1.Effect of sitravatinib on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and its mechanism
Huan ZHANG ; Xiangyu WU ; Qianwen ZHAO ; Fajuan RUI ; Nan GENG ; Rui JIN ; Jie LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):600-607
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of sitravatinib on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. MethodsA total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into control group, CCl4 model group, and low- (5 mg/kg), middle- (10 mg/kg), and high-dose (20 mg/kg) sitravatinib groups. All mice except those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 4 consecutive weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and since the first day of modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups were given sitravatinib at the corresponding dose by gavage every day. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured for the mice in each group; hepatic hydroxyproline content was measured; HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver histopathological changes; quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1) in liver tissue. The therapeutic effect of sitravatinib was assessed based on the above results. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT (all P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT between the model group and the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups (all P>0.05). Hepatic hydroxyproline content decreased after sitravatinib intervention, with a significant difference between the middle-/high-dose sitravatinib groups and the CCl4 model group (both P<0.05). Histopathological staining showed that the sitravatinib treatment groups had a reduction in collagen deposition, along with thinning and fragmentation of fibrous septa, and in the high-dose sitravatinib group, 4 mice had a fibrosis stage of S0—S1 and 2 mice had a fibrosis stage of S2—S3, suggesting a certain degree of alleviation of liver fibrosis degree compared with the CCl4 model group (mainly S3—S4). The measurement of related molecules showed that sitravatinib downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA and Col1a1 (all P<0.05). ConclusionSitravatinib can effectively alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, possibly by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis.
2.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
3.The Disease Burden of Asthma in China, 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2050: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021.
Rui Yi ZHANG ; Miao Miao ZHANG ; Yu Chang ZHOU ; Jia Huan GUO ; Xuan Kai WANG ; Mai Geng ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):529-538
OBJECTIVE:
Asthma imposes a significant global health burden. This study examines changes in the asthma-related disease burden from 1990 to 2021 and projects future burdens for 2050 under different scenarios.
METHODS:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. We projected the disease burden for 2050 based on current trends and hypothetical scenarios in which all risk factors are controlled. Temporal trends in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates were explored using Annual Percent Change.
RESULTS:
In 2021, the age-standardized rates for asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs in China were 364.17 per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval [ UI]: 283.22-494.10), 1,956.49 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1,566.68-2,491.87), 1.47 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.15-1.79), and 103.76 per 100,000 (95% UI: 72.50-145.46), respectively. A higher disease burden was observed among Chinese men and individuals aged 70 years or older. Compared to the current trend, a combined scenario involving improvements in environmental factors, behavioral and metabolic health, child nutrition, and vaccination resulted in a greater reduction in the disease burden caused by asthma.
CONCLUSION
Addressing modifiable risk factors is essential for further reducing the asthma-related disease burden.
Humans
;
Asthma/mortality*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Young Adult
;
Infant
;
Cost of Illness
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Prevalence
;
Incidence
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Risk Factors
4.Forecast of the Burden of Lower Respiratory Infections in the Elderly Aged 70 and above in China from 1990 to 2050, GBD2021.
Miao Miao ZHANG ; Rui Yi ZHANG ; Yu Chang ZHOU ; Mai Geng ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):539-546
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to analyze the burden of lower respiratory infections in Chinese elderly people aged 70 and above.
METHODS:
This study utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 1990-2050 prediction data to analyze changes in mortality rates and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for lower respiratory infections in the elderly population (aged 70 and above) in China from 1990 to 2050. It also discusses future trends in the burden of lower respiratory infections (LRI) in China under different scenarios.
RESULTS:
According to GBD predictions, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly aged 70 years and above in China is lower than the global average. The burden has been decreasing from 1990 to 2020, but is projected to increase from 2020 to 2050. Scenario-based predictions suggest that, under scenarios involving improvements in nutrition and vaccination, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly in China is expected to be the lowest in 2050.
CONCLUSION
This study indicates that the burden of lower respiratory infections in elderly people aged 70 years and above in China remains a significant public health issue and may worsen. The government should consider strengthening the preventive measures and management strategies for respiratory infections in the elderly population.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Aged
;
Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Male
;
Female
;
Forecasting
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Cost of Illness
5.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
6.The effect of family functioning on exercise adherence in elderly patients with postoperative vertebral compression fractures and adjacent vertebral re-fractures
Rui LI ; Hong SONG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Liming GENG ; Wenjuan CAI ; Yifan LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1164-1170
Objective To test the longitudinal mediating mechanism of kinesophobia between family functioning and exercise adherence in elderly patients with postoperative adjacent vertebral re-fracture after osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).Methods Convenience sampling method was used to admit to the Department of Orthopaedics of a tertiary hospital in Xuzhou City with adjacent vertebral re-fracture after OVCF were conveniently selected as the survey subjects,and longitudinal investigation was conducted using the APGAR,Functional Exercise Adherence Scale,and TSK Scale.Unconditional potential growth model,structural equation and Bootstrap method were used for statistical analysis.Results A total of 232 valid questionnaires were collected.Longitudinal mediation modeling revealed that the intercept of family functioning significantly negatively predicted the intercept of kinesophobia(β=-0.456,P<0.001)and the slope of family functioning significantly negatively predicted the slope of kinesophobia(β=-0.962,P<0.001).The intercept for kinesophobia significantly negatively predicted the intercept for exercise adherence(β=-0.623,P<0.001)and significantly negatively predicted the slope for exercise adherence(β=-0.354,P=0.013).Conclusion The initial level and rate of development of kinesophobia play a fully longitudinal mediating role in the development of family functioning on exercise adherence.Medical professionals should assess and manage patients'family functioning and kinesophobia in a timely manner,and rationally utilize their interrelationships to improve the level of exercise adherence as much as possible.
