1.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.
2.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
3.PES1 Repression Triggers Ribosomal Biogenesis Impairment and Cellular Senescence Through p53 Pathway Activation
Chang-Jian ZHANG ; Yu-Fang LI ; Feng-Yun WU ; Rui JIN ; Chang NIU ; Qi-Nong YE ; Long CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1853-1865
ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.
4.Risk factor analysis and nomogram prediction model construction for pneumonia complicating infectious mononucleosis in adults
Fei HU ; Mei-Juan PENG ; Xu-Yang ZHENG ; Rui LI ; Jia-Yi ZHAN ; Hai-Feng HU ; Hong-Kai XU ; Deng-Hui YU ; Hong DU ; Jian-Qi LIAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1359-1365
Objective To investigate the risk factors for pneumonia complicating infectious mononucleosis(IM)in adults and construct a nomogram prediction model.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 198 IM patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2015 to December 2021.Patients were divided into pneumonia group(n=52)and non-pneumonia group(n=146)based on whether pulmonary infection occurred during hospitalization.The baseline data(age,gender,place of onset,etc.),clinical manifestations(maximum body temperature,lymph node enlargement,splenomegaly,etc.),and inflammatory indicators[white blood cell count(WBC),C-reactive protein(CRP),etc.]were compared between the two groups.Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to analyze the key indicators affecting the hospital stay of IM patients.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for pneumonia complicating IM in adults and construct a nomogram prediction model based on the identified risk factors.The predictive efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the consistency of the model was assessed using the calibration curve.The fit of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.Additionally,the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the model were assessed using confusion matrix.Results Compared with non-pneumonia group,the pneumonia group had a significantly higher proportion of patients from rural areas,with body mass index(BMI)≥24 kg/m2,smoking history,hepatomegaly,fever duration of≥7 d,as well as increased total hospitalization costs and average daily hospitalization costs,and prolonged hospital stay(P<0.05).The proportion of patients with a history of antibiotic use was lower in the pneumonia group(P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients from rural areas,with BMI≥24 kg/m2,smoking history,no prophylactic use of antibiotics,fever duration≥7 d,and hepatomegaly had significantly prolonged hospital stays(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that living in a rural area(OR=4.089,P<0.05),hepatomegaly(OR=4.082,P<0.05),and elevated WBC(OR=1.205,P<0.05)were independent risk factors for pneumonia complicating IM in adults,while the prophylactic use of antibiotics(OR=0.142,P<0.05)was an independent protective factor.The area under the ROC curve of the constructed nomogram prediction model was 0.827(95%CI 0.762-0.892),and the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2=5.299,P=0.725,indicating good consistency and fit of the prediction model.The results of the confusion matrix assessment showed that the sensitivity of the model was 0.669(0.624-0.773),the specificity was 0.827(0.724-0.930),and the accuracy was 0.732(0.665-0.793).Conclusion The nomogram prediction model based on place of onset,hepatomegaly,the prophylactic use of antibiotics and WBC has excellent fit and discrimination,providing an effective quantitative tool for prognosis assessment of IM.
5.Simultaneous Determination of 21 Kinds of Aconitum Alkaloids in Biological Specimens and Herbal Wines Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Ju YANG ; Guo-Jun LI ; Xian-Mou FAN ; Rui-Bin ZHAO ; Shao-Ming SU ; Xu-Xian FU ; En-Jin ZHU ; Qi-Lin HUANG ; Yao QIN ; Li-Na LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1391-1401,后插1-后插6,封3
A method for simultaneous determination of 21 kinds of Aconitum alkaloids(ATS)in biological specimens and infused liquor using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)was developed.The biological samples were pretreated with methanol-acetonitrile(1∶2,V/V)for protein precipitation,while infused liquors were diluted 100-fold with acetonitrile,followed by centrifugation,and filtration by a 0.22-μm membrane.Chromatographic separation was carried out on an EC-C18 column using gradient elution with the mixture of 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.2%formic acid as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B.With this method,all the analytes were separated within 9.5 min.The samples were detected in positive ESI mode with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and quantified via external standard calibration.The results showed that the concentrations of the analytes in the range of 2-1000 ng/mL had excellent linearity(R2>0.9992)with the peak area.The developed method was successfully used for detection of 21 kinds of aconitum alkaloids,with limits of detection of 0.5-2 ng/mL,quantification limits of 2-6 ng/mL,intra/inter-day precision≤6.0%,spiked recoveries of 89.4%-100.9%,extraction recoveries of 74.2%-104.4%,and matrix effects ranging from-11.1%to 9.2%in blood/urine.The method was applied to detection of 12 samples from 4 fatal aconite poisoning cases,and all 21 kinds of ATS with total alkaloid concentrations of 0.04-4.18 μg/mL in blood and 154.96-422.83 μg/mL in medicinal liquors were detected.Tissue distribution revealed that the order of concentrations from highest to lowest is as follows:urine(157.22 μg/mL)>gastric contents(51.37 μg/mL)>kidney(21.6 μg/g)>whole blood(4.18 μg/mL)>liver(0.03 μg/g).This method showed many advantages such as simple pretreatment,low detection limits,accurate quantification,broad analyte coverage,and superior anti-interference capability in complex matrices,proving ideal for forensic and toxicological analysis of aconitum alkaloids.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023
LI Rui ; QI Yunpeng ; WANG Yuanhang ; ZHA Yiwei ; FU Xiaofei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):139-142
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 and spatio-temporal clustering characteristics from 2022 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of pertussis control measures.
