1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
2.Advances in PI3K/AKT/eNOS/NO pathway in repeated low-intensity red light treatment for myopia
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1222-1227
Myopia has become a growing public health issue globally, characterized by an earlier age of onset and a rising annual incidence rate, particularly among adolescents. Repeated low-intensity red light therapy(RLRL)has gained widespread attention in recent years as an emerging non-invasive intervention, showing promise for controlling myopia. This article examines the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in RLRL,specifically advances in promoting choroidal thickening via the phosphorylation mechanism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS). Choroidal thickening is recognized as a critical part of myopia control. Activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS-NO signaling pathway may attenuate axial elongation by enhancing choroidal blood flow and nutrient supply. Although certain basic and clinical studies have supported this mechanism, many unresolved issues still remain, such as the specific mechanisms of RLRL action, its safety, and its applicability in different populations. This article systematically reviews the relevant research progress, aiming to provide a valuable reference for future studies and explore the application prospects of RLRL in myopia prevention and control.
3.From Bedside to Molecular Diagnosis-Multidisciplinary Treatment of a Rare Case of Autoinflammatory Disease Presenting with Skin Induration and Limb Weakness
Hanhui FU ; Wenjun WANG ; Yaping LIU ; Hui YOU ; Tao WANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Xuejun ZENG ; Liying CUI ; Huijuan ZHU ; Xiuli ZHAO ; Min SHEN ; Yicheng ZHU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):207-213
This article reports a rare case of autoinflammatory disease presenting initially with skin induration and swelling after trauma as the initial manifestation, followed by progressive limb weakness. The patient was a middle-aged female who developed skin induration and swelling after trauma, which gradually progressed to limb weakness, dysarthria and bilateral facial paralysis, accompanied by livedo reticularis of the lower extremities, diffuse skin induration of the limbs, and beaded subcutaneous nodules in the right upper limb. The patient had a susceptibility to infection since childhood and a history of chronic livedo reticularis. Skin pathological examination revealed panniculitis. A comprehensive etiological screening for special infections and autoimmune diseases was completed with an unremarkable results, and whole-exome sequencing showed no abnormal findings. Following a multidisciplinary discussion combined with RNA sequencing results, the patient was diagnosed with an autoinflammatory disease, with a suspected type Ⅰ interferonopathy. Treatment with tofacitinib resulted in gradual improvement of clinical symptoms. This case highlights the importance of detailed medical history collection, systematic physical examination and multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment, and underscores the pivotal role of molecular diagnosis in the confirmation of rare diseases. It can provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and management of similar rare cases.
4.Effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula in improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats
Jing CHEN ; Min BAI ; Fubin SHANG ; Runsheng YU ; Yan SU ; Jianfeng WANG ; Xiangdong ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2112-2118
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula(TZF) on improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.METHODS Thirty SPF-grade SD rats were used to establish a T2DM rat model through high-fat diet feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), and TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5, 10, and 20 g/kg), with 6 rats in each group. An additional 6 rats were selected as the blank group. The rats in each group were orally administered the corresponding volume of drug solution or saline, and continuous dosing was performed for 6 weeks, once daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-AUC), area under the curve of intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT-AUC), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to observe hepatic pathological morphology and lipid deposition. Differentially expressed proteins in liver tissues were screened by proteomics analysis, and key proteins in signaling pathways were verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG, OGTT-AUC, IPITT-AUC, LDL-C, TG, and TC in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), while HDL-C level was significantly decreased ( P <0.05); the liver tissues showed disordered hepatic cords, punctate necrosis of hepatocytes, and significant lipid deposition, the NAFLD activity score and positive area of lipid droplets were significantly increased( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the above indicators in TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups and metformin group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05); hepatic pathological injury and lipid deposition were alleviated. Proteomics results showed that a total of 442 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the model group and the blank group, and 358 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the TZF high-dose group and the model group. Among these differentially expressed proteins, multiple proteins closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism showed a reversal trend after TZF intervention. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was significantly enriched. The validation experiment results showed that TZF could significantly up-regulate the expression of PPARα, PPARγ, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) in rat liver tissues ( P <0.05), and down-regulate the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2) ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS TZF can improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats; its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway and the regulation of downstream lipid metabolism-related proteins SCD1, PLIN2, and ApoA1.
5.Development of rapid detection kit for infectious diseases
Ke-hui ZHU ; Sun-yu-jie GAO ; Ji-min JIA
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(5):109-111
Objective To develop a new type of rapid detection kit of infectious diseases for quick screening,testing and identification of several infectious pathogens.Methods The rapid detection kit for infectious diseases were composed of two trolley boxes for sample processing and rapid detection.The sample processing box had a pipette gun embedded into its upper cover and an automated nucleic acid extractor,a vortex mixer,a centrifuge,a deep-well plate,a reagent kit for nucleic acid rapid extraction inserted into its lower part;the rapid detection box had a portable computer,a data line and a power cord at its upper cover and a fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument,a mixing instrument and a multi-pathogen detection reagent kit.Results The rapid detection kit could meet the testing needs of 16 persons at a time and took about 60 min for one-time nucleic acid extraction and detection,which realized rapid detection of five types of pathogenic microorganisms for respiratory,intestinal,insect-borne,blood-borne and mucous membrane-borne infectious diseases and common biological agents.Conclusion The rapid detection kit gains advantages in multi testing items,easy operation,high safety,precision and efficiency,and facilitates rapid on-site screening and detection of infectious diseases.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):109-111]
6.Negative Pressure-Regulated microRNA Expression in Apoptotic Vesicles Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Hui WANG ; Yue ZHU ; Shuaishuai ZHANG ; Junrong LI ; Min ZHANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):886-894
Objective To investigate changes in the microRNA expression profiles of apoptotic vesicles(apoVs)derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)under a simulated negative pressure environment,and to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism by which mechanical stress microenvironments influence the progression of osteoarthritis.Methods A negative pressure cellular environment was established using a pressure-loading system.Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via the CCK-8 assay,Western blotting,and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.ApoVs were isolated by differential centrifugation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy(TEM),nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting.Small RNA sequencing was performed using the HiSeq Single-End mode,and differential expression analysis of microRNAs was conducted using DESeq to screen for differentially expressed microRNAs.The differentially screened microRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative PCR.After treating BMSCs with inhibitors of these differentially expressed microRNAs,the effects of the screened microRNAs on BMSCs were detected.Results Compared to apoVs generated by BMSCs under STS chemical treatment,those produced under a-40 kPa pressure environment showed significantly upregulated miR-183-5p and downregulated miR-3473.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these differentially expressed microRNAs affected cell activity and inflammatory responses through multiple signaling pathways.Inhibition of miR-183-5p and miR-3473 expression reduced the proliferative activity of BMSCs.After inhibiting miR-183-5p expression,the levels of inflammatory factors increased.Inhibition of miR-3473 expression did not alter the IL-6 expression level,but significantly increased the TNFα expression level.Conclusions MicroRNAs specifically expressed in BMSC-derived apoVs under negative pressure stimulation may act as critical mechanical signaling mediators,regulating inflammatory response processes to participate in the pathogenesis and progression of arthritis.
7.Negative Pressure-Regulated microRNA Expression in Apoptotic Vesicles Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Hui WANG ; Yue ZHU ; Shuaishuai ZHANG ; Junrong LI ; Min ZHANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):886-894
Objective To investigate changes in the microRNA expression profiles of apoptotic vesicles(apoVs)derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)under a simulated negative pressure environment,and to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism by which mechanical stress microenvironments influence the progression of osteoarthritis.Methods A negative pressure cellular environment was established using a pressure-loading system.Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via the CCK-8 assay,Western blotting,and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.ApoVs were isolated by differential centrifugation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy(TEM),nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting.Small RNA sequencing was performed using the HiSeq Single-End mode,and differential expression analysis of microRNAs was conducted using DESeq to screen for differentially expressed microRNAs.The differentially screened microRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative PCR.After treating BMSCs with inhibitors of these differentially expressed microRNAs,the effects of the screened microRNAs on BMSCs were detected.Results Compared to apoVs generated by BMSCs under STS chemical treatment,those produced under a-40 kPa pressure environment showed significantly upregulated miR-183-5p and downregulated miR-3473.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these differentially expressed microRNAs affected cell activity and inflammatory responses through multiple signaling pathways.Inhibition of miR-183-5p and miR-3473 expression reduced the proliferative activity of BMSCs.After inhibiting miR-183-5p expression,the levels of inflammatory factors increased.Inhibition of miR-3473 expression did not alter the IL-6 expression level,but significantly increased the TNFα expression level.Conclusions MicroRNAs specifically expressed in BMSC-derived apoVs under negative pressure stimulation may act as critical mechanical signaling mediators,regulating inflammatory response processes to participate in the pathogenesis and progression of arthritis.
8.Analysis on effect of maintenance and upkeep for equipment in operating room based on FMEA
Xiaoming ZHENG ; Yunxin ZHU ; Yuqin WU ; Hui MIN
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(7):141-145
Objective:To analyze application effect of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis(FMEA)in the maintenance and upkeep for equipment in operating room.Methods:The process of FMEA mode was analyzed,and a strategy about maintenance and upkeep for equipment in operating room on the basis of FMEA was formulated from some aspects included preparation stage,analysis for failure mode(FM),construction for the system of prevention,maintenance and upkeep,and improvement and analysis for results.Sixty used equipment in the operating room of Shiyan Taihe Hospital(Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine)from January to December 2023 were selected.According to different management methods for equipment,the conventional management mode and the FMEA management mode were respectively selected to conduct maintenance and upkeep for equipment in operating room,with 30 equipment in each management mode.The incidences of adverse events,the satisfaction scores of operators,and the qualities of maintenance and upkeep for equipment of the two kinds of management modes were compared.Results:The number of occurring inadequate preparation of surgical associated facilities,non-standardized operation of surgical equipment,and incidence of faliures in surgical equipment were respectively in 30 equipment in operating room that adopted FMEA management mode,and the total incidence of adverse events was 6.67%(2/30),which was lower than 36.67%(11/30)that adopted conventional management mode,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=7.954,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of the operators of operating equipment for the operational quality,usage operation,and maintenance and upkeep of the equipment that received the FMEA management mode in operating room were respectively(92.22±3.36),(91.69±2.25)and(93.25±3.69)points,all of which were higher than those that received conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=15.418,17.415,16.639,P<0.05).The average increase extents of the response time for fault,repair time for fault,and the cost of operation and maintenance that adopted FMEA management mode were respectively(2.36±0.59)h,(4.25±2.11)h and(1.89±0.14)%for equipment in operating room,all of which were less than those that adopted conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=9.943,12.050,11.069,P<0.05).The failure frequency of equipment of adopting FMEA management mode was(1.54±0.21)times per year,which was lower than that of adopting conventional management mode.The average success rate of opening equipment of adopting FMEA management mode was(90.69±3.59)%,which was higher than that of adopting conventional management mode,and the differences of the above two indicators between two modes were statistically significant(t=15.184,18.779,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of FMEA in the maintenance and upkeep for medical equipment in the operating room can assess the operational quality of the equipment,and carry out preventive operation and maintenance,and reduce the incidence of failures in equipment,and decrease costs for maintenance,and improve the clinical service level for the equipment.
