1.Forskolin promotes C2C12 myoblast differentiation via regulating the ERK and Akt signaling pathways
Liuyan HUANG ; Wenxi ZHANG ; Shuwen CHEN ; Shimei YU ; Zhong DAI ; Changqing ZUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1114-1121
BACKGROUND:Forskolin,a diterpenoid natural compound extracted from Coleus forskohlii,has a crucial regulatory role in skeletal muscle repair.However,the regulatory role of forskolin on myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells has not been fully explored.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of forskolin on the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cell line and probe into the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.1,0.25,0.5,1,5,10 and 20 μmol/L forskolin during growth,and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 and qRT-PCR.C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.25,0.5 and 1 μmol/L forskolin during the induction of myogenic differentiation.Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR were used to detect C2C12 cells differentiation.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of myogenic differentiation-related signaling pathway proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The viability of C2C12 cells was decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited after treatment with high concentrations(>1 μmol/L)of forskolin.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that forskolin up-regulated the expression of Myh2,Myh4,Myomaker,but down-regulated the expression of Myh7 compared with the 0 μmol/L group,when C2C12 cells were differentiated for 4 days.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fusion index and myotube diameter of C2C12 cells were increased after forskolin treatment,and the number of myotubes was also increased.(3)Western blot results showed that the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 expression was inhibited;however,the phosphorylated protein kinase B was promoted after treatment with forskolin.The protein expression level of the myogenic differentiation transcription factor Myogenin was significantly up-regulated after treatment with forskolin.The above results demonstrate that forskolin may promote myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B signaling pathway.
2.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of multiple pathogens in people aged 14 years and above with acute respiratory infection in Huangpu District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Yun ZHANG ; Yinzi CHEN ; Zhenzi ZUO ; Yu WANG ; Fujie SHEN ; Yuliang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Chenyan JIANG ; Yijun WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):116-121
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 8 major respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with acute respiratory infections at fever clinics in Huangpu District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Huangpu District. Individuals meeting the case definition of ILI from 2015 to 2024 was registered. Their nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for pathogen detection. A total of 8 respiratory viruses were tested, including Influenza A virus (Flu A), Influenza B virus (Flu B), adenovirus (ADV), enterovirus/human rhinovirus (EV/HRV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, a total of 344 ILI cases were tested, of which 192 out of 344 cases (55.81%) were tested positive for single respiratory pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, 1 557 ILI cases were tested, with 572 out of 1 557 cases (36.74%) being positive for single pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, the positive rate of single pathogen in ILI cases was significantly lower than that in 2015‒2019 (χ2=42.66, P<0.001). Specifically, the positive rate of Flu A (χ2=74.43, P<0.001) decreased, while that of HPIV (χ2=8.66, P=0.003) increased, both with statistically significant differences. According to the seasonal pattern, the epidemic intensity of Flu A decreased in summer, while that of HPIV increased in summer and autumn. Demographic results showed statistically significant differences in the positive rates of EV/HRV between genders (χ2=22.38, P<0.001), with males exhibiting a higher positive rate than females. No statistically significant differences were identified in the positive rates of single pathogen among different age groups (χ2=4.42, P=0.110). Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the positive rates of EV/HRV, Flu A, Flu B and HPIV across different age groups (P<0.05). EV/HRV was more commonly detected in the 15‒<25 age group (10.93%), while Flu A and HPIV had the highest positive rates in the ≥60 age group (21.24% and 4.77%). Flu B had the highest positive rate in the 25‒<60 age group (11.26%). 52.63% of cases with co-infections occurred during winter, with the primary pathogens involved being EV/HRV (9 cases) and HCoV (6 cases). The most prevalent combination of co-infection was Flu A with EV/HRV. ConclusionThe prevalence of respiratory pathogens among ILI cases from 2023 to 2024 exhibited notable fluctuations compared to that from 2015 to 2019. Therefore, influenza surveillance should be strengthened, and attention should also be paid to the prevalence of respiratory pathogens such as HPIV. These findings have profound implications for future research, surveillance, vaccine planning, and public health policy making.
3.Forskolin promotes C2C12 myoblast differentiation via regulating the ERK and Akt signaling pathways
Liuyan HUANG ; Wenxi ZHANG ; Shuwen CHEN ; Shimei YU ; Zhong DAI ; Changqing ZUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1114-1121
BACKGROUND:Forskolin,a diterpenoid natural compound extracted from Coleus forskohlii,has a crucial regulatory role in skeletal muscle repair.However,the regulatory role of forskolin on myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells has not been fully explored.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of forskolin on the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cell line and probe into the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.1,0.25,0.5,1,5,10 and 20 μmol/L forskolin during growth,and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 and qRT-PCR.C2C12 cells were treated with 0,0.25,0.5 and 1 μmol/L forskolin during the induction of myogenic differentiation.Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR were used to detect C2C12 cells differentiation.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of myogenic differentiation-related signaling pathway proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The viability of C2C12 cells was decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited after treatment with high concentrations(>1 μmol/L)of forskolin.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that forskolin up-regulated the expression of Myh2,Myh4,Myomaker,but down-regulated the expression of Myh7 compared with the 0 μmol/L group,when C2C12 cells were differentiated for 4 days.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the fusion index and myotube diameter of C2C12 cells were increased after forskolin treatment,and the number of myotubes was also increased.(3)Western blot results showed that the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 expression was inhibited;however,the phosphorylated protein kinase B was promoted after treatment with forskolin.The protein expression level of the myogenic differentiation transcription factor Myogenin was significantly up-regulated after treatment with forskolin.The above results demonstrate that forskolin may promote myogenic differentiation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B signaling pathway.
