1.The Role of FASN in Tumors and Its Targeted Therapy
Wen-Jing JIANG ; Ruo-Xi ZHANG ; Yu-Qing TAI ; Ya-Wen SUN ; Xi-Yu ZHANG ; Xiao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):920-935
Malignant tumors represent a major threat to global health. Conventional anti-tumor pharmacotherapy often encounters challenges such as drug resistance, highlighting an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), the key enzyme catalyzing de novo fatty acid synthesis, is subject to precise regulation at multiple levels, including transcriptional control, various post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation, as well as modulation by diverse signaling pathways. Recent studies have revealed that FASN is aberrantly overexpressed in various malignant tumors and is closely associated with tumor progression and poor patient prognosis. FASN is a homodimer composed of seven functional domains that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent condensation of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to generate saturated fatty acids, primarily palmitic acid. Its stability is regulated by multiple ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Additionally, FASN is subject to upstream regulation via neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 8 (Nedd8) modification and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, thereby establishing a metabolic-signaling positive feedback loop. As a core executor of metabolic reprogramming, FASN promotes tumorigenesis through dual mechanisms. First, its fatty acid synthesis product, palmitate, participates in membrane phospholipid synthesis, lipid raft formation, and protein palmitoylation, thereby activating several key oncogenic signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, wingless-type MMTV integration site family member (Wnt)/β‑catenin, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), leading to tumor development and progression. Second, FASN plays a pivotal role in modulating the anti-tumor functions of immune cells and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. Specifically, FASN enhances immune checkpoint inhibition by inducing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) palmitoylation, suppresses the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and promotes the polarization of M2-type macrophages, consequently facilitating tumor immune evasion and malignant progression. Precisely due to its significant overexpression in tumor cells, its critical functional role, and its differential expression compared to normal cells, FASN has emerged as a highly promising target for anti-tumor drug development. Highly selective small-molecule inhibitors, notably represented by TVB-2640, have advanced to clinical trial stages and demonstrated favorable anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, the combination of FASN inhibitors with other chemotherapeutic agents or targeted drugs can overcome the limitations of monotherapy through synergistic effects or by resensitizing tumor cells to conventional drugs, achieving a “1+1>2” therapeutic outcome. With the advancement of modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), numerous active ingredients derived from TCM have been confirmed to exert anti-tumor effects by modulating FASN-related pathways. This integrated approach leverages the precision of Western medicine while simultaneously harnessing the holistic regulatory benefits of TCM to alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the promising prospects of FASN-targeted therapies, challenges remain, including tumor cell metabolic plasticity, tumor context-dependent responses, and heterogeneity. This review systematically summarizes the molecular structure, physiological functions, and mechanisms of FASN in tumorigenesis, as well as recent advances in targeted therapies. Future directions—including the precise identification of responsive patient populations using spatial transcriptomics, the development of novel combination regimens, and the active exploration of integrative strategies combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine—will facilitate the clinical translation of FASN-targeted therapies and open new avenues for improving the quality of life and prognosis of cancer patients.
2.Association between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance
Jin-Bo LI ; Ya XIAO ; Shu-Qin JIANG ; Xiang-Yang LUO ; Hong-Ru ZHANG ; Jun SUN ; Wen-Hui SHI ; Ying YANG ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1487-1492
Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.
3.Event-related potential study on cognitive function in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Ya ZHANG ; Yunxiao WU ; Yingchao JIANG ; Li ZHENG ; Zhifei XU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(4):334-339
Objective:To investigate the changes in N100, P300, and N400 of event-related potential(ERP) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and provide the basis for evaluating cognitive and neurological impairment in pediatric OSA.Methods:Totally 108 children aged 5-10 years who visited the Sleep Center of Beijing Children's Hospital due to snoring or mouth breathing were recruited from June to September, 2023, and ultimately 90 children were included in the study.According to the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) in their polysomnography (PSG) results, children with OAHI>1 time/h were classified as OSA group ( n=74), and children with OAHI ≤ 1 time/h were classified as non-OSA group ( n=16).All participants completed the auditory oddball and Peabody image vocabulary test tasks, and the EEG data collected through ERP technology were compared between the two groups.SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and independent samples t-test or non parametric test was used for comparison between the two groups. Results:The P300 latency of OSA children in lead Fz was significantly longer than that of non OSA children (330.00(308.00, 396.00) ms, 309.00(294.50, 337.50)ms), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.143, P=0.032). The latency of P300 was positively correlated with apnea hypopnea index(AHI)(Fz lead: r=0.332, Cz lead: r=0.239, Pz lead: r=0.213, all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in P300 latency between Cz and Pz leads ( Z=-1.615, P=0.106; Z=-1.055, P=0.291). There was no statistically significant difference in the amplitude of P300 among the leads (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the amplitude and latency of N100 and N400 (both P>0.05). Conclusion:The latency of P300 in OSA children is significantly longer than that in non-OSA children, indicating impaired cognitive function. The latency of auditory P300 might serve as an early neuroelectrophysiological biomarker for identifying cognitive impairment in OSA children.
4.Application value of exercise rehabilitation mode based on CPET in the treatment and rehabilitation of coronary heart disease
Xiao-ya WANG ; Xiao-li ZHOU ; Ming-yue XUE ; Mei-qin JIANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(1):22-26
Objective:To investigate the application value of exercise rehabilitation mode based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)in the treatment and rehabilitation of coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:This ran-domized controlled study enrolled 260 CHD patients admitted in Hai'an People's Hospital between January 2021 and June 2022.They were divided into control group(n=130,routine nursing)and intervention group(n=130,addi-tional exercise rehabilitation training nursing).After 6-month intervention,scores of Heart Health-Self-Effica-cy and Self-Management(HH-SESM)scale,Chinese Quality of Life Questionnaire for Cardiovascular Patients(CQQC),peak oxygen uptake(VO2peak),percentage of peak oxygen uptake in predicted maximum(VO2peak%Pred),peak metabolic equivalent(peak Mets),cardiac function indexes,and incidence of adverse events were com-pared between two groups.Results:After intervention,compared with patients in control group,those in interven-tion group had significant higher scores of HH-SESM[(76.57±5.88)points vs.(64.51±5.16)points]and CQQC[(111.66±7.93)points vs.(84.16±6.96)points],VO2peak[(1.41±0.11)L/min vs.(1.19±0.26)L/min],VO2peak%Pred[(59.32±3.51)%vs.(51.27±3.11)%],peak Mets[(7.89±1.86)vs.(5.22±1.16)],6MWD[(473.53±18.12)m vs.(354.27±23.11)m],and significant lower serum N-terminal pro brain natri-uretic peptide(NT-proBNP)[(5.13±2.17)pg/ml vs.(13.81±2.22)pg/ml],cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ)[(2.90±0.51)ng/ml vs.(4.76±1.32)ng/ml](P<0.001 all).Intervention group had significant lower incidence of adverse events comparing to control group(3.85%vs.13.85%,P=0.005).Conclusion:Exercise rehabilitation treatment based on cardiopulmonary exercise test could effectively improve self-efficacy and self-management,quality of life,cardiopulmonary function and reduce risk of adverse events in patients with coronary heart disease.
5.Exploration and Practice of a Comprehensive Model of"Teaching,Science and Ideology Trinity"to Enhance the Scientific Research Comprehensive Ability of Medical Students
Xiao-Hong YANG ; Chun-Hong HUANG ; Da-Ya LUO ; Wei-Feng ZHU ; Mu-Ying YING ; Yi JIANG ; Jing-Chong GUO ; Hao-Tang LIAO ; Xiao-Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(9):1360-1368
The integration of science and education is not only an important strategy for promoting social progress and technological development,but also a modern form of higher education aiming at cultivating innovative talents.Conducting scientific research training for undergraduate medical students is one of the important ways to cultivate their innovative abilities and comprehensive qualities.Our team proposed a"teaching,science,and ideology trinity"teaching model to comprehensively cultivate students' scientific research comprehensive abilities under the value orientation of ideological and political education by or-ganically integrating molecular biology experimental teaching with the scientific research training of under-graduate medical students.In this teaching activity,taking the experiment of gene polymorphism as an example,our team selected students with research potential from the whole grade and divided them into 4 project groups that were instructed by 4 teachers.The students were trained in the whole process of scien-tific research,including topic selection,project writing,experimental designing,application for research ethics,and project summary.Our team has always adhered to student-contentedness of educational con-cepts to stimulate students' intrinsic motivation throughout the teaching process.Students are the design-ers and implementers of the project,and teachers are only guides and promoters of learning.After this training,students not only became familiar with the writing and implementation of scientific research pro-jects,but also improved their literature reading,experimental designing,experimental skills,and prob-lem-solving abilities.More importantly,this teaching activity also cultivated students' awareness of re-search ethics and academic moral standards.
