1.GSTP1-mediated inhibition of ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis via JNK pathway in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.
Mingbo WU ; Ye ZHAO ; Dong LI ; Xueli HU ; Jiaojiao ZHOU ; Siyi CHEN ; Xin YANG ; Zegang LI ; Xiaomiao RUAN ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenwu LING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2498-2510
BACKGROUND:
Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is extensively used in the treatment of various tumors. However, its clinical application is limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Currently, few effective strategies exist to mitigate or eliminate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). Although ferroptosis is implicated in DIC and its inhibition partially alleviates the condition, the direct targets of DOX in the progression of cardiotoxicity remain unclear. This study aimed to discover the direct targets of DOX in ferroptosis-mediated DIC.
METHODS:
A DOX pulldown assay was performed to identify proteins specifically binding to DOX in murine hearts, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify candidate proteins. A cardiac injury mouse model was established by DOX treatment. Based on this, multiple ferroptosis biomarkers were detected by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunochemistry, etc. Besides, specific activator and inhibitor of signaling pathways were applied to illuminate molecular mechanisms.
RESULTS:
Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) was identified as a DOX target. GSTP1 activity was inhibited in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, while its overexpression significantly alleviated DIC. Moreover, GSTP1 overexpression inhibited acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)-dependent ferroptosis. Mechanistically, GSTP1 overexpression suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibiting ferroptosis in DIC.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies the DOX/GSTP1/JNK axis as a critical pathway mediating ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis in DIC. GSTP1 is highlighted as a potential key mediator of ferroptosis and a promising therapeutic target for DIC.
2.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.
3.Role of the iNOS/IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced insulin resistance
Meina Jin ; Xueli Zhou ; Haibo Li ; Wei Bai ; Chuxuan Jia ; Li Gao ; Lijue Ren ; Qingyu Chen ; Rui Wang ; Hua Li ; Cuiying Wei
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):210-217
Objective :
To pathological changes and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 serine 307(p-IRS1ser 307), phosphorylated protein kinase B serine 473(p-AKTser 473), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), and gluconeogenic synthase(GS) proteins were observed in the liver of rats under the condition of chronic intermittent hypoxia-replicated oxygen in control. And to explore the role of iNOS/IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced insulin resistance.
Methods :
Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a control group(NC group) and an experimental group(CIH group), with 20 rats in each group. The NC group was placed in a normoxic environment for 12 weeks, while the CIH group was first subjected to intermittent hypoxia for 8 weeks, and then resumed normoxic rearing until the 12th week. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) and fasting insulin(FINS) were measured at baseline, week 8 and week 12, and liver tissues were taken for pathology and measurement of iNOS, p-IRS1ser 307, p-AKTser 473, GSK3β and GS levels, to compare the differences between groups.
Results:
t baseline, there was no significant difference in liver pathology between the two groups, and the observed indexes were not statistically significant(P>0.05); at 8 weeks, compared with the NC group, liver pathology in the CIH group showed significant disorganization of hepatic blood sinusoids and hepatocyte cords, obvious hepatocyte edema, smaller nuclei, increased lymphocyte infiltration, and a small number of fat vacuoles, significantly higher levels of FBG, FINS, insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR), iNOS mRNA, p-IRS1ser 307 protein, GSK-3β protein levels, and decreased p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein levels, all of which were statistically significant(allP<0.05). IRS1ser 307 protein, GSK-3β protein levels were increased, p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein levels were decreased, and the differences were statistically significant(allP<0.05); at 12 weeks, no lymphocyte infiltration was seen in the CIH group compared with that of the NC group and fat vacuoles significantly increased, and there was no improvement in the other pathological damage that had already occurred, and the levels of p-AKTser 473 protein significantly increased. AKTser 473 protein level significantly increased, p-IRS1ser 307 protein and GS protein levels were significantly reduced, all of which were statistically significant(allP<0.05), and the rest of the observational indexes were not statistically significant. Pearson′s correlation analysis showed that HOMA-IR of CIH group was significantly positively correlated with the levels of iNOS mRNA, p-IRS1ser 307 protein, and GSK-3β protein at 8 weeks(r=0.874, 0.817,0.872;allP<0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with the levels of p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein(r=-0.886,-0.879;allP<0.05).
Conclusion
Chronic intermittent hypoxia can lead to hepatic pathological damage that cannot be reversed even by reoxygenation interventions and may mediate the development of insulin resistance by upregulating the IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway through the upregulation of iNOS mRNA expression.
4.Exploration on the ideas of Zhuang medicine acupuncture at abdominal ring acupoint in treating depression based on the "gut-brain axis" theory
Xueli SHI ; Chenjie HUANG ; Xiaoting FAN ; Chen LIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):755-759
The brain-gut axis is an important channel to realize the functional integration of the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system between the brain and the intestine. It is the medium for the occurrence and development of depression and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. From the perspective of modern medicine and TCM, based on the theory of "brain-gut axis", this article discussed the operation method and mechanism of acupuncture at abdominal ring acupoint in the treatment of depression in Zhuang medicine, in order to provide new ideas for acupuncture treatment of depression.
5.Study of dynamic transcriptome during mitosis of HAP1 cells
Xueli WU ; Yurong YANG ; Yongli BAO ; Rucheng WU ; Lisha WANG ; Yang CHEN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(6):786-792
Objective To comprehensively understand the map of transcripts during mitosis and their regulatory mechanisms of HAP 1 cells by conducting transcriptome sequencing analysis after being released by mitotic synchro-nization arrest.Methods HAP1 cells were subjected to mitotic synchronous arrest with nocodazole and samples were collected after 0,20,80 min release,and RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)were performed.The transcriptome data was cleaned and the differentially expressed genes,expression trend clustering and functional enrichment com-bined with the protein interaction network were analyzed to explore the changes of signaling pathways in HAP 1 cells during mitosis.Results The transcriptome of HAP1 cells after synchronous release from mitosis underwent significant changes in time series,and differential gene cluster analysis revealed four gene clusters were enriched in important biological processes such as p53 signaling and cytoplasmic translation.Conclusions The transcriptome time-dependent dynamic changes during mitosis in HAP1 cells are coordinated regulation of key signaling pathways including cellular stress response,translational control and chromatin remodeling,ensuring a balance between growth and stress response upon mitotic exit.
6.Preparation process for initiating extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital: best evidence summary
Pengcheng WANG ; Di WANG ; Xueli JI ; Li ZHANG ; Xihua HUANG ; Yangchun ZHANG ; Na MA ; Weinan ZHANG ; Xufeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(5):365-371
Objective:To retrieve, evaluate and integrate the evidence related to the preparation process for initiating extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital, so as to provide reference for clinical implementation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Methods:According to the evidence-based nursing method and the 6S evidence model, guidelines, clinical decisions, expert consensus, systematic review and other literatures related to the preparation process for initiating extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital were searched from National Guideline Clearinghouse, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and other websites, UpToDate, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang and other databases. The retrieval date limit was from the establishment of the database to May 20, 2023. Researchers assessed the quality of the included articles, and extracted and summarized the evidence that met the quality standards.Results:A total of 11 articles were included, including 2 guidelines, 6 expert consensuses, 1 systematic review and 2 quasi-experimental studies. A total of 18 pieces of evidences were summarized from 6 aspects, including medical conditions, team building, materials management, operation mechanism, pre-initiating treatment and initiating judgment.Conclusions:This study summarizes the evidence of preparation process for initiating extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital, which can provide reference for promoting the implementation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Future studies still need to focus on team building, personnel training and assessment, and optimisation of the management system, so as to improve the efficiency and readiness of treatment.
7.Application of balance technique and measurement osteotomy technique under Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty
Xueli HUANG ; Ruiqin LUO ; Sheng CHEN ; Xiaowu LI ; Haibo CHEN ; Qingqiang ZENG ; Zhihui ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(24):3822-3826
BACKGROUND:At present,measurement osteotomy technique and gap balance technique are the two main surgical methods in total knee arthroplasty.Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.By adjusting the osteotomy angle,the gap balance technique can reduce the release of soft tissue and obtain a more balanced flexion and extension space.The clinical efficacy of gap balance technique is superior,but this surgical method lacks tools and is easily influenced by the surgeon's surgical experience and subjective judgment,with more errors.Measurement osteotomy technique has a short learning curve,but it relies on anatomic markers and is prone to many complications due to inaccurate positioning.In recent years,many instrument companies have successively developed and launched tools that can improve the quality of surgery.However,there are still few reports about the tool. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical efficacy of gap balance technique and measurement osteotomy technique under Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty,and explore the value of Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:The medical records of 85 patients with total knee arthroplasty were collected and divided into two groups according to the operation method.Group A consisted of 44 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using a gap balance technique combined with Offset Repo-Tensor.Group B consisted of 41 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using measurement osteotomy technique.Surgical time,American Knee Society Score,knee range of motion,changes in lower limb alignment,and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups to evaluate the clinical efficacy of gap balance technique combined with Offset Repo-Tensors in total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All 85 patients were followed up.(2)Postoperative knee range of motion in both groups was higher than that before surgery(P<0.05),and the improvement in group A was more significant than that in group B(P<0.05).(3)American Knee Society Score in both groups after surgery was higher than that before surgery(P<0.05),and the American Knee Society Score in group A was higher than that in group B at 2 weeks,1,3 months,and the last follow-up(P<0.05).(4)The operation time of group A was slightly shorter than that of group B,but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).(5)The lower limb alignment in both groups was improved after operation,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)The complication rate of group A(2%)was lower than that of group B(7%),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).(7)It is indicated that compared with the measurement osteotomy technique,the combination of Offset Repo-Tensor and gap balance technique can elevate the clinical effect and improve the function and motion range of the knee joint.
