1.Analysis of the impact of intraoperative RhE antigen-matched transfusion on early prognosis in liver transplant patients
Xiaochao YU ; Xinyuan GAO ; Fan HAI ; Chao YANG ; Xingyu HOU ; Yaping XING ; Hongqiang GAO ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Gang SU ; Ronghua XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):44-50
Objective: To investigate the impact of RhE antigen-matched transfusion during liver transplantation on early postoperative recovery and complications. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, ninety-five patients undergoing liver transplantation at Kunming First People's Hospital between January 2022 and July 2025 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (RhE-mismatched transfusion, n=57) and Group 2 (RhE-matched transfusion, n=38). The baseline data, complete blood counts, hepatic and renal function, coagulation parameters, and complication rates between the two groups were compared at postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The baseline characteristics were well-balanced and comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). The early postoperative mortality rate in the mismatched group (31.58%, 18/57) was significantly higher than that in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38) (P=0.017). The incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy was significantly higher in the mismatched group (50.88%, 29/57) than in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38) (P<0.001). The incidence of postoperative haemorrhage in the mismatched group (24.56%, 14/57) was higher than that in the matched group (5.26%, 2/38), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.014). The incidence of perioperative infection in the mismatched group (28.07%, 16/57) was higher than that in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.04). Corresponding odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals indicated a lower risk of these adverse events in the matched group. On postoperative day 1, the change in activated partial thromboplastin time (-1.6, 20.5) in the mismatched group was greater than in the matched group (-0.2, 5.5). The change in international normalised ratio (-0.56, 1.22) in the mismatched group was greater than in the matched group (-0.18, 0.32), while the change in albumin (-4.0, 4.8) was smaller in the mismatched group than in the matched group (-2.5, 8.8). On postoperative day 5, the change in albumin (-0.41±7.83) in the mismatched group was smaller than in the matched group (2.68±4.53). At postoperative day 7, the change in albumin in the mismatched group (-0.61±7.38) was smaller than that in the matched group (2.51±5.85), while the change in D-dimer in the mismatched group (0.73, 7.4) was greater than that in the matched group (-1.6, 4.3). On postoperative day 10, the mismatched group exhibited significantly higher fibrinogen levels (-1.21, 1.78) than the matched group (-0.49, 0.97), and significantly longer prothrombin times (-11.3, -2.7) than the matched group (-6.2, -0.8) (all P<0.05). The matched group exhibited a mean overall survival (OS) of 32.803 months (95% CI:29.171-36.436 months), significantly exceeding the mismatched group's 28.996 months (95% CI:24.202-33.790 months). The log-rank test yielded statistically significant results (χ
=4.307, P=0.038). Conclusion: Implementing RhE blood group-matched transfusion during liver transplantation may help reduce early postoperative mortality and the incidence of major complication rates, promote faster recovery of coagulation and liver function, and thereby improve short-term patient outcomes.
2.Effect of Astragali Radix on Gut Microbiota and GLP-1 in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi Deficiency Type
Keke HOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zhidan ZHANG ; Yunyi YANG ; Fangli ZHANG ; Yuanying XU ; Hongping YIN ; Lan DING ; Tao LEI ; Wenjun SHA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):161-170
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MethodsA 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group (40 cases) was administered with Astragali Radix Granules, while the control group (40 cases) received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG),glycated albumin(GA), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide (2 h CP), and C-peptide area under the curve (AUCcp). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy, and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators, compared with the baseline, both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C (P<0.01),while FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after the treatment, the observation group showed significantly lower FPG, 2 h PG, GA and HbA1C(P<0.05, P<0.01),and significantly higher FCP, 2 h CP and AUCcp (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota, no significant differences were detected in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However, compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups, indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level, compared with the baseline, both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the post-treatment control group, the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota(P<0.01). No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio between the two groups after treatment, and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level, compared with the baseline, the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides (P<0.01). No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified potential characteristics taxa: in the observation group, Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level, in the control group, Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes, F/B ratio and Fusobacterium, and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy, compared with the control group, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the scores for shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety, compared with the baseline, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control, possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.
