1.Preparation and hydrolytic activity analysis of dual-catalytic-triad PETase
Qiudong SU ; Xining YAO ; Feng QIU ; Feng WANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Shengli BI ; Yanhai WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):546-551
ObjectiveTo prepare a recombinant PETase with a dual-catalytic-triad and to evaluate its efficiency in the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). MethodsBased on the crystal structure of wild-type PETase, point mutations (T88H/L117D) were introduced via site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant protein was prepared using prokaryotic expression and chromatography purification techniques. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the mutant PETase was assessed by relatively quantifying the products mono (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA). ResultsBoth wild-type and mutant PETases accumulated as inclusion bodies, accounting for approximately 20% of the total bacterial protein. After solubilization in urea, the proteins were eluted at 300 mmol/L imidazole during affinity chromatography purification, with concentrations of 1.824 and 1.833 mg/mL and purities of 83.11% and 84.32%, respectively. Subsequent anion-exchange chromatography yielded highly pure enzymes in the 200 mmol/L NaCl fraction: 2.776 mg/mL (96.86% purity) for the wild type and 1.967 mg/mL (95.13% purity) for the mutant. Following refolding, the final concentrations were 0.484 mg/mL for the wild type and 0.991 mg/mL for the mutant. Hydrolysis assays revealed that the mutant released MHET and TPA at (237.67±17.00)% and (197.33±12.01)% of the wild-type levels, respectively. ConclusionThe T88H/L117D dual-catalytic-triad PETase is successfully prepared and it significantly enhanced PET-degrading activity, thus, it′s a promising biocatalyst for PET bioremediation.
2.Based on Experimental Verification, Mechanism of Euphorbia humifusa in Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury was Explored
Lijuan ZHANG ; Xuehai JIA ; Yaping GUO ; Shunying LI ; Lu YANG ; Dahong YAO ; Ke ZHANG ; Hangyu WANG ; Jinhui WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):166-176
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanism of Euphorbia humifusa on acute kidney injury (AKI) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. MethodsThe active components and targets of E. humifusa were retrieved from TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction database, and the AKI targets were screened by GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The drug targets and disease targets were intersected to construct a protein-protein interaction network, and the intersection targets were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Discover Studio software was used to verify the molecular docking of key components and core targets. Gentamicin (GM) was used to induce AKI rat model. Control group, model group, verapamil (16 mg·kg-1) group, E. humifusa extract (18, 54, 162 mg·kg-1·d-1) group and E. humifusa 70% ethanol extract (423 mg·kg-1) group were continuously administered for 14 days. Urine volume was detected 24 h after modeling and administration. Serum creatinine (SCr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urine protein (24 hUTP) and uric acid (UA) content; the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), carbon monoxide synthase (NOS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in kidney were measured. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kit. The pathological changes of renal tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K/protein kinase B(Akt)/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins. ResultsIn this study, 13 active components such as kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, gallic acid and quercetin were screened and identified from E. humifusa. Through bioinformatics analysis, these components and AKI have a total of 289 targets, of which 62 are core targets, including Akt1, TNF, tumor protein p53(TP53) and IL-1β. These targets are mainly involved in the regulation of biological processes such as NF-κB signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. In animal experiments, we successfully constructed a GM-induced AKI model in rats. Compared with the model group, E. humifusa extract could significantly reduce the levels of 24 hUTP, BUN and SCr in rats (P<0.01), indicating its improvement effect on renal function. In addition, the extract of E. humifusa also significantly reduced LDH activity and MDA content in rat kidney tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased SOD, NOS activity and GSH content (P<0.05), indicating that the extract of E. humifusa has the potential of anti-oxidation and protection of renal function. Further analysis of inflammatory factors showed that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum of rats treated with E. humifusa extract were significantly decreased (P<0.01), indicating that E. humifusa extract had anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the extract of E. humifusa can also regulate the protein expression of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, which further confirmed its mechanism of reducing GM-induced AKI. ConclusionThe extract of E. humifusa has a significant therapeutic effect on acute kidney injury through its multi-component and multi-target mechanism. Its effect is reflected in improving renal function, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and regulating immune response. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of E. humifusa in the treatment of acute kidney injury, and point out the direction for future drug development and clinical research.
