-medium literacy type(34.0%),and dependent-low literacy type(14.1%).Logistic regression analysis showed that recent medication types,current place of residence,educational level,diabetes,and social support were the influencing factors of elderly stroke patients' medication literacy(P<0.05).Conclusion The level of medication literacy among elderly stroke patients is medium,which is characterized by 3 categories.Medical staffs targeted intervention should be adopted according to different category characteristics,so as to accurately meet their nursing needs,finally improve the level of elderly stroke patients' medication literacy.
6.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
7.Study on protection of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by HSYA activated neuronal autophagy based on SIRT1
Lijuan SONG ; Ruheng WEI ; Yaoyao DAI ; Jianlin HUA ; Mengwei RONG ; Cunyan DAN ; Chunli WEN ; Tianqing XIA ; Ce ZHANG ; Baoguo XIAO ; Cungen MA
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1350-1357
Objective:To investigate effect and mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)activating neuronal autophagy on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods:SD rat MCAO/R model was established by improved suture method.Rats were randomly divided into sham surgery(Sham)group,MCAO/R group and MCAO/R+HSYA group,following indicators were detected to determine extent of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion nerve damage:Z-Longa neu-rological function score was detected,TTC staining to measure cerebral infarction area,and TUNEL staining to measure cell apopto-sis;Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of autophagy related markers LC3,Beclin1,P62 and SIRT1 in rat brain tis-sue;immunofluorescence staining was used to observe expression of LC3 co-localization with neurons.OGD/R injury model of SH-SY5Y cells was established and randomly divided into Normal group,OGD/R group,OGD/R+HSYA group,OGD/R+SIRT1 inhibitor(EX-527)group and OGD/R+EX-527+HSYA group.Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of LC3,Beclin1,P62 and SIRT1.Results:Compared with Sham group,model group rats showed impaired neurological function,significantly increased neu-robehavioral scores,widespread cerebral infarction,significantly increased neuronal cell apoptosis,significantly increased autophagy related protein Beclin1 expression and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,significantly decreased P62 expression,significantly increased LC3/NeuN co-stained cells,and decreased SIRT1 expression;compared with model group,HSYA intervention group showed a significant decrease in neurological functional scores,a significant reduction in cerebral infarction area,a significant decrease in neuronal cell apoptosis,a further increase in Beclin1 expression and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,a further decrease in P62 expression,number of LC3/NeuN and P62/NeuN co-stained cells also increased,and SIRT1 expression significantly increased.Expression trends of Beclin1,LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,P62 and SIRT1 of cells between normal group,model group and HSYA intervention group were same as animal experiment;compared with model group,expressions of SIRT1,Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ in OGD/R+EX-527 group were significantly reduced,while expression of P62 was significantly increased;compared with OGD/R+EX-527 group,there was no significant change in SIRT1 expression in OGD/R+EX-527+HSYA group,LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and Beclin1 expression were significantly increased,and P62 expres-sion was significantly decreased.Conclusion:HSYA can significantly improve neurological deficits in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,reduce cerebral infarction area,and decrease neuronal cell apoptosis rate,whose neuroprotective effect may be related to its activation of SIRT1,which significantly enhances neuronal autophagy.
8.Research on influencing factors of the construction of management accounting system in public hospi-tals:based on the application of artificial intelligence big data model prediction
Chai ZHANG ; Chenyu LIU ; Xiaojun GAO ; Xiaomeng GONG ; Chunyu YANG ; Ce ZHANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(6):946-950
Objective To explore the influencing factors of the construction of public hospital management accounting system,and to construct artificial intelligence models for predictive research,and to achieve software transformation in the later stage for automated evaluation of management accounting in different hospitals.Methods The indicators of management account-ing system were improved through literature analysis and Delphi method,and quantitative scoring standards were established.The automatic prediction of system indicators was realized by building an artificial intelligence model,and the effect of the model was evaluated.The way of software transformation was discussed.Results The coordination coefficient of Kendal in the two rounds of Delphi method questionnaires reached the requirements(P<0.05),and 6 primary indicators and 23 secondary impact indica-tors were determined.The artificial intelligence model is well modeled,and the area under the Receiver operating characteristic is 0.959,P<0.001,with high accuracy.Conclusion The index system can provide reference for the monitoring of the daily work of management accounting in public hospitals.Through the establishment of artificial intelligence model,it can be used to evaluate the construction level of management accounting system in different hospitals and provide artificial intelligence automation support.
