1.Role of ATG12 in The Development of Disease
Wei LIU ; Rui TIAN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1081-1098
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.
2.Mortality from cerebrovascular diseases in China: Exploration of recent and future trends
Bin LV ; Ge SONG ; Feng JING ; Mingyu LI ; Hua ZHOU ; Wanjun LI ; Jiacai LIN ; Shengyuan YU ; Jun WANG ; Xiangyu CAO ; Chenglin TIAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(5):588-595
Background::Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) ranks among the foremost factors responsible for mortality on a global scale. The mortality patterns of CVDs and temporal trends in China need to be well-illustrated and updated.Methods::We collected mortality data on patients with CVD from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Disease Surveillance Points (CDC-DSP) system. The mortality of CVD in 2020 was described by age, sex, residence, and region. The temporal trend from 2013 to 2019 was evaluated using joinpoint regression, and estimated rates of decline were extrapolated until 2030 using time series models.Results::In 2019, the age-standardized mortality in China (ASMRC) per 100,000 individuals was 113.2. The ASMRC for males (137.7/10 5) and rural areas (123.0/10 5) were both higher when stratified by gender and urban/rural residence. The central region had the highest mortality (126.5/10 5), the western region had a slightly lower mortality (123.5/10 5), and the eastern region had the lowest mortality (97.3/10 5). The age-specific mortality showed an accelerated upward trend from aged 55-59 years, with maximum mortality observed in individuals over 85 years of age. The age-standardized mortality of CVD decreased by 2.43% (95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.81%) annually from 2013 to 2019. Notably, the age-specific mortality of CVD increased from 2013 to 2019 for the age group of over 85 years. In 2020, both the absolute number of CVD cases and the crude mortality of CVD have increased compared to their values in 2019. The estimated total deaths due to CVD were estimated to reach 2.3 million in 2025 and 2.4 million in 2030. Conclusion::The heightened focus on the burden of CVD among males, rural areas, the central and western of China, and individuals aged 75 years and above has emerged as a pivotal determinant in further decreasing mortalities, consequently presenting novel challenges to strategies for disease prevention and control.
3.Research progress on mechanism of interaction between traditional Chinese medicine and intestinal flora
Jing WU ; Wei-Yi TIAN ; Kun CAI ; Su-Fang ZHOU ; Yao-Feng LI ; Xiang-Yun CHEN ; Hai-Bing QIAN ; Sha-Sha YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1823-1829
Modern Chinese medicine studies have confirmed that the interaction between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and intestinal flora is the key to the treatment of diseases with tradi-tional Chinese medicine.This interplay includes such activities as:traditional Chinese medicine can be metabolized by intestinal flora into effective components with different biological activities from its precursors;TCM chemicals improve the composition of gut microbiota,consequently ameliorating its dysfunction as well as associated pathological conditions;and gut microbiota mediate the interactions between the multiple chemicals in TCM.There-fore,it becomes an important way to understand the modern sci-entific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine theory to study the pharmacological mechanism of the efficacy of traditional Chi-nese medicine by targeting Gut microbiota.
4.Antimicrobial resistance analysis and genomic characteristics of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli derived from ducks
Jun-Lin LI ; Jia-Meng HU ; Luo WANG ; Jia-Rui LI ; Hao-Tian LIU ; Jing XIA ; Min CUI ; Li-Kou ZOU ; Xin-Feng HAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(8):701-707
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC),a zoonotic foodborne pathogen,can induce severe and prolonged di-arrhea,thus substantially affecting global public health safety.To understand the pathogenicity of EPEC and its potential risk to human health,this study investigated the antimicrobial resistance and genome-wide characteristics of EPEC originating from ducks.After identification of EPEC with the plate method and PCR,antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was examined with the microbroth dilution method.In addition,analyses of serotype,sequence type(ST),and plasmid incompatibility groups were conducted with whole-genome sequencing(WGS)and bioinformatic methods.Ten EPEC isolates were identified,including serotypes O71∶H40 and O3∶H21.All EPEC strains exhibited multiple drug resistance.The highest proportion of resistance(100%)was observed to ciprofloxacin,streptomycin,tetracycline,and polymyxin B.In contrast,the isolates showed susceptibility to cefoxitin,amikacin,and imipenem.Furthermore,all strains carried the tetracycline resistance gene tet(A)and extended-spectrum β-lactamase(ESBL)resistance genes,including blaOXA-10,blaTEM-1A,and blaTEM-1B.Various virulence genes,associated primarily with the secretory system,were de-tected in the isolates.However,no bf p genes or per ARC genes were identified,thus indicating that the EPEC isolates were atypical EPEC(aEPEC).The results demonstrated the presence of multiple antimicrobial resistance,multiple resistance and viru-lence genes,and various plasmid incompatibility groups,thus in-dicating potential pathogenicity to humans.Strengthened monitoring of duck-derived EPEC is crucial to effectively control the spread of the pathogen and safeguard public health.
