1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
3.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
4.GenAI synthesis of histopathological images from Raman imaging for intraoperative tongue squamous cell carcinoma assessment.
Bing YAN ; Zhining WEN ; Lili XUE ; Tianyi WANG ; Zhichao LIU ; Wulin LONG ; Yi LI ; Runyu JING
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):12-12
The presence of a positive deep surgical margin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) significantly elevates the risk of local recurrence. Therefore, a prompt and precise intraoperative assessment of margin status is imperative to ensure thorough tumor resection. In this study, we integrate Raman imaging technology with an artificial intelligence (AI) generative model, proposing an innovative approach for intraoperative margin status diagnosis. This method utilizes Raman imaging to swiftly and non-invasively capture tissue Raman images, which are then transformed into hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained histopathological images using an AI generative model for histopathological diagnosis. The generated H&E-stained images clearly illustrate the tissue's pathological conditions. Independently reviewed by three pathologists, the overall diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between tumor tissue and normal muscle tissue reaches 86.7%. Notably, it outperforms current clinical practices, especially in TSCC with positive lymph node metastasis or moderately differentiated grades. This advancement highlights the potential of AI-enhanced Raman imaging to significantly improve intraoperative assessments and surgical margin evaluations, promising a versatile diagnostic tool beyond TSCC.
Humans
;
Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods*
;
Tongue Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging*
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Margins of Excision
5.Microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: insights into immune modulation by F. nucleatum.
Xue ZHANG ; Jing HAN ; Yudong WANG ; Li FENG ; Zhisong FAN ; Yu SU ; Wenya SONG ; Lan WANG ; Long WANG ; Hui JIN ; Jiayin LIU ; Dan LI ; Guiying LI ; Yan LIU ; Jing ZUO ; Zhiyu NI
Protein & Cell 2025;16(6):491-496
6.Levels of serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin and double-negative T lymphocytes in children with bronchial asthma and their clinical significance
Long ZHAO ; Jing WANG ; Cuicui LIU ; Xiaolan SHI
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(7):1019-1023
Objective:To analyze the levels of serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and double-negative T lymphocytes (DNT) in children with bronchial asthma and their clinical significance.Methods:The clinical data of 147 children with bronchial asthma (study group) diagnosed and treated in Xi′an Children′s Hospital from January to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical data of 120 children who underwent healthy physical examination in the hospital during the same period (control group) were selected. All subjects underwent serum TSLP and DNT detection. The study group was divided into controlled group (116 cases) and uncontrolled group (31 cases) according to the asthma control level. The levels of TSLP and DNT were compared between the two groups, and the factors affecting the asthma control level in children with bronchial asthma were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of TSLP and DNT in predicting the asthma control level in children.Results:The serum TSLP level in the study group was higher than that in the control group, and the DNT level was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The TSLP level, the proportion of severe cases, and the proportion of cases with family history of asthma in the uncontrolled group were higher than those in the controlled group, while the DNT level, age, and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC) were lower than those in the controlled group (all P<0.05). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that TSLP level ( OR=3.656, 95% CI: 2.091-6.392) and disease severity ( OR=2.561, 95% CI: 1.230-5.330) were independent risk factors affecting asthma control level in children, while DNT level ( OR=0.233, 95% CI: 0.122-0.442) and FEV 1/FVC level ( OR=0.287, 95% CI: 0.127-0.647) were independent protective factors (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivities of TSLP, DNT, and their combination in predicting asthma control level were 74.20%, 71.00%, and 90.30% respectively; the specificities were 75.90%, 73.30%, and 91.40% respectively; the areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.821, 0.805, and 0.923 respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum TSLP level is abnormally increased and DNT level is abnormally decreased in children with bronchial asthma. TSLP is an independent risk factor affecting asthma control level in children, and DNT is an independent protective factor. Combined detection of TSLP and DNT can better predict the asthma control status of patients in clinical practice.
