1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of four patients with Disorders of sex development.
Xiuyan WANG ; Fanrong MENG ; Yunfang SHI ; Duan JU ; Xinghong ZHOU ; Haiwei DONG ; Xiaozhou LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1089-1095
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD).
METHODS:
Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene and azoospermia factor (AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006).
RESULTS:
Case 1 had a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+), AZFb+c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45,X[12]/46,X,del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46,XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+) and AZFa+b+c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46,XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+) and AZFa+b+c (+), and WES revealed a c.1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+PP1+PM2_Supporting).
CONCLUSION
The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics*
;
Disorders of Sex Development/genetics*
;
Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics*
;
Karyotyping
;
In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Adult
;
Child
3.Comparison of the efficacy of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in achieving transmural healing in active Crohn′s disease
Long JU ; Yujie ZHAO ; Changqin LIU ; Yanhong SHI ; Xiaomin SUN ; Zhanju LIU ; Xiaolei WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):107-116
Objective:To compare the efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ) in achieving transmural healing in active Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From March 1, 2020 to November 30, 2024, 112 patients with active CD treated with UST or VDZ at the Department of Gastroenterology, Tenth People′s Hospital of Tongji University were retrospectively enrolled. According to the medication regimen, the 112 patients were divided into UST group (61 cases) and VDZ group (51 cases). Collected the data at baseline, such as the disease phenotype, other medication history, and clinical indicators including C-creative protein (CRP), etc. Clinical disease activity and endoscopic disease activity were assessed by Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for Crohn′s disease (SES-CD), respectively. Transmural healing was evaluated according to the intestinal wall thickness measured by intestinal imaging examination of the affected intestinal segment. Transmural healing was defined as bowel wall thickness <0.3 cm and 110 obvious signs of inflammation, clinical remission was defined as HBI≤4, and endoscopic remission was defined as a reduction in SES-CD ≥50% or a score of ≤2. The primary endpoint was transmural healing rate within one year after treatment. The secondary endpoints were endoscopic healing rate and clinical remission rate at 13 to 24th week and 30 to 52nd week after treatment. Chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test was used to compare the efficacy of the 2 medications.Results:There was no significant difference in transmural healing rate between UST group and VDZ group within 1 year after treatment (16.4% (10/61) vs. 23.5% (12/51), χ2=0.90, P=0.344). There were no significant differences in the healing rate between UST group and VDZ group in patients with specific baseline characteristics before treatment, including CD with stenosis, with perianal disease, no history of glucocorticoid use, secondary loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, SES-CD 7 to 15, decreased body mass index, and increased CRP (18.2%(6/33) vs. 19.4%(7/36), 17.9%(7/39) vs. 19.4%(6/31), 17.1%(6/35) vs. 24.2%(8/33), 20.0%(8/40) vs. 3/18, 14.3%(5/35) vs. 19.2%(5/26), 15.0%(3/20) vs. 3/10, 21.4%(6/28) vs. 5/16), all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the clinical remission rate or endoscopic remission rate between the UST group and the VDZ group from 13 to 24th week (7/14 vs. 9/18, 3/14 vs. 7/18, RR=1.000 and 0.551, 95% confidence interval: 0.497to 2.011, 0.173to 1.755, χ2=<0.01, Fisher′s exact test, both P>0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical remission rate or endoscopic remission rate between UST group and VDZ group from week 30 to week 52 after treatment (68.5% (37/54) vs. 74.4% (32/43), 27.8% (15/54) vs. 32.6% (14/43), RR=0.921 and 0.853, 95% confidence interval: 0.716 to 1.184, 0.464 to 1.568, χ2=0.41 and 0.26, both P>0.05). In UST group, the proportion of patients with normal hemoglobin after transmural healing was higher than that of patients without transmural healing (9/10 vs. 45.1% (23/51), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.08, P=0.024). However, there were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with normal body mass index, CRP, platelet count, prealbumin, albumin, interleukin-6 or TNF-α levels after treatment between those who achieved transmural healing and those who did not in either UST group or VDZ group (all P>0.05). And in VDZ group there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normal hemoglobin between those who achieved transmural healing and who did not (all P>0.05). Conclusion:UST and VDZ exhibit similar efficacy in transmural healing within one year of treatment in patients with active CD.