5.The Association Between Causality Orientation and Internet Gaming Disorder, and the Role of Sensation Seeking, Anxiety, and Depression
Yanjie PENG ; Yuxiang WANG ; Zhenle PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Ke GONG ; Cheng QIN ; Mingyuan TIAN ; Xiaotong CHENG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Juan DENG ; Yuwen CHEN ; Shuang FENG ; Maomao ZHANG ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1268-1278
Objective:
Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms.
Methods:
A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations.
Results:
The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking.
Conclusion
Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.
6.Ethical conflicts in interprofessional collaboration among nurses:a scoping review
Mengyuan LIU ; Lingyun TIAN ; Jing JIANG ; Xinyu FENG ; Weijuan LI ; Hui LUO ; Yinglan LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(9):1138-1145
Objective The scope of related research on ethical conflicts in the interprofessional collaboration in nursing was reviewed,so as to summarize the obstacles and coping strategies that lead to ethical conflicts in interprofessional collaboration and provide references for promoting nurse engagement in interprofessional collaboration.Methods Based on the methodological framework of the scope review,we systematically searched domestic and foreign databases including the Cochrane Library,CINAHL,Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang and SinoMed.The time limit for database retrieval was from the establishment of each database to March 2023.The selected studies were summarized and analyzed.Results Totally 13 articles published between 1991 and 2022 were included.The obstacle factors that lead to ethical conflicts in nurse engagement of interprofessional collaboration can be divided into 3 categories,including personal factors(insufficient professional knowledge,differences in professional values),interprofessional factors(imbalanced power between professions,lack of respect and collaboration between cooperators)and environmental factors(insufficient resources and staffing,high-intensity workload,and high-pressure work environment).At the same time,in view of these 3 aspects,it puts forward some countermeasures,such as enhancing professional knowledge,strengthening interprofessional education,improving understanding and cooperation among medical workers in different wards,providing medical practitioners with a team-based,ethical work environment that facilitates interprofessional collaborations and open dialogues.Conclusion It is of great significance for nurses to get involved in interprofessional collaborations,in order to ensure high-quality nursing services.Further studies are needed for the development of education and the core competency framework construction for interprofessional collaborations in nursing.More attention should be paid to develop the organizational atmosphere at the same time,so as to continuously improve nurse'capabilities in interprofessional collaborations.
7.Application of China-made Toumai? Robot in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Zhi-Feng WEI ; Yu-Hao CHEN ; Ze-Peng ZHU ; Qi JIANG ; Yu XIONG ; Feng-Feng LU ; Zhen-Qian SONG ; Bin JIANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Tian-Hao FENG ; Xiao-Feng XU ; Gang YANG ; Wu WEI ; Ai-Bing YAO ; Jing-Ping GE
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):696-700
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficiency of China-made Toumai Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy(LRP).Methods:This study included 40 cases of PCa treated from January 2023 to May 2023 by robot-assisted LRP with preservation of the bladder neck and maximal functional urethral length,15 cases with the assistance of Toumai Robot(the TMR group)and the other 25 with the assistance of da Vinci Robot as controls(the DVR group).We recorded the docking time,laparo-scopic surgery time,vesico-urethral anastomosis time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative urinary continence,and compared them between the two groups.Results:Operations were successfully completed in all the cases.No statistically significant differ-ences were observed between the TMR and DVR groups in the docking time(6 min vs 5 min,P>0.05)or intraoperative blood loss(200 ml vs 150 ml,P>0.05).The TMR group,compared with the DVR group,showed a significantly longer median laparoscopic surgery time(146 min vs 130 min,P<0.05)and median vesico-urethral anastomosis time(19 min vs 16 min,P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the TMR and DVR groups in the rates of urinary continence recovery immediately af-ter surgery(60.0%[9/15]vs 64.0%[16/25],P>0.05)or at 1 month(80.0%[12/15])vs(76.0%[19/25],P>0.05),3 months(93.3%[14/15])vs(92.0%[23/25],P>0.05)and 6 months postoperatively(100%[15/15])vs(96%[24/25],P>0.05).Conclusion:China-made Toumai? Robot surgical system is safe and reliable for laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy,with satisfactory postoperative recovery of urinary continence.
8.Clinical efficacy of MDT mode based on seamless management concept on CHF patients and the associa-tion of H-FABP,cTnⅠ levels with cardiac function
Feng ZHANG ; Ya-Nan TIAN ; Xiao-Min ZHANG ; Jing WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(4):439-445
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of the multidisciplinary team(MDT)mode under the seamless management concept on patients with chronic heart failure(CHF),and analyze the correlation among levels of heart-type fatty acid binding protein(H-FABP),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ)and cardiac function indexes.Methods:A total of 222 CHF patients treated in our hospital from November 2020 to November 2021 were enrolled and divided into control group(n=111,MDT mode intervention)and experimental group(n=111,seamless man-agement concept combined MDT mode intervention)according to random number table.After 1-month interven-tion,heart failure self-management scale was used to assess clinical efficacy of two groups,score of Minnesota Liv-ing with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ),H-FABP and cTnⅠ levels and cardiac function indexes were com-pared between two groups before and after intervention.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the corre-lation among H-FABP,cTnⅠ levels and cardiac function indexes.Results:After one month,compared with con-trol group,there were significant rise in score of heart failure self-management scale[(50.04±6.08)points vs.(72.07±5.65)points],left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(36.23±3.68)%vs.(43.42±3.36)%],6min walking distance(6MWD)[(228.35±28.78)m vs.(337.29±32.31)m],and significant reductions in MLHFQ score[(40.14±3.25)points vs.(33.05±4.61)points],levels of H-FABP[(5.97±0.57)ng/ml vs.(2.77±0.59)ng/ml]and cTnⅠ[(3.34±0.33)ng/ml vs.(2.45±0.61)ng/ml]in experimental group(P<0.001 all).H-FABP and cTnⅠ levels significantly increased in CHF patients as cardiac function class increased(P<0.001 all).Pearson correlation analysis indicated that H-FABP and cTnⅠ levels were significant inversely correlated with LVEF and 6MWD(r=-0.745~-0.676,P<0.001 all),and significant positively correlated with BNP level(r=0.705,0.668,P<0.001 both).Conclusion:Seamless management concept-based MDT mode can significantly improve the quality of life and cardiac function in CHF patients.Combined detection of H-FABP and cTnⅠ has im-portant clinical significance in guidance of prognosis assessment and cardiac function monitoring in CHF patients.
9.The Association Between Causality Orientation and Internet Gaming Disorder, and the Role of Sensation Seeking, Anxiety, and Depression
Yanjie PENG ; Yuxiang WANG ; Zhenle PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Ke GONG ; Cheng QIN ; Mingyuan TIAN ; Xiaotong CHENG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Juan DENG ; Yuwen CHEN ; Shuang FENG ; Maomao ZHANG ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1268-1278
Objective:
Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms.
Methods:
A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations.
Results:
The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking.
Conclusion
Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.
10.The Association Between Causality Orientation and Internet Gaming Disorder, and the Role of Sensation Seeking, Anxiety, and Depression
Yanjie PENG ; Yuxiang WANG ; Zhenle PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Ke GONG ; Cheng QIN ; Mingyuan TIAN ; Xiaotong CHENG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Juan DENG ; Yuwen CHEN ; Shuang FENG ; Maomao ZHANG ; Kezhi LIU ; Bo XIANG ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1268-1278
Objective:
Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms.
Methods:
A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations.
Results:
The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking.
Conclusion
Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.

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