ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

The fat mass and obesity associated gene(FTO),a crucial RNA N6-methyladenosine(m6 A)demethylase,has been reported to influence the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)by modu-lating m6A modifications.GPX4 is a key molecule inhibiting ferroptosis,and the activation of ferroptosis signaling has been demonstrated to significantly reduce lipid accumulation in both mouse primary adipo-cytes and high fat diet fed mice.However,the specific m6A modification sites within the Gpx4 mRNA re-main undefined,and the regulatory role of Gpx4 during mouse adipocyte differentiation is also unclear.Through bioinformatic analysis combined with validation by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequen-cing(MeRIP)-qPCR and single-base elongation-and ligation-based qPCR amplification method(SE-LECT)assays,a key m6A modification site in Gpx4 mRNA was identified at 303 bp downstream from its transcription start site.CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockdown of Gpx4 in 3T3-L1 cells,followed by adipo-genic induction,revealed that Gpx4 knockdown significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplet accumula-tion as assessed by Oil Red O staining(P＜0.001).RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses further dem-onstrated significantly decreased expression of key adipogenic differentiation genes(C/ebpα,Pparγ,Lpl,Fabp4)(P＜0.001).To investigate the temporal specificity of Gpx4 regulation,the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3(100 nmol/L)was administered during different stages of adipogenic differentiation.Results showed that RSL3 treatment specifically during the mitotic clonal expansion phase significantly suppressed the expression of adipogenic genes(Fabp4,Pparγ,Adipoq)and impeded adipogenesis.In summary,this study not only identifies a key m6A modification within the mouse Gpx4 mRNA but,more important-ly,reveals that GPX4 plays a critical regulatory role in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.These findings establish a link between the FTO-m6A-GPX4-ferroptosis regulatory axis and adipocyte differentiation,providing novel theoretical insights into the pathological mechanisms of obesity and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.

The fat mass and obesity associated gene(FTO),a crucial RNA N6-methyladenosine(m6 A)demethylase,has been reported to influence the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)by modu-lating m6A modifications.GPX4 is a key molecule inhibiting ferroptosis,and the activation of ferroptosis signaling has been demonstrated to significantly reduce lipid accumulation in both mouse primary adipo-cytes and high fat diet fed mice.However,the specific m6A modification sites within the Gpx4 mRNA re-main undefined,and the regulatory role of Gpx4 during mouse adipocyte differentiation is also unclear.Through bioinformatic analysis combined with validation by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequen-cing(MeRIP)-qPCR and single-base elongation-and ligation-based qPCR amplification method(SE-LECT)assays,a key m6A modification site in Gpx4 mRNA was identified at 303 bp downstream from its transcription start site.CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockdown of Gpx4 in 3T3-L1 cells,followed by adipo-genic induction,revealed that Gpx4 knockdown significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplet accumula-tion as assessed by Oil Red O staining(P＜0.001).RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses further dem-onstrated significantly decreased expression of key adipogenic differentiation genes(C/ebpα,Pparγ,Lpl,Fabp4)(P＜0.001).To investigate the temporal specificity of Gpx4 regulation,the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3(100 nmol/L)was administered during different stages of adipogenic differentiation.Results showed that RSL3 treatment specifically during the mitotic clonal expansion phase significantly suppressed the expression of adipogenic genes(Fabp4,Pparγ,Adipoq)and impeded adipogenesis.In summary,this study not only identifies a key m6A modification within the mouse Gpx4 mRNA but,more important-ly,reveals that GPX4 plays a critical regulatory role in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.These findings establish a link between the FTO-m6A-GPX4-ferroptosis regulatory axis and adipocyte differentiation,providing novel theoretical insights into the pathological mechanisms of obesity and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVE To design and synthesize mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues(MCACs)and investigate the activities of them against breast cancer.METHODS The analogues F1,F2,and F3 were obtained by aldol condensation reaction,and their antitumor activities(including the activities of human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and human lung cancer cell A549)were detected by MTT assay[evaluated with half inhibitory concentration(IC50)].The results of MTT assay were compared with those of curcumin.Bioinformatics methods were used to collect the core targets of analogues F1,F2 and F3 acting on breast cancer,and then molecular docking verification was carried out.The cell experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of high,medium and low concentrations(16,8,4 μmol/L)of F1,F2 and F3 on the expression of the first core target protein as well as the effects of medium concentration of F1,F2 and F3 on the expression of cleaved-caspase-3.RESULTS Compared with curcumin,IC50 of analogues F1,F2 and F3 to A549 and MCF-7 cells(except for IC50 of analogue F2 to A549 cells)were decreased significantly(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);among them,IC50of analogue F2 to MCF-7 cell was the lowest,being(9.67±1.27)μmol/L.Bioinformatics analysis showed that index of affinity of analogues F1,F2 and F3 with the first core target epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),protein kinase B(AKT)and AKT were 5.909 2,8.402 5 and 6.486 6,respectively;high concentration of F1 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of EGFR protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.01),while low,medium,and high concentrations of F2 and high concentration of F3 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Medium concentration of F1,F2,and F3 could significantly increase the expression level of cleaved-caspase-3 protein in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.01).CONCLUSIONS Designed and synthesized MCACs F1,F2 and F3 all have good anti-breast cancer activity,and F2 has better anti-breast cancer activity.

PURPOSE: Lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) is characterized by a persistent abnormally high stress exerted on the lateral articular surface of the patella due to lateral patellar tilt without dislocation and lateral retinaculum contracture, leading to anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of lateral retinaculum release (LRR) combined with chondroplasty in the treatment of LPCS. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 40 patients who underwent LRR combined with chondroplasty for LPCS between 2020 and 2021. The assessment included improvement in postoperative tenderness and knee joint function. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scoring systems, as well as the visual analog scale, both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the paired comparisons analyzed using a t-test. Additionally, intraoperative observations were made regarding knee joint lesions, including cartilage damage and osteophyte formation, with analysis by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The visual analog scale score for tenderness showed a significant decrease after surgery (p < 0.001). Evaluation of knee joint function also indicated significant improvements, as demonstrated by increased Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scores postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, all LPCS patients included in the study presented with cartilage injuries and osteophyte formation. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation at different locations within the knee among patients with LPCS. CONCLUSION LRR combined with chondroplasty is an effective surgical approach for treating patients with LPCS, with satisfactory recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in LPCS patients varies significantly depending on the specific location within the knee joint.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Patella/surgery* ; Knee Joint/physiopathology* ; Recovery of Function ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Cartilage, Articular/surgery* ; Adolescent

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HIV pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) and the transmission clusters associated with PDR-related mutations in newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients between 2020 and 2023 in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province, China. METHODS: Demographic information and plasma samples were collected from study participants. PDR was assessed using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. The Tamura-Nei 93 model within HIV-TRACE was employed to compute pairwise matches with a genetic distance of 0.015 substitutions per site. RESULTS: Among 948 treatment-naive individuals with eligible sequences, 36 HIV subtypes were identified, with unique recombinant forms (URFs) being the most prevalent (18.8%, 178/948). The overall prevalence of PDR was 12.4% (118/948), and resistance to non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 10.7%, 1.3%, and 1.6%, respectively. A total of 91 clusters were identified, among which eight showed evidence of PDR strain transmission. The largest PDR-associated cluster consisted of six CRF01_AE drug-resistant strains carrying K103N and V179T mutations; five of these individuals had initial CD4+ cell counts < 200 cells/μL. CONCLUSION The distribution of HIV subtypes in Dehong is diverse and complex. PDR was moderately prevalent (12.4%) between 2020 and 2023. Evidence of transmission of CRF01_AE strains carrying K103N and V179T mutations was found. Routine surveillance of PDR and the strengthening of control measures are essential to limit the spread of drug-resistance HIV strains.
Humans ; HIV Infections/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; HIV-1/genetics* ; Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use* ; Myanmar/epidemiology* ; Young Adult ; Prevalence ; Adolescent ; Mutation

Objective:To investigate whether biochanin A(BCA)has a protective effect against dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-in-duced ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods:Thirty C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into normal control group,DSS model group,sulfasalazine(SASP)-positive drug control group,and low/medium/high-dose(5 mg/kg,10 mg/kg,and 20 mg/kg)BCA groups.The mouse model of UC was induced by administering 2.5%DSS aqueous solution for 7 days.During the experimental period,both the normal control and model groups were given 0.5%carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution daily by gavage.The positive control group was given 100 mg/kg SASP,while the BCA groups were given BCA suspensions at doses of 5 mg/kg,10 mg/kg,and 20 mg/kg.The ad-ministration lasted for 10 days.Body weight changes and fecal status of the mice were recorded every day;the colon was dissected,col-lected,and measured for its length.The colon was stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for pathomorphological study.Quantitative poly-merase chain reaction was used to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-10(IL-10)in the colon.Immunofluorescence was used to determine the expression of tight junction proteins,zonula occluden-1(ZO-1)and occludin,in the colon.Results:It showed that 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg BCA significantly alleviated weight loss in mice with UC,while 5 mg/kg,10 mg/kg,and 20 mg/kg BCA reduced the disease activity index scores.Additionally,BCA showed similar effects to SASP in improving the structure and reducing the shortening of the colon in mice with UC.Compared with the model group,all BCA groups had significantly decreased TNF-α(P=0.024、P=0.060、P=0.003)and IL-6(P=0.002、P<0.001、P<0.001)and significantly increased IL-10(P=0.006、P=0.003、P<0.001),with varying degrees of up-regulated expression of tight junction proteins.Conclusion:BCA can effectively alleviate DSS-induced symptoms,reduce intes-tinal damage,and protect the intestinal barrier in mice with UC.