4.NG2-Glia Cause Diabetic Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption by Secreting MMP-9
Xiaolong LI ; Yan CAI ; Zhu ZHONG ; Maolin LI ; Dong HUANG ; Zhifei QIAO ; Hongli ZHOU ; Zuo ZHANG ; Jiyin ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):47-61
Background:
Disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) arising from diabetes mellitus are closely related to diabetic encephalopathy. Previous research has suggested that neuron-glia antigen 2 (NG2)-glia plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB. However, the mechanism by which NG2-glia regulates the diabetic BBB remains unclear.
Methods:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice and db/m mice were used. Evans-Blue BBB permeability tests and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied. Tight junction proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. NG2-glia number and signaling pathways were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Detection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
In T2DM db/db mice, BBB permeability in the hippocampus significantly increased from 16 weeks of age, and the structure of tight junction proteins changed. The number of NG2-glia in the hippocampus of db/db mice increased around microvessels from 12 weeks of age. Concurrently, the expression of MMP-9 increased in the hippocampus with no change in serum. Sixteen- week-old db/db mice showed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hippocampal NG2-glia. Treatment with XAV-939 improved structural and functional changes in the hippocampal BBB and reduced MMP-9 secretion by hippocampal NG2-glia in db/db mice. It was also found that the upregulation of β-catenin protein in NG2-glia in the hippocampus of 16-week-old db/db mice was significantly alleviated by treatment with XAV-939.
Conclusion
The results indicate that NG2-glia can lead to structural and functional disruption of the diabetic BBB by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, upregulating MMP-9, and degrading tight junction proteins.
5.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
6.Development of an organoid-based pan-TKI precision screening platform to enhance therapeutic efficacy of ET+CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer
Yingchao WU ; Liushan CHEN ; Yuqi LIANG ; Jieting CHEN ; Junfeng HUANG ; Qian ZUO ; Qianjun CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2786-2795
Objective To investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the limited therapeutic efficacy of endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,and to develop a breast cancer organoid model as a tool for the precise identification of HR+/HER2-low patients who are responsive to pan-TKI treatment.Methods Transcriptomics was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in HR+/HER2-0 and HR+/HER2-low breast cancer samples and to perform functional enrichment analysis.Tumor organoid models were established using breast cancer tissues obtained from clinical sources,and the differential sensitivity of these samples to therapeutic agents was assessed using Calcein-AM/PI cell viability staining and EdU-based cell proliferation assays.Results The results of transcriptomic enrichment analysis indicated that EGFR was signifi-cantly activated in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer and exhibited characteristics of resistance to TKIs.Breast cancer organoids were successfully established.Drug sensitivity testing revealed that the therapeutic efficacy of ET combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors was suboptimal in certain cases of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,while the addition of TKIs effectively restored sensitivity to the ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor regimen(P<0.05).Conclusions TKI can restore the reduced sensitivity of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer to endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors.Breast cancer organoids hold promise as screening tools for assessing drug sensitivity in clinical settings for patients with HR+/HER2-low breast cancer.
7.Establishment of an atopic dermatitis model in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene
Xiaotao NIU ; Jiaqian ZUO ; Yujie HUANG ; Wenqin REN ; Xinyan SHU ; Peng SHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):216-224
Objective In this study,2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB)was used to induce the establishment of an atopic dermatitis(AD)model in BALB/c homozygous mice to simulate the skin inflammatory complications in patients with clinical malignancies.Methods BALB/c mice were divided into different groups:negative control group(NC group),model group(MODEL group),atopic dermatitis group(AD group),and dexamethasone group(DEX group).After the mice in MODEL group and DEX group were inoculated with S-180 tumor cells in the axilla,MODEL group,AD group and DEX group were stimulated with DNCB on the dorsal skin and the ear to establish an animal model of atopic dermatitis in tumor-bearing mice.Changes in body weight were observed and recorded,the dorsal skin condition of mice was assessed after the last administration of the drug,the spleen was taken to calculate the spleen coefficient,the difference in the mass of mouse ear slices was determined to calculate the degree of auricular swelling and the rate of inhibition of swelling,and histopathological tests were performed on the dorsal skin tissues to detect the levels of IgE,TNF-α,IL-4,and IL-17 in the serum using an ELISA assay.Results Compared with the NC group,the skin of mice in the MODEL and AD groups showed erythematous,papular,scaly and mossy changes,accompanied by weight loss,and a significant increase in splenic coefficient and auricular swelling.Pathologic findings showed an incomplete skin structure,a significant increase in skin thickness,a large infiltration of inflammatory cells,and an increase in the number of mast cells.Serum levels of IgE,TNF-α,IL-4 and IL-17 were increased.Compared with the MODEL group,the DEX group showed an improvement in all the assays.Conclusions DNCB excitation can successfully establish an animal model of AD in hormonal mice,which is drug-controllable,which provides a useful scientific tool for conducting scientific research related to malignant tumors and skin inflammation.
