1.Prognostic significance of TRIM28 elevation in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia
Siqi GONG ; Cong LI ; Mengmeng FAN ; Huiping WANG ; Wanqiu ZHANG ; Xue LIANG ; Qianshan TAO ; Qiang HONG ; Zhimin ZHAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):301-308
ObjectiveTo clarify the expression of TRIM28 in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its correlation with clinical indicators and prognosis, and to further explore the effect of TRIM28 expression levels on the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells using small interfering RNA. MethodsThe GSE34577 dataset was analyzed using R software to compare TRIM28 expression between healthy controls and non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Clinical samples from non-M3 AML patients were collected, with TRIM28 expression levels measured using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The analysis focused on correlations between TRIM28 expression and various clinical indicators, treatment efficacy, and patient prognosis. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology was employed to downregulate TRIM28 expression in human primary AML cells (HL60 cell line). The effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were then assessed through CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that TRIM28 was up-regulated in non-M3 AML of both online database GSE34577 and clinical samples (P<0.000 1), TRIM28 expression of new diagnosis group and relapsed refractory group was higher than iron deficiency anemia group (P<0.01), and there was no significance between different French-American-British classification systems subtype. TRIM28 expression was higher in non-M3 AML patients with a poor genetic prognosis stratified as moderate than in the good prognosis group, and TRIM28 expression was associated with NPM1 combined with the FLT3-ITD mutation, positively correlated with age, bone marrow blast, peripheral blood blast and white blood cell, negatively correlated with hemoglobin. In addition, interference TRIM28 greatly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. ConclusionThis study reveals that TRIM28 is highly expressed in non-M3 AML and associated with prognosis, and plays a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells, suggesting that TRIM28 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for non-M3 AML.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
4.Current Status and Prospects of Artificial Intelligence Technologyin Minimally Invasive Gastric Cancer Surgery
Tao ZHANG ; Boer SU ; Guanxing LIANG ; Shiman DAI ; Jiawei CHEN ; Zhengjie LIU ; Cheng PENG ; Rong LIU ; Qinglan LIN ; Yidan WU ; Yuhui WU ; Jiaming WEN ; Hong WANG ; Hao CHEN ; Jiang YU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):933-942
Gastric cancer remains a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, with surgical resection currently constituting the cornerstone of treatment aimed at improving long-term patient survival. Owing to their notable advantages, including reduced surgical trauma and accelerated postoperative recovery, minimally invasive procedures are progressively supplanting conventional open surgery and have become the mainstream approach in gastric cancer management. Concurrently, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has enabled real-time intraoperative monitoring of surgical scenes, thereby furnishing novel technical support for adjunctive decision-making, surgical navigation, and skill assessment during gastrectomy. This article provides a systematic review of the current status of AI applications in minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery, with a particular focus on research progress pertaining to instrument recognition, surgical phase identification, delineation of normal anatomical structures, detection of metastatic foci, and early warning of intraoperative adverse events. Furthermore, we discuss the potential value of AI in enhancing surgical efficiency, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing surgical education. On this basis, we further analyze the principal challenges and inherent risks confronting current AI systems, with the aim of informing future technological innovation and facilitating clinical translation.
5.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Shuangmei ZHAO ; Hong WANG ; Suying WANG ; Jiale MA ; Long PENG ; Hengyu ZHANG ; Dewen LIANG ; Wang GAO ; Huizhen LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):282-291
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolic dysfunction. Its global prevalence is increasing year by year and shows a trend toward younger onset. It is closely associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and extrahepatic malignant tumors, and has become a major public health problem affecting the health of the Chinese population. At present, the treatment of MAFLD mainly focuses on lifestyle intervention. When metabolic cardiovascular risk factors and liver injury are present, pharmacological intervention is required. However, there is still no specific drug therapy for MAFLD. In recent years, many studies have found that the pathogenesis of MAFLD involves interactions among multiple factors, including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, programmed cell death, immune dysregulation, inflammasomes, gut microbiota imbalance, and bile acid metabolism. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages in integrated regulation with multiple components and multiple targets, and shows significant efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD. Active components of Chinese medicinal herbs and Chinese medicine compound formulas exert definite therapeutic effects by regulating multiple signaling pathways to improve lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit inflammatory responses, and regulate the gut microbiota, thereby effectively improving clinical symptoms and delaying the occurrence and development of MAFLD. Therefore, strengthening research on the mechanisms of action of TCM in MAFLD is of crucial importance and significance for its treatment. This article summarizes the mechanisms by which Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulas intervene in MAFLD through the regulation of related signaling pathways, based on the retrieval and analysis of relevant literature from multiple databases, with the aim of providing theoretical support and a reference basis for the clinical application of TCM in the treatment of MAFLD.
6.Association between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hormone levels in fetal umbilical cord blood
Kang'ao SUN ; Yanmei WU ; Hongbing FU ; Xia WANG ; Hong LIANG ; Jingchuan XUE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):917-925
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by environmental persistence and have been ubiquitously detected in pregnant women. Although existing evidence suggests that PFAS may exert endocrine-disrupting effects, evidence remains limited regarding the associations of individual legacy and emerging PFAS congeners, as well as PFAS mixtures, with fetal hormonal homeostasis. Objective Based on the Jiashan Birth Cohort in China, to investigate the associations between maternal plasma concentrations of legacy and emerging PFAS in the second trimester and levels of multiple hormones in fetal cord blood. Methods A total of 336 women in the second trimester from the Jiashan Birth Cohort were enrolled. Concentrations of 53 legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in maternal plasma, and levels of eight key hormones were determined in fetal cord blood. Multiple linear regression, restricted cubic spline, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models were used to examine the linear, nonlinear, and joint associations of individual PFAS and PFAS mixtures with fetal cord blood hormone levels. Results Maternal plasma concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and 8:2 chlorinated perfluoroether sulfonic acid were positively associated with cord blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), with β values of 0.040, 0.050, 0.040, and 0.030, respectively (all P<0.05). In contrast, perfluoroheptanoic acid was negatively associated with prolactin levels (β=−0.060, P<0.01). Restricted cubic spline models revealed a nonlinear dose–response relationship between perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and growth hormone (likelihood ratio test P=0.045), with a positive association in the intermediate concentration interval (β=0.261, P=0.010) that turned negative at higher concentrations (β=−0.425, P=0.048), as well as a nonlinear trend between 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid and prolactin (likelihood ratio test P=0.074). Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis indicated a negative trend between PFAS mixture exposure and cord blood prolactin levels. Conclusion Maternal PFAS exposure in the second trimester is associated with higher insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and lower prolactin levels in fetal cord blood. Prolactin appears to be consistently associated with both individual PFAS congeners and PFAS mixtures. These findings suggest that maternal PFAS exposure may affect fetal endocrine homeostasis by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-prolactin regulatory axis.
7.The effects of chronic hypoxia on lipid metabolism in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis based on transcriptomics analysis
Kang SONG ; Hong LIANG ; Ruyi MA ; Li WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1431-1438
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of chronic hypoxic exposure on lipid metabolism in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis mice via transcriptomic analysis. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control group (normal diet), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis group (MASH, high-fat diet), hypoxic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis group (CH-MASH, high-fat diet). After 12 weeks, CH-MASH was given hypoxia intervention (altitude=3 800 m) for 4 weeks. Differentially expressed genes in the livers of mice from the three groups were identified using transcriptome sequencing, followed by GO and KEGG analyses. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and liver function parameters were measured, and hepatic histomorphological changes were observed by HE staining. ResultsSerum TG and TC significantly increased in MASH group and CH-MASH group compared with Control group. Compared to MASH group, serum TG and TC obviously increased in CH-MASH. HE staining suggested that the lipid level of CH-MASH was reduced compared with MASH. Liver transcriptomes differed markedly between CH-MASH and MASH mice. A total of 1 005 differentially expressed genes were screened. A total of 1 151 significantly enriched GO terms were obtained including extracellular regions, intrinsic components of membranes, lipid metabolism processes, small molecule metabolism processes, and small molecule synthesis processes KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in 41 pathways, including metabolic pathway, retinol metabolic pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, sterol synthesis pathway etc. In the screening protein interaction network, the closely connected genes related to lipid metabolism under hypoxia were Acaca, Hmgcs1, Acat2, Cyp51和Msmo1. The results of RT-qPCR were consistent. ConclusionChronic hypoxia significantly alters liver lipid metabolism transcription levels in MASH mice. The key genes and pathways screened in this study provide clues for further research on the mechanism of hypoxia exposure affecting liver metabolic changes in MASH mice.
8.Xuanbi Xuanfuhua Decoction intervenes in pulmonary source sepsis in rats by regulating PANapoptosis-related proteins
Guangyao WANG ; Sheng XIE ; Liqun LI ; Jinjing TAN ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Jing LIANG ; Xiaohua HONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(4):479-489
Xuanbi Xuanfuhua Decoction(XBXFHD), as an empirical formula developed by Professor Xie Sheng, a National Qihuang Scholar, for the treatment of critical and severe respiratory diseases, has demonstrated definite efficacy in pulmonary sepsis, but its mechanism of action requires further investigation. This study explores the intervention effect of XBXFHD on pulmonary sepsis in rats from the perspective of regulating PANapoptosis. A rat model of pulmonary sepsis was successfully established by combined intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with control and different dosage drug groups established. HE staining, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate pathological changes in lung tissue, levels of inflammatory factors, cell apoptosis, expression of pan-apoptosis-related proteins (such as Caspase-3, Bcl-2, ZBP1, RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL), and the proportion of CD4+ T cell subsets (Th17 and Treg). The results showed that XBXFHD significantly reduced alveolar inflammatory infiltration, congestion, and lung injury scores (P < 0.05), decreased the wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lungs, and reduced protein exudation in BALF. At the same time, XBXFHD inhibited the expression of Caspase-3, upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2 (P < 0.01), significantly reduced the apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of pan-apoptosis-related proteins (high-dose drug group P < 0.01). In addition, the formula reduced the proportion of Th17 (P < 0.01), increased the proportion of Treg (P < 0.05), downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (such as IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α), and upregulated the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (such as IL-4, IL-10) (P < 0.05). The drug's effects were dose-dependent. These results indicate that XBXFHD improves pulmonary sepsis-related lung injury by inhibiting PANapoptosis-related proteins, regulating the Th17/Treg immune balance, and reducing inflammatory responses, with dose-dependent effects, providing experimental evidence for the clinical application of this formula.
9.Construction of glioma microfluidic chip model and its application research on evaluation the medicinal efficacy of the Chinese medicine Scutellaria barbata
Piaoxue YOU ; Lan CHEN ; Yiwei SHI ; Hui WANG ; Liang CHAO ; Zhanying HONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):59-66
Objective To construct a glioma microfluidic chip model to simulate tumor microenvironment for evaluating the medicinal efficacy of anti-glioma traditional Chinese medicines. Methods Glioblastoma cells U251 were seeded into microfluidic chips with different culture modes, and the cell viability and tumour microenvironment within the constructed model were characterized. Fluorescence staining was used to evaluate the effects of the positive drugs temozolomide (TMZ) and docetaxel (DOC) on the cell activity and apoptosis within the model, which was applied to evaluate the medicinal efficacy of the extracts of the herb Scutellaria barbata on gliomas. Results The cells in the constructed U251 microfluidic chip model displayed high viability and were able to mimic the hypoxic microenvironment of tumor to a certain extent. The viability of the U251 cells in the microfluidic chips decreased with the increasing of the concentration of the positive drug, and the viability of the 3D cultured U251 cells was higher than that in the 2D condition (P<0.05). The intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential decreased with the increasing of the concentration of the positive drug. And the 2 mg/ml Scutellaria barbata extract killed U251 cells to a certain extent and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells in the model. Conclusion This study successfully constructed a microfluidic chip model of glioma that could effectively simulate the tumor microenvironment and rapidly evaluate the anti-tumor medicinal efficacy, which provided a new strategy for the medicinal efficacy evaluation and active components screening of anti-glioma traditional Chinese medicines.
10.Study on the pharmacological effects and mechanism of Gegen-Zhimu herb pair in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS metabolomics strategy
Liang CHAO ; Hui WANG ; Shuqi SHEN ; Piaoxue YOU ; Kaihong JI ; Zhanying HONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):30-40
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Puerariae lobatae radix (PLR) and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR) in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and explore its potential mechanism of action by LC-MS serum metabolomics strategy. Methods The AD rat model was established by administering aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-gal) for 20 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine intervention group was given the PLR, AR, and PLR-AR extracts for 8 weeks by gavage. The model effect and efficacy were evaluated by Morris water maze test and biochemical indicators including SOD, NO, and MDA; Metabolomics research based on the UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS method was conducted, and relevant metabolic pathways were analyzed through the MetaboAnalyst online website. Results The learning and memory abilities of AD model rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group, and the levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxides were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the SOD content was decreased considerably (P<0.01). The learning and memory abilities of AD model rats were improved, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels were reversed, and serum SOD content was increased significantly after the intervention of PLR-AR, with better effects than single drugs. Through metabolomics, 70 differential metabolites were identified between the AD model group and the control group, mainly involving 10 pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, et.al. The intervention of PLR-AR could adjust 47 metabolites, with 20 metabolites showing significant differences (P<0.05). The significantly adjusted metabolites involve 6 pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, et al. Conclusion The combination of PLR and AR could significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of AD rat models. The mechanism may be related to the improvement of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels, the increase of serum SOD content, and the regulation of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways.


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