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.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
3.Relationship between coronal angle fluctuation of ankle point and recovery of joint function after ankle fracture
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1820-1826
BACKGROUND:The morphological indexes of ankle point may change after ankle fracture,and there is a certain correlation between the coronal angle change of ankle point and the functional recovery of ankle joint.Most previous studies have studied the height recovery of ankle point after surgery,so the correlation between the fluctuation of coronal angle of ankle point and the functional recovery of ankle joint after ankle fracture has certain reference significance. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of coronal angle change of ankle point on joint function recovery after ankle fracture. METHODS:A total of 86 patients with ankle fracture who underwent surgical treatment were selected as the study objects,and were divided into excellent group(n=45)and poor group(n=41)according to the results of American Orthopaedic Foot&Ankle Society(AOFAS)hindfoot-ankle score during the last follow-up,and the general data of the two groups were compared.The morphological indexes of ankle points on the affected side and healthy side were compared after surgery based on ankle acupoints and lateral X-rays of the ankle joint,including the width and depth of ankle points,coronal angle and sagittal angle,and the difference of ankle points between the affected side and healthy side,and further comparison and analysis were conducted in each group.A joint model was constructed and Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between coronal angle fluctuation and joint function recovery.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression method and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the recovery of joint function.The patients were divided into 5-quartile array(Q1-Q5)according to the angle of coronal position at ankle point from low to high.The clinical data characteristics of the five groups were compared,and the correlation between the change of coronal position at ankle point and the risk of poor recovery of joint function was analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.A restricted cubic spline Logistic regression model was established to analyze the dose-response relationship.The prediction model of regression equation y=1-1/(1+e-z)was established and verified. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The width and depth of ankle point on the affected side,coronal angle and sagittal angle were significantly higher than those on the healthy side(all P<0.05),and compared with the excellent group,the difference of ankle point width,depth difference,coronal angle difference and sagittal angle difference were greater in the poor group(P<0.05).(2)The combined model showed that the risk of poor joint function was increased by 3%for every 1? increase in coronal angle,regardless of whether the angle was within the normal range.(3)Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Logistics regression analysis showed that after adjusting for potential confounding factors,it was found that age,lack of functional exercise in early stage,no calcaneal traction,failure to remove internal fixation,postoperative complications,and increased ankle coronal angle were independent risk factors for joint function recovery(P<0.05).(4)The coronal angle within 3 months after surgery was independently correlated with the risk of poor joint function recovery(OR=1.57,95%CI:1.38-1.76,P=0.002),and the trend test of the coronal angle from low to high quintile in each postoperative period had statistical significance(Ptrend<0.001).(5)Restricted cubic spline model analysis showed that there was no nonlinear relationship between the coronal angle change of ankle point and the risk of poor joint function recovery in males or females.Through Bootstrap self-sampling,the prediction model has good differentiation and accuracy.(6)The reduction of coronal angle of ankle point after ankle fracture plays a significant role in promoting the recovery of joint function.Therefore,the detection of coronal angle of ankle point after ankle fracture is helpful to understand the recovery of joint function of patients.
4.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
5.Biomechanical Mechanism and Clinical Research Progress of Knee Osteotomy
Zicheng WEI ; Jiangdong WU ; Yicang WANG ; Jiabo LIAO ; Xu JIANG ; Liao WANG ; Kai XIE ; Mengning YAN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1092-1100
Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a primary cause of joint dysfunction.Knee osteotomy has garnered significant attention due to its potential to delay the progression of knee OA and enhance joint function.As a pivotal biomechanical factor in the onset and progression of OA,the accurate correction of abnormal knee alignment is the central objective of knee osteotomy.This article systematically reviews the biomechanical research progress related to knee osteotomy,with a focus on the precision and personalized correction of force line.The development of new classification system and measurement technology of force line is summarized,the biomechanical mechanism of knee OA induced by abnormal mechanical load is analyzed,and the goal of force line and clinical application progress of knee osteotomy is discusses,so as to provide a new perspective and idea for the clinical treatment of knee OA with knee osteotomy.
6.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
7.Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and mechanism of total flavonoids of hawthorn leaves on rat intestinal epithelial cells
Kai WANG ; Pei LIU ; Kexin QI ; Jingyi WANG ; Chenlu SUN ; Danning SHI ; Hongyue CHEN ; Daoling HE ; Yan ZHU ; Ling GAN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1450-1457
This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of total flavonoids of hawthorn leaves(TFHL)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory injury in rat intestinal epithelial(IEC-6)cells,as well as the underlying mechanisms.An in vitro inflam-mation model was first established by treating IEC-6 cells with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).IEC-6 cells were then incubated with three concentrations of TFHL for 24 h prior to a further 24 h LPS treatment.RT-qPCR was used to quantify mRNA levels of the inflammatory genes COX-2 and iN-OS,while Western blotting was used to assess protein levels of the apoptotic markers Bax,cleaved Caspase-3,Bcl-2,and the JNK/p-JNK signaling pathway.Finally,cells were pretreated with TFHL and/or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 for 24 h before LPS exposure for 24 h,in order to evaluate the combined effects of TFHL and SP600125 on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptotic protein levels in IEC-6 cells.The results showed that,compared with the LPS group,the mRNA level of COX-2 and iNOS in the 2.5,5.0,10.0 mg/L TFHL group and the Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P<0.01),and the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly higher(P<0.01),p-JNK protein level and p-JNK/JNK ratio decreased significantly(P<0.01);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+LPS group de-creased significantly(P<0.01),Bax,and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P<0.01),and the level of Bcl-2 protein increased significantly(P<0.05);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+SP600125 group decreased significantly(P<0.01),Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P<0.01),and Bcl-2 protein level increased significantly(P<0.01).These findings indicate that TFHL exerts anti-inflammato-ry and anti-apoptotic effects in LPS-challenged IEC-6 cells by inhibiting the JNK signaling path-way.
8.A novel X-ray phase contrast imaging approach for clinical application
Chengcheng SUN ; Chenpeng ZHOU ; Yan WANG ; Kai ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):295-304
A new X-ray phase contrast imaging method utilizing scanning absorption grid technology is proposed based on the study of X-ray phase contrast imaging with pinhole imaging principle.The method can effectively capture absorption,refraction,and scattering information of weakly absorbing biological samples.Experimental results show that the proposed method offers several advantages over traditional X-ray grating phase contrast imaging,including a simple imaging device,minimal X-ray source requirements,and enhanced compatibility with laboratory X-ray source or synchrotron radiation white beam.Consequently,it provides a new research mean for advancing current X-ray phase contrast imaging technology in clinical imaging research of large human organs.
9.Effects of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on glycolipid metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Kai-yin ZHANG ; Feng-yun YAO ; Yao-yao HAN ; Jie-lin JIANG ; Lin WANG ; Wen LI ; Hong-fang YANG ; Huan-yuan ZHANG ; Yan-kun CUI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3242-3248
AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5%,10%,and 20%),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P>0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P<0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P<0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
10.Survival analysis of female breast cancer in Shanghai:a population-based study from 2002 to 2017
Chunxiao WU ; Yi PANG ; Kai GU ; Jiaying YAN ; Chunfang WANG ; Yongmei XIANG ; Yan SHI
China Oncology 2025;35(3):291-297
Background and purpose:The Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides annual updates on cancer statistics in Shanghai.Breast cancer is one of the common malignant tumors among women.In recent years,the incidence of female breast cancer was increasing,while its trend of mortality showed declining.This study aimed to investigate the survival rates of new female breast cancer cases in Shanghai from 2002 to 2017.Methods:Data of new cases and deaths of female breast cancer patients with follow-up information from 2002 to 2017 were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry and Vital Statistics System of Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Numbers,proportions,and survival rates were stratified by year of diagnosis,age,histological type and stage at diagnosis for analysis.The 5-year observed survival rates were calculated based on the life table method.The probabilities of surviving from 0 to 99 years were estimated with the Elandt-Johnson model,and then cumulative expected survival rates were calculated using the Ederer Ⅱ method.Finally,the 5-year relative survival rates were calculated.The annual percent change(APC)of survival rates was estimated by Joinpoint Regression Program.Results:A total of 73 600 new female breast cancer cases were diagnosed from 2002 to 2017 in Shanghai.Among them,67 681 cases were morphological verification,accounting for 91.96%.By December 31,2022,23 745(32.26%)cases had died,and 19 466(26.45%)cases had died of cancer.A total of 68 332(92.84%)cases,who were either dead or followed for over 5 years,were considered to have complete follow-up.The remaining 5 268(7.16%)cases were lost to follow-up.73 538(99.92%)cases were included in the observed cohort for survival analysis.The number of observed cases nearly doubled from 3330 in 2002 to 6095 in 2017.The 5-year observed survival rate changed from 78.77%in 2002 to 84.55%in 2017 dynamically,showed a low increasing trend with an average rate of 0.50%per year(APC=0.50%,t=8.75,P<0.001).The 5-year relative survival rate also increased from 83.46%to 89.24%slowly,with an average rate of 0.47%(APC=0.47%,t=9.80,P<0.001).The overall 5-year observation survival rate of female cancer was 83.24%(82.96%-83.52%),and the 5-year relative survival rate was 87.58%(87.29%-87.87%)in Shanghai from 2002 to 2017.It was increasing over time,decreasing with aging and advanced stage at diagnosis continuously.There was no significant difference in the 5-year relative survival rates between the groups aged 15 to 64(P>0.05).The group with an unknown stage had the highest number of cases,followed by the stage Ⅱ group,and then the stage Ⅰ group.The 5-year relative survival rate of cases with stage Ⅰ disease reached 99.10%(98.78%-99.42%),but these cases only accounted for 25.51%of the total.The 5-year relative survival rate of cases with stage Ⅳ disease was 52.54%(50.98%-54.11%),and these cases accounted for 6.13%of the total.The 5-year relative survival rate of cases with s unknown stage was 82.04%(81.42%-82.65%),and these cases accounted for 31.05%of the total.Conclusion:The diagnostic levels and survival rates of female breast cancer in Shanghai were relatively high and continue to improve.However,the proportions of cases with unknown histological type and unknown stage remain relatively high,and the proportion of stage Ⅰ cases is not very large.The survival rates of stage Ⅳ cases are relatively low.This study provides evidence for further research,prevention and control efforts for female breast cancer.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail