1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
3.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
4.Relationship between sevoflurane preconditioning-induced reduction of cognitive impairment and hippocampal necroptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Jiajie ZHANG ; Liang CHEN ; Yanan LI ; Lei SHI ; Xiang LIU ; Yingchao JU ; Qi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):564-568
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between sevoflurane preconditioning-induced reduction of cognitive impairment and hippocampal necroptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in rats.Methods:Sixty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6 months, weighing 400-450 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane group (Sev group), CPB group and CPB+ sevoflurane preconditioning group (CPB+ Sev group). The rats were exposed to 0.4% sevoflurane for 2 h in CPB+ Sev group and Sev group. The CPB model was established at 30 min after the end of sevoflurane preconditioning in CPB+ Sev group. The open field test was performed to assess the autonomic movement ability on the 2nd day after CPB. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function on the 3rd day after CPB. The hippocampal tissues were removed after the end of the Morris water maze test for determination of the necroptosis rate and cytosolic calcium concentration of hippocampal neuron ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and the expression of phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (p-RIPK1), phosphorylated RIPK3 and phosphorylated mixed-lineage kinase-like domain (p-MLKL) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (by transmission electron microscopy). Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of the open field test among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated ( P<0.05), the organelles of hippocampal neurons swelled, lysosomes broke, and some chromatin in nuclei dissoluted in CPB group. Compared with CPB group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was sinificantly reduced in CPB+ Sev group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which sevoflurane preconditioning attenuates cognitive impairment may be related to the inhibition of calcium overload-mediated hippocampal necroptosis in a rat model of CPB.
5.Expert Consensus on Classification of Hand Degloving Injures and Emergency Repair of Avulsion Skin
Jihui JU ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongjun RUI ; Xin WANG ; Weiyang GAO ; Xiaoheng DING ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Yongqing XU ; Shanlin CHEN ; Juyu TANG ; Lei XU ; Jianxi HOU ; Huaqiao WANG ; Jingyi MI ; Haifeng SHI ; Shusen CUI ; Chunlin HOU ; Liqiang GU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):121-134
Hand degloving injury represents one of the most severe forms of hand trauma, characterised by challenging treatment and a complex prognostic outcome. It is crucial to effectively utilise the degloved tissues in emergency or primary repair of a hand degloving injury. This consensus provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on definition, classification, emergency assessment, debridement, judgment of skin viability, in situ repair of the degloved skin, and adjunctive treatment for degloving injury of hand. Based on conclusion of both domestic and international experiences, this expert consensus on the classification of hand degloving injury and the emergency repair with the avulsed skin is established, aiming to provide a guidance to surgeons on standardised treatment strategy and improve the management of hand degloving injury.
6.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of four cases with disorder of sex development
Xiuyan WANG ; Fanrong MENG ; Yunfang SHI ; Duan JU ; Xinghong ZHOU ; Haiwei DONG ; Xiaozhou LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1089-1095
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD).Methods:Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y ( SRY) gene and azoospermia factor ( AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006). Results:Case 1 had a karyotype of 45, X[22]/46, XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+ ), AZFb+ c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45, X[12]/46, X, del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46, XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46, XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (+ ), and WES revealed a c. 1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+ PP1+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.
7.Value of combined detection of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 and NEAT1 in evaluating degree of cognitive impairment and predicting disease progression in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Yu SHI ; Xiaohui JU ; Qi WANG ; Qin LI ; Li HE
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(12):13-18
Objective To evaluate value of combined detection of cerebrospinal fluid synaptosom-al-associated protein 25(SNAP-25)and long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched transcript 1(NEAT1)in assessing cognitive impairment severity and disease progression in patients with Alzhei-mer's disease.Methods A total of 650 patients with Alzheimer's disease were selected as research subjects and divided into normal group(n=162),mild cognitive impairment group(n=380)and dementia group(n=108)according to their cognitive function.The correlations of the levels of SNAP-25 and NEAT1 in cerebrospinal fluid with the scores of Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale(CDR)were analyzed.According to whether the patients in the mild cognitive impairment group progressed to dementia(followed up for 6 months),they were divided into disease progression group(progressed to dementia)and stable disease group(did not progress to dementia).The levels of SNAP-25 and NEAT1 in cerebrospinal fluid of patients in each group were compared.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 combined with NEAT1 for dementia and its predictive efficacy for the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia.Results The levels of SNAP-25 and NEAT1 mRNA in cerebrospinal fluid in the mild cognitive impairment group and the dementia group were significantly higher than those in the normal group;the levels of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 and NEAT1 mRNA in the dementia group were significantly higher than those in the mild cognitive impairment group(P<0.05).The levels of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 and NEAT1 mRNA in pa-tients of the mild cognitive impairment group and the dementia group were negatively correlated with the MMSE score(P<0.05),and positively correlated with the CDR score(P<0.05).In the mild cognitive impairment group,133 patients' conditions progressed from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.The levels of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 and NEAT1 mRNA in the disease progres-sion group were significantly higher than those in the stable disease group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 combined with NEAT1 in diagno-sing dementia was 89.63%,the specificity was 54.08%,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.884.The sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 combined with NEAT1 in predicting the pro-gression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia was 83.41%,the specificity was 56.70%,and the AUC was 0.867.Conclusion The levels of SNAP-25 and NEAT1 in cerebrospinal fluid in-crease significantly with the aggravation of cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's dis-ease.The combined detection of SNAP-25 and NEAT1 has relatively high diagnostic efficacy for de-mentia and predictive value for the progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
8.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of four patients with Disorders of sex development.
Xiuyan WANG ; Fanrong MENG ; Yunfang SHI ; Duan JU ; Xinghong ZHOU ; Haiwei DONG ; Xiaozhou LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1089-1095
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD).
METHODS:
Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene and azoospermia factor (AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006).
RESULTS:
Case 1 had a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+), AZFb+c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45,X[12]/46,X,del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46,XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+) and AZFa+b+c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46,XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+) and AZFa+b+c (+), and WES revealed a c.1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+PP1+PM2_Supporting).
CONCLUSION
The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics*
;
Disorders of Sex Development/genetics*
;
Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics*
;
Karyotyping
;
In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Adult
;
Child
10.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.

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