1.The Dual Role of p21 in Hormone-related Cancers and Its Therapeutic Implications
Jia-Wen LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Yu-Kai MA ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):593-608
p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.
2.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
3.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
4.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction Combined with Conventional Western Medicine Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease with Pattern of Qi-Yin Deficiency Combined with Dampness-heat and Blood Stasis
Yunjie YANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Kaiying HE ; Qi ZHANG ; Yongxin YU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Zhuang HAN ; Qiwei CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Qiu CHEN ; Jing WU ; Mingqian JIANG ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU ; Lixiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):157-167
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment in managing stage G3A3 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the patients with the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis, and to explore its mechanism of inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-apoptosis axis and delaying renal fibrosis (RF). MethodsA single-center, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with stage G3A3 DKD and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis and treated in the Department of Nephrology and the Department of Endocrinology of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2025 to February 2026 were enrolled. They were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio into a control group (conventional Western medicine treatment) and an experimental group (Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment), with 39 patients in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Basic demographic data and medical history were collected before and after treatment. The two groups before and after treatment were compared in terms of the following parameters: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), serum cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and serum and urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels before and after treatment. TCM symptom scores, TCM syndrome efficacy, and overall clinical efficacy were evaluated before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations of serum levels of GRP78 and Caspase-3, as well as serum and urinary levels of TGF-β1, with renal function, proteinuria, and glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in patients with DKD. In addition, safety indicators were also monitored. ResultsA total of 75 patients completed the study (38 in the control group and 37 in the experimental group). ① Baseline data: The two groups were comparable in terms of sex and age, with no statistically significant difference. ② Efficacy outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed reductions in BUN, SCr, UACR, FBG, TG, TC, LDL-C, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01) and increases in eGFR level (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group outperformed the control group in altering the indicators above (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 83.78%, which was higher than that (57.89%) in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding overall clinical efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 78.38%, which was higher than that (50.00%) in the control group (P<0.05). ③ Mechanism outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed declined serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, and TGF-β1 and urinary level of TGF-β1 after treatment (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group showed greater declines than the control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3,and TGF-β1 and the urinary level of TGF-β1 in DKD patients showed positive correlations with BUN, SCr, UACR, and FBG and negative correlations with eGFR (P<0.05). ④ Safety outcomes: Neither group showed drug-related adverse reactions, and laboratory safety parameters remained within normal ranges. ConclusionYishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment may safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, correct glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and protect the renal function in patients with stage G3A3 DKD and the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis. The mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the ERS-apoptosis axis and delay of the RF process.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction Combined with Conventional Western Medicine Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease with Pattern of Qi-Yin Deficiency Combined with Dampness-heat and Blood Stasis
Yunjie YANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Kaiying HE ; Qi ZHANG ; Yongxin YU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Zhuang HAN ; Qiwei CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Qiu CHEN ; Jing WU ; Mingqian JIANG ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU ; Lixiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):157-167
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment in managing stage G3A3 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the patients with the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis, and to explore its mechanism of inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-apoptosis axis and delaying renal fibrosis (RF). MethodsA single-center, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with stage G3A3 DKD and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis and treated in the Department of Nephrology and the Department of Endocrinology of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2025 to February 2026 were enrolled. They were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio into a control group (conventional Western medicine treatment) and an experimental group (Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment), with 39 patients in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Basic demographic data and medical history were collected before and after treatment. The two groups before and after treatment were compared in terms of the following parameters: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), serum cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and serum and urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels before and after treatment. TCM symptom scores, TCM syndrome efficacy, and overall clinical efficacy were evaluated before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations of serum levels of GRP78 and Caspase-3, as well as serum and urinary levels of TGF-β1, with renal function, proteinuria, and glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in patients with DKD. In addition, safety indicators were also monitored. ResultsA total of 75 patients completed the study (38 in the control group and 37 in the experimental group). ① Baseline data: The two groups were comparable in terms of sex and age, with no statistically significant difference. ② Efficacy outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed reductions in BUN, SCr, UACR, FBG, TG, TC, LDL-C, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01) and increases in eGFR level (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group outperformed the control group in altering the indicators above (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 83.78%, which was higher than that (57.89%) in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding overall clinical efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 78.38%, which was higher than that (50.00%) in the control group (P<0.05). ③ Mechanism outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed declined serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, and TGF-β1 and urinary level of TGF-β1 after treatment (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group showed greater declines than the control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3,and TGF-β1 and the urinary level of TGF-β1 in DKD patients showed positive correlations with BUN, SCr, UACR, and FBG and negative correlations with eGFR (P<0.05). ④ Safety outcomes: Neither group showed drug-related adverse reactions, and laboratory safety parameters remained within normal ranges. ConclusionYishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment may safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, correct glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and protect the renal function in patients with stage G3A3 DKD and the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis. The mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the ERS-apoptosis axis and delay of the RF process.
