1.Role of naringenin in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and its molecular mechanism
Changwen LIN ; Qiuyi REN ; Mengjie ZHENG ; Huan YAN ; Jia LI ; Jiaxin FENG ; Haiying LIN ; Faming SHU ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Fuli LONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1419-1425
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease mediated by T lymphocytes, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis or even liver failure without timely intervention. As a natural flavonoid compound, naringenin (NAR) shows a potential value in the prevention and treatment of AIH through multiple mechanisms such as remodeling immune homeostasis, targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathways, antioxidation, regulating hepatocyte metabolism and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal flora. However, the clinical translation and application of NAR is limited by issues such as low bioavailability and insufficient efficiency of liver-targeted delivery. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of NAR in the prevention and treatment of AIH, explores the potential signaling pathways involved in this process, and analyzes existing challenges in its translation and application and future research directions, so as to provide a reference for further research on NAR and its application in the prevention and treatment of AIH.
2.Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 complicating cholecystitis in a patient with UGT1A1 gene double homozygous mutations.
Jianhui ZHANG ; Rongrong CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Qilin CHEN ; Shiyun LU ; Jiewei LUO ; Xiaoling ZHENG ; Mengshi CHEN
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(4):675-680
Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) and Gilbert syndrome (GS; OMIM: 143500) are rare autosomal recessive diseases that cause unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to decreased UGT1A1 enzyme activity. Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 (CNS2; OMIM: 606785) increases the risk of gallbladder stone formation and cholecystitis, while GS seldom causes health issues. We found a 28-year-old male patient with recurring right upper abdomen pain who experienced persistent jaundice from birth. CNS2 with gallbladder stones and cholecystitis was diagnosed after genetic testing revealed rare double homozygous mutations A(TA)7TAA (rs3064744) and P229Q (rs35350960) in the UGT1A1 gene. After pedigree investigation, we found that the patient's parents with modestly increased bilirubin had compound heterozygous mutations A(TA)7TAA and P229Q, which were GS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that A(TA)7TAA is in the TATA-box region of the gene UGT1A1 promoter, affecting gene transcriptional initiation, whereas P229Q modifies protein three-dimensional structure and may be harmful. In this pedigree, double homozygous mutations have a more severe phenotype than compound heterozygous mutations. Inherited causes of hyperbilirubinemia should be suspected after ruling out biliary obstruction, and early bilirubin reduction (< 103 µmol/L (6 mg/dL)) may reduce the risk of complications like cholecystitis in CNS2 patients, though further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this observation.
Humans
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Male
;
Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Crigler-Najjar Syndrome/complications*
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Cholecystitis/etiology*
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Homozygote
;
Mutation
;
Pedigree
3.Transaminases: high-throughput screening via a ketone-fluorescent probe and applications.
Hongbo YE ; Qingye LI ; Xiaoling TANG ; Renchao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):416-426
Transaminases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of amino between amino acids and keto acids, playing an important role in the biosynthesis of organic amines and the corresponding derivatives. However, natural enzymes often have low catalytic efficiency against non-natural substrates, which limits their widespread applications. Enzyme engineering serves as an effective approach to improve the catalytic properties and thereby expand the application scope of transaminases. In this study, a high-throughput screening method for transaminases was established based on the fluorescent color reaction between methoxy-2-aminobenzoxime (PMA) and ketones. According to the changes in fluorescence intensity, the concentration changes of ketones could be easily monitored. The efficiency, sensitivity, and accuracy of the screening method were improved by optimization of the system. With 4-hydroxy-2-butanone as the substrate, the mutant library of the transaminase from Actinobacteria sp. was established and a mutant with increased activity was successfully obtained, which improved the production efficiency of (R)-3-aminobutanol by enzyme-catalyzed synthesis. This study laid an important foundation for efficient screening, modification, and application of transaminase.
Transaminases/metabolism*
;
Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry*
;
High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods*
;
Ketones/metabolism*
;
Actinobacteria/enzymology*
4.Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of renal cell carcinomas with TFEB gene amplification
Xuerui LI ; Xiaoling LIU ; Zheng WANG ; Zhihan GUO ; Yanxia JIANG ; Yujun LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenjuan YU
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(5):512-517
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with TFEB gene amplification.Methods:A total of 113 cases of unclassified RCCs and RCCs with TFEB positive expression were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Navy 971 Hospital from January 2010 to December 2024. Eight cases of RCCs with TFEB amplification were identified using tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. The clinicopathological data and prognosis of the 8 cases were summarized, and relevant literature was reviewed.Results:Among the 8 cases, there were 5 males and 3 females. The average age was 63.4 (54, 77) year and the median age was 63.5 (59.0, 65.5) year. Seven cases were detected through physical examination, and 1 case presented with initial symptoms of metastasis to bones and lungs. The cohort included 1 biopsy specimen and 7 surgical resection specimens. The tumor diameters ranged from 2.5 to 15.0 cm. The cut surfaces of 5 cases were grayish-yellow or grayish-red, and 2 cases exhibited a colorful appearance, among which 3 cases involved renal sinus and 1 case showed invasion of the perirenal fat tissue. Microscopically, 4 cases were composed of clear cells arranged in solid sheets or acinar structures, along with varying numbers of eosinophilic cells. Two cases exhibited the morphology of high-grade eosinophilic RCC, and 1 case presented biphasic morphology with diffuse polygonal eosinophilic tumor cells and dense small cell components. The remaining 1 case exhibited the morphology of clear cell RCC. According to the WHO/ISUP nuclear grading system, 6 cases were Grade 3 and 2 cases were Grade 2. Multifocal necrosis was observed in 4 cases. In 4 surgical specimens, the tumor tissue invaded the renal parenchyma, with 2 cases showing nodular infiltration to surrounding tissues and 1 case with intravascular tumor thrombus. Immunohistochemical results showed varying degrees of TFEB nuclear positivity in 6 cases (6/8). Melanocytic markers such as Melan A (5/8) and HMB45 (3/8) were expressed at varying degrees. Cathepsin K (6/8), GPNMB (6/8), P504s (7/8) and CD10 (7/8) were positively expressed in most cases. FISH results revealed high-copy amplification of TFEB gene in 4 cases (partially showing clustered amplification) and low-copy amplification in 4 cases. During the follow-up period of 3 to 64 months of the 8 cases, 3 cases metastasized and 2 cases died of disease (both with high-copy TFEB gene amplification).Conclusions:RCC with TFEB gene amplification is rare and exhibits diverse morphological features. A common morphological characteristic of this type of tumor is a mixture of sheet-like clear cells and high nuclear grade eosinophilic cells. Combined immunohistochemical staining for TFEB, melanocytic markers, and GPNMB is helpful for the diagnosis of the tumor, and FISH detection of TFEB gene amplification is the most definitive method in diagnosing this tumor. RCC with TFEB gene amplification usually presents with strong aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Combining surgical resection with immunotherapy or VEGFR-targeted drugs might have therapeutic effects on the tumor.
5.Association between daily physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia among people receiving physical examination aged 40-65 years
Guangyan MAO ; Juzhen JIN ; Li ZHENG ; Jin HU ; Xiaoling SONG ; Yuanhao SHANG ; Junhua WANG ; Ziyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(11):908-914
Objective:To analyze the association between daily physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia among people receiving physical examination aged 40-65 years.Methods:This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 864 participants aged 40-65 years and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria who underwent health check-ups at the Physical Examination Center of Fuquan First People′s Hospital from March to November in 2022. The data of general characteristics, physical activity, physical examination findings, and lipid profiles were collected. The daily physical activity patterns were identified using K-means clustering analysis. The unconditional binary logistic regression was employed to explore the associations between these activity patterns and dyslipidemia, followed by subgroup analyses.Results:The physical activity of the 864 study participants (517 males and 347 females) included in the analysis was divided into 4 patterns (G1: low physical activity; G2: active commuting; G3: housework; G4: leisure exercise). Using G1 as a reference, after adjusting for confounders, G4 was negatively associated with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ( OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-1.00) ( P=0.05). In the male, G3 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.93) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.68) (both P<0.05). In the subjects aged 50 years and above, G2 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.90), hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.90) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.91) (all P<0.05). In those who never or occasionally stayed up late, G2 was negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.75) ( P<0.05); in those who stayed up late often, G4 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.84) (both P<0.05). In the centrally obese population, G2 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.88) and hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86) (both P<0.05). Conclusions:Association between different physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia varied among adults aged 40-65 years undergoing health check-ups. Leisure-time exercise is associated with a reduced risk of dyslipidemia, while household activities also emerges as a beneficial factor linked to lower dyslipidemia risk particularly in the male population.
6.Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of renal cell carcinomas with TFEB gene amplification
Xuerui LI ; Xiaoling LIU ; Zheng WANG ; Zhihan GUO ; Yanxia JIANG ; Yujun LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenjuan YU
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(5):512-517
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with TFEB gene amplification.Methods:A total of 113 cases of unclassified RCCs and RCCs with TFEB positive expression were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Navy 971 Hospital from January 2010 to December 2024. Eight cases of RCCs with TFEB amplification were identified using tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. The clinicopathological data and prognosis of the 8 cases were summarized, and relevant literature was reviewed.Results:Among the 8 cases, there were 5 males and 3 females. The average age was 63.4 (54, 77) year and the median age was 63.5 (59.0, 65.5) year. Seven cases were detected through physical examination, and 1 case presented with initial symptoms of metastasis to bones and lungs. The cohort included 1 biopsy specimen and 7 surgical resection specimens. The tumor diameters ranged from 2.5 to 15.0 cm. The cut surfaces of 5 cases were grayish-yellow or grayish-red, and 2 cases exhibited a colorful appearance, among which 3 cases involved renal sinus and 1 case showed invasion of the perirenal fat tissue. Microscopically, 4 cases were composed of clear cells arranged in solid sheets or acinar structures, along with varying numbers of eosinophilic cells. Two cases exhibited the morphology of high-grade eosinophilic RCC, and 1 case presented biphasic morphology with diffuse polygonal eosinophilic tumor cells and dense small cell components. The remaining 1 case exhibited the morphology of clear cell RCC. According to the WHO/ISUP nuclear grading system, 6 cases were Grade 3 and 2 cases were Grade 2. Multifocal necrosis was observed in 4 cases. In 4 surgical specimens, the tumor tissue invaded the renal parenchyma, with 2 cases showing nodular infiltration to surrounding tissues and 1 case with intravascular tumor thrombus. Immunohistochemical results showed varying degrees of TFEB nuclear positivity in 6 cases (6/8). Melanocytic markers such as Melan A (5/8) and HMB45 (3/8) were expressed at varying degrees. Cathepsin K (6/8), GPNMB (6/8), P504s (7/8) and CD10 (7/8) were positively expressed in most cases. FISH results revealed high-copy amplification of TFEB gene in 4 cases (partially showing clustered amplification) and low-copy amplification in 4 cases. During the follow-up period of 3 to 64 months of the 8 cases, 3 cases metastasized and 2 cases died of disease (both with high-copy TFEB gene amplification).Conclusions:RCC with TFEB gene amplification is rare and exhibits diverse morphological features. A common morphological characteristic of this type of tumor is a mixture of sheet-like clear cells and high nuclear grade eosinophilic cells. Combined immunohistochemical staining for TFEB, melanocytic markers, and GPNMB is helpful for the diagnosis of the tumor, and FISH detection of TFEB gene amplification is the most definitive method in diagnosing this tumor. RCC with TFEB gene amplification usually presents with strong aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Combining surgical resection with immunotherapy or VEGFR-targeted drugs might have therapeutic effects on the tumor.
7.Association between daily physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia among people receiving physical examination aged 40-65 years
Guangyan MAO ; Juzhen JIN ; Li ZHENG ; Jin HU ; Xiaoling SONG ; Yuanhao SHANG ; Junhua WANG ; Ziyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(11):908-914
Objective:To analyze the association between daily physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia among people receiving physical examination aged 40-65 years.Methods:This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 864 participants aged 40-65 years and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria who underwent health check-ups at the Physical Examination Center of Fuquan First People′s Hospital from March to November in 2022. The data of general characteristics, physical activity, physical examination findings, and lipid profiles were collected. The daily physical activity patterns were identified using K-means clustering analysis. The unconditional binary logistic regression was employed to explore the associations between these activity patterns and dyslipidemia, followed by subgroup analyses.Results:The physical activity of the 864 study participants (517 males and 347 females) included in the analysis was divided into 4 patterns (G1: low physical activity; G2: active commuting; G3: housework; G4: leisure exercise). Using G1 as a reference, after adjusting for confounders, G4 was negatively associated with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ( OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-1.00) ( P=0.05). In the male, G3 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.93) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.68) (both P<0.05). In the subjects aged 50 years and above, G2 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.90), hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.90) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.91) (all P<0.05). In those who never or occasionally stayed up late, G2 was negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.75) ( P<0.05); in those who stayed up late often, G4 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85) and low HDL-C ( OR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.84) (both P<0.05). In the centrally obese population, G2 was negatively associated with dyslipidemia ( OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.88) and hypertriglyceridemia ( OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86) (both P<0.05). Conclusions:Association between different physical activity patterns and dyslipidemia varied among adults aged 40-65 years undergoing health check-ups. Leisure-time exercise is associated with a reduced risk of dyslipidemia, while household activities also emerges as a beneficial factor linked to lower dyslipidemia risk particularly in the male population.
8.Screening and evaluation of seven standard strains of 2019-nCoV
Pingping ZHOU ; Xiaofang PENG ; Wei LI ; Xiaoling DENG ; Huanying ZHENG ; Runyu YUAN ; Changwen KE
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(3):304-310
Objective:To prepare seven standard strains of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), including wild type (WT) strain, Beta variant, Delta variant, Omicron variants (BA.2, BA.5, BQ.1, XBB.1 branches), which could be used to apply for national standard strains.Methods:According to cytopathic effect (CPE), virus titer, whole-virus-genome-sequencing and detection of mycoplasma, the basic biological characteristics of clonal isolation were determined through plaque purification technology.Results:The CPE was mainly characterized by cell shrinkage and exfoliation in Vero cells after infection with seven 2019-nCoV clonal isolations (WT, Beta, Delta, Omicron, BA.2, BA.5, BQ.1 and XBB.1 branches). The result of mycoplasma detection were negative and titers of the clonal isolation from 2nd to 5th generations were stable at 10 5-10 8 TCID 50/ml; the electron microscope showed that the virions were all round or elliptical, with a diameter between 60 nm and 140 nm. The subtypes of 7 strains were identified by whole-virus-genome-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, with genomic stability after the fifth successive generations of clonal isolation. Conclusions:The series clonal isolation of 2019-nCoV with typical CPE of coronavirus, clear morphological structure, good viral activity and stable genetic characteristics were prepared, and they could be used to apply for national standard strains.
9.Application of digital technology in the repair of functional and aesthetic defects in patients with acid erosion and severe attrition:a case report
Weiwei HOU ; Xuhong ZHENG ; Xiaoling CHEN ; Weiliang CAI ; Chaoyang WANG ; Zhiwei SU ; Juan ZHAO
West China Journal of Stomatology 2024;42(1):111-120
Noncarious lesions,a multifactorial condition encompassing tooth attrition,abrasion,and erosion,have a surge in prevalence and required increased attention in clinical practice.These nonbacterial-associated tooth de-fects can compromise aesthetics,phonetics,and mastica-tory functions.When providing full-arch fixed occlusal rehabilitation for such cases,the treatment strategy should extend beyond by restoring dentition morphology and aesthetics.This report details a complex case of erosive dental wear addressed through a fully digital,full-arch fixed occlusal rehabilitation.A 4D virtual patient was created using multiple digital data sources,including intraoral scanning,3D facial scanning,digital facebow registration,and mandibular movement tracing.With a comprehensive understanding of the masticatory system,various types of microinvasive prostheses were customized for each tooth,including labial ve-neers,buccal-occlusal veneers,occlusal veneers,overlays,inlays,and full crowns,were customized for each tooth.The reported digital workflow offered a predictable diagnostic and treatment strategy,which was facilitated by virtual visual-ization and comprehensive quality control throughout the process.
10.Potential mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Jinmeng SUN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zejun ZHENG ; Xiaoling DING ; Minmin SUN ; Gang DING
West China Journal of Stomatology 2024;42(2):181-191
Objective To explore the mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network phar-macology and molecular docking technology.Methods Potential targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained through various databases.The intersection targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained by using VENNY,the pro-tein-protein interaction network relationship diagram was formed on the STRING platform,the core target diagram was formed by Cytoscape software,and the ginseng-active ingredient-target network diagram was constructed.The selected targets were screened for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway en-richment analysis.The core targets of ginseng's active in-gredients in treating periodontitis were analyzed by mo-lecular docking technique.Results The 22 ginseng's active ingredients,591 potential targets of ginseng's ac-tive ingredients,2 249 periodontitis gene targets,and 145 ginseng-periodontitis intersection targets were analyzed.Ginseng had strong binding activity on core targets such as vas-cular endothelial growth factor A and epidermal growth factor receptor,as well as hypoxia induced-factor 1(HIF-1)sig-naling pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt)signaling pathway.Conclusion Gin-seng and its active components can regulate several signaling pathways such as HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt,thereby indicating that ginseng may play a role in treating periodontitis through multiple pathways.

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