7.Study on the co-evolution of China's health workforce policies and the objectives of the new healthcare reform:Based on cross-referencing and content analysis of 196 policy documents
Jing-yu WANG ; Ren LONG ; Xiao-yun LIU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(4):51-58
Objective:To analyze the evolutionary patterns of China's health workforce policies following China's healthcare system reform and assess their alignment with reform objectives.Methods:This study examined health workforce-related policies implemented during China's healthcare system reform.Cross-referencing analysis and content evaluation were conducted within Health Worker-Centered Framework.Results:A total of 196 policies were analyzed,revealing two evolution patterns:(1)alignment with systemic reform goals,ensuring integration with broader healthcare transformation;(2)incremental optimization within the health workforce domain,emphasizing continuity and phased development.Thematic priorities included education/training,performance incentives,and human resource mobility,which closely coordinate with key reform targets such as strengthening primary care,reforming public hospitals,and establishing hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system.Conclusions:Since the healthcare system reform,China's health workforce policies reveals their dynamic alignment with reform goals.Policy evolution closely synergizes with reform objectives,providing institutional support for health talent development.However,Sectoral synergy dilemmas remain in health workforce policies,future efforts should strengthen policy integration and dynamic adjustment mechanisms to achieve high-quality development of health human resources.
8.Application Value of Gastric Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Extraluminal Duodenal Diverticulum.
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(5):733-737
Objective To evaluate the value of gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosing extraluminal duodenal diverticulum. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 cases of extraluminal duodenal diverticula confirmed by upper gastrointestinal barium meal and gastroduodenoscopy,all of whom underwent gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination.The detection rate and imaging features of duodenal diverticula were retrospectively analyzed. Results Gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound detected 34 out of 40 cases of extraluminal duodenal diverticula,with the detection rate (85.0%) higher than that (10.0%,4/40) of conventional fasting ultrasound (P<0.001).Gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrated higher detection rate for single diverticula than for multiple diverticula (97.1% vs.44.4%,P<0.001) and was particularly effective for duodenal diverticula in the descending segment (91.7%).According to imaging features,duodenal diverticula were classified into sac-like,gas-containing mass,and air-line types. Conclusion Gastric contrast-enhanced ultrasound facilitates the detection of extraluminal duodenal diverticula in the descending segment,allows concurrent visualization of biliary-pancreatic system pathologies,and enables comprehensive assessment of the association between duodenal diverticula and biliary-pancreatic diseases,demonstrating significant clinical value.
Humans
;
Diverticulum/diagnostic imaging*
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Duodenal Diseases/diagnostic imaging*
;
Ultrasonography
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Contrast Media
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Young Adult
9.Effect of β-adrenergic receptor blockers on the sleep architecture of mice
Jing QU ; Yutao LIANG ; Lei HAN ; Ye XING ; Long WANG ; Zhuochao LIN ; Kepeng LIU ; Guangsen SHI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(4):498-506
Recent studies have identified a missense mutation in the β1-receptor (ADRB1-A187V) that exerts a pronounced impact on human sleep, with a noted decrease in protein abundance in vivo. The administration of β-blockers is frequently associated with sleep disturbances in clinical settings. In this study, we assessed the influence of various β-blockers on sleep within mouse models. Our findings indicated that β-blockers could induce varying degrees of arousal, sleep disruption, and a decrease in REMS (rapid eye movement sleep). We examined the dose-dependent effects of metoprolol and nebivolol on both sleep and cardiac functionality in both wild-type and Adrb1-A187V mutant mice. Our data suggested that, in contrast to cardiac effects, higher doses of metoprolol are required to have noted impact on sleep. No genotype effect was observed with metoprolol in terms of sleep or cardiac function. In contrast, the mutant mice demonstrated increased sensitivity to nebivolol, which exacerbated sleep fragmentation and impeded the onset of REMS. This study is expected to provide some reference for minimizing the occurrence of sleep disorders and reducing the adverse reactions of drugs to the greatest extent.
10.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.


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