6.Study of circRNA Screening for Differential Expression in Peripheral Blood and Correlation between CircAKT3 Level Expression and Renal Fibrosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Jinzhu WANG ; Ya TAO ; Jinfan WANG ; Juan JIANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):46-51
Objective To screen the differentially expressed circular RNA(circRNA)in peripheral blood of patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy(T2DN)and study the correlation between the expression of circAKT3 level and renal fibrosis.Methods A retrospectively study was conducted on 176 T2DM patients admitted to Mianyang 404 Hospital from December 2022 to December 2023 based on whether the patients developed DN,they were divided into a simple T2DM group(n=60)and DN group(n=116).At the same time,30 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in Mianyang 404 Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.Clinical data of all subjects were collected.DN patients were divided into microalbuminuria group(M-DN group,n=66)and macroalbuminuria group(MS-DN group,n=50)according to Mogensen classification criteria.Twenty samples were randomly selected from the control group,M-DN group,T2DM group and MS-DN group,and 2 ml peripheral venous blood was extracted for RNA extraction and circRNA microarray scanning analysis to screen the differentially expressed circRNA.The correlation between the most significant differential circRNA expression level and renal fibrosis markers and renal function indicators was statistically analyzed.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of circAKT3 for DN.Results Compared with the control group,the level of circAKT3 in MS-DN patients was down-regulated by 9.72 times,which was the most significantly down-regulated circRNA.qRT-PCR showed that compared with the control group,the relative expression of circAKT3 in the T2DM group,M-DN group and MS-DN group was 0.85±0.23,0.54±0.13 and 0.12±0.09,respectively,with the progression of DN,the relative expression level of circAKT3 in peripheral blood of patients gradually decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=5.100,8.568,10.960,all P<0.001).Spearman correlation test showed that the level of circAKT3 in peripheral blood of DN patients was correlated with the duration of diabetes,serum Creatinine,BUN,cystatin C,TGF-β,CIV,PCIII and Alb were negatively,correlated(r=-0.756~-0.621,all P<0.05).Glomerular filtration rate was positively correlated(r=0.695,P=0.010).ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of circAKT3 in the diagnosis of DM were 75.3%and 71.1%,respectively,and the AUC was 0.792.The sensitivity,specificity and AUC for M-DN were 90.3%,85.7%and 0.875,respectively,and the sensitivity,specificity and the AUC for MS-DN were 88.2%,87.6%and 0.916,respectively.Conclusion The level of serum circAKT3 is significantly down-regulated in DN patients,which can be used as a potential auxiliary diagnostic marker of DN.
7.Effect of salidroside combined with rosavin on ischemic brain injury in rats
Wen-fang LAI ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Jing-quan CHEN ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Yan CHEN ; Ya LIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2058-2065
Aim To study the mechanism of salidro-side combined with rosavin in rats with ischemic stroke.Methods The MCAO rats was established by using thread-embolic method.The rats were divided into the sham group,MCAO group,salidroside com-bined with rosavin group,and positive control group;the drug was given continuously for seven days.Western blot was used to detect apoptosis indicators.Proteomics was used to analyse differential proteins(DEPs).STEP receptor inhibitor was injected into the lateral ventricles,the rats were administered for seven days,then the apoptosis indicators were detected.Re-sults Salidroside combined with rosavin could reduce neurological function scores in MCAO rats and inhibit cell apoptosis.Quantitative proteomics identified 496 DEPs in brain tissue and discovered core proteins STEP,p38,and CRTC1.Salidroside combined with rosavin could promote the STEP and CRTC1 while in-hibiting p38 protein.After treatment with STEP inhibi-tor,those effects were reversed.Conclusion Salidro-side combined with rosavin can inhibit cell apoptosis in MCAO rats,which is closely related to the regulation of the STEP/p38/CRTC1 signaling pathway.
8.The effects of fluoride and aluminum exposure alone and in combination on pyroptosis and NLRP3/Caspase-1/ GSDMD signaling pathway in NG108-15 cells
Ya XIA ; Hongshuang JIANG ; Xiaoling QIAN ; Chun XIE
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):272-278
Objective:To study the effects of fluoride and aluminum exposure alone and in combination on pyroptosis and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway in NG108-15 cells.Methods:Using a factorial design method, NG108-15 cells cultured in vitro were divided into control group [0 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) + 0 mg/L aluminium trichloride (AlCl 3)], fluoride group (40 mg/L NaF + 0 mg/L AlCl 3), aluminum group (0 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3), and fluoride + aluminum group (40 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3) according to the concentrations of NaF and AlCl 3. After 24 hours of cultivation, the cells were collected for subsequent experiments. The fluorescence intensity of pyroptosis index GSDMD in each group was detected by immunofluorescence method. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, gasdermin D N-terminus (GSDMD-N) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in each group were detected by Western blotting. Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02), the fluorescence intensity of GSDMD in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups (1.49 ± 0.02, 1.22 ± 0.04, 1.25 ± 0.03) were higher ( P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.01, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.06), the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 (1.21 ± 0.06, 1.60 ± 0.07, 1.42 ± 0.02), ASC (2.61 ± 0.07, 1.53 ± 0.01, 2.12 ± 0.03), Caspase-1 (1.32 ± 0.05, 1.53 ± 0.04, 2.07 ± 0.05), and GSDMD (1.60 ± 0.03, 1.65 ± 0.04, 2.23 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.04, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.05, 1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.03, 1.00 ± 0.06), the protein expression levels of NLRP3 (1.55 ± 0.06, 1.40 ± 0.07, 1.24 ± 0.05), ASC (1.66 ± 0.05, 1.48 ± 0.06, 1.32 ± 0.06), Caspase-1 (1.51 ± 0.02, 1.40 ± 0.01, 1.28 ± 0.03), GSDMD (1.24 ± 0.03, 1.31 ± 0.06, 1.18 ± 0.03), GSDMD-N (1.18 ± 0.04, 1.27 ± 0.03, 1.27 ± 0.03), and IL-1β (1.81 ± 0.03, 1.70 ± 0.08, 1.52 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Exposure to fluoride and aluminum alone and in combination can induce pyroptosis in NG108-15 cells, and the mechanism may be related to up-regulation of molecules related to the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.
9.Event-related potential study on cognitive function in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Ya ZHANG ; Yunxiao WU ; Yingchao JIANG ; Li ZHENG ; Zhifei XU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(4):334-339
Objective:To investigate the changes in N100, P300, and N400 of event-related potential(ERP) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and provide the basis for evaluating cognitive and neurological impairment in pediatric OSA.Methods:Totally 108 children aged 5-10 years who visited the Sleep Center of Beijing Children's Hospital due to snoring or mouth breathing were recruited from June to September, 2023, and ultimately 90 children were included in the study.According to the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) in their polysomnography (PSG) results, children with OAHI>1 time/h were classified as OSA group ( n=74), and children with OAHI ≤ 1 time/h were classified as non-OSA group ( n=16).All participants completed the auditory oddball and Peabody image vocabulary test tasks, and the EEG data collected through ERP technology were compared between the two groups.SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and independent samples t-test or non parametric test was used for comparison between the two groups. Results:The P300 latency of OSA children in lead Fz was significantly longer than that of non OSA children (330.00(308.00, 396.00) ms, 309.00(294.50, 337.50)ms), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.143, P=0.032). The latency of P300 was positively correlated with apnea hypopnea index(AHI)(Fz lead: r=0.332, Cz lead: r=0.239, Pz lead: r=0.213, all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in P300 latency between Cz and Pz leads ( Z=-1.615, P=0.106; Z=-1.055, P=0.291). There was no statistically significant difference in the amplitude of P300 among the leads (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the amplitude and latency of N100 and N400 (both P>0.05). Conclusion:The latency of P300 in OSA children is significantly longer than that in non-OSA children, indicating impaired cognitive function. The latency of auditory P300 might serve as an early neuroelectrophysiological biomarker for identifying cognitive impairment in OSA children.
10.A case of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair performed on a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation
Yi-jiang ZHOU ; Wei-cong XIA ; Kai WANG ; Jun LI ; Ya-wei CUI ; Kai-li WANG ; Yun MOU ; KUSHANI·REYIHAN ; Xiao-gang GUO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):236-240
Persistent atrial fibrillation and other factors can cause mitral and tricuspid annular dilation and leaflet regurgitation,leading to severe functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.Patients often experience significant heart failure symptoms and poor prognosis.For patients with severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk or contraindicated for surgical procedures,transbronchial repair(TEER)is an important alternative therapy that can effectively reduce valve regurgitation and improve cardiac function;Although there is a lack of large-scale data on atrial functional reflux,existing experience still shows that TEER can significantly reduce reflux and improve patients'quality of life.However,double valve intervention therapy poses challenges,especially when combined with TEER repair,which is technically more complex,time-consuming,and carries higher risks.Foreign data shows that simultaneous or staged double valve intervention can safely improve cardiac function and increase survival rates,but the optimal intervention strategy still needs further research.Due to the fact that tricuspid TEER devices have not yet been launched in China,only staged treatment can be adopted at present.This case report shows a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation who underwent staged transcatheter edge to edge repair surgery successfully.During a 1-year follow-up,bilateral valve regurgitation continued to improve,indicating that staged repair of bilateral atrioventricular valve regurgitation through the catheter margin is a feasible and effective treatment option.

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