1.Research progress of acetylation in the pathogenesis of MASLD
Li YAN ; Fengyu JU ; Xin SHEN ; Ye YU ; Wenhui WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):31-39
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and its intricate pathogenesis presents challenges in the development of new drugs. As a common way of post-translational modification, acetylation regulates protein stability, enzyme activity, and subcellular localization, occurring extensively in MASLD-associated processes such as lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. In this paper, we comprehensively review the mechanism of acetylation in MASLD, analyze the expression levels of acetylases in liver tissues of MASLD patients from the gene expression omnibus (GEO), discuss the changes in relevant enzyme expression and mechanisms in animal models, and further explore the feasibility of targeting acetylation for MASLD treatment, in the hope of offering a new perspective for advancing drug discovery in the field of MASLD.
2.Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with peripheral neuropathy as the initial symptom: A pedigree analysis and literature review
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(7):646-651
Objective To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) with peripheral neuropathy as the initial symptom in a Han Chinese family, and to improve the clinical awareness of this disease through a literature review. Methods A pedigree investigation was performed for a patient with NIID who was admitted to the outpatient service of Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, in January 2023, and the clinical and imaging features of the family members were summarized. Various techniques, such as second-generation whole-exome sequencing, third-generation whole-genome sequencing, and PCR capillary electrophoresis, were used for genetic analysis, and a family lineage map was plotted. A literature review was performed to summarize the features of cases with peripheral neuropathy as the initial symptom. Results There were 3 generations and 16 members in this family, among whom 5 had clinical manifestations, 8 underwent blood sampling, and 3 were found to have a GCC repeat expansion mutation in the 5' non-coding region of the NOTCH2NLC gene. The proband was aged 39 years, with the initial symptom of weakness in the extremities, and cranial MRI did not show the characteristic signal of NIID, while electromyography suggested multiple peripheral nerve injuries in the extremities. Genetic testing showed that the proband, his aunt, and his cousin all had a GGC repeat expansion mutation in the NOTCH2NLC gene, with a number of more than 60 repeats (154,144,and 148,respectively). Conclusion In hereditary peripheral neuropathy, the possibility of NIID should be considered in case of negative results for common pathogenic genes. In addition, third-generation sequencing has a marked diagnostic value in repeat expansion mutation-related disorders.
3.Protective Effect of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Abortion Rats with Kidney Deficiency-Corpus Luteum Inhibition Syndrome via ERα/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathwa
Changyue SONG ; Siyu LI ; Fengyu HUANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Daiyue DING ; Shuangfei DENG ; Heqiao LI ; Jinghong XIE ; Guohua WANG ; Chen ZANG ; Hong XU ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):107-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Bushen Zhuyun prescription (BSZY) on abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome. MethodsAn abortion rat model with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome was constructed. Pregnant mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into a control group (Control), a model group (Model), low-dose BSZY (BSZY-L), medium-dose BSZY (BSZY-M), and high-dose BSZY (BSZY-H) groups (2.57, 5.14, 10.28 g·kg-¹), and a Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYT) group (1.575 g·kg-¹). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in ovarian and decidual tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. The candidate targets of BSZY were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0 databases, while disease targets for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were retrieved from GeneCards, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection targets were identified by the Venny 2.1.0 platform. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of BSZY. Additionally. Western blot was used to verify the effects of BSZY on the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) and explore its protective mechanism on RSA rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), with an abortion rate of 57.18%. The ovarian tissue showed varying degrees of reduction in primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea, along with a large number of atretic follicles. The endometrium was thinner, and decidual tissue exhibited cellular edema and disorganized arrangement. In contrast, compared with the model group, the BSZY groups at all doses and the ZSYT group demonstrated increased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights, along with a reduced abortion rate. The number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea increased, while atretic follicles decreased. The endometrium thickened, and decidual tissue displayed normal cellular structure with tight arrangement. Additionally, the model group showed significantly decreased levels of E₂, P, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), along with a decreasing trend in LH level. In contrast, the BSZY groups at all doses exhibited significantly elevated levels of E₂, P, LH, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology predictions suggested that BSZY may exert protective effects against abortion in rats by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blot results confirmed that BSZY significantly upregulated the expression of ERα, PI3K, and p-Akt proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSZY has a protective effect on the abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome, possibly by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce ovarian apoptosis and regulate endocrine function, thereby lowering the abortion rate.
4.Predictive value of MSCT perfusion imaging parameters for poor prognosis in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Fengyu WU ; Heqing WANG ; Jianjun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024;31(6):977-983
Objective To investigate the predictive value of perfusion imaging parameters of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) for the poor prognosis in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods A total of 118 patients with ONFH who were treated in a hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All patients received 3D printing guide plate assisted with curettage of necrotic focus combined with ceramic rod implantation. According to the one-year follow-up results, patients were divided into a good prognosis group (n=94) and a poor prognosis group (n=24). Baseline data and MSCT perfusion imaging parameters (mean transit time [MTT], blood flow [BF], blood volume [BV]) were compared between the two groups. The correlations of MTT, BF and BV with the severity and prognosis of ONFH were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of MSCT perfusion imaging parameters for the prognosis of ONFH patients. Results There were significant differences in the necrosis site, necrosis volume and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging between the two groups (P<0.05). The MTT was shorter, BF was less and BV was less in the poor prognosis group than those in the good prognosis group (P<0.001). MTT, BF and BV were negatively correlated with necrosis volume and ARCO staging (P<0.001). Decreased MTT, BF, and BV were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in ONFH patients (P<0.001). The AUC of the combination of these three parameters for predicting poor prognosis was 0.918, which was significantly better than that of independent parameter (P<0.05). Conclusions The parameters of MSCT perfusion imaging are closely related to the condition and prognosis of ONFH patients, and are help of predicting the prognosis of ONFH patients.
5.Jiawei Wendantang Regulates NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway to Reduce Inflammation in Rat Model of Diabetic Atherosclerosis
Chao LIU ; Lin WANG ; Fengyu YAO ; Yanmei HUANG ; Bingzhi WANG ; Yankun CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):71-77
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Jiawei Wendantang in preventing and treating diabetic atherosclerosis by observing the effect of this prescription on the nuclear factor-κB / NOD-like receptor protein 3(NF-κB/NLRP3) pathway and related inflammatory cytokines in rat model of diabetic atherosclerosis. MethodFifty-four SPF-grade rats were randomized into blank, model, atorvastatin (0.9 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high-, medium-, low-dose (18.2, 9.1, 4.55 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Jiawei Wendantang groups. The rats in other groups except the blank group were modeled for diabetic atherosclerosis by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and feeding with a high-sugar high-fat diet, and those in the blank group were injected with an equal dose of citric acid buffer and fed with a regular diet. The drug administration lasted for 4 weeks, and the blood glucose level in the tail vein was measured every 6 days. After the last administration, the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Western blot was employed to determine the relative protein levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, and ICAM-1 in the abdominal aorta. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of NLRP3 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the abdominal aorta. The pathological changes in the thoracic aorta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of IL-18, CRP, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 in the serum and blood glucose (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, and ICAM-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β (P<0.05). Compared with model group, Jiawei Wendantang lowered the levels of IL-18, CRP, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and blood glucose (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, and ICAM-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, Jiawei Wendantang alleviated the pathological injuries in the thoracic aorta. ConclusionJiawei Wendantang may modulate the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway to reduce the release and adhesion of inflammatory cytokines and regulate the blood glucose level to treat diabetic atherosclerosis.
6.Study on the expression, prognosis and mechanism of minichromosome maintenance protein 10 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2024;30(3):207-213
Objective:To investigate the expression, prognostic value and mechanism of MCM10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC).Methods:The transcriptome and clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the rank sum test was used to analyze the expression level of MCM10 in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between MCM10 expression level and the survival prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized for pathway enrichment analysis between MCM10 high and low group gene expression profiles. The effect of MCM10 knockdown on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) cell viability assay. The effect of MCM10 knockdown on the expression of G1/S-specific cyclin D1 was detected by Western blot.Results:The expression value of MCM10 in hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.709±0.595, and that in adjacent tissues was 0.077±0.094 ( P<0.0 001). Cox regression analysis showed that high expression of MCM10 was a risk factor and prognostic predictor of overall survival ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19~1.48) and disease-specific survival ( HR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.22~1.61) in LIHC. GSEA analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway and positive regulation of G1-S phase transition, et al. CCK-8 assay showed that MCM10 knockdown could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis further confirmed that knockdown of MCM10 expression inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 in HepG2 cells. Conclusions:MCM10 is a risk factor for the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which can promote the proliferation of hepatoma cells through cyclin D1.
7.Spatiotemporal expression specificity analysis of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy caused by DMD gene c.2622+2T>C variant
Liyu ZHANG ; Fengyu CHE ; Guoxia WANG ; Benchang LI ; Lidangzhi MO ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2024;40(2):153-161
Objective:To analyze the gene variants of a patient affected with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy in a pedigree and further explore the genotype-phenotype correlation for providing basis for family genetic counseling.Methods:The clinical features and family history of family members were collected.Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification(MLPA)was utilized to detect copy number variation of target genes.The pathogenic variations were ana-lyzed by whole exome sequencing(WES).The suspected gene variations were verified by Sanger sequencing.For the splice site mutations,mini-gene was constructed and expressed in vitro to detect the number of transcript and cDNA se-quence.Results:The proband of this family is a male,with no obvious involvement of the lower limbs.Laboratory tests showed an elevated level of creatine kinase(CK)in peripheral blood(700-1600 U/L),and electromyography showed myogenic damage.MLPA did not detect pathogenic exon copy number variation in dystrophin(DMD)gene.Genetic testing showed the proband carried a maternal hemizygotic splicing variation of DMD gene(NM_004006.2):c.2622+2T>C.An in vitro mini-gene splicing assay confirmed that this splicing mutation could affect RNA splicing.According to clinical features and genetic testing results,the proband was speculated first proof of Duchenne/Becker muscular dys-trophy(DMD/BMD)caused by DMD gene mutation.Conclusion:This study identified the pathogenic variation of a proband with DMD/BMD of DMD gene,which enriched the variation spectrum of DMD/BMD in China.It was con-firmed that the splicing variation of the DMD gene c.2622+2T>C can produce multiple transcripts leading to different functional impairments,and based on the specificity of temporal and spatial expression,it corresponded to the mild clin-ical manifestations of the patient,providing some reference value for the correlation between genotype and phenotype.
8.Multiple antibodies against-E,-c,-M,and-S:a case report
Wa GAO ; Bing LI ; Fengyu BAN ; Qiushi WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(5):511-515,533
Objective To identify antibody specificity in an elderly patient with hydronephrosis accompanied by ureter-al stones and shock who had multiple antibodies.Methods Microcolumn gel method was used to screen unexpected anti-bodies of red blood cells and identify antibodies.Enzyme method and antibody absorption method were used to help judge the specificity of antibodies in patients.The ABO blood type,Rh blood type and MNS blood type of patient were determined by saline tube method.Results The patient′s blood types were O,CCDee,NNss,and a combination of anti-E,anti-c,anti-M and anti-S antibodies was detected.Conclusion Repeated blood transfusion may lead to the presence of one or more un-expected antibodies in patients.Patients with multiple or high-frequency antibodies may experience difficulties in identifica-tion and delayed blood use.
9.Clinical phenotype, genetic characteristics, and creation of immortalized cell lines for patients from a pedigree affected with Hunter syndrome
Benchang LI ; Fengyu CHE ; Lidangzhi MO ; Liyu ZHANG ; Guoxia WANG ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(8):916-924
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with Hunter syndrome and create immortalized cell lines for the affected pedigree members.Methods:A pedigree of six members who had visited Xi′an Children′s Hospital in July 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data was collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the pedigree members. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. In addition, peripheral B lymphocytes were transfected with Epstein-Barr virus to create immortalized cell lines, which were then subjected to enzyme activity analysis.Results:The patient, a five-year-and-seven-month-old boy, had exhibited stiff limbs and enlarged joints. He had developed hernia, scaphocephaly, and barrel chest from 3 months of age. His uncle also had stiff limbs, poor hearing, blindness, and right oblique inguinal hernia. Above features had resembled those of Hunter syndrome. Genetic testing revealed that both the child and his uncle had harbored an IDS (NM_000202.8): c. 823G>A (p.D275N) variant, which was unreported previously. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the D275 to be a highly conserved site, and the D275N variant may affect the stability of the protein′s spatial conformation, thereby decrease the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The successfully constructed immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines for the child and his parents showed increased volume, irregular shape, burr structure and cluster growth. And the value of IDS activity of the patient′s immortalized lymphoblastoid cells was below the limit of detection. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PS3+ PM2_Supporting+ PM5+ PP1+ PP3). Conclusion:Above finding has enriched the phenotypic and mutational spectra of Hunter syndrome, and provided a basis for the genetic counseling for this pedigree. The creation of immortalized cell lines has offered a model for further investigation of the impact of variant on the function of IDS and development of targeted drugs.
10.Clinical features and genetic analysis of a child with Congenital disorder of glycosylation due to novel variants of COG6 gene
Liyu ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Fengyu CHE ; Benchang LI ; Lidangzhi MO ; Guoxia WANG ; Jiangang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(11):1349-1355
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of a child with Congenital disorder of glycosylation due to compound heterozygous variants of COG6 gene ( COG6-CDG). Methods:A child who was admitted to Xi′an Children′s Hospital on January 10, 2023 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were collected. Pathogenic variants were analyzed by whole exome sequencing, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing, in vitro experiments and bioinformatic analysis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xi′an Children′s Hospital (No. 20230101). Results:The child, a 1-month-8-day-old male, was admitted for diarrhea and weight loss for one month. He had presented with cholestasis, diarrhea, facial dysmorphism, poor response, bilateral Simian crease, and brain atrophy. After discharge, he had continued to have high fever, feeding difficulty, and deceased finally. Whole exome sequencing results showed that he had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the COG6 gene, namely c. 807delT (p.F269Lfs*37) and c. 1746+ 1G>C (p.Gly565_Met582del). Sanger sequencing verified that the variants were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. In vitro experiments verified that the c. 1746+ 1G>C variant could affect the mRNA splicing and produce a truncated protein, whilst the c. 807delT variant could significantly reduce gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG-AMP), the variants were classified as pathogenic (PVS1+ PM3+ PM2_Supporting) and likely pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting), respectively. Conclusion:The c. 807delT (p.F269Lfs*37) and c. 1746+ 1G>C (p.Gly565_Met582del) compound heterozygous variants of the COG6 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of this child. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of COG6-CDG and provided a basis for the genetic counseling for this family.

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