ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

Background/Aims: Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. Results: Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth. Conclusions These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a form of neuropathic pain occurring after limb amputation, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a neuromodulation technique, has shown potential in relieving chronic pain, though its long-term efficacy and safety in treating PLP require further validation. This report presents a case of a 42-year-old male experiencing persistent radiating, lightning-like pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score 8-9], following right upper limb amputation. Preoperative imaging revealed signal loss in the right nerve roots at C₆-T₁. A percutaneous electrode was implanted surgically to achieve full coverage of the painful region. Five days postoperatively, the VAS score dropped to 2-3, and after 1 year of follow-up, the patient continued to experience significant pain relief (VAS 1-2), with complete resolution of depressive symptoms and cessation of analgesic medication. Existing studies suggest that the long-term outcomes of SCS may fluctuate, and attention should be paid to potential complications such as infection and electrode displacement.
Humans ; Phantom Limb/therapy* ; Male ; Adult ; Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods* ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Amputation, Surgical/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), heparanase (HPSE) and early renal impairment (RI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 125 MM patients who were initially diagnosed in the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology from June 2020 to June 2023. The patients were divided into RI group (>176.80 μmol/L) and non-RI group (≤176.80 μmol/L) based on their serum creatinine levels when diagnosed. The baseline data and laboratory indexes of the two groups were compared. The relationship between serum FGF-23, HPSE and early RI in MM patients was analyzed. RESULTS: Among 125 newly diagnosed MM patients, 33 cases developed early RI, accounting for 26.40%. The proportion of light chain type, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, FGF-23, and HPSE levels in RI group were higher than those in non-RI group (all P <0.05). There was no statistical significant difference in other data between the two groups (P >0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BUN, FGF-23 and HPSE were associated with early RI in MM patients (all P <0.05). The serum FGF-23 level was divided into Q1-Q4 groups by quartile, and the serum HPSE level was divided into q1-q4 groups. The correlation analysis showed that with the increase of serum FGF-23 and HPSE levels, the incidence of early RI increased (r =0.668, 0.592). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for confounding factors, elevated levels of serum FGF-23 and HPSE were still influencing factors for early RI in MM patients (OR>1, P <0.05). According to Pearson's linear correlation test, there was a positive correlation between serum FGF-23 level and HPSE level (r =0.373). CONCLUSION There is a certain correlation between serum levels of FGF-23, HPSE and early RI in MM patients, and the incidence of early RI is higher in patients with abnormally high levels of both.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/complications* ; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 ; Retrospective Studies ; Fibroblast Growth Factors/blood* ; Glucuronidase/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Renal Insufficiency/blood* ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay. RESULTS: A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells. CONCLUSION C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Lysosomes/physiology* ; RNA-Seq ; Cell Death ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Cell Proliferation ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), a treasure of the Chinese nation, contains abundant chemical components and demonstrates unique pharmacological activities, showing important values in clinical applications. With profound connotations and broad application prospects, TCM urgently needs us to further explore and conduct systematic research. Puerarin is a small-molecule natural isoflavonoid carbon glycoside extracted from plants of Pueraria. It is also the main active ingredient of Puerariae Lobata Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible values. Puerarin has a variety of pharmacological effects such as blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury, antithrombotic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, nerve cell-protecting, and intestinal microbiota-regulating effects. It is also an active ingredient that has been widely studied. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of puerarin over the years, aiming to provide references and theoretical support for the in-depth research and development as well as clinical application of puerarin.
Isoflavones/chemistry* ; Humans ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Pueraria/chemistry*

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia is the legal technical standard which should be followed during the research,production,use,and administration of drugs.At present,the new edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is planned to be promulgated and implemented.This article summarizes and analyzes the main characteristics and the content of updates and amendments of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition(Volume Ⅰ),to provide a reference for the correct understanding and accurate implementation the new edition of the pharmacopoeia.

Objective:To analyze the chromosome status of pre-implantation embryos from women of different ages, and assess the impact of age on it.Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out on the results of PGT-A and PGT-M+ PGT-A cycles by whole-genome amplification followed by next generation sequencing at the Second People′s Hospital of Nanning between July 2021 and November 2023. The embryos were divided into five groups based on the women′s age: ≤ 30 years old group, 31 ~ 34 years old group, 35 ~ 37 years old group, 38 ~ 40 years old group, and ≥ 41 years old group. The chromosomal status of embryos for each group was compared. This study has been approved by the Ethic Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No. Y2024312A).Results:This study has involved 390 couples and 436 PGT cycles, with a total of 1 651 blastocysts biopsied and analyzed. Among these, 835 embryos (50.6%) were found to have chromosomal abnormalities, including 490 (29.7%) with aneuploidies, 154 (9.3%) with chromosomal segment abnormalities, and 264 (16.0%) with chromosome mosaicisms. After adjusting the dosages of Gn, female BMI, male age, PGT indications, infertility type, LH, AMH and other parameters, maternal age appeared to be an independent factor for chromosomal abnormalities and aneuploidies in blastocysts ( OR=1.132, 95% CI = 1.089 - 1.177, P<0.001; OR=1.250, 95% CI = 1.188-1.315, P<0.001). With the increase in female age, embryonic chromosome abnormalities have significantly increased in each group, with the rates being 32.3% (126/390), 43.1% (189/439), 45.1% (116/257), 66.3% (250/377), and 81.9% (154/188) ( P<0.001). Chromosomal aneuploidies have also significantly increased, with the rates being 8.2% (32/390), 16.6% (73/439), 24.5% (63/257), 49.6% (187/377), and 71.8% (135/188) ( P<0.001). The proportion of embryos with ≥ 2 chromosome abnormalities also significantly increased in abnormal embryos, with the rates being 28.6% (36/126), 30.2% (57/189), 39.7% (46/116), 48.4% (121/250), and 64.9% (100/154) ( P<0.001). Of note, the female age did not affect the prevalence of chromosomal segment abnormalities and mosaicisms (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The findings suggested that along with the increase infemale age, there was an increase in the rate of chromosomal abnormalities, at the same time, the type of chromosomal abnormality changed, mainly with an increased incidence of chromosomal aneuploidy, and the proportion of embryos involving multiple chromosomal abnormalities increases significantly.

Objective:To investigate the ability to diagnose, treat and manage kidney disease in Shanghai community health service centers.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in November 2023 among 248 Shanghai community health service centers and 2 140 general practitioners in Shanghai. The main topics of the institutional research were the kidney disease-related inspection items that medical institutions could carry out, the kidney disease diagnosis and treatment drugs, the kidney disease grass-roots management training, the opening of kidney disease clinics and the establishment of kidney disease standard diagnosis and treatment records. The main topics of the survey of general practitioners were general information, standardized diagnosis and management measures of kidney disease, knowledge based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines of chronic kidney disease, and difficulties in standardized management of kidney disease.Results:Among the laboratory examination items in Shanghai community health service centers, the rates of routine urine (99.60%, 247 centers), renal function (95.16%, 236 centers) and urinary microalbumin (89.11%, 229 centers) were high. Among the imaging examinations, B-ultrasound of urinary system had the highest rate (92.34%, 229 centers). The preparation rate of kidney disease drugs varied widely among the centers, and the preparation rate of Chinese drugs such as Jinshuibao, nephritis Kangfu tablet and Shenshuaining was more than 90%. Sixty-six (26.61%) community health service centers had established kidney disease clinics. The overall accuracy rate of community general practitioners was 63.81% (13 656/21 400), of which the accuracy rate for diagnosis and screening method, referral indication and emergency dialysis indication was more than 85%, but the accuracy rate for drug treatment and careful medication was low at 28.93% (1 238/4 280) and 33.22% (711/2 140), respectively. There was a willingness for Community general practitioners to provide all aspects of life guidance for patients with kidney disease, but for patients with end-stage renal disease replacement therapy, there was a preference for this to be provided by the appropriate specialist.Conclusions:The community health service centers in Shanghai has already had the basic conditions for the management of kidney disease in terms of basic examination and testing equipment, drugs, etc. The community general practitioners have a certain knowledge of kidney disease, and the drug treatment needs to be strengthened.