1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Study on the construction of a red blood cell rare blood type database and physical repository in the Guangzhou Region
Zhijian LIAO ; Shuangshuang JIA ; Yuan SHAO ; Boquan HUANG ; Chunyan MO ; Jizhi WEN ; Runqing ZHANG ; Xia RONG ; Hong LUO ; Huaqin LIANG ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):619-628
Objective: To conduct screening for rare blood types within important blood group systems for the Chinese population, such as Rh, Duffy, Kidd, P1Pk, Diego, and MNS, in the Guangzhou region, and to establish a corresponding rare blood type database and physical repository. Methods: The saline medium microplate method was used to screen blood donors with the ccDEE phenotype combined with either Jk(a-) or Jk(b-). The polybrene microplate method was employed to screen for donors with Fy(a-), s(-), Lu(b-), Di(b-), k(-), and p phenotypes. The urea lysis microplate method was applied to screen for the Jk(a-b-) phenotype. A high-resolution melting (HRM) curve method was established for screening some donors with the Di(b-) phenotype. Subsequently, expanded phenotyping of antigens in the Rh, Kidd, MNS, Duffy, P1Pk, Lewis, Kell, and Lutheran blood group systems was performed on identified rare blood type donors using monoclonal antibodies. The test results are entered into the Rare Blood Type Bank Management System of the Guangzhou Blood Center, enabling functions such as confirmation reminders and cryopreservation storage when the donor donates again. Red blood cells of rare blood types are processed into frozen red blood cells for long-term storage. Results: Among voluntary blood donors, 16 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(a-) phenotype were identified (0.221 7%, 16/7 216); 10 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(b-) phenotype (0.138 6%, 10/7 216); 78 cases of the Fy(a-) phenotype (0.169 5%, 78/46 012); 39 cases of the Lu(b-) phenotype (0.138 2%, 39/28 214); 31 cases of the s(-) phenotype (0.081 8%, 31/37 913); 22 cases of the Di(b-) phenotype (0.029 9%, 22/73 691); 30 cases of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype (0.010 1%, 30/298 250); and 1 case of the k(-) phenotype (0.001 3%, 1/77 382), which was further identified as KELnull phenotype (K0). No p phenotype donors were identified (0/88 528). A total of 228 units of frozen red blood cells were prepared. The screening results were compared and analyzed with rare blood type data from other regions. Conclusion: This study, through a combination of different screening methods, significantly improved the efficiency of rare blood type screening while remaining cost-effective. By conducting large-scale screening and performing data informatization processing, a database and physical repository of rare blood types in the Guangzhou region were successfully established. This provides a strong guarantee for the timely supply of blood to patients with difficult-to-match and rare blood types in the region, effectively enhances the level of transfusion safety in the region, and offers a practical paradigm for constructing a comprehensive blood transfusion support system.
4.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
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.
5.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
6.Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Incarcerated Gravid Uterus
Tao YUAN ; Yan BAI ; Rong LIANG ; Yuying TANG ; Wenming JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(8):867-871
Purpose To analyze the sonographic features of incarcerated gravid uterus and evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography.Materials and Methods Clinical data of eight patients diagnosed with incarcerated gravid uterus at Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical manifestations,sonographic characteristics,management approaches and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.Results Among the eight confirmed cases,seven presented with initial symptoms of dysuria and urinary retention,while one reported irregular lower abdominal pain.Ultrasonography consistently demonstrated:retroverted and retroflexed uterine position with the uterine body posterior to the cervix.Elongated cervix(range:4.0-8.6 cm)displaced anteriorly.Overdistended,elongated and superiorly displaced bladder in seven cases.Management included successful manual reduction via knee-chest position after catheterization in seven patients.One patient was managed conservatively with close monitoring and delivered by cesarean section at term.All eight patients achieved successful term deliveries with favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes.Conclusion Prenatal ultrasonography plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing incarcerated gravid uterus.Early recognition of characteristic sonographic features facilitates prompt diagnosis and intervention,thereby mitigating risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
7.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
8.Effect of ritonavir on bentysrepinine(Y101)pharmacokinetics via P-glycoprotein in vitro and in rats
Yu-feng ZHANG ; Fan-long YANG ; Yun-hua TENG ; Yang YUAN ; Shi-qi DONG ; Ai-jie ZHANG ; Hui-rong FAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1859-1866
Aim To investigate the effect of Rtv(a P-gp inhibitor and inducer)on the pharmacokinetics of Y101(P-gp substrate)via P-gp.Methods In short-term studies,rats received a single dose of Rtv,where-as in long-term studies they received continuous dosing for seven days.Following this treatment,Y101 was o-rally administered to analyze its blood concentration in rats.Subsequently,the mechanism by which Rtv af-fected Y101 pharmacokinetics was investigated through the everted gut sac model(in vitro),cellular uptake studies,and so on.Results Short-term administra-tion of Rtv significantly increased Y101's AUC,liver-to-plasma partition coefficient,the everted gut sac model(in vitro),and cellular accumulation.Although long-term Rtv treatment had no effect on Y101 pharma-cokinetics or hepatic distribution,it markedly reduced Y101 cellular accumulation in Caco-2 cells,concomi-tant with an upregulation of P-gp expression.Conclu-sions Short-term Rtv administration acts as a compet-itive P-gp inhibitor,enhancing Y101 intestinal absorp-tion and hepatic distribution.In contrast,the plasma pharmacokinetics and hepatic distribution of Y101 are not altered after long-term administration of Rtv,po-tentially attributable to Rtv's dual modulatory effects on P-gp involving both induction and inhibition.Hence,the potential Rtv and Y101 interaction should be close-ly monitored in the clinic.
9.Analysis of factors affecting self-management of first-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients based on random forest modeling
Huijuan WANG ; Rong YONG ; Xiaohui LIU ; Jialin YUAN ; Lijun WANG ; Miaomiao CHEN ; Haihua GAO ; Xiaoping YANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(5):340-347
Objective:To explore the influencing factors of self-management of first-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients based on the random forest model, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical staff to improve the self-management of pulmonary tuberculosis patients by providing efficient, high-quality, and individualized interventions.Methods:A cross-sectional study was used to select pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Fourth People′s Hospital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2023 to February 2024 by using the convenience sampling method as the study subjects. General information questionnaire, Chronic Disease Patients′ Self-health Management Ability Assessment Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a tuberculosis prevention and treatment knowledge questionnaire were used to conduct the survey, and Spearman′s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between variables, and multivariate linear regression and a random forest model were used to analyze the influencing factors of self-management.Results:A total of 204 first-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 111 males and 93 females, 64 patients aged 18-44 years, 59 patients aged 45-59 years, and 81 patients ≥60 years were finally investigated. The total self-management score of tuberculosis patients was 162.00 (148.00, 176.75), and the total self-management score was positively correlated with the total perceived social support score, family support, friend support, and other support, respectively ( r values were 0.307-0.400, all P<0.01), negatively correlated with the anxiety and depression scores, respectively ( r=-0.195, -0.313, both P<0.01), and positively correlated with the total score of knowledge of tuberculosis control ( r=0.257, P<0.01); the results of multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that literacy, family support, other support, anxiety, and knowledge of tuberculosis control were the influencing factors of self-management ability ( t values were -2.89-2.98, all P<0.05), which explained a total of 23.1% of the total variance; and the random forest model ranked the importance of the influencing factors in the order of high to low were other support, family support, knowledge of tuberculosis control, literacy, and anxiety. Conclusions:The self-management of first-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients is at an intermediate level, In order to improve the self-management ability of first-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients, clinical personnel should establish a "patient-centered" self-management education concept, pay attention to the construction of their social support system, provide adequate, continuous, individualized knowledge education and information support, promote their psychological health, and reduce their negative emotions.
10.Current situation analysis and quality evaluation of guidelines and consensus in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization
Yuan GAO ; Zaiwei SONG ; Dan JIANG ; Rui YANG ; Yuwen HUANG ; Rong LI ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(8):818-825
Objective:To systematically evaluate the current status and methodological quality of guideline and consensus in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to provide reference for the development of future guidelines and research. Methods:A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, Sinomed and relevant guideline websites from inceptions to October 2024. Data were extracted from the literature that met the inclusion criteria, and methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) tool. Descriptive analysis was performed with results presented in visual data charts.Results:A total of 23 studies were included, with 8 guidelines and 15 consensus. Totally 21 (91.3%) studies focused on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols, with the majority concentrating on protocols for patients undergoing IVF treatment for the first cycle, and 12 (52.2%) studies focused on the selection of gonadotropin starting dosage. In terms of methodology, the average standardized scores in the 6 assessment domains of the AGREE Ⅱ tool were as follows: scope and purpose (85.1%), stakeholder involvement (66.6%), rigour of development (36.5%), clarity of presentation (70.1%), applicability (36.4%), and editorial independence (46.2%).Conclusion:Current recommendations in ovarian stimulation for IVF exhibit inconsistencies, and the methodological quality varies, which partially hinders the translation of evidence into clinical practice. Future research should further focus on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols and gonadotropin starting dosage, promoting the update and refinement of guidelines and consensus to guide the precise treatment of ovarian stimulation.

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