9.New insights and research directions of tomographic imaging technology in the diagnosis and treatment of lens trauma
Wen XU ; Geng WANG ; Yong WANG ; Xuemin LI ; Guangbin ZHANG ; Xiangjia ZHU ; Haiying JIN ; Lixia LUO ; Wei FAN ; Yune ZHAO ; Jiangyue ZHAO ; Ayong YU ; Haike GUO ; Yongzhen BAO ; Yongxiang JIANG ; Ce SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(3):204-210
Lens injury is an important etiological factor in the reduction of visual function following ocular trauma.Currently, there are no clear standards for the classification of lens injury, and comprehensive diagnostic tools are lacking.This deficiency leads to numerous controversies and challenges in critical areas, such as diagnosis and preoperative evalution, timing of surgery, surgical strategy, and assessment of postoperative prognosis.Tomographic imaging technology, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography, has introduced a new dimension to the evaluation of lens injury, which is crucial for assessing the transparency, texture, location, morphology, and integrity of the lens, as well as the zonules and nearby intraocular structures.However, the use of tomographic imaging technology is somewhat limited due to the limitations of relying on a single method.With the ongoing advancement of imaging technologies and the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence, tomographic imaging will become an increasingly essential tool in the future management of lens injury.Our expert group reviewed the epidemiological characteristics and classification of lens injury and the major challenges currently faced in the diagnosis and treatment of lens injury, and provided expert recommendations mainly focusing on the application, shortcomings and limitations of current tomographic imaging technology in the diagnosis and treatment of lens injury, and future development directions.
10.Efficacy analysis of different surgical approaches for anterior skull base malignant tumors involving the orbit
Ce WU ; Junqi LIU ; Li WANG ; Yan QI ; Wei WEI ; Qiuhang ZHANG ; Zhenlin WANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(9):1078-1083
Objective:To analyze the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for the treatment of anterior skull base malignancies involving the orbit.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with anterior skull base malignancies involving orbit who attended Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from April 2013 to July 2021. They were divided into endoscopic endonasal approach(EEA), lateral orbital approach(ELOA), and sublabial transmaxillary approach(ESTMA) groups according to the primary surgical approach. One-way analysis of variance and χ 2 test were used to compare the clinical characteristics, degree of tumour resection, rate of postoperative cranial nerve palsy and improvement of visual acuity; Log-rank test was applied to assess the difference in overall survival (OS). Results:One hundred and ninety-eight patients were enrolled, including 107 males and 91 females, aged (48.5±15.3) years. There were 153, 33, and 12 patients in the EEA, ESTMA, and ELOA groups, respectively. There were no significant differences among the three groups in age, gender, and history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery ( P>0.05 for all). All patients in ELOA group had preoperative visual impairment (12/12), with a significantly higher percentage than EEA group (56/153) and ESTMA group (14/33) ( χ2=19.72, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between three groups in the degree of tumor resection (gross total resection: 84.97% vs. 81.82% vs. 58.33%, χ2=5.58, P>0.05), postoperative cranial nerve palsy rate (13.07% vs. 30.30% vs. 16.67%, χ2=5.95, P>0.05), visual improvement rate (58.93% vs. 57.14% vs. 58.33%, χ2=0.04, P>0.05) and 5-year OS (60.69% vs. 42.66% vs. 50.00%, χ2=3.22, P>0.05). Conclusion:All three surgical approaches were safe, effective and feasible treatment modalities.


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