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.Pain after total knee arthroplasty:current status and trend analysis
Anqi ZHANG ; Haotian HUA ; Tianyuan CAI ; Zicheng WANG ; Zhuo MENG ; Xiaoqian ZHAN ; Guoqian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):795-804
BACKGROUND:The number of patients receiving total knee arthroplasty has been increasing globally each year.Pain management is a crucial aspect following total knee arthroplasty,as effective pain control can facilitate early mobilization,reduce complications,enhance patient satisfaction,and accelerate the rehabilitation process.OBJECTIVE:To construct a visual map of post-total knee arthroplasty pain,understand the international research status and trends in this field,and provide a reference for future studies.METHODS:Relevant research articles on post-total knee arthroplasty pain were retrieved from the CNKI,WanFang Data,and Web of Science core databases,covering the period from January 2000 to December 2023.The CiteSpace software(version 6.2.3)was used to analyze the annual publication output,authors,institutions,countries,keywords,and references.Utilizing R programming language(version 4.4.1),a database was established to create line charts and bar graphs.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Our analysis included 3 796 publications,predominantly in Chinese(3 509 articles)with the remainder in English(287 articles).(2)The United States was the most productive country in English literature,with Harvard University leading institutional output.Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was the top publishing institution in Chinese literature.(3)Keyword clustering identified"quality of life,""phobia,"and"acupuncture"as emerging focal points in Chinese literature,while"satisfaction"and"psychological factors"were prominent in English literature over the past five years.Co-occurrence and clustering analysis revealed dense internal connections among institutions,authors,and publications,but sparse external collaborations.(4)The study's bias on visualization analysis may have introduced bias by excluding less influential papers.(5)Regarding research hotspots,domestic research emphasized the efficacy and exploration of analgesic methods,in contrast to international research that focused on pain mechanism subtyping and analgesic drug innovation.Future research is expected to trend towards traditional Chinese medicine for postoperative pain,multimodal analgesia,and the investigation and prevention of pain typing mechanisms.
3.Pain after total knee arthroplasty:current status and trend analysis
Anqi ZHANG ; Haotian HUA ; Tianyuan CAI ; Zicheng WANG ; Zhuo MENG ; Xiaoqian ZHAN ; Guoqian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):795-804
BACKGROUND:The number of patients receiving total knee arthroplasty has been increasing globally each year.Pain management is a crucial aspect following total knee arthroplasty,as effective pain control can facilitate early mobilization,reduce complications,enhance patient satisfaction,and accelerate the rehabilitation process.OBJECTIVE:To construct a visual map of post-total knee arthroplasty pain,understand the international research status and trends in this field,and provide a reference for future studies.METHODS:Relevant research articles on post-total knee arthroplasty pain were retrieved from the CNKI,WanFang Data,and Web of Science core databases,covering the period from January 2000 to December 2023.The CiteSpace software(version 6.2.3)was used to analyze the annual publication output,authors,institutions,countries,keywords,and references.Utilizing R programming language(version 4.4.1),a database was established to create line charts and bar graphs.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Our analysis included 3 796 publications,predominantly in Chinese(3 509 articles)with the remainder in English(287 articles).(2)The United States was the most productive country in English literature,with Harvard University leading institutional output.Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was the top publishing institution in Chinese literature.(3)Keyword clustering identified"quality of life,""phobia,"and"acupuncture"as emerging focal points in Chinese literature,while"satisfaction"and"psychological factors"were prominent in English literature over the past five years.Co-occurrence and clustering analysis revealed dense internal connections among institutions,authors,and publications,but sparse external collaborations.(4)The study's bias on visualization analysis may have introduced bias by excluding less influential papers.(5)Regarding research hotspots,domestic research emphasized the efficacy and exploration of analgesic methods,in contrast to international research that focused on pain mechanism subtyping and analgesic drug innovation.Future research is expected to trend towards traditional Chinese medicine for postoperative pain,multimodal analgesia,and the investigation and prevention of pain typing mechanisms.