Methods:
Data of pertussis cases in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Report Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The epidemiological characteristics of pertussis cases in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023 were descriptively analyzed, and the spatio-temporal clustering characteristics from 2022 to 2023 were analyzed using spatio-temporal scanning.
Results:
A total of 478 pertussis cases were reported in Jiaxing City from 2004 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 0.53/105. The reported incidence showed an upward trend from 2004 to 2023 (P<0.05), with the highest in 2022 (3.17/105). Higher incidence of pertussis was reported in June to August (149 cases, 31.17%) and November to December (112 cases, 23.43%). There was no statistically significant difference in the reported incidence between males and females (0.56/105 vs. 0.50/105, P>0.05). The cases aged under one year accounted for the highest proportion, with 199 cases (41.63%). Haining City (0.68/105), Jiashan County (0.64/105) and Tongxiang City (0.60/105) ranked the top three in the reported incidence of pertussis. Spatio-temporal scanning analysis showed that from 2022 to 2023, the primary clustering area of pertussis was centered in Daqiao Town of Nanhu District, covering 27 towns (streets) in Nanhu District, Jiashan County, Xiuzhou District and Pinghu City, and the clustering time was from November to December, 2023.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of pertussis was at a low level in Jiaxing City, but showed an upward trend from 2004 to 2023. The incidence of pertussis was higher among infants under one year of age, peaked in June to August and November to December, and was concentrated in Nanhu District and its surrounding areas.
7.Effects and mechanism of total alkaloids of Corydalis Rhizoma on the regulation of cuproptosis in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy
Jun LI ; Yazhi QI ; Ya TANG ; Rui CAO ; Qiang XU ; Yusheng HAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):801-806
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of total alkaloids of Corydalis Rhizoma (TAC) on the regulation of cuproptosis in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) based on silence information regulator 1(Sirt1)/tumor protein 53(P53)signaling pathway. METHODS DCM rat model was induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Thirty-two model rats were randomly divided into model group, TAC low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (7, 10.5, 14 mg/kg), with 8 rats in each group. An additional 8 rats were assigned to normal control group. Related drugs or normal saline were administered intragastrically in each group, once a day, for 4 weeks. After the last medication, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of the rats were measured. The levels of myocardial creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and myocardial tissue of rats were all detected. The pathological morphology, fibrosis degree, and Cu2+ deposition of myocardial tissue in rats were observed. The levels of Cu2+ and glutathione (GSH) in myocardial tissue, the expressions of Sirt1/P53 signaling pathway-related proteins [Sirt1, P53, solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11)], and iron-sulfur cluster-related proteins [ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), aconitase 2 (ACO2), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8), dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (DLAT), dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (DLST)], and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were all determined. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of FBG, CK, CK-MB and LDH in both serum and myocardial tissue, as well as increased 2+ levels of Cu in myocardial tissue and the expression of P53 and HSP70 proteins (P<0.05); the level of GSH and the expression levels of Sirt1, SLC7A11, FDX1, LIAS, ACO2, NDUFS8, DLAT, and DLST proteins in myocardial tissue were all significantly decreased (P<0.05); the myocardial tissue exhibited severe pathological damage, with numerous inflammatory cell infiltrations and significant fibrosis, as well as increased deposition of Cu2+. Compared with model group, most of the above quantitative indicators in rats were significantly reversed in TAC groups (P<0.05); the pathological damage to the myocardial tissue was alleviated, with reduced fibrosis and Cu2+ deposition. CONCLUSIONS TAC can ameliorate DCM in rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to activating the activity of the Sirt1/P53 signaling pathway, promoting the chelation of GSH with Cu2+, and inhibiting cuproptosis of cardiomyocyte.
