1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Renal fibrosis: research progress on mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Cheng-Xiao YIN ; Jia-Rui FAN ; Xiao-Gang DU
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2026;45(1):22-35
Renal fibrosis (RF) is a prevalent clinical symptom of numerous chronic kidney illnesses and a significant pathological alteration in end-stage renal disease resulting from various mechanisms, such as abnormally activated signaling pathways, microRNAs, aging, autophagy disorders, and fibrotic ecological niches, all of which contribute to RF development. Inhibiting, blocking, or delaying the aforementioned mechanisms may yield novel approaches for treating RF. This article explores advancements in the comprehension of the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for RF.
3.Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Lulu JIA ; Ying LI ; Jiale YIN ; Nan JIA ; Xiaoxi LIU ; Li LING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):315-322
Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, which seriously affects the lives of patients. With the acceleration of aging process, the number of patients continues to rise. Its main pathological features are aggregation of α-synuclein and degenerative death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the pathogenesis of PD is still unclear. According to reports, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB) signaling pathway is highly expressed and activated in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is closely related to neurophysiological processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. At present, the treatment methods of Western medicine for PD are mainly based on drugs such as levodopa and dopamine agonists to alleviate motor symptoms, but with the increase of dose, the adverse reactions are significantly enhanced. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has attracted people to explore its therapeutic effects on PD due to its characteristics of homology of medicine and food, economy, minor adverse reactions and multi-target action. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role of BNDF/TrkB pathway in the pathogenesis of PD and the mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and monomers in the treatment of PD by regulating the BNDF/TrkB pathway according to retrieving the latest research reports at home and abroad, so as to provide a reference for the clinical application of related TCM and the development of new drugs for PD.
4.Association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students
Jian YIN ; Zeshi LIU ; Yan LI ; Yangyang GONG ; Naichuan CHEN ; Yuqi ZHAO ; Jia SONG ; Yanping ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):301-305
AIM:To analyze the association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in December 2022 on all students of a university in Shaanxi Province, and the questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, mobile phone addiction, high myopia, and lifestyle. Binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students.RESULTS:A total of 19 952 college students were included. The prevalence of high myopia was 7.31%. The rate of mobile phone addiction was 25.68%, and the mobile phone addiction score was 37.59±13.38. The incidence of high myopia among college students with mobile phone addiction was higher than non-mobile phone addiction(P<0.001). After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle, the risk of high myopia among college students with mobile phone addiction was 1.274 times(95%CI:1.131-1.434)higher than non-mobile phone addiction. For each point increase of total mobile phone addiction score, withdrawal symptoms score, salience score, social comfort score, and mood changes score, the risk of high myopia among college students increased by 0.9%(95%CI:1.005-1.013), 2.0%(95%CI:1.010-1.030), 2.6%(95%CI:1.010-1.043), 4.8%(95%CI:1.030-1.066), and 3.3%(95%CI:1.014-1.052), respectively.CONCLUSION:Mobile phone addiction is significantly associated with the increased risk of high myopia among college students, and early intervention of mobile phone use may reduce the risk of high myopia among college students.
5.Axillary serratus anterior plane block as a novel approach to anesthetizing the intercostobrachial nerve for upper arm arteriovenous fistula creation surgery -three case reports-
Chi Ho CHAN ; Jia Yin LIM ; Abey M.V. MATHEWS
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;78(3):279-284
Background:
Current regional anesthesia techniques used to anesthetize the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) for upper arm surgery either lack reliability or have increased procedural risks. Safer and more reliable regional anesthetic techniques are required to block the ICBN effectively. Here, we introduce a novel “axillary serratus anterior plane (A-SAP) block” for anesthetizing the ICBN to allow surgical anesthesia for upper arm arteriovenous fistula (UA-AVF) creation. Case: We present 3 cases involving a 79-year-old Chinese male, a 73-year-old Malay female, and a 38-year-old Chinese male, in which the A-SAP block was utilized in UA-AVF creation surgeries. In all 3 cases, the A-SAP block was performed in combination with a supraclavicular brachial plexus block. None of the patients required local anesthetic supplementation intraoperatively.
Conclusions
The A-SAP block reliably and safely anesthetized the ICBN for UA-AVF creation surgery and is a reliable alternative to higher-risk block techniques, such as paravertebral block or neuraxial block.
6.Association of afterschool physical exercise and sleep quality among preschool children in Minhang district of Shanghai
Li-li ZHANG ; Yi-dan JIA ; Xue-qing MIAO ; Xiao-feng YIN ; Hui-jing SHI ; Yan-qi HU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):657-663
Objective To observe the association between afterschool physical exercise and sleep quality among preschool children,and to explore the proper afterschool physical exercise model for better sleep quality.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted.From Apr to Jun 2024,a total of 1 430 children from three public kindergartens in Minhang district were enrolled to participate in the survey.Parents were invited to complete the basic sociodemographic information,afterschool physical exercise information and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire.One-way ANOVA and linear mixed effects models were used to explore the relationship between afterschool exercise and sleep quality.Results A total of 1 430 questionnaires were sent out and 1 384 were recovered with a recovery rate of 96.78%.Among them 1 366 were valid,with an effective rate of 95.52%.The average age of the children was(5.19±0.87)years old with gender ration of 1.07∶1(male:female).The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 80.60%(regarding a CSHQ total score>41 as cutoff).A one-way ANOVA indicated that time on afterschool physical exercise was significantly associated with sleep duration,Night waking,and sleep onset delay(P<0.05).After adjusting for age,gender,the only child or not,main caregiver,and parental education and occupation,linear mixed effects models showed that engaging in afterschool physical activity for at least 180 mins per week has a statistically significant predictive effect on sleep duration scores(β=-0.50,z=-4.52,95%CI:-0.72,-0.28,P<0.001),night waking scores(β=-0.16,z=-2.34,95%CI:-0.29,-0.02,P=0.020),and sleep onset delay scores(β=-0.14,z=-2.35,95%CI:-0.26,-0.02,P=0.019).Conclusion Afterschool exercise was significantly associated with sleep quality among preschool children in Minhang district of Shanghai.The time≥180 min on afterschool exercise per week in preschool children was significantly positively associated with maintaining sleep duration,reducing night wakings and shortening the latency to fall asleep.The habit of afterschool exercise and the time on afterschool exercise should be emphasized by parents and the society to improve sleep quality among preschool children.