4.Traditional Chinese medicine for recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Fengqi LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Junchang LIU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):87-95
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss undermines the physical and mental health of women. Recent randomized controlled trials have reported some effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of TCM for patients with RPL and to explore whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness. Methods: Ten databases were searched up to May 27, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Pairwise and network analyses were conducted using Stata 18.0. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials enrolling 6678 women with RPL were included. Pairwise analysis showed that use of TCM had a significantly lower miscarriage rate (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.45, 0.55]), lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67, 0.98), and lower adverse event rate (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.37, 0.58]). Moreover, use of TCM was associated with a higher alive-fetus rate (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15, 1.26]), live-birth rate (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.15, 1.25]), and full-term rate (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.23, 1.53]) compared with nonuse of TCM. Network analysis demonstrated that Bushenshugan combined with conventional Western medicine was ranked the best for the reduction of miscarriage rate. Discussion: Use of TCM is more likely to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce adverse events compared with nonuse of TCM in patients with RPL. Different TCM methods have differences in reducing the miscarriage rate. The Bushenshugan method might be a potential optimal TCM therapy, but more high-quality evidence is needed to further validate and evaluate the efficacy and safety.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Zijingpi in Famous Classical Formulas
Shuyi YANG ; Linmin FENG ; Wuwei MENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):212-224
By consulting herbal texts, medical records, formula collections, and other relevant literature from various historical periods, as well as modern and contemporary research materials, different aspects of the historical evolution of Zijingpi, including its name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal part, genuine producing areas, harvesting, processing, and preparation, properties and flavors, and primary indications, were systematically reviewed and verified, providing a basis for the development of famous classical formula preparations containing this medicinal material. According to the textual research, Cercis chinensis was first recorded under the name "Zijingmu" in the Rihuazi Bencao from the Five Dynasties period. From the Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it was known by various names such as "Zijing", "Zijingpi", and "Zijingmupi". In modern and contemporary times, it has been officially named "Zijingpi", with aliases such as "Mantiaohong", "Zihuashu", and "Qingminghua". Historically, the mainstream source of Zijingpi was the dried bark of Cercis chinensis Bunge, a species of the legume family. However, there were also instances of confusion with the Lythraceae plant Lagerstroemia indica L. The producing areas of Zijingpi have no special geographical limitation, and the plant is currently distributed throughout most parts of China. There were no special requirements for harvesting time in ancient times, while modern records indicate harvesting time in spring, summer, and autumn. Ancient processing methods were rarely recorded, with only mentions of stir-frying Zijingpi. Modern practice mostly uses the raw material medicinally. Modern standards prefer it to be "dry, long strips, and thick". The functions of Zijingpi, mainly to promote blood circulation, relieve strangury, and detoxify, have remained consistent from ancient to modern times. Based on the textual research findings, it is recommended that when developing and exploiting the famous classical formulas containing Zijingpi, the bark of C. chinensis should be selected as the source. The processing method should be chosen according to the formula requirements, and if no specific requirements are indicated, it is suggested to use the raw material medicinally.
6.Buyang Huanwu Decoction reduces mitochondrial autophagy in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts in hypoxic culture by inhibiting the BNIP3-PI3K/Akt pathway
Junping ZHAN ; Shuo HUANG ; Qingliang MENG ; Wei FAN ; Huimin GU ; Jiakang CUI ; Huilian WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):35-42
Objective To investigate the role of the BNIP3-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mediating the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWT)on mitochondrial autophagy in human synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis patients(FLS-RA)cultured under a hypoxic condition.Methods Forty normal Wistar rats were randomized into two groups(n=20)for daily gavage of BYHWT or distilled water for 7 days to prepare BYHWT-medicated or control sera.FLS-RA were cultured in routine condition or exposed to hypoxia(10%O2)for 24 h wigh subsequent treatment with IL-1β,followed by treatment with diluted BYHWT-medicated serum(5%,10%and 20%)or control serum.AnnexinV-APC/7-AAD double staining and T-AOC kit were used for detecting apoptosis and total antioxidant capacity of the cells,and the changes in ROS,ATP level,mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+homeostasis were analyzed.The changes in mRNA and protein expressions of BNIP3,PI3K and AKT and mRNA expressions of LC3,Beclin-1 and P62 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Results Treatment with BYHWT-medicated serum dose-dependently lowered apoptosis rate of IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure.The treatment significantly decreased T-AOC concentration,increased ROS production,autophagosome formation and ATPase levels,and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+level in the cells.In IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure,treatment with BYHWT-medicated serum significantly increased BNIP3 protein expression,decreased the protein expressions of PI3K and AKT,increased the mRNA expressions of BNIP3 and P62,and lowered the mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,LC3 and Beclin-1 without significantly affecting Beclin-1 protein expression.The cells treated with 5%and 10%BYHWT-medicated serum showed no significant changes in LC3 expression.Conclusion BYHWT inhibits mitochondrial autophagy in IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure possibly by inhibiting BNIP3-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
7.Construction and validation of a digital and intelligent competence training program for specialized nurses in Central Sterile Supply Departments
Yuanzhi GUO ; Zhuoya YAO ; Junjie WANG ; Pei ZHAO ; Meng ZHAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Manchun LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1624-1630
Objective To construct the training program for the digital and intelligent capabilities of specialized nurses in the Central Sterile Supply Department(CSSD),and conduct preliminary practice to provide talent support for the intelligent development of CSSD.Methods From February to April 2024,based on the core technologies of digital intelligence and related core capabilities,a training program for digital intelligence-related competencies of CSSD specialized nurses was constructed using literature review and the Delphi expert consultation method.From July to August 2024,the program was initially implemented in the training of CSSD specialized nurses.The nurses'information competency before and after the training was compared,and the nurses' satisfaction with the digital intelligence-related training program was assessed.Results This study conducted 2 rounds of expert consultation via questionnaire.The effective recovery rate of the questionnaires in both rounds was 100%.The expert authority coefficients were 0.790 and 0.800,respectively,and the variation coefficients ranged from 0 to 0.229 and 0 to 0.105.Ultimately,a training program for the digital-related competencies of CSSD specialty nurses was established,which includes 4 components:training objectives,training content,training methods,and assessment methods.Specifically,there were 3 indicators at the first level and 14 at the second level for training objectives,6 indicators at the first level and 32 at the second level for training content,and 6 indicators at the first level for training methods and assessment methods.After the implementation of the training program,the information competency of the nurses in all dimensions and the total score were significantly higher than those before training(P<0.05).Moreover,the average scores for the training content,training methods,and assessment methods were all above 3 points,indicating a high overall satisfaction among the nurses.Conclusion The construction process of the training program for the digital and intelligent capabilities of CSSD specialty nurses is scientific and reliable.The content is highly practical and distinctive in its specialty.The training methods and assessment approaches are diverse.This program can enhance nurses' information competency and provide a reference for the implementation of digital and intelligent training for CSSD specialty nurses.
