1.lncRNA DLEU2 regulates IKKα-mediated 131I resistance in thyroid carcinoma TPC-1 cells via the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis
ZOU Huangren ; LIU Yanlin ; ZHANG Lu ; BAI Yuke ; GAO Rui ; QIN Tiantian ; FANG Ruotong ; DENG Ziyong
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):363-372
[摘 要] 目的:探讨lncRNA DLEU2通过EZH2/H3K27me3途径调控IKKα介导甲状腺癌(TC)放射性碘抵抗的作用机制。方法:利用TCGA数据库分析TC中DLEU2的表达及其与EZH2的相关性。构建放射性碘抵抗的TPC-1细胞(RR-TPC-1细胞)模型及裸鼠移植瘤模型,通过敲低或过表达DLEU2(si-DLEU2/OE-DLEU2)、抑制EZH2(UNC1999)、过表达IKKα(OE-IKKα)进行干预,采用qPCR、WB、RIP、ChIP、CCK-8、流式细胞术、TUNEL染色及体内成瘤实验检测基因与蛋白表达、表观修饰、细胞增殖、凋亡及肿瘤生长。结果:TCGA分析显示,DLEU2在TC组织中显著上调(P < 0.001),与患者不良预后相关(P = 0.008 4),且与EZH2表达呈正相关(r = 0.390, P < 0.001);RIP证实EZH2与DLEU2存在相互作用/结合(P < 0.05)。体外实验表明,敲低DLEU2可显著下调RR-TPC-1细胞中EZH2、IKKα表达及H3K27me3修饰水平,抑制NF-κB通路活化(P < 0.05或P < 0.01),抑制细胞增殖、促进凋亡(均P < 0.05)。联合敲低DLEU2与抑制EZH2进一步增强上述效应,而过表达IKKα则可部分逆转上述效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。体内实验进一步证实,敲低DLEU2联合抑制EZH2可显著抑制移植瘤生长,增加肿瘤细胞凋亡(均P < 0.01);IKKα过表达则部分逆转上述抗肿瘤效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:lncRNA DLEU2通过招募EZH2催化H3K27me3修饰,间接激活IKKα/NF-κB信号并形成正反馈环路,介导TPC-1细胞131I抵抗。
2.Mechanisms of Diabetic Tendinopathy and Exercise Intervention
Ya-Ke WU ; Rui DENG ; Yu-Miao XIE ; Fang ZOU ; Shuai-Wei QIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2041-2052
Diabetic tendinopathy is a common and disabling musculoskeletal complication of diabetes, clinically characterized by tendon thickening, pain, impaired healing capacity and compromised biomechanical performance, collectively undermining joint function and quality of life. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial. On the one hand, chronic hyperglycaemia promotes the abnormal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) within tendon collagen, leading to non-enzymatic crosslinking and engagement of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which in turn triggers inflammasome activation and sustains inflammatory responses. On the other hand, the diabetic milieu disrupts collagen metabolic homeostasis, impairs microvascular function and induces peripheral neuropathy; together, these alterations drive extracellular matrix degeneration and weaken the mechanical properties of tendon. Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, can ameliorate these pathological changes through multiple integrated mechanisms. First, exercise attenuates tendon inflammation and restores microenvironmental homeostasis. Regular physical activity reduces AGE-RAGE signalling, thereby suppressing downstream expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This shift from a pro-inflammatory to a pro-resolving milieu not only restrains chronic inflammation but may also limit excessive inflammasome activation in tenocytes and tissue-resident immune cells. Second, exercise enhances local expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. This axis stimulates tenocyte proliferation, augments synthesis of type I collagen —— the principal load-bearing component of tendon —— and thereby promotes tissue repair, preserves tensile strength and supports matrix synthesis and structural integrity. In addition, exercise improves blood supply and nutrient delivery to tendon by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN), thereby enhancing capillary growth, coordinating collagen fibrillogenesis and actively suppressing pathological vascular calcification. Exercise also increases the expression of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and CD34. Through the concerted actions of these factors, exercise promotes angiogenesis, restores the microvascular network and ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to relatively ischaemic tendon tissue. Finally, exercise elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting neuronal survival, axonal growth and the function of sensory and sympathetic nerve endings within tendon, thereby exerting neurotrophic and neuromodulatory effects and improving tendon innervation and neuromuscular control. Moreover, exercise upregulates collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), a molecule involved in axonal guidance and regeneration, and moderately increases the activity of substance P (SP), thereby helping to regulate neurogenic inflammation, pain perception and trophic support for tenocytes. Drawing together current evidence, this review systematically summarizes the mechanisms underlying diabetic tendinopathy and examines the mechanistic basis of exercise intervention, with the aim of providing a theoretical framework for the development of precise exercise strategies for affected individuals. However, several key issues remain unresolved: the therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic specificity of different exercise modalities in diabetic tendinopathy have yet to be defined, and early diagnostic biomarkers remain insufficiently characterized. Future studies should apply multi-omics approaches to profile AGE subtypes, miRNA signatures and collagen metabolic products, and should also clarify the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of excessive exercise or mechanical overloading in diabetic tendinopathy. Such efforts will further elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of exercise in diabetic tendinopathy and provide a stronger basis for precision exercise prescription and fitness guidance in patients with diabetes.
3.Renal metabolomics study of Huangqi preparations for alleviating nephrotoxicity of cisplatin
Ying XU ; Qing YOU ; Hui-zhi LUO ; Qi-rui HE ; Jian-dong ZOU ; Jing WANG ; Chang-yin LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2113-2119
Aim To investigate the effect of Huangqi injection(HI)and Huangqi oral solution(HO)on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity(CIN)based on un-targeted metabolomics technology and the underlying mechanisms.Methods Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into the blank group,cisplatin(CDDP)model group,HI treatment group,and HO treatment group,then the CIN model was built with low dose multiple intraperitoneal injections of CDDP.Pre-liminary evaluation of the renal protective efficacy of HI and HO was performed by measuring serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and organ indi-ces.Further screening and identification of potential biomarkers(PBs)related to CIN and HI/HO pharma-cological effects were attained through metabolomics studies of renal tissues,and pathway enrichment analy-sis was conducted.Results HI and HO significantly restored the abnormal increase in renal function indica-tors and abnormal decrease in organ indices caused by CDDP,as well as significantly improved the abnormal renal metabolic profile induced by CDDP,indicating that both HI and HO had good alleviating effects on CIN.HI significantly reversed 47 out of 54 CIN related PBs,mainly involving metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism,tryptophan metabo-lism,pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis;HO signifi-cantly reversed 18 out of 54 CIN related PBs,mainly involving metabolic pathways such as taurine and hypo-taurine metabolism,ascorbate and aldarate metabo-lism,pentose and glucuronate interconversions.Con-clusions Both HI and HO have significant alleviating effects on CIN.In the short term,HI salleviating effect is superior to that of HO.Overall,the mechanisms by which both alleviate CIN are mainly related to regula-ting lipid metabolism,amino acid metabolism.
4.Value of endoscopic assessment and local excision in diagnosing clinical complete response after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer
Guijun ZOU ; Rui MA ; Sijun WANG ; Chaojun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(11):1243-1247
This article systematically explores the synergistic value of endoscopic evaluation and local resection techniques in diagnosing clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. Endoscopic techniques, including high-definition narrow-band imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and confocal laser endomicroscopy, significantly improve the detection rate of microscopic residual lesions and provide objective evidence for clinical decision-making through standardized scoring systems. Local resection techniques, serving as both pathological verification and minimally invasive treatment, offer organ preservation opportunities for patients with cCR. The integrated three-step diagnostic pathway of "endoscopic screening-radiological reassessment-local resection confirmation" enhances the specificity of cCR diagnosis while reducing unnecessary radical surgeries. However, standardizing technical implementation, deepening multidisciplinary collaboration, and integrating molecular diagnostics remain critical directions for future development.
5.Changes of biochemical and biophysical factors in the periodontal ligament microenvironment at different stages of periodontitis development
Wanting WAN ; Yuting FU ; Yijie WANG ; Rui ZOU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):265-273
Objective To investigate the patterns of changes in biochemical factors(IL-1β and TGF-β1)and biophysical factors within the periodontal ligament microenvironment at different stages of periodontitis development.Methods Periodontitis models at different stages of development(early and late stages)were constructed in rats.The changes in the periodontal ligament microenvironment were determined by detecting biochemical factors((IL-1β and TGF-β1)and changes in periodontal ligament stiffness.Results Regarding biochemical factors,the growth factor TGF-β1 was at a high level in the early stage of periodontitis,while the inflammatory factor(IL-1β was slightly increased compared to the normal state,but expressed at a low level.As the inflammation progressed,the expression of TGF-β1 was suppressed and significantly decreased in the late stage of periodontitis(late stage:11.34±2.91 vs.early stage:20.41±2.64,P<0.01).In contrast,the expression of(IL-1βsignificantly increased(late stage:18.77±3.36 vs.early stage:8.24±1.47,P<0.01).Regarding biophysical factors,the stiffness of the periodontal ligament and the expression of the key protein integrin αv β3 in the mechanical signaling pathway gradually decreased with the development of periodontitis.Additionally,the osteogenic differentiation capacity of stem cells significantly decreased in the late stage of periodontitis(late stage:12.47±2.83 vs.early stage:21.15±4.38,P<0.05).Conclusion TGF-β1 may play a role in promoting periodontal tissue repair and maintaining physiological stability in normal and early stages of periodontitis,while the increased expression of(IL-1β in the late stage of periodontitis may inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells,leading to bone loss.Biophysical factors,including matrix stiffness and integrin αvβ3 expression,gradually decrease with the progression of periodontitis,potentially affecting bone tissue repair.
6.Proton beam range verification algorithm for pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector
Liwang YANG ; Haifeng OU ; Jinlong WANG ; Xiaoguang WU ; Ziyang HE ; Jian'an ZOU ; Yun ZHENG ; Congbo LI ; Shaoxiong GUAN ; Jing SHI ; Jinze LI ; Yunqiu LI ; Rui HONG ; Hao'en CHANG ; Mengting WANG ; Kaijie WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):281-287
In proton therapy,prompt gamma-ray imaging is considered as one of the most promising methods for assessing proton beam range.Prompt gamma-ray imaging detector evaluates the proton beam range based on the prompt gamma-ray distribution obtained by the prompt gamma-ray imaging system,which enables high-precision measurement of the proton beam range.Herein a proton beam range verification algorithm is designed for the newly developed prototype of the range verification detector(pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector),which verifies the range estimation accuracy of the prototype for different phantoms and different energies of homogeneous media through Monte Carlo simulation.The results show that the accuracy of the proton beam range verification algorithm is within 0.5 mm of the safety margin error of the Bragg peak,and the measurement accuracy is significantly improved with the increase of the number of protons,indicating that the prototype algorithm is feasible for proton beam range verification.
7.Effect of donor blood lipid levels and pancreatic surface fat on islet isolation outcomes
Jiaqi ZOU ; Biqi ZHANG ; Xuejie DING ; Peng SUN ; Boya ZHANG ; Tengli LIU ; Rui LIANG ; Shusen WANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(8):592-598
Objective:To investigate the effect of donor blood lipid levels and the degree of fat deposition on the pancreatic surface on the outcome of islet isolation.Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 171 cases of islet isolation data from organ donors between May 2015 and December 2024. According to the percentage of fat deposition area on the surface of the pancreatic capsule after trimming, the samples were divided into three groups: mild surface fat group (<30%, 60 cases) , moderate surface fat group (30%–70%, 55 cases) , and severe surface fat group (>70%, 56 cases). The modified Ricordi method was used to digest pancreatic tissue, and islets were purified by continuous density gradient centrifugation. The digestion efficiency, digestion time, islet yield (islet equivalent/quantity) , purity, score, and size were analyzed and compared among groups. One-way ANOVA was used for inter-group comparisons, and Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between blood lipid levels and islet isolation parameters.Result:The severe surface fat group had significantly higher pre-purification and post-purification islet equivalents, islet number, amount of digested pancreatic tissue, donor triglyceride levels, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels than the other groups (all P<0. 05) . Correlation analysis showed that LDL level was positively correlated with pre-purification islet equivalents (62 cases, r=0. 298, P=0. 019) and islet number (58 cases, r=0. 285, P=0. 030) . Donor high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was negatively correlated with post-purification islet equivalents (54 cases, r= – 0. 282, P=0. 039) ; donor triglyceride level was positively correlated with the amount of digested tissue (56 cases, r=0. 268, P=0. 046) and negatively correlated with purity (51 cases, r= - 0. 297, P=0. 035) ; donor very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) level was positively correlated with the amount of digested tissue (67 cases, r=0. 337, P=0. 005) and negatively correlated with purity (61 cases, r=- 0. 348 , P=0. 006) ; donor total cholesterol level was negatively correlated with pancreatic digestion efficiency (34 cases, r= - 0. 370, P=0. 032) , and the above differences were all statistically significant. Conclusion:Pancreata with heavier surface fat deposition can yield a higher number of islets. Meanwhile, donor blood lipid levels are correlated with islet isolation outcomes and can serve as important indicators for donor pancreas selection.
8.Effect of histone methyltransferase SMYD2 on macrophage-myofibro-blast transition-promoted renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease
Yuan YANG ; Rui PENG ; Zeying LIU ; Xue ZOU ; Xia LI ; Huixiong YUAN ; Hehua LONG ; Teng WANG ; Mingjie CEN ; Bing GUO ; Liying ZHU ; Lirong LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):239-249
AIM:This study aims to investigate the role of histone methyltransferase SET and MYND domain containing 2(SMYD2)in facilitating renal fibrosis through the macrophage-myofibroblast transition in diabetic kidney dis-ease(DKD).METHODS:(1)C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally administered 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus(DM).The experimental groups were categorized as follows:normal control,DM(20 weeks),DM(28 weeks),and DM(36 weeks).Blood glucose(BG),serum creatinine(SCr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels were determined using a biochemical analyzer.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and Masson staining were performed to assess morphological and fibrotic changes in renal tissues.Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein levels of SMYD2,histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation(H3K4me3),arginase-1,matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine the localization and expression of F4/80,α-SMA,SMYD2,CD86,CD206 and CD163.(2)Mouse monocyte/macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro and assigned to groups as follows:normal glucose(NG)+negative control siRNA(siNC),high glucose(HG)+siNC,NG+SMYD2 siRNA(siSMYD2),and HG+siSMYD2.Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of relevant proteins.RESULTS:(1)Compared with normal control group,the levels of BG,SCr and BUN were significantly elevated in DM(28 weeks)and DM(36 weeks)groups(P<0.05).Renal tissue exhibited tubular atro-phy,dilation,and collagen fiber deposition.The levels of H3K4me3,arginase-1,MMP9,Col Ⅰ and α-SMA proteins were up-regulated(P<0.05).The CD86,CD206,CD163 and F4/80 were primarily localized in the interstitial macrophages of the renal tubules,α-SMA was predominantly detected in the renal interstitium,and SMYD2 was mainly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells and the renal interstitium.(2)Compared with NG+siNC group,the protein levels of SMYD2,H3K4me3,arginase-1,CD163,Col Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and p-Smad3 in the cells of HG+siNC group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Knockdown of SMYD2 resulted in a reduction of these indicators(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The SMYD2 protein appears to facilitate renal fibrosis in DKD by promoting the macrophage-myofibroblast transition,potentially through the modulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
9.Identifying High-Risk Areas for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mortality in Guangdong, China: Spatiotemporal Clustering and Socioenvironmental Determinants.
Hai Ming LUO ; Wen Biao HU ; Yan Jun XU ; Xue Yan ZHENG ; Qun HE ; Lu LYU ; Rui Lin MENG ; Xiao Jun XU ; Fei ZOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):585-597
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to identify high-risk areas for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mortality to provide relevant evidence for interventions in emerging economies.
METHODS:
Empirical Bayesian Kriging and a discrete Poisson space-time scan statistic were applied to identify the spatiotemporal clusters of T2DM mortality. The relationships between economic factors, air pollutants, and the mortality risk of T2DM were assessed using regression analysis and the Poisson Log-linear Model.
RESULTS:
A coastal district in East Guangdong, China, had the highest risk (Relative Risk [RR] = 4.58, P < 0.01), followed by the 10 coastal districts/counties in West Guangdong, China (RR = 2.88, P < 0.01). The coastal county in the Pearl River Delta, China (RR = 2.24, P < 0.01), had the third-highest risk. The remaining risk areas were two coastal counties in East Guangdong, 16 districts/counties in the Pearl River Delta, and two counties in North Guangdong, China. Mortality due to T2DM was associated with gross domestic product per capita (GDP per capita). In pilot assessments, T2DM mortality was significantly associated with carbon monoxide.
CONCLUSION
High mortality from T2DM occurred in the coastal areas of East and West Guangdong, especially where the economy was progressing towards the upper middle-income level.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Humans
;
Risk Factors
;
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
;
Air Pollutants/analysis*
;
Socioeconomic Factors
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
10.Investigation of 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant from 2012 to 2022
Lei ZHOU ; Yiyao CAO ; Hua ZOU ; Rui WANG ; Hong REN ; Peng WANG ; Shunfei YU ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Zhongjun LAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):449-453
Objective:To investigate the radioactivity levels and variation trends of 90Sr in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in operation. Methods:From 2012 to 2022, the source, factory, and tap water was collected within 30 km around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant during the wet and dry seasons (i.e., May and October, respectively) each year to determine the 90Sr concentration in water. According to the dietary habits of local residents, four kinds of food, including rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp, were collected to determine and analyze the 90Sr radioactivity concentration in food using the bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid extraction chromatographic method. Results:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in the source, factory, and tap water around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant ranged from 3.73 to 11.89 mBq/L, 2.95 to 9.83 mBq/L, and 3.12 to 8.70 mBq/L, respectively, showing nonsignificant fluctuations over the years. The 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp ranged from 0.02 to 0.46 Bq/kg (dry weight), 0.26 to 1.07 Bq/kg (fresh weight), 0.38 to 1.05 Bq/kg (fresh weight), and 0.08 to 1.32 Bq/kg (fresh weight), respectively, all below the national standard limits. Conclusions:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant were at the background level and remained stable.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail