1.FAH promotes glioblastoma progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Shihao LI ; Bing ZHAO ; Tieniu YANG ; Jinliang YANG ; Yongliang ZHANG ; Zhongsen LI ; Shunli LI ; Ning CHEN ; Jianbiao WANG ; Jia LI ; Qingfang MA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):662-676
ObjectiveTo investigate the functional role and underlying molecular mechanisms of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) in the progression of glioblastoma (GBM). MethodsDifferential expression analysis was performed on the TCGA-GBM, GSE4290, and GSE116520 datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules, and Cox regression and risk modeling were used to screen prognostic genes. Immune infiltration analysis of prognostic genes was carried out by using single-cell RNA sequencing panels. The clinical expression signature of FAH in GBM was analyzed in the TCGA and HPA databases. The functional role of FAH was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments, and pathway analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. ResultsA total of 152 overlapping genes were identified across the three GBM datasets (P<0.05). WGCNA revealed that the turquoise module was most strongly associated with tumor purity, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score (P<0.001). Compared with normal tissues, three prognostic genes (CTSD, FAH, and THBD) were upregulated in GBM and correlated with immune infiltration (P<0.05). FAH mRNA and protein levels were elevated in GBM tissues relative to normal tissues, and its expression was significantly associated with age stratification and TP53 mutation (P<0.05). CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the shNC group, the proliferative activity of GBM cells in the shFAH group was reduced (P<0.001). Transwell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that, relative to the shNC group, the numbers of migrated and invaded cells in the shFAH group decreased (P<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in the shFAH group decreased compared with those in the shNC group (P<0.05). In vivo subcutaneous xenograft experiments further confirmed that tumor volume and weight significantly decreased in the shFAH group compared with the shNC group (P<0.001). ConclusionFAH promotes GBM progression by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
2.Association study of SLC7A11 gene polymorphisms with helicobacter pylori infection and non-cardia gastric cancer
Linli WANG ; Fang GAO ; Wenjie DONG ; Ning CHU ; Yanbin JIA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1124-1129
ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between the polymorphisms of the solute carrier family7 member11 (SLC7A11) gene and the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC) as well as the infection of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). MethodsA total of 435 patients with NCGC and 479 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations were included. The polymorphisms of the SLC7A11 gene (rs7674870, rs11734488, rs12506138, rs10022036) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The influence of each locus on H. pylori infection and the occurrence of NCGC was analyzed. ResultsNo significant associations were found among SNP rs7674870, rs11734488, and rs12506138 and H. pylori infection (P>0.05). The CT genotype and CC genotype of rs12506138, when in a codominant model, reduced the risk of developing NCGC compared to the TT genotype; the A-C-C and A-T-C haplotypes constructed by SLC7A11 rs7674870, rs11734488, rs12506138 were associated with a reduced risk of NCGC; the A-T-T and G-C-C haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of NCGC. ConclusionSLC7A11 rs7674870 and rs11734488 are not pivotal genetic loci for H. pylori infection and the pathogenesis of NCGC. SLC7A11 rs12506138 acts as a protective genetic locus for NCGC and antagonizes its oncogenic progression. The haplotype composed of the above three loci participates in regulating the overall genetic susceptibility to NCGC.
3.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
4.Effect of Anzi Tiaochong Decoction Combined with Aspirin on Peripheral Blood CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Regulatory B Cells in Patients with Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Pattern of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis)
Yan CHEN ; Jia LI ; Suning HUANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yan NING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):189-196
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Anzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin and the effects of this therapy on the peripheral blood phospholipid antibody titers, coagulation function, and CD19+CD24hiCD27+regulatory B (Breg) cells in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) (pattern of kidney deficiency and blood stasis). MethodsPatients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an observation group (50 patients, with 4 patients dropped out and 46 patients completed) and a control group (50 patients, with 2 patients dropped out, 1 patient excluded, and 47 patients completed) through a random number table method. The control group was treated with aspirin enteric-coated tablets, 75 mg/time, once a day, and the observation group with Anzi Tiaochong decoction, 1 bag/day on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The treatment course for both groups was 8 weeks, and the patients were followed up for 4 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, titers of peripheral blood phospholipid antibodies [anti-cardiolipin antibody IgM (ACA IgM), anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG (ACA IgG), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgM (β2GP1-IgM), and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgG (β2GP1-IgG)], D-dimer (D-D), thromboelastography parameters [clotting factor activity (R), platelet function maximum amplitude (MA), coagulation composite index (CI), and clot strength (G)], CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Breg expression rate, and adverse drug reactions were recorded for the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed decreased ACA IgM, ACA IgG, β2GP1-IgM, β2GP1-IgG, D-D, MA, and G (P<0.05) and increased R (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in CI. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed more significant decreases in TCM symptom scores and phospholipid antibody titers (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression rate of Breg in the observation group was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in Breg expression rate before and after treatment in the control group. Neither group experienced significant adverse reactions. ConclusionAnzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin can alleviate the symptoms, reduce the phospholipid antibody titers, and restore the coagulation status of patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (pattern kidney deficiency and blood stasis). It may exert the therapeutic effects by regulating Breg to maintain the patient's immune balance.
5.Genomic characterization of Legionella pneumophila isolated from industrial circulating cooling water
Man YU ; Ying TANG ; Xiangjun ZHANG ; Chenyi TAO ; Yong NING ; Yi XU ; Xiaodong JIA ; Xia ZHANG
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):50-57
Objective To analyze the genomic characteristics of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) isolated from industrial circulating cooling water in workplace. Methods A total of 20 L. pneumophila strains isolated from industrial circulating cooling water collected from eight chemical enterprises were selected as the research subjects. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the strains, followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, virulence factor profiling, and antibiotic resistance gene detection. Results The dominant MLST typing among the 20 L. pneumophila strains was ST2. Serogroup 1 (Lp1) strains exhibited high genetic diversity. Strains from different enterprises showed substantial genomic diversity, suggesting possible inter-enterprise dissemination. Each isolate harbored 175-295 virulence genes; among them, virulence genes were identified, and 139 genes were detected in all the 20 strains. These genes primarily included those related to the Dot/Icm type Ⅳ bacterial secretion system, flagellar synthesis and motility, and type Ⅳ pili. The number of virulence genes carried by L. pneumophila strains of different ST types differed (P<0.01), with unidentified sequence types harboring more virulence genes than other STs (P<0.01). A total of four resistance genes were predicted, including aminoglycoside phosphotransferase-encoding gene APH(9)-Ia, carbapenemase-encoding gene OXA-29, and efflux pump genes-encoding genes LpeA and LpeB, with detection rates of 100.00%, 100.00%, 10.00%, and 10.00%, respectively. These genes may confer resistance to cephalosporins, penicillins, and aminoglycosides, and all strains were multidrug resistance. Conclusion L. pneumophila isolated from industrial recirculating cooling water exhibits high genetic diversity, strong pathogenicity, and significant multidrug resistance potential.
6.Practical Exploration and Enlightenment of Reforming for Ambulatory Care Payment Methods in China
Mei GU ; Ning ZHAO ; Jin LI ; Xinyu HOU ; Jingxuan ZHAO ; Jia YANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(4):30-34
In order to comprehensively deepen the reform of medical insurance payment methods and explore the establishment of a medical insurance payment system with Chinese features,five representative cities have been selected for analysis:Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province,Xiamen City in Fujian Province,Suixi City in Anhui Province,TianjinCity,and Zhenjiang City in Jiangsu Province.These regions have been chosen due to their typical ambulatory care payment reform.It summarises the features of ambulatory care payment reforms in different regions regarding implementing agencies,covered crowds and types of illnesses,and payment methods.It is recommended that a reasonable scope of implementation be selected and the reform purpose and basic conditions should be taken into account to explore an appropriate ambulatory care payment reform.It is proposed that an innovative payment method reform be implemented to promote healthcare and prevention integration,and to incorporate a value-oriented paradigm,thereby realizing the benefits of the doctor and patient insurance.