3.Minimally invasive management of spontaneous renal vascular rupture:a report of two cases
Jizong LYU ; Fei LIU ; Feng LI ; Guangli FAN ; Baoming YANG ; Siwei GONG ; Yuanlong ZHANG ; Yao ZHAI ; Ke WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):157-159
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases with spontaneous renal vascular rupture, and discuss the possible causes and treatment methods of this disease. Methods The clinical data and treatment methods of the 2 patients with spontaneous renal vascular rupture treated with renal artery embolization in Universal Global Xi'an Beihuan Hospital were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the possible causes of this condition. Results The patients had no obvious history of trauma and no obvious abnormal coagulation function, and sought treatment due to sudden lumbar and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed significantly decreased hemoglobin level, and elevated blood glucose (27.8, 27.6mmol/L). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) indicated perirenal hematoma and active bleeding. The bleeding arteries were located at the terminal branches of the anterior renal artery. Precise embolization was performed using CT angiography and selective renal artery angiography plus embolization, achieving an immediate hemostasis success rate of 100%. Postoperative hemoglobin level stabilized, and follow-up CT scans showed significant absorption of the perirenal hematoma without significant deterioration of renal function. Based on literature review and case analysis, the possible cause of spontaneous renal vascular rupture in these two patients was renal vascular sclerosis due to long-term diabetes. Other common etiologies of this condition included renal tumor, vascular malformation, and hypertension. Conclusion Spontaneous renal vascular rupture is rare. Renal artery embolization, as aminimally invasive treatment, can effectively control bleeding and protect renal function. The specific pathogenesis of this condition still requires further investigation. Long-term diabetes mellitus with poor blood glucose control may be associated factors, but more evidence is needed.
4.Xiao Chaihutang Combined with Erchen Tang Ameliorates Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Mice by Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα Signaling Pathway
Kai LIU ; Chenfang ZHANG ; Chaowen FAN ; Qiuyue YAO ; Zunli KE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):69-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorating effect of Xiao Chaihutang combined with Erchen Tang (XAE) on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in mice and the influence of this therapy on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups: normal (CHOW), atorvastatin (ATO, 0.05 g·kg-1), high-fat diet (HFD), low-dose XAE (XAE-L, 10 g·kg-1), medium-dose XAE (XAE-M, 20 g·kg-1), and high-dose XAE (XAE-H, 40 g·kg-1). Each group contained 8 mice. Except the CHOW group, the other groups of mice were fed a HFD for the modeling of MAFLD. The experiment lasted for 20 weeks. Starting from the 13th week, mice were administered corresponding agents daily by gavage, and the mice in both the CHOW and HFD groups received equal volumes of purified water. At the end of the experiment, cardiac blood, liver, and adipose tissue samples were collected. Pathological staining was performed on the liver and adipose tissue separately. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in the serum, as well as TG and TC in the liver, were determined. Additionally, the mRNA levels of fatty acid synthetase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), SIRT1, PPARα, PGC-1α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the liver were measured by real-time PCR. The protein levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, PPARα, and CPT1α in the mouse liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the CHOW group, the HFD group exhibited increased body weight, liver weight, and white adipose tissue weight (P<0.01). After XAE intervention, these parameters were reduced compared with those in the HFD group (P<0.01). Pathological section results showed that the morphology of hepatocytes and epididymal white adipocytes in the model mice was significantly improved after XAE intervention, with decreases in both the number and volume of lipid droplets. Furthermore, the XAE groups had lower levels of AST, ALT, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, and TC in the serum and TG and TC in the liver than the HFD group (P<0.05,P<0.01). Moreover, XAE administration downregulated the mRNA levels of lipid synthesis-related genes (FASN and SCD1) (P<0.05) and upregulated the mRNA levels of lipid oxidation-related genes (SIRT1, PPARα, and PGC-1α) (P<0.05,P<0.01). Additionally, the protein levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, PPARα, and CPT1α in the liver were upregulated after XAE treatment compared with those in the HFD group (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXAE exerts a therapeutic effect on MAFLD by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα signaling pathway.
5.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
6.Changes in Astronaut Brain Function and Behavior Associated With Habitation on Low-Earth-orbit Space Stations
Hong-Ting JIANG ; You-Fu LUO ; Zheng-Jiang YANG ; Yuan YAO ; De-Zhong YAO ; Ke CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2786-2796
During habitation on low-Earth-orbit (LEO) space stations, astronauts are exposed to a combination of orbital microgravity, space radiation, an enclosed and artificially controlled cabin environment, altered sleep-wake rhythms, and sustained operational and psychosocial demands. These factors can modify sensorimotor inputs, body-fluid distribution, arousal state, and task-related neural processing, thereby affecting brain function and behavior. Because evidence from real spaceflight remains limited by small samples, heterogeneous mission durations, and different measurement time points, this review integrates findings from real human spaceflight with relevant ground-based analog studies while treating real orbital studies as the primary source of evidence. We focus on electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs), structural and functional neuroimaging, and sensorimotor and cognitive outcomes, with particular attention to the direction, anatomical distribution, temporal course, and possible physiological significance of the reported changes. EEG studies indicate that long-duration spaceflight is associated with increased resting-state beta activity, particularly in sensorimotor and frontotemporal regions, together with state-dependent alterations in beta-band functional connectivity. In contrast, alpha source power and functional connectivity associated with the default mode network are reduced during long-duration missions, and some of these effects may persist into the early postflight period. Task-related electrophysiological findings further suggest that sustained mental workload can weaken frontocentral theta-temporoparietal gamma phase-amplitude coupling, whereas in-flight decision-making is accompanied by reduced P300 amplitude and reorganization of feedback-related potentials. Short-duration missions, however, have shown relative preservation of posterior dominant rhythms and some ERP measures, indicating that mission duration, recording state, and task demands substantially influence the observed electrophysiological phenotype. Neuroimaging provides complementary evidence at structural and network levels. Long-duration spaceflight has been associated with upward brain displacement, ventricular and cerebrospinal fluid expansion, regional gray- and white-matter remodeling, and alterations in white-matter structural connectivity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies further indicate reorganization of vestibular-sensorimotor, visual, and default mode networks. Some network changes recover after return to Earth, whereas others may remain detectable for months. Importantly, most MRI measurements are obtained after landing rather than in orbit; therefore, postflight findings may reflect a mixture of in-flight adaptation, the rapid transition back to 1 g, and subsequent readaptation rather than a single spaceflight effect. Behavioral evidence is most consistent for sensorimotor function. Early after return, astronauts frequently show impaired postural control, gait, spatial orientation, and coordination, consistent with reweighting among vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive information. By comparison, simple cognition and some critical operational tasks are often preserved. More subtle or high-load processes-including sustained attention, feedback evaluation, temporal processing, error monitoring, and metacognitive calibration may be more sensitive than global cognitive performance. This dissociation between neural change and preserved behavior suggests that altered brain activity should not automatically be interpreted as functional deterioration. Integrating the available modalities, we propose that LEO space-station habitation is better characterized by system-specific and stage-dependent neural adaptation than by a generalized increase or decline in brain function. The most coherent cross-modal pattern involves sensorimotor reorganization: reduced gravitational reference and weight-bearing feedback under microgravity may drive reweighting of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs, accompanied by changes in beta activity and vestibular-sensorimotor networks and followed by transient postflight sensorimotor deficits. A second major process involves fluid-related structural remodeling, in which cephalad fluid shifts and altered hydrostatic gradients may contribute to changes in cerebrospinal fluid spaces, ventricular volume, and brain tissue configuration. Resting-state and cognitive electrophysiological changes likely represent additional adjustments in network regulation and resource allocation, but their functional interpretation remains more dependent on sleep, workload, recording conditions, and individual differences. Future studies should move beyond isolated pre-post comparisons and group averages toward standardized longitudinal designs spanning preflight, multiple in-flight time points, and postflight recovery. Synchronized assessment of brain function, behavior, sleep, and key environmental parameters should be used to characterize individual adaptation trajectories and determine which neural changes reflect successful compensation, which predict delayed recovery, and which have genuine value for brain-health risk prediction and individualized countermeasures.
7.The Critical Roles of GABAergic Interneurons in The Pathological Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Ke-Han CHEN ; Zheng-Jiang YANG ; Zi-Xin GAO ; Yuan YAO ; De-Zhong YAO ; Yin YANG ; Ke CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2233-2240
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by severe cognitive decline, loss of daily living abilities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This condition imposes a substantial burden on patients, families, and society. Despite extensive research efforts, the complex pathogenesis of AD, particularly the early mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction, remains incompletely understood, posing significant challenges for timely diagnosis and effective therapeutic intervention. Among the various cellular components implicated in AD, GABAergic interneurons have emerged as critical players in the pathological cascade, playing a pivotal role in maintaining neural network integrity and function in key brain regions affected by the disease. GABAergic interneurons represent a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons essential for sustaining neural network homeostasis. They achieve this by precisely modulating rhythmic oscillatory activity (e.g., theta and gamma oscillations), which are crucial for cognitive processes such as learning and memory. These interneurons synthesize and release the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, exerting potent control over excitatory pyramidal neurons through intricate local circuits. Their primary mechanism involves synaptic inhibition, thereby modulating the excitability and synchrony of neural populations. Emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in AD pathogenesis. Contrary to earlier assumptions of their resistance to the disease, specific subtypes exhibit vulnerability or altered function early in the disease process. Critically, this impairment is not merely a consequence but appears to be a key driver of network hyperexcitability, a hallmark feature of AD models and potentially a core mechanism underlying cognitive deficits. For instance, parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons display biphasic alterations in activity. Both suppressing early hyperactivity or enhancing late activity can rescue cognitive deficits, underscoring their causal role. Somatostatin-positive (SST+) neurons are highly sensitive to amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dysfunction. Their functional impairment drives AD progression via a dual pathway: compensatory hyperexcitability promotes Aβ generation, while released SST-14 forms toxic oligomers with Aβ, collectively accelerating neuronal loss and amyloid deposition, forming a vicious cycle. Vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive (VIP+) neurons, although potentially spared in number early in the disease, exhibit altered firing properties (e.g., broader spikes, lower frequency), contributing to network dysfunction (e.g., in CA1). Furthermore, VIP release induced by 40 Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) enhances glymphatic clearance of Aβ, demonstrating a direct link between VIP neuron function and modulation of amyloid pathology. Given their central role in network stability and their demonstrable dysfunction in AD, GABAergic interneurons represent promising therapeutic targets. Current research primarily explores three approaches: increasing interneuron numbers (e.g., improving cortical PV+ interneuron counts and behavior in APP/PS1 mice with the antidepressant citalopram; transplanting stem cells differentiated into functional GABAergic neurons to enhance cognition), enhancing neuronal activity (e.g., using low-dose levetiracetam or targeted activation of specific molecules to boost PV+ interneuron excitability, restoring neural network γ‑oscillations and memory; non-invasive neuromodulation techniques like 40 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), GENUS, and minimally invasive electroacupuncture to improve inhibitory regulation, promote memory, and reduce Aβ), and direct GABA system intervention (clinical and animal studies reveal reduced GABA levels in AD-affected brain regions; early GABA supplementation improves cognition in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a therapeutic time window). Collectively, these findings establish GABAergic interneuron intervention as a foundational rationale and distinct pathway for AD therapy. In conclusion, GABAergic interneurons, particularly the PV+, SST+, and VIP+ subtypes, play critical and subtype-specific roles in the initiation and progression of AD pathology. Their dysfunction significantly contributes to network hyperexcitability, oscillatory deficits, and cognitive decline. Understanding the heterogeneity in their vulnerability and response mechanisms provides crucial insights into AD pathogenesis. Targeting these interneurons through pharmacological, neuromodulatory, or cellular approaches offers promising avenues for developing novel, potentially disease-modifying therapies.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of leptospirosis in Jinhua City from 2007 to 2024
LI Ke ; PANG Zhifeng ; WU Xiaohong ; WANG Cheng ; HE Yao ; TANG Huiling
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):818-821
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of leptospirosis in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, from 2007 to 2024, so as to provide a basis for improving the prevention and control strategies of leptospirosis.
Methods:
Data pertaining to leptospirosis cases in Jinhua City from 2007 to 2024 were collected through the Monitoring and Reporting Management System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of leptospirosis in terms of time, region, population, interval from the onset of the disease to diagnosis and the outbreak of the epidemic.
Results:
A total of 81 cases of leptospirosis were reported in Jinhua City from 2007 to 2024, with an average annual reported incidence of 0.08/100 000. The peak incidence occurred from August to September, with 57 cases accounting for 70.37%. Leptospirosis cases were reported in 9 counties (cities, districts) in Jinhua City. Pan'an County reported the most cases, with 52 cases accounting for 64.20%. There were 54 male cases and 27 female cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 2∶1. The majority of cases were aged over 40 years, with 73 cases accounting for 90.12%. The average reported incidence of leptospirosis showed an upward trend with the increase of age (P<0.05), and the highest incidence of leptospirosis was at the 60-<80 age group (0.21/100 000). The majority of patients were farmers, with 77 cases accounting for 95.06%. The median interval from onset to diagnosis was 4.00 (interquartile range, 6.00) days. There were significant differences in the interval from onset to diagnosis among cases in Dongyang City compared with Pan'an County, Wuyi County, and Wucheng District, between Pan'an County and Jindong District, Wucheng District, and between Wuyi County and Wucheng District (all P<0.05). In 2007, one outbreak of leptospirosis was reported, which occurred in Jiuhe Township, Pan'an County, with 36 reported cases.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of leptospirosis in Jinhua City from 2007 to 2024 is generally low. The high-incidence period is from August to September, and Pan'an County is the high-incidence area. Males over 40 years and farmers are the key populations for prevention and control. It is recommended to strengthen epidemic surveillance and health education for high-risk populations.
9.Arsenic trioxide preconditioning attenuates hepatic ischemia- reperfusion injury in mice: Role of ERK/AKT and autophagy.
Chaoqun WANG ; Hongjun YU ; Shounan LU ; Shanjia KE ; Yanan XU ; Zhigang FENG ; Baolin QIAN ; Miaoyu BAI ; Bing YIN ; Xinglong LI ; Yongliang HUA ; Zhongyu LI ; Dong CHEN ; Bangliang CHEN ; Yongzhi ZHOU ; Shangha PAN ; Yao FU ; Hongchi JIANG ; Dawei WANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2993-3003
BACKGROUND:
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI.
METHODS:
In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent.
CONCLUSION
Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals
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Arsenic Trioxide
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
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Mice
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Male
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology*
;
Arsenicals/therapeutic use*
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Oxides/therapeutic use*
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Liver/metabolism*
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
10.Roles and mechanisms of TRIM family proteins in the regulation of bone metabolism.
Jing YANG ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Ke XU ; Mian-Mian YANG ; Xue-Jie YI ; Bo CHANG ; Ting-Ting YAO
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(3):472-482
Tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family proteins are crucial E3 ubiquitin ligases that have garnered significant attention for their regulatory roles in bone metabolism in recent years. This article reviews the function and regulatory mechanisms of TRIM family proteins in bone metabolism, focusing on their dual roles in bone formation and resorption. It also provides a detailed analysis of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms by which TRIM family members regulate the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Research findings suggest that modulating the expression or activity of TRIM family proteins could be beneficial for treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms of TRIM family members in bone physiology and pathology, aiming to provide theoretical basis and scientific guidance for developing novel therapeutic strategies for bone diseases.
Humans
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/physiology*
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Bone and Bones/metabolism*
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Animals
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Tripartite Motif Proteins/physiology*
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Osteoclasts/metabolism*
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Osteoblasts/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Osteogenesis/physiology*


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