Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting ~65 million individuals worldwide. Abnormal synaptic plasticity is one of the most important pathological features of this condition. We investigated how ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47) influences synaptic plasticity and its link to epilepsy. We found that USP47 enhanced excitatory postsynaptic transmission and increased the density of total dendritic spines and the proportion of mature dendritic spines. Furthermore, USP47 inhibited the degradation of the ubiquitinated α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunit glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1), which is associated with synaptic plasticity. In addition, elevated levels of USP47 were found in epileptic mice, and USP47 knockdown reduced the frequency and duration of seizure-like events and alleviated epileptic seizures. To summarize, we present a new mechanism whereby USP47 regulates excitatory postsynaptic plasticity through the inhibition of ubiquitinated GluR1 degradation. Modulating USP47 may offer a potential approach for controlling seizures and modifying disease progression in future therapeutic strategies.
Animals ; Receptors, AMPA/metabolism* ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology* ; Seizures/physiopathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics* ; Male ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials/physiology* ; Ubiquitination ; Dendritic Spines/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism*

Deactivation of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is important for the metabolic switching of cancer cell from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Studies examining PDC activity regulation have mainly focused on the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), leaving other post-translational modifications largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the acetylation of Lys 488 of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X (PDHX) commonly occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma, disrupting PDC assembly and contributing to lactate-driven epigenetic control of gene expression. PDHX, an E3-binding protein in the PDC, is acetylated by the p300 at Lys 488, impeding the interaction between PDHX and dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (E2), thereby disrupting PDC assembly to inhibit its activation. PDC disruption results in the conversion of most glucose to lactate, contributing to the aerobic glycolysis and H3K56 lactylation-mediated gene expression, facilitating tumor progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized role of PDHX acetylation in regulating PDC assembly and activity, linking PDHX Lys 488 acetylation and histone lactylation during hepatocellular carcinoma progression and providing a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for further development.
Humans ; Acetylation ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics* ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Animals ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Histones/metabolism* ; Disease Progression

Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification of proteins, is induced by lactic acid and can occur at multiple lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. This modification plays a role in disease pathogenesis by affecting transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and immune inflammation. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the mechanisms of lactylation in various ophthalmic diseases, including retinal neovascularization, uveitis, melanoma, and myopia. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between lactic acid and lactylation, the regulatory mechanisms of lactylation, and the role of lactylation in different ocular diseases. Additionally, it addresses current research limitations and future directions, which is of great significance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lactylation in eye diseases and improving the diagnosis and targeted treatment of these conditions.

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-phenotype.Methods:A proband with RhD-phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband′s variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003). Results:The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD-. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE* cE (c.365C>A)/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE* Ce/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues. Conclusion:Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-phenotype. The c. 365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE* cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-phenotype.

Objective:To investigate the impact of plasma exchange (PE) on T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients after kidney transplantation.Methods:The study retrospectively collected clinical data from patients who underwent their first ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2023. Based on whether the patients received PE after transplantation, they were divided into a PE group and a non-PE group. A total of 38 patients were included in the retrospective cohort study, 18 in the PE group (8 males and 10 females) and 20 in the non-PE group (11 males and 9 females), with median ages of 37.5 (19.0, 56.0) years and 40.7 (22.0, 60.0) years, respectively. The immune cell subpopulations of the two groups were analyzed and compared at three time points: before PE, after PE, and 7 to10 days post-PE (for the non-PE group, data were collected at equivalent time points). The primary focus was on the proportions and absolute counts of T cells, NK cells, and activated T cells (CD4CD25+T cells, CD8CD25+T cells, and CD8HLA-DR+T cells). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used for longitudinal analysis of these repeated measurements to evaluate the effects of PE on changes in these cell populations.Results:From 7 to 10 days after PE, the absolute count of CD4 T cells in the non-PE group increased from 42 (24, 152) cells/μl to 461 (309, 608) cells/μl, while in the PE group, it increased from 57 (11, 262) cells/μl to 212 (141, 576) cells/μl. According to the generalized estimating model, the difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=-2.9, P=0.004). For NK cell absolute counts, the non-PE group increased from 20 (16, 36) cells/μl to 43 (26, 81) cells/μl, while the PE group increased from 22 (12, 63) cells/μl to 90 (28, 142) cells/μl. The difference in changes between the two groups was also statistically significant ( Z=1.87, P=0.049). Regarding T cell activation, the proportion of CD8HLA-DR+T cells in the non-PE group decreased from 25.8% (18.4%, 45.0%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%), while in the PE group, it increased from 19.2% (8.1%, 33.2%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%). The difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=2.88, P=0.005). From 7 to 10 days after PE, there were significant differences in the changes of CD4CD25+T cells ( Z=2.70, P=0.009), CD8CD25+T cells ( Z=2.75, P=0.007), and CD8HLA-DR+T cells ( Z=4.04, P=0.001) between the PE group and the non-PE group. Conclusion:Plasma exchange after kidney transplantation can suppress the proliferation of CD4 T lymphocytes, increase the number of NK cells relatively, and maintain a high proportion of activated T lymphocytes.

Objective:To investigate the effect of plasma exchange (PE) in improving renal function among patients with delayed graft function (DGF)following kidney transplantation.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 76 patients who underwent their first-time ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023, and subsequently developed DGF and received PE treatment. The cohort included 39 males and 37 females, with a median age of 37.5 years (30.8-46.0 years). Patients were categorized into three groups based on pre-PEhuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody status: HLA antibody-negative group, HLA antibody-unknown group, and HLA antibody-positive group. Additionally, immunological status prior to PE categorized patients into four groups: (1) stable lymphocyte subsetand antibody profiles (21 cases); (2) elevated B cell proportions or antibody production, or increased antibody titers (26 cases); (3) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages (13 cases); (4) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages combined with antibody production or increased antibody titers (16 cases). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze changes in serum creatinine (Scr) levels and 24-hour urine output before and after PE in the different patient groups.Results:In the HLA antibody-negative group, Scr decreased significantly from 467 (260, 571) μmol/L before PE to 176 (123, 307) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-2.22, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 295 (480, 2 020) ml to 1 960 (1 632, 2 870) ml ( Z=1.76, P<0.01). In the HLA antibody-positive group, Scr decreased significantly from 420 (254, 660) μmol/L before PE to 177 (151, 287) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-3.26, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 355 (928, 1 925) ml to 2 440 (1 760, 2 797) ml ( Z=2.47, P<0.01). For patients grouped by immunological status, Scr levels in Group 2 decreased significantly from 407 (242, 699) μmol/L to 201 (157, 274) μmol/L ( Z=-2.92, P<0.001), while in Group 3, Scr decreased significantly from 330 (258, 594) μmol/L to 164 (152, 280) μmol/L ( Z=-1.97, P=0.017). Regarding 24-hour urine output, Group 2 showed a significant increase from 1 353 (850, 1 770) ml to 1 995 (1 740, 2 630) ml ( Z=3.43, P=0.003), while in Group 3, urine output increased from 1 850 (1 350, 2 480) ml to 2 200 (1 900, 2 850) ml, but the difference was not statistically significant ( Z=1.10, P>0.05). Conclusion:PE effectively reduces Scr levels and increase 24-hour urine output in patients with DGF after kidney transplantation, regardless of pre-treatment HLA antibody status. Additionally, for patients with post-transplant changes primarily in T/NK/macrophages without significant antibody changes, PE can also effectively reduce Scr levels.

Objective:To analyze the breast cancer-related parameters and the ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymph nodes,to discuss the risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden,and to provide basis for preoperative evaluation of breast cancer patients.Methods:The ultrasonic and clinicopathological data of 574 breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.According to the status of axillary lymphnode metastasis,the patients were divided into low nodal burden(LNB)group(n=283)and high nodal burden(HNB)group(n=291).The affected side,tumor quadrant,distance to skin,maximum diameter,internal echogenicity,shape,margin,calcification,blood supply,posterior echo,lymphnode long diameter,lymphnode short diameter,lymphnode aspect ratio,number of suspicious metastases,intranodal blood supply,lymphnode hilum morphology,age,pathological type,histological grade,molecular subtype,and the expressions of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),Ki-67,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),and P53 were compared between two groups.Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for axillary lymph node metastatic burden in the breast cancer patients;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive value.Results:The univariate analysis results showed that there were statistically significant differences in tumor quadrant,distance to skin,molecular subtype,HER2 positive expression,lymphnode long diameter,lymph node short diameter,lymph node aspect ratio,number of suspicious metastases,and lymphnode hilum morphology between two groups(P<0.05).The multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that tumor located in the upper outer quadrant(OR=0.648,P=0.021),distance to skin<5 mm(OR=0.283,P=0.016),Luminal A(OR=1.564,P=0.044),lymphnode long diameter≥20 mm(OR=2.050,P<0.01),lymphnode short diameter≥8.6 mm(OR=2.430,P<0.01),lymph node aspect ratio<2(OR=1.585,P<0.01),and indistinct lymphnode hilum structure(OR=2.092,P<0.01)were the independent risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.The ROC curve analysis results showed that compared with the ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymph nodes,the AUC of the combination of breast cancer-related parameters and ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymphnodes was larger(Z=2.72,P=0.006 5),and it had higher predictive value for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.Conclusion:The tumor quadrant,distance to skin,molecular subtype,lymphnode long diameter,lymph node short diameter,lymphnode aspect ratio,and lymphnode hilum structure are the independent risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden,and they have certain predictive value for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-- phenotype. METHODS: A proband with RhD-- phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband's variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-- phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-- phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003). RESULTS: The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD--. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE*cE (c.365C>A)/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE*Ce/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-- type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues. CONCLUSION Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-- phenotype. The c.365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE*cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-- phenotype.
Humans ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/chemistry* ; Female ; Phenotype ; Male ; Alleles ; Pedigree ; Base Sequence ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Adult

[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.

Objective:To explore the trajectory and predictors of depressive symptoms in disabled middle-aged and elderly adults in China.Methods:Survey data from the 2013-2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data of disabled middle-aged and elderly adults were selected to analyze the trajectory categories of depressive symptom in disabled middle-aged and elderly adults and to explore their predictors.Results:A total of 1 844 disabled middle-aged and elderly adults were analyzed for survey data. The trajectory of depressive symptoms in disabled middle-aged and elderly adults was categorized into four groups, including a low-level depression group, a depression remission group, a high-level depression group, and a depression worsening group. Logistic regression analyses revealed that gender, age, place of residence, chronic disease, self-rated health, social participation, cognition, and hearing ability were predictors of trajectories of depressive symptoms in disabled middle-aged and elderly adults.Conclusions:There is group heterogeneity in the trajectory of depressive symptoms among disabled middle-aged and elderly adults. Healthcare professionals can carry out targeted health management according to the characteristics of different categories of people.