1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Analysis of the current status and influencing factors of attitudes and competence in hospice care among nursing interns
Shipeng SUN ; Yan JIA ; Wei ZHAO ; Rong WANG ; Xin GAO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate the attitudes and competence of nursing interns toward hospice care, analyze the key factors influencing their performance, and provide targeted improvement suggestions to enhance their comprehensive quality. MethodsA total of 273 undergraduate nursing interns were investigated. General demographic data were collected, and the Chinese version of the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale, Form B (FATCOD-B) and the Hospice Care Competency Assessment Questionnaire were administered to evaluate their attitudes and competence in hospice care. A total of 270 valid questionnaires were recovered. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of hospice care attitudes and competence among nursing interns. ResultsThe total score of hospice care attitudes was (76.04±12.18) among these 270 nursing interns. Having cared for critically ill patients, receiving hospice care-related education, and experiencing the loss of relatives or friends in the past year were positive influencing factors for their hospice care attitudes, whereas avoidance of talking about death was a negative influencing factor. The total score of hospice care competence was (42.75±4.68). Having cared for critically ill patients and receiving hospice care-related education represented positive influencing factors for their hospice care competence. ConclusionThe hospice care attitudes and competence of nursing interns are all at moderate levels. It is necessary to strengthen education and training on hospice care for nursing interns, improve the ability of nurses, and provide assistance for the development of hospice care.
4.Study on the material basis of efficacy of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction for the treatment of chronic heart failure
Zhongkai ZHAO ; Xu WANG ; Jia YANG ; Dantong ZHAO ; Yanqiu WU ; Peizhen CAO ; Rong RONG ; Qihui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1679-1684
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents and absorbed prototype components in blood of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, and explore its potential active substances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS SD rats were divided into a blank group (distilled water) and administration groups with blood collection at 0, 15, 30 and 60 min after dosing (14.96 g/kg calculated by crude drug), with 2 rats in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted once every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, rat blood was collected to prepare drug-containing serum. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS combined with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking technology was adopted to identify the chemical constituents of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction and the absorbed prototype components in blood in drug-containing serum. Moreover, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to predict the potential active components and action targets for CHF treatment. RESULTS A total of 116 chemical constituents were identified from Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, including flavonoids (29 species), terpenoids (26 species), saponins (22 species) and other compounds. Twenty absorbed prototype components in blood were detected in drug-containing serum, including icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 and atractylenolide Ⅰ. Six key active components (icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 , atractylenolide Ⅰ, hexadecanamide, etc.) and six core k ey targets such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were screened out via network pharmacology. Molecular docking results showed that all key active components had favorable binding activity with core targets; among them, icariin had the strongest binding capacity to APP. Molecular dynamics simulation verified that the complex formed by icariin and APP possessed excellent stability. CONCLUSIONS The potential active substances of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction against CHF are icariin, ginsenoside Rg₁, atractylenolide Ⅰ and other ingredients, which act on APP, EGFR, GSK-3β and other targets. APP may serve as one of the important action targets of icariin.
5.Fluorescence Suppression Method of Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Skin and Cosmetics Analysis
Yun-Xia CHEN ; Jia-Rong WANG ; Jian-Yu ZHU ; Shi-Wen LIN ; Ya-Nan LIU ; Xiao-Yue MA ; Guang-Cheng XI ; Juan LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1914-1926
Owing to its inherent advantages—such as being non-destructive, rapid, highly molecule-specific, and minimally interfered with by moisture—Raman spectroscopy has been widely adopted in the fields of skin barrier function assessment, monitoring the transdermal penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, and the identification and quality control of cosmetic products. Despite these strengths, the practical application of this technique faces a significant bottleneck: the strong fluorescence background generated by endogenous skin components and exogenous cosmetic additives. Endogenous skin substances, such as structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), metabolic coenzymes (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and pigments (e.g., melanin), together with exogenous cosmetic constituents like organic colorants, chemical sunscreens, and fragrances, often possess strong absorption and emission characteristics. When excited by lasers, these components produce a fluorescence background that can be 106 to 108 times stronger than the Raman scattering signals, effectively masking the inherently weak vibrational fingerprint information. In recent years, driven by the rapid development of optoelectronic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms, fluorescence suppression strategies have evolved from isolated, single-method approaches into comprehensive, multi-level synergistic systems. These systems are categorized into three distinct tiers: sample preparation, signal acquisition, and data processing. At the sample preparation level, techniques such as photobleaching and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are employed to eliminate or bypass the generation of fluorescence at the source. At the signal acquisition level, instrumental improvements—including the use of long-wavelength near-infrared excitation (typically 785 nm or 1 064 nm), confocal spatial filtering, and shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)— are utilized to physically isolate Raman signals from the fluorescence background. Furthermore, at the data processing level, numerical baseline correction methods such as polynomial fitting, penalized least squares (e.g., airPLS, arPLS), wavelet transform, and derivative algorithms are increasingly integrated into the analytical pipeline to extract Raman spectral features from mixed signals without increasing hardware costs or acquisition time. This review provides a systematic categorization and critical evaluation of these fluorescence suppression methods, detailing their underlying principles, technical advantages, and inherent limitations in diverse experimental setups. By focusing on critical application scenarios—including skin barrier assessment, percutaneous absorption monitoring, the routine quality control of cosmetics, and the emerging field of portable on-site detection—this paper explores the current state of technique selection and optimization. Finally, the article discusses future development trends, emphasizing the necessity of constructing adaptive, tiered suppression strategies, developing intelligent and automated data processing algorithms, and promoting the integration of portable, multi-modal diagnostic devices. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical reference to facilitate the transition of Raman spectroscopy from a specialized laboratory tool into a routine, robust analytical platform for advancements in skin science and cosmetic research.
