1.Animal Models of Functional Constipation: A Review
Youcheng HE ; Shijin LIN ; Fengru JIANG ; Sihan LI ; Xiao KE ; Wenrong WANG ; Jianye YUAN ; Minghan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):196-209
Functional constipation (FC) is a clinically common functional bowel disorder characterized by a protracted course and associations with various chronic disorders and psychological abnormalities. Although not life-threatening, FC significantly impairs patients' quality of life. FC subtypes include slow-transit constipation (STC), defecatory disorder (DD), and normal-transit constipation (NTC). The pathological mechanisms underlying FC have not been fully elucidated, and overall clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Animal models of FC serve as essential tools for the study of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutics. This article systematically reviews the current state of research on the animal models of FC and identifies that rodents, particularly rats and mice, are the most commonly used species. Dogs and pigs are also employed in complex intervention studies due to their physiological similarities to humans, though their use is limited by housing challenges and ethical considerations. Induction methods vary across different FC subtypes. STC models are primarily established with chemical agents such as loperamide or compound diphenoxylate. DD modeling often involves low-fiber diets combined with methylene blue injection or rectal narrowing. NTC modeling mainly relies on low-fiber dietary interventions. In addition, disease-syndrome combination models based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory have been developed, encompassing excess patterns such as heat accumulation, cold accumulation, and Qi stagnation, as well as deficiency patterns including Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency. These are achieved through an approach of disease model + syndrome induction, enabling the integration of mechanisms from both Western and TCM perspectives. Models are evaluated from two aspects: disease and syndrome manifestations (e.g., colonic transit, secretory function, and TCM syndrome indicators such as mental state and body weight) and disease mechanisms (e.g., enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, smooth muscle cells, gut microbiota, and metabolites). However, current research still faces challenges such as poor consistency in some models, non-specific interference in mechanism interpretation, insufficient studies on NTC, and lack of TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis in evaluation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing model stability and specificity to provide a more reliable experimental basis for investigating the pathological mechanisms of FC and developing therapeutic agents.
2.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
3.Comparative analysis of the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Nanning City in 2024 and the same period of the previous year
Shu-lin WEI ; Zhi-qiang QU ; Yuan-yuan LUO ; Yan-cui HUANG ; Shu-qin DIAO ; Xue LI ; Sheng-long YANG ; Xiao-yu HUANG ; Mi-fang LUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):81-84
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.
4.Effect of tirofiban on prognosis in acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke patients with unsuccessful recanalization after endovascular treatment
Anyu LIAO ; Minxing ZHAO ; Kang YUAN ; Kangmo HUANG ; Zhiliang GUO ; Xianjun HUANG ; Zhenhui DUAN ; Rui LIU ; Guodong XIAO ; Wenhua LIU ; Zhiming ZHOU ; Wusheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(8):515-523,578
Objective To analyze the effects of intravenous tirofiban following endovascular treatment on the prognosis of patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke who did not achieve successful recanalization.Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular treatment but did not achieve successful recanalization.These patients were retrospectively enrolled from the Department of Neurology at Nanjing Jinling Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University,Wuhan No.1 Hospital,and Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College(the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College)between January 2015 and April 2023.Baseline and clinical data were collected including age,sex,medical history(hypertension,diabetes,atrial fibrillation,hyperlipidemia),personal history(smoking and drinking),National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score at admission,trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment(TOAST)classification(large artery atherosclerosis,cardioembolism,or other types),Alberta stroke program early CT score(ASPECTS)on admission,intravenous thrombolysis,onset-to-puncture time(OTP),collateral circulation status(poor collaterals:American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology[ASTIN/SIR]score 0-2;good collateral:ASTIN/SIR score 3-4),procedure duration(from femoral or radial artery puncture to device removal),occlusion site,number of passes for thrombus retrieval,and post-procedural modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction(mTICI)grade.Patients were divided into a tirofiban group and a non-tirofiban group based on whether they received post-procedural intravenous tirofiban.The primary outcome is a favorable functional outcome at 90-day since onset(modified Rankin scale[mRS]score ≤ 3).Safety outcomes included mortality at 90-day since onset(mRS score 6),any intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h post-procedure,and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h post-procedure.1∶1 propensity score matchings using the nearest neighbor method was performed based on variables with P<0.05 in the comparison between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups.Differences in primary and safety outcomes between the matched groups were compared.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted with favorable outcomes at 90 days as the dependent variable to evaluate the effect of intravenous tirofiban administration after endovascular therapy on 90-day prognosis in patients without successful recanalization.Results A total of 356 patients without successful recanalization after endovascular treatment were included,comprising 195 males and 161 females,with a median age of 70(61,78)years(32-92 years).Among them,76 and 280patients were assigned to the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups,respectively.At 90 days,114 patients had favorable outcomes,while 242 had unfavorable outcomes.(1)Before the 1∶1 propensity score matching,significant differences were observed between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups in terms of admission NIHSS score,ASPECTS,good collateral circulation,intravenous thrombolysis,and mTICI grade(all P<0.05).After 1∶1 propensity score matching,66 matched pairs(132 patients)were obtained.No significant differences in the baseline and clinical characteristics were found between the two groups after matching(all P>0.05).(2)After 1∶1 matching,a significant difference was observed in the rate of favorable outcomes at 90 days between the two groups(48.5%[32/66]vs.30.3%[20/66],P=0.033)after propensity score matching,while no significant differences were found in 90-day mortality,intracranial hemorrhage within 24h,or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24h(all P>0.05).(3)Univariate analysis after 1∶1 matching indicated that age,atrial fibrillation,smoking history,admission NIHSS score,M2 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion,good collateral circulation,number of passes for thrombus retrieval,and tirofiban treatment were factors influencing favorable outcomes at 90 days.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that younger age(aOR,0.942,95%CI 0.906-0.978,P=0.002),lower admission NIHSS score(aOR,0.855,95%CI 0.777-0.941,P=0.001),good collateral circulation(aOR,5.534,95%CI 2.141-14.301,P<0.01),tirofiban treatment(aOR,2.774,95%CI 1.092-7.046,P=0.032),and M2 segment MCA occlusion(reference:internal carotid artery occlusion;aOR,4.874,95%CI 1.428-16.632,P=0.011)were independent predictors of favorable outcomes at 90 days.Conclusions Intravenous tirofiban administration after endovascular therapy may improve 90-day neurological outcomes in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke who did not achieve successful recanalization without increasing the risk of hemorrhage.Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
5.Expert consensus on clinical treatment of acute radiation syndrome from external irradiation
Li LIANG ; Long YUAN ; Changlin YU ; Qingjie LIU ; Yulong LIU ; Wenfeng YANG ; Jin WANG ; Weixu HUANG ; Ying LIU ; Cuiping LEI ; Huifang CHEN ; Ximing FU ; Baoshan CAO ; Mopei WANG ; Zhaohui ZHANG ; Yu XIAO ; Yamei CHEN ; Quanfu SUN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(9):827-839
China emerges as a major country in nuclear energy development and the application of nuclear and radiologic technology. The diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrom (ARS) caused by external irradiation represent a core function in the country′s medical rescue of nuclear and radiological emergencies. Clinically, ARS manifests hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and central nervous system syndromes, with specific clinical manifestations, signs, severity, and prognosis strongly correlated with radiation dose. China has established a number of national and provincial centers for treating radiation-induced damage. Nevertheless, most medical staff have limited experience in ARS treatment. This consensus presents a summary of recent experience in treating ARS of China. In combination with recommendations from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), this consensus proposes key evidence of critical clinical issues of ARS, covering all links in the rescue of external irradiation-induced ARS. Initially, clinical diagnosis, syndromes, and severe degrees should be determined based on clinical symptoms and dose estimates. It is necessary to normalize clinical treatment measures for hematopoietic recovery, gastrointestinal injury treatment, infection control, symptomatic treatment, and multi-organ function preservation. To this end, this consensus offers cautions. This consensus provides principles of treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, psychological intervention, and follow-up. Additionally, it highlights multidisciplinary collaboration. It is recommended that this consensus be applied in relevant treatment centers.
6.RICH1 regulates myocardial fibrosis through TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway
Lu-xuan WAN ; Ying-qing HU ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Yong-song TANG ; Jun-yi HUANG ; Zi-xuan ZHANG ; Xiao-xiao MAO ; Xin-wen NIE ; Zhan-hong REN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2089-2096
Aim To reveal the mechanism of CIP4 homologs protein 1(RICH1)are involved in the regu-lation of myocardial fibrosis.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(MCFs)cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)to induce the formation of a myocardial fibrosis cell model;the level of the target protein was detected by Western blotting;and the RICH1 gene was detected by transfection of the cells with plasmid.The RICH1 gene was overexpressed(RICH 1 OE)using plasmid transfection;the RICH1 gene was silenced using siRNA fragment(siRICH1);and the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3 a1,and Acta2,were de-tected using RT-qPCR.Results RICH1 was signifi-cantly down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated MCFs;the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1,and Acta2,were down-regu-lated in the RICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group;and in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group,myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1 and Acta2 were up-regulated at the expression level;phosphorylated SMAD2(p-SMAD2)and phosphorylated SMAD3(p-SMAD3)levels were down-regulated in the siRICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group.p-SMAD2 and P-SMAD3 levels were upregulated in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group.Conclusion RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis;RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis by negatively regulating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.
7.Research progress of interaction between RNA binding protein HuR and non-coding RNA in diseases
Yong HUANG ; Xiao-man YUAN ; Ling-wei LIU ; Song-pei LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):601-605
RNA-binding protein human antigen R(HuR)is a protein product of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision gene(ELAVL).It is widely expressed in human cells and primarily regulates mRNA stability through post-transcriptional mecha-nisms,particularly by binding to AU-enriched elements(AR-Es).Recent studies have indicated that HuR interacts with non-coding RNAs to participate in the regulation of gene expression,including long non-coding RNAs,circular RNAs,microRNAs,and vault RNAs.The interactions between HuR and these ncR-NAs play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of va-rious diseases,including tumors.Since there are already reviews summarizing the research on tumors,this review mainly focuses on summarizing the role of HuR-ncRNA interactions in diseases other than tumors.
8.RICH1 regulates myocardial fibrosis through TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway
Lu-xuan WAN ; Ying-qing HU ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Yong-song TANG ; Jun-yi HUANG ; Zi-xuan ZHANG ; Xiao-xiao MAO ; Xin-wen NIE ; Zhan-hong REN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2089-2096
Aim To reveal the mechanism of CIP4 homologs protein 1(RICH1)are involved in the regu-lation of myocardial fibrosis.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(MCFs)cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)to induce the formation of a myocardial fibrosis cell model;the level of the target protein was detected by Western blotting;and the RICH1 gene was detected by transfection of the cells with plasmid.The RICH1 gene was overexpressed(RICH 1 OE)using plasmid transfection;the RICH1 gene was silenced using siRNA fragment(siRICH1);and the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3 a1,and Acta2,were de-tected using RT-qPCR.Results RICH1 was signifi-cantly down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated MCFs;the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1,and Acta2,were down-regu-lated in the RICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group;and in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group,myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1 and Acta2 were up-regulated at the expression level;phosphorylated SMAD2(p-SMAD2)and phosphorylated SMAD3(p-SMAD3)levels were down-regulated in the siRICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group.p-SMAD2 and P-SMAD3 levels were upregulated in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group.Conclusion RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis;RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis by negatively regulating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.
9.Research progress of interaction between RNA binding protein HuR and non-coding RNA in diseases
Yong HUANG ; Xiao-man YUAN ; Ling-wei LIU ; Song-pei LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):601-605
RNA-binding protein human antigen R(HuR)is a protein product of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision gene(ELAVL).It is widely expressed in human cells and primarily regulates mRNA stability through post-transcriptional mecha-nisms,particularly by binding to AU-enriched elements(AR-Es).Recent studies have indicated that HuR interacts with non-coding RNAs to participate in the regulation of gene expression,including long non-coding RNAs,circular RNAs,microRNAs,and vault RNAs.The interactions between HuR and these ncR-NAs play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of va-rious diseases,including tumors.Since there are already reviews summarizing the research on tumors,this review mainly focuses on summarizing the role of HuR-ncRNA interactions in diseases other than tumors.
10.Imaging stability of the portable boom-type ophthalmic OCT in multiple application scenarios
Zhengyu DUAN ; Jiaxiong LI ; Zhongzhou LUO ; Jinze ZHANG ; Yuancong HUANG ; Jin YUAN ; Peng XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(11):1001-1006
Objective:To evaluate the imaging stability of a portable boom-type ophthalmic ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) device in multiple application scenarios.Methods:The boom-type mode and handheld mode of the portable boom-type OCT and the desktop OCT were used to perform three-dimensional imaging tests on three healthy adults undergoing physical examinations at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University as well as on OEMI-7 model eyes in a sitting position.The same two modes of the portable boom-type OCT were used to perform three-dimensional imaging on four awake non-sedated infants, two sedated infants and four healthy adults in the supine position.The obtained 3D imaging data were processed using a correlation analysis method between adjacent B-scans, and the offset of B-scan in the axial (z-axis) and the fast axis transverse (x-axis) were calculated.The procedures for in vivo human eye experiments followed the Declaration of Helsinki and were approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2020 KYPJ154).All subjects and infant guardians signed the informed consent form. Results:Compared with the handheld imaging mode, the axial and fast axis lateral motion offsets of the model eye were significantly reduced in the boom-type imaging mode from (124.00±12.49)μm to (48.00±15.87)μm and from (24.00±1.00)μm to (2.67±0.57)μm, respectively ( t=2.932, 4.337; both P<0.001).In both human and model eyes, the axial and fast axis lateral motion offsets of the boom-type mode were significantly lower than in the traditional handheld operation mode (both P<0.001).The axial and lateral motion offsets between the boom-type mode and desk-top OCT imaging were comparable, without significant differences (both P>0.05).In both sedated and awake, non-sedated infants in the supine position, the axial offset of the portable boom-type OCT system was similar to that of the healthy adults, without significant difference in the overall comparison ( P=0.385), and the lateral offsets were higher than those of healthy adults, with statistically significant differences (both P=0.013).There was no significant difference in axial deviation between sedated and non-sedated infants ( P>0.05).The lateral deviation of non-sedated infants was higher than that of sedated infants, though the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.247). Conclusions:The portable boom-type OCT system can maintain high-speed, high-resolution imaging performance while achieving imaging stability comparable to traditional desktop OCT systems.It is more suitable for bedside imaging of supine subjects, especially uncooperative infants, and has good clinical application prospects.


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