1.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
2.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
3.Pathological changes and macrophage polarization in the liver and spleen of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Xiaoyu QIN ; Yuchun CAI ; Yang HONG ; Fanna WEI ; Yahong HU ; Yumeng CAI ; Yuan HU ; Ting ZHANG ; Xiaojin MO ; Bin XU ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Zelin ZHU ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):169-183
Objective To investigate the temporal changes in pathological damage and macrophage polarization in liver and spleen tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and to preliminarily unravel the peripheral immune responses during the early stage of A. cantonensis infection. Methods Forty female BALB/c mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group and 7-, 14-, and 21-day infection groups, with 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was inoculated with 30 third-stage (L3) larvae of A. cantonensis by oral gavage, and five mice were randomly selected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, while mice in the control group were given the same volume of physiological saline and five mice were randomly selected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled. The histopathological changes of mouse liver and spleen tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the percentage of positive staining area and the co-localization positive rates of the macrophage surface antigens F4/80, CD86, and CD206 were quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, five mice were collected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, and five mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled for detection of macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 and macrophage phenotyping using flow cytometry, and the expression of M1 macrophage markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and M2 markers, including arginase 1 (Arg1), mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1) and chitinase-like protein 3 (Chil3) was quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. Results Proliferative lesions of the hepatocyte were observed in mouse liver tissues and the follicular structures of the mouse spleen white pulp were disrupted 21 days post-infection with A. cantonensis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that there were significant differences in the percentages of F4/80, CD86 and CD206 positive staining areas in the liver and spleen tissues among the four groups of mice (F = 242.40, 197.14, 183.19, 157.65, 242.35 and 146.24; all P values < 0.001), and the percentages of positive staining in the liver and spleen tissues of mice in the 14-day infection group [(4.45 ± 0.51)%, (3.74 ± 0.67)%, (8.32 ± 0.72)%, (16.56 ± 1.14)%, (11.62 ± 0.52)%, and (8.29 ± 0.72)%, respectively] and the 21-day infection group [(3.70 ± 0.11)%, (3.22 ± 0.43)%, (11.53 ± 1.03)%, (12.59 ± 1.05)%, (9.02 ± 0.83)%, and (11.67 ± 1.10)%, respectively] were higher than in the control group [(0.35 ± 0.16)%, (0.40 ± 0.02)%, (0.93 ± 0.05)%, (2.78 ± 0.26)%, (2.33 ± 0.20)%, and (1.85 ± 0.20)%, respectively] (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed significant differences in the positive rates of F4/80 co-localization with CD86 and CD206 in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 24.42, 25.28, 54.51 and 130.55; all P values < 0.001). Flow cytometry detected significant differences in the proportions of CD86+ and CD206+ macrophages in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 67.98, 18.41, 29.77, 172.80; all P values < 0.001), and the proportions of CD206+ macrophages in the liver and spleen of the 21-day infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(9.25 ± 2.55)% vs (3.83 ± 0.72)%, and (4.22 ± 0.56)% vs (0.47 ± 0.18)%, respectively] (both P values < 0.05). In addition, RT-qPCR assay quantified significant differences in the relative mRNA expression of M1 macrophage markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and Nos2) and M2 macrophage markers (Arg1, Chil3 and Mrc1) in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 41.30, 31.82, 199.33, 19.96, 62.01, 119.76, 23.67, 95.90, 72.27, 82.59, 123.41 and 29.75; all P values < 0.05). Conclusions A. cantonensis infection may cause progressive pathological damage in mouse liver and spleen tissues, accompanied by dynamic temporal changes in macrophage polarization. M1 macrophage polarization predominates at the early stage of A. cantonensis infection and shifts towards M2 polarization at the later stages, suggesting that M2 polarization may participate in immune regulation at late stages of A. cantonensis infection by suppressing excessive inflammatory responses and promoting tissue repair.
4.Disparities in ethnicity and metabolic disease burden in referrals to nephrology.
Yan Ting CHUA ; Cheang Han LEO ; Horng Ruey CHUA ; Weng Kin WONG ; Gek Cher CHAN ; Anantharaman VATHSALA ; Ye Lu Mavis GAN ; Boon Wee TEO
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(6):301-306
INTRODUCTION:
The profile of patients referred from primary to tertiary nephrology care is unclear. Ethnic Malay patients have the highest incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in Singapore. We hypothesised that there is a Malay predominance among patients referred to nephrology due to a higher burden of metabolic disease in this ethnic group.
METHODS:
This is a retrospective observational cohort study. From 2014 to 2018, a coordinator and physician triaged patients referred from primary care, and determined co-management and assignment to nephrology clinics. Key disease parameters were collated on triage and analysed.
RESULTS:
A total of 6,017 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 16 years. They comprised 57% men; 67% were Chinese and 22% were Malay. The proportion of Malay patients is higher than the proportion of Malays in the general population (13.4%) and they were more likely than other ethnicities to have ≥3 comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke (70% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). Malay and Indian patients had poorer control of diabetes mellitus compared to other ethnicities (glycated haemoglobin 7.8% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001). Higher proportion of Malay patients compared to other ethnicities had worse kidney function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 on presentation (28% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). More ethnic Malay, Indian and younger patients missed appointments.
CONCLUSION
A disproportionately large number of Malay patients are referred for kidney disease. These patients have higher metabolic disease burden, tend to miss appointments and are referred at lower eGFR. Reasons underpinning these associations should be identified to facilitate efforts for targeting this at-risk population, ensuring kidney health for all.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Nephrology
;
Glomerular Filtration Rate
;
Metabolic Diseases/epidemiology*
;
Ethnicity
;
Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology*
;
Malaysia/ethnology*
;
Adult
5.Chest computed tomography-based artificial intelligence-aided latent class analysis for diagnosis of severe pneumonia.
Caiting CHU ; Yiran GUO ; Zhenghai LU ; Ting GUI ; Shuhui ZHAO ; Xuee CUI ; Siwei LU ; Meijiao JIANG ; Wenhua LI ; Chengjin GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2316-2323
BACKGROUND:
There is little literature describing the artificial intelligence (AI)-aided diagnosis of severe pneumonia (SP) subphenotypes and the association of the subphenotypes with the ventilatory treatment efficacy. The aim of our study is to illustrate whether clinical and biological heterogeneity, such as ventilation and gas-exchange, exists among patients with SP using chest computed tomography (CT)-based AI-aided latent class analysis (LCA).
METHODS:
This retrospective study included 413 patients hospitalized at Xinhua Hospital diagnosed with SP from June 1, 2015 to May 30, 2020. AI quantification results of chest CT and their combination with additional clinical variables were used to develop LCA models in an SP population. The optimal subphenotypes were determined though evaluating statistical indicators of all the LCA models, and clinical implications of them such as guiding ventilation strategies were further explored by statistical methods.
RESULTS:
The two-class LCA model based on AI quantification results of chest CT can describe the biological characteristics of the SP population well and hence yielded the two clinical subphenotypes. Patients with subphenotype-1 had milder infections ( P <0.001) than patients with subphenotype-2 and had lower 30-day ( P <0.001) and 90-day ( P <0.001) mortality, and lower in-hospital ( P = 0.001) and 2-year ( P <0.001) mortality. Patients with subphenotype-1 showed a better match between the percentage of non-infected lung volume (used to quantify ventilation) and oxygen saturation (used to reflect gas exchange), compared with patients with subphenotype-2. There were significant differences in the matching degree of lung ventilation and gas exchange between the two subphenotypes ( P <0.001). Compared with patients with subphenotype-2, those with subphenotype-1 showed a relatively better match between CT-based AI metrics of the non-infected region and oxygenation, and their clinical outcomes were effectively improved after receiving invasive ventilation treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
A two-class LCA model based on AI quantification results of chest CT in the SP population particularly revealed clinical heterogeneity of lung function. Identifying the degree of match between ventilation and gas-exchange may help guide decisions about assisted ventilation.
Humans
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Aged
;
Pneumonia/diagnosis*
;
Latent Class Analysis
;
Adult
6.P4HA1 mediates YAP hydroxylation and accelerates collagen synthesis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
Xueru LI ; Gangfeng YU ; Xiao ZHONG ; Jiacheng ZHONG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Qinglong CHEN ; Jinjiang XUE ; Xi YANG ; Xinchun ZHANG ; Yao LING ; Yun XIU ; Yaqi DENG ; Hongda LI ; Wei MO ; Yong ZHU ; Ting ZHANG ; Liangjun QIAO ; Song CHEN ; Fanghui LU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1991-2005
BACKGROUND:
Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens.
METHODS:
Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ.
RESULTS:
This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival.
CONCLUSION
P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide
;
Humans
;
Glioblastoma/drug therapy*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Hydroxylation
;
Dacarbazine/pharmacology*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Collagen/biosynthesis*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*
7.Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets Ameliorate Liver Injury Induced by Tripterygium Glycosides Tablet by Regulating Cholesterol Metabolism
Xiaotong FU ; Chunyu CAO ; Chun LI ; Chenna LU ; Ting LIU ; Yifei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):46-55
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of liver injury induced by tripterygium glycosides tablets (TG) and the molecular mechanism of compound glycyrrhizin tablets (CG) in alleviating the abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism caused by TG via cholesterol metabolism. MethodsAccording to the body weights, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly grouped as follows: control (pure water), low-dose TG (TG-L, 189.0 mg·kg-1·d-1), high-dose TG (TG-H, 472.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), TG-L+CG (189.0 mg·kg-1·d-1 TG + 20.25 mg·kg-1·d-1 CG), and TG-H+CG (472.5 mg·kg-1·d-1 TG + 20.25 mg·kg-1·d-1 CG), with 6 rats in each group. Rats were administrated with corresponding drugs once daily for 3 weeks. At the end of the last administration, the mRNA and protein levels of liver X receptor-alpha (LXR-α), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), cholesterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1), and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in the liver tissue were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR), a regulatory enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HepG2 cells were used to observe the effect of TG on the cell proliferation in vitro. Specifically, HepG2 cells were grouped as follows: Low-dose TG (TG-l, 15 mg·L-1), medium-dose TG (TG-m, 45 mg·L-1), high-dose TG (TG-h, 135 mg·L-1), fenofibrate (FB, 10 μmol·L-1), CG extract, TG-h+FB (135 mg·L-1 TG + 10 μmol·L-1 FB), TG-m+FB (45 mg·L-1 TG + 10 μmol·L-1 FB), TG-l+FB (15 mg·L-1 TG + 10 μmol·L-1 FB), TG-h+CG (135 mg·L-1 TG + 60 μmol·L-1 CG), TG-m+CG (45 mg·L-1 TG + 60 μmol·L-1 CG), and TG-l+CG (15 mg·L-1 TG + 60 μmol·L-1 CG). The mRNA and protein levels of LXR-α, ABCG1, LDLR, CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 in HepG2 cells were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsThe rat experiment showed that compared with the control group, the TG-H group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), which were up-regulated by the application of CG (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the TG-H+CG group showed up-regulated mRNA level of LDLR (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the TG-L and TG-H groups showed down-regulated protein levels of LDLR, CYP7A1, and CYP8B1 in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the protein levels of ABCG1 and LXR-α were down-regulated in the TG-H and TG-L groups, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with TG alone, TG+CG up-regulated the protein levels of ABCG1 and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein levels of CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 in the TG-H+CG group were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The cell experiment showed that compared with the control group, the TG-h group presented up-regulated mRNA level of LXR-α (P<0.01), and the TG-m and TG-h groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of LDLR and CYP7A1 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level of CYP27A1 (P<0.01) in HepG2 cells. The combination of CG with TG restored the above changes (P<0.01). Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the TG-m and TG-h groups showed down-regulated protein levels of LXR-α, ABCG1, LDLR, CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 in HepG2 cells (P<0.01). Compared with the TG-h group, the TG-h+CG group showed up-regulated protein level of LDLR (P<0.05). Compared with the TG-m group, the TG-m+CG group showcased up-regulated protein levels of LDLR, ABCG1, CYP7A1, and CYP27A1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe administration of TG at 189.0, 472.5 mg·kg-1 for 3 weeks could modulate the signaling pathways associated with cholesterol efflux, endocytosis, and cholesterol biotransformation in hepatocytes, leading to the accumulation of cholesterol and subsequent liver injury in rats. CG could ameliorate the liver injury induced by lipid metabolism disorders caused by TG by up-regulating the expression of LXR-α, LDLR, ABCG1, CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 to promote cholesterol biotransformation.
8.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.
9.Advances in the application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring
WANG Qi ; LUO Ting ; LU Wei ; ZHAO Tingting ; HE Hong ; HUA Fang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(1):75-81
During orthodontic treatment, clinical monitoring of patients is a crucial factor in determining treatment success. It aids in timely problem detection and resolution, ensuring adherence to the intended treatment plan. In recent years, digital technology has increasingly permeated orthodontic clinical diagnosis and treatment, facilitating clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and follow-up monitoring. This review summarizes recent advancements in digital technology for monitoring orthodontic tooth movement, related complications, and appliance-wearing compliance. It aims to provide insights for researchers and clinicians to enhance the application of digital technology in orthodontics, improve treatment outcomes, and optimize patient experience. The digitization of diagnostic data and the visualization of dental models make chair-side follow-up monitoring more convenient, accurate, and efficient. At the same time, the emergence of remote monitoring technology allows orthodontists to promptly identify oral health issues in patients and take corresponding measures. Furthermore, the multimodal data fusion method offers valuable insights into the monitoring of the root-alveolar relationship. Artificial intelligence technology has made initial strides in automating the identification of orthodontic tooth movement, associated complications, and patient compliance evaluation. Sensors are effective tools for monitoring patient adherence and providing data-driven support for clinical decision-making. The application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring holds great promise. However, challenges like technical bottlenecks, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain.
10.Investigation of Helicobacter pylori infection and analysis of risk factors in permanent residents in a certain area
Xuemei XU ; Jun LIU ; Lamei HAN ; Danni LU ; Ting HE
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):78-81
Objective To analyze the status and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in permanent residents in a certain area. Methods The clinical data of 6 792 permanent residents surveyed from January 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All subjects underwent 13C-urea breath test,and relevant general information was collected to analyze Hp infection status. According to whether Hp infection occurred, they were divided into positive group (n=4 283) and negative group (n=2 509). The differences in general information, living habits, and dietary habits between the two groups of subjects were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results Among the 6 792 permanent residents surveyed from January 2021 to December 2023, 4283 were positive for 13C-urea breath test, accounting for 63.05% of the total. There were statistically significant differences in age distribution, gender, BMI, tableware cleaning, personal hygiene products use, chopsticks use, and raw food and vegetable cleaning between the positive group and the negative group (P<0.05). The single factors of Hp infection were substituted into multivariate logistic regression analysis equation, and it was found that age ≥45 years old, male, BMI≥24, no use of detergents to clean utensils, sharing personal hygiene products, not using public chopsticks, having a habit of eating raw food, and not cleaning vegetables before eating were independent risk factors for Hp infection. Conclusion The positive rate of Hp infection in this area is relatively high, and the infection factors are related to age, gender, and some lifestyle and dietary habits.


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