Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation mechanism, maintains intracellular homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and abnormal proteins. Its dysregulation is closely associated with various diseases. Autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12), a core member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, covalently binds to ATG5 through a ubiquitin-like conjugation system to form the ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 complex. This complex directly regulates the formation and maturation of autophagosomes, making ATG12 a key molecule in the initiation of autophagy. Recent studies have revealed that ATG12 functions extend far beyond the classical autophagy context. It promotes apoptosis by binding to anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family (e.g., Bcl-2 and Mcl-1) and enhances host antiviral immunity by regulating the NF-κB and interferon signaling pathways. Moreover, ATG12 deficiency can lead to mitochondrial biogenesis impairment, energy metabolism disorders, and substrate-dependent metabolic shifts, underscoring its pivotal role in cellular metabolic homeostasis. At the disease level, dysregulation of ATG12 expression is closely linked to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. By modulating the dynamic balance between autophagy and apoptosis, ATG12 influences cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Notably, ATG12 is abnormally overexpressed in multiple cancers, including breast, liver, and gastric cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, ATG12 mitigates protein toxicity by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy. In cardiovascular diseases, it alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis, demonstrating its broad regulatory role across various pathological conditions. Genetic studies further underscore the clinical significance of ATG12. Polymorphisms in the ATG12 gene (e.g., rs26537 and rs26538) have been significantly associated with the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and atrophic gastritis. Notably, the risk allele of rs26537 enhances ATG12 promoter activity, leading to its overexpression and promoting tumorigenesis. These findings provide a molecular basis for individualized risk assessment and targeted interventions based on ATG12 genotype. Despite significant progress, many aspects of ATG12 biology remain unclear. The precise regulatory mechanisms of its post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitination and acetylation) are yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the molecular pathways underlying its non-canonical functions, such as metabolic regulation and immune modulation, require further investigation. Moreover, the functional heterogeneity of ATG12 in different tumor microenvironments and its role in drug resistance warrant in-depth exploration. Future research should integrate advanced technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy, single-cell sequencing, and organoid models to decipher the intricate regulatory network of ATG12. Additionally, developing small-molecule inhibitors or gene-editing tools targeting its protein interaction interfaces (e.g., the ATG12-ATG3 binding domain) may help overcome current therapeutic challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical translation, ATG12 holds promise as a next-generation molecular target for precision intervention in autophagy-related diseases. This review summarizes the structure and function of ATG12, its role in autophagy initiation, its physiological functions, and its involvement in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, it discusses future research directions and potential challenges, emphasizing ATG12’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in autophagy-related diseases.

This article investigated the effect and mechanism of salidroside(SAL) on the expression of adhesion molecules in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)-induced mouse aortic endothelial cell(MAEC). The oxLDL-induced endothelial cell injury model was constructed, and the safe concentration and action time of SAL were screened. The cells were divided into control group, oxLDL group, low and high concentration groups of SAL, and ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) group. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay; lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) leakage was measured by colorimetry; the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) and recombinant vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM-1) were detected by immunofluorescence; Fe~(2+),glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE) levels were detected by kit method; reactive oxygen species(ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA probe; the levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1(SIRT1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) were determined by using Western blot. The inhibitors of Nrf2 and SIRT1 were used, and endothelial cell were divided into control group, oxLDL group, SAL group, ML385 group(Nrf2 inhibitor), and EX527 group(SIRT1 inhibitor). The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by electron microscope; mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) was detected by flowcytometry; the expressions of SIRT1,Nrf2,solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),GPX4,ferroportin 1(FPN1),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were detected by Western blot. The results showed that similar to Fer-1,low and high concentrations of SAL could improve cell viability, inhibit LDH release and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in oxLDL-induced endothelial cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01). It was related to increase in GSH level, decrease in Fe~(2+),ROS,MDA, and 4-HNE level, and up-regulation of SIRT1,Nrf2, and GPX4 expression to inhibit ferroptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The intervention effect of high concentration SAL was the most significant. ML385 and EX527 could partially offset the protection of SAL on mitochondrial structure and MMP and reverse the ability of SAL to up-regulate the expression of SIRT1,Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1, and FTH1 and down-regulate the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1(P<0.05 or P<0.01).To sum up, SAL could reduce the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in oxLDL-induced endothelial cell, which may relate to activation of SLC7A11/GPX4 antioxidant signaling pathway mediated by SITR1/Nrf2, up-regulation of FPN1 and FTH1 expression, and inhibition of ferroptosis.
Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Animals ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics* ; Mice ; Endothelial Cells/cytology* ; Glucosides/pharmacology* ; Phenols/pharmacology* ; Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics* ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics* ; Cell Survival/drug effects*

Image 1.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers. METHODS: The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories. RESULTS: FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45). CONCLUSION An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China ; Prospective Studies ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Steel ; Fasting/blood* ; Metal Workers ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) among < 5-year-old children in three provinces of China during 2020-2024 via a propensity score-matched test-negative case-control study. METHODS: Electronic health records and immunization information systems were used to obtain data on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases tested for rotavirus (RV) infection. RV-positive cases were propensity score matched with RV-negative controls for age, visit month, and province. RESULTS: The study included 27,472 children with AGE aged 8 weeks to 4 years at the time of AGE diagnosis; 7.98% (2,192) were RV-positive. The VE (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1-2 and 3 doses of RV5 against any medically attended RV infection (inpatient or outpatient) was 57.6% (39.8%, 70.2%) and 67.2% (60.3%, 72.9%), respectively. Among children who received the 3rd dose before turning 5 months of age, 3-dose VE decreased from 70.4% (53.9%, 81.1%) (< 5 months since the 3rd dose) to 63.0% (49.1%, 73.0%) (≥ 1 year since the 3rd dose). The three-dose VE rate was 69.4% (41.3%, 84.0%) for RVGE hospitalization and 57.5% (38.9%, 70.5%) for outpatient-only medically attended RVGE. CONCLUSION Three-dose RV5 VE against rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children aged < 5 years was higher than 1-2-dose VE. Three-dose VE decreased with time since the 3rd dose in children who received the 3rd dose before turning five months of age, but remained above 60% for at least one year. VE was higher for RVGE hospitalizations than for medically attended outpatient visits.
Humans ; Rotavirus Vaccines/immunology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Case-Control Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Rotavirus Infections/epidemiology* ; Male ; Propensity Score ; Female ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Gastroenteritis/virology* ; Vaccines, Attenuated ; Rotavirus

Four pyrazines were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Hypecoum erectum L. by using various chromatographic methods, including MCI gel, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified as hyperectpyrazin A (1), 1′S-(6-methylpyrazin-2-yl)-ethane-1′,2′-diol (2), 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methylpyrazin (3) and pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (4) by spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.). The absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined by using the Mo₂(OAc)₄ induced CD analysis for the first time. Compound 1 was a new compound, compounds 2-4 were isolated from H. erectum for the first time. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and nitric oxide generation induced by lipopolysaccharide-RAW264.7 macrophage cells. At a concentration of 50 μmol·L^-1, compounds 2 and 4 displayed inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase with the inhibition rates of 44.40% and 43.99%, respectively.

177Lu-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)radio-ligand therapy has been approved abroad for advanced prostate cancer and has been in several clinical trials in China.Based on domestic clinical practice and experimental data and referred to international experience and viewpoints,the expert group forms a consensus on the clinical application of 177Lu-PSMA radio-ligand therapy in prostate cancer to guide clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the scientificity of the public hospital liability policy governance from the perspective of policy tools,and to provide evidence for the optimization and adjustment of subsequent policies.Methods:Policy texts at the national and regional levels from 2009-2022 were selected,and the coding results were statistically analyzed using Excel 2019 based on Rothwell and Zegveld's classification of policy tools.Results:A total of 128 policy texts were included in the analysis,with 29.96%,34.16%,and 35.88%of the policy tools in the policy instrument dimension being demand-based,supply-based,and environment-based,respectively.The system mechanism dimension focused primarily on compensation mechanisms.Conclusion:The use of the three policy instruments is mainly dominated by environmental policies,with a relative lack of policies from demand side.It is recommended that the use of policies from demand side could be strengthened and the internal structure of policy tools be optimized,to improve the consistency and coupling of policies.

Objective:To explore the scientificity of the public hospital liability policy governance from the perspective of policy tools,and to provide evidence for the optimization and adjustment of subsequent policies.Methods:Policy texts at the national and regional levels from 2009-2022 were selected,and the coding results were statistically analyzed using Excel 2019 based on Rothwell and Zegveld's classification of policy tools.Results:A total of 128 policy texts were included in the analysis,with 29.96%,34.16%,and 35.88%of the policy tools in the policy instrument dimension being demand-based,supply-based,and environment-based,respectively.The system mechanism dimension focused primarily on compensation mechanisms.Conclusion:The use of the three policy instruments is mainly dominated by environmental policies,with a relative lack of policies from demand side.It is recommended that the use of policies from demand side could be strengthened and the internal structure of policy tools be optimized,to improve the consistency and coupling of policies.