1.Impact of rapid antiviral therapy on HIV/AIDS mortality outcomes in Wuhan
Jie DING ; Xuejiao HU ; Han YAN ; Rong HU ; Pulin LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):94-98
Objective To analyze the situation of rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) and death of HIV/AIDS in Wuhan from 1994 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for further rapid initiation of ART and reduction of mortality rate. Methods According to the case follow-up and treatment database of China AIDS Prevention and Control Information System, data were obtained from all the cases reported from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2023 with the current address in Wuhan City and the review status of the final review card. The data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The total mortality rate of HIV/AIDS in Wuhan from 1994 to 2023 was 12.76%. The proportion of receiving antiretroviral therapy within 30 days increased year by year, and the mortality rate decreased year by year. After adjusting for sex, age, occupation, ethnicity, education level, mobile population, history of STD, route of infection, source of sample, and first CD4 value, receiving antiretroviral therapy within 30 days (HR=0.08, 95%CI: 0.07-0.10) was a protective factor for HIV/AIDS mortality. Conclusion Rapid antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS death. A sustainable model of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy should be further established to increase the proportion of rapid antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS in Wuhan.
2.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
3.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
4.Postoperative lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heart transplantation from gene-edited pigs to rhesus macaques
Xianzhi WANG ; Zhipeng REN ; Ziqiang DAI ; Rong ZHOU ; Gen ZHANG ; Jie YAN ; Yulong GUAN ; Guangyu PAN ; Xingzhuang HE ; Tingting LIU ; Shangxuan LI ; Guanzheng CUI ; Chenghong LAI ; Dengke PAN ; Dianyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1474-1481
Objective To investigate the causes and management strategies for lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation from a multigene-edited pig to a rhesus monkey. Methods A xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed on December 16, 2023, at the Institute of Experimental Animals of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, using a quintuple-gene-edited pig as the donor and a rhesus monkey as the recipient. On postoperative day (POD) 9, the recipient monkey underwent left lower limb amputation due to ischemic necrosis. Blood samples were collected at various time points after transplantation for analysis of hematologic parameters, liver and renal function, myocardial enzymes, and coagulation profiles. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate anastomotic patency and cardiac structure. Immunological assays, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and IgG/IgM antibody detection, combined with clinical observations, were employed to assess rejection type and therapeutic response. Results The recipient monkey survived for 46 days after transplantation. Echocardiography demonstrated preserved biventricular systolic function in the recipient’s native heart, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) consistently exceeding 50%. In the donor pig heart, left ventricular endocardial thickening was noted on POD 9, followed by right ventricular endocardial thickening on POD 24, while LVEF remained around 35%. No hyperacute or acute rejection was detected immunologically. CDC positivity ranged between 3.4% and 5.1%, with IgG/IgM antibody binding trends consistent with CDC results. Following amputation, the recipient exhibited elevated inflammatory markers, coagulopathy, and reactive thrombocytosis, which later normalized. Immunohistochemical staining of the necrotic limb revealed arterial and venous thrombosis; however, no T-cell or B-cell infiltration was observed in vascular structures, thrombi, nerves, muscles, fascia, or skin tissues, with CD3 and CD20 staining both negative. Conclusion Limb ischemia after xenogeneic heart transplantation may be associated with lower extremity vascular thrombosis triggered by local trauma in the context of transplantation-induced inflammatory activation and coagulation dysfunction. While no clear lymphocyte-mediated rejection was observed, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of non-lymphocyte-mediated immune mechanisms.