6.Study on the material basis of efficacy of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction for the treatment of chronic heart failure
Zhongkai ZHAO ; Xu WANG ; Jia YANG ; Dantong ZHAO ; Yanqiu WU ; Peizhen CAO ; Rong RONG ; Qihui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1679-1684
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents and absorbed prototype components in blood of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, and explore its potential active substances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS SD rats were divided into a blank group (distilled water) and administration groups with blood collection at 0, 15, 30 and 60 min after dosing (14.96 g/kg calculated by crude drug), with 2 rats in each group. Intragastric administration was conducted once every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, rat blood was collected to prepare drug-containing serum. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS combined with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking technology was adopted to identify the chemical constituents of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction and the absorbed prototype components in blood in drug-containing serum. Moreover, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to predict the potential active components and action targets for CHF treatment. RESULTS A total of 116 chemical constituents were identified from Zhenyang jiuxin decoction, including flavonoids (29 species), terpenoids (26 species), saponins (22 species) and other compounds. Twenty absorbed prototype components in blood were detected in drug-containing serum, including icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 and atractylenolide Ⅰ. Six key active components (icariin, ginsenoside Rg 1 , atractylenolide Ⅰ, hexadecanamide, etc.) and six core k ey targets such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were screened out via network pharmacology. Molecular docking results showed that all key active components had favorable binding activity with core targets; among them, icariin had the strongest binding capacity to APP. Molecular dynamics simulation verified that the complex formed by icariin and APP possessed excellent stability. CONCLUSIONS The potential active substances of Zhenyang jiuxin decoction against CHF are icariin, ginsenoside Rg₁, atractylenolide Ⅰ and other ingredients, which act on APP, EGFR, GSK-3β and other targets. APP may serve as one of the important action targets of icariin.
7.Enhancement of Ca2+ Signal Strength in Astrocytes in the Lateral Septum Improves Cognitive Disorders in Mice After Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation.
Wen-Guang LI ; Lan-Xin LI ; Rong-Xin SONG ; Xu-Peng WANG ; Shi-Yan JIA ; Xiao-Yi MA ; Jing-Yu ZHANG ; Gang-Feng YIN ; Xiao-Ming LI ; Li-Min ZHANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(8):1403-1417
Hemorrhagic shock is a common clinical emergency that can aggravate cell injury after resuscitation. Astrocytes are crucial for the survival of neurons because they regulate the surrounding ionic microenvironment of neurons. Although hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) injury can impair cognition, it remains unclear how this insult directly affects astrocytes. In this study, we established an HSR model by bleeding and re-transfusion in mice. The social interaction test and new object recognition test were applied to evaluate post-operative cognitive changes, and the results suggest that mice experience cognitive impairment following exposure to HSR. In the HSR group, the power spectral density of β and γ oscillations decreased, and the coupling of the θ oscillation phase and γ oscillation amplitude was abnormal, which indicated abnormal neuronal oscillation and cognitive impairment after HSR exposure. In brief, cognitive impairment in mice is strongly correlated with Ca2+ signal strength in lateral septum astrocytes following HSR.
Animals
;
Astrocytes/metabolism*
;
Shock, Hemorrhagic/metabolism*
;
Resuscitation/adverse effects*
;
Male
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Mice
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Calcium Signaling/physiology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Septal Nuclei/metabolism*
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Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Cognition Disorders/etiology*
8.Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Socio-economic Influencing Factors of Tuberculosis Incidence in Guangdong Province: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis.
Hui Zhong WU ; Xing LI ; Jia Wen WANG ; Rong Hua JIAN ; Jian Xiong HU ; Yi Jun HU ; Yi Ting XU ; Jianpeng XIAO ; Ai Qiong JIN ; Liang CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):819-828
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and socioeconomic factors influencing the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Guangdong Province between 2010 and 2019.
METHOD:
Spatial and temporal variations in TB incidence were mapped using heat maps and hierarchical clustering. Socioenvironmental influencing factors were evaluated using a Bayesian spatiotemporal conditional autoregressive (ST-CAR) model.
RESULTS:
Annual incidence of TB in Guangdong decreased from 91.85/100,000 in 2010 to 53.06/100,000 in 2019. Spatial hotspots were found in northeastern Guangdong, particularly in Heyuan, Shanwei, and Shantou, while Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan had the lowest rates in the Pearl River Delta. The ST-CAR model showed that the TB risk was lower with higher per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) [Relative Risk ( RR), 0.91; 95% Confidence Interval ( CI): 0.86-0.98], more the ratio of licensed physicians and physician ( RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), and higher per capita public expenditure ( RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.97), with a marginal effect of population density ( RR, 0.86; 95% CI: 0.86-1.00).
CONCLUSION
The incidence of TB in Guangdong varies spatially and temporally. Areas with poor economic conditions and insufficient healthcare resources are at an increased risk of TB infection. Strategies focusing on equitable health resource distribution and economic development are the key to TB control.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Incidence
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
;
Tuberculosis/epidemiology*
;
Socioeconomic Factors
9.Mechanism of Qilin pills in the treatment of asthenozoospermia:Based on HPLC-MS combined with bioinformatics
Chun-ling WANG ; Yu-rong XU ; Ya-xu JIA ; Jia LIU ; Li-li HUANG ; Bai-hao CHEN
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(7):579-590
Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the main active substances of Qilin pills by high performance liq-uid chromatogre-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(HPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS),and explore the mechanism of its action in the treatment of asthenozoospermia by combining network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:(1)Qilin pills were quantita-tively and qualitatively analyzed by HPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS.(2)The top 100 compounds in Qilin pills were screened by content analy-sis and SwissADME,and their targets were predicted.The asthenozoospermia targets were searched through the database.And a"pro-tein-protein interaction"(PPI)network was constructed.KEGG and GO analysis was performed using the DAVID database.And a"drug-target-pathway"network was constructed.(3)SailVina was used for molecular docking.Results:(1)A total of 1 275 known components were found and ranked in Qilin pills by HPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS analysis.(2)The top 100 compounds in Qilin pills predicted a total of 1 053 targets and 184 potential therapeutic targets for asthenozoospermia.KEGG pathway analysis and GO analysis showed that the treatment of asthenozoospermia by Qilin pills may be related to the steroid hormone synthesis pathway,the response to steroid hormones,the chromosomal region of cells and the activity of steroid hydroxylase.The mechanism of Qilin pills in treating as-thenozoospermia may be related to regulating the synthesis,metabolism and reaction process of sex hormone in the body.(3)The mo-lecular docking results of its key targets(CYP19A1,ESR1,HSP90AA1,p53,HIF1α and BCL2)showed that the key active ingredi-ents M030,M039,M043,M050,M055 and M073 of Qilin pills had spontaneous binding.It had a binding energy of less than-5 kJ/mol.Conclusion:The material basis of Qilin pills has been explored by this study.And the mechanism of action of Qilin pills in the treatment of asthenozoospermia is highly bound to the expression and response process of steroid hormones,which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Qilin pills.
10.Transcriptomic Studies Reveal a New Mechanism by Which miR-3910 Promotes Neuroblastoma Progression
Jia-Jia LI ; Yan-Mei JIA ; Yu-Ling LIU ; Fei LIU ; Hui-Ru WANG ; Li-Rong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1019-1030
Neuroblastoma(NB),the most common type of extracranial solid tumor in children,is char-acterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis,warranting in-depth investigation.In recent years,mi-croRNAs(miRNAs)have emerged as crucial post-transcriptional regulators playing pivotal roles in tu-morigenesis and progression.Building upon this background,the present study specifically focuses on in-vestigating miR-3910's biological functions and underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms in the NB SH-SY5Y cell line.Through bioinformatics analysis and transcriptome sequencing,we identified potential key target molecules of miR-3910,thereby providing genetic targets for the precise diagnosis and effective treatment of NB.In this study,qRT-PCR was employed to measure miR-3910 expression levels in SH-SY5Y cells transfected with mimic negative control and miR-3910 mimic.Compared to the nc group,miR-3910 expression was significantly upregulated in the mimic group(P<0.01).The CCK-8 assay and scratch wound healing assay were used to quantitatively assess the impact of miR-3910 on cell prolif-eration and migration.Results showed that cell proliferation significantly increased at 48 h(P<0.05),and migration ability was markedly enhanced at 48 h(P<0.01).Flow cytometry was applied to deter-mine the effect of miR-3910 on cell cycle progression,revealing accelerated cell cycle progression,a re-duced proportion of G0/G,phase cells(P<0.01),and a significant increase in S-phase cells(P<0.05).Integrated bioinformatics analysis and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing predicted key molecular changes in SH-SY5Y cells following miR-3910 overexpression.Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified six NB-related genes:EIF3CL(EIF3C),RNF103-CHMP3(VPS24),SULT1A4(SULT1A4),CORO7-PAM16(CORO7),H4C12(Histone H4),and TBC1D3(TBC1D3A/B/C)(aliases sourced from the GeneCards database).qRT-PCR and Western blotting(WB)results are consistency with sequencing results(P<0.01).In conclusion,miR-3910 overexpression significantly promotes SH-SY5Y cell proliferation,migration,and cell cycle progression,while uncovering a series of potential key target molecules.These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of NB and offer a theoretical foundation and potential intervention targets for molecular-targeted therapy in NB.

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