7.Regulatory effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis via NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Cao NING ; Jiao-an PANG ; Xi TAN ; Yan-ping LUO ; Hui-yi WEI ; Bo HUANG ; Jia-guan WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1477-1486
AIM To explore the effects of Dahuang Lingxian Recipe on Th1/Th2 cell immune imbalance in a rat model of cholestatic liver fibrosis(CLF).METHODS 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.063 g/kg)and the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group(4.8 g/kg),with 5 rats in each group.Except for those of the normal group,the rats of all other groups had open surgery of common bile duct ligation,followed by the gavage of corresponding drug two days later,and the procurement of the samples after gavage in the third week.The rats had their degree of liver fibrosis observed by HE and Masson stainings;their levels of serum total bile acid(TBA),alkaline phosphatase(AKP),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and total bilirubin(TBil)measured by the kit;their hepatic percentage of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 positive cells detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining;their.hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR;their levels of helper T cell 1(Th1)and helper T cell 2(Th2)in peripheral blood detected by flow cytometry,and their ratio of Th1/Th2 calculated as well.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either ursodeoxycholic acid or Dahuang Lingxian Recipe displayed well-ordered liver cells,hepatic lobules and hepatic cords;a small amount of fatty degeneration;significantly reduced connective hyperplasia of hepatic fibers;significantly narrowed fibrous cords;a small amount of blue fibrous septa;greatly improved pathological injuries including inflammatory infiltration of central vein and portal area;decreased levels of serum TBA,TBil,AKP,γ-GT,ALT and AST(P<0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3(P<0.05);decreased hepatic expressions of TGF-β1,Smad4,NF-κB p65,Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ protein and mRNA(P<0.05);and increased counts of Th1 cells in peripheral blood,decreased counts of Th2 cells,resultsing increased Th1/Th2 ratio(P<0.05).And an even better effect was observed in the Dahuang Lingxian Recipe group.CONCLUSION Dahuang Lingxian Recipe can reduce or reverse CLF by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through maintaining Th1/Th2 cell immune balance via the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
8.Fetal MRI in diagnosis of duodenal obstruction
Juncheng ZHU ; Fenglin JIA ; Yi LIAO ; Gang NING ; Xuesheng LI ; Yujin ZHANG ; Haibo QU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1633-1636
Objective To observe the value of fetal MRI in diagnosis of duodenal obstruction(DO).Methods A total of 35 fetuses with suspected DO according to MRI were retrospectively included.The length and the maximum diameter of the dilated duodenum were measured,so as site(categorized in descending order from proximal to distal as descending segment,horizontal segment and ascending duodenum/proximal jejunum)and the degree of obstruction(complete or incomplete)were assessed.Taken findings of labor induction specimen,postnatal neonatal surgery or follow-up data as standards,the positive predictive value(PPV)of MRI for diagnosing fetal DO was calculated,while the correlations of the measured parameters of dilated duodenum and the confirmed obstruction site/degree were analyzed.Results Among 35 fetuses,DO was confirmed in 34 fetuses,yielding an overall PPV of 97.14%(34/35)for MRI.In 34 fetuses with confirmed DO,there were 23 with descending DO(DDO),4 with horizontal DO(HDO)and 7 with ascending DO/proximal jejunum obstruction(ADO/PJO),including 12 with complete DO and 22 with incomplete DO.PPV of MRI for diagnosing DDO,HDO and ADO/PJO was 87.50%(21/24),50.00%(2/4)and 100%(7/7),respectively,for diagnosing complete and incomplete DO was 90.00%(9/10)and 84.00%(21/25),respectively.Both the length and the maximum diameter of fetal proximal dilated duodenum showed on MRI were positively correlated with the actual obstruction site(from proximal to distal)(rs=0.736,P<0.001;rs=0.424,P=0.011,respectively),but had no significant rank correlation with the degree of obstruction(rs=-0.216,P=0.212;rs=-0.285,P=0.097,respectively).Conclusion Fetal MRI could effectively evaluate the length and the maximum diameter of dilated duodenum hence indicating the level and degree of DO.
9.Investigation of airborne allergenic pollen in Handan area
Xinli YANG ; Hao JIA ; Shuanli XIN ; Hongjian LI ; Huiyu NING ; Lei CHENG ; Hongtian WANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(9):575-578
OBJECTIVE To determine the species,quantity,and dispersion patterns of airborne pollen in two districts and five counties of Handan City,Hebei Province.METHODS The gravity sedimentation method was employed from October 1,2023,to September 30,2024,for daily and consecutive pollen exposure slides in two districts(Congtai District and Yongnian District)and five counties(Qiu County,Daming County,Cheng'an County,Cixian County,and She County)of Handan City,Hebei Province.The types of pollen were counted and identified under an optical microscope,and the pollen data were statistically analyzed.RESULTS The annual pollen quantity in the two districts and five counties of Handan City ranged from 24 031 grains/1 000 mm2 to 85 131 grains/1 000 mm2.The dissemination of major allergenic pollen presented two peaks.The first peak occurred in spring(March to April),mainly composed of Platanus(25.15%),Broussonetia(13.61%),Pinus(8.48%);the second peak occurred in(August to September),mainly consisting of Humulus/Cannabis(13.71%)and Artemisia(8.44%).Pollen in spring was significantly higher than that in summer and autumn.CONCLUSION The major allergenic airborne pollen in the two districts and five counties of Handan City exhibited two peaks in spring and summer-autumn,with Platanus pollen,Broussonetia pollen,Pinus pollen,Humulus/Cannabis pollen,and Artemisia pollne being the dominant pollen types.Among them,Platanus pollen was the absolute dominant pollen in this region.
10.Recommendation for Forensic Identification Guidelines on Insulin Overdoes
Yu-Hao YUAN ; Zhong-Hao YU ; Jia-Xin ZHANG ; Long-Da MA ; Shu-Quan ZHAO ; Ning-Guo LIU ; Rong-Qi WU ; Biao ZHANG ; Xin-Biao LIAO ; Xin CHEN ; Guang-Long HE ; Yi-Wu ZHOU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):168-175
Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.


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