1.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
2.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
3.Effects and mechanisms of glycocholic acid on the radiosensitivity of mice with lung adenocarcinoma transplantation tumors
HAO Zhenbo¹ ; ; BIAN Chao² ; ; YUN Jie² ; ; LI Zhijun¹ ; ,² ;
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):20-27
[摘 要] 目的:探究甘氨胆酸(GCA)对肺腺癌A549细胞移植瘤小鼠放射治疗敏感性的影响及其机制。方法:建立A549人肺腺癌细胞裸鼠移植瘤模型,随机分为移植瘤对照组(对照组)、GCA组、放疗组(RT组)和GCA + 放疗组(GCA + RT组)。RT组和GCA + RT组接受单次10 Gy照射,GCA组及GCA + RT组连续7 d每日灌胃GCA 280 mg/kg。间隔2 d测量1次移植瘤体积,末次给药后处死小鼠并取移植瘤组织,检测移植瘤组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)与谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性,qPCR法和WB法分别检测放疗关键基因(MCM6、ITGA6、CASP3等)mRNA和蛋白表达水平,H-E染色观察移植瘤组织的形态变化。通过GEO(GSE276500、GSE294906、GSE218171)及TCGA数据库数据验证放疗关键基因。结果:GCA单用对瘤体生长有一定抑制作用,但联合放疗的GCA + RT组相比单纯放疗组表现出放疗抵抗的效应(P < 0.05)。GCA处理显著提高移植瘤组织SOD活性(P < 0.01)、降低GSH-Px活性(P < 0.01),提示GCA可改变移植瘤抗氧化酶平衡,减弱放疗诱导的氧化应激。GCA干预上调移植瘤组织中MCM6与ITGA6 mRNA表达、下调CASP3 mRNA表达(均P < 0.05)。GCA + RT组移植瘤组织中的MCM6蛋白表达显著高于对照组(P < 0.05)。H-E染色显示,GCA组部分瘤组织坏死,而GCA + RT组坏死组织面积较RT组有所缩小。GEO和TCGA数据库验证支持MCM6、ITGA6高表达与放疗抵抗和预后不良相关。结论:GCA通过增强SOD活性、降低GSH-Px活性并上调ITGA6、MCM6的表达改变氧化应激与关键信号网络,从而削弱A549移植瘤对放疗的敏感性。
4.Progress on the hazards and control of ship-borne vector organisms
Yun-chuan HE ; Hui-ling HAO ; Bin SUN ; Hong-yan LYU ; Deng-yong HOU ; Xiao-meng REN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):144-151
In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.
5.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
6.Effects of various mouse sample storage conditions on median fluores-cence intensity of antibodies and positive cell percentage using flow cy-tometry
Dongmei WEI ; Xianing GUO ; Na GUO ; Hao XU ; Minghua LÜ ; Dandan YUN ; Zhenyu ZHU ; Jing LUAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):2064-2072
AIM:Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effects of short-term storage conditions(fresh,frozen at-80℃for 7 d,and stored at 4℃for 7 d)on the median fluorescence intensity(MFI)of antibodies and the percentage of immune cell subsets in mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)and splenocytes.METHODS:The PBMC and splenocyte suspensions from six male Kunming mice were collected and analyzed under three different processing con-ditions to compare differences in the antibody MFI and percentages of monocyte subsets(Ly-6clow/Ly-6cmedium/Ly-6chigh),macrophages(M1/M2),and dendritic cells.RESULTS:Both tissue and antibody specificity were demonstrated by changes in the antibody MFI values.Following storage at-80℃,the MFIs of certain antibodies(such as CD45 and F4/80 in PBMCs,and CD115,Ly-6c,F4/80,CD80 and MHC-II in the spleen)were similar to those of the fresh groups,where-as after storage at 4℃,the MFIs of other antibodies(such as 7-AAD,CD115,Ly-6c and MHC-II in PBMCs,and CD11b,CD206 and CD11c in the spleen)were closer to those of the fresh groups.The MFI of most of the examined anti-bodies varied significantly following storage.Both storage conditions significantly reduced the viability of PBMCs and sple-nocytes.In PBMCs stored at 4℃,the percentages of total monocytes,Ly-6cmedium/Ly-6chigh monocytes,total macrophages,and dendritic cells were similar to those in the fresh group.Compared with the fresh group,both storage groups presented significantly lower percentages of M1 macrophages and dendritic cells(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of total monocytes,Ly-6cmedium monocytes,Ly-6chigh monocytes,total macrophages,M1 and M2 macrophages,or dendritic cells in the spleen among the three groups(P>0.05).The percentage of Ly-6clow monocytes did not differ substantially(P>0.05)between the fresh and-80℃frozen groups but was significantly lower in the 4℃storage group than in the fresh group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The storage conditions of the samples had a substantial effect on the flow cytometry results(antibody MFI and cell subset percentages)of the PBMCs and splenic cells,with tissue specificity.If the percentage of immune cell subgroups(particularly monocytes/macrophages/dendritic cells)in PBMCs is highly important,storage at 4℃for 7 d is preferable.If the MFI values of specific antibodies(such as CD45 and F4/80)are important,freezing at-80℃may be more appropriate.If the MFI values of most antibodies or the percentages of criti-cal subgroups(such as total monocytes/Ly-6chigh/total macrophages/dendritic cells)in splenic cells need to be close to those of fresh samples,4 ℃ storage for 7 d is more effective.Freezing at-80℃is preferable if the MFI values of particular anti-bodies(such as CD115 and Ly-6c)need to be determined.
7.Dioscin inhibits IL-17+γδT cells to exert an anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect
Lin-mei PU ; Hao-hong ZHANG ; Chao-yu CHU ; Yuan-yuan NI ; Zhao WU ; Qing-yan MO ; Hong-yun WANG ; Ying XU ; Chun-ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2082-2088
Aim To explore the mechanism by which dioscin regulates IL-17+γδT cells in the treatment of arthritis.Methods A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were randomly divid-ed into the CIA model group,methotrexate(MTX)positive control group,and dioscin low-dose(Dioscin-L),medium-dose(Dioscin-M),and high-dose(Dios-cin-H)groups.After intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated using scoring methods.Joint pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The levels of anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were measured by ELISA.The expressions of γδT cells and their subtypes,as well as the secretion level of IL-17,were detected by flow cytometry.Results Dioscin significantly reduced the arthritis severity score in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mice,alleviated joint pathological damage,inhibited the production of IL-17 by splenic lymphocytes and the levels of anti-col-lagen-specific antibodies total IgG and IgG3,and de-creased the proportion of γδT cells in the lymph nodes,splenic γδT cells,and the Vδ4+T-cell subset.The level of IL-17 produced by the Vδ4 subtype in the lymph nodes of the intervention groups was lower than that in the model group,but the difference was not sta-tistically significant.Conclusion Dioscin has signifi-cant therapeutic effect on CIA,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of γδT cells,but it is unlikely to be related to IL-17 derived from γδT cells.
8.Status of washing and disinfection management of medical textiles in China
Huiqiong XU ; Yun YANG ; Renyi ZHU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hao HUANG ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Jiansheng LIANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(3):308-315
Objective To understand the implementation of WS/T 508-2016 and the status of washing and disin-fection of medical textiles in China,and provide basis for the revision of the standard.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted on the management of medical institutions and washing and disinfection workplace,building layout,personnel protection,equipment and supplies,washing and disinfection principles,and hygiene quality mo-nitoring of medical textiles in 323 medical institutions and 31 washing institutions in China.Meanwhile,microbio-logical index sampling was conducted on 234 pieces of medical textiles in 9 medical institutions and 8 washing insti-tutions in Hubei,Shanxi,Shanghai,and Sichuan Provinces before and after washing and disinfection.Results The awareness rates of WS/T 508-2016 among medical institutions and washing institutions were 96.90%and 96.77%,respectively,and the implementation rates were 94.12%and 96.77%,respectively.47.99%medical in-stitutions use purchasing services for washing and disinfecting medical textiles,and the higher the level of the medi-cal institution was,the higher the proportion of purchasing services was(x2=15.312,P<0.001).85.16%medi-cal institutions have conducted risk assessments on service providers,and 52.99%were responsible for or participa-ted in pre-job training by the medical institution.Washing institutions were higher than medical institutions in terms of system soundness rate,pre-job training rate,proportion of quality management leaders and full-time(part-time)quality inspectors,setting rate of hand-washing facilities in zones,passages,isolation barriers,dressing(buffer)room,and toilets,configuration rate of hygiene isolation washing equipment,tunnel washing unit,washing equip-ment with heating functions,drying equipment and mechanical ventilation facilities,and specialty machine washing rate.Among 234 medical textiles specimens,11.97%were detected fungi,and the total fungal colonies in 5 clean textiles exceeded 100 CFU/100 cm2.Conclusion WS/T 508-2016 can further standardize the washing and disin-fection of medical textiles in China through strengthening institutional management,improving the supervision level of service providers,perfecting hardware facilities and layout,introducing new technologies,and increasing the mo-nitoring on fungi in clean textiles.
9.Japan's strategies,experiences in interaction with the World Health Organization and its implications for China
Jia-wei CHEN ; Yun-ping WANG ; Chun HAO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):60-68
This study reviews Japan's interactions with WHO concerning topic setting,staffing,and financing,and summarizes its key characteristics and experiences:First,under the guidance of its national strategies,Japan concentrate its resources and promote multi-level cooperation with the WHO.Second,Japan establishes benchmarks based on its advantages and experience,to lead global discussions and actions on critical health topics.Third,Japan builds a win-win cooperation partnership with WHO.The study also discuss Japan's possible future cooperation with the WHO,and offers recommendations for China's collaboration with the WHO in the future.
10.Dioscin inhibits IL-17+γδT cells to exert an anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect
Lin-mei PU ; Hao-hong ZHANG ; Chao-yu CHU ; Yuan-yuan NI ; Zhao WU ; Qing-yan MO ; Hong-yun WANG ; Ying XU ; Chun-ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2082-2088
Aim To explore the mechanism by which dioscin regulates IL-17+γδT cells in the treatment of arthritis.Methods A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were randomly divid-ed into the CIA model group,methotrexate(MTX)positive control group,and dioscin low-dose(Dioscin-L),medium-dose(Dioscin-M),and high-dose(Dios-cin-H)groups.After intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated using scoring methods.Joint pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The levels of anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were measured by ELISA.The expressions of γδT cells and their subtypes,as well as the secretion level of IL-17,were detected by flow cytometry.Results Dioscin significantly reduced the arthritis severity score in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mice,alleviated joint pathological damage,inhibited the production of IL-17 by splenic lymphocytes and the levels of anti-col-lagen-specific antibodies total IgG and IgG3,and de-creased the proportion of γδT cells in the lymph nodes,splenic γδT cells,and the Vδ4+T-cell subset.The level of IL-17 produced by the Vδ4 subtype in the lymph nodes of the intervention groups was lower than that in the model group,but the difference was not sta-tistically significant.Conclusion Dioscin has signifi-cant therapeutic effect on CIA,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of γδT cells,but it is unlikely to be related to IL-17 derived from γδT cells.


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