1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Mechanistic study of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal injury induced by maternal bone lead mobilization during pregnancy in rats
Ling LI ; Lin ZHANG ; Li LI ; Yuting WEI ; Man LYU ; Zeshi ZHANG ; Li MA ; Anxin LU ; Yin LIN ; Shaohua WANG ; Chonghuai YAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):286-292
Background Lead is a typical persistent environmental pollutant that can accumulate in bones for decades. During pregnancy, alterations in calcium metabolism promote the mobilization of bone lead, resulting in secondary exposure; however, the mechanisms by which pregnancy-associated bone lead mobilization affects maternal renal function remain unclear. Objective To investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in pregnancy-related bone lead mobilization-induced renal injury. Methods Newly weaned female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control or a lead-exposed group administered either 0.05% sodium acetate or 0.05% lead acetate in drinking water. Following a 4-week lead exposure and a 4-week washout period, the females were co-housed with healthy age-matched males for mating. Rats were sacrificed at early (gestational day 3) and late (gestational day 17) pregnancystages, respectively. Renal histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining staining. Mitochondria-related indicators, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and energy metabolism, were measured. Differential metabolites were identified using serum metabolomics. Results Renal injury in the lead-exposed pregnant rats progressed in a time-dependent manner, characterized by degeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells, glomerular hyaline changes, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the treatment factor (lead exposure) and the temporal factor (gestational stage) on renal injury (P<0.001). Further analysis of mitochondrial function-related indicators in late-pregnancy renal tissue revealed that the lead exposure group exhibited significantly increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P<0.05), accompanied by a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities (P<0.05); regarding inflammatory markers, levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were elevated (P<0.01), whereas interleukin-33 (IL-33) was decreased in the lead-exposed group (P<0.05); energy metabolism-related indicators, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, and V activities, were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the lead-exposed gorup. The typical differential metabolite N-methylisoleucine, identified through serum metabolomics analysis, was negatively correlated with blood lead levels, kidney injury scores, and IL-1β, while positively correlated with catalase (CAT) activity and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase. Conclusions Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a critical role in renal injury induced by bone lead mobilization during late gestation.
3.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
4.The laboratory biomarkers of disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis
Siming Gao ; Wei Liu ; Siliang Man ; Hongchao Li ; Hui Song
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):552-557, 564
Objective :
To analyze the correlation between different laboratory biomarkers and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis and to compare their specificity and sensitivity in assessing disease activity.
Methods :
Spearman correlation or Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between disease activity and laboratory biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of each laboratory biomarker in evaluating disease activity.
Results :
Hypersensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, erythrocyte sediment rate, C-reactive protein, immuno-inflammatory index(platelet count×neutrophil count/lymphocyte count), fibrinogen/albumin ratio, albumin and pro-albumin were correlated with disease activity. The ratio of fibrinogen to albumin, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immuno-inflammatory index, C-reactive protein and hypersensitive C-reactive protein had good values in determining the disease activity.
Conclusion
Different laboratory biomarkers are correlated with the disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis, and some of them have better discriminating values for the disease activity.
5.Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Delaying Brain Aging in Aging Mice by Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism
De-Man ZHANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1362-1372
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.
6.Investigating the Role of Tyrosine Metabolism and Critical Genes in the Pathogenesis of Sarcopenia
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1048-1061
Sarcopenia is closely linked to metabolic dysregulation in the elderly and shows a major patho-logical phenotype of functional decline.Although tyrosine metabolism has been shown to be aberrantly ac-tivated in various aging-related disorders,its regulatory role and quantitative causal relationship with clin-ical muscle function in sarcopenia remain underexplored.We integrated three independent bulk transcrip-tomic datasets(total n=487)and applied linear models for microarray data(Limma)differential ex-pression,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)pathway analysis,and weighted gene co-expression net-work analysis(WGCNA)and identified 33 tyrosine metabolism-related genes.Cross-validation using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,random forest(RF),and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)algorithms highlighted four key regulators:FOXO1,ADH1B,DUSP4,and IDO1.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)data(n=24 573 cells)combined with single-cell metabolism scoring(scMetabolism)were used to build cell-level linear regression models linking gene expression to tyrosine metabolic activity(e.g.,FOXO1:y=1.7542x+0.9345,R2=0.79).Two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis was conducted to infer caus-al effects on muscle strength phenotypes.The results showed that FOXO1 was highly expressed in satellite cells(3.1-fold vs.other cell types,P=1.4 × 10-8)and showed a strong positive correlation with meta-bolic activity.MR analysis indicated that higher FOXO1 expression significantly increased the risk of grip strength decline(β=-0.23,P=2.1 × 10-6),whereas IDO1 exhibited a protective causal associa-tion(β=0.17,P=4.3× 10-4).A multivariable risk model based on these four genes achieved an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.86 in an independent validation cohort,outperforming traditional clini-cal indicators(ΔAUC=0.12,P=0.003).In sum,by integrating multi-algorithm feature selection,single-cell quantitative modeling,and genetic causal inference,this study systematically elucidates the central role of tyrosine metabolism in sarcopenia and provides a quantitative framework for molecular sub-typing and targeted interventions.
7.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
8.Engineering CHO Cell Lines to Stably Express B4GALT1,ST6GAL1,and GnTⅢ with Site-directed Integration
Xian-Hong LI ; Run-Qing JIA ; You-Liang WANG ; Wei-Ling MAN ; Tian-Hao ZHU ; Xin-Long YAN ; Yan-Li LIN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):576-585
Glycoengineering was carried out in the mammalian cell line CHO for the production of pro-tein-based drugs.Firstly,the genome sequence of the Rosa26 locus of CHO cells was determined,the gRNA sequences were designed,and the landing pad was integrated into the Rosa26 locus of CHO cells by CRISPR/Cas9 technology.Three targeting vectors co-expressed by glycosyltransferases,which are β-1,4 galactosyltransferase(B4GALT1),α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1(ST6GAL1)and N-acetaminoglycosyl-transferase Ⅲ(GnT Ⅲ),were constructed by overlapping PCR and seamless ligation technology,and the three glycosyltransferase genes were integrated into the CHO Rosa26 locus by Cre enzyme-mediated cassette exchange technology.PCR confirmed that three glycosyltransferases had been successfully site-directed integrated into the Rosa26 site.The mRNA expression levels of the three glycosyltransferases were more than 50 000-fold by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of the three glycosyltrans-ferases were more than 4-fold via western blotting(P<0.001).A CHO-engineered cell line with three glycosyltransferases integrated into Rosa26 site was successfully constructed.
9.Comparison on efficacy and safety of great saphenous vein trunk closure combined with local ablation and local sclerotherapy for treating varicose veins of lower limb
Gongzan YAO ; Wei LI ; Wenling MAN ; Chang DONG ; Po YANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(7):459-462
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of great saphenous vein(GSV)trunk closure combined with local ablation and local sclerotherapy for treating varicose veins of lower limb.Methods Totally 78 patients with unilateral varicose veins of lower limb were retrospectively enrolled and divided into GSV trunk closure combined with local ablation group(group A,n=36)and local sclerotherapy group(group B,n=42).The venous clinical severity score(VCSS),Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire(AVVQ)score before and 6 months after treatment,as well as the incidence of adverse reactions within 6 months after treatment were compared between groups.Results Six months after treatment,the main trunk closure rate of GSV was 100%in both groups,while VCSS and AVVQ scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(all P<0.05).No significant difference of VCSS nor AVVQ score before and after treatment was found between groups(all P>0.05).The incidence of thrombosis,skin paresthesia and subcutaneous induration in group B were all higher than those in group A,while of residual varicose veins in group B was lower than that in group A(all P<0.05).Conclusion Both GSV trunk closure combined with local ablation and local sclerotherapy could be used to effectively treat varicose veins of lower limb,and the former had fewer adverse reactions.
10.Genetic analysis of an X-linked intellectual disability pedigree
Cuiyun LI ; Tian'e CAI ; Man LIN ; Ruen YAO ; Wei LI ; Xiaoyan LIN ; Weimei XING ; Ying YU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(9):775-778
This study presents prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of a pedigree with X-linked intellectual disability. A gravida at approximately 20 gestational weeks underwent prenatal diagnosis following non-invasive prenatal testing suggested sex chromosome abnormalities. Copy number variation (CNV) sequencing identified a 5.7 Mb duplication at Xp22.2p22.11 in the fetus, which initially classified as a variant of uncertain clinical significance. This duplication was inherited from the phenotypically normal mother, while paternal CNV results were normal. Genetic testing of four intellectually disabled family members revealed the identical 5.7 Mb duplication. Through expanded pedigree analysis, the pathogenicity classification of the Xp22.2p22.11 microduplication was upgraded to likely pathogenic. After comprehensive genetic counseling, the family elected pregnancy termination with informed consent.


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