1.The Dual Role and Clinical Potential of Core Fucosylation in Liver Diseases
Zi-Han LEI ; Hui-Min XU ; De-Zhi ZHAO ; Yong-Hong GUO ; Hao-Qi DU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2161-2178
Core fucosylation, catalyzed exclusively by fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification that has emerged as a central regulatory hub linking liver homeostasis, chronic disease progression, and malignant transformation. Liver diseases, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, remain a leading global health burden characterized by late diagnosis, limited therapeutic options, and poor overall survival. While aberrant glycosylation is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer and inflammatory disorders, existing research on FUT8-mediated core fucosylation in liver diseases remains fragmented: the dynamic functional switch of FUT8 from a homeostatic regulator to a pathological driver across the full disease continuum has not been systematically delineated, and the integrated mechanisms by which core fucosylation modulates oncogenic signaling, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion remain poorly understood. This review synthesizes recent advances to establish a unified framework for understanding the dual role of core fucosylation in liver physiology and pathology, and evaluates its translational potential for precision medicine. At the molecular level, FUT8’s unique catalytic specificity makes core fucosylation an irreplaceable modification, as evidenced by the perinatal lethality and severe organ dysfunction in Fut8 knockout mice. In hepatocellular carcinoma, genomic amplification of guanosine 5'-diphosphate-fucose biosynthetic enzymes provides metabolic support for aberrant core fucosylation. FUT8 expression is tightly regulated by a multi-layered network: transcriptional activation via Wnt/β‑catenin and wild-type p53, epigenetic upregulation by lncRNAs, post-transcriptional repression by miR-122-5p and miR-34a, and virus-specific induction by hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus. Physiologically, core fucosylation maintains liver homeostasis through four core mechanisms: it acts as a molecular switch for epidermal growth factor receptor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling to enable liver regeneration; directs polarized secretion of hepatocyte-derived glycoproteins into bile ducts; modulates cholesterol metabolism via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis; and regulates aging through insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor signaling. Pathologically, core fucosylation exhibits context-dependent dual functions: in liver fibrosis, FUT8 upregulation in hepatic stellate cells forms a negative feedback loop that limits excessive fibrogenesis; in hepatocellular carcinoma, however, aberrant FUT8 overexpression drives cell-autonomous malignancy by constitutively activating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor‑β/Smad, and Wnt/β‑catenin pathways, while simultaneously establishing a multi-layered immune evasion network by stabilizing programmed cell death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 47, and impairing natural killer cell homeostasis via interleukin‑2 receptor β glycosylation. Clinically, stage-specific core fucosylation biomarkers enable non-invasive monitoring of liver disease progression: low molecular mass kringle-Fc fusion protein outperforms conventional markers for early fibrosis detection, while alpha-fetoprotein-L3 and novel glycopeptides (α‑2‑macroglobulin N‑linked glycosylation site 1424, lumican core fucosylated peptide) significantly improve early hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, especially in alpha-fetoprotein-negative patients. Next-generation detection technologies (chemoenzymatic labeling, site-specific mass spectrometry) overcome the specificity limitations of traditional lectin assays. Therapeutically, four promising strategies are emerging: small-molecule FUT8 inhibitors, afucosylated antibodies with enhanced antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity, Fuc-modified targeted drug delivery systems, and core fucose-specific lectins for NASH treatment. The core challenge for clinical translation lies in FUT8’s inherent “double-edged sword” effect, as systemic inhibition disrupts its essential physiological functions beyond pathological roles. Long-term systemic FUT8 blockade not only impairs post-injury liver regeneration by abrogating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling but also disrupts cholesterol homeostasis via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis, leading to dyslipidemia and altered bile secretion. Critically, it compromises immune surveillance by destabilizing interleukin‑2 receptor β on natural killer cells, reducing their cytotoxic activity against malignant and virally infected cells, and impairs IgG Fc-mediated effector functions, increasing susceptibility to infections. This fundamental trade-off between therapeutic efficacy and systemic toxicity necessitates a paradigm shift from non-specific global inhibition to precision modulation of pathological core fucosylation. By addressing these critical challenges, FUT8-mediated core fucosylation has the potential to transform liver disease management from late-stage intervention to early detection and precision therapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of liver diseases.
