1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.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.
4.Study on the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact in the field global health:A case study of the Chinese Consortium of Universities for Global Health
Xian-xia YANG ; Xin-liang LIU ; Jia-xin HE ; Chen CHEN ; Man TAO ; Rong-xiao MA ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):76-83
Objective:To explore the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact in global health,using the member universities of the Chinese Consortium of Universities for Global Health(CCUGH)as a case study.Methods:The study focuses on journal articles in global health field published by 31 CCUGH member universities between 2014 and 2024.Descriptive statistical analysis of international and non-international collaboration publication volumes was conducted using Excel.Regression analysis and chi-square tests were performed using R to examine the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact,and the correlation between the breadth of collaboration and the academic impact of the papers.Results:From 2014 to 2023,the total number of publications,the number of non-international collaborationpublications,and the number of internationally collaborated publications all showed a consistent annual increase,with average annual growth rates of 56.7%,68.3%,and 41.4%,respectively.By the first half of 2024,the total number of publications had increased to 1.5 times that of the corresponding period in 2023.International collaboration positively influenced academic impact,with broader collaborative networks correlating with higher academic influence.Conclusion:The global health publication output of CCUGH member universities has steadily increased,but the volume of international collaboration papers and their proportion remain relatively low.Therefore,it is necessary for CCUGH member universities to strengthen international collaboration papers in global health.
5.Comparison of biomechanical characteristics of superior and inferior pubic ramus fractures fixed with different internal fixation methods
Xin RAO ; Daixiang JIANG ; Hui LU ; Yangxing LUO ; Meng LI ; Dingxi LIU ; Qimei WU ; Rong LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5757-5764
BACKGROUND:Percutaneous retrograde screws and minimally invasive percutaneous plates are extensively used in the treatment of unilateral pubic ramus fractures.However,the above internal fixations have the disadvantages of mistakenly penetrating the hip joint and damaging the medial pelvic trophoblastic artery.A new type of retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail offers advantages,such as fewer radiographic exposures and shorter surgery times,but the validation of the biomechanical properties of the three endoprostheses is lacking.OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical differences post-treatment of upper and lower pubic ramus fractures using percutaneous retrograde screws,minimally invasive percutaneous plates,and retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail under various conditions through finite element analysis.METHODS:Pelvic CT data were collected from one volunteer and imported into Mimics 20,Geomagic Wrap 2021,and SolidWorks 2019 to create geometric models of three types of internal fixation for treating unilateral pubic ramus fractures:hollow screw group,plate group,and intramedullary nail group.Each model was imported into Ansys 2022 software,where it was set up in vertical,book-opening,and shear conditions for preprocessing and calculation to compare and analyze the mechanical stability of the implants.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vertical conditions,the biomechanical stability of the hollow screw treatment for unilateral pubic fractures was superior to that of the steel plate and intramedullary nail,with the smallest peak stress in the implant,which was four times lower compared to the other two groups.(2)In book-opening conditions,the steel plate treatment for unilateral pubic fractures showed better biomechanical stability,particularly in reducing stress at the fracture ends of the upper pubic branch,with stress values five times higher in the other two groups.(3)In shear conditions,the intramedullary nail treatment for unilateral pubic fractures exhibited good biomechanical stability,maintaining the best pelvic displacement,with a 25%greater displacement observed in the other two groups.(4)These findings reveal the biomechanical differences of different implants:the peak stress of implants is the smallest under vertical working conditions with percutaneous retrograde screws.Minimally invasive percutaneous plates reduce the stress at the broken end of superior pubic branch under open-book working condition.Retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail of superior pubic branch maintains pelvic displacement under shear working condition.The surgeon can combine the biomechanical differences of the implants with the actual situation of pubic injury in clinical practice to make the best implant treatment.
6.Application of DMAIC method in maintenance of hemodialysis machine
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(1):78-82
Two-year maintenance records of Fresenius 4008 series hemodialysis machines were summarized.The main causes were analyzed for types of faults including flow alarm,water and air leakage,clogging,mechanical damage and etc.Some suggestions based on DMAIC method were proposed to optimize the maintenance precedure and enhance maintenance coverage and machine stability.References were provided for hemodialysis technician to allocate maintenance time effectively and find hidden fault at an early stage.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):78-82]
7.Antiviral mechanism of Euphorbia helioscopia diterpenoids against Zika virus in vitro
Pan-pan PANG ; Xiong QIU ; Ying-jie JIANG ; Xin-yue LIU ; Wei-zhe MA ; Jian-qiu-rong YIN ; Wei-lie XIAO ; Chang-bo ZHENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1436-1444
Aim To investigate the anti-Zika virus(ZIKV)mechanism of diterpenoid compound 9 from Euphorbia helioscopia in vitro.Methods The cytotox-icity of compound 9 was evaluated using the CCK-8 as-say.A ZIKV-infected Vero cell model was established,and the antiviral activity was assessed through RT-qPCR,plaque assay,Western blot,and immunofluores-cence.Furthermore,the mechanism of action was elu-cidated using multi-cell line validation,nanoparticle tracking analysis,cellular thermal shift assay,and mo-lecular docking.Results In Vero cells,compound 9 exhibited an EC50 of(3.95±0.15)μmol·L-1 and a CC50 of(272.12±8.56)μmol·L-1,demonstrating significantly higher antiviral efficacy than the positive control drug ribavirin(RBV).Its virus inactivation effect was time-dependent and could significantly re-duce viral load and plaque formation.Studies revealed that compound 9 altered the physicochemical properties of ZIKV particles,including reducing surface charge and increasing particle size distribution.Additionally,it significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the prM protein.Molecular docking analysis indicated that compound 9 formed a high-affinity interaction with the prM protein(binding energy:-38.52 kJ·mol-1)and stabilized its structure through hydrophobic interac-tions.Conclusion Compound 9 exerts in vitro anti-ZIKV activity by directly inactivating the virus,disrup-ting viral particle integrity,and targeting the prM pro-tein.
8.Research on the association between tetracyclines use during pregnancy and congenital malformations in offspring
Jin GUO ; Peng ZHAO ; Chunrong LIU ; Mingyu LIAO ; Jingwen CHEN ; Jianru WU ; Yan REN ; Biao RONG ; Huanyang QI ; Moliang CHEN ; Xin SUN ; Jing TAN ; Yiquan XIONG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(9):530-536
Objective:To explore the association between the use of tetracyclines during pregnancy and congenital malformations, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance for the rational use of antibiotics during pregnancy.Methods:Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction (CVAR) database from January 2015 to September 2024 were collected. Five methods including Tree-based scan statistic (TreeScan), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) comprehensive standard, and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were used to detect signals of risk for congenital malformations in offspring following maternal use of tetracyclines during pregnancy. A signal that met the threshold criteria of all above 5 methods was considered as a risk signal. Based on population-based cohort of the drug exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes (DEEP) data from January 2013 to December 2021 in Xiamen City, propensity score matching (PSM)-based Poisson regression was applied to evaluate the association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring. Adjusted relative risk (a RR) and its 95% confidence interval ( CI) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the reliability of the results. Results:A total of 304 098 reports of adverse events during pregnancy were obtained from the FAERS and CVAR databases. Among them, 5 028 reports were related to tetracyclines, including 1 026 reports of congenital malformations in offspring, involving congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, other digestive system, and other congenital malformations. Signal detection results suggested that tetracyclines may be a risk signal for above congenital malformations in offspring. The DEEP data included 411 936 pregnant women. After PSM, 240 pregnant women exposed to tetracyclines were included. The results showed no significant association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring (a RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.26-2.17), sensitivity analysis also showed no correlation. Conclusions:Data mining from the FAERS and CVAR databases suggests a potential association between tetracyclines use during pregnancy and congenital malformations in offspring. However, the DEEP data study shows no significant correlation.
9.Effect of risk forewarning hierarchical management on postoperative mental state,adverse events and quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Rong-hui XIN ; Zhi-gang ZUO ; Liu PEI ; Li-kun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):717-722
Objective:To investigate the effect of risk forewarning hierarchical management on mental state,major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutane-ous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 152 patients with acute coro-nary syndrome who underwent PCI in the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao between July 2021 and June 2023.Patients were randomly divided into control group(n=76,conventional intervention program)and intervention group(n=76,additional risk forewarning hierarchical management).After 3-month intervention,mental state[Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)and Hamilton depression scale(HAMD)scores],health literacy[perceived knowledge scale for coronary heart diseases(PKS-CHD)score],quality of life[Seattle angina questionnaire(SAQ)score]and in-cidence of MACE were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group,patients in the intervention group had significantly higher total score of PKS-CHD[(35.08±3.59)points vs.(30.53±3.85)points],SAQ dimensional scores of physical limitation[(15.24±1.73)points vs.(13.26±1.45)points],an-ginal stability[(16.84±1.39)points vs.(15.18±1.48)points],disease perception[(17.00±1.46)points vs.(14.34±1.93)points],anginal frequency[(18.55±1.18)points vs.(16.11±1.39)points]and treatment satis-faction[(17.12±1.45)points vs.(14.04±1.93)points](P<0.001 all),and significantly lower HAMA score[(11.89±1.64)points vs.(13.55±1.56)points],HAMD score[(12.61±1.76)points vs.(16.42±1.92)points]and the incidence of MACE(8.00%vs.28.38%)(P<0.001 all).Conclusion:Risk forewarning hierarchical man-agement may effectively relieve patients'negative emotions,improve their health literacy and quality of life,and significantly reduce the risk of MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI.
10.Chemical constituents from dichloromethane fraction of Dalbergia odorifera heartwood
Wei-xin XU ; Qing ZHU ; Xing DAI ; Lan-ying CHEN ; Rong-hua LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3297-3305
AIM To study the chemical constituents from dichloromethane fraction of Dalbergia odorifera T.Chen heartwood.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,thin-layer chromatography,and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as 7,2′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-isoflavanol(1),vanillin(2),2,2′-oxybis-(1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene)(3),7-hydroxy-6-methoxyflavone(4),sativan(5),5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyisoflavone(6),2-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxychalcone(7),7,2′,3′,4′-tetramethoxydihydroisoflavone(8),2,4,2′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxybenzil(9),ethyl-3-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-propenoate(10),6,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydr-ochromen-4-one(11),sophorophenolone(12),apocynin(13),ethyl-2,4-dihydroxybenzoate(14),ethylparaben(15),methyl-2,4-dihydroxybenzoate(16),5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavanone(17),7-hydroxyflavanone(18),mimosifoliol(19),7-hydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavane(20),virolane(21),5-hydroxy-7-methoxychromone(22),3-hydroxyl-5-methoxy-stilbene(23),2′,4′-dihydroxydihydrochalcone(24).CONCLUSION Compound 8 is new natural product,2-6,15,17-18 are isolated from this plant for the first time,7,9-14,16,20-24 are first isolated from genus Dalbergia.

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