3.Extraction,Separation and Hypoglycemic Activity Analysis of Polysaccharides from Brassica rapa
Mengyu HOU ; Ruina XU ; Qingsong LI ; Shaoxuan LI ; Xinying MA ; Yaohui YE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):219-228
ObjectiveTo optimize the extraction method for polysaccharides from turnip(Brassica rapa), and analyze and evaluate the primary structure of the isolated and purified turnip polysaccharide fraction(BP-1) and its hypoglycemic effects in diabetic zebrafish. MethodsTaking polysaccharide yield as the evaluation index, a semi-bionic extraction method was employed. Single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology were used to investigate three factors of solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature, in order to optimize the extraction process. BP-1 was isolated and purified using the Sevage method and DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography. Structural characterization of the turnip polysaccharides was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry(UV), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), Congo red assay, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) to determine purity, monosaccharide composition, triple-helix structure, and functional groups. The microstructure of the polysaccharides was observed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and atomic force microscopy(AFM). Zebrafish were divided into the blank group(adding E3 medium), and BP-1-1, BP-1-10, BP-1-50, BP-1-200, BP-1-1 000 groups(adding BP-1 solutions at concentrations of 1, 10, 50, 200, 1 000 mg·L-1, respectively), and zebrafish embryos were subjected to a 96-hour exposure experiment. The maximum tolerated concentration of BP-1 in zebrafish was determined by evaluating its effects on phenotype, survival rate, malformation rate, and heart rate. Experimental animals were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, BP-1-10 group(10 mg·L-1), BP-1-50 group(50 mg·L-1), and BP-1-200 group(200 mg·L-1). The blank group was cultured in E3 medium, the model and treatment groups were induced to establish a diabetic model in 4 day-post-fertilization(dpf) zebrafish embryos using 10 g·L-1 of glucose combined with 500 µmol·L-1 of alloxan. The treatment groups received corresponding doses of BP-1 solution, while the blank and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Glucose and insulin(INS) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits, the effects on the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) histopathological sections. The mRNA expression levels of glucagon(Glucagon), insulin(Insa), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1(PCK1) were detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsThe optimized extraction conditions were determined as follows:solid-to-liquid ratio of 1∶40(g·mL-1), extraction time of 66 min, and extraction temperature of 79 ℃. Under these conditions, the yield of turnip polysaccharides was (10.34±0.96)%. UV analysis indicated that BP-1 contained no proteins or nucleic acids, GC-MS analysis revealed that BP-1 consisted of six monosaccharides(arabinose, rhamnose, ribose, mannose, galactose and glucose). Congo red assay indicated that the molecular conformation did not exhibit a triple-helix structure, FT-IR analysis showed the presence of α-glycosidic bonds and uronic acids, SEM analysis revealed an irregular flaky structure with a flat and smooth surface, AFM analysis suggested that the aggregated structure might be formed by the entanglement of molecular chains and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The maximum tolerated concentration of BP-1 in zebrafish over 96 h was determined to be 200 mg·L-1. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased glucose levels and significantly decreased INS levels(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BP-1-50 group significantly reduced glucose levels and increased INS levels(P<0.05). Histopathological examination of liver tissue revealed that various doses of BP-1 had a certain reparative effect on damaged liver tissue. The liver tissue structure in the BP-1-200 group was nearly normal, with hepatocytes appearing plump. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly upregulated mRNA expressions of Glucagon and PCK1, and significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Insa(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BP-1-50 and BP-1-200 groups showed significantly downregulated mRNA expressions of Glucagon and PCK1, and significantly upregulated mRNA expression of Insa(P<0.01). ConclusionThe semi-bionic extraction method for turnip polysaccharides yields a high extraction rate, is simple to operate, has low costs, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. BP-1 consists of six monosaccharides, contains α-glycosidic bonds and uronic acids, exhibits hypoglycemic activity, and provides a certain protective effect on the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic model zebrafish.
4.Extraction,Separation and Hypoglycemic Activity Analysis of Polysaccharides from Brassica rapa
Mengyu HOU ; Ruina XU ; Qingsong LI ; Shaoxuan LI ; Xinying MA ; Yaohui YE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):219-228
ObjectiveTo optimize the extraction method for polysaccharides from turnip(Brassica rapa), and analyze and evaluate the primary structure of the isolated and purified turnip polysaccharide fraction(BP-1) and its hypoglycemic effects in diabetic zebrafish. MethodsTaking polysaccharide yield as the evaluation index, a semi-bionic extraction method was employed. Single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology were used to investigate three factors of solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature, in order to optimize the extraction process. BP-1 was isolated and purified using the Sevage method and DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography. Structural characterization of the turnip polysaccharides was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry(UV), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), Congo red assay, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) to determine purity, monosaccharide composition, triple-helix structure, and functional groups. The microstructure of the polysaccharides was observed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and atomic force microscopy(AFM). Zebrafish were divided into the blank group(adding E3 medium), and BP-1-1, BP-1-10, BP-1-50, BP-1-200, BP-1-1 000 groups(adding BP-1 solutions at concentrations of 1, 10, 50, 200, 1 000 mg·L-1, respectively), and zebrafish embryos were subjected to a 96-hour exposure experiment. The maximum tolerated concentration of BP-1 in zebrafish was determined by evaluating its effects on phenotype, survival rate, malformation rate, and heart rate. Experimental animals were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, BP-1-10 group(10 mg·L-1), BP-1-50 group(50 mg·L-1), and BP-1-200 group(200 mg·L-1). The blank group was cultured in E3 medium, the model and treatment groups were induced to establish a diabetic model in 4 day-post-fertilization(dpf) zebrafish embryos using 10 g·L-1 of glucose combined with 500 µmol·L-1 of alloxan. The treatment groups received corresponding doses of BP-1 solution, while the blank and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Glucose and insulin(INS) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits, the effects on the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) histopathological sections. The mRNA expression levels of glucagon(Glucagon), insulin(Insa), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1(PCK1) were detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsThe optimized extraction conditions were determined as follows:solid-to-liquid ratio of 1∶40(g·mL-1), extraction time of 66 min, and extraction temperature of 79 ℃. Under these conditions, the yield of turnip polysaccharides was (10.34±0.96)%. UV analysis indicated that BP-1 contained no proteins or nucleic acids, GC-MS analysis revealed that BP-1 consisted of six monosaccharides(arabinose, rhamnose, ribose, mannose, galactose and glucose). Congo red assay indicated that the molecular conformation did not exhibit a triple-helix structure, FT-IR analysis showed the presence of α-glycosidic bonds and uronic acids, SEM analysis revealed an irregular flaky structure with a flat and smooth surface, AFM analysis suggested that the aggregated structure might be formed by the entanglement of molecular chains and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The maximum tolerated concentration of BP-1 in zebrafish over 96 h was determined to be 200 mg·L-1. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased glucose levels and significantly decreased INS levels(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BP-1-50 group significantly reduced glucose levels and increased INS levels(P<0.05). Histopathological examination of liver tissue revealed that various doses of BP-1 had a certain reparative effect on damaged liver tissue. The liver tissue structure in the BP-1-200 group was nearly normal, with hepatocytes appearing plump. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly upregulated mRNA expressions of Glucagon and PCK1, and significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Insa(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BP-1-50 and BP-1-200 groups showed significantly downregulated mRNA expressions of Glucagon and PCK1, and significantly upregulated mRNA expression of Insa(P<0.01). ConclusionThe semi-bionic extraction method for turnip polysaccharides yields a high extraction rate, is simple to operate, has low costs, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. BP-1 consists of six monosaccharides, contains α-glycosidic bonds and uronic acids, exhibits hypoglycemic activity, and provides a certain protective effect on the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic model zebrafish.
5.Effects of prostaglandin E2 injection into the median preoptic nucleus on body temperature in female mice and its mechanisms
Ya LI ; Yi’an SONG ; Qiaofeng JI ; Lei XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianhui XU ; Xiaoyu HOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):250-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) microinjection into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) on core body temperature in female mice, and to clarify its underlying mechanism. MethodsMicroinjection cannula were implanted into the MnPO of female mice using stereotaxic surgery.Subsequently, a multi-channel temperature acquisition system was used to simultaneously monitor rectal and brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperatures before and after intra-MnPO injections of different reagents.To investigate the thermoregulatory effects of the microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO, 12 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a saline group (n=6) and a PGE2 group (n=6), which were injected with 0.1 μL saline and PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L), respectively.To determine whether E-series prostaglandin receptor (EP)1, EP3, and EP4 receptors mediate the thermoregulatory effects of PGE2, 15 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=5 per group).Mice in each group first received an injection of 0.1 μL PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L) into the MnPO. After their body temperature returned to baseline levels, they were subsequently injected with a mixture of either EP1, EP3 or EP4 antagonist (ant) (20 mmol/L) + PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L). ResultsCompared with baseline level, the rectal temperature (P<0.01) and BAT temperature (P<0.001) of female mice both increased significantly after microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO.Compared with the saline group, the increases in rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.000 1) were significantly greater in the PGE2 group of mice.Furthermore, following the injection of PGE2 into MnPO, the increase in BAT temperature was found to be significantly greater than that in rectal temperature in mice (P<0.001).Compared to the administration of PGE2 alone, co-injection of an EP3 ant + PGE2 into the MnPO of mice resulted in a significantly smaller increase in both rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.001).In contrast, the increases in rectal and BAT temperatures following MnPO injection of either EP1 ant + PGE2 or EP4 ant + PGE2 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionInjection of PGE2 into the MnPO elevates BAT and core body temperature in female mice via the EP3 receptor.
6.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
7.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
8.Characteristics of gut mycobiome in gout patients and their clinical correlation
Yusong GE ; Chunlin ZHANG ; Yinxuan DU ; Xiaoqin GUO ; Yuanyuan LEI ; Zhanjie HOU ; Lei RAN ; Jing XU ; Shiming YANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):858-869
Objective To compare the gut fungal composition between gout patients and healthy individuals through high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1(ITS1).Methods Gout patients and healthy volunteers who visited our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled in this study.Then based on established medical guidelines,the gout patients were categorized into 3 groups:Group H(asymptomatic hyperuricemia,n=14),Group G(acute gouty arthritis,n=14),and Group I(intercritical period of gouty arthritis,n=15),and the healthy individuals were assigned into Group N(n=9).Fecal samples were collected from all the participants to undergo ITS1 sequencing analysis.The differences in diversity and composition of gut mycobiome,and FunGuild-derived fungal functions and nutritional status were compared among the 4 groups,and the correlation between the gut mycobiome and clinical indicators was analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in baseline features such as gender,age,glomerular filtration rate(GFR),and levels of serum creatinine(SCr)and serum urea among Group N and other gout groups,but obvious differences were observed in body mass index(BMI),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),serum uric acid(SUA),and IL-1β and IL-6(P<0.05).In terms of gut fungal diversity,ITS1 analysis showed there were no statistical differences in α-diversity or the principal coordinate analysis(PCoA)of β-diversity among the groups.However,as gout progressed,significant changes were observed in β-diversity indices,indicating a shift in the gut fungal community composition with disease advancement(P<0.05).The phyla Ascomycota,Basidiomycota,and Mucoromycotina were the dominant fungal phyla in all groups.Compared with the other 3 gout groups,the abundance of Pichia was significantly increased in Group N(P<0.05),that of Saccharomyces was in Group H(P<0.05),and that of Starmerella was in Group G(P<0.05).Correlation analysis between the gut mycobiome and clinical indices indicated that the relative abundance of Starmerella was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β(P<0.01)and IL-6(P<0.05).The relative abundance of Pichia was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with serum urea level(P<0.05),and the relative abundance of Saccharomyces was negatively correlated with IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Conclusion There exist significant alterations in both the diversity and composition of gut fungi among patients with gout at various stages.Notably,the fluctuations in the relative abundance of Starmerella,Pichia and Saccharomyces appear to correlate with key clinical indicators.
9.Label-free Fluorescence Probe Based on Primer Exchange Reaction for High Sensitivity Detection of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1
Yun-Hua WANG ; Le-Ru WANG ; Li-Gai YANG ; Jia-Zheng CHEN ; Yu-Run DU ; Jia-Hui HOU ; Xiang ZHAI ; Xu-Hua ZHAO ; Bao-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):464-471
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1(APE 1)is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression.Because APE 1 is overexpressed in various cancers,it can serve as a cancer biomarker for aiding clinical diagnosis,guiding therapy,and monitoring prognosis.On this basis,a label-free fluorescent probe was designed based on the primer exchange reaction(PER)strategy for highly sensitive detection of APE 1 activity.In the absence of APE 1,the structure of catalytic hairpin(HP)was stable and could not form G-quadruplex.Therefore,the background fluorescence of this sensing system was very low due to the dissociation of thioflavin T(ThT).In the presence of APE 1,the apurinic/apyrimidinic(AP)site of HP was cleaved by APE 1 and a short nucleic acid fragment that acted as a primer to initiate PER was generated.After PER reaction,a large number of G-quadruplex were produced,which could specifically bind with ThT and resulted in significant increase of fluorescence signal.The combination of low background design of HP and PER amplification made this biosensor had high sensitivity with a detection limit(3σ)of 0.0008 U/mL.Furthermore,the primer sequence was directly generated by the cleavage of APE 1 without additional addition,which not only increased the specificity of the reaction,but also simplified the experiment procedure.Moreover,the use of label-free fluorescence signal reduced the cost of the experiment,and realized rapid detection of APE 1.Finally,this sensor was used to detect APE 1 in human serum samples with spiked recoveries of 91%-104%,proving great potential in study of biological enzyme.
10.Risk factors and nomogram prediction model for futile recanalization after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy beyond 24 hours from last known well in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke
Chao HOU ; Ruidong YE ; Gelin XU
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(5):321-328
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for futile recanalization after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) beyond 24 hours from last known well in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke, and develop a nomogram prediction model.Methods:Patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke underwent EMT beyond 24 hours from last known well in the China Interventional Stroke Registry (CISR) database from May 2016 to September 2023 were included retrospectively. Futile recanalization was defined as successful vascular recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] ≥2b), but the modified Rankin Scale score was >2 at 3 months after procedure. Independent predictive factors for futile recanalization were screened through stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis and a nomogram prediction model was developed based on these factors, and the predictive value of the nomogram model was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Results:A total of 98 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke underwent EMT and achieved successful recanalization beyond 24 hours from last known well were included. There were 80 males (81.63%), with a median age of 63 (interquartile range, 52-69) years, and 44 patients (44.90%) had futile recanalization. Univariate analysis showed that the age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and fasting blood glucose of the futile reperfusion group were significantly higher than those of the effective reperfusion group, while the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and the proportion of patients with good collateral circulation were significantly lower than those of the effective reperfusion group (all P<0.05). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher age, blood glucose and baseline NIHSS score, lower collateral circulation score and ASPECTS were the independent predictive factors of futile recanalization. ROC curve analysis shows that the area under the curve of the nomogram model developed based on the above predictive factors was 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0.94). Further internal validation using bootstrap method with 1 000 repeated samples showed that the area under the curve was still as high as 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.76-0.90). The calibration curve and clinical decision curve showed that this prediction model had good calibration accuracy and clinical net benefit. Conclusions:Patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke beyond 24 hours from last known well have a higher risk of futile recanalization after undergoing EMT. Advanced age, higher blood sugar level, more serious baseline neurological deficits, larger infarct volume, and poorer collateral circulation are significantly associated with the futile recanalization. The nomogram developed based on the above factors provides a quantitative tool for predicting the risk of futile recanalization before procedures.

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