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.The epidemiology and distribution of hand fractures in Singapore.
Jin Xi LIM ; Lan Anh Thi LE ; Jared Ze Yang YEH ; Jia Jun Justin BOEY ; Vaikunthan RAJARATNAM
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(9):476-480
INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology and distribution of hand fractures in Singapore.
METHODS:
A total of 701 hand fractures in 596 patients aged 21 years and above from a single centre were reviewed from 2010 to 2011. Details regarding the patient demographics, occupation, mechanism of injury, associated injuries and treatment were obtained.
RESULTS:
Hand fractures were particularly significant in patients between the ages of 21 and 40 years 58.9% of the total cases. The relative risk of hand fractures in males was 5.5 times greater than that in females. The majority of hand fractures occurred at the workplace (47.7%), with crush injury being the main mechanism of injury (33.6%). The most common locations of hand fracture were the little finger ray (31.2%) and distal phalanges (37.7%). There were 170 cases that underwent surgical fixation, which accounted for 24.3% of all fractures. Fixation rate was similar for both closed and open fractures but was significantly higher in the proximal and middle phalanges compared to the distal phalanx and metacarpal ( P < 0.001). With regards to surgical fixation methods, wires were commonly used in either tuft fractures (100.0%) or intra-articular fractures (69.9%), whereas plates and screws were commonly used in shaft fractures (65.5%).
CONCLUSION
The most significant population that sustained hand fractures in Singapore are young to middle-aged males who are skilled manual workers. The most commonly involved ray and location of hand fractures are the little finger ray and the distal phalanges, respectively, as they are in a relatively more exposed location.
Humans
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Fractures, Bone/surgery*
;
Hand Injuries/surgery*
;
Young Adult
;
Aged
;
Hand Bones/injuries*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal
3.In vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucine aminopeptidase(LAP)in Echinococcus multilocularis
Jia-yu CHEN ; Yao DAI ; Shun-juan WANG ; Yang XIAO ; Xin-zong YAN ; Tong LIU ; Zhi-hao YUAN ; Kai-li SHI ; Run-le LI ; Feng TANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):23-31
This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.
4.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
5.Research progress on regulatory mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution in glymphatic system
Xue-ling LIN ; Ying LI ; Jia-le REN ; Yan-jun ZHANG ; Peng-wei ZHUANG ; Qing-sheng YIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):811-815
The glymphatic system(GS)is a unique toxic sub-stance clearance system in brain,which is very important for maintaining the microenvironment stability of the central nervous system.The polarization distribution of aquaporin 4(AQP4)lo-cated in the terminal foot of astrocytes affects the function of GS and participates in the pathological progress of many neurodegen-erative diseases,but the detailed regulation mechanism of AQP4 polarization distribution has not been systematically summarized.Therefore,this paper systematically combs the mechanism of reg-ulating the polarization distribution of AQP4 from the perspective of the composition integrity of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex(DGC)and basement membrane foot complex,and summarizes the potential drug and non-drug therapies for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization distribution at present,aiming at providing new target reference and theoretical basis for targeted regulation of AQP4 polarization to prevent and treat neurodegenerative dis-eases.
6.Analysis of Related Factors Affecting Prognosis after Initial Treatment of Pri-mary Vulvar Malignant Tumor
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(2):158-163
Objective:To explore the related factors affecting the prognosis of primary vulvar malignant tumors after initial treatment.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 228 patients with primary malignant tumor of the vulvar who received initial treatment at Liaoning Cancer Hospital from January 1,2005 to September 30,2018 were collected.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify factors affecting the overall survival rate(OS)of primary vulvar malignancies.Results:The median age of 228 patients of primary vulvar ma-lignant tumors was 55(15-80),with a median follow-up time of 78 months.The 3-year progression free survival(PFS)rate was 72.8%,the 3-year OS rate was 76.4%,the 5-year OS was 70.7%.The results of univariate anal-ysis showed that age,tumor diameter,lymph node metastasis,clinical stage and treatment method were all related to 5-year OS(P<0.05),Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that age>60 years(OR 3.96,95%CI 1.90-6.01),tumor diameter>4 cm(OR3.58,95%CI 2.02-6.37),and lymph node metastasis(OR 1.85,95%CI 1.28-3.00)were independent risk factors affecting 5-year OS after initial treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions:Age,tumor diameter and inguinal lymph node status are related factors that affect the prognosis of primary vulvar malignant tumors after initial treatment.If high-risk factors exist,such as lymph node metastasis after operation or large tumor lesions,it is recommended to supplement radiotherapy and chemotherapy to improve survival progno-sis.
7.The Historical Origin and Academic Research of Spasticity after Stroke
Shanshan ZENG ; Lingying WU ; Ran LI ; Jie TANG ; Songqing ZHANG ; Lin JIA ; Rui FANG ; Dahua WU ; Le XIE
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1832-1840
Post-stroke spasticity is a series of symptoms after stroke,such as hand and foot urgency,unflexion and extension of muscles,etc.In order to deeply understand the cognition of post-stroke spasticity of ancient Chinese physicians and comb out their therapeutic thoughts,this study took the General Catalogue of Chinese Ancient Books of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a bibliographic reference,all the ancient Chinese literature on spasms after stroke was retrieved manually and by computer,and then sorted and analyzed,and classified them by longitudinal time,and extracted the description about post-stroke spasticity,including medical classics,prescriptions,clinical evidence,medical records and so on.And this paper verified and summarized the etiology,pathogenesis,functional and indications and prescription characteristics of spasticity after stroke,in order to deeply understand systematic theories and treatment ideas of the ancient medical practitioners in the bud,development and mature stages of their understanding of spasticity after stroke,and provide the theoretical basis for the later doctors to understand this disease and the modern clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Correlation between ASXL1 Gene Mutation Characteristics and Clinical Manifestations and Prognosis in Patients with Myelodys-plastic Syndrome
Jia-Le MA ; Yang WANG ; Xue-Bao TENG ; Meng-Xi WANG ; Ci-Xian ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1670-1680
Objective:To explore the correlation between ASXL1 gene mutation characteristics and clinical manifestations and prognosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Methods:The clinical date of 264 patients with MDS in Xuzhou Central Hospital,Southeast University from August 2010 to April 2024 was retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into ASXL1wt group and ASXL1mut group according to the presence of ASXL1 gene mutation,and the correlation between gene mutation characteristics and clinical manifestations and prognosis was analyzed.Results:Compared with ASXL1wt group,the ASXL1mut group had a higher age of onset(P<0.05),a higher proportion of males(P<0.05),while the incidence of del(5q)was lower(P<0.01).The mutation frequency of ASXL1 in MDS patients was 21.97%,and most of them were frameshift mutations.The p.Gly646fs was the most common amino acid variant,with a mutation frequency of 20.69%.The median overall survival(OS)and leukemia-free survival of patients with this sequence variant was 18.1 and 23.8 months,respectively,while in those without this sequence variant was 30 months and not reached,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of multivariate analysis showed that the mutation of NRAS,WT1,KIT gene and the p.Gly646fs sequence mutation of ASXL1 gene were independent prognostic factors for OS in ASXL1mut patients.The median OS of ASXL1wt and ASXL1mut patients was 27.9(21.3-40.4)and 23.7(18.6-NA)months,respectively(P>0.05).Among 58 ASXL1mut patients,5 cases(8.6%)transformed to acute leukemia,including 3 cases with RUNX1 mutation and 3 cases with TET2 mutation.Among 206 ASXL1wt patients,28 cases(13.6%)transformed to acute leukemia.The difference in leukemia transformation rate between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The efficacy of different treatment regimens was similar in the ASXL1mut group,while in the ASXL1wt group,patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had a significantly better prognosis than those receiving other treatment regimens(P<0.001).The overall response rate to demethylation therapy was 68.7%and 67.6%in ASXL1mut and ASXL1wt group,respectively,and the difference between the two groups was not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:The overall survival of MDS patients with ASXL1mut is poor.The patients with p.Gly646fs sequence mutation have a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts and a worse prognosis.There are no statistical differences in efficacy of different treatment strategies in ASXL1mut group.ASXL1 mutation shows no significant effect on the response of MDS to hypomethylating agent therapy.
9.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
10.Regulated cell death in age-related macular degeneration: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Le-Le ZHANG ; Jia-Mei YU ; Zhong-Xi FAN ; Wen-Qi XIE ; Liang ZOU ; Feiya SHENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(11):101285-101285
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a predominant cause of blindness among older adults, with limited therapeutic options currently available. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and retinal pigment epithelium injury are recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of AMD. Regulated cell death plays a pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to stress, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and contributing to disease progression. Recent research has elucidated several regulated cell death pathways-such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy-that may contribute to the progression of AMD owing to cell death in the retinal pigment epithelium. These discoveries open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in patients with AMD. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the latest advancements regarding the relationship between regulated cell death and AMD. Moreover, we examined the therapeutic potential of targeting regulated cell death pathways for the treatment and prevention of AMD, highlighting their roles as promising targets for future therapeutic strategies.

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