1.Role of naringenin in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and its molecular mechanism
Changwen LIN ; Qiuyi REN ; Mengjie ZHENG ; Huan YAN ; Jia LI ; Jiaxin FENG ; Haiying LIN ; Faming SHU ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Fuli LONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1419-1425
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease mediated by T lymphocytes, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis or even liver failure without timely intervention. As a natural flavonoid compound, naringenin (NAR) shows a potential value in the prevention and treatment of AIH through multiple mechanisms such as remodeling immune homeostasis, targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathways, antioxidation, regulating hepatocyte metabolism and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal flora. However, the clinical translation and application of NAR is limited by issues such as low bioavailability and insufficient efficiency of liver-targeted delivery. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of NAR in the prevention and treatment of AIH, explores the potential signaling pathways involved in this process, and analyzes existing challenges in its translation and application and future research directions, so as to provide a reference for further research on NAR and its application in the prevention and treatment of AIH.
2.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
3.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
4.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
5.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
6.Effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction on Intensive Blood Pressure Control: Emulation of a Randomized Target Trial Using Real-World Data.
Xiao-Jie WANG ; Yuan-Long HU ; Jia-Ming HUAN ; Shi-Bing LIANG ; Lai-Yun XIN ; Feng JIANG ; Zhen HUA ; Zhen-Yuan WANG ; Ling-Hui KONG ; Qi-Biao WU ; Yun-Lun LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):677-684
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction (XYD) in the treatment of hypertension.
METHODS:
Hospital electronic medical records from 2019-2023 were utilized to emulate a randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Hypertensive participants were eligible if they were aged ⩾40 years with baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) ⩾140 mm Hg. Patients treated with XYD plus antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the treatment group, whereas those who followed only antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome assessed was the attainment rate of intensive BP control at discharge, with the secondary outcome focusing on the 6-month all-cause readmission rate.
RESULTS:
The study included 3,302 patients, comprising 2,943 individuals in the control group and 359 in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, a higher proportion in the treatment group achieved the target BP for intensive BP control [8.09% vs. 17.5%; odds ratio (OR)=2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.68 to 3.13; P<0.001], particularly in individuals with high homocysteine levels (OR=3.13; 95% CI=1.72 to 5.71; P<0.001; P for interaction=0.041). Furthermore, the 6-month all-cause readmission rate in the treatment group was lower than in the control group (hazard ratio=0.58; 95% CI=0.36 to 0.91; P=0.019), and the robustness of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analyse.
CONCLUSIONS
XYD could be a complementary therapy for intensive BP control. Our study offers real-world evidence and guides the choice of complementary and alternative therapies. (Registration No. ChiCTR2400086589).
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology*
;
Blood Pressure/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Hypertension/physiopathology*
;
Patient Readmission
;
Treatment Outcome
7.PES1 Repression Triggers Ribosomal Biogenesis Impairment and Cellular Senescence Through p53 Pathway Activation
Chang-Jian ZHANG ; Yu-Fang LI ; Feng-Yun WU ; Rui JIN ; Chang NIU ; Qi-Nong YE ; Long CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1853-1865
ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.