2.Association between body mass index and physical fitness index of freshman students in Ningxia universities
ZHU Huarui, LIU Jing, NIU Gentian, ZHANG Yanhong, DU Pengying, MA Weiping, YANG Yang, ZHANG Ling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1484-1488
Objective:
To understand current state of physical health levels of first year students in different body mass index (BMI) categories in Ningxia universities, and to explore the correlation between BMI and physical fitness index (PFI), so as to provide a reference for enhancing physical health levels of university students.
Methods:
In November 2024, physical fitness test data from 16 631 first year students across four universities in Yinchuan City, Ningxia from 2019 to 2023 were collected by adopting convenience and stratified cluster random sampling methods. The PFI was calculated using the Z score of the physical fitness test results, and a nonlinear quadratic model was established via least squares regression to examine the relationship between BMI and PFI among university students.
Results:
The BMI for males was (21.69±3.53)kg/m 2, while for females was (20.78±2.94)kg/m 2. The composite score for males physical fitness (69.86±9.25) was lower than that for females (72.24± 8.15 ), with a statistically significant difference ( t =-17.54, P <0.01). Moreover, the failure rates of various physical fitness indicators (vital capacity, sit and reach, standing long jump, pull ups/1 minute sit ups, 1 000 m/800 m run) were higher among males than females ( χ 2=103.48, 72.45, 14.38, 5 134.85, 188.89, all P <0.01). Comparisons across BMI categories revealed that among males, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 000 m sprint, composite score, and PFI ( F =89.17, 113.90, 179.02, 573.35, 593.08); among female students, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, sit and reach, 800 m run, composite score, and PFI ( F =10.67, 19.58 , 96.45, 294.05, 183.45) (all P <0.01). The relationship between BMI and PFI among first year students exhibited a parabolic change trend, students with a moderate BMI demonstrated higher PFI, and as BMI increased, PFI decreased (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
The physical health level of male students in Ningxia universities is lower than that of female students. There is a correlation between BMI classification and PFI. Tailored intervention measures should be implemented according to the physical characteristics of students across different genders and BMI classifications to enhance university students physical health.
3.Meta analysis of the effects of different intervention modalities on non suicidal self-injury in adolescents
ZHENG Mengyao, HE Changjiu, LIU Xin, LIANG Fangling, DU Hui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):533-538
Objective:
To explore the effectiveness of different intervention modalities on nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) in adolescents, so as to provide an evidencebased basis for the intervention strategy of NSSI in adolescents.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trials on interventions for adolescent NSSI were retrieved from databases, such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, spanning from the inception of these databases to March 5, 2025. Network Metaanalysis was performed by using Stata 17.0 and Review Manager 5.3 software, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI were used as the effect indicators to compare the differences in the effectiveness of the interventions and rank the effect.
Results:
A total of 26 articles with 2 034 adolescents with NSSI were included in the study, including 10 intervention modalities:dialectical behavior therapy, emotional regulation intervention, mentalizationbased therapy, family therapy, cutting down programme, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, stepped care approach, positive psychological intervention, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The results showed that compared with the treatment as usual, positive psychological intervention [SMD(95%CI)=-2.12(-3.51 to -0.74)], stepped care intervention [SMD(95%CI)=-2.07(-3.43 to -0.71)], and dialectical behavior therapy [SMD(95%CI)=-1.70(-2.60 to -0.80)], cognitive behavioral therapy [SMD(95%CI)=-1.54(-2.61 to -0.48)], and acceptance and commitment therapy[SMD(95%CI)=-1.50(-2.68 to -0.32)] were statistically significant differences in reducing adolescents NSSI behaviors(P<0.05). Positive psychological intervention, stepped care intervention, and dialectical behavior therapy were more effective than the mentalizationbased therapy and the cutting down programme (SMD=-2.08, -2.03, -1.66, -2.06, -2.01, -1.64,P<0.05); the area under the cumulative ranking probability graph revealed that positive psychological intervention may have the best effect in improving NSSI among adolescents (82.5).
