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.Effect of Microorganisms on The Spoilage of Donkey Hides From Different Regions
Meng ZHANG ; Qiu-Mei LI ; Jia-Wei KANG ; Jie YU ; Xia LI ; Yue YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):754-766
ObjectiveDonkey hide is the sole legally designated raw material for the preparation of the traditional Chinese medicine Ejiao. The quality stability of donkey hide during preservation directly determines the efficacy and safety of Ejiao. This study focuses on the dynamic succession of microbial communities during the preservation of donkey hides from different origins, aiming to clarify the correlation between microbial biodiversity difference and the degradation profiles of hide collagen and critical biochemical components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing targeted preservation strategies based on microbial regulation. MethodsDonkey hides originating from four different regions were subjected to an accelerated microbial aging assay to simulate the spoilage process. The microbial community succession was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Microstructure changes and pore structure characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, respectively. Additionally, the content of major components, including lipids, proteins, and sugars were determined by biochemical methods. ResultsAfter 96 h of aging, the collagen fiber structure in Africa donkey hides (ADH) exhibited significant degradation and collapse, followed by Xinjiang donkey hides (XDH). Instead, the microstructure of Dong’e black donkey hides (DDH) and Peru donkey hides (PDH) remained relatively intact. The porosities of DDH, XDH, PDH, and ADH increased from 27.9%, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 46.2% to 36.5%, 52.6%, 42.8%, and 57.7%, respectively, during the aging process, which suggested that the originally compact fiber structure was disrupted by microbial aging. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed the amide bands in XDH exhibited relatively weak intensity, and no collagen amide I band was observed in ADH. Meanwhile, the lipid and protein contents decreased in all four types of donkey hides, indicating that these components served as the primary nutrient sources for the growth of microorganism. Notably, the most severe collagen degradation was observed in XDH and ADH. A substantial increase was detected in the total soluble sugar in PDH aging solution and hydroxyproline in the ADH aging solution, respectively. These results indicated that donkey hides exhibit distinct patterns of structural degradation and nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the viable cells number of donkey hides increased sharply after 48 h of aging. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Euryarchaeota in ADH, PDH and XDH declining from initial 93.19%, 97.73% and 30.08% to 0.79%, 1.43% and 0.02% after 96 h, respectively. Conversely, a significantly increase was observed in the abundance of Bacillota, with a marked increase in ADH, peaking at 92.75%. Additionally, the abundance of Pseudomonadota in PDH increased from 0.10% to 87.84%, suggesting that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota may be key factors exacerbating donkey hide spoilage. Unlike the other three types of donkey hides, the dominant bacterial phylum in DDH shifted from Pseudomonadota to Bacteroidota, characterized by a substantial abundance increase of Bacteroidota from 0.13% to 44.22%. ConclusionRegional variation in origin significantly influence the microbial aging of donkey hides, leading to distinct patterns of structural deterioration and differential nutrient utilization. Therefore, implementing origin-specific preservation strategies, through the precisely controlling environmental factors to suppress harmful phyla such as Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, is crucial for enhancing the storage quality of donkey hides.
4.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.
5.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.
6.Characteristics and prognosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Sha CHEN ; Tongtong MENG ; Weijia DUAN ; Shuxiang LI ; Tingting LYU ; Yu WANG ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Hong YOU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(3):206-211
Objective:Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare autoimmune disease. This study aims to describe the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of Chinese PSC patients and explore risk factors associated with prognosis, addressing the lack of long-term prognostic analysis in China.Methods:Clinical data of PSC patients were retrospectively collected from May 2009 to June 2023 in Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, and patient follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits, telephone calls, and medical record reviews. The Cox proportional hazards model and the Kaplan-Meier method were employed to identify risk factors and estimate transplant-free survival.Results:A total of 65 PSC patients were enrolled, with male patients accounting for 50.8% and an average age of onset of 44 years. The disease types primarily included large duct PSC (57.9%) and whole duct PSC (22.8%). Most patients (78.5%) sought medical attention due to symptoms, with common clinical manifestations including jaundice (32.3%), fatigue (23.1%), abdominal discomfort (21.5%), pruritus (16.9%), and fever (10.8%). A total of 19 patients (29.2%) had concomitant ulcerative colitis. Compared to large duct PSC or whole duct PSC, small duct PSC showed a lower proportion of concomitant ulcerative colitis ( P<0.001) and milder baseline disease severity. After a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range: 11,53), 19 patients experienced liver transplantations and/or liver disease-related deaths. The overall 2-year and 5-year transplant-free survival rates for PSC patients were 76.0% and 59.5%, respectively. Elevated bile acid levels were identified as an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in PSC patients. Conclusion:The study population of Chinese PSC patients predominantly consisted of middle-aged males, characterized by a low ratio of asymptomatic cases, a low incidence of associated inflammatory bowel disease, and a low rate of transplant-free survival. Elevated bile acid level was identified as an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in PSC patients.
7.Clinical characteristics and risk factors for disease progression in patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive primary biliary cholangitis
Ying RAN ; Xiaoyi WANG ; Zhen YANG ; Jiwen LI ; Xue ZHANG ; Meng SHEN ; Xinyu WANG ; Hao JIA ; Zongze HAN ; Hui YANG ; Lu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(7):637-644
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and identification of the independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 323 cases with PBC diagnosed in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2013 to June 2023 (125 patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive and 198 patients with anti-gp210 antibody-negative) were included. Baseline and follow-up data were collected. The independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U rank sum test were used for comparison between groups of continuous data. The χ2 test was used to compare the data between groups for the count data. The Pearson test was used for correlation analysis between continuous variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the disease progression-free survival rate. The Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for disease progression. Results:The male proportion (11.2% vs. 5.1%, P=0.040) and IgM level [3.29(1.88, 4.80) g/L vs. 2.56(1.44, 3.87) g/L, P=0.019] were significantly higher in patients with PBC with positive anti-gp210 antibodies than those of the negative group. Histopathological analysis showed that the Scheuer score [1(0,3) vs. 0(0,2)], bile duct inflammation [(2(1,3) vs. 1(1,2)] and bile duct reaction score [(2(1,3) vs. 1(1,2)] were higher in the positive group than those of the negative group ( P<0.05), and the maturity of the tertiary lymphoid structure was higher ( P=0.011). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year disease-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with positive anti-gp210 antibodies than that of the negative group (55.8% vs. 79.7%, P=0.006) at a median follow-up of 3(2,6) years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that γ-glutamyl transferase [ HR=1.002 (95% CI: 1.000~1.003)] and platelet count [ HR=0.993 (95% CI: 0.988~0.999)] were the independent influencing factors for disease progression in patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive PBC ( P=0.002, 0.017). Conclusion:Patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive PBC have more severe clinical pathological manifestations and a higher risk of disease progression. Higher levels of γ-glutamyl transferase and lower platelet counts during the first visit are independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with anti-gp210 antibody-positive PBC, which can be used as dynamic monitoring indicators for this population, suggesting the need for early intensive intervention.
8.Hotspots and trends of radiomics research for breast cancer:a bibliometric analysis
Pei WANG ; Shuping MENG ; Xiao SUN ; Jing JIA ; Huairong ZHANG ; Li ZHU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):104-109
Objective:To explore the research hotspots and trends in the radiomics field based on bibliometric for breast cancer.Methods:Publications related to radiomics for breast cancer during January 2012 to June 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection databases.Then,the R software's package"bibliometric"tool,VOSviewer and CiteSpace softwares were used to conduct visual analysis of radiomics-related bibliometric for breast cancer,which involved to publication trends,countries,institutions,journals,authors,keywords,and highlight keywords.Results:A total of 683 radiomics-related literatures for breast cancer were obtained,and 518 articles were finally included after non-English literatures and non-Article literatures were excluded.China and Sun Yat-sen University emerged as the leading country(326 articles)and institution(83 articles).The top three journals with the most of published articles were respectively
9.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide intervenes in SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by beta-amyloid protein 1-42:protective effect of mitochondrial autophagy
Qin SU ; Siwei JIA ; Minfang GUO ; Tao MENG ; Yanbing LI ; Bingtao MU ; Lijuan SONG ; Cungen MA ; Jiezhong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(31):6688-6696
BACKGROUND:Neurodegenerative diseases are closely related to the imbalance of mitochondrial autophagy regulation.Previous studies by the research group have shown that lycium barbarum polysaccharide has neuroprotective effects,but whether it can improve the damage of SH-SY5Y cells induced byβ-amyloid protein 1-42 by regulating mitochondrial autophagy is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on SH-SY5Y cells induced by β-amyloid protein 1-42.METHODS:An Alzheimer's disease cell model was established by inducing SH-SY5Y cells with β-amyloid protein 1-42,and then intervening with Lycium barbarum polysaccharide.SH-SY5Y cells were divided into three groups:control group,β-amyloid protein 1-42 group(20 μmol/L β-amyloid protein 1-42 for 24 hours),and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide group(1 g/L Lycium barbarum polysaccharide was added 1 hour in advance to form a protective effect,and then 20 μmol/L β-amyloid protein 1-42 was added to intervene with Lycium barbarum polysaccharide for 24 hours).CCK8 assay was used to detect cell viability.Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1.TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.Immunofluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of synaptic,apoptosis,and mitophagy-related indicators.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the cell viability of the β-amyloid protein 1-42 group decreased(P<0.05);cell apoptosis rate increased(P<0.05);mitochondrial membrane potential decreased(P<0.05);the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase3 increased(P<0.05);the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.05);the expression levels of synaptic-related proteins Syn and PSD-95 decreased(P<0.05);the expression levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins Pink1,LC3A/B,Parkin,and Beclin-1 decreased(P<0.05);and the expression of P62 increased(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the β-amyloid protein 1-42 group,the cell viability in the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide group was increased(P<0.05);the apoptosis rate was decreased(P<0.05);the mitochondrial membrane potential was increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of Bax and Caspase3 were decreased(P<0.05);the expression of Bcl-2 was increased(P<0.05);the expressions of Syn and PSD-95 were increased(P<0.05);the expression levels of Pink1,LC3A/B,Parkin,and Beclin-1 were increased(P<0.05),and the expression of P62 was decreased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide may inhibit β-amyloid protein 1-42-induced damage to SH-SY5Y cells by regulating mitophagy,reduce cell apoptosis,and increase neuronal synaptic plasticity.
10.Role of SHP2 in development of colitis-associated colon cancer and colorectal cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target
Hao ZHANG ; Qingfei DIAO ; Jianchun FAN ; Meng LI ; Juming JIA ; Chunbaixue YANG ; Xueliang WU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):163-171
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignant life-threatening tumors,with serious impacts on patient quality of life.Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase(SHP2)has recently become a hot topic in the field of cancer research,and has demonstrated a close relationship with CRC.SHP2,encoded by the PTPN11 gene,is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase commonly present in various tissues and cells of the human body.Existing research shows that SHP2 plays a crucial role in regulating CRC and colitis-associated colon cancer(CAC),and the emergence of SHP2 allosteric inhibitors has identified SHP2 as a potential new therapeutic target for patients with CRC.Here we review the structure of SHP2 and its roles in CRC and CAC.

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