7.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
8.Intervention effect of schoolbased horticultural activities combined with fancy rope skipping on the health behaviour of fourthgrade primary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):514-518
Objective:
To explore the intervention effect of schoolbased horticultural activities combined with fancy rope skipping on the health behaviour of fourthgrade primary school students, so as to provide a reference method for childrens health promotion.
Methods:
Eightyfive primary school students in grade 4 of a primary school in Changsha City were selected in March 2023 by using multistage cluster random sampling method and randomly divided into an intervention group (43 students) and a control group (42 students). The intervention group implemented a 12week comprehensive intervention of "schoolbased gardening combined with pattern skipping, once a week 90 min/time including routine practice (weeks 1-5,7-11; the contents were vegetable and plant management, theoretical knowledge learning of pattern skipping practice, etc.) and parent-child activities (weeks 6 and 12; vegetable salad making, synchronized jumping rope competition, etc.), and the control group maintained the regular curriculum. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep duration were monitored by accelerometers in grade 4 primary school students, combined with questionnaires to assess fruit and vegetable intake and video screen behaviour, and generalised estimating equations were used to analyse the data.
Results:
After the intervention, there were interaction effect for school day MVPA time (Wald χ2group×time=8.27), vegetable intake (Wald χ2group×time=4.35), and video screen time (Wald χ2group×time=13.27) in both groups (P<0.01). After the intervention, the MVPA time in the intervention group increased from 30.00 (20.00,60.00) min to 40.00 (30.00, 60.00) min from school day; vegetable intake increased from 99.85 (33.95, 229.48) g to 190.15 (131.05, 279.48) g; and video screen time increased from 225.00 (110.00, 313.75) min to 60.00 (30.00, 142.50) min (Z=-4.51, -2.00, -3.84, P<0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in MVPA time, fruit intake and sleep time before and after intervention in the intervention group on weekends (Z=-1.35, -0.85, -0.24, P>0.05).
Conclusion
Schoolbased horticultural activities combined with an integrated intervention of fancy rope skipping can significantly improve physical activity, vegetable intake and video screen behaviours on weekdays in grade 4 primary school children, in order to provide a basis for multidimensional health promotion.
9.A comparative study of the diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT versus mpMRI for prostate cancer with extraprostatic extension and seminal vesicle invasion
Yinzhao WANG ; Xiaomei GAO ; Yongxiang TANG ; Xiaoping YI ; Jinwei ZHANG ; Shuo HU ; Minfeng CHEN ; Lin QI ; Yi CAI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(1):23-29
Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 PET/CT and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in detecting extraprostatic extension (EPE) and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) in prostate cancer. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 113 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent both 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT and mpMRI at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, from May 2018 to May 2024 prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). The median age of the patients was 66.0 (61.3, 71.0) years old, with a median body mass index of 28.86 (19.01, 24.77) kg/m 2, and a median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 13.50(9.26, 21.99) ng/ml. The pathological results after RP were used as the gold standard to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the two imaging modalities in diagnosing EPE and SVI. Additionally, the diagnostic value of combining both imaging modalities was explored, employing a parallel strategy where a positive result from either modality was deemed positive, and only when both tests were negative was the result considered negative. Results:Pathological results after RP indicated EPE in 46 cases (40.71%) and SVI in 11 cases (9.70%). In diagnosing EPE, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT were 17.39% (8/46), 97.01% (65/67), 80.00% (8/10), and 63.11% (65/103), respectively, while for mpMRI they were 34.78% (16/46), 83.58% (56/67), 59.26% (16/27), and 65.12% (56/86), respectively. The sensitivity of mpMRI was significantly higher than that of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT ( P=0.048), while the specificity was the opposite ( P=0.008). When combining both imaging modalities, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 45.65% (21/46), 80.60% (54/67), 61.76% (21/34), and 68.35% (54/79), respectively. In diagnosing SVI, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT were 27.27% (3/11), 96.08% (98/102), 42.86% (3/7), and 92.45% (98/106), respectively, while for mpMRI they were 36.36% (4/11), 88.24% (90/102), 25.00% (4/16), and 92.78% (90/97), respectively. The specificity of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT was significantly higher than that of mpMRI ( P=0.033). When combining both imaging modalities, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 45.45% (5/11), 85.29% (87/102), 25.00% (5/20), and 93.55% (87/93), respectively. Conclusions:mpMRI has higher sensitivity in diagnosing EPE and SVI in prostate cancer, while 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT shows higher specificity. The combined use of both imaging modalities can increase diagnostic sensitivity but may reduce specificity. PSMA PET/MRI may be a more accurate diagnostic tool for discerning EPE and SVI.
10.Reassessment of non-acute occlusion in intracranial flow diverter implantation: an animal experimental study based on optical coherence tomography, intravascular ultrasound, and pathological correlation
Zhuangzhuang WEI ; Qi TIAN ; Shuailong SHI ; Jie YANG ; Ji MA ; Zhen LI ; Haiqiang SANG ; Yi TANG ; Yuncai RAN ; Yong ZHANG ; Baohong WEN ; Shanshan XIE ; Jinjuan CHEN ; Enjie LIU ; Xinwei HAN ; Tengfei LI
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(6):607-614
Objective:To investigate and summarize the imaging and pathological features of non-acute occlusion following flow diverter (FD) implantation in animal models.Methods:Four experimental pigs (experimental group) that experienced non-acute occlusion (occlusion time exceeding 24 hours) within the FD stent implanted in the common carotid artery, and 19 pigs (control group) that did not experience stent occlusion during the same period were involved. Using an interventional approach under digital subtraction angiography (DSA), the 4 occluded FD lumens were mechanically opened. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and histopathological examinations were performed to evaluate the intraluminal composition and characteristics of the occlusive tissues. These findings were compared with non-occluded FD stents to summarize the imaging and pathological changes within the occluded FD lumen.Results:The occlusion times of the FD stents in the 4 experimental pigs were 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 20 weeks, and 24 weeks postoperatively. All occluded stents were successfully recanalized under DSA, with a technical success rate of 4/4. Among the 19 non-occluded FD stents, OCT and IVUS revealed uniform (16 stents) or non-uniform (3 stents) neointimal coverage of the stent struts, presenting as homogeneous high/slightly high signal intensity or medium echogenicity. Histopathological examination indicated that the neointima was primarily composed of smooth muscle cells and a small amount of fibrous connective tissues. In contrast, the 4 occluded FD stents demonstrated excessive neointimal proliferation and plaque formation, leading to luminal loss, as shown by OCT and IVUS. The occlusion tissues predominantly presented as homogeneous high signal intensity with weak attenuation (fibrous plaques) on OCT, with some regions showing blurred low signal intensity and strong attenuation (lipid plaques). IVUS presented homogeneous echogenicity (fibrous plaques) and hypoechogenic zones (lipid plaques). Histopathological examination showed that the occlusion tissues mainly consisted of smooth muscle cells, fibrous connective tissues, and lipids, accompanied by numerous foam cells and a minor presence of inflammatory cells.Conclusions:Histopathological examinations confirm that non-acute occlusion of FD is mainly caused by excessive hyperplasia of intima along with the formation of fibrous plaques and lipid plaques. OCT and IVUS have typical finding in imaging that can assist in determining the cause of stent occlusion as well as the lesion's nature, thereby providing crucial guidance for subsequent clinical treatment and drug selection.


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