1.Aerobic Exercise and MOTS-c Ameliorate Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorder in Type 2 Diabetes via The NRF2/PPARγ Axis
Fei-Long CHEN ; Zhi-Yu LI ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Yu FU ; Lei LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Shun-Chang LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2071-2090
ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often causes severe hepatic metabolic complications, dominated by metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Persistent hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress further trigger steatohepatitis and progressive liver damage, increasing the mortality risk of diabetic patients. Aerobic exercise effectively improves hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity, but poor patient adherence restricts its long-term clinical application. Mitochondrial-derived mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is a key peptide regulating insulin sensitivity and hepatic redox homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of MOTS-c against T2DM-related liver injury and its combined beneficial effect with aerobic exercise via the NRF2/PPARγ signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate whether MOTS-c cooperates with aerobic exercise to alleviate T2DM-associated hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction by activating the NRF2/PPARγ axis, and to clarify the molecular and transcriptomic characteristics of their combined intervention. MethodsStable MOTS-c overexpression and knockdown HepG2 cell lines were constructed using lentiviral transfection. An oleic acid-induced cellular lipid accumulation model and NRF2-knockout cell model were applied to verify the NRF2-dependent mechanism ofMOTS-c. Intracellular lipid deposition, triglyceride levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the expression of NRF2/PPARγ pathway-related genes and proteins were detected. In vivo, a T2DM rat model with obvious hepatic steatosis was established via a high-fat and high-sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Model rats received aerobic exercise, MOTS-c intraperitoneal injection, or combined intervention. We detected systemic glycolipid metabolic indicators, hepatic histopathological changes, and the expression of core proteins in the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Hepatic transcriptomic sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enrich key pathways co-regulated by MOTS-c and aerobic exercise. ResultsCellular results showed that MOTS-c overexpression significantly reduced oleic acid-induced lipid deposition, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and upregulated NRF2 and PPARγ expression. Conversely, MOTS-c knockdown aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative damage and inhibited NRF2/PPARγ pathway activation. NRF2 knockout completely eliminated the protective effects of MOTS-c on lipid metabolism and redox balance, confirming its NRF2-dependent regulatory mechanism. In T2DM rats, both MOTS-c supplementation and aerobic exercise effectively improved insulin resistance, corrected glycolipid metabolic disorders, and alleviated hepatic steatosis, while consistently activating the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Compared with single intervention, the combined treatment showed a better improvement trend in hepatic metabolic and oxidative injury, without definitive synergistic effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the co-regulated DEGs of MOTS-c and aerobic exercise were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways, with multiple antioxidant and lipid-regulating genes significantly modulated by combined intervention. ConclusionMOTS-c exhibits obvious exercise-mimetic hepatoprotective effects in T2DM. It activates the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis to strengthen antioxidant defense, stabilize lipid metabolism, and relieve T2DM-associated hepatic steatosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, MOTS-c produces additive beneficial effects with aerobic exercise, showing a superior intervention trend on diabetic liver dysfunction. This study identifies the NRF2/PPARγ axis as the core mechanism of MOTS-c-regulated hepatic protection, elucidates the transcriptomic basis of combined intervention, and provides a reliable theoretical basis and potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in T2DM-complicated MAFLD.
2.Efficacy and safety of split-dose cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscl-einvasive bladder cancer
Kaikai CHEN ; Jing LI ; Hailong LIU ; Ding XU ; Shun ZHANG ; Shenggen YU ; Yu SHEN ; Zhiwei CHEN ; Haibo SHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(10):842-847
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine combined with conventional-dose cisplatin(70 mg/m2,day 2)versus split-dose cisplatin(35 mg/m2,days 1 and 8)in neo-adjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer(MIBC).Methods The clinical data of 33 MIBC patients receiving(gemcitabine+cisplatin,GC)-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Department of Urology of Xinhua Hospital,during Jan.2021 and Aug.2024 were retrospectively analyzed,including 18(54.5%)patients treated with a conventional-dose regimen(GC group),and 15(45.5%)patients treated with a split-dose regimen(GCs group).The efficacy endpoints and incidence/severity of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups(P>0.05).No significant differences were observed in the complete response rate(CR:33.3%vs.22.2%),objective response rate(ORR:66.7%vs.61.1%),or disease control rate(DCR:80.0%vs.88.9%)between the GCs and GC groups(P>0.05).The GCs group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of chemotherapy-related renal injury(6.7%vs.38.9%,P<0.05),while the occurrence of other adverse events was comparable between the two groups.Notably,the GCs group demonstrated significantly attenuated nephrotoxicity,as evidenced by markedly smaller changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate[eGFR:(4.5±4.7)%vs.(18.0±11.8)%]and serum creatinine[SCr:(5.7±5.6)%vs.(20.2±19.5)%]compared to the GC group(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with the conventional-dose regimen,the split-dose regimen maintains equivalent clinical efficacy of GC-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy while significantly reducing chemotherapy-related nephrotoxicity,thereby providing MIBC patients with a safer therapeutic option.
3.Research of 3D printing model in analysis of anterior disc displacement with reduction
Bo-yu AN ; Fang-tong JIAO ; Shun ZHANG ; Wan-tong YU ; Ai-she DUN ; Zuo-qin ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(8):653-657
Objective To deeply understand the anatomical basis of temporomandibular joint disorders,and explore and master the pathological characteristics of anterior displacement of temporomandibular joint disc through cadaveric dissection and 3D printing technology.Methods By dissecting the temporomandibular joints of 40 head and neck specimens,the bilateral structures of the temporomandibular joints were measured to obtain condyle and articular disc data.3D modeling was carried out using 3ds Max software and printed out a model of temporomandibular joint.The pathological model of the anterior disc displacement with reduction(ADDwR)was simulated by adjusting the opening degree,the position of the articular disk,and the position of the condyle of the model.Results The precise data of the right and left temporomandibular joint discs and condyle were successfully obtained by dissection and measurement.The thickness of the anterior band of left temporomandibular joint discs was(2.02±0.57)mm,the thickness of the middle band was(1.46±0.33)mm,the thickness of the posterior band was(3.00±0.46)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.60±0.72)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.73±0.84)mm.While the thickness of the anterior band of right temporomandibular joint discs was(1.84±0.35)mm,and the thickness of the middle band was(1.43±0.28)mm,the thickness of posterior band was(3.08±0.49)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.30±0.88)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.38±1.10)mm.The internal-external diameter of the left temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.97±0.41)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.56±0.43)mm;the internal-external diameter of the right temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.86±0.75)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.40±0.30)mm.The standard temporomandibular joint model was printed out by the measured data.The model was utilized to simulate the physiological state of temporomandibular joint under normal conditions,as well as the three pathological states of closed mouth,closed mouth to open mouth,and open mouth in the case of ADDwR.Conclusion The temporomandibular joint model can more intuitively present the changes of anatomical structure in reversible temporoman-dibular joint disorders,which is helpful for understanding and mastering the different classification of this disease.
4.Effects of Three AKT Isoform-specific Knockouts on Self-renewal and Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Qi YANG ; Shuai TANG ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Wu-Yang TANG ; Ao-Xiang DOU ; Yu-Hang ZHANG ; Pi-Shun LI ; Xiao-Feng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):426-436
AKT,also known as Protein Kinase B(PKB),plays a critical role in cell proliferation and metabolism.There are three isoforms of AKT:AKT1,AKT2,and AKT3.The effects of these isoforms on the pluripotency and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells(mESCs)remain unclear.This study aims to explore the impact of three AKT isoform-specific knockouts on the self-renewal and differen-tiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology,AKT isoform-spe-cific knockout cell lines were established.The phenotypic and molecular changes were analyzed through Western blotting,flow cytometry,qRT-PCR,CCK-8 assays,Alkaline Phosphatase(AP)staining,and RNA-seq.The construction of AKT isoform-specific knockout cell lines was successful.The loss of AKT1 and AKT2 inhibited the proliferation of mESCs.The knockout of any single AKT isoform did not affect the expression of pluripotency genes at both mRNA or protein levels.However,during embryoid body forma-tion,the deletion of any of the three AKT isoforms affected the mRNA expression levels of genes in all three germ layers.Transcriptome analysis showed that compared to wild-type mESCs,995,547,and 429 differentially expressed genes(|log2FC|≧1,P<0.05)were identified inAKT1,AKT2,and AKT3 isoform-specific knockout cells,respectively.There was some overlap in the differentially expressed genes regulated by these three isoforms.In conclusion,the independent knockout of AKT isoforms does not af-fect the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells,but they are crucial for differentia-tion.The three AKT isoforms can collectively regulate gene expression while retaining their own regulato-ry specificity.This study provides a foundation for understanding the unique and overlapping roles of AKT isoforms in stem cell biology,highlighting their importance in maintaining stem cell function and differen-tiation.
5.Effects of Three AKT Isoform-specific Knockouts on Self-renewal and Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Qi YANG ; Shuai TANG ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Wu-Yang TANG ; Ao-Xiang DOU ; Yu-Hang ZHANG ; Pi-Shun LI ; Xiao-Feng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):426-436
AKT,also known as Protein Kinase B(PKB),plays a critical role in cell proliferation and metabolism.There are three isoforms of AKT:AKT1,AKT2,and AKT3.The effects of these isoforms on the pluripotency and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells(mESCs)remain unclear.This study aims to explore the impact of three AKT isoform-specific knockouts on the self-renewal and differen-tiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology,AKT isoform-spe-cific knockout cell lines were established.The phenotypic and molecular changes were analyzed through Western blotting,flow cytometry,qRT-PCR,CCK-8 assays,Alkaline Phosphatase(AP)staining,and RNA-seq.The construction of AKT isoform-specific knockout cell lines was successful.The loss of AKT1 and AKT2 inhibited the proliferation of mESCs.The knockout of any single AKT isoform did not affect the expression of pluripotency genes at both mRNA or protein levels.However,during embryoid body forma-tion,the deletion of any of the three AKT isoforms affected the mRNA expression levels of genes in all three germ layers.Transcriptome analysis showed that compared to wild-type mESCs,995,547,and 429 differentially expressed genes(|log2FC|≧1,P<0.05)were identified inAKT1,AKT2,and AKT3 isoform-specific knockout cells,respectively.There was some overlap in the differentially expressed genes regulated by these three isoforms.In conclusion,the independent knockout of AKT isoforms does not af-fect the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells,but they are crucial for differentia-tion.The three AKT isoforms can collectively regulate gene expression while retaining their own regulato-ry specificity.This study provides a foundation for understanding the unique and overlapping roles of AKT isoforms in stem cell biology,highlighting their importance in maintaining stem cell function and differen-tiation.
6.New progress in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer
Zhenli LONG ; Ying YANG ; Yongfeng YU ; Shun LU
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;40(4):293-305
This review summarizes recent clinical progress in the field of lung cancer within the multidisciplinary team(MDT)diagnosis and treatment model across domestic and international studies.In the perioperative treatment of early-stage resectable non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC),the"sandwich"strategy combining preoperative neoadjuvant therapy with postoperative adjuvant therapy has demonstrat-ed significant survival benefits for patients.Notably,domestic toripalimab combined chemotherapy significantly increases the major patho-logic response(MPR)rate and event-free survival(EFS)rate of resectable stage Ⅲ NSCLC patients,emerging as a novel treatment regimen for perioperative NSCLC.For unresctable NSCLC patients,consolidative therapy combined with osimertinib,a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor,following radical chemotherapy has significantly extended progression free survival,filling the gap in targeted therapy for stage Ⅲ lung cancer.Furthermore,the combination of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic agents has ef-fectively improved the overall survival of advanced NSCLC patients.Significant progress has also been made in the field of antibody-drug conjugates,with agents such as sacituzumab and trastuzumab demonstrating substantial therapeutic efficacy.In the field of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer(ES-SCLC),the bispecific antibody tarlatamab targeting Delta-like ligand 3(DLL3)and cluster of differentiation 3(CD3)has exhibited significant efficacy,and has received accelerated approval from U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)as a sec-ond-line treatment for ES-SCLC.
7.Aerobic Exercise Ameliorates Neuroinflammation in AD Mice by Weakening Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Microglial Immune Activation
Shun-Ling YUAN ; Sheng-Yu DAI ; Wei LIN ; Di-Qun XU ; Yi-Ping LIU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(11):1700-1710
This study aims to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroinflammation in AD mice and explore the mechanisms of neuroinflammation regulated by the blood-brain barrier,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)displacement,and glial cell activation.Twenty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were used,which were randomly divided into a sedentary group(SE-AD)and an aerobic exercise group(Run-AD),and 10 3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group(WT).The Run-AD group underwent 12 weeks of aerobic training.The results of the water maze showed that aerobic exercise improved the learning and memory capacity of AD mice(P<0.05).The results of H&E stai-ning and Nissl staining showed that aerobic exercise reduced necrotic cells and inflammatory cell infiltra-tion in the cerebral cortex,as well as nuclear condensation in the CA1 and GD regions of the hippocam-pus(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased the area of Nissl bodies in the cerebral cortex and hippocam-pal CA3 and DG regions.Western blotting and ELISA results showed that aerobic exercise increased the expression of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-5 proteins in the brain(P<0.01),and decreased the levels of LPS in the brain(P<0.01).The qRT-PCR results exhibited that aerobic exercise decreased the ex-pression of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,IL-1β,and TNF-α mRNA(P<0.05,P<0.01).The results of immunofluorescence staining revealed that aerobic exercise reduced the fluorescence area of brain IL-1βand TNF-α proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01),as well as the fluorescence area of Iba-1,GFAP,and TLR4 proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was a high degree of overlap between Iba-1 and TLR4 fluorescence in the cerebral cortex,and GFAP was localized around Iba-1.In summary,aerobic exercise attenuates neuroinflammation in AD mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier,reducing the displacement of LPS,and subsequently weakening the immune activation of microglia to regulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate neuroinflammation.
8.In vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucine aminopeptidase(LAP)in Echinococcus multilocularis
Jia-yu CHEN ; Yao DAI ; Shun-juan WANG ; Yang XIAO ; Xin-zong YAN ; Tong LIU ; Zhi-hao YUAN ; Kai-li SHI ; Run-le LI ; Feng TANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):23-31
This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.
9.Application effect of free anterolateral thigh flaps in the repair of head and facial tumors
Lei LIU ; Linghan LI ; Shun YU ; Bing GUO
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):418-421
OBJECTIVE To discuss the clinical application effect of free transplantation with anterolateral thigh flap repairing tissue defects after resection of head and facial tumors.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients from August 2018 to November 2023,diagnosed with head and facial tumors who underwent surgical resection and simultaneous repair with free anterolateral thigh flaps in Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at the North District of Shanghai 9th People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.The survival of flaps and the healing of the donor site were observed,and postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6-12 months.The texture of flaps,scar formation in the surgical area,tumor recurrence,and patient satisfaction were evaluated.The Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)scale was used to assess the patients'health status preoperatively and at the final postoperative follow-up.RESULTS 16 patients were enrolled,comprising 12 males and 4 females,aged from 31 to 67 years old.Pathological types of tumors included 9 cases squamous cell carcinoma,4 cases dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans,and 3 cases other malignancies.All 16 flaps survived completely.The follow-up period was 6-12 months,and the texture of flaps was good.All patients were satisfied with the surgical effect,and no tumor recurred.All incisions in the thigh donor area healed in one stage,and linear scars were observed during follow-up.The preoperative KPS score was 80±7.30,while the postoperative KPS score at the final follow-up was 88.13±6.55,showing a statistically significant difference(t=4.96,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Free transplantation of the anterolateral thigh flap is a reliable and effective method for patients with large-scale soft tissue defects after resection of head and facial tumors.
10.Construction and Application of"On-Off-On"Fluorescence Sensor for Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Based on Near Infrared Carbon Quantum Dots
Yu LIN ; Feng TAN ; Yu-Hua SHEN ; Li-Qin ZHU ; Pei-Yao YAN ; Jin-Tao PAN ; Kai-Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):934-943
In this work,near infrared carbon quantum dots(NIR-CDs)were synthesized by hydrothermal method using biomass material Clausena lansium leaves.The synthesized NIR-CDs emitted maximum fluorescence signal at 677 nm,which was independent of excitation wavelength.The characterization results showed that there were abundant groups on the surface of NIR-CDs.Pd2+could form non-fluorescent compounds with the surface groups of NIR-CDs,resulting in fluorescence quenching(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F0).Because chlorpromazine hydrochloride(CPZ)parent nucleus contained unoxidized S atom,CPZ could form stable colored complex with Pd2+under acidic conditions.In the presence of CPZ,Pd2+dissociated from the surface of NIR-CDs and bonded with CPZ,so that the fluorescence signal could be restored(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F).An"on-off-on"fluorescence sensor was thus constructed.The fluorescence signal recovery value of NIR-CDs(△F=F-F0)showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CPZ in the range of 5.68-28.43 μg/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 0.078 μg/mL.The sensor was applied to determination of CPZ in pharmaceutical preparations,and the recoveries were 94%-106%.The developed fluorescence sensor was expected to be used in quality control of actual pharmaceutical preparations.

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