1.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.
2.Research progress sildenafil in treatment of high altitude heart disease
Yin-lian TONG ; Xiao-jing ZHANG ; Shou-hua MU ; Jing-yan JIN ; Jie-long SUN ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2008-2013
High altitude heart disease(HAHD)is a chronic mountain sickness in which the body is exposed to high altitude(>2 500 m)hypobaric hypoxia environment for a long time.HAHD has high morbidity and poor prognosis,and pulmonary hypertension is the main causative mechanism for its develop-ment.The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil has become a hot drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.This paper reviews the progress of HAHD and discusses the mechanism of action and effectiveness of sildenafil in the treatment of HAHD,with a view to providing a basis for the treatment of HAHD with sildenafil.
3.Construction of mindfulness based cancer rehabilitation training program for patients with malignant hematologic diseases based on the Liverpool mindfulness model
Jie LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Rongrong WANG ; Jianlan REN ; Rong FU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(27):2147-2154
Objective:To construct a mindfulness based cancer rehabilitation training program for patients with malignant hematologic diseases based on the Liverpool mindfulness model, providing practical guidance for improving their physical and mental symptoms.Methods:The system searched for relevant literature on the application of mindfulness intervention in patients with malignant hematological diseases retrieved from Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The search period was from January 1, 1982 to December 26, 2023. Using the Liverpool mindfulness model as the theoretical framework, based on the literature review, group meetings and semi-structured interviews, a preliminary draft of a mindfulness cancer rehabilitation training program for patients with malignant hematologic diseases was developed. After 2 rounds of Delphi expert consultation, the final version of the intervention plan was determined.Results:Among the 19 experts, there were 4 males and 15 females, aged 30-61 (47.11 ± 7.64) years old. The effective recovery rates of the two rounds of expert inquiry questionnaires were both 19/19, and the expert authority coefficients were both 0.88. The Kendall coordination coefficients for the two rounds of inquiry were 0.214 and 0.220, respectively ( χ2=77.37, 108.66, both P<0.01).A mindfulness based cancer rehabilitation training program for patients with malignant hematologic diseases was ultimately developed, including intervention subjects, intervention personnel, intervention sites and forms, intervention timing, intervention intensity, intervention process and training theme content. Conclusions:The mindfulness based cancer rehabilitation training program for patients with malignant hematologic diseases constructed based on the Liverpool mindfulness model is necessary, scientific, and clinically suitable, and can provide a basis for clinical psychological nursing practice for patients with malignant hematologic diseases.
4.A journey map study of the health management needs of caregivers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Rong YAN ; Huiwen WANG ; Yan HE ; Xuedan LI ; Jie LUO ; Suyun LI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(32):2481-2491
Objective:To identify the health management needs of caregivers' for adolescent patients with scoliosis based on the journey map, and provide a reference for improving the medical experience and optimizing the whole-journey care level.Methods:On the basis of literature review, combined with semi-structured interview method and group discussion method, we conducted semi-structured interview with the main caregivers of 13 adolescent scoliosis patients in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in June to October 2024, analyzed the data and drew a journey map.Results:A total of 13 respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited, including 5 men and 8 women, with an age range of 32 to 45 years. Caregivers' health management needs were summarized from three dimensions: tasks, emotions, and pain points, following a timeline.Through the visualization of the journey map, the caregiver's cognitive gaps during the covert phase, information anxiety and decision-making dilemmas, need for early diagnosis and treatment, and challenges in symptom management ect. in the entire journey of health management were presented, and fifteen themes were summarized.Conclusions:The needs of caregivers for the journey of health management of postoperative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients are diversified, and should be demand-oriented to provide precise care support, improve medical experience, and provide ideas and methods for research on postoperative patient health management service optimization.
5.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
6.Agitation of TGR5 by INT-777 protected hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonatal rats
Rong-jie LIU ; Qin CHEN ; Ying XIONG ; Zhao-yun WANG ; Chang-ling CHEN ; Qin ZHANG ; Mao-qiong CHEN ; Zhan-hui FENG ; Lan YE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1085-1090
Aim To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor-5(TGR5)activated by INT-777 on hypoxic-ischemic encephalop-athy(HIE)in neonatal rats.Methods Seven-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into the sham opera-tion group(Sham,S),model group(HIE,G),INT-777 low-dose(L),medium-dose(M),and high-dose(H)groups.The modified Rice-Vanucci method was used to construct the HIE model and Intranasal admin-istration 1 h after modeling.Short-term neurobehavioral tests were performed 48 h after modeling to evaluate the neurological function of neonatal rats,TTC staining was used to determine the volume of cerebral infarction,dry and wet specific gravity was used to determine the brain water content,ferrous ion kit was used to deter-mine the brain ferrous ion content,HE staining was used to observe the pathological damage of brain tis-sue,Nissl staining was used to observe the loss of Nissl substance,Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was used to observe the mitochondrial morphological changes of cortical neurons,and Western blot was em-ployed to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins TFR1 and GPX4.Results Compared with group S,group G had increased short-term neurobehav-ioral test consumption time,higher scores,increased cerebral infarct volume,brain water content,and brain ferrous iron content,significant brain tissue damage on the affected side,severe loss of Nissl substance,smaller neuronal mitochondria,decreased mitochondrial cris-tae,and increased expression of TFR1 and reduced ex-pression of GPX4.Compared with group G,the INT-777 administration group had a shorter consumption time for short-term neurobehavioral tests,lower scores,the cerebral infarction volume,brain water content,and brain ferrous ion content decreased,the brain tissue damage on the affected side was reduced,and there was insignificant loss of Nissl substance,larger neuronal mi-tochondrial volume,increased mitochondrial cristae,re-duced expression of TFR1,and increased expression of GPX4.Conclusions INT-777 agonist TGR5 has a protective effect against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopa-thy in neonatal rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of neuronal ferroptosis.
7.Effect of Renshen-Huangjing combination on post-traumatic stress disorder based on bioinformatics and animal experiments and its mechanism
Ke-ke DING ; Dao-kang CHEN ; Jing-ji WANG ; Xun-cui WANG ; Zheng-rong ZHANG ; Shao-jie YANG ; Guo-qi ZHU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1099-1107
Aim To evaluate the ameliorative effects of different ratios of Renshen-Huangjing(RH) on SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors in mice,and to investi-gate the action mechanism using bioinformatics analysis and experimental studies.Methods The aqueous ex-tract was extracted in four ratios of RH in a total weight of 60 g,i.e.1∶0(RH1),2∶1(RH2),1∶2(RH3),and 0∶1(RH4).The extraction rates of Rg1,Rb1,and polysaccharides from different ratios of RH were then detected using UPLC-UV method.The SPS model was established,and RH1,RH2,RH3 and RH4(400 mg·kg-1)were administered by intragas-tric gavage for 14 day,followed by behavioral tests to e-valuate the PTSD-like behaviors.The serum CORT,IL-1β and IL-10 were determined by ELISA.The possible targets of action were analyzed using bioinformatics.The expression levels of Calpain-1,PSD95,BDNF and GluN2B in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot.Results The SPS model induced PTSD-like be-haviors in mice.Serum levels of CORT and IL-1β in-creased and level of IL-10 decreased in SPS model.After treatment with different ratios of RHs,RH2 showed the best therapeutic effect,which was manifes-ted in the suppression of PTSD-like behaviors,the re-duction of CORT and IL-1β levels,and the promotion of IL-10 levels;160 overlapping targets might explain the therapeutic effects of RH on PTSD,and these tar-gets were enriched in inhibiting synaptic damage,exer-ting antioxidant properties and suppressing neuroin-flammation,respectively.RH2 prevented the SPS-in-duced decrease in the expression of Calpain-1,PSD95,BDNF and the elevation of GluN2B.Molecular docking showed strong binding of Rg1 and Rb1 to Calpain-1,PSD95,and BDNF,respectively.Conclusions The a-queous extract of RH in a 2∶1 ratio can more effec-tively prevent SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors,and its effect may be related to targets such as Calpain-1,PSD95,BDNF and GluN2B.
8.Hashimoto's thyroiditis:Advances in immunological pathogenesis
Yi LI ; Zimei TANG ; Rong WANG ; Jie MING
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2098-2105
Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by a diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes in thyroid tissue.In recent years,incidence of HT has gradually increased and is a major cause of hypothyroidism in popu-lations in areas with adequate iodine intake,which can affect the quality of life of patients.A large number of studies have suggested that cellular and humoral immunity,related immune molecules and other factors affecting the immune response together constitute a complex network of immune regulation involved in the development of HT.With the development of immunology and other disciplines,the study of the immunological pathogenesis of HT is crucial to uncover its specific diagnostic criteria and treatment,and therefore,many researchers have focused on this issue and proposed new ideas.In this article,we review the advances of research on immunolog-ical pathogenesis of HT.
9.Exploration of CCL11 and sTNFR2 as potential biomarkers for the efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion
Li LI ; Haiyan WANG ; Jie QIAO ; Rong LI ; Ping LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(1):24-33
Objective:To explore biomarkers for the efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) treating women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).Methods:Serum samples from 24 URSA potients who received LIT were collected at Peking University Third Hospital from December 2014 to June 2015. Semiquantitative sandwich-based antibody arrays containing 40 cytokines were used to screen target immune cytokines in the peripheral blood of URSA patients before and after LIT. Multifactor quantitative microsphere flow cytometry detection validated the levels of target cytokines. Based on the final pregnancy outcome after LIT, 24 URSA patients were divided into the full-term delivery group (15 cases) and the abortion group (9 cases). Furthermore, linear regression analysis were applied to evaluate the relationship between target cytokines and pregnancy outcomes.Results:Semiquantitative sandwich-based antibody arrays suggested that, among all 24 URSA patients included in this study, the intensities of the fluorescence signal were significantly lower post-LIT versus pre-LIT for the following cytokines: interleukin-15 (IL-15), monokine induced by γ-interferon (MIG), C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 1 (all P<0.05). In the full-term delivery group, the intensities of the fluorescence signal post-LIT were significantly lower than pre-LIT for the following cytokines: IL-15, CCL1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α (all P<0.05). In the abortion group, the intensities of the fluorescence signal post-LIT were significantly lower than pre-LIT for the following cytokines: MIG, MIP-1δ (all P<0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the intensity of the fluorescence signal of CCL11 was increased and the intensity of the fluorescence signal of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) was decreased in the full-term delivery group after LIT, the differences were statistically significant ( P=0.012, 0.029). Validation results of multifactor quantitative microsphere flow cytometry detection showed that the level of CCL11 was significantly increased ( P=0.001) and the level of sTNFR2 was significantly decreased ( P=0.001) in the full-term delivery group after LIT. Conclusion:CCL11 and sTNFR2 maybe serve as potential biomarkers that could predict pregnancy outcomes after LIT in women with URSA.
10.Research progress sildenafil in treatment of high altitude heart disease
Yin-lian TONG ; Xiao-jing ZHANG ; Shou-hua MU ; Jing-yan JIN ; Jie-long SUN ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2008-2013
High altitude heart disease(HAHD)is a chronic mountain sickness in which the body is exposed to high altitude(>2 500 m)hypobaric hypoxia environment for a long time.HAHD has high morbidity and poor prognosis,and pulmonary hypertension is the main causative mechanism for its develop-ment.The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil has become a hot drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.This paper reviews the progress of HAHD and discusses the mechanism of action and effectiveness of sildenafil in the treatment of HAHD,with a view to providing a basis for the treatment of HAHD with sildenafil.

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