Conclusions
Positive psychological interventions show the best results in improving adolescent NSSI among multiple intervention modalities. It is recommended to give priority to positive psychological interventions in clinical interventions.
4.Oral Microbiota and Childhood Growth and Development
Rongrong YE ; Hanze DU ; Shi CHEN ; Daowei LI ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):545-551
Childhood is a critical period for growth and development, and the oral microbiota, as the second most diverse microbial community in the human body, plays a pivotal role in maintaining children's health. Recent studies have demonstrated that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota not only contributes to oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis but may also influence the development of children's skeletal, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, and immune systems through mechanisms involving inflammatory responses, metabolic regulation, and cross-organ communication networks. This review systematically examines the role of the oral microbiota in childhood growth and development and, guided by the core principles of the "active health" model, proposes multiple intervention strategies—including probiotics, xylitol, and mouthwashes—to optimize children's health through early oral microbiota modulation.
5.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
6.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
7.Preliminary Efficacy of Growth Hormone Therapy in Children With Congenital HeartDisease and Short Stature: A Six-case Report and Literature Review
Xi YANG ; Siyu LIANG ; Qianqian LI ; Hanze DU ; Shuaihua SONG ; Yue JIANG ; Huijuan MA ; Shi CHEN ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):641-646
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a congenital malformation resulting from abnormal embryonic development of the heart and great vessels, accounting for approximately 25% of all congenital malformations. Children with CHD are often complicated by short stature. Although surgical treatment can improve their growth and development to a certain extent, some children still experience growth retardation after surgery. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is the main drug for treating short stature, but its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with concomitant CHD warrant further investigation. This article reports six cases of children with CHD and short stature who were treated with rhGH. Through a literature review, we summarize and discuss the therapeutic efficacy, follow-up experiences, and adverse reactions of rhGH treatment, aiming to provide references for clinicians in applying rhGH to treat patients with CHD and short stature.
8.Expression of IP3R2 and RYR2 mediated Ca2+signals in a mouse model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Jili ZHAO ; Tianyu MENG ; Yarong YUE ; Xin ZHANG ; Wenqian DU ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Hui XUE ; Wenping XIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):254-261
BACKGROUND:Ca2+expression in astrocytes has been found to be closely related to cognitive function,and the Ca2+signaling pathway regulated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP3R2)and ryanodine receptor(RYR)2 receptors has become a hot spot in the study of cognitive disorder-related diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of Ca2+signals mediated by IP3R2 and RYR2 in hippocampal astrocytes in animal models of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning,and to explore the possible pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS:C57BL mice with qualified cognitive function were selected by Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into control group and experimental group.An animal model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning was established by static carbon monoxide inhalation in the experimental group,and the same amount of air was inhaled in the control group.Behavioral and neuronal changes,astrocyte specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein,IP3R2,RYR2 receptor and Ca2+concentration in astrocytes of the two groups were detected using Morris water maze,hematoxylin-eosin staining,western blot,immunofluorescence double labeling and Ca2+fluorescence probe at 21 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the Morris water maze,the escape latency of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the experimental group,the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased,the cell structure was disordered,and the nucleus was broken and dissolved.Immunofluorescence results showed that IP3R2 and RYR2 were co-expressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus,and the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were up-regulated in the hippocampus of the experimental group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2,and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the experimental group were increased(P<0.05).Ca2+concentration in hippocampal astrocytes increased significantly in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,astrocytes may affect Ca2+signals by mediating IP3R2 and RYR2 receptors,then impair the cognitive function of mice with carbon monoxide poisoning,and eventually lead to delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
9.Efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy versus traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery in treating single-segment degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with lumbar spinal stenosis
Chunwen LU ; Hui WANG ; Hongri WU ; Shiyao DU ; Zhenwei WANG ; Tianming XU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):481-487
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE-TLIF)and traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF)in treating single-segment degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with lumbar spinal stenosis(DLS-LSS).Methods The clinical data of 85 patients diagnosed with DLS-LSS who underwent surgery between Jan.2020 and Jan.2022 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were assigned to UBE-TLIF group(46 cases)and PLIF group(39 cases)based on the surgical procedure.The general characteristics,perioperative data,radiological parameters,and clinical efficacy indicators were analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics,preoperative radiological parameters,pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,or Oswestry disability index(ODI)score between the 2 groups(all P>0.05).Compared with the PLIF group,the UBE-TLIF group had significantly longer operation time([156.42+26.65]min vs[141.36+21.46]min,P=0.006),significantly less operation blood loss([170.15+10.87]mL vs[203.15+15.67]mL,P<0.001),and significantly shorter hospital stay([6.73+2.42]d vs[9.61+2.56]d,P<0.001).The UBE-TLIF group had significantly smaller lumbar lordosis and segmental angle 3 months postoperatively([42.52±8.57]° vs[46.61+7.31]°,[10.93+2.59]° vs[12.16+3.05]°)and at final follow-up([41.35+7.46]° vs[44.62+6.42]°,[10.65+2.43]° vs[11.87+2.53]°)compared with the PLIF group(all P<0.05).The fusion rate was significantly lower in the UBE-TLIF group compared with the PLIF group 3 months after operation(34.78%[16/46]vs 58.97%[23/39],P<0.05),with no significant difference at final follow-up(93.48%[43/46]vs 94.87%[37/39],P>0.05).The VAS score and ODI score 3 months after operation were significantly lower in the UBE-TLIF group compared with the PLIF group(2.43+0.92 vs 3.12±1.03,26.81+9.14 vs 33.35+8.76,both P<0.01),with no significant differences at final follow-up(both P>0.05).Conclusion As a minimally invasive surgical technique,UBE-TLIF has the advantages of minimal trauma,fast recovery,mild postoperative pain,and a reliable fusion rate.It is an effective treatment for DLS-LSS and deserves to be promoted.
10.Label-free Fluorescence Probe Based on Primer Exchange Reaction for High Sensitivity Detection of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1
Yun-Hua WANG ; Le-Ru WANG ; Li-Gai YANG ; Jia-Zheng CHEN ; Yu-Run DU ; Jia-Hui HOU ; Xiang ZHAI ; Xu-Hua ZHAO ; Bao-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):464-471
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1(APE 1)is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression.Because APE 1 is overexpressed in various cancers,it can serve as a cancer biomarker for aiding clinical diagnosis,guiding therapy,and monitoring prognosis.On this basis,a label-free fluorescent probe was designed based on the primer exchange reaction(PER)strategy for highly sensitive detection of APE 1 activity.In the absence of APE 1,the structure of catalytic hairpin(HP)was stable and could not form G-quadruplex.Therefore,the background fluorescence of this sensing system was very low due to the dissociation of thioflavin T(ThT).In the presence of APE 1,the apurinic/apyrimidinic(AP)site of HP was cleaved by APE 1 and a short nucleic acid fragment that acted as a primer to initiate PER was generated.After PER reaction,a large number of G-quadruplex were produced,which could specifically bind with ThT and resulted in significant increase of fluorescence signal.The combination of low background design of HP and PER amplification made this biosensor had high sensitivity with a detection limit(3σ)of 0.0008 U/mL.Furthermore,the primer sequence was directly generated by the cleavage of APE 1 without additional addition,which not only increased the specificity of the reaction,but also simplified the experiment procedure.Moreover,the use of label-free fluorescence signal reduced the cost of the experiment,and realized rapid detection of APE 1.Finally,this sensor was used to detect APE 1 in human serum samples with spiked recoveries of 91%-104%,proving great potential in study of biological enzyme.


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