8.Klotho protein attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury of rat cardiomyocytes via regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Yinghui GUO ; Hongyan DAI ; Xueping YAO ; Xuanyu MENG ; Xiaoting ZUO ; Zhan SUN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(11):2137-2143
AIM:To investigate the protective effects of Klotho protein against hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-in-duced damage in rat cardiomyocytes,and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were divided into 4 groups:control,H/R,low-concentration(1 μmol/L)Klotho+H/R,and high-concentration(10 μmol/L)Klotho+H/R groups.Cells were pretreated with Klotho at specified concentrations before induction of H/R injury.Flow cytometry was used to determine cardiomyocyte apoptosis rates,while reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured using the DCFH-DA probe.Additionally,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were assessed using biochemical assay kits.Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using the JC-1 as-say,and activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was quantified.Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression of cytochrome C(Cyt-C),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in cardio-myocytes from each group.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the H/R group exhibited significantly increased apoptosis rates(P<0.05),elevated ROS levels and MDA content,decreased SOD activity(P<0.05),reduced mitochon-drial membrane potential(P<0.05),increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity(P<0.05),decreased mitochondrial Cyt-C and Bcl-2 protein expression(P<0.05),and increased cytoplasmic Cyt-C and Bax protein expression(P<0.05).In comparison with the H/R group,both low-and high-concentration Klotho treatments significantly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis(P<0.05),lowered ROS levels and MDA content(P<0.05),increased SOD activity(P<0.05),restored mito-chondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),decreased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity(P<0.05),increased mitochondrial Cyt-C and Bcl-2 expression(P<0.05),and decreased cytoplasmic Cyt-C and Bax expression(P<0.05).Notably,the high-concentration Klotho group demonstrated more pronounced protective effects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Klotho protein exerts protective effects against H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury,possibly by inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.
9.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(6):data sources classification and selection
Ruogu MENG ; Yu YANG ; Feng SUN ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(6):605-611
Appropriate data sources are the cornerstone of pharmacoepidemiological research.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition),hereinafter referred to as"the Guideline(2nd edition)",this article provides an in-depth interpretation of the classification and selection of data sources in pharmacoepidemiological research.It begins with a brief overview of the evolution of data sources in pharmacoepidemiological studies,followed by a detailed analysis of the definitions,applicable scopes,conditions of use,and strengthens and limitations of primary and secondary data sources.It further introduces the characteristics of common data sources and relevant classic domestic and international databases.Subsequently,integrating aspects of the Guideline(2nd edition),including research questions,study design,study population,sample size,exposure or intervention,outcomes,and covariates,the article discusses the criteria and strategies for choosing data sources in pharmacoepidemiological research.Ultimately,a data source selection methodology is established based on clear classification,guided by research questions,tailored to research methods,and supported by data quality,aiming to promote the development of high-quality pharmacoepidemiological research in China.
10.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(5):classic study designs and derivative approaches
Yiying ZHANG ; Shiwenqian YIN ; Shuhan MENG ; Shanjie WANG ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(5):485-493
Pharmacoepidemiology is an interdisciplinary field that applies epidemiological methods to study drug use,effectiveness,and associated risk in populations.Standardizing research methods in this field is crucial for ensuring research quality and promote the development of the discipline.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition),this article interprets the relevant contents about classic research types and their derivative designs.It aims to clarify the types of study methodological designs in pharmacoepidemiology,systematically describe the characteristics and applications classical derivative designs,and compare these with research design frameworks outlined in international pharmacoepidemiological guidelines.Compared to the first edition,the second edition of the guideline has updated and detailed the types of research,updating the research design to original research(interventional research and non-interventional research),secondary research(systematic review,Meta-analysis,economic analysis,etc.),and tertiary research(umbrella review,etc.).Additionally,a variety of derivative designs have been added,including target trial emulation,nested case-control and case-cohort studies,case-crossover designs,self-controlled case series and self-controlled risk interval designs,case-population studies,interrupted time-series analysis,and case-coverage(ecological)designs for vaccine surveillance.This article strengthens the operability of the theoretical guidance of pharmacoepidemiological research methods in practice and provides a reference for conducting high-quality pharmacoepidemiological research.

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