1.Mechanistic study on ITGA6 regulation of abdominal wall endometriosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Rong GU ; Hailiang HUANG ; Xinrui WANG ; Hanlu LI ; Kaijiang LIU ; Ying ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):67-74
ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of integrin alpha-6(ITGA6) in abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) tissues and its molecular mechanisms in regulating AWE. Methods36 AWE lesions were designated as the experimental group, while 36 cases of normal endometrial tissues served as the controls. Differential expression of ITGA6 between the two groups was assessed through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Human ITGA6 gene-specific interference sequences were designed, synthesized, and packaged into lentiviral vectors to establish the Ishikawa cell line with ITGA6-knockdown. Similarly, the ITGA6-overexpression cell line was constructed using the coding sequence (CDS) of the gene. Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related markers and angiogenesis-related indicators. Cell invasion and migration capabilities were assessed by Cell Scratch and Transwell assays. Furthermore, Western blot was conducted to profile PI3K/AKT pathway dynamics. ResultsEctopic endometrial tissues exhibited a marked increase in the number of ITGA6-positive cells and their expression intensity compared to eutopic endometrium (each P < 0.001). Compared with the NC group, the ITGA6-knockdown group showed significantly reduced expression of N-cadherin, VEGF, and TGF-β1 (all P < 0.01), while E-cadherin expression was markedly increased (P < 0.01). Concomitantly, the invasion and migration capacities of ITGA6-low expression were significantly impaired (P < 0.001 for both), accompanied by a marked reduction in AKT and phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) levels (P < 0.001). Conversely, overexpressing ITGA6 resulted in opposite effects. ConclusionITGA6 modulates EMT and angiogenesis in Ishikawa cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby enhancing cell invasion and migration capabilities, which contributes to the pathogenesis of AWE.
2.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
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.Development and validation of a blood-based differential diagnosis model for pulmonary tuberculosis and community-acquired pneumonia
Xiaolan SU ; Rui ZHANG ; Zeqing YANG ; Xinrui WANG ; Ziyu BI ; Nian LIU ; Yunyan HAN ; Qi REN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1143-1150
ObjectiveTo develop and validate a diagnostic prediction model for differentiating pulmonary tuberculosis from community-acquired pneumonia based on routine blood parameters. MethodsA total of 642 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 503 patients with community-acquired pneumonia were retrospectively enrolled from the Seventh Hospital of Tangshan. They were randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set at a 7∶3 ratio. Additionally, 218 patients from the 981st Hospital were independently included as an external validation set. The Boruta algorithm and recursive feature elimination were employed to select predictors from 82 blood parameters, sex, and age. A multivariate Logistic regression model was established and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. ResultsThe final model incorporated eight predictors, namely uric acid, urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, monoamine oxidase, alanine aminotransferase, glutathione, neutrophil percentage, and age. The model achieved areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.800 (95%CI: 0.769-0.830), 0.787 (95%CI: 0.738-0.836), and 0.736 (95%CI: 0.667-0.835) in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. The model demonstrated good calibration, and decision curve analysis showed clinical net benefit within the threshold probability range of 10%-80%. ConclusionThe developed model exhibits good discriminative ability and clinical utility, serving as an effective early screening tool for primary healthcare institutions.
5.Clinical characteristics and treatment evaluation of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis patients with fatal outcomes: a retrospective analysis
Xiaoguang CUI ; Xin YANG ; Bincheng REN ; Xiaojing CHENG ; Shanshan LIU ; Xinrui ZHAO ; Tian TIAN ; Hui ZHAO ; Xueyi LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(3):204-208
Objective:This study aims to provide insights into the clinical features of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5(MDA5)-positive dermatomyositis (MDA5-DM) patients with fatal outcomes, leveraging pathogenic microbiota metagenomic analysis, to guide the clinical assessment and treatment choices.Methods:From January 2020 to August 2023, deceased patients diagnosed with MDA5-DM were identified at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi ′an Jiaotong University. Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed using Mann Whitney U test and Fisher ′s exact test to summarize risk factors and treatment assessment for MDA5-DM patients with fatal outcomes. Results:①The proportion of male patients was higher than females among MDA5-DM patients with fatal outcomes, which differed from the incidence pattern, possibly associated with smoking and gender proportions (6/11 vs. 0/7, P=0.037). ②94%(17/18) patients presented initially with elevated ferritin levels [(1 350±942)ng/ml] and CRP [(47±36)mg/L]. ③All patients (18/18) exhibited early involvement of the upper lung lobes, including multiple nodules in 9/18, ground-glass opacities in 5/18, and solitary nodules in 4/18. ④Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was negative in 4/16 cases, with cytomegalovirus and pneumocystis jirovecii being the most commonly detected pathogens in 5/16 cases each. ⑤89%(16/18) of patients continued to have lymphocyte counts persistently <0.5×10 9/L irrespective of treatment. Conclusion:Smoking may have adverse effects on male MDA5 patients. Early involvement of the upper lobe of the lungs is more common in MDA5 antibody positive deaths, and persistent lymphocyte depletion is an important factor in poor response. Enhancing mNGS analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and vigilance towards cytomegalovirusand Pneumocystis jirovecii could provide valuable clinical guidance.
6.Application of next generation sequencing technology to the analysis of gene mutations in children with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and their impact on prognosis
Shuting MAO ; Bai LI ; Dao WANG ; Xinrui WU ; Shufang SU ; Linlin WEI ; Ying LIU ; Fangyuan CHAI ; Yufeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(2):114-119
Objective:To analyze the gene mutation spectrum of children with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) using next generation sequencing technology and to evaluate the value of gene mutations in prognosis stratification.Methods:A case series analysis was made.The clinical data of newly diagnosed pediatric T-ALL patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2019 to February 29, 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.T-ALL gene mutations were analyzed.The relationships of gene mutations with clinical features and induction of responses to therapy were studied.The effects of gene mutations on overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were examined by the Kaplan-Meier method and COX regression model.Results:A total of 80 newly diagnosed pediatric T-ALL patients were enrolled in the study, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.4∶1.0 and a median age of 8 (range, 2-17) years.A total of 57 mutations were detected in 74 patients, 46.2% (37/74) of whom showed 3 or more gene mutations.The coexistence of mutated genes was obvious. PTEN mutations were more prevalent in male patients ( P=0.018).Initial leukocyte counts were higher in patients with PTEN mutations ( P=0.038) and lower in patients with JAK3 mutations ( P=0.002).Patients with NOTCH1 mutations had a higher positive rate of fusion genes ( P=0.043).Patients with PTEN mutations had a higher rate of minimal residual disease(MRD) remission after 15/19 d of treatment with induction therapy, respectively ( P=0.013).The rate of MRD remission after 33/46 d of treatment with induction therapy was higher in patients with the FBXW7 mutation ( P=0.004) and lower in patients with JAK3 mutations ( P=0.003).Multifactorial COX regression analysis showed that IL7R mutation and three or more gene mutations were independent risk factors for OS and EFS in T-ALL patients(OS: HR=3.252, 7.357, 95% CI: 1.020-10.372, 1.646-32.882; EFS: HR=3.372, 3.009, 95% CI: 1.234-9.214, 1.174-7.708; all P<0.05). Conclusions:Gene mutations are prevalent in T-ALL children and correlate with clinical manifestations and prognosis.The coexistence of mutated genes is obvious.Pediatric T-ALL patients with IL7R mutations and three or more gene mutations have a poorer prognosis.
7.Exploration of the frontiers and hotspots in plasma-promoted wound healing by bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Xinrui ZHANG ; Zizhu ZHANG ; Jishen ZHANG ; Dingxin LIU ; Yunen LIU ; Xiang LI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):68-77
Objective Based on the bibliometric methods of CiteSpace and VOSviewer,this paper analyzes Chinese and English literature on the application of plasma in wound healing,combs the current research status and hotspots,and predicts the future development trends of basic and clinical research.Methods The data retrieval platforms include China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database,and Web of Science(WOS).A total of 310 relevant articles were included,and information such as the number of publications,authors,institutions,countries,and keywords was visualized.Results As an emerging research direction in the 21st century,the volume of publications on plasma-promoted wound healing has shown an overall upward trend,with more publications abroad;currently,most research teams at home and abroad come from higher learning institutions and present the characteristics of multidisciplinary exchange and integration.Conclusion Plasma technology has a significant effect in promoting the healing of various complex and difficult wounds,but there is a lack of basic research literature at present.Therefore,it is necessary to further verify its mechanism of action in order to expect plasma to have a wider range of clinical research and applications in promoting wound healing in the future.
8.Comparative proteomic analysis of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes
Xinrui ZHANG ; Yue HAN ; Lei LEI ; Jianyu LIU ; Chengkui GENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(13):2683-2689
BACKGROUND:Research on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes often uses proteomics to analyze their roles in tissue repair,but comparative proteomic analyses between the two are scarce.OBJECTIVE:To analyze adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes using proteomic analysis.METHODS:Rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated,cultured,and identified.Exosomes were then extracted from cell supernatant and identified.Differentially expressed proteins of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes were analyzed using DIA proteomics.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed on these differentially expressed proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells displayed a mainly spindle-shaped,fibroblast-like morphology.(2) The exosome suspension protein concentration was 7.66 mg/mL,as determined by the BCA method.(3) Exosomes exhibited a characteristic teacup shape with a visible double-layer membrane vesicle structure.The center presented a low electron density component.The exosomes showed a peak particle size distribution of 112.2 nm,a concentration of 7.5×1011 particles/mL,and an average diameter ranging from 70 to 140 nm.(4) Exosomes expressed high levels of surface marker proteins CD9 and TSG101.(5) Gene Ontology analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed enrichment in the extracellular matrix and synapses,with functions related to ion binding,ribosome binding,and particularly cell adhesion and translation.(6) Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed proteins were primarily involved in extracellular matrix receptor interaction,ribosome,and cytokine receptor interaction,and also associated with various metabolic diseases like cholesterol and thyroid disorders.
9.Association between dietary diversity and the risk of MACE after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease
Menglei WANG ; Xueqin GAO ; Ping LIN ; Yini WANG ; Zhenjuan ZHAO ; Xinrui MA ; Ling LI ; Huixia HUANG ; Guojie LIU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2289-2294
Objective:To investigate the association between dietary diversity and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) .Methods:A total of 553 patients diagnosed with CHD and undergoing PCI in the Department of Cardiology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between May and November 2023 were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. A Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess patients' dietary intake after PCI, and the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated. Patients were followed up for one year to determine the incidence of MACE.Results:History of hypertension, history of hyperlipidemia, body mass index, use of antiplatelet agents, use of diuretics, triglycerides, smoking index and DDS were identified as factors influencing the occurrence of MACE after PCI ( P<0.05) . Among these, higher dietary diversity had a protective effect against MACE. Conclusions:After PCI, patients with lower DDS experienced MACE more frequently than those with higher scores. Increased dietary diversity can effectively help prevent MACE in patients after PCI.
10.Association between dietary diversity and the risk of MACE after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease
Menglei WANG ; Xueqin GAO ; Ping LIN ; Yini WANG ; Zhenjuan ZHAO ; Xinrui MA ; Ling LI ; Huixia HUANG ; Guojie LIU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2289-2294
Objective:To investigate the association between dietary diversity and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) .Methods:A total of 553 patients diagnosed with CHD and undergoing PCI in the Department of Cardiology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between May and November 2023 were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. A Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess patients' dietary intake after PCI, and the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated. Patients were followed up for one year to determine the incidence of MACE.Results:History of hypertension, history of hyperlipidemia, body mass index, use of antiplatelet agents, use of diuretics, triglycerides, smoking index and DDS were identified as factors influencing the occurrence of MACE after PCI ( P<0.05) . Among these, higher dietary diversity had a protective effect against MACE. Conclusions:After PCI, patients with lower DDS experienced MACE more frequently than those with higher scores. Increased dietary diversity can effectively help prevent MACE in patients after PCI.

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