8.Single position left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction:a retrospective cohort analysis
Hai-Tao WEI ; Meng-Yao WANG ; Yang-Yang LIU ; Feng ZHANG ; Bao-Li HU ; Hai-Feng ZHANG ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Dong-Hong ZHANG ; Li LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(10):1270-1276
Objective To explore the validity and feasibility of the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach for Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction under a single position.Methods The clinical data of 64 patients with Siewert type Ⅱ AEG(single position transthoracic approach group)treated with the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach under a single position and 56 patients with the laparoscopic transesophageal slit approach(transabdominal approach group)in the Department of Thoracic Surgery,Huaihe Hospital of Henan University,from January 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical and pathological data,perioperative indicators(operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative first ambulation time,postoperative first peristalsis time,postoperative drainage volume at 3 d,incidence of postoperative complications,postoperative hospital stay),postoperative complications(positive surgical margin,proximal esophageal resection margin,tumor diameter,total number of dissected lymph nodes,positive lymph node dissection rate,postoperative histopathology,and TNM staging of tumor pathology),and survival indicators(tumor recurrence and metastasis rate and survival at 1 month,3 months,6 months,1 year,3 years,5 years after surgery)were compared between the two groups.Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the postoperative survival rate of the two groups.Univariate analysis using χ2 test was employed to analyze factors influencing 5-year postoperative survival rate in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients.Results No significant difference was observed in clinical and pathological data,such as gender,age,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)grade,tumor differentiation,pTNM stage,and tumor diameter between the two groups(P>0.05).No significant differences were noted in intraoperative blood loss,incidence of postoperative complications,and survival rates at 1 month,3 months,6 months,1 year,and 3 years after surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).The single position transthoracic approach group exhibited a higher postoperative drainage volume at 3 d compared to the transabdominal approach group(P<0.001),a shorter surgical time(P<0.001),a longer time to first mobilization,first intestinal peristalsis,and hospital stay after surgery(P<0.01),a longer proximal esophageal margin(P<0.001),a higher total number of lymph node dissections(P<0.001),and a higher positive lymph node dissection rate(P<0.05)than the transabdominal approach group.The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of the single position transthoracic approach group was higher than that of the transabdominal approach group,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.013).The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no statistically significant difference in the 5-year overall survival rate between the two groups of patients after surgery(P=0.456).The results of univariate analysis indicated that there are significant relationships between tumor differentiation degree,pTNM stage,tumor diameter,and lymph node positivity rate with the 5-year postoperative survival rate in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Siewert type Ⅱ AEG patients can be treated with the left transthoracic and esophageal hiatal approach under a single position,achieving the same effect as laparoscopic transesophageal slit approach,and it can be actively promoted as a complementary choice of operation in the clinic.
9.Research progress on the role of macrophage polarization in drug-induced liver injury
Guo-Jing XING ; Li-Fei WANG ; Long-Long LUO ; Yuan DENG ; Zhen WANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHENG ; Xiao-Hui YU ; Jiu-Cong ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1478-1484
Drug-induced liver injury(DILI)is a common adverse drug reaction in clinical practice,which can lead to acute liver failure and even death in severe cases.In recent years,with the continuous introduction of new drugs and the expansion of their usage,the incidence and mortality rates of DILI have shown an upward trend,posing significant challenges to public health and clinical treatment.Macrophages,as a crucial component of the innate immune system,exhibit high plasticity and heterogeneity.They can polarize into pro-inflammatory M1 type or anti-inflammatory M2 type in response to microenvironmental signals.Research has demonstrated that macrophage polarization plays a central regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of DILI by influencing various processes such as inflammatory responses,cell apoptosis,and tissue repair.This review focuses on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms and roles of macrophage polarization in DILI,providing a theoretical framework for developing precise immunotherapeutic strategies.
10.Effect of left bundle branch area pacing on reducing atrial fibrillation following dual-chamber pacemaker implantation
Fang WANG ; Songhai WEN ; Feng LI ; Jun WU ; Shiyi LONG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(8):822-827
Objective To analyze the effects of left bundle branch area pacing(LBBaP)on atrial fibrillation occurrence after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.Methods The medical records of 87 patients who underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation at People's Hospital between May 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to different implantation methods,the patients were divided into an observation group(n=45)and a control group(n=42).The control group received traditional right ventricular pacing(RVP),while the observation group received LBBaP.Serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),QRS onset-to-end duration(QRSd),echocardiographic parameters,cardiac pacing parameters,complications,atrial high-rate events,and atrial fibrillation incidence were compared between the two groups.Results Twelve months after surgery,serum NT-proBNP levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and QRS duration(QRSd)was shorter in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)or left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD)between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively(P>0.05).Left atrial diameter(LAD)was smaller in the observation group than in the control group at 12 months postoperatively(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in sensing levels or the proportion of cardiac pacing between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the proportion of ventricular pacing was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Intraoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively,impedance levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),while threshold values were higher in the observation group(P<0.05).Total complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05).At 12 months postoperatively,the incidence of atrial fibrillation was similar between the two groups(P>0.05),but the incidence of atrial high-rate events was lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).At 24 months postoperatively,both the incidence of atrial high-rate events and atrial fibrillation were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional RVP implantation,LBBaP implantation can significantly improve left heart function,provide more stable pacing parameters,and reduce the risk of long-term atrial high-rate events and atrial fibrillation.The risk of complications is similar for both groups,but LBBaP implantation increases the pacing threshold.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail