1.The Dual Role and Clinical Potential of Core Fucosylation in Liver Diseases
Zi-Han LEI ; Hui-Min XU ; De-Zhi ZHAO ; Yong-Hong GUO ; Hao-Qi DU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2161-2178
Core fucosylation, catalyzed exclusively by fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification that has emerged as a central regulatory hub linking liver homeostasis, chronic disease progression, and malignant transformation. Liver diseases, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, remain a leading global health burden characterized by late diagnosis, limited therapeutic options, and poor overall survival. While aberrant glycosylation is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer and inflammatory disorders, existing research on FUT8-mediated core fucosylation in liver diseases remains fragmented: the dynamic functional switch of FUT8 from a homeostatic regulator to a pathological driver across the full disease continuum has not been systematically delineated, and the integrated mechanisms by which core fucosylation modulates oncogenic signaling, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion remain poorly understood. This review synthesizes recent advances to establish a unified framework for understanding the dual role of core fucosylation in liver physiology and pathology, and evaluates its translational potential for precision medicine. At the molecular level, FUT8’s unique catalytic specificity makes core fucosylation an irreplaceable modification, as evidenced by the perinatal lethality and severe organ dysfunction in Fut8 knockout mice. In hepatocellular carcinoma, genomic amplification of guanosine 5'-diphosphate-fucose biosynthetic enzymes provides metabolic support for aberrant core fucosylation. FUT8 expression is tightly regulated by a multi-layered network: transcriptional activation via Wnt/β‑catenin and wild-type p53, epigenetic upregulation by lncRNAs, post-transcriptional repression by miR-122-5p and miR-34a, and virus-specific induction by hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus. Physiologically, core fucosylation maintains liver homeostasis through four core mechanisms: it acts as a molecular switch for epidermal growth factor receptor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling to enable liver regeneration; directs polarized secretion of hepatocyte-derived glycoproteins into bile ducts; modulates cholesterol metabolism via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis; and regulates aging through insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor signaling. Pathologically, core fucosylation exhibits context-dependent dual functions: in liver fibrosis, FUT8 upregulation in hepatic stellate cells forms a negative feedback loop that limits excessive fibrogenesis; in hepatocellular carcinoma, however, aberrant FUT8 overexpression drives cell-autonomous malignancy by constitutively activating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor‑β/Smad, and Wnt/β‑catenin pathways, while simultaneously establishing a multi-layered immune evasion network by stabilizing programmed cell death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 47, and impairing natural killer cell homeostasis via interleukin‑2 receptor β glycosylation. Clinically, stage-specific core fucosylation biomarkers enable non-invasive monitoring of liver disease progression: low molecular mass kringle-Fc fusion protein outperforms conventional markers for early fibrosis detection, while alpha-fetoprotein-L3 and novel glycopeptides (α‑2‑macroglobulin N‑linked glycosylation site 1424, lumican core fucosylated peptide) significantly improve early hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, especially in alpha-fetoprotein-negative patients. Next-generation detection technologies (chemoenzymatic labeling, site-specific mass spectrometry) overcome the specificity limitations of traditional lectin assays. Therapeutically, four promising strategies are emerging: small-molecule FUT8 inhibitors, afucosylated antibodies with enhanced antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity, Fuc-modified targeted drug delivery systems, and core fucose-specific lectins for NASH treatment. The core challenge for clinical translation lies in FUT8’s inherent “double-edged sword” effect, as systemic inhibition disrupts its essential physiological functions beyond pathological roles. Long-term systemic FUT8 blockade not only impairs post-injury liver regeneration by abrogating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling but also disrupts cholesterol homeostasis via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis, leading to dyslipidemia and altered bile secretion. Critically, it compromises immune surveillance by destabilizing interleukin‑2 receptor β on natural killer cells, reducing their cytotoxic activity against malignant and virally infected cells, and impairs IgG Fc-mediated effector functions, increasing susceptibility to infections. This fundamental trade-off between therapeutic efficacy and systemic toxicity necessitates a paradigm shift from non-specific global inhibition to precision modulation of pathological core fucosylation. By addressing these critical challenges, FUT8-mediated core fucosylation has the potential to transform liver disease management from late-stage intervention to early detection and precision therapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of liver diseases.
2.Epidemiological characteristics of nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles in community children under 5 years in Haidong City, Qinghai Province
Hui ZHOU ; Zizhe GUO ; Xueyao LIANG ; Shuangfei XU ; Weibing WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):39-47
ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of the nasopharyngeal microbiota in children under 5 years of age in Haidong City, Qinghai Province and analyze its associated factors, so as to provide basic data for the evolution and development of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children. MethodsA total of 230 community children from Haidong City, Qinghai Province were included in the study. Participants’ basic information was collected by local volunteers from parents/guardians at enrollment. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to identify the bacterial diversity and abundance of nasopharyngeal microbial community. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the characteristics of the nasopharyngeal microbiota, compare the differential species, and investigate the correlation with age. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in either Chao1 index or Shannon index of nasopharyngeal microbial communities among children with different ages (P>0.05). Besides, the structure of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children of different ages was different, either (P=0.020). Age, ethnicity and delivery mode, to some extent, could explain the differences in the structure of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children. There were statistically significant differences in the abundance of Dolosigranulum, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium in the nasopharyngeal microbiota of children with different ages (P<0.05). Differential analysis revealed that Corynebacterium was found to be over-represented in children under 1 year of age, while Dolosigranulum was found to be over-represented in children between 2 and 3 years old. Furthermore, the results of correlation analysis showed that, Moraxella was positively correlated with Corynebacterium, Dolosigranulum and Streptococcus, but negatively correlated with Pseudomonas. In addition, a strong positive correlation was detected between the Dolosigranulum and Corynebacterium. ConclusionThe diversity of nasopharyngeal microbial community among children under 5 years in Haidong City, Qinghai Province is stable. However, there are differences in the species structure, mainly in the abundance difference of Dolosigranulum, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. This study provides basic data on the evolution and maturation of nasopharyngeal microbial communities in early childhood, which can provide a scientific basis for the early prevention and diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in children.
3.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.
4.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.
5.Risk factors of colostomy site incisional hernia after colorectal cancer and the construction and validation of the nomogram model
Xu-fei GONG ; Hui CHENG ; Yuan-yuan XING ; Ming-xiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(1):7-11
Objective:To explore the risk factors of colostomy site incisional hernia associated with colorectal can-cer and to construct and validate a nomogram model.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted to collect and analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent stoma reversal after colorectal cancer surgery in the Gen-eral Surgery Department of Linyi People's Hospital from January 2019 to January 2023.A total of 371 patients were en-rolled and divided into SSIH group and non-SSIH group according to whether SSIH occurred.SPSS 25.0 software was used to perform univariate analysis on 22 related factors of patients,and multivariate analysis was performed on statisti-cally significant risk factors to screen out the independent influencing factors of SSIH related to CRC surgery.According to the results of multivariate analysis,the R language version 4.3.1 was used to establish and verify the nomogram risk prediction model.Results:SSIH occurred in 52 of 371 patients(14.02%).The results of univariate analysis showed that BMI,coronary heart disease,incision infection,stoma location,parastomal hernia,and closure time were statistically sig-nificant(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that coronary heart disease,closure time and parastomal hernia were in-dependent risk factors for SSIH after CRC(P<0.05).Based on the above results,the nomogram prediction model was successfully drawn and verified.Conclusions:Coronary heart disease,closure time and parastomal hernia are inde-pendent risk factors for SSIH after CRC surgery.The nomogram constructed based on these factors has a high predictive value for SSIH,which can provide a basis for clinicians to prevent and treat SSIH,and help reduce the incidence of SSIH.
6.Effect of different probes endoscopic ultrasonography on the diameter measurement of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors
Ping HUANG ; Xian GUO ; Chao-qun LI ; Jin LIU ; Xu-biao NIE ; Hui LIN ; Jian-ying BAI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):908-912
Objective To explore the effect of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)with different probes on the measurement of gastrointestinal submucosal tumor(SMT)diameter.Methods The clinical data of 356 patients(with a total of 372 lesions)initially diagnosed as SMT by EUS at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2023 to June 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.The basic characteristics of the origin layers and pathological distribution of SMT were analyzed.The differences between the EUS-measured diameters and the actual diameters of SMT at different diameter ranges of lesions were compared.Taking the postoperative pathological diagnosis results as the gold standard,the effects of different clinicopathological features and probe types on the relative error in EUS-measured diameters of SMT were analyzed.Results Among the 372 gastrointestinal SMT lesions,lesions were more frequent in female patients,gastric lesions was the most common,and leiomyoma was the predominant pathological type.The accuracy of EUS in diagnosing SMT was 94.4%.A statistically significant difference was observed between the EUS-measured diameters and the actual diameters of SMT(P<0.05).There were significantly differences in various ranges of lesions between the EUS-measured diameters and the actual diameters(P<0.05).The gender,age,lesion location,and pathological type had no significant effect on the relative error of EUS-measured diameters(P>0.05);while probe types had a significant effect on the relative error of EUS-measured diameters(P<0.05).For lesions with an actual diameter of 2.0 to 3.9 cm,the relative error of SMT diameters measured by small-probe EUS was significantly greater than that by large-probe EUS(P<0.05).Conclusion Large-probe EUS exhibits a smaller relative error in measuring the diameter of SMT with a diameter of≥2.0 cm.Therefore,large-probe EUS is recommended for the examination of SMT with an estimated diameter exceeding 2.0 cm.
7.Expert consensus on infection prevention and control of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in medical institutions
Tianxiang GE ; Yangyang JIA ; Chunhui LI ; Jianrong HUANG ; Xiujuan MENG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Jingping ZHANG ; Fu QIAO ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hui LIANG ; Wei LI ; Haiyan LOU ; Wenjuan WU ; Tianxin XIANG ; Jiansen CHEN ; Biao ZHU ; Kaijin XU ; Zhihui ZHOU ; Hongliu CAI ; Meihong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanwan SHANGGUAN ; Haiting FENG ; Hangping YAO ; Lei GUO ; Tieer GAN ; Weihong ZHANG ; Jimin SUN ; Ye LU ; Qun LU ; Meng CAI ; Jin SHEN ; Yunsong YU ; Anhua WU ; Liu-yi LI ; Tingting QU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):437-450
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.
8.Clinical characteristics analysis of two Chinese siblings with Susac syndrome and literature review
Hui DONG ; Yulan LI ; Xiaoli XU ; Shulei LIU ; Shuyi LIU ; Han XIE ; Yuan WU ; Xingzhi CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Chen XING ; Chunying GUO ; Jun WANG ; Ye WU ; Xinhua BAO
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(11):856-860
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestation, therapy, and prognosis of Susac syndrome and enhance the understanding of this disease.Methods:A case summary was made.The clinical data of two siblings with Susac syndrome treated at Children′s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital in January 2024 were summarized.Reported cases of pediatric Susac syndrome were reviewed.Results:The onset of the disease in the two siblings was at the age of 3.00 and 6.75 years, with recurrent headaches, tinnitus, hearing loss and encephalopathy symptoms.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cerebral microbleeding and microinfarction lesions, " snowball like" in the corpus callosum and diffuse white matter edema in the brain.Audiometry revealed sensorineural hearing loss.In one case, ophthalmic fluorescein angiography revealed ischemic changes due to branch retinal artery occlusions.No pathogenic variants were detected in gene testing.This child was diagnosed with Susac syndrome, and the symptoms were improved after treatment with Corticosteroids and Rituximab.No relapse was observed during the 9-month follow-up.A total of 20 pediatric cases of Susac syndrome were retrieved, including 18 reported previously and 2 cases from this study.There were 2 boys and 18 girls, with the age of onset ranging from 2.5 to 17.0 years.The common initial symptoms included headache (19 cases), vertigo and tinnitus or hearing loss (9 cases), and vision impairment or visual field defect (4 cases). The symptoms were improved after immunotherapy.Conclusions:With a low incidence, Susac syndrome is rare in children and difficult to diagnose.There may be a genetic predisposition in such disease.Early diagnosis and immunotherapy can low the relapse and improve the prognosis.
9.Proficiency testing for 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City: simulation study and result analysis
Qian ZHANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Lu HAN ; Min LIU ; Yongbo YU ; Yan WANG ; Ying HU ; Hui ZHONG ; Dan GUO ; Shipeng SUN ; Jinxi LIN ; Siyuan XU ; Xiaokun TANG ; Gaoyuan SUN ; Chuanbao ZHANG ; Hexin LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1590-1596
Objective:To evaluate the sample preparation proficiency and storage proficiency of 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing through simulated experiments, and to establish an assessment method for the quality comparability of biological samples.Methods:An exploratory research design was adopted. In November 2023, artificial composite serum quality control materials containing six recombinant human protein markers—recombinant human alanine aminotransferase (rhALT), recombinant human aspartate aminotransferase (rhAST), recombinant human creatine kinase (rhCK), recombinant human creatine kinase-MB (rhCK-MB), recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (rhBNP), and recombinant human troponin I (rhTNI)—were distributed to 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City. Sample preparation and storage followed the standardized operating procedures. Proficiency differences were assessed through statistical analysis.Results:Three-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed all six protein markers showed a declining trend over storage time in ultra-low-temperature environments ( F values 11.68-4 179.66, all P<0.01). However, neither long-term/temporary refrigerator types ( F values 0.01-1.23, all P>0.05)nor placement locations within refrigerators significantly affected the stability of these six proteins ( F valus 0.03-1.47, all P>0.05). The biases in detection results for rhALT, rhAST, rhTNI, and rhBNP at different storage time points were within the allowable bias limits for each item, supporting their use as markers for protein stability in biobank samples. All 11 institutions passed the storage proficiency assessment. In the preparation proficiency assessment, deviations were observed in post-preparation sample results, with a notably high out-of-control rate for rhCK (36.36%). Conclusion:Sample preparation proficiency can serve as a quality control metric for clinical biobanks. Future external quality assessment systems for biobanks should focus on sample preparation rather than storage processes.
10.Epidemiological trends and resistance mechanisms of enterobacterales carrying multiple carbapenemases
Ke WANG ; Qi WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruiqi WANG ; Xujun CAI ; Jun HOU ; Hong ZOU ; Yan JIN ; Mei LI ; Hui GUO ; Liang JIN ; Xu YANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hui WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1158-1164
Objective:To characterize the epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility, and molecular mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) carrying multiple carbapenemase genes in China, and to provide evidence for infection control and antibiotic stewardship.Methods:From 2016 to 2023, 115 CRE isolates harboring at least two carbapenemase genes were collected from 41 hospitals in 18 provinces across China. Species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole-genome sequencing were performed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and capsular typing were conducted using Kleborate, plasmid replicon types were identified with PlasmidFinder, and a core genome phylogenetic tree was constructed.Results:The majority of isolates belonged to Klebsiella spp. (80.0%, 92/115), followed by E. cloacae (8.7%, 10/115) and E. coli (6.1%, 7/115). The isolates were mainly from Hebei, Beijing, Shandong, and Hunan (60.9%, 70/115), and sputum was the predominant specimen (43.5%, 50/115). The most common genotype was bla KPC+bla NDM (73.0%, 84/115), primarily in Klebsiella spp. (79.8%, 67/84), followed by bla NDM+bla IMP (15.7%, 18/115). The prevalent plasmid replicon types were IncFII (77.5%, 86/111), IncFIB (68.5%, 76/111), IncR (51.4%, 57/111), and IncX3 (20.7%, 23/111). Notably, 88.6% (31/35) of ST11-KL64 K. pneumoniae strains co-harbored IncFII, IncFIB, and IncR plasmids simultaneously. Between 2016 and 2022, the dominant subtype among Klebsiella spp. isolates was bla KPC-2+bla NDM-1 (56.2%, 36/64). In 2023, the bla KPC-2+bla NDM-13 subtype (29.5%, 19/64) emerged and exhibited clonal transmission (single nucleotide polymorphism 2?74 bp) in Hebei, Beijing, and Jilin. Susceptibility testing showed widespread resistance to β-lactams (90.2%-100%). Aztreonam-avibactam, tigecycline, and colistin retained high activity, with susceptibility rates of 90.16%-98.36%. Conclusions:In China, the majority of clinical Enterobacteriaceae strains that harbor multiple carbapenemases are Klebsiella spp. co-producing KPC and NDM enzymes. Dissemination is driven by both clonal expansion of ST11-KL64 and horizontal transfer of IncFII, IncFIB, and IncR plasmids. The recent emergence and regional clonal spread of the bla KPC-2+bla NDM-13 genotype underscore the urgent need for strengthened surveillance and containment measures.

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