1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Research progress on immune cells in cold ischemia-reperfusion injury of renal allografts
Kangyu LIU ; Zikai FANG ; Chengcheng YANG ; Jixian LIU ; Junjie ZHANG ; Zongyao FAN ; Bin NI ; Ming ZHENG ; Baixin SHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(6):580-585
Cold ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major contributor to delayed graft function and long-term graft failure after kidney transplantation.Its pathogenesis involves multiple mechanisms, including energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress and sterile inflammatory responses.Increasing evidence indicates that immune cells play a central regulatory role in the initiation and progression of CIRI.Damage-associated molecular patterns released during cold ischemia and reperfusion activate innate immunity, leading to the rapid recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells and amplification of inflammatory cascades.Subsequently, adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B cells, are activated and further contribute to sustained inflammation, disruption of immune tolerance and graft injury.Through cytokine signaling, chemokine-mediated recruitment and antigen presentation, different immune cell subsets form a complex interactive network that ultimately determines the severity and outcome of CIRI.This review summarizes the roles and mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune cells in renal allograft CIRI, highlights their interconnections, and discusses emerging immune cell-targeted therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving clinical outcomes in kidney transplantation.
3.The current situation, challenges, and system construction of standardized training of transfusion technicians for blood service
Yuan FANG ; Xiaoyan NI ; Lili ZHANG ; Ye YANG ; Wei SHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):963-966
Transfusion technicians constitute a core workforce in safeguarding blood safety, and the quality of their standardized training directly affects the operational efficiency of the blood services. At present, training programs for transfusion technicians across China have been developed in a diversified manner. Positive progress has been achieved in integrated theoretical and practical training, on-the-job faculty development, and regional collaborative training models. However, persistent challenges remain, including fragmented training providers, inconsistent training standards, limited coverage, and a disconnect between training and workforce utilization. Based on a review of current standardized training practice, this article systematically analyzes the structural challenges confronting current standardized training, and further proposes a framework for building a comprehensive training system, covering the definition and core components of standardized training, targeted improvement strategies and key assessment indicators. The study aims to facilitate the transformation of training for blood transfusion technicians in blood services from a project-based approach to an institutionalized model, and from fragmented implementation to a systematic framework.
4.Global Research of Medical Technology Management: A Bibliometric Analysis.
Liu-Fang WANG ; Yu-Ni HUANG ; Richard Sze-Wei WANG ; Xiao-Ping QIN ; Zhi-Yuan HU ; Bing-Long WANG ; Zhi-Min HU
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(2):120-131
OBJECTIVES:
To explore potential keywords, research clusters, collaborative pattern, and research trends in the field of medical technology management (MTM) through bibliometric analysis, providing insights for researchers, policy makers, and hospital administrators.
METHODS:
A retrieval formula was applied to the title, abstract, and keywords in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, along with system-recommended terms, to identify articles on MTM. A total of 181 articles published between 1974 and 2022 were retained for quantitative analysis. The global trend of research output; total citations, average citations, and H-index; and bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer.
RESULTS:
The number of articles on MTM has been steadily increasing year by year. The focus of research has shifted from addressing basic medical needs to prioritizing emergency response and medical information security. The United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom emerged as the main contributors, with the United States leading in both volume of publications (60 articles) and academic impact (H-index = 21). Authors from the United Kingdom and the United States led the way in cross-border cooperation. The top five institutions, ranked by total link strength among cross-institutional authors, were primarily located in Canada and Spain.
CONCLUSIONS
The field of MTM has experienced stable growth over the past three decades (1993-2022). The shift of research focus has prompted a heightened emphasis on protecting patient privacy and ensuring the security of medical data. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary and professional collaboration, as well as international cooperation and open sharing of knowledge.
Bibliometrics
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Humans
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Biomedical Technology
5.Value of dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features in diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer
Ni FANG ; Xin WEI ; Weijuan CHEN ; Mei FENG ; Lingjing ZHANG ; Yuexi LIU ; Qi LAI ; Xuan DING ; Xinjie LIU ; Wei JIANG ; Han YU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):177-185
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of our regression model based on quantitative parameters of dual-energy CT and clinical features for stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer.Methods A cross-section study was performed on 91 patients with colorectal cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology in our hospital from January 2022 to November 2023.All of them underwent dual-energy CT examination.According to the pathological T staging criteria of Chinese Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Standard(2020 Edition),they were divided into T2 group(n=43)and T3 group(n=48).Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences in quantitative CT parameters and clinical features between the 2 groups,and the obtained significant variables were employed to construct diagnosis models by univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis.The area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the CT parametric model and the model combined with clinical features was compared to evaluate the efficacy of diagnosing T2 and T3 stages.Results Univariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),N stage,tumor location,tumor longest diameter(LD),CT value of virtual noncontrast(CT-VNC),fat fraction,electron density(Rho)and dual energy index(DEI)were significantly different between the T2 and T3 groups(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that N stage,tumor location,LD,fat fraction and DEI were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of stage T3.The AUC value of the model of above CT parameters in diagnosing stage T3 colorectal cancer was 0.671(95%CI:0.558~0.783),and the AUC value of the combined model of above CT parameters and clinical features was 0.886(95%CI:0.815~0.957),and statistical difference was observed in the AUC value between the combined model and the CT parametric model(P<0.01).Conclusion The regression model constructed with dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features has high value in the preoperative diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer before surgery.
6.Molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced spermatogenesis impairment by inhibiting the stability of sperm cilial microtubules
Xiao WANG ; Mengjie ZHANG ; Fang DENG ; Jun YIN ; Bing NI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(10):1059-1068
Objective To explore the effects of hypoxia on spermatid differentiation and stability of sperm flagellar microtubule,and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to clarify the potential adverse effects of hypoxia on male reproductive function.Methods Forty-eight 8-week-old healthy male SD rats(weighing 300~399 g)were subjected in this study.The experiments included ① an oxygen concentration gradient experiment(n=6):21%oxygen was regarded as normoxia(control),and 13.5%,11.8%,and 10.4% oxygen were used to simulate hypoxic environments at altitudes of 3 500,4 500 and 5 500 m,respectively,for a continuous exposure of 2 months;② a time gradient experiment(n=6):the rats were exposed to 10.4% oxygen for 0,0.5,1,and 2 months,respectively.Flow cytometry was employed to isolate round spermatids,and the following methods were employed to measure relevant indicators:① RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression profile changes related to impaired spermatogenesis and abnormal flagellar structure under hypoxic stress;②Western blotting to detect the expression levels of key proteins CEP290,RING 1A,and H2AK119ub;③ fluorescence recovery after photobleaching(FRAP)to monitor microtubule assembly dynamics and assess the immediate impact of hypoxia on microtubule stability.Results In the oxygen concentration gradient experiment,after 2 months of exposure to 10.4% oxygen,the proportions of spermatogonia,secondary spermatocytes,and round spermatids in rat seminiferous tubules were significantly increased(P<0.05),reaching 1.33±0.04,1.06±0.01 and 1.60±0.02 times higher,respectively than that of the 21% normoxia group.Conversely,the proportions of primary spermatocytes and elongated spermatids were obviously decreased(P<0.05),taking 0.89±0.01 and 0.88±0.000 2 times respectively when compared with that of the 21% normoxia group,in a oxygen concentration-depended manner.In the time gradient experiment,after 0.5 months of exposure to 10.4%oxygen,the proportions of spermatogonia,secondary spermatocytes,and round spermatids began to increase(P<0.05),reaching 1.11±0.03,1.04±0.01 and 1.29±0.003 times higher,respectively than that of the 0-month control group.The proportions of primary spermatocytes and elongated spermatids started to significantly decrease(P<0.05)after 1 month of exposure,only 0.94±0.03 and 0.95±0.008 times,respectively than that of the 0-month control group.After 2 months of exposure to 10.4% oxygen,the rate of sperm tail abnormalities in the epididymis of rats was significantly increased(P<0.05),rising from(12.1±1.7)% in the 21% normoxia group to(30.8±3.7)%.In G2 spermatocytes exposed to 1% hypoxia for 24 h,FRAP revealed a decrease in microtubule assembly rate and enhanced microtubule dynamic instability,with the maximum fluorescence recovery value decreasing from 0.37±0.02 in the normoxia group to 0.29±0.01.The results of RNA sequencing showed that under hypoxic condition,the transcription level of the key cilium basal body molecule CEP290 was increased,with an upregulation of 1.81±0.11 times than that of the 21% normoxia group.In contrast,the expression levels of PRC1 complex members RING 1A,RING 1B,CBX2,PHC1,and PCGF1 were decreased,to 0.74±0.02,0.73±0.01,0.78±0.02,0.71±0.01 and 0.86±0.03 times of that of the 21% normoxia group,respectively.Western blotting indicated that the protein level of CEP290 was up-regulated in the hypoxia group,while that of RING 1A was down-regulated.ChIP-qPCR experiments showed that the binding of RING 1A and its product H2AK119ub to the CEP290 promoter were significantly decreased(P<0.000 1),with binding strengths of 0.38±0.02 and 0.52±0.06 times of that of the 21% normoxia group,respectively.In siRING 1A-treated G2 cells,the binding of H2AK119ub to the CEP290 promoter was significantly decreased(P<0.000 1),with a binding strength of 0.74±0.06 times of that of the control group,while CEP290 mRNA level was significantly increased(P<0.000 1),with an up-regulation of 3.35±0.37 times.Conclusion Hypoxic environment impair sperm flagellar microtubule stability via the RING 1A-H2AK119ub-CEP290 signaling axis,which affects spermatid differentiation and leads to spermatogenic dysfunction.
7.Construction and practice of smart health and elderly care standard system in Shanghai
Jian WANG ; Mianzhi CHENG ; Xiaohua YE ; Weihua GU ; Chun FAN ; Yuyao JIANG ; Min XU ; Yihan XU ; Yang WANG ; Xiaoyan GU ; Yihua JIANG ; Liying YAO ; Shusheng OUYANG ; Xin LIU ; Xijie YUAN ; Jian CHEN ; Ni YANG ; Qi CHEN ; Jingjing FANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(1):83-90
With the rapid development of population aging in various countries around the world,the health and elderly care industry has been paid high attention.The standardization of smart health and elderly care technology and services is particularly important.This paper firstly reviewed the policies related to healthy elderly care in China.By analyzing the industrial standards and provincial standards issued,this paper focused on the policies proposed by the Shanghai Municipal Government for the standardization of smart health and elderly care,as well as the researches on the standard system and the construction of standard families.Shanghai group standards in the field of smart health and elderly care were summarized,including the guidelines for the construction of standard systems,elderly care service platforms,community elderly cafeterias,portable health monitoring terminals,indoor sports services,and home-based elderly care safety monitoring.A series of case analyses of the standardized implementation of the above aspects were also provided.Through standardization research and practice in recent years,it has been fully demonstrated that the standard research plays an important leading role in the field of smart health and elderly care.
8.Correlation between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1125-1129
Objective:
To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality.
Methods:
From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two.
Results:
The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear P >0.05).
Conclusions
Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students sleep quality.
9.Research progress on the action mechanism of monomer components and compound formulations of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of vitiligo
Gaoge FANG ; Tong WANG ; Qianyue NI ; Yuanhong WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1271-1276
Vitiligo is a chronic and refractory pigmentary loss skin disease with a complex pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) offers advantages in treating vitiligo, such as multi-component and multi-target effects, delivering definite clinical efficacy. This article summarizes the action mechanisms of TCM monomer components and compound formulations in the treatment of vitiligo. It is found that pinostrobin, tribuloside and Erzhi pills can activate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway; cannabidiol and tanshinone Ⅱ A can activate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK)signaling pathway; Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 and astragaloside Ⅳ can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR) signaling pathway; escin and psoralen derivative BSP-1 can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway; apigenin and Baiban granules can activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway; hyperoside and kaempferol can activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway; Ruyi heibai powder can activate the programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-1/PD-L1) signaling pathway; Compound honghua buji granules and demethylzeylasteral can inhibit the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. These mechanisms promote melanin production and deposition, reduce oxidative stress, inhibit the destruction of melanocytes by autoimmunity, and reduce melanocyte apoptosis, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on vitiligo.
10.Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Elderly Hypertensive Patients Based on "Energy-inflammation-aging" Network
Yuan FANG ; Li LI ; Na XIONG ; Meng LI ; Yongcheng NI ; Yawei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):165-173
ObjectiveTo multidimensionally analyze the clinical effects of Qianyang Yuyin granules on elderly hypertensive patients through an "energy-inflammation-aging" network. MethodsRelevant datasets were retrieved from the GEO database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood cells from patients with essential hypertension in dataset GSE24752. The GSEA referenced "GO gene sets" and "KEGG gene sets" to identify significantly enriched gene sets. A clinical trial was conducted using a randomized controlled study design. A total of 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The control group received standard antihypertensive treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or combined calcium channel blockers (CCBs). In contrast,the treatment group received Qianyang Yuyin Granules in addition to the standard treatment for 12 weeks. Blood pressure levels and clinical efficacy were observed,and changes in energy metabolism indicators,DNA damage markers,and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in blood were measured using ELISA before and after treatment. ResultsGSEA results indicated significant energy metabolism dysregulation in hypertensive patients. Clinical findings showed that both groups achieved blood pressure control without significant intergroup differences. In terms of clinical efficacy,the treatment group had a significantly higher effective rate compared to the control group (95% vs 65%,P0.05). After treatment,the treatment group showed a significant increase in NAD+ levels (P0.01),with higher levels compared to the control group (P0.05). The treatment group also exhibited a greater reduction in DNA damage marker 8-OHdG (P0.01) and cell adhesion factors ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (P0.01) compared to the control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the treatment group (P0.01),with greater reductions compared to the control group (P0.05,P0.01). Anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-α,IL-4,and IL-10 were significantly elevated in the treatment group (P0.01),with higher levels compared to the control group (P0.01). No significant adverse reactions were reported in either group. ConclusionThe "energy- inflammation- aging" network plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of hypertension patients. Qianyang Yuyin granules may delay the aging process by increasing patients' energy metabolism levels,reducing DNA oxidative damage,and maintaining the balance of inflammatory factors.


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