8.Generation and countermeasures of ambiguous medical records in DRG application
Shujuan FAN ; Xueli YAN ; Meng ZHANG ; Yuan SHAO ; Wen ZHANG ; Huang ZUO
Modern Hospital 2025;25(3):371-374
Objective To analyze the reasons and influencing factors of ambiguous medical records,and propose targe-ted intervention strategies.Methods The medical records discharged from the Department of Otolaryngology,Head and Neck Surgery of a large Class Ⅲ hospital in Xi'an from January 2023 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected,and the medical records groups and ambiguous medical records were screened through the DRG information platform.The clinical features,defect causes and risk factors of ambiguous cases were analyzed statistically.Results There were 4 124 discharged cases in the year,of which 77 were ambiguous cases,accounting for 1.87%.Compared with the non-ambiguous group,more patients in the ambig-uous group adopted a self-funded approach,experienced a transfer and a longer hospital stay.The proportion of surgery and trau-ma in ambiguous group was higher,but the proportion of tumor patients was lower.Due to DRG grouping rules,64 cases(83.1%)were divided into ambiguous groups,which was the primary direct cause.Binary Logistic regression indicated that self-paid medical treatment(OR=2.2),transfer(OR=4.8),hospitalization ≥7 days(OR=3.1),trauma(OR=15.0),and total cost>20 000 yuan(OR=1.7)were the risk factors for ambiguous disease cases(P<0.05),while tumor disease was the pro-tective factor(OR=0.6,P<0.05).Conclusion The emergence of ambiguous medical records involves many aspects such as clinical diagnosis and treatment,hospital management,health policy and so on,which has an important impact on hospital per-formance and medical insurance fund.Only by strengthening the level of hospital management,improving the quality of informa-tion system,and promoting the coordination and communication between doctors,management and patients,can we effectively re-duce the occurrence of ambiguous medical records.
9.Mechanism Study of Coptisine in Treating Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on Non-Targeted Metabolo-mics Technology
Shicai HUANG ; Bingyan TAN ; Ying ZUO ; Yujia LI ; Lianyu YUAN ; Sufen HAN ; Dong FANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(12):1724-1733
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of coptisine on endogenous metabolites in a dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-in-duced ulcerative colitis(UC)mouse model,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action employing non-targeted metabolomics technology.METHODS SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,a sulfasalazine group(100 mg·kg-1),and low and high dose groups of coptisine groups(25,50 mg·kg-1).To induce ulcerative colitis(UC),all groups except the control group had free access to a 2.5%DSS solution for 7 days.At the same time,they also received daily intragastric ad-ministration of their corresponding treatments until the 10th day.Body weight changes,stool characteristics,and bloody stool occur-rence were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.After the experiment,colon tissues were collected for pathological examination.Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites,and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database.RESULTS Compared to the model group,coptisine significantly ameliorated weight loss,DAI scores,and pathological damage in colon tissues of UC mice(P<0.05,P<0.01).Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differential metabolites,mainly involved in purine metabolism,tryptophan metabo-lism,niacin and nicotinamide metabolism,glutathione metabolism,and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine,and tryptophan.Coptisine intervention significantly reversed the abnormal expression of these metabolites.CONCLUSION Coptisine can markedly improve metabolic disorders in DSS-induced UC mice by modulating multiple key metabolic pathways,thereby exerting a therapeutic effect.
10.Identification of the Components of Yu-Ping-Feng-San Absorbed into Plasma Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Fuman HUANG ; Yajun SONG ; Tongwen ZUO ; Lin LI ; Yunfeng ZHENG ; Jie ZHENG ; Min HONG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(5):637-651
OBJECTIVE To analyze the plasma-entering components of the ethanol extract of Yu-Ping-Feng-San by ultra-per-formance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)technology,so as to pro-vide a reference for the study of the pharmacological substances of Yu-Ping-Feng-San.METHODS Male BALB/c mice were ga-vaged with the ethanol extract of Yu-Ping-Feng-San(6.5 g·kg-1),and plasma samples were collected before administration(0 h)and 1,2,4,6,8,and 12 h after administration.The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was used to analyze and identify the components absorbed into the plasma.RESULTS A total of 73 chemical components in the ethanol extract of Yu-Ping-Feng-San were identi-fied,and 26 plasma-entering components were identified in all plasma samples.Among the plasma-entering components,11 compo-nents were from Saposhnikoviae Radix,and 15 components were from Radix Astragali.CONCLUSION The chemical components and plasma-entering components of the ethanol extract of Yu-Ping-Feng-San were analyzed comprehensively,which provides a reference for further clarifying the pharmacological substance basis and mechanism of action of Yu-Ping-Feng-San.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail