1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
3.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Characteristics of malignant tumor incidence and mortality in cancer registration areas of Sichuan Province in 2021
CHENG Shuwen ; DONG Ting ; ZHANG Xin ; LI You ; JI Kui ; LI Yuanqiong ; YUAN Zhipei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):1002-1008
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of malignant tumor incidence and mortality in cancer registration areas of Sichuan Province in 2021.
Methods:
Cancer registration data from 142 registries in Sichuan Province in 2021 were collected via the China Cancer Registry Platform. Crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and world population-standardized incidence were standardized using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 and Segi's world standard population. Descriptive analyses examined the distribution of rates by genders, urban/rural areas, and ages, and the ranking of leading cancer sites.
Results:
In 2021, there were 248 600 new malignant tumor cases reported in Sichuan Province, with a crude incidence of 296.37/100 000. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and world population-standardized incidence were 164.67/100 000 and 160.47/100 000, respectively. There were 158 673 malignant tumor deaths, with a crude mortality of 189.16/100 000. The Chinese population-standardized mortality and world population-standardized mortality were 92.47/100 000 and 92.00/100 000, respectively. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality in males were higher than in females (179.56/100 000 vs. 151.62/100 000, 125.09/100 000 vs. 60.35/100 000). The Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality in urban areas were higher than in rural areas (175.74/100 000 vs. 157.54/100 000, 93.63/100 000 vs. 91.82/100 000). Both the crude incidence and crude mortality increased with age. The top ten malignant tumors by crude incidence were lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and corpus uteri cancer, accounting for 76.33% of all new cases. The top ten by crude mortality were lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and brain tumors, accounting for 82.39% of all cancer deaths.
Conclusions
In registration areas of Sichuan Province, the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors are relatively low. Key populations such as males, urban residents, and the elderly require focused prevention and control efforts. Comprehensive measures should be prioritized for malignant tumors including lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
6.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
7.Transcription factor EB enhances macrophage autophagy and reverses endotoxin tolerance
Ting YANG ; Xin LIU ; Qingsong JIANG ; Yujie WANG ; Xinhui SHI ; Xiong YANG ; Sijia LIU ; Xiaoli LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):794-806
Objective To investigate the role of transcription factor EB(TFEB)in endotoxin-tolerant macrophages.Methods The RAW264.7 cells were divided into blank group(DMEM medium),LPS 5 group(5 ng/mL LPS treatment for 4 h),LPS 100 group(100 ng/mL LPS treatment for 4 h),and tolerance group(5 ng/mL LPS for 12 h followed by 100 ng/mL LPS for 4 h).The releases of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using ELISA.Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluate the distribution of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and P62,as well as TFEB in the cytoplasm and nucleus.Lentiviral overexpression of TFEB or siRNA-mediated knockdown of TFEB were performed to observe the changes in autophagy levels and bacterial clearance ability in the tolerant cells.Results The cells in the tolerance group had significantly lower contents of TNF-α and IL-6,as well as reduced bacterial clearance ability(P<0.01),down-regulated LC3 expression while up-regulated P62 level,and decreased expression of TFEB in both the cytoplasm and nucleus(P<0.01)when compared with the cells of the LPS 100 group.Overexpression of TFEB significantly increased LC3 level,reduced P62 level,and enhanced bacterial clearance ability in the endotoxin-tolerant cells(P<0.01).In contrast,siRNA-mediated knockdown of TFEB had no significant impacts on LC3 and P62 expression levels or bacterial clearance ability.Conclusion Overexpression of TFEB can restore the autophagy of endotoxin-tolerant cells and enhance their bacterial clearance capacity,thereby alleviating the immunosuppressive state of sepsis.These findings suggest that TFEB holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of sepsis.
8.Verapamil protects against hyperuricemia nephropathy through modulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway
Ting WANG ; Li LI ; Xin ZHU ; Li LIU ; Jin ZENG ; Zhujun YIN ; Junning ZHAO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1217-1226
Objective To investigate the protective effect of verapamil on hyperuricemia nephropathy(HN)in mice through modulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.Methods Thirty-two male C57BL/6J mice(8 weeks old,weighing 18~22 g)were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,an allopurinol group(10 mg/kg),and a verapamil group(40 mg/kg),with 8 animals in each group.Except for the control mice,the other mice were given 10%fructose water and adenine to establish a mouse model of HN.After successful establishment of model mice,the corresponding interventions were administered to the mice of the other 3 groups for 4 consecutive weeks.The levels of serum uric acid(UA),creatinine(Cr),urea(UREA),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)were measured.HE staining was used to assess the alterations in renal morphology and the infiltration of inflammatory cells,while Masson's staining was employed to evaluate renal fibrosis.Moreover,ELISA was employed to measure the contents of IL-1β and IL-6 in kidney tissue,while serum levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)were detected by colorimetric assay.Furthermore,immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to examine the expression of TXNIP,NLRP3,IL-1β,MMP7,FN1,CD68,and MPO proteins in the kidney.Results Compared to the control group,HN mice exhibited increased serum UA,Cr,and UREA levels(P<0.05),renal pathological changes including renal tubular regeneration,interstitial or periglomerular fibrosis and prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells,and significantly increased renal contents of IL-1β and IL-6 and serum MDA level(P<0.05),while reduced serum SOD and GSH-Px contents(P<0.05),as well as up-regulation of kidney proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,IL-1β,CD68,MPO,FN1 and MMP7(P<0.01).Verapamil treatment notably reduced serum UA and Cr levels(P<0.01),improved kidney lesions to some extents,decreased collagen volume fraction(CVF)(P<0.01),and restored pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers(P<0.05)when compared with the levels in the model group.Further research found that the expression of kidney proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,IL-1β,CD68,MPO,FN1,and MMP7 was significantly down-regulated by verapamil treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Verapamil exhibits a renal protective effect on HN mice through its anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and antifibrotic properties,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
9.ATF3 regulates macrophage autophagy and inflammatory responses by suppressing ATG5 and ATG16L1 expression
Yujie WANG ; Hongmei QIU ; Ting YANG ; Xinhui SHI ; Xiong YANG ; Qingsong JIANG ; Xin LIU ; Xiaoli LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2351-2364
Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of activating transcription factor 3(ATF3)in suppressing lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced autophagy and inflammatory responses in macrophages.Methods Firstly,the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database was used to analyze ATF3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from sepsis patients,and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed to identify enriched signaling pathways.Secondly,RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into a blank control group and an LPS-stimulated group(100 ng/mL LPS).Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect ATF3 protein expression and observe its subcellular localization,respectively.Lentiviral transduction was used to generate ATF3 knockdown and overexpression cell lines to evaluate their effects on cytokine release and bacterial clearance.Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation(CUT&Tag)sequencing was employed to identify downstream target genes transcriptionally regulated by ATF3.Furthermore,the impact of ATF3 knockdown or overexpression on autophagy-related gene 5(ATG5),autophagy-related gene 16-like 1(ATG16L1),and autophagy levels was evaluated.Results GEO analysis revealed that ATF3 expression was significantly elevated in PBMCs from sepsis patients(P<0.01),and GSEA showed significant enrichment of autophagy-related and inflammation-related pathways(P<0.01).In RAW264.7 cells,100 ng/mL LPS stimulation significantly increased ATF3 expression in the nucleus than the blank control group(P<0.01).ATF3 knockdown led to increased secretions of TNF-α and IL-6 and enhanced bacterial clearance of macrophages(P<0.01),whereas ATF3 overexpression significantly suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 releases,and remained bacterial clearance at a low level when compared with the conditions in the negative control(NC)group(P<0.01).CUT&Tag results demonstrated that ATF3 was enriched at the promoter regions of key autophagy genes Atg5 and Atg16l1.Compared with the NC group,ATF3 knockdown significantly up-regulated the protein levels of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1 while decreased p62 expression(P<0.01).Conversely,ATF3 overexpression inhibited the expression of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1(P<0.01),but had no significant effect on p62 level.Conclusion Sepsis induces elevated ATF3 expression in macrophages,and suppresses autophagic activity and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6,which probably mediated by ATF3 regulating transcription of ATG5 and ATG16L1,suggesting ATF3 as a potential therapeutic target for autophagy-inflammation imbalance.
10.Simultaneous Determination of Ten Kinds of Neonicotinoid Residues in Water for Aquaculture by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Li-Sha MA ; Yi YIN ; Lin-Ting WEI ; Qi SHAN ; Xiao-Xin DAI ; Shu-Gui LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1352-1361,中插96-中插99
A solid-phase extraction-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(SPE-UPLC-MS/MS)method was established for simultaneous determination of 10 kinds of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in aquaculture water.Based on the chemical properties of neonicotinoid pesticides and the matrix characteristics of aquaculture water,suitable temporary storage methods for water samples and appropriate solid-phase extraction columns were selected,and the extraction conditions(including elution solvents and sample loading volumes)were optimized.The method employed acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution(containing 0.1%formic acid)as the mobile phase and an Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction column combined with PSA as a dispersive sorbent for sample purification.The method exhibited good linearity in detection of neonicotinoid in concentration range of 0.2-50 ng/mL(R2>0.99797),with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/L and a quantification limit of 1 ng/L,which were significantly lower than the maximum acceptable method detection limits(9-500 ng/L)for neonicotinoid insecticides in water published by the European Commission.In pond water,rice-fish water,and seawater,the average recoveries of the 10 target analytes were 74.6%-114.1%,with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.3%to 9.6%.Using this method,actual sample tests were conducted on the Pearl River water,Zhaoqing pond water,and Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water.The total concentration of five neonicotinoid pesticides in the Pearl River water ranged from 154.8 to 246.6 ng/L,the total concentration of four neonicotinoid pesticides in the Zhaoqing pond water was 95.0-176.1 ng/L,and the total concentration of three neonicotinoid pesticides in the Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water was 2.3-11.7 ng/L.This method was simple in operation,highly sensitive,and had strong resistance to interference.It was suitable for detection of trace neonicotinoid pesticides in aquaculture water and could provide technical support for construction of a green aquaculture environment and resolution of international trade disputes.


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