7.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
8.Mechanism of P-bodies recruiting NANOS3 during early oogenesis
Jian-Wei GENG ; Fei HE ; Yi-Dan MA ; Yong-Rui ZHOU ; Xin-Yi MU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):323-328
Objective To explore the relationship between NANOS3 and P-bodies in oocytes and the mechanism of their interaction during early oogenesis.Methods The co-localization of NANOS3 and dead box helicase 6(DDX6)in day post postnatal 1(1dpp)mouse oocytes was observed by immunofluorescence,and the interaction between NANOS3 and DDX6 was detected by immunoprecipitation.NANOS3 and DDX6 full-length plasmids were constructed to transfect HEK293T cells,and the mechanism of their interaction was investigated by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation.NANOS3 transfected HeLa cells to investigate whether NANOS3 had the ability of liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)by live-cell imaging.The proteins recruited by P-bodies in early oogenesis were identified by DDX6-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry(DDX6-IP-MS).Results NANOS3 and DDX6 colocalized and interacted with each other in 1dpp mouse oocytes.However,the co-localization of NANOS3 and DDX6 was not observed in HEK293T cells that had been transfected,but co-immunoprecipitation still demonstrated an interaction between these two proteins.Besides,live-cell imaging revealed that NANOS3 exhibited dynamic fluid-like properties within cells,which may promote the formation of P-bodies through LLPS.Finally,DDX6-IP-MS revealed that DDX6 might recruit NANOS3 into P-bodies by binding to the NANOS3 interacting protein Pumilio.Conclusion NANOS3 serves as a specific component of P-bodies in neonatal oocytes and may be involved in the regulation of early oogenesis.
9.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Dental Implants
;
Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
;
Keratins
10.Regulatory mechanisms of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury:combined therapeutic strategies targeting transcription factors and signaling pathways
Zhenjie GUAN ; Wenyuan LI ; Rui GENG ; Ying WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(24):5158-5170
BACKGROUND:Current strategies for the treatment of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury mainly focus on exercise rehabilitation,drug therapy,transcranial magnetoelectric stimulation,endogenous regulation such as transcription factors and specific signaling pathways.Among them,transcription factors and their specific signaling pathways are the key factors regulating the axonal regeneration of corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury.A large number of preclinical studies have confirmed that the synergy between transcription factors and their signaling pathways has a significant regulatory effect on the axonal regeneration of neurons in the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury.Therefore,it has broad application prospects to explore new combination therapy strategies targeting transcription factors and specific signaling pathways for spinal cord injury.OBJECTIVE:To systematically summarize the regulatory effects of transcription factors and their signaling pathways on the axonal regeneration of neurons in the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms,and explore the application of combined therapy strategies targeting transcription factors and signaling pathways in the neuroplasticity of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury,in order to provide a new combination strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.METHODS:The search terms included"spinal cord injury,axon regeneration,transcription factors,signaling pathway,corticospinal tract,central nervous system,synergistic system,neuroprotective system"in Chinese and English.A literature retrieval was conducted in WanFang,Web of Science,and PubMed for relevant literature published from database inception to September 2024.Finally,101 articles were included for analysis and summary.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The article outlines the biological properties and intervention strategies for axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury,analyses the reasons for focusing on the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury,and elucidates the response and possibility of regeneration of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury.(2)In this study,the combined regulatory strategy of transcription factors centered on Krüppel-like factor 6,Krüppel-like factor 7,and neuronal restriction silencing factor can significantly promote the axonal regeneration of neurons in the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury.(3)The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B-rapamycin target protein signaling pathway and Wnt5a pathway are the classical signaling pathways fortranscription factors to regulate the axonal regeneration of corticospinal tract neurons,and the combined treatment strategy can effectively promote the axonal regeneration and functional reconstruction of corticospinal tract neurons after spinal cord injury.(4)This article discusses the combined treatment strategies of transcription factors and specific signaling pathways in a comprehensive and detailed manner,such as Krüppel-like factor 6 combined with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3,Krüppel-like factor 7 combined with SOX11 transcription factor,combined inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homologs and neuronal restriction silencing factor,etc.,to exert a synergistic effect and promote the axonal regeneration of corticospinal tract neurons after spinal cord injury,which are significantly better than those of single treatment.It can effectively improve functional recovery and provide a reference scheme for the future treatment of axonal regeneration of corticospinal tract neurons after spinal cord injury.However,the specific mechanism of the combination therapy still needs to be further studied,and the current combination strategy is only widely used in animal models but not in clinical practice.(5)The combined therapy strategy based on transcription factors and specific signaling pathways has a significant therapeutic effect on the axonal regeneration of corticospinal tract neurons after spinal cord injury,and it is necessary to further explore the molecular mechanism of joint regulation in the future,in order to provide an effective combined therapy strategy for the rehabilitation and functional reconstruction of spinal cord injury.

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