1.Quantitative analysis and distribution comparison of salidroside and its liposomes in mouse serum,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and lung tissue
Rong WANG ; Ni ZHAO ; Guoquan LI ; Yafeng WANG ; Shen’ao LI ; Jiaming LAI ; Hao CAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1998-2002
OBJECTIVE Establish a quantitative analysis method for salidroside (Sal) in mouse serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue, and compare the distribution differences of Sal and its liposomes. METHODS Using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), Welch Xtimate C18 was used as the chromatographic column, with methanol-formic acid aqueous solution (formic acid volume fraction: 0.1% for serum and BALF detection, 0.2% for lung tissue detection) as the mobile phase, flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, detection wavelength of 275 nm, column temperature of 30 ℃, and injection volume of 10 μL. Serum, BALF, and lung tissue homogenate samples were precipitated with methanol for protein analysis. Twelve mice were randomly divided into Sal group and Sal liposome group, and the concentrations of Sal in serum, BALF, and lung tissue were detected after intragastric administration corresponding liquid medicine at a dose of 300 mg/kg (calculated as Sal) for 0.5 h. RESULTS The linear ranges of Sal in serum, BALF, and lung tissue were 1.56-200.00 μg/mL, 1.56-100.00 μg/mL, and 6.24-400.00 μg/g, respectively (all r=0.999 9), with intra-day RSD of 1.35%-3.87%, 1.10%-2.75%, and 1.90%-3.86%, respectively; the inter-day RSD of 3.38%-5.11%, 2.22%- 4.36%, and 2.41%-4.73%, respectively. The relative accuracies were 97.95%-101.61%, 98.29%-101.82%, and 97.41%- 106.94%, respectively. The stability RSDs were all less than 6%. Compared with the Sal group, the Sal liposome group significantly increased the concentration of Sal in BALF of mice (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the concentration of Sal in serum and lung tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The HPLC method established in this study is suitable for quantitative analysis of Sal in mouse serum, BALF, and lung tissue. Sal liposomes have a tendency to distribute towards the alveolar cavity during early administration.
2.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
3.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
4.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
5.Cutibacterium acnes promotes inflammation in acne by inducing Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes
Fengyuan ZHANG ; Sihan CHEN ; Zizhen ZHOU ; Meng ZHOU ; Rong ZENG ; Xu CHEN ; Ni LIAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):623-629
Objective:To investigate the role of Gasdermin E (GSDME) -mediated keratinocyte pyroptosis induced by Cutibacterium acnes ( C.acnes) in the pathogenesis of acne. Methods:The human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells were stimulated with heat-inactived C.acnes for 15 minutes to 24 hours, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of cleaved GSDME (GSDME-NT) in HaCaT cells at different time points. Skin tissue samples were collected from 5 acne patients and 4 healthy controls, who visited the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2 to December 1, 2024; additionally, 3 samples of acne cyst contents and 3 samples of normal follicle contents were collected. Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine GSDME-NT expression in the epidermis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in acne cyst or normal follicle contents. GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells were constructed by transfection with lentivirus carrying GSDME-shRNA, and HaCaT cells transfected with lentivirus carrying the nonsense sequence control (NC) served as controls; ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells after C. acnes stimulation ( C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group) , as well as in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + NC group, C. acnes + NC group, and PBS + GSDME knockdown group. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the GSDME-NT expression in HaCaT cells pretreated with or without retinol after C. acnes stimulation. Results:The cleavage of GSDME in HaCaT cells began at 1 hour after in vitro C. acnes stimulation, and GSDME-NT could be detected at this time. Compared with the control epidermis, the proportion of GSDME-NT-positive HaCaT cells (9.34% ± 2.92% vs. 3.05% ± 1.14%, t = -3.47, P = 0.026) and GSDME-NT protein expression levels ( t = -3.51, P = 0.025) significantly increased in the lesional epidermis of acne patients. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the acne cyst contents than in the normal follicle contents (IL-1β: 1 337.24 [1 182.32, 2 230.61] pg/ml vs. 0.00 [0.00, 108.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.99, P = 0.046; TNF-α: 811.31 [438.26, 817.73] pg/ml vs. 46.67 [12.41, 53.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.96, P = 0.049) . ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the C. acnes + NC group (12.12 ± 3.07 pg/ml, 26.06 ± 1.57 pg/ml, respectively) than in the PBS + NC group (3.73 ± 2.24 pg/ml, 10.14 ± 0.79 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) ; compared with the C. acnes + NC group, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased in the C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group (3.38 ± 0.93 pg/ml, 12.67 ± 2.10 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) . The GSDME-NT expression was significantly lower in the retinol + C. acnes group than in the C. acnes group ( P = 0.029) . Conclusion:C. acnes may induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and aggravating the inflammatory response in acne, while retinol may be able to inhibit this process.
6.Correlation between Serum FGF-23, HPSE Levels and Early Renal Impairment in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.
Li-Fang MA ; Yan YUN ; Yan-Qi LIU ; Xue-Qin BAI ; Wen-Juan NI ; Zhi-Qin LI ; Yan LU ; Zhe LI ; Jing LI ; Guo-Rong JIA
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):822-827
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the relationship between serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), heparanase (HPSE) and early renal impairment (RI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 125 MM patients who were initially diagnosed in the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology from June 2020 to June 2023. The patients were divided into RI group (>176.80 μmol/L) and non-RI group (≤176.80 μmol/L) based on their serum creatinine levels when diagnosed. The baseline data and laboratory indexes of the two groups were compared. The relationship between serum FGF-23, HPSE and early RI in MM patients was analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 125 newly diagnosed MM patients, 33 cases developed early RI, accounting for 26.40%. The proportion of light chain type, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, FGF-23, and HPSE levels in RI group were higher than those in non-RI group (all P <0.05). There was no statistical significant difference in other data between the two groups (P >0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BUN, FGF-23 and HPSE were associated with early RI in MM patients (all P <0.05). The serum FGF-23 level was divided into Q1-Q4 groups by quartile, and the serum HPSE level was divided into q1-q4 groups. The correlation analysis showed that with the increase of serum FGF-23 and HPSE levels, the incidence of early RI increased (r =0.668, 0.592). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for confounding factors, elevated levels of serum FGF-23 and HPSE were still influencing factors for early RI in MM patients (OR>1, P <0.05). According to Pearson's linear correlation test, there was a positive correlation between serum FGF-23 level and HPSE level (r =0.373).
CONCLUSION
There is a certain correlation between serum levels of FGF-23, HPSE and early RI in MM patients, and the incidence of early RI is higher in patients with abnormally high levels of both.
Humans
;
Multiple Myeloma/complications*
;
Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fibroblast Growth Factors/blood*
;
Glucuronidase/blood*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Renal Insufficiency/blood*
;
Aged
7.Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of phantom limb pain: A case report and literature review.
Lanxing WU ; Rong HU ; Honglian ZHANG ; Yuncheng NI ; Jianping ZHANG ; Gangwen GUO ; Yonghui LI
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):313-318
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a form of neuropathic pain occurring after limb amputation, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a neuromodulation technique, has shown potential in relieving chronic pain, though its long-term efficacy and safety in treating PLP require further validation. This report presents a case of a 42-year-old male experiencing persistent radiating, lightning-like pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score 8-9], following right upper limb amputation. Preoperative imaging revealed signal loss in the right nerve roots at C6-T1. A percutaneous electrode was implanted surgically to achieve full coverage of the painful region. Five days postoperatively, the VAS score dropped to 2-3, and after 1 year of follow-up, the patient continued to experience significant pain relief (VAS 1-2), with complete resolution of depressive symptoms and cessation of analgesic medication. Existing studies suggest that the long-term outcomes of SCS may fluctuate, and attention should be paid to potential complications such as infection and electrode displacement.
Humans
;
Phantom Limb/therapy*
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods*
;
Electrodes, Implanted
;
Amputation, Surgical/adverse effects*
8.Construction of a Prognostic Model for Lysosome-dependent Cell Death in Gastric Cancer Based on Single-cell RNA-seq and Bulk RNA-seq Data.
Peng NI ; Kai Xin GUO ; Tian Yi LIANG ; Xin Shuang FAN ; Yan Qiao HUA ; Yang Ye GAO ; Shuai Yin CHEN ; Guang Cai DUAN ; Rong Guang ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):416-432
OBJECTIVE:
To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC).
METHODS:
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay.
RESULTS:
A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells.
CONCLUSION
C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Lysosomes/physiology*
;
RNA-Seq
;
Cell Death
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis
9.Updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ)
Hao LI ; Mingrui SHEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Weimin ZHAI ; Long NI ; Bo HAO ; Yuxin ZHAO ; Yi HE ; Shuangcheng MA ; Rong SHU
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):17-22
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research,production,use,and administration of drugs.At present,the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented.This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ),to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.
10.Cutibacterium acnes promotes inflammation in acne by inducing Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes
Fengyuan ZHANG ; Sihan CHEN ; Zizhen ZHOU ; Meng ZHOU ; Rong ZENG ; Xu CHEN ; Ni LIAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):623-629
Objective:To investigate the role of Gasdermin E (GSDME) -mediated keratinocyte pyroptosis induced by Cutibacterium acnes ( C.acnes) in the pathogenesis of acne. Methods:The human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells were stimulated with heat-inactived C.acnes for 15 minutes to 24 hours, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of cleaved GSDME (GSDME-NT) in HaCaT cells at different time points. Skin tissue samples were collected from 5 acne patients and 4 healthy controls, who visited the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2 to December 1, 2024; additionally, 3 samples of acne cyst contents and 3 samples of normal follicle contents were collected. Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine GSDME-NT expression in the epidermis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in acne cyst or normal follicle contents. GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells were constructed by transfection with lentivirus carrying GSDME-shRNA, and HaCaT cells transfected with lentivirus carrying the nonsense sequence control (NC) served as controls; ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells after C. acnes stimulation ( C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group) , as well as in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + NC group, C. acnes + NC group, and PBS + GSDME knockdown group. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the GSDME-NT expression in HaCaT cells pretreated with or without retinol after C. acnes stimulation. Results:The cleavage of GSDME in HaCaT cells began at 1 hour after in vitro C. acnes stimulation, and GSDME-NT could be detected at this time. Compared with the control epidermis, the proportion of GSDME-NT-positive HaCaT cells (9.34% ± 2.92% vs. 3.05% ± 1.14%, t = -3.47, P = 0.026) and GSDME-NT protein expression levels ( t = -3.51, P = 0.025) significantly increased in the lesional epidermis of acne patients. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the acne cyst contents than in the normal follicle contents (IL-1β: 1 337.24 [1 182.32, 2 230.61] pg/ml vs. 0.00 [0.00, 108.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.99, P = 0.046; TNF-α: 811.31 [438.26, 817.73] pg/ml vs. 46.67 [12.41, 53.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.96, P = 0.049) . ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the C. acnes + NC group (12.12 ± 3.07 pg/ml, 26.06 ± 1.57 pg/ml, respectively) than in the PBS + NC group (3.73 ± 2.24 pg/ml, 10.14 ± 0.79 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) ; compared with the C. acnes + NC group, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased in the C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group (3.38 ± 0.93 pg/ml, 12.67 ± 2.10 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) . The GSDME-NT expression was significantly lower in the retinol + C. acnes group than in the C. acnes group ( P = 0.029) . Conclusion:C. acnes may induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and aggravating the inflammatory response in acne, while retinol may be able to inhibit this process.

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