8.Investigation of the interaction and adverse reactions between voriconazole and tacrolimus based on CYP2C19 gene polymorphism and therapeutic drug monitoring
Xueli CHEN ; Xiaoshan SUN ; Shuai SONG ; Yong SU ; Quan XIA ; Jiatao LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(10):1849-1855
Objective To analyze the interaction between voriconazole(VRC)and immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine and the effect of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on the interaction and adverse reactions(ADR)based on the results of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism and therapeutic drug monitoring,so as to provide a basis for the development of individualized VRC combined with immunosuppressants.Methods Two-dimensional liquid chromatography and pyrosequencing was used to detect the concentration of VRC and the CYP2C19 gene pol-ymorphism,respectively.And the concentration of immunosuppressants was detected at the same time.The rela-tionship among CYP2C19 gene polymorphism,the concentration of VRC and immunosuppressant and ADR was an-alyzed.Results A total of 61 patients were enrolled in this study,and the mutation rates of CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 were 54.1%(33/61)and 9.84%(6/61),respectively.The concentrations of VRC in patients with extensive metabolism(EMs),intermediate metabolism(IMs)and poor metabolism(PMs)were(4.44±3.46),(3.62±3.02)and(10.05±1.46)μg/ml(P<0.05),respectively.The concentration of tacrolimus af-ter combined with VRC significantly increased compared to tacrolimus alone[(13.4±9.2)ng/ml vs(6.5±3.6)ng/ml;P=0.002],and the concentration of tacrolimus increased along with an increasing of VRC concentration.The concentration of VRC in patients combined with tacrolimus was lower than that in patients without immunosup-pressants[(3.81±3.48)μg/ml vs(5.84±3.71)μg/ml;P=0.032].The concentration of VRC inpatients with cyclosporine significantly decreased(P<0.01),while tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil had no signifi-cant effect on the concentration of VRC.45.90%(28/61)of the patients had adverse reactions,the concentration of VRC in patients with ADR was significantly higher than that in patients without ADR[(7.07±3.43)μg/ml vs(3.06±2.90)μg/ml;P<0.001].And the concentration of VRC in patients with ADR was higher than patients without ADR with based on CYP2C19 genotype.Conclusion CYP2C19 gene polymorphism can significantly affect the concentration and adverse reactions of VRC,and VRC has significant interaction with immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus.CYP2C19 gene polymorphism combined with therapeutic drug monitoring can improve the individual-ized treatment of tacrolimus and voriconazole,and is expected to minimize toxicity and improve treatment effects.
9.Experience in eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in China
Yali LUO ; Wei WANG ; Yuchen PAN ; Jing JIANG ; Hanlong ZHENG ; Xueli WU ; Hui CHEN ; Shiben ZHU ; Jinlin HOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(11):2145-2151
Reducing the mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV)is crucial for achieving HBV elimination.Launched in July 2015 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,China,the"Zero Hepatitis B Mother-to-Child Transmission Project"(Shield Project)is a public welfare initiative integrating scientific prevention and applied research and aims to perform standardized management of pregnant women with hepatitis B using the mobile application of"Shield Project",in order to further reduce or eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of HBV.At present,the Shield Project has expanded nationwide,offering detailed implementation strategies,successful practices,and reliable data to support the global effort to eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of HBV.This article introduces the implementation strategies and outcomes of the Shield Project in four representative cases,in order to provide strong evidence for further understanding and preventing the mother-to-child transmission of HBV.
10.Dynamic transcriptomic analysis of macrophages infected with Salmonella typhimurium
Boyuan SONG ; Xueli WU ; Xueyuan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Yang CHEN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(6):779-785
Objective To comprehensively understand the dynamic transcriptional landscape during infection through investigating the temporal molecular changes in macrophages RAW 264.7 upon infection with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344.Methods Macrophages RAW 264.7 were infected with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344,and cell samples were collected at 0 h,8 h,and 16 h for RNA-sequencing(RNA-seq).Upstream and downstream analyses of the transcriptome data including differential gene expression,clustering,functional annotation,and mo-lecular network studies were conducted to elucidate the signaling pathways changes in macrophages.Results Infec-ted macrophages exhibited significant morphological and transcriptional changes.Differential gene analysis identified significant upregulation and downregulation patterns.Clustering revealed six gene clusters involving various signaling pathways,such as immune response,membrane transport,and lipid catabolic process.Conclusions Macrophages dynamically respond to Salmonella typhimurium infection,displaying distinct temporal gene expression patterns.The coordinated activation of immune response,membrane transport,and lipid catabolic process pathways implies a multifaceted cellular adaptation to external infections,providing essential insights into the molecular mechanisms of macrophage response to Salmonella typhimurium infection.


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