4."Guangzhou Classification" of donor lung injury: a systematic evaluation and grading framework from pre-procurement to post-transplantation
Jianxing HE ; Jiang SHI ; Chao YANG ; Guilin PENG ; Mengyang LIU ; Jiezhou HUANG ; Weixue CUI ; Chunrong JU ; Xin XU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(4):276-279
Lung transplantation is a key therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage lung diseases. Although its clinical outcomes have significantly improved, multidimensional injuries sustained by donor lungs during procurement, preservation, and transplantation remain major challenges affecting graft survival and long-term prognosis. This article proposes the "Guangzhou Classification" for full-course management of donor lung injury, characterized by spatiotemporal dynamics. Based on the progression of disease stages, donor lung injuries are systematically divided into three types: primary injuries (including donor ICU-related lung injury, pathogen colonization, and cold ischemia injury), secondary injuries (such as ventilator-induced lung injury after transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion inflammatory storm, and early rejection), and accompanying injuries (organ toxicity caused by accumulation of postoperative sedatives, analgesics, and vasoactive drugs). Drawing on previous studies and the clinical experience of our center, this paper elaborates the temporal evolution, key risk factors, and prevention and treatment strategies of each injury category, and discusses future research directions. By targeting critical injury factors at each stage, this classification aims to optimize both short-term and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation.
5.Disease burden and trends in enteric infections in China,1990-2021:a One Health perspective
Jing TAN ; Fei WANG ; Shi-pan CHEN ; Xiao-chun LI ; Hong-xin JU ; Chun-xiao YANG ; Wen-qiang YIN ; Lan-hua LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):472-479
This study analyzed the burden and trends in enteric infections in China from 1990 to 2021 from a One Health perspec-tive.Data on mortality associated with enteric infections were extracted from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease(GBD)database.The analysis focused on assessing the mortality rates of enteric infectious diseases attributed to various etiologies and risk factors,along with the age and sex distribution,from 1990 to 2021.Average annual percentage change(AAPC)was used to assess the total changes in disease burden.The age-standardized mortality rate of intestinal infections in China decreased from 9.642/100 000 in 1990 to 0.439/100 000 in 2021,with an AAPC of-57.103%(95%CI:-57.118%to-57.088%).In 2021,Rotavirus,Norovirus,and Crypto-sporidium were the top three etiologies contributing to disease burden,with mortality rates of 1.020/100 000,0.040/100 000 and 0.079/100 000,respectively.A significant variation in etiology distribution was observed across age groups:Rotavirus,Shigella,and Crypto-sporidium dominated among children under 5 years of age,whereas Cryptosporidium,Norovirus,and Clostridioides difficile were more prevalent in older populations.Risk factor analysis indicated that unsafe water sources and poor sanitation accounted for 73.394%of all enteric disease-related deaths.In conclusion,the burden of enteric infections in China markedly declined from 1990 to 2021,and sig-nificant variations in the etiological spectrum and disease burden were observed across age groups.The persistent effects of unsafe wa-ter sources and poor sanitation underscore the need for targeted interventions to further decrease the burden of these diseases.Our find-ings highlight the success of public health interventions in decreasing the burden of enteric infections in China,while emphasizing the need for targeted measures to address disparities in high-risk populations and improve environmental sanitation.
6.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.
7.Relationship between sevoflurane preconditioning-induced reduction of cognitive impairment and hippocampal necroptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Jiajie ZHANG ; Liang CHEN ; Yanan LI ; Lei SHI ; Xiang LIU ; Yingchao JU ; Qi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):564-568
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between sevoflurane preconditioning-induced reduction of cognitive impairment and hippocampal necroptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in rats.Methods:Sixty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6 months, weighing 400-450 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane group (Sev group), CPB group and CPB+ sevoflurane preconditioning group (CPB+ Sev group). The rats were exposed to 0.4% sevoflurane for 2 h in CPB+ Sev group and Sev group. The CPB model was established at 30 min after the end of sevoflurane preconditioning in CPB+ Sev group. The open field test was performed to assess the autonomic movement ability on the 2nd day after CPB. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function on the 3rd day after CPB. The hippocampal tissues were removed after the end of the Morris water maze test for determination of the necroptosis rate and cytosolic calcium concentration of hippocampal neuron ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and the expression of phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (p-RIPK1), phosphorylated RIPK3 and phosphorylated mixed-lineage kinase-like domain (p-MLKL) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (by transmission electron microscopy). Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of the open field test among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated ( P<0.05), the organelles of hippocampal neurons swelled, lysosomes broke, and some chromatin in nuclei dissoluted in CPB group. Compared with CPB group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was sinificantly reduced in CPB+ Sev group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which sevoflurane preconditioning attenuates cognitive impairment may be related to the inhibition of calcium overload-mediated hippocampal necroptosis in a rat model of CPB.
8.Expert Consensus on Classification of Hand Degloving Injures and Emergency Repair of Avulsion Skin
Jihui JU ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongjun RUI ; Xin WANG ; Weiyang GAO ; Xiaoheng DING ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Yongqing XU ; Shanlin CHEN ; Juyu TANG ; Lei XU ; Jianxi HOU ; Huaqiao WANG ; Jingyi MI ; Haifeng SHI ; Shusen CUI ; Chunlin HOU ; Liqiang GU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):121-134
Hand degloving injury represents one of the most severe forms of hand trauma, characterised by challenging treatment and a complex prognostic outcome. It is crucial to effectively utilise the degloved tissues in emergency or primary repair of a hand degloving injury. This consensus provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on definition, classification, emergency assessment, debridement, judgment of skin viability, in situ repair of the degloved skin, and adjunctive treatment for degloving injury of hand. Based on conclusion of both domestic and international experiences, this expert consensus on the classification of hand degloving injury and the emergency repair with the avulsed skin is established, aiming to provide a guidance to surgeons on standardised treatment strategy and improve the management of hand degloving injury.
9.Reconstruction of distal thumb avulsion injury by a tiled flap combined with a hallux nail flap and a lateral flap of the second toe: a case report
Shuai DONG ; Jihui JU ; Kai WANG ; Shi WANG ; Chengwei GE ; Linfeng TANG ; Ruixing HOU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(5):577-579
In January 2021, a young male patient was admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopeadic Hospital for a soft tissue degloving defect of distal segment of right thumb caused by machine compression. The thumb defect was reconstructed using a tiled flap with a right hallux nail flap and a lateral flap of left second toe. Donor site of the hallux nail flap was reconstructed by a lateral flap of right second toe, while the donor site of lateral flap of left second toe was covered by a skin graft of abdomen. At 1-year follow-up, the reconstructed nail was found excellent according to the established criteria. Two-point discrimination (TPD) was measured at 5 mm, and the affected thumb exhibited satisfactory flexion and extension and functions of thumb-to-palm and thumb-to-fingers oppositions. Donor sites in both feet achieved favorable appearance and function, with a Maryland foot score of 96. Only a linear scar was in abdominal donor site.
10.The postoperative care of a patient with uremic complicated by ventricular tachycardia undergoing catheter radiofrequency ablation therapy
Yanli DONG ; Qingyan SHI ; Junlin XUE ; Qianqian ZUO ; Hui JU ; Junying QIAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(18):2275-2278
To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with uremia on maintenance hemodialysis complicated by recurrent ventricular tachycardia and treated with transcatheter radiofrequency ablation.Key nursing interventions included:dynamically assessing the patient's coagulation and bleeding status,being vigilant against the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis,and preventing local and major organ bleeding;implementing goal-oriented volume management strategies to prevent electrolyte disorders;the strengthened management of vascular access to reduce risks of stenosis or occlusion in the arteriovenous fistula;conducting precise assessment and comprehensive intervention to reduce the patient's psychological and mental burden.After careful treatment and nursing care,the patient was stable and discharged on the 6th postoperative day.During the 2-month outpatient follow-up,cardiac function indicators were normal,and the fistula was unobstructed,and the patient recovered well.

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