1.NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of Timp1 mRNA in ischemic stroke.
Li YANG ; Xiaotong LI ; Yaxuan ZHAO ; Hao CHEN ; Can WANG ; Angrong WU ; Xintong GUO ; Yue HUANG ; Qihui WANG ; Lingyun HAO ; Xiaowen LI ; Ying JI ; Jin BAN ; Guangtian WANG ; Junli CAO ; Zhiqiang PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2575-2592
Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.
2.Intrinsic specific TGF-β signaling in myofibers attenuates mouse acute skeletal myositis via LRP1
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(7):1365-1374
AIM:To investigate the effect of intrinsic specific transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signaling on regeneration and repair of myofibers in acute skeletal myositismice model induced by cardiotoxin(CTX).METHODS:One hundred and eighty-six wild C57BL/6 mice and one hundred and thirty-eight mice with conditional knockout of TGF-β receptor 2(TGF-βr2)in myofibers(SM TGF-βr2-/-mice)were selected.CTX injection to anterior tibial muscle(TA)in-duced acute myoinjury in mice.Some SM TGF-βr2-/-mice were given Smad signaling agonist SRI-011381(SRI)intramus-cular injection.All mice were mainly divided into the following groups:control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group and SM TGF-βr2-/-+SRI group.Twenty-four mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1),respectively,while the relative protein expression of myosin heavy chain 3(MHY3)and embryonic myosine heavy chain(eMHC)in damaged muscle was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.In vi-tro,after being extracted from neonatal mice,myogenic precursor cells(MPCs)were cultured in an pro-inflammatory mi-lieu and treated with SRI,recombinant mouse extracellular matrix protein 1(rmECM1)alone or in combination.Hereby,they were divided into the following seven groups:control-MPCs group,control-MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+rmECM1 group,and TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI+rmECM1 group.Six mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules(MHC-I/H-2Kb),major histocompatibility complex class II molecules(MHC-II/H2-Eα),Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3),and LRP1.And the relative protein expression of MoyD and myogenin in myotubes was detected by immunofluorescence staining.RE-SULTS:In vivo,compared with control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group showed the significant upregulation of pro-inflamma-tory cytokines(P<0.05),and the opposite trend of anti-inflammatory cytokines,LRP1,MHY3,eMHC in the injured muscle(P<0.05),with delayed regeneration and repair of myofibers.In vitro,compared with control-MPCs+LPS group,LRP1,MoyD and myogenin significantly downregulated in TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,but the downregulation trend was corrected after giving SRI treatment(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,the combi-nation of rmECM1 and SRI significantly upregulated the protein expression of MyoD and myogenin(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:In a mouse model of acute skeletal myositis,intrinsic TGF-β signaling specifically in myofibers regulates local im-mune behavior.It promotes the expression of LRP1 in damaged muscle via Smad2/3 signaling,and LRP1 can then fully bind to ECM1,thereby facilitating muscle regeneration and repair,and improving the prognosis of acute skeletal myositis.
3.Association between LE8 and diabetes and the mediating role of methylmalonic acid
Bingrui Ling ; Qihui Huang ; Tianfeng Hua ; Min Yang ; Lunxian Tang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1305-1311
Objective:
To assess the association between Life eight ( LE8) scores and diabetes mellitus ( DM) , and to examine the mediating effect of Methylmalonic acid (MMA).
Methods:
Based on cross-sectional data from the 2011—2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) ,weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the LE8 score and DM.A mediation model was further constructed to evaluate the mediating effect of MMA.
Results:
The weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between LE8 score and the risk of DM.After adjusting for poten- tial confounders,a 1-point increase in LE8 was associated with a 7% reduction in DM risk ( OR = 0. 93,95% CI: 0. 92-0. 93,P = 0. 000 1) .In contrast,the level of circulating MMA did not show a statistically significant rela- tionship with DM risk ( OR = 0. 99,95% CI: 0. 89 -1. 10,P = 0. 886 8) .Further subgroup analysis by age re- vealed that in participants under 60 years of age,circulating MMA levels were positively associated with DM risk ( OR = 1. 39,95% CI: 1. 19 -1. 62 ,P <0. 000 1 ) . Mediation analysis indicated that circulating MMA levels played a partial mediating role in the relationship between LE8 and DM,with a mediation ratio of 1. 5% (P < 0. 000 1) .
Conclusion
High LE8 scores significantly reduce the risk of DM ,and circulating MMA levels may play a role in this,particularly among individuals younger than 60 years (individuals<60 years of age
4.Intrinsic specific TGF-β signaling in myofibers attenuates mouse acute skeletal myositis via LRP1
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(7):1365-1374
AIM:To investigate the effect of intrinsic specific transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signaling on regeneration and repair of myofibers in acute skeletal myositismice model induced by cardiotoxin(CTX).METHODS:One hundred and eighty-six wild C57BL/6 mice and one hundred and thirty-eight mice with conditional knockout of TGF-β receptor 2(TGF-βr2)in myofibers(SM TGF-βr2-/-mice)were selected.CTX injection to anterior tibial muscle(TA)in-duced acute myoinjury in mice.Some SM TGF-βr2-/-mice were given Smad signaling agonist SRI-011381(SRI)intramus-cular injection.All mice were mainly divided into the following groups:control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group and SM TGF-βr2-/-+SRI group.Twenty-four mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1),respectively,while the relative protein expression of myosin heavy chain 3(MHY3)and embryonic myosine heavy chain(eMHC)in damaged muscle was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.In vi-tro,after being extracted from neonatal mice,myogenic precursor cells(MPCs)were cultured in an pro-inflammatory mi-lieu and treated with SRI,recombinant mouse extracellular matrix protein 1(rmECM1)alone or in combination.Hereby,they were divided into the following seven groups:control-MPCs group,control-MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+rmECM1 group,and TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI+rmECM1 group.Six mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules(MHC-I/H-2Kb),major histocompatibility complex class II molecules(MHC-II/H2-Eα),Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3),and LRP1.And the relative protein expression of MoyD and myogenin in myotubes was detected by immunofluorescence staining.RE-SULTS:In vivo,compared with control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group showed the significant upregulation of pro-inflamma-tory cytokines(P<0.05),and the opposite trend of anti-inflammatory cytokines,LRP1,MHY3,eMHC in the injured muscle(P<0.05),with delayed regeneration and repair of myofibers.In vitro,compared with control-MPCs+LPS group,LRP1,MoyD and myogenin significantly downregulated in TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,but the downregulation trend was corrected after giving SRI treatment(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,the combi-nation of rmECM1 and SRI significantly upregulated the protein expression of MyoD and myogenin(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:In a mouse model of acute skeletal myositis,intrinsic TGF-β signaling specifically in myofibers regulates local im-mune behavior.It promotes the expression of LRP1 in damaged muscle via Smad2/3 signaling,and LRP1 can then fully bind to ECM1,thereby facilitating muscle regeneration and repair,and improving the prognosis of acute skeletal myositis.
5.Study on the mechanism of action of Siheifang on zebrafish melanin based on metabolomics and network pharmacology
Qihui SU ; Jing WANG ; Rongrong LUO ; Yurong HUANG ; Xin LI ; Yingli WANG ; Ying JIA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(9):988-1001
AIM:To study the mechanism of Sihei-fang(SHF)in improving pigment deficiency disease(PD)by combining network pharmacology and me-tabolomics.METHODS:Using zebrafish embryos with pigment deficiency disease induced by 1-phe-nyl-2-thiourea(PTU)as an animal model,the ef-fects of SHF extract(0.01,0.02,0.04 mg/mL)on the morphology,melanin area,tyrosinase activity,and melanin content of zebrafish embryos were an-alyzed.Ultra high performance liquid chromatogra-phy-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS)was used to screen differential metabolites and obtain relevant metabolic pathways in the SHF treatment of mela-nin deficient zebrafish embryos model.Network pharmacology was used to obtain key targets for SHF treatment of PD and conduct KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.Import The identified differen-tial metabolites and SHF PD intersection targets were imported into the Metscape plugin,to estab-lish a"metabolite reaction enzyme gene"network,and search for key metabolites,targets,and meta-bolic pathways.RESULTS:SHF treatment could in-crease the formation of zebrafish melanin,activate tyrosinase activity,and increase melanin content.Metabolomics analysis obtained 54 differential me-tabolites,and metabolic pathway analysis was con-ducted on these metabolites,involving the biosyn-thesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine,and tryptophan,glycerol phospholipid metabolism,tyrosine metab-olism,linoleic acid metabolism,and aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis pathways.Network pharmacolo-gy had obtained 55 cross targets of components and diseases.KEGG involved pancreatic cancer,TNF,cancer and other signal pathways.The joint analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacolo-gy identified four key targets:COMT,CYP1B1,TYR,and ALDH2;three key metabolites:L-tyrosine,ho-movanllate,L-lysine;three important metabolic pathways:tyrosine metabolism,valine/leucine/iso-leucine degradation,and lysine metabolism.CON-CLUSION:SHF has a good improvement effect on PD,and combined with metabolomics and network pharmacology,SHF may enhance its influence on the tyrosine metabolism pathway by regulating the metabolite L-tyrosine,thereby promoting the for-mation of melanin.
6.E2 signaling in myofibers promots macrophage efferocytosis in mouse skeletal muscles with cardiotoxin-induced acute injury
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Lian LIU ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2192-2200
Objective To investigate the effect of E2 signaling in myofibers on muscular macrophage efferocytosis in mice with cardiotoxin-induced acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods Female wild-type C57BL/6 mice with and without ovariectomy and male C57BL/6 mice were given a CTX injection into the anterior tibial muscle to induce acute muscle injury,followed by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol(E2)or 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT).The changes in serum E2 of the mice were detected using ELISA,and the number,phenotypes,and efferocytosis of the macrophages in the inflammatory exudates and myofiber regeneration and repair were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.C2C12 cells were induced to differentiate into mature myotubes,which were treated with IFN-γ for 24 before treatment with β-Estradiol or 4-OHT.The treated myotubes were co-cultured with mouse peritoneal macrophages in a 1:2 ratio,followed by addition of PKH67-labeled apoptotic mouse mononuclear spleen cells induced by UV irradiation,and macrophage efferocytosis was observed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control mice,the female mice with ovariectomy showed significantly increased mononuclear macrophages in the inflammatory exudates,with increased M1 cell percentage,reduced M2 cell percentage and macrophage efferocytosis in the injured muscle,and obviously delayed myofiber regeneration and repair.In the cell co-culture systems,treatment of the myotubes with β-estradiol significantly increased the number and proportion of M2 macrophages and macrophage efferocytosis,while 4-OHT treatment resulted in the opposite changes.Conclusion In injured mouse skeletal muscles,myofiber E2 signaling promotes M1 to M2 transition to increase macrophage efferocytosis,thereby relieving inflammation and promoting muscle regeneration and repair.
7.E2 signaling in myofibers promots macrophage efferocytosis in mouse skeletal muscles with cardiotoxin-induced acute injury
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Lian LIU ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2192-2200
Objective To investigate the effect of E2 signaling in myofibers on muscular macrophage efferocytosis in mice with cardiotoxin-induced acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods Female wild-type C57BL/6 mice with and without ovariectomy and male C57BL/6 mice were given a CTX injection into the anterior tibial muscle to induce acute muscle injury,followed by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol(E2)or 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT).The changes in serum E2 of the mice were detected using ELISA,and the number,phenotypes,and efferocytosis of the macrophages in the inflammatory exudates and myofiber regeneration and repair were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.C2C12 cells were induced to differentiate into mature myotubes,which were treated with IFN-γ for 24 before treatment with β-Estradiol or 4-OHT.The treated myotubes were co-cultured with mouse peritoneal macrophages in a 1:2 ratio,followed by addition of PKH67-labeled apoptotic mouse mononuclear spleen cells induced by UV irradiation,and macrophage efferocytosis was observed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control mice,the female mice with ovariectomy showed significantly increased mononuclear macrophages in the inflammatory exudates,with increased M1 cell percentage,reduced M2 cell percentage and macrophage efferocytosis in the injured muscle,and obviously delayed myofiber regeneration and repair.In the cell co-culture systems,treatment of the myotubes with β-estradiol significantly increased the number and proportion of M2 macrophages and macrophage efferocytosis,while 4-OHT treatment resulted in the opposite changes.Conclusion In injured mouse skeletal muscles,myofiber E2 signaling promotes M1 to M2 transition to increase macrophage efferocytosis,thereby relieving inflammation and promoting muscle regeneration and repair.
8.Efficacy of robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cyst: a Meta-analysis
Tianhui GUO ; Qihui HU ; Cong CHEN ; Rui TAO ; Jintong HE ; Jixing WANG ; Zhenhao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(2):289-296
The Choledochal cyst is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the bile duct. Early cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy are the primary surgical methods for treating choledochal cyst. With the emergence of enhanced recovery after surgery, laparoscopic surgery has effectively reduced the incidence of biliary complications and wound infections, but it still does not meet people's requirements for minimally invasive surgery. Robotic surgery system has the potential to enhance surgical precision and the maneuverability of surgeons due to clear surgical visualization and flexible mechanical arms. The authors review the relevant literatures and conduct a Meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cyst.
9.Therapeutic effects of Naohuan Dan combined with idebenone in treating mild cognitive impairment with kidney deficiency and phlegm stasis: A retrospective study
Jiaxi YE ; Min ZHU ; Shengnuo FAN ; Qihui HUANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;1(2):115-122
Background: Naohuan Dan is a prescription used to treat dementia. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of Naohuan Dan combined with idebenone in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with kidney deficiency and phlegm stasis. Materials and methods: This retrospective, observational clinical trial enrolled 64 MCI patients treated in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan University, from May 1, 2019, to April 30, 2022. The 32 patients in the treatment group received Naohuan Dan combined with idebenone, whereas the 32 patients in the control group were treated with idebenone alone. The observation lasted for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and clinical efficacy, whereas secondary outcomes included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MCS) score, the activities of daily living (ADL) score, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, and changes in serum markers. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were taken as the serological indicators for evaluating cognitive function. Adverse events in both groups were recorded during the treatment period. Results: The treatment group demonstrated higher MMSE scores and clinical efficacy than the control group, specifically in the scores of spatial orientation, attention and calculation, and language proficiency in the MMSE scale. The treatment group outperformed the control group in MCS, ADLs, GDS, and TCM syndrome scores. Furthermore, the treatment group was superior to the control group in recovering the levels of NSE, IL-8, and TNF-α. In addition, the treatment group had lower incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea and poor appetite than the control group. Conclusions: The 12-week treatment with Naohuan Dan combined with idebenone significantly improved the cognitive function and daily life abilities, lowered the depression levels, and reduced the occurrence of adverse events among patients with MCI. These findings offer valuable insights into the efficacy of integrating TCM with Western medicine in the clinical management of MCI. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05931029; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05931029?cond=Naohuan%20Dan&rank=1)
10.Effects of magnanimous therapy on the magnanimous and enterprising traits of lung cancer patients and related factors
Qihui MA ; Qingxing CHEN ; Anni YAN ; Qianyu LIU ; Lanlan WU ; Yueying WANG ; Xuewei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2020;29(1):27-32
Objective:To explore the effects of magnanimous therapy on the magnanimous and enterprising traits of lung cancer patients and the analysis of related factors.Methods:Totally 197 patients with lung cancer were divided into individual group ( n=62), team group ( n=75) and control group ( n=60). Comparison and correlation analysis were applied to the data before and after the electroencephalogram and the magnanimous questionnaire, the cancer response questionnaire, the T-type psychological scale, the cancer heart state questionnaire and the cancer patient's life function index scale. t test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis were processed by SPSS 23.0. Results:After treatment, the " enterprising" dimension and " magnanimous" dimension of individual group and the " enterprising" dimension of the team group ((3.035±0.309), (3.041±0.265), (3.173±0.371)) were higher than that before treatment((2.934±0.326), (2.908±0.315), (3.130±0.387), all P<0.05). There was negative correlation between " magnanimous" dimension of the magnanimous questionnaire and " subconscious" dimension of the T-type psychological scale in individual group( r=-0.280, P<0.05). In team group, the " enterprising" dimension of the magnanimous questionnaire was negatively correlated with " Psychological" and " Yield" dimension of the cancer heart state questionnaire( r=-0.279, -0.285, P<0.05), and positively correlated with " Facing" of the cancer response questionnaire, " Good physical condition and ability" and " Psychological well-being" dimension of the cancer patient's life function index scale( r=0.367, 0.402, 0.379, P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the " enterprising" dimension of the magnanimous questionnaire and the beta wave value in individual group. Conclusion:The magnanimous therapy can improve enterprising and magnanimous level of patients with lung cancer, and the effects are related with the above-mentioned psychosomatic factors.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail