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.Retrospective analysis of a tuberculosis outbreak among junior high school students in Chongqing
LI Jianqiong, ZHANG Ting, CHEN Aihua, WANG Qingya, ZHANG Ya, CHEN Jian, TANG Jie, LI Liang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):741-746
Objective:
To analyze changes in tuberculosis infection among junior high school students before and after tuberculosis exposure, so as to provide a reference for improving school tuberculosis prevention and control measures and policy formulation.
Methods:
Retrospectively collect data on a tuberculosis outbreak that occurred in a grade of a junior high school in Chongqing in 2025, including tuberculosis screening records of students in this grade upon their enrollment in 2022 (1 156 students) and after two tuberculosis outbreaks in 2023 (206 students) and 2025 (171 students). The Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired design was used to compare the induration diameters of the subjects, and the Chi square test was adopted to analyze the rate of tuberculosis infection among students.
Results:
In the tuberculosis outbreak in 2023, the rate of tuberculosis infection among close contacts ( 11.84 %) and the rate of tuberculosis infection among freshrman at school enrollment (12.89%) showed no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=0.25, P >0.05). The rate of tuberculosis infection of close contacts in the 2025 tuberculosis outbreak (55.56%) was higher than that in the 2023 outbreak (11.84%) ( χ 2=30.42, P <0.01). Among the 106 students included in the cohort analysis, the median induration diameter was 3.50 (1.50, 7.50) mm in 2023 and 8.75 (4.25, 11.50) mm in 2025, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-5.76, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the infection rate in 2022 (16.98%) and that in 2023 (10.38%) ( χ 2=1.96, P =0.16). The infection rate in 2025 (43.40%) was higher than those in 2022 and 2023 ( χ 2=17.55, 29.39, both P <0.017). The seroconversion rate of students in the same class in 2025 ( 58.00 %) was higher than that of students in different classes (16.07%), with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=20.19, P <0.01). All 72 individuals with latent tuberculosis infections identified during the pandemic in 2023 and 2025 refused to undergo prophylactic treatment.
Conclusions
The lack of preventive treatment may be the underlying cause of the successive outbreaks during the epidemic. Early detection of infection sources and standardized outbreak management are crucial to controlling the spread of the epidemic.
3.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
4.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
5.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
7.Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Between Gynecological Teaching Outpatient Clinics and General Clinics and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Xiaochen SONG ; Huiying HU ; Qian ZHOU ; Jie YIN ; Shuo LIANG ; Xiaochuan LI ; Rong CHEN ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1390-1396
To evaluate patient satisfaction levels in a gynecological teaching clinic and to explore its associated influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for optimizing the operational model of teaching clinics. This was a single-center retrospective cross-sectional survey. Patients who attended the gynecological teaching clinic(teaching clinic group) and the general outpatient clinic(general clinic group) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled. Satisfaction wasassessed using the Chinese version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18, with the 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction as the primary outcome. Ordinal logistic regression was employed to identify independent influencing factors of satisfaction. A total of 1146 patients(578 in the teaching clinic group and 568 in the general clinic group) were enrolled, among whom 985 completed the questionnaire follow-up(496 in the teaching clinic group and 489 in the general clinic group), yielding a response rate of 85.95%. The 5-level ordinal overall satisfaction was higher in the teaching clinic group than in the general clinic group( Patient satisfaction in the gynecological teaching clinic is relatively high, with notable strength in doctor-patient communication; however, there remains room for improvement in technical service quality and humanistic care. Adequate consultation duration and the teaching clinic model are associated with higher patient satisfaction.
8.Detection and trends of HIVAIDS cases in medical institutions in China from 2017 to 2023
LIANG Fuxin ; WANG Shaorong ; QIN Qianqian ; LI Hui ; HAN Jing ; XU Jie
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(3):358-
Objective To analyse the crude detection rate and trends of newly detected HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions in China from 2017 to 2023, and to provide a reference for optimizing HIV testing strategies in medical institutions. Methods Data on HIV testing and newly reported HIV/AIDS cases were analysed using data from the Comprehensive AIDS Prevention and Control Information System of the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention for the period from 2017 to 2023. HIV testing in medical institutions includes patients tested preoperatively, those tested before transfusion, those tested in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, prenatal care clinics, and other types of patients. Descriptive statistical analysis and χ2 test were performed using SAS 9.4 software. Joinpoint regression was performed using Joinpoint 4.9.0 software to analyse trends of the crude detection rates over time. Results From 2017 to 2023, the person-times of HIV tests in medical institutions increased from 143 million to 255 million, with an increase of 78.07%. The number of newly detected HIV/AIDS cases increased from 74 000 to 88 000 and then declined to 69 000. The crude detection rate of new HIV/AIDS cases declined from 5.18/10 000 to 2.71/10 000, showed a declining trend, the mean annual percentage change was -9.99%(P<0.001). The crude detection rate of new HIV/AIDS cases in STD clinics was the highest among all types of clinic visits (12.79/10 000-24.47/10 000), and the crude detection rate of new cases among all types of clinic visits showed a decreasing trend(P<0.05). Among different medical institutions, general hospitals were the most important source of the number of tests and the number of newly detected HIV/AIDS cases, accounting for more than 62.93% and 62.68%, respectively. Specialised medical institutions had the highest crude detection rate of new cases, which was maintained at more than 5.13/10 000. The crude detection rate of new cases for all four types of medical institutions, except for primary medical institutions, showed a decreasing trend (P<0.05). Conclusions The detection rate of new cases in medical institutions showed a decreasing trend in 2017-2023, and the efficiency of STD clinics testing and detection was higher among all types of attendees. General hospitals are the main source of new cases detection, and testing in specialised medical institutions is more efficient. Testing should be strengthened in key groups of patients and in key medical institutions.
9.Proportion and clinical characteristics of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and associated liver fibrosis in an urban Chinese population.
Mengmeng HOU ; Qi GU ; Jiawei CUI ; Yao DOU ; Xiuhong HUANG ; Jie LI ; Liang QIAO ; Yuemin NAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(7):829-837
BACKGROUND:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the predominant form of chronic liver disease worldwide. This study was designed to investigate the proportion and characteristics of MAFLD within the general Chinese population and to identify the contributory risk factors for liver fibrosis among MAFLD individuals.
METHODS:
The participants were recruited from a cohort undergoing routine health evaluations at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between May 2019 and March 2023. The diagnosis of MAFLD was based on the established clinical practice guidelines. The fibrosis-4 index score (FIB-4) was employed to evaluate hepatic fibrosis, with a FIB-4 score of ≥1.3 indicating significant fibrosis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in MAFLD.
RESULTS:
A total of 22,970 participants who underwent comprehensive medical examinations were included in the analysis. The overall proportion of MAFLD was 28.77% (6608/22,970), with 16.87% (1115/6608) of these patients showing significant fibrosis as assessed using FIB-4. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients were male (odds ratio [OR] = 0.676, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.558-0.821), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (OR = 2.611, 95% CI: 1.557-4.379), body mass index ≥23.00 kg/m 2 (OR = 0.632, 95% CI: 0.470-0.851), blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg (OR = 1.885, 95% CI: 1.564-2.272), and plasma glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L (OR = 1.815, 95% CI: 1.507-2.186) (all P <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The proportion of MAFLD in an urban Chinese population is 28.77%. About 16.87% of MAFLD patients presented with significant liver fibrosis. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients should be noticed.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Liver Cirrhosis/pathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Adult
;
Fatty Liver/pathology*
;
Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Logistic Models
;
Urban Population
;
East Asian People
10.Equivalence of SYN008 versus omalizumab in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled phase III study.
Jingyi LI ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Wenli FENG ; Liehua DENG ; Hong FANG ; Chao JI ; Youkun LIN ; Furen ZHANG ; Rushan XIA ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Shuping GUO ; Mao LIN ; Yanling LI ; Shoumin ZHANG ; Xiaojing KANG ; Liuqing CHEN ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Xu YAO ; Chengxin LI ; Xiuping HAN ; Guoxiang GUO ; Qing GUO ; Xinsuo DUAN ; Jie LI ; Juan SU ; Shanshan LI ; Qing SUN ; Juan TAO ; Yangfeng DING ; Danqi DENG ; Fuqiu LI ; Haiyun SUO ; Shunquan WU ; Jingbo QIU ; Hongmei LUO ; Linfeng LI ; Ruoyu LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):2040-2042


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