1.Construction of glucose oxidase–loaded nanogels and its inhibition effect on the Warburg effect in glioma cells
Wenbo ZHOU ; Weilin LI ; Wuting DAI ; Ruiyao LIU ; Yuan YU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):132-136
Objective To construct glucose oxidase(GOx)–loaded nanogels (GONGs), optimize their formulation, and evaluate their capacity to inhibit the Warburg effect in glioma cells. Methods A responsive polymer (HAM) was synthesized and used to self-assemble GONGs, which were then characterized. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were determined using fluorescence spectrophotometry. Biocompatibility was tested by measuring cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Western blotting was used to evaluate the effects of GONGs on the expression of proteins associated with the Warburg phenotype and oxidative damage in glioma cells. Results GONGs prepared at a drug–to–polymer ratio of 1∶10 exhibited a particle size of 140.3 nm and a zeta potential of −27.2 mV. Compared with free GOx, GONGs markedly reduced cytotoxicity, increased the IC50 in hUVEC cells from 2.150 nmol/L to 74.86 nmol/L, and significantly decreased hemolysis. At a GOx concentration of 2 nmol/L, GONGs effectively downregulated glycolysis-related proteins, such as HK2 and LDHA, and inhibited glutamine metabolism in glioma cells. Conclusion GONGs exhibited high GOx loading capacity, significantly reduced GOx-induced cytotoxicity, inhibited the Warburg effect in glioma cells and induced oxidative damage.
2.Regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in hepatic fibrosis
Weichu ZENG ; Xing LYU ; Fengfan LI ; Zhenni LIU ; Jungang LI ; Weilin ZHANG ; Peiting LIU ; Bingchu LI ; Ruohong CHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Min HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):704-710
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible pathological process in various chronic liver diseases and is closely associated with the development and progression of severe liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has emerged as a significant global health challenge. In recent years, studies have shown that histone lactylation, a newly discovered epigenetic modification, actively participates in regulating the progression of hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in the interaction between inflammatory microenvironment and hepatic fibrosis, in order to clarify the cascade regulatory mechanism of “inflammation-hepatic fibrosis” and provide new insights for early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and prevention of malignant transformation in hepatic fibrosis.
3.Bioactive glass 45S5 promotes odontogenic differentiation of apical papilla cells through autophagy.
Weilin LIU ; Can SU ; Caiyun CUI
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(1):37-45
OBJECTIVES:
The mechanism of the odontogenic differentiation of apical papillary cells (APCs) stimulated by bioactive glass 45S5 is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of autophagy on the odontogenic differentiation of APCs stimulated by bioactive glass 45S5.
METHODS:
APCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, and the cell origin was identified by flow cytometry. The culture medium was prepared with 1 mg/mL 45S5, and its pH and ion concentration were determined. The experiments were divided into control, 45S5, and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) 45S5 groups. In the 45S5 group, APCs were induced to culture with 1 mg/mL 45S5. In the 3-MA 45S5 group, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was added to 1 mg/mL 45S5. Protein immunoblotting assay (Western blot) was used to detect the expression of autophagy-associated proteins of microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3β (LC3B) and P62 after 24 h of induction culture in each group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) after 7 d of induction culture. Cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining analyzed cellular ALP activity at 7 d of induction, and alizarin red staining evaluated the formation of mineralized nodules at 21 d of induction.
RESULTS:
The pH of the 45S5 extract culture medium was 8.65±0.01, which was not significantly different from that of the control group (P>0.05). The silicon ion concentration of the 45S5 induction culture medium was (1.56±0.07) mmol/L, which was higher than that of the control group (0.08±0.01) mmol/L (P<0.05). The calcium ion concentration of the 45S5 induction culture was (1.57±0.15) mmol/L, which was not significantly different from that of the control group (P>0.05). Western blot results showed that LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio increased and P62 expression decreased in the 45S5 group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). By contrast, the ratio decreased and the expression increased in the 3-MA 45S5 group compared with those in the 45S5 group (P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of BSP, Runx2, DMP-1, and DSPP enhanced in the 45S5 group compared with that in the control group (P<0.05), but the expression decreased in the 3-MA 45S5 group compared with that in the 45S5 group (P<0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of ALP staining and alizarin red staining showed that the ALP activity was enhanced, and the formation mineralized nodule increased in the 45S5 group compared with those in the control group. The ALP activity weakened, and the formation mineralized nodules were reduced in the 3-MA 45S5 group compared with that those in the 45S5 group.
CONCLUSIONS
Cell autophagy participates in the odontogenic differentiation of APCs induced by 1 mg/mL 45S5 in vitro.
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Odontogenesis/drug effects*
;
Dental Papilla/cytology*
;
Humans
;
Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism*
;
Glass/chemistry*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism*
;
Ceramics/pharmacology*
;
Adenine/pharmacology*
;
Sialoglycoproteins/metabolism*
;
Phosphoproteins/metabolism*
;
Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein/metabolism*
;
Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism*
;
RNA-Binding Proteins
4.Analysis of clinical characteristics of pregnancy-related uterine arteriovenous malformation
Qian LIU ; Ping PENG ; Weilin CHEN ; Chunying LI ; Lirong TENG ; Xinyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(5):348-354
Objective:To explore the treatment methods and prognosis of pregnancy-related uterine arteriovenous malformation (UAVM).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 81 patients with UAVM treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between March 2019 and March 2024. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies and prognosis were evaluated.Results:(1) General Information: the age of patients with UAVM was (32.7±4.6) years, with median gravidity and parity of 1 (quartile range: 1, 2) and 0 (0, 1), respectively. Pregnancy termination methods included surgical abortion or curettage in 46 cases (57%, 46/81), medical induction in 17 cases (21%, 17/81), spontaneous abortion in 16 cases (20%, 16/81), vaginal delivery in 1 case (1%, 1/81), and laparoscopic pregnancy tissue removal in 1 case (1%, 1/81). (2) Clinical manifestations: clinical presentations comprised vaginal bleeding in 59 cases [73%, 59/81; median blood loss: 740 ml (440, 1 360 ml)], massive hemorrhage in 9 cases (11%, 9/81, and bleeding combined with lower abdominal pain in 8 cases (10%, 8/81). Ultrasonography revealed intrauterine masses in 65 cases [80%, 65/81; median size: 2.5 cm (1.8, 4.2 cm)]. Elevated serum human chorionic gonadotrophin-β subunit (β-hCG) levels were observed in in 55 cases [85%, 55/65; median: 62.6 U/L (14.9, 300.1 U/L)]. The median time to UAVM diagnosis via ultrasound was 30.0 days (16.0, 52.0 days) after pregnancy termination, with median peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index of 59.8 cm/s (45.0, 79.6 cm/s) and 0.39 (0.36, 0.43), respectively. (3) Treatment and prognosis: treatment modalities included expectant management in 49 cases (36%, 29/81), medication in 13 cases (16%, 13/81), lesion resection in 31 cases (38%, 31/81), and uterine artery angiography in 8 cases (10%, 8/81; 5 confirmed as arteriovenous fistula). The median time of PSV returning to normal after treatment was 53.8 days (36.0, 93.4 days). The average time for β-hCG returning to normal was (60.4±20.4) days. The median return time of menses was 59.0 days (43.0, 75.4 days).Conclusions:Pregnancy-related UAVM carries a high risk of life-threatening hemorrhage, necessitating management in centers equipped for emergency uterine artery embolization. Informed consent must emphasize disease progression risks and prognosis. Treatment stratification should integrate clinical parameters and imaging features.
5.Discussion on Thoughts for Differentiation and Treatment of Gynecological Disease Following Pharmacological Theory Based on Natural Phenomena
Weilin ZHENG ; Hao LIU ; Lixing CAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):768-773
Pharmacological theory based on natural phenomena(abbreviated as natural-phenomena-based pharmacology)belongs to the traditional theory of Chinese herbal medicine,and is originated from Huang Di Nei Jing(The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic).By analyzing the correlation of four properties and five flavors of medicines with the seasonal changes of nature,Zhang Yuansu,a famous physician of Yuan Dynasty,put forward the view that medicines'properties accord with the features of climatic factors of nature,showing that wind has the properties of ascending and generating,heat has the properties of going up and growing,dampness has the properties of transforming and developing,dryness has the properties of descending and reaping,and cold has the properties of sinking and storing,and then established the theory of natural-phenomena-based pharmacology.As a promotion of the theory,Li Dongyuan advocated that the medication should adapt to the seasonal changes and to the ascending,descending,floating and sinking of qi movement of human body.By reviewing the viewpoints of Zhang Yuansu and Li Dongyuan on natural-phenomena-based pharmacology,this paper discussed the application of natural-phenomena-based pharmacological theory,such as wind-medicine having the properties of ascending and generating,heat-medicine having the properties of going up and growing,damp-medicine having the properties of transforming and developing,dry-medicine having the properties of descending and reaping,and cold-medicine having the properties of sinking and storing,in the identification and treatment of gynecological diseases.The unique way of classification of Chinese herbal medicines according to the theory of natural-phenomena-based pharmacology reflects the view of correspondence between human being and nature.And medication following the theory of natural-phenomena-based pharmacology accords with the thinking of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and is in line with the seasonal changes,which reflects the biological rhythm of the human body.Identification of gynecological diseases from the disorders of qi movement,and medication following the theory of medicinal-feature-based pharmacology for gynecological diseases in TCM will provide a novel approach to homotherapy for heteropathy of gynecological diseases in TCM.
6.Exploring the therapeutic potential of photosynthesis in heart failure among the older adults
Haohui FAN ; Weilin LU ; Ting LIU ; Kun WANG ; Chengyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1176-1181
With the acceleration of societal aging, heart failure in the elderly—characterized by a complex metabolic imbalance—has emerged as a pivotal challenge in public health.This condition severely compromises the physical well-being and quality of life among senior populations, primarily due to a pronounced imbalance between cardiac energy supply and demand.Among the various interventions studied, photosynthesis in plants, the principal energy source for aerobic organisms, presents a novel avenue for exploration.By effectively converting solar energy into chemical energy, photosynthesis sustains plant life.Introducing its principles into heart failure treatment could potentially optimize metabolism for elderly patients while significantly reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.Further investigations suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive byproducts generated during photosynthesis may play critical roles in heart failure treatments, particularly in modulating inflammatory pathways.In summary, emulating the mechanisms of photosynthesis could represent a promising strategy for treating heart failure in the elderly.This review aims to delve deeply into the application of photosynthesis in heart failure treatments for older adults and its underlying mechanisms, with the hope of providing insights and guidance for future endeavors in geriatric medicine.
7.Evaluating the effectiveness of a primary care general practitioner rotation training program based on three core competencies
Wei ZHOU ; Weilin LI ; Peihong LIU ; Beibei QIN ; Xinting ZHENG ; Xinyi MEI
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(10):1240-1245
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a rotation training program for primary care general practitioners (GPs) in Taizhou, China, designed around three core competencies.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 111 primary care GPs participating in the 1st to 5th sessions of the Taizhou GP rotation training program at Taizhou Hospital (the designated training center) in Zhejiang Province from July 2022 to December 2024 were included. Based on the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) competency model, combined with literature review and expert consultation, 15 potential training components were identified. A needs assessment survey among primary care GPs was then conducted, leading to the finalization of three core competencies for the training: ①Evidence-based management of common diseases, frequently-occurring diseases, and common symptoms; ②Early identification, management, and referral of critically ill patients; ③Chronic disease management and health promotion capabilities. A 4-month full-time immersion training program was structured around these competencies, comprising three phases: theoretical training (1 week), clinical comprehensive skills training (14 weeks), and primary care practice training (1 week). Assessments included a pre-and post-training theoretical knowledge test and a final clinical assessment. The final assessment utilized a three-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluating patient consultation, clinical reasoning & decision-making, and clinical procedural skills. A self-administered satisfaction survey was also distributed post-training.Results:The 111 participants were predominantly aged 30-49 years (72.1% (80/111)), held bachelor′s degrees (87.4% (97/111)), were licensed physicians (78.4% (87/111)), and had junior or intermediate professional titles (87.4% (97/111)). Post-training theoretical scores were significantly higher than pre-training scores (76.26±7.00 vs. 69.94±6.40, t=-10.45, P<0.001). All participants 100%(111/111) passed the final OSCE assessment. The mean scores for the OSCE stations were: patient consultation 85.99±7.30, clinical reasoning & decision-making 82.72±7.61, and clinical procedural skills 89.60±5.65. Satisfaction rates were 100.0% (111/111) for the overall program, the three-phase design, the core competency training content, theoretical training, clinical skills training, and clinical rotation departments. Satisfaction was 98.2% (109/111) for the 4-month full-time duration, 99.1% (110/111) for the "2+X" clinical rotation model (2 weeks each in General Practice and Emergency Medicine+elective rotations in 4 other departments), and 97.3% (108/111) for the primary care practice base. Conclusions:The competency-based rotation training program for primary care GPs in Taizhou effectively enhanced participants′ theoretical knowledge and clinical practical skills, and achieved high levels of participant satisfaction. This model offers valuable insights for optimizing primary care GP training in similar settings.
8.Global Burden of Liver Cirrhosis and the Attributable Risk Factors:An Analysis and Forecast Based on GBD 2021
Yuyang LIU ; Chengcen GUO ; Ruqi TANG ; Xiong MA ; Weilin HOU ; Qixia WANG
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;30(3):129-138
Background:Liver cirrhosis is characterized by chronic inflammation,progressive fibrosis,and eventual liver dysfunction,and poses a major global health challenge.Aims:To assess the global burden of liver cirrhosis and its risk factors from 1990 to 2021.Methods:Using data extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases,Injuries,and Risk Factors Study(GBD)2021,the incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life years(DALYs),and their age-standardized rates of liver cirrhosis were analyzed.Furthermore,a stratified analysis was conducted by sex,age,region,and etiology,with projections of the trends in the next 15 years.Results:Compared to 1990,the global incidence number of liver cirrhosis in 2021 was increased by 58.2%,the death number and DALYs rose by 39.5%and 27.9%,respectively.While the global age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR)showed a slight increase,the age-standardized death rate(ASDR)and DALY rate continued to decline.Both ASIR and ASDR exhibited negative correlations with the sociodemographic index(SDI).All age-standardized rates were higher in males than in females.Since 1990,the incidence rate increased in younger populations,while the mortality and DALY rates declined in most age groups.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)emerged as the leading cause of incidence,whereas chronic hepatitis B and C remained the primary contributors to deaths and DALYs.The incidence of NAFLD was prominent in high and high-middle SDI regions,while chronic hepatitis B was concentrated in low SDI regions.Projections to 2036 indicated a continuing rise in ASIR,and declines in ASDR and DALY rate.The incidence of chronic hepatitis B was projected to decrease markedly,whereas that of NAFLD was expected to continue increasing.Conclusions:Between 1990 and 2021,the global incidence of liver cirrhosis showed a modest increase;in contrast,both mortality and DALY rates demonstrated a steady decline.Burden of liver cirrhosis poses notable regional disparities.NAFLD dominates incidence in high-income regions,while viral hepatitis remains predominant in low-income areas,highlighting the need for region-specific prevention strategies.
9.Evaluating the effectiveness of a primary care general practitioner rotation training program based on three core competencies
Wei ZHOU ; Weilin LI ; Peihong LIU ; Beibei QIN ; Xinting ZHENG ; Xinyi MEI
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(10):1240-1245
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a rotation training program for primary care general practitioners (GPs) in Taizhou, China, designed around three core competencies.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 111 primary care GPs participating in the 1st to 5th sessions of the Taizhou GP rotation training program at Taizhou Hospital (the designated training center) in Zhejiang Province from July 2022 to December 2024 were included. Based on the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) competency model, combined with literature review and expert consultation, 15 potential training components were identified. A needs assessment survey among primary care GPs was then conducted, leading to the finalization of three core competencies for the training: ①Evidence-based management of common diseases, frequently-occurring diseases, and common symptoms; ②Early identification, management, and referral of critically ill patients; ③Chronic disease management and health promotion capabilities. A 4-month full-time immersion training program was structured around these competencies, comprising three phases: theoretical training (1 week), clinical comprehensive skills training (14 weeks), and primary care practice training (1 week). Assessments included a pre-and post-training theoretical knowledge test and a final clinical assessment. The final assessment utilized a three-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluating patient consultation, clinical reasoning & decision-making, and clinical procedural skills. A self-administered satisfaction survey was also distributed post-training.Results:The 111 participants were predominantly aged 30-49 years (72.1% (80/111)), held bachelor′s degrees (87.4% (97/111)), were licensed physicians (78.4% (87/111)), and had junior or intermediate professional titles (87.4% (97/111)). Post-training theoretical scores were significantly higher than pre-training scores (76.26±7.00 vs. 69.94±6.40, t=-10.45, P<0.001). All participants 100%(111/111) passed the final OSCE assessment. The mean scores for the OSCE stations were: patient consultation 85.99±7.30, clinical reasoning & decision-making 82.72±7.61, and clinical procedural skills 89.60±5.65. Satisfaction rates were 100.0% (111/111) for the overall program, the three-phase design, the core competency training content, theoretical training, clinical skills training, and clinical rotation departments. Satisfaction was 98.2% (109/111) for the 4-month full-time duration, 99.1% (110/111) for the "2+X" clinical rotation model (2 weeks each in General Practice and Emergency Medicine+elective rotations in 4 other departments), and 97.3% (108/111) for the primary care practice base. Conclusions:The competency-based rotation training program for primary care GPs in Taizhou effectively enhanced participants′ theoretical knowledge and clinical practical skills, and achieved high levels of participant satisfaction. This model offers valuable insights for optimizing primary care GP training in similar settings.
10.The impact of Vibrio vulnificus RpoN on bacterial motility and biofilm formation
Xianfan ZHENG ; Bu LIU ; Jingpeng GUO ; Sitong CHEN ; Lichen LI ; Weilin HU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(6):453-460
Objective:To construct the rpoN gene knockout strain (Δ rpoN) and the complemented strain (CΔ rpoN) of Vibrio vulnificus ( V. vulnificus), and investigate the role of the rpoN gene in regulating bacterial motility and biofilm formation. Methods:The Δ rpoN strain of V. vulnificus was constructed using homologous recombination. Bacterial motility was assessed via swimming assays, and flagellar morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Biofilm formation capacity was evaluated using crystal violet and Congo red staining assays, as well as colony morphology analysis. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA levels of target genes associated with flagellar synthesis and biofilm formation in Δ rpoN and the wild-type strains. Results:The V. vulnificus genome harbored a single rpoN gene, encoding a protein with high amino acid sequence similarity to RpoN homologs in other bacterial species. The Δ rpoN strain was successfully constructed. Compared with the wild-type strain, the Δ rpoN strain exhibited complete loss of motility on soft agar plates, absence of flagellar, and downregulated mRNA levels of flagellar synthesis-related genes. Conclusions:In V. vulnificus, RpoN regulates flagellar assembly by modulating the expression of flagellar synthesis genes, thereby controlling bacterial motility and biofilm formation.

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