5.The Current Status of Research on The Association Between TMEM43 Gene and Hearing Loss
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):269-278
Transmembrane proteins (TMEM) are a type of membrane protein. Most proteins in this family are located in the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, while a smaller portion is found in the membranes of cellular organelles. Transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) is a member of the TMEM protein family and is encoded by the TMEM43 gene. This protein consists of 400 amino acids and has 4 transmembrane domains and 1 membrane-associated domain. TMEM43 is localized to various biological membranes within the cell, such as the cell membrane and nuclear membrane, where it forms transmembrane channels for various ions. Additionally, TMEM43 is expressed in many species, showing high genetic similarity, especially with the four transmembrane domains being highly conserved. Current studies on the TMEM43 gene are still in its early stages, mainly focusing on its association with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and cancer. However, recent studies suggest that pathogenic mutations in TMEM43 may cause auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Patients with TMEM43 p.Ser372Ter exhibited late-onset progressive ANSD. Impact of TMEM43 pathogenic mutations on individual hearing was likely mediated through effects on gap junction (GJ) structures on glia-like supporting cells (GLS), cell membranes. The TMEM43 p.Arg372Ter pathogenic mutation primarily affected the structure and function of TMEM43 protein, leading to premature termination of protein translation and the production of a truncated protein. Abnormal TMEM43 protein significantly reduced K+ influx in GLS cells, disrupting the endolymphatic K+ circulation and cochlear microenvironment homeostasis. When K+ circulation was obstructed, the endocochlear potential (EP) became abnormal, impairing the physiological function of hair cells and potentially leading to hearing impairment. However, it is important to note that studies on the mechanism is limited, and more experimental evidence is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Currently, there is a significant gap in research on TMEM43 and hearing loss, with many issues remaining unresolved. While TMEM43 has been studied in relation to hearing loss in humans, zebrafish, mice, and rats, the research is still preliminary. Detailed investigations into the molecular pathogenic mechanisms, the impact of mutations on hearing damage, and related therapeutic strategies are needed. Additionally, as a newly identified hearing loss-related gene, the mutation frequency and incidence of hearing disorders associated with TMEM43 have not been effectively quantified. For example, the ClinVar database listed 829 mutation sites for the TMEM43 gene, with only three mutations related to auditory neuropathy: c.605A>T (p.Asn202Ile), c.889T>A (p.Phe297Ile), and c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter). Aside from the aforementioned TMEM43 c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter) mutation observed in patients, the other two mutations were experimentally induced and have not been found in patients. Consequently, these mutations have been classified as unknown significance. We reviewed the current understanding of TMEM43 and hearing loss, analyzed its role in ear development and sound conduction, and explored the impact of TMEM43 gene variations on hearing loss, aiming to provide new insights for future research and precision medicine related to TMEM43.
6.Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of cinnamyl triazole compounds
Wen-ju LEI ; Zhong-di CAI ; Lin-jie TAN ; Mi-min LIU ; Li ZENG ; Ting SUN ; Hong YI ; Rui LIU ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):150-163
19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound
7.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
8.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
9.Ethical considerations on the be-welling of offspring born from assisted reproductive technology
Hongping WU ; Caihong MA ; Rong LI ; Jie QIAO ; Ping LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):663-667
In recent years, the number of special clinical cases related to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for pregnancy has been on the rise annually. For example, gamete donation, assisted reproduction for couples of advanced maternal ages, and the ownership and disposition of embryos when one or both partners pass away, all involve the health of offspring and conflicts of interest in the implementation of ART. Although China’s ethical principles for ART include the protection of the offspring, the detailed rules are vague and urgently need to be supplemented and improved. In addition, the clinical application of ART lacks legislative collaborative governance. The corresponding administrative departments, practitioners, and infertile couples should work together. Starting from the perspective of focusing on the well-being of offspring born from the clinical application of ART, while conducting clinical research to address technical challenges, efforts should be made to overcome ethical dilemmas in the application of technology, comprehensively consider the well-being of offspring born from assisted reproductive treatments and help them seek the best care to promote their healthy growth.
10.Viral inactivation in von Willebrand factor preparations via UVC irradiation: an experimental approach
Yalu ZHANG ; Jie MA ; Rong ZHANG ; Chunhui YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):673-677
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation in inactivating porcine parvovirus (PPV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), pseudorabies virus (PRV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) within von Willebrand factor (vWF) preparations. Methods: An ultraviolet inactivator (254 nm primary wavelength) was employed to optimize UV exposure dosages for the samples, and the initial test groups were set at five irradiation gradients: 100, 200, 400, 1 000, and 1 500 J/m
gradients. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, subsequent formal experiments implemented refined dosage parameters at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m
. Virucidal efficacy against various pathogenic strains was evaluated via cytopathic effect (CPE) observation methodology, while simultaneously quantifying von Willebrand factor antigen levels (vWF∶Ag) and collagen-binding activity (vWF∶CBA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and automated coagulation analysis systems before and after UVC treatment. Results: The results showed that > 100 J/m
UVC irradiation achieved a≥4.0 log reduction factor in vWF. For vWF antigen, retention rates were observed to be 93.67%, 91.72%, 93.54%, 79.05%, and 85.50% at UVC doses of 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m
, respectively. Similarly, the retention rates of vWF collagen-binding activity were 81.11%, 87.81%, 86.15%, 73.73%, and 73.72% under the same dose conditions. Conclusion: Considering both inactivation efficacy and functional preservation while ensuring safety and effectiveness, 100-150 J/m
represents the optimal inactivation dose.


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