9.Comparison of Visual Prostate Symptom Score(Chinese version)and International Prostate Symptom Score in the evaluation of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Xiaolei DUAN ; Hui YAO ; Xin XIANG ; Yiping ZHU ; Yijing WU ; Min YOU ; Siping CAO ; Yi ZHOU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(11):993-998
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the Chinese version of Visual Prostate Symptom Score(CVPSS)and the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH pa-tients.Methods By using convenient sampling,inpatients in the urology department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Shanghai were selected as the survey subjects from March 2023 to March 2024.The lower urinary tract symptoms of the patients were eval-uated using the self-designed general information questionnaire.And the CVPSS and IPSS with their urine flow rate were meas-ured.A comparative analysis was conducted from aspects such as internal consistency,correlation of item scores,completion time of the scale,and assistance rate.Results A total of 246 patients with BPH were recruited.The total score and life quality score were 13.93±3.55 and 4.23±1.02 by CVPSS.And the total score and life quality by IPSS was 18.33±7.55 and 4.36±1.02,respectively.The Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.761 and 0.787,respectively.The time taken on CVPSS was less than that on IPSS(P<0.01).And the rate of needing assistance was 23.58%for CVPSS,which was significantly lower than that(65.24%)for IPSS.Conclusion CVPSS is significantly correlated with the corresponding items and total scores of IPSS,as well as the quality of life.Moreover,it takes less time and can be used as a simple and effective self-assessment tool for lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly BPH patients with lower education levels.It reduces the burden of medical staffs as well.
10.Research on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children
Xinyi LIANG ; Jingnan CHEN ; Xuelian ZHOU ; Ruimin CHEN ; Jingsi LUO ; Rongxiu ZHENG ; Chunxiu GONG ; Chunlin WANG ; Zhe SU ; Mireguli MAIMAITI ; Yan LIANG ; Hui YAO ; Haiyan WEI ; Hongwei DU ; Shaoke CHEN ; Yu YANG ; Feihong LUO ; Pin LI ; Min ZHU ; Wei WU ; Ke HUANG ; Guanping DONG ; Junfen FU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(6):612-619
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among Chinese children aged 3-18 years from 11 provinces, antonomous regions, or municipalities.Methods:This national cross-sectional community health survey utilized a multistage stratified cluster-random sampling method to recruit 193 997 nationally representative participants from 11 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities between January 2017 and December 2019. All participants underwent physical examinations, and their caregivers completed questionnaires assessing participants′ dietary, lifestyle, familial, and perinatal information. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were employed to identify the potential risk factors.Results:The cohort comprised 193 997 children (102 178 boys, 91 819 girls),aged (10±4) years. Overall prevalence rates were 30 574(15.8%)overweight children and 17 217(8.9%) obesity children. Boys exhibited higher overweight and obesity rates than girls (17.0% (17 368/102 178) vs. 14.4% (13 206/102 178), 11.3% (11 553/91 819) vs. 6.2% (5 664/91 819), χ2=249.12,1 578.69,both P<0.001). The detection rates of obesity in Tanner stage 2 and 3 were the highest in boys and girls, with 13.4%(2 231/16 665) and 8.6%(880/10 221) respectively. Risk factors for obesity included parental overweight (paternal OR=2.34 and maternal OR=2.29), annual household income of 100 000-200 000 yuan (compared with<100 000 yuan, OR=1.04), higher paternal education (compared with below high school,high school and a college education OR=1.09,1.14), birth weight >4.0 kg (≤5 and>5 years old OR=1.74, 1.44,respectively), and western food consumption≥1 time/month (compared with<1, 1-2, 3-4,>4 times/month OR=1.36, 1.30, 1.67(≤5 years), 1.19, 1.16, 1.15 (>5 years), respectively) (all P<0.05). Conversely, coarse grain intake≥1 times/week (compared with<1 times/week, every day, 3-4, 1-2 times/week OR=0.74, 0.80, 0.71 (≤5 years), 0.75, 0.87, 0.90(>5 years), respectively, all P<0.05) was associated with reduced obesity risk. Conclusions:Obesity epidemiology in children demonstrates significant heterogeneity across age, gender, geographic regions, and pubertal stages. It is necessary to establish a personalized prevention and control strategy.

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