1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Knocking Out DNMT1 Enhances the Inhibitory Effect of NK Cells on Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Kun WU ; Jia-Li HUANG ; Shen-Ju CHENG ; Yan-Hong LI ; Yun ZENG ; Ming-Xia SHI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):653-659
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the effect and mechanism of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) knockout on the inhibition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by natural killer (NK) cells.
METHODS:
The peripheral blood NK cells of AML patients and controls were collected, and the mRNA and protein level of DNMT1 were measured by PCR and Western blot, respectively. The DNMT1 knockout mice were constructed to obtain NKDNMT1-/- cells. The NK cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to construct memory NK cells, and then the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were measured by ELISA. After co-culturing with memory NK cells and HL60 cells, the killing effect of NKDNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells was detected by LDH assay. Then, the HL60 cell apoptosis and NK cell NKG2D level were measured by flow cytometry. The perforin and granzyme B protein levels of NK cells were measured by Western blot. The AML model mice were constructed by injecting HL60 cells into the tail vein, meanwhile, memory NK cells were also injected, and then the mouse weights, CD33 positive rates, and survival time were detected.
RESULTS:
The mRNA and protein levels of DNMT1 in NK cells of AML patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.01), while the IFN-γ level induced by interleukin was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with NKDNMT1+/+ cells, the ability of NKDNMT1-/- cells to secrete IFN-γ after interleukin stimulation was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The killing and apoptosis-inducing effects of NKDNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells were significantly stronger than those of NKDNMT1+/+ cells (both P < 0.05). The NKG2D level and expression of perforin and granzyme B of NKDNMT1-/- cells were significantly increased compared with NKDNMT1+/+ cells (all P < 0.05). Compared with AML mice injected with NKDNMT1+/+ cells, AML mice injected with NKDNMT1-/- cells showed significantly increased body weight, decreased CD33 positive rate, and prolonged survival time (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Knocking out DNMT1 can enhance the inhibitory effect of NK cells on AML, which may be related to enhancing NK cell memory function.
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
;
Humans
;
DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
;
Mice
;
Mice, Knockout
;
HL-60 Cells
;
Apoptosis
;
Interferon-gamma/metabolism*
;
Granzymes/metabolism*
;
Perforin/metabolism*
;
NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism*
3.Effect and mechanism of LINC00839 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells
Yuan-yuan SHI ; Fen TIAN ; Wei-yue ZHOU ; Mei-yan LI ; Jian-cai MA ; Ju-rong WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(1):21-27
Objective To investigate the effect of LINC00839 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the miR-625-5p/cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) axis. Methods The cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 46 patients with endometrial cancer were obtained,endometrial cancer cells of HEC-1B,Ishikawa and RL95-2 and human endometrial epithelial cells (HEEC) were cultured in vitro,and the expression levels of LINC00839,miR-625-5p and CPEB4 in tissues and cells were detected. HEC-1B cells were divided into the HEC-1B group (conventional culture),sh-Ctrl group (transfected with sh-Ctrl),sh-LINC00839 group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839),anti-miR-625-5p group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and miR-625-5p inhibitor),and anti-NC group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and inhibitor-NC). The proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion abilities of HEC-1B cells in each group were compared,and the expressions of CPEB4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins were determined. The targeting relationships between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,and miR-625-5p and CPEB4 were analyzed. Results The mRNA expression of LINC00839 and CPEB4,as well as the positive expression rate of CPEB4 protein in endometrial cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues,and the expression of miR-625-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Compared with HEEC cells,the expression of LINC00839 and the mRNA and protein expression of CPEB4 in Ishikawa,RL95-2 and HEC-1B cells increased (P<0.05),and the expression of miR-625-5p decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-LINC00839 group and anti-NC group,the protein expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin,and CPEB4,24-hour absorbance,and migration and invasion cell numbers of HEC-1B cells in the HEC-1B group,sh-Ctrl group and anti-miR-625-5p group increased (P<0.05),while the expression of E-cadherin protein and cell apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05). There were binding sites between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,miR-625-5p and CPEB4,with targeting regulatory relationships. Conclusion LINC00839 is related to the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells,interference with LINC00839 expression can inhibit the proliferation,invasion and migration,and promote apoptosis of HEC-1B cells,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating the miR-625-5p/CPEB4 axis.
4.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.
5.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.
6.Effect and mechanism of LINC00839 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells
Yuan-yuan SHI ; Fen TIAN ; Wei-yue ZHOU ; Mei-yan LI ; Jian-cai MA ; Ju-rong WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(1):21-27
Objective To investigate the effect of LINC00839 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the miR-625-5p/cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) axis. Methods The cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 46 patients with endometrial cancer were obtained,endometrial cancer cells of HEC-1B,Ishikawa and RL95-2 and human endometrial epithelial cells (HEEC) were cultured in vitro,and the expression levels of LINC00839,miR-625-5p and CPEB4 in tissues and cells were detected. HEC-1B cells were divided into the HEC-1B group (conventional culture),sh-Ctrl group (transfected with sh-Ctrl),sh-LINC00839 group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839),anti-miR-625-5p group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and miR-625-5p inhibitor),and anti-NC group (transfected with shRNA-LINC00839 and inhibitor-NC). The proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion abilities of HEC-1B cells in each group were compared,and the expressions of CPEB4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins were determined. The targeting relationships between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,and miR-625-5p and CPEB4 were analyzed. Results The mRNA expression of LINC00839 and CPEB4,as well as the positive expression rate of CPEB4 protein in endometrial cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues,and the expression of miR-625-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Compared with HEEC cells,the expression of LINC00839 and the mRNA and protein expression of CPEB4 in Ishikawa,RL95-2 and HEC-1B cells increased (P<0.05),and the expression of miR-625-5p decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-LINC00839 group and anti-NC group,the protein expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin,and CPEB4,24-hour absorbance,and migration and invasion cell numbers of HEC-1B cells in the HEC-1B group,sh-Ctrl group and anti-miR-625-5p group increased (P<0.05),while the expression of E-cadherin protein and cell apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05). There were binding sites between LINC00839 and miR-625-5p,miR-625-5p and CPEB4,with targeting regulatory relationships. Conclusion LINC00839 is related to the malignant biological behavior of endometrial cancer cells,interference with LINC00839 expression can inhibit the proliferation,invasion and migration,and promote apoptosis of HEC-1B cells,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating the miR-625-5p/CPEB4 axis.
7.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of male dermatomyositis patients with positive anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 antibody
Yitian SHI ; Fenghong YUAN ; Ting LIU ; Wenfeng TAN ; Ju LI ; Min WU ; Zhanyun DA ; Hua WEI ; Lei ZHOU ; Songlou YIN ; Jian WU ; Yan LU ; Dinglei SU ; Zhichun LIU ; Lin LIU ; Longxin MA ; Xiaoyan XU ; Yinshan ZANG ; Huijie LIU ; Tianli REN
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(1):44-49
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of male with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) autoantibody.Methods:The clinical data of 246 patients with DM and anti-MDA5 autoantibodies hospitalized by Jiangsu Myositis Cooperation Group from 2017 to 2020 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test was performed to compared between counting data groups; Quantitative data were expressed by M ( Q1, Q3), and rank sum test was used for comparison between groups; Single factor survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test; Cox regression analysis were used for multivariate survival analysis. Results:①The male group had a higher proportion of rash at the sun exposure area [67.1%(47/70) vs 52.8%(93/176), χ2=4.18, P=0.041] and V-sign [50.0%(35/70) vs 30.7%(54/176), χ2=8.09, P=0.004] than the female group. The male group had higher levels of creatine kinase [112(18, 981)U/L vs 57 (13.6, 1 433)U/L, Z=-3.50, P<0.001] and ferritin [1 500 (166, 32 716)ng/ml vs 569 (18, 14 839)ng/ml, Z=-5.85, P<0.001] than the female group. The proportion of ILD [40.0%(28/70) vs 59.7%(105/176), χ2=7.82, P=0.020] patients and the red blood cell sedimentation rate[31.0(4.0, 101.5)mm/1 h vs 43.4(5.0, 126.5)mm/1 h, Z=-2.22, P=0.026] in the male group was lower than that of the female group, but the proportion of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (PR-ILD) [47.1%(33/70) vs 31.3%(55/176), χ2=5.51, P=0.019] was higher than that of the female group. ②In male patients with positive anti-MDA5 antibodies,the death group had a shorter course of disease[1.0(1.0, 3.0) month vs 2.5(0.5,84) month, Z=-3.07, P=0.002], the incidence of arthritis [16.7%(4/24) vs 42.2%(19/45), χ2=4.60, P=0.032] were low than those in survival group,while aspartate aminotransferase (AST)[64(22.1, 565)U/L vs 51(14,601)U/L, Z=-2.42, P=0.016], lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [485(24,1 464)U/L vs 352(170, 1 213)U/L, Z=-3.38, P=0.001], C-reactive protein (CRP) [11.6(2.9, 61.7) mg/L vs 4.95(0.6, 86.4) mg/L, Z=-1.96, P=0.050], and ferritin levels [2 000(681, 7 676) vs 1 125 (166, 32 716)ng/ml, Z=-3.18, P=0.001] were higher than those in the survival group, and RP-ILD [95.8%(23/24) vs 22.2%(10/45), χ2=33.99, P<0.001] occurred at a significantly higher rate. ③Cox regression analysis indicated that the course of disease LDH level, and RP-ILD were related factors for the prognosis of male anti-MDA5 antibodies [ HR (95% CI)=0.203(0.077, 0.534), P=0.001; HR (95% CI)=1.002(1.001, 1.004), P=0.003; HR (95% CI)=95.674 (10.872, 841.904), P<0.001]. Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of male anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients are different from those of female. The incidence of ILD is low, but the proportion of PR-ILD is high. The course of disease, serum LDH level, and RP-ILD are prognostic factors of male anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients.
8.Application Progress of Electrochemical Methods in Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yan-Bing PAN ; IHSAN AWAIS ; Min SHI ; Wen-Wen MA ; MURTAZA GHULAM ; Ke-Fei HU ; Jun LI ; Xian-Ju HUANG ; Han CHENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(1):22-34
The quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is the core issue to ensure the modernization,industrialization and internationalization of TCM.Compared with other detection methods,electrochemical analysis method has many advantages such as high sensitivity,fast detection speed and low cost,making it an important means of quality control for TCM and having broad development prospects.This article reviewed the research progress of electrochemical methods in quality control of TCM in recent years,discussed the application of electrochemical fingerprinting technique in identification of TCM,and comprehensively summarized the application of electrochemical technology in analyzing effective components and harmful substances in TCM,including flavonoids,alkaloids,quinones,glycosides,heavy metals and pesticide residues.Finally,the development prospects of electrochemical methods in the field of quality control of TCM were discussed.
9.Design, synthesis and relational biological researches of novel acetyl-contained sulfanilamide tertiary amine thiol azole compounds and sulfanilamide tertiary amine amino azole compounds
Dan-yang FENG ; Liu-xue ZHU ; Shi-ju YANG ; Rui YAN ; Hui-zhen ZHANG ; Ying WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(12):3315-3324
As an important synthetic antibacterial drug, sulfonamides play an important role in the anti-infection field. Based on the research and development status of sulfonamides, this paper broke the classical structure of sulfanilamide, and designed and synthesized a series of acetyl-contained sulfanilamide tertiary amine thiol azole compounds and sulfanilamide tertiary amine amino azole compounds. The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized compounds
10.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

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