7.Advances in the development of novel pancreatic duct stent materials:from inert implantation to intelligent degradation through medical-engineering integration
Jingyang YIN ; Zhongchao YI ; Yanjun WANG ; Jia SHE ; Shixiang GUO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1892-1901
Pancreatic duct stents are essential devices for managing chronic pancreatitis,ductal strictures,and postoperative fistula.Conventional plastic and metal stents effectively facilitate pancreatic drainage but often cause infection,restenosis,or migration upon long-term implantation.An ideal stent should provide excellent biocompatibility,efficient drainage,and controllable biodegradation.With advances in material science and medical-engineering integration,stent technology has evolved from inert implantation to intelligent degradation.Biodegradable polymers and metals,particularly magnesium alloys(Mg-Zn-Mn),offer tunable mechanical strength,corrosion resistance,and in vivo degradability.Mg-2Zn-1.0Mn alloy achieves balanced strength and corrosion control through compositional optimization and surface modification.Polymeric stents such as polylactic acid and polydioxanone demonstrate favorable drainage and avoid secondary removal.Composite biodegradable stents,exemplified by the multi-rate ARCHIMEDES model,have received international approval.Supported by 3D printing and smart functionalization-such as drug-eluting or shape-memory designs-next-generation pancreatic stents may achieve integrated functions of support,repair,and tumor inhibition.Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary material design,degradation kinetics under physiological conditions,and long-term biocompatibility to accelerate clinical translation.
8.Advances in targeting neuroinflammatory for futile recanalization after endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke
Xiaoying ZENG ; Xuxuan GAO ; Jia YIN
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(8):490-495
With the advancement of endovascular therapy(EVT)techniques,the recanalization rate for patients with ischemic stroke(IS)has exceeded 80%.However,more than 50%of patients fail to achieve favorable neurological outcomes following recanalization,a phenomenon termed"futile recanalization"(FR).Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathological progression of IS and is closely associated with the development of FR.This systematic review synthesizes the pivotal role of neuroinflammation in FR,encompassing three core pathological mechanisms:the no-reflow phenomenon,cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,and the gut-brain axis.The identification of various inflammation-related biomarkers shows promise for early detection of high-risk FR patients.Therapeutic agents including TLR4 antagonists(e.g.ApTOLL),neuroprotective compounds,and traditional Chinese medicine formulations demonstrate treatment potential through modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways.Targeted interventions against neuroinflammation may emerge as a strategic approach to improve clinical outcomes in IS patients.
9.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
10.Hyperoside regulates energy metabolism and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarctionby activation of PPARα signaling pathway
Jia-hao HUANG ; Hua TONG ; Yan-yan YIN ; Jun-yan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):908-916
Aim To explore the relation between the protective effect of hyperoside(Hyp)on energy metab-olism and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction(MI)and the regulation of peroxisome pro-life rator-activated receptor α(PPARα)pathway.Methods Mouse myocardial infarction injury model was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery.The mice that were successfully liga-ted were randomly divided into the following groups:MI group,Hyp(9,18 and 36 mg·kg-1)group,posi-tive fenofibrate group(120 mg·kg-1)and Hyp(36 mg·kg-1)+PPARα inhibitor GW6471 group.In addition,a sham group was set up,only threading with-out ligature.The mice were administered different kinds of drugs by gavage for seven days,once daily.ECG changes were recorded in mice 5 min before,5 min after surgery,and 1 hour after day 7 using the BL-420F biofunction system.The diagnostic ultrasound in-strument was used to examine the heart structure and function of each group of mice.The influence of myo-cardial histology was observed by hematoxylin and eo-sin (HE) staining and Sirius red(Sirius Red)stai-ning.The changes of creatine kinase isozymin-MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ)and lactate de-hydrogenase(LDH)in mouse serum were assessed by ELISA kit.The expressions of PPARα signaling related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.Results Compared with MI mice,Hyp could significantly im-prove the ECG abnormality of MI mice,increase the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricu-lar short axis shortening rate(LVFS),reduce serum cTnⅠ content,CK-MB and LDH activity,and reduce myocardial fibrosis,infarct area and cardiomyocyte ap-optosis in the MI area.Meanwhile,this research found that Hyp could activate PPARα signaling pathway and regulate apoptosis-related proteins.However,the car-dioprotective effect of hyperoside was reversed by the combination with the treatment of the PPARα signaling inhibitor,GW6471.Conclusions Hyp has an impro-ving effect on energy metabolism and apoptosis in mice after MI,and the mechanism may be related to its acti-vation of PPARα signaling pathway.

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