8.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.
9.Surveillance for pneumonia of unknown etiology: current status, challenges, and implementation ways
Boer QI ; Qing WANG ; Ju WANG ; Tingting LI ; Yanlin CAO ; Rui SHEN ; Li QI ; Jiang LONG ; Weizhong YANG ; Luzhao FENG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):914-920
The prevention and control of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are crucial for national biosecurity, and surveillance and reporting of pneumonia of unknown etiology are main ways for the early detection of these diseases and mitigation of their severity. This paper summaries the surveillance methods for pneumonia of unknown etiology and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases globally, indicating that such surveillance is mainly conducted based on hospital. Western countries primarily combine active and passive surveillance while utilizing artificial intelligence technology to rapidly identify cases. China mainly use passive surveillance based on the surveillance system for pneumonia of unknown etiology, with the function of early warning in the identification of emerging infectious diseases, such as avian influenza. However, with the improvement in the surveillance system operation, the overlap with other surveillance disease systems, such as influenza, has occurred, and the improvements in case definition and operational protocol are needed. It is recommended to improve the specificity of the case definition, strenthen training in hospital staff, inclduing clinical workers and office workers, and formulate incentive mechanisms. It is necessary to emphasize the responsibility of clinicians as the main force for the detection and reporting of pneumonia of unknown etiology and emerging infectious diseases, improve the appilication of artifical intelligent technique and conduct multi-source surveillance, such as third-party testing.
10.Staging system for renal tuberculosis and prognostic analysis of treatment at different stages
Chenhao GUO ; Xiao LU ; Yuyang ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Wei QIN ; Linping QI ; Xiumei LI ; Panfeng SHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):581-586
Objective:To investigate the staging criteria of renal tuberculosis,and to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics as well as prognostic outcomes at different stages.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 134 patients with renal tuberculosis who were admitted to the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University between January 2019 and December 2023.The study cohort included 62 males and 72 females,with a mean age of(46.63 ± 13.52)years and a mean body mass index(BMI)of(22.85 ± 3.73)kg/m 2. A total of 107 patients resided in rural areas. Sixty patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions were located in the left kidney in 72 cases and in the right kidney in 62 cases. The main presenting complaints included irritative lower urinary tract symptoms in 85 patients and systemic symptoms in 92 patients. Ureteral involvement was observed in 97 patients,bladder involvement in 32 patients,and genital involvement in 9 patients. Based on computed tomography(CT)findings,the number,extent,and degree of renal destruction caused by tuberculous lesions were comprehensively evaluated in axial,coronal,and sagittal planes. The primary staging criteria included lesion diameter(2 cm)and the proportion of renal volume involved by the lesion(one-third,one-half,and two-thirds). Renal tuberculosis was classified into three stages and six subtypes:Stage Ⅰa,a solitary lesion with a diameter ≤ 2 cm;Stage Ⅰb,a solitary lesion >2 cm or multiple lesions confined within one-third of the renal volume;Stage Ⅱa,lesions involving more than one-third but confined within one-half of the renal volume;Stage Ⅱb,lesions involving more than one-half but confined within two-thirds of the renal volume;Stage Ⅲa,lesions involving more than two-thirds of the renal volume with a glomerular filtration rate(GFR)of the affected kidney <10 ml/min;and Stage Ⅲb,complete renal calcification,presenting as an “autonephrectomy”. Among the 134 patients included in this study,7 were classified as Stage Ⅰa,17 as Stage Ⅰb,20 as Stage Ⅱa,19 as Stage Ⅱb,62 as Stage Ⅲa,and 9 as Stage Ⅲb. The severity of hydronephrosis was graded as follows:mild,renal pelvic separation <2 cm;moderate,2-3 cm;and severe,>3 cm. Prior to treatment,the mean renal pelvic separation was(1.76 ± 0.92)cm in Stage Ⅰa,(1.69 ± 0.81)cm in Stage Ⅰb,and(1.10 ± 0.82)cm in Stage Ⅱa,corresponding to mild to moderate hydronephrosis. All 7 patients in Stage Ⅰa underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement,combined with a 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen consisting of isoniazid,rifampicin,pyrazinamide,and ethambutol for 2 months(intensive phase),followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for 4 months(continuation phase). Among the 17 patients in Stage Ⅰb,13 presented with hydronephrosis and underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement in combination with 6 months of anti-tuberculosis therapy,while 4 patients with isolated renal tuberculosis received anti-tuberculosis therapy alone for 6 months.Of the 20 patients in Stage Ⅱa,4 with hydronephrosis underwent ureteroscopic examination and double-J stent placement plus 6 months of anti-tuberculosis therapy,whereas 16 underwent nephroureterectomy. All 19 patients in Stage Ⅱb underwent nephroureterectomy. Among the 62 patients in Stage Ⅲa,60 underwent nephroureterectomy,while 2 refused surgery and were treated with the 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen. Of the 9 patients in Stage Ⅲb,8 underwent nephroureterectomy;in 1 patient,surgery was not performed due to severe adhesions in the operative field,and the patient received the 6-month short-course anti-tuberculosis regimen instead. Follow-up assessments included clinical symptoms,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),serum creatinine,degree of renal pelvic separation,and imaging findings from urinary tract CT. Efficacy was evaluated according to the following criteria:Cure was defined as clinical stability with all of the following conditions:① improvement of systemic symptoms,including absence of flank pain,fever,and lower urinary tract irritative symptoms,with normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR);② negative urine culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis;and ③ complete calcification of renal lesions and/or no evidence of tuberculous lesions at other sites. Stable disease was defined as no change in the size or extent of renal tuberculosis lesions. Progressive disease was defined as enlargement or increase in the number of tuberculous lesions or involvement of additional sites. Results:Among the 7 patients in Stage Ⅰa,follow-up imaging after treatment showed a mean renal pelvic separation of(0.44 ± 0.56)cm,which was significantly reduced compared with baseline( t = 3.909, P = 0.008). Five patients achieved cure,1 remained stable,and 1 showed disease progression and subsequently underwent nephroureterectomy,resulting in postoperative cure. In Stage Ⅰb,among 13 patients with hydronephrosis,post-treatment imaging showed a mean renal pelvic separation of(0.8 ± 0.75)cm,a statistically significant improvement from baseline( t = 5.633, P < 0.01). Six patients were cured,4 remained stable,and 3 experienced disease progression and underwent nephroureterectomy. Of the 4 patients with isolated renal tuberculosis,2 were controlled,and 2 progressed and underwent nephroureterectomy. In Stage Ⅱa,among 4 patients with tuberculous hydronephrosis,post-treatment renal pelvic separation was(1.20±0.98)cm,with no significant difference from baseline( t = -1.675, P = 0.193);these patients underwent nephroureterectomy 1-2 years later. The remaining 16 patients without hydronephrosis underwent nephroureterectomy and were cured. All 19 patients in Stage Ⅱb underwent nephroureterectomy;17 were cured,and 2 developed ipsilateral perirenal fluid collections 3 months postoperatively,which resolved spontaneously with the standard 6-month anti-tuberculosis regimen. Among 62 patients in Stage Ⅲa,60 underwent nephroureterectomy. Of these,54 were cured;1 developed a urinary tract infection within 2 weeks postoperatively;3 showed contralateral renal disease progression at 3 months;and 1 developed ipsilateral perirenal fluid at 3 months,which resolved spontaneously with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy. One patient developed solitary kidney failure 7 months postoperatively and underwent ureteral stent placement,with disease remaining stable thereafter. Two patients refused surgery and received only anti-tuberculosis therapy;during follow-up,1 patient experienced disease progression and died of disseminated tuberculosis after 1 year,while the other developed contralateral renal involvement at 3 months and received standard 6-month therapy,with disease remaining stable. Among 9 patients in Stage Ⅲb,8 underwent nephroureterectomy and were cured. One patient,with severe adhesions precluding surgery,received anti-tuberculosis therapy alone,and disease remained stable over a 2-year follow-up. Conclusions:The CT-based staging system for renal tuberculosis proposed in this study(three stages and six subtypes)effectively reflects the severity of renal lesions and clearly delineates the clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes at each stage. Stage Ⅰ patients treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs combined with double-J stent placement demonstrated favorable outcomes and high renal preservation rates. In contrast,Stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients showed poor responses to anti-tuberculosis therapy combined with drainage,with a higher risk of disease progression and relatively worse prognosis,highlighting the recommendation for early nephroureterectomy of the affected kidney.


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