1.Exercise Intervention Alleviates Diabetic Sarcopenia by Regulating Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming: Mechanisms and Strategies
Meng-Lin LÜ ; Bao-Wen ZHANG ; Qian-Qian REN ; Xian-Juan KOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2025-2040
Diabetic sarcopenia (DS) is a common but often ignored skeletal muscle complication in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, reduced muscle strength, and impaired physical performance, which may further increase the risk of falls, disabilities, metabolic disorders, and adverse clinical outcomes. Traditionally, DS has been attributed mainly to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, aging-related muscle decline, and chronic complications of diabetes. However, increasing evidence suggests that lipid metabolic disturbance and pathological lipid metabolic reprogramming are not merely secondary consequences of diabetes, but may actively participate in the initiation and progression of DS. Under diabetic conditions, impaired fatty acid uptake, transport, oxidation, and storage disrupt skeletal muscle metabolic homeostasis, leading to ectopic lipid deposition and accumulation of lipotoxic intermediates. These lipid-derived metabolites can aggravate insulin resistance, impair mitochondrial energy production, enhance oxidative stress, activate chronic low-grade inflammation, and disturb protein synthesis and degradation balance, thereby accelerating skeletal muscle atrophy and functional decline. Lipid metabolic dysregulation may also interact with multiple pathological processes involved in DS, including mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory signaling, oxidative damage, impaired autophagy, and gut microbiota imbalance. These mechanisms do not occur independently; instead, they form a complex bidirectional vicious cycle with diabetes-related metabolic disorders. Specifically, mitochondrial dysfunction reduces fatty acid oxidative capacity, which further promotes lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity. Inflammatory activation can impair insulin signaling and muscle protein metabolism, while lipid overload may in turn amplify inflammatory responses. Similarly, gut microbiota dysbiosis and altered microbial metabolites may influence systemic inflammation, lipid metabolism, and skeletal muscle homeostasis. Therefore, lipid metabolic reprogramming provides an important mechanistic perspective for understanding the progression of DS from metabolic disturbance to structural and functional muscle impairment. Exercise intervention is an effective and clinically feasible non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention and management of DS. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance fatty acid oxidation, increase mitochondrial biogenesis, reduce ectopic lipid deposition, and attenuate lipotoxic metabolite accumulation. These adaptations not only improved glucose and lipid metabolism, but also increased the preservation of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. Moreover, combined exercise strategies may provide complementary benefits by integrating the metabolic advantages of aerobic exercise with the anabolic and functional effects of resistance training. Based on analyses of publicly available datasets and literature evidences, this review systematically summarizes the role of lipid metabolic disorders in the pathogenesis of DS, with particular attention to the molecular mechanisms linking lipid dysregulation to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut microbiota disturbance. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential mechanisms by which exercise intervention improves DS through the regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming, and outlines exercise prescription strategies in terms of modality, intensity, frequency, and duration. Understanding the interaction between lipid metabolism and skeletal muscle dysfunction may provide new theoretical evidence for early identification, mechanistic research, and precision exercise therapy in DS. Overall, targeting pathological lipid metabolic reprogramming through exercise intervention represents a promising and clinically actionable approach for improving muscle health and prognosis in individuals with DS.
2.Clinical Characteristics and Survival Analysis of 34 Patients with Aggressive NK-Cell Leukemia
Hui-Hui ZHANG ; Chun-Lan HUA ; Ping-Ping SUN ; Shuai LIU ; Wen-Juan FAN ; Xing-Wu LI ; Bao-Hong YUE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1577-1582
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis risk factors of aggressive NK-cell leukemia(ANKL).Methods:The clinical and laboratory data of 34 patients with ANKL and 15 patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells(CLPD-NK)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2019 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates,and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors.Results:Compared with CLPD-NK patients,ANKL patients had a younger median age of onset,a higher proportion patients with EBV-DNA≥500 copies/ml,hepatosplenomegaly and hemophagocytic syndrome.They also presented with a higher peak of fever,a shorter median survival time,lower WBC count,PLT count,ALB and Fib values,while having higher LDH,AST,TG,ferritin,CRP and PCT levels.There were statistically significant differences in the morphology and expression of HLA-DR,CD56,CD57,CD16 and CD158 on abnormall cells between ANKL patients and CLPD-NK patients.Multivariate survival analysis revealed that combined with asparaginase treatment could improve patients' survival,and CRP≥ 15 mg/L and Fib<2.0 g/L were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with ANKL.Conclusion:The differences in clinical features and laboratory tests between patients with ANKL and CLPD-NK aid in the diagnosis of ANKL.CRP and Fib levels can be used to predict the prognosis of patients,and combined asparaginase therapy can enhance the overall survival of patients.
3.COCKROACH SURVEILLANCE IN LANZHOU FROM 2016 TO 2023
Ying ZHANG ; Jing ZUO ; Qing-Ming SHI ; Zi-Peng LI ; Wen-Juan BA ; Zhi-Qing LI ; Ai-Miao LIAO ; Jing-Jing YU ; Guo-Jing BAO ; Xing LI ; Jun GAN ; Xiao-Lei YE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):119-122
Objective To investigate the population composition,seasonal dynamics,and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou,China,and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies.Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method.Habitats included farm product markets,catering establishments,hotels,hospitals,and residential areas.Results From 2016 to 2023,the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board,with an average infestation rate of 10.84%.Blattella germanica was the dominant species.Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution,peaking in September.The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets.Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low.A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.
4.Progress and challenges of functionalized bacterial encapsulation: A novel biotechnology for next-generation biotherapeutics.
Ying ZHANG ; Yuwei WU ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Qinghua YE ; Lulu CAO ; Ming LIU ; Bao GAO ; Qinya NIU ; Nuo CHEN ; Zixuan DUAN ; Yu DING ; Juan WANG ; Moutong CHEN ; Ying LI ; Qingping WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5167-5191
The disturbance of the human microbiota influences the occurrence and progression of many diseases. Live therapeutic bacteria, with their genetic manipulability, anaerobic tendencies, and immunomodulatory properties, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, their clinical applications face challenges in maintaining activity and achieving precise spatiotemporal release, particularly in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. This review highlights the innovative bacterial functionalized encapsulation strategies developed through advances in physicochemical and biological techniques. We comprehensively review how bacterial encapsulation strategies can be used to provide physical barriers and enhanced adhesion properties to live microorganisms, while introducing superior material properties to live bacteria. In addition, this review outlines how bacterial surface coating can facilitate targeted delivery and precise spatiotemporal release of live bacteria. Furthermore, it elucidates their potential applications for treating different diseases, along with critical perspectives on challenges in clinical translation. This review comprehensively analyzes the connection between functionalized bacterial encapsulation and innovative biomedical applications, providing a theoretical reference for the development of next-generation bacterial therapies.
5.Identification and expression analysis of AP2/ERF family members in Lonicera macranthoides.
Si-Min ZHOU ; Mei-Ling QU ; Juan ZENG ; Jia-Wei HE ; Jing-Yu ZHANG ; Zhi-Hui WANG ; Qiao-Zhen TONG ; Ri-Bao ZHOU ; Xiang-Dan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4248-4262
The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Transcription Factors/chemistry*
;
Lonicera/classification*
;
Flowers/metabolism*
;
Phylogeny
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Multigene Family
6.Application of genome tagging technology in elucidating the function of sperm-specific protein 411 (Ssp411).
Xue-Hai ZHOU ; Min-Min HUA ; Jia-Nan TANG ; Bang-Guo WU ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Chang-Gen SHI ; Yang YANG ; Jun WU ; Bin WU ; Bao-Li ZHANG ; Yi-Si SUN ; Tian-Cheng ZHANG ; Hui-Juan SHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):120-128
The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Spermatids/metabolism*
;
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
Thioredoxins/genetics*
7.Multiple biomarkers risk score for accurately predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Cong-Cong HOU ; Hong-Bin LIU ; Lyu LYU ; Mu-Lei CHEN ; Xiao-Rong XU ; Feng JIANG ; Long LI ; Wei-Ming LI ; Kui-Bao LI ; Juan WANG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):656-667
BACKGROUND:
Biomarkers-based prediction of long-term risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. We aim to develop a risk score integrating clinical routine information (C) and plasma biomarkers (B) for predicting long-term risk of ACS patients.
METHODS:
We included 2729 ACS patients from the OCEA (Observation of cardiovascular events in ACS patients). The earlier admitted 1910 patients were enrolled as development cohort; and the subsequently admitted 819 subjects were treated as validation cohort. We investigated 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and all cause death in these patients. Potential variables contributing to risk of clinical events were assessed using Cox regression models and a score was derived using main part of these variables.
RESULTS:
During 16,110 person-years of follow-up, there were 238 CV death/MI in the development cohort. The 7 most important predictors including in the final model were NT-proBNP, D-dimer, GDF-15, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Fibrinogen, ST-segment elevated MI (STEMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed as CB-ACS score. C-index of the score for predication of cardiovascular events was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) in development cohort and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.78) in the validation cohort (5832 person-years of follow-up), which outperformed GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS risk score. The CB-ACS score was also well calibrated in development and validation cohort (Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino: P = 0.70 and P = 0.07, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
CB-ACS risk score provides a useful tool for long-term prediction of CV events in patients with ACS. This model outperforms GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS ischemic risk score.
8.Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill Improves Stable Angina Patients with Phlegm-Heat and Blood-Stasis Syndrome: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Ying-Qiang ZHAO ; Yong-Fa XING ; Ke-Yong ZOU ; Wei-Dong JIANG ; Ting-Hai DU ; Bo CHEN ; Bao-Ping YANG ; Bai-Ming QU ; Li-Yue WANG ; Gui-Hong GONG ; Yan-Ling SUN ; Li-Qi WANG ; Gao-Feng ZHOU ; Yu-Gang DONG ; Min CHEN ; Xue-Juan ZHANG ; Tian-Lun YANG ; Min-Zhou ZHANG ; Ming-Jun ZHAO ; Yue DENG ; Chang-Jiang XIAO ; Lin WANG ; Bao-He WANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):685-693
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents.
METHODS:
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed.
CONCLUSION
STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Angina, Stable/physiopathology*
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Aged
;
Syndrome
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Placebos
;
Tablets
9.Quercetin Confers Protection against Sepsis-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Suppressing ROS/p38 MAPK Pathway.
Wei-Chao DING ; Juan CHEN ; Quan LI ; Yi REN ; Meng-Meng WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiao-Hang JI ; Xin-Yao WU ; Shi-Nan NIE ; Chang-Bao HUANG ; Zhao-Rui SUN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):1011-1020
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the underlying mechanism by which quercetin (Que) alleviates sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS:
In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP+Que (50 mg/kg) groups (n=15 per group) by using a random number table. The sepsisrelated ARDS mouse model was established using the CLP method. In vitro, the murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) cells were classified into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+Que (10 μmol/L), and LPS+Que+acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mmol/L) groups. The effect of Que on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice lungs and MH-S cells was determined, and the mechanism with reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also explored both in vivo and in vitro.
RESULTS:
Que alleviated lung injury in mice, as reflected by a reversal of pulmonary histopathologic changes as well as a reduction in lung wet/dry weight ratio and neutrophil infiltration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, Que improved the survival rate and relieved gas exchange impairment in mice (P<0.01). Que treatment also remarkedly reduced malondialdehyde formation, superoxide dismutase and catalase depletion, and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Que treatment diminished the release of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistic investigation clarifified that Que administration led to a decline in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in addition to the suppression of ROS expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced MH-S cells, ROS inhibitor NAC further inhibited ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis on the basis of Que treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Que was found to exert anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by suppressing the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, thereby conferring protection for mice against sepsis-related ARDS.
Animals
;
Sepsis/drug therapy*
;
Quercetin/therapeutic use*
;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Lung/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Macrophages, Alveolar/pathology*
;
Inflammation/pathology*
;
Protective Agents/therapeutic use*
10.Clinical Characteristics and Survival Analysis of 34 Patients with Aggressive NK-Cell Leukemia
Hui-Hui ZHANG ; Chun-Lan HUA ; Ping-Ping SUN ; Shuai LIU ; Wen-Juan FAN ; Xing-Wu LI ; Bao-Hong YUE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1577-1582
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis risk factors of aggressive NK-cell leukemia(ANKL).Methods:The clinical and laboratory data of 34 patients with ANKL and 15 patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells(CLPD-NK)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2019 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates,and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors.Results:Compared with CLPD-NK patients,ANKL patients had a younger median age of onset,a higher proportion patients with EBV-DNA≥500 copies/ml,hepatosplenomegaly and hemophagocytic syndrome.They also presented with a higher peak of fever,a shorter median survival time,lower WBC count,PLT count,ALB and Fib values,while having higher LDH,AST,TG,ferritin,CRP and PCT levels.There were statistically significant differences in the morphology and expression of HLA-DR,CD56,CD57,CD16 and CD158 on abnormall cells between ANKL patients and CLPD-NK patients.Multivariate survival analysis revealed that combined with asparaginase treatment could improve patients' survival,and CRP≥ 15 mg/L and Fib<2.0 g/L were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with ANKL.Conclusion:The differences in clinical features and laboratory tests between patients with ANKL and CLPD-NK aid in the diagnosis of ANKL.CRP and Fib levels can be used to predict the prognosis of patients,and combined asparaginase therapy can enhance the overall survival of patients.

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