1.USP25 ameliorates vascular remodeling by deubiquitinating FOXO3 and promoting autophagic degradation of FOXO3.
Yanghao CHEN ; Bozhi YE ; Diyun XU ; Wante LIN ; Zimin FANG ; Xuefeng QU ; Xue HAN ; Wu LUO ; Chen CHEN ; Weijian HUANG ; Hao ZHOU ; Gaojun WU ; Yi WANG ; Guang LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1643-1658
Long-term hypertension causes excessive vascular remodeling and leads to adverse cardiovascular events. Balance of ubiquitination and deubiquitination has been linked to several chronic conditions, including pathological vascular remodeling. In this study, we discovered that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) is significantly up-regulated in angiotensin II (Ang II)-challenged mouse aorta. Knockout of Usp25 augments Ang II-induced vascular injury such as fibrosis and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Mechanistically, we found that USP25 interacts directly with Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and removes the K63-linked ubiquitin chain on the K258 site of FOXO3. We also showed that this USP25-mediated deubiquitination of FOXO3 increases its binding to light chain 3 beta isoform and autophagosomic-lysosomal degradation of FOXO3. In addition, we further validated the biological function of USP25 by overexpressing USP25 in the mouse aorta with AAV9 vectors. Our studies identified FOXO3 as a new substrate of USP25 and showed that USP25 may be a potential therapeutic target for excessive vascular remodeling-associated diseases.
2.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Gallstones/complications*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Neoplasms/etiology*
;
Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
3.Perioperative management of a patient with hemophilia a and high-titer inhibitors and literature review
Zhijun MENG ; Jie XIANG ; Guanqun XU ; Yu LIU ; Qiulan DING ; Jing DAI ; Wenman WU ; Xuefeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(8):766-768
A 64-year-old male patient with hemophilia A was scheduled for the surgical removal of a pulmonary mass. Preoperative evaluation revealed that the coagulation factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) activity was 0.5%, with an F Ⅷ inhibitor level of 32 BU/ml; the R value could not be detected on the thromboelastogram. Thoracoscopic lobectomy was successfully completed. On the day of the operation and the first day after the operation, 6 mg of recombinant activated coagulation factor Ⅶ (rFⅦa) was intravenously administered every 6 h. On postoperative day 1, the patient’s blood pressure dropped and the HGB gradually declined from 102 g/L to 65 g/L. Chest X-ray revealed a large amount of pleural effusion on the left side, and urgent thoracoscopic thoracic exploration was performed. A total of 3200 mL fresh blood was cleared, and a thoracic drainage tube was placed. On postoperative day 2, the rFⅦa dose was increased to 6 mg, which was intravenously administered every 4 h, and concentrated red cells were intermittently infused to correct anemia. Four days later, due to the inability to obtain rFⅦa, PCC (50 IU/kg every 8 hours) was administered. Additionally, treatment with methylprednisolone (40 mg/d) and cyclophosphamide (200 mg, every 2 weeks) was initiated to remove FⅧ inhibitors. The thoracic drainage tube was removed on postoperative day 9, and the patient was successfully discharged 3 weeks later.
4.Bioinformatics analysis and purification of Treponema pallidum OmpH protein and preparation of polyclonal antibody
Xian WU ; Jing JIANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Ming WANG ; Huan YANG ; Shuguang HE ; Youde CAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1013-1021
Objective:To analyze and predict the biological properties and function of Treponema pallidum OmpH protein by bioinformatics methods, purify the target protein, and prepare polyclonal antibodies. Methods:From January 2024 to February 2025, the research team from the Department of Clinical Laboratory at The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital) conducted a study employing integrative approaches combining bioinformatics analysis with animal experimentation. During this investigation, the coding sequence of the T. pallidum outer membrane protein H (TpOmpH) was systematically retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. And the bioinformatics tools, such as Protparam, Protscale,SignalP 6.0,NetNGlyc-1.0,TMHMM2.0,NetPhos-3.1,SOPMA,AlphaFold3,IEDB,STRING,C-immsim were used to analyze and predict the biological and immunological characteristics of TpOmpH protein. The full length of TpOmpH gene was synthesized and was cloned into the pET28a to construct the recombinant plasmid pET28a-TpOmpH. The the expression of target protein was induced by IPTG and was purified using affinity chromatography. The TpOmpH protein was used to immunize mice and the anti-serum was harvested, then the titer of antibody was detected. Results:TpOmpH is a hydrophobic outer membrane protein with a molecular weight of 19.7 kDa and strong stability. The TpOmpH protein is located outside the cell membrane and contains 11 serine, 4 threonine, and 1 tyrosine phosphorylation site, but no glycosylation sites. The 77.91% of the amino acids in TpOmpH protein are alpha helix, 8.72% are extended strand, 10.47% are random coils, and 2.91% are beta turns. The tertiary structure predicted by AlphaFold3 is in its optimal state. The TpOmpH protein has 4 CTL epitopes, 4 linear epitopes, and 5 spatial epitopes. The TpOmpH protein can interact with Tp92,MutS,SurA,TPANIC_0600 and other proteins which may be involved in Tp invasion. TpOmpH protein can induce an increase in B cell count, antibody content, Th cell count, NK cell count, as well as the expression of various cytokines. High purity TpOmpH protein was obtained through Ni 2+ affinity chromatography, which is consistent with the theoretical molecular weight. TpOmpH protein can induce mice to secrete polyclonal antibodies with antibody titers higher than 1∶10 000. Conclusion:TpOmpH protein is a hydrophobic protein located on the outer membrane of Tp, can induce mice to secrete high titer antibodies, which providing experimental basis for the pathogenesis of Tp and vaccine development.
5.Laboratory diagnosis of congenital coagulation factor Ⅶ deficiency combined with antiphospholipid syndrome and literature review
Zhijun MENG ; Guanqun XU ; Yu LIU ; Chi MA ; Qiulan DING ; Jing DAI ; Wenman WU ; Xuefeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(8):1091-1094
Congenital coagulation factor Ⅶ deficiency is a rare autosomal incomplete recessive disorder caused by a defect in the coagulation factor Ⅶ (FⅦ) gene, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 500 000. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is relatively common and is a common cause of acquired thrombosis. However, the combination of the latter and the former is extremely rare in clinical practice, which brings difficulties to diagnosis and treatment. This article reported the laboratory examination, diagnosis and treatment of a patient with congenital coagulation factor Ⅶ deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome after portal vein thrombosis, and reviewed the relevant literature.
6.Accuracy of a self-made color chart to calculate the amount of blood in the liposuction fluid of patients undergoing liposuction surgery
Xi TAO ; Xiangbin LI ; Chunyu KANG ; Xuefeng ZHANG ; Shaoqiang REN ; Sufan WU
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):161-166
Objective:To explore the accuracy of a self-made color chart to calculate the amount of blood in the liposuction fluid of patients undergoing liposuction surgery.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 60 female patients with a median age of 33 (20-50) years who underwent liposuction surgery at Baiyu Medical Beauty Hospital in Milan, Sichuan from December 2022 to December 2023. The self-made color chart consisted of continuous color photos of liposuction bottles contained different amounts of blood, included continuous color charts with fat to water ratios of 3∶1, 2∶1 and 1∶1. The above chart was used to detect the liposuction solution in 60 clinical liposuction patients and to calculate the blood content. At the same time, the above specimens underwent laboratory testing for red blood cell counting. The differences and correlations were compared between two methods for detecting the amount of blood in liposuction solution.Results:The results showed that the blood content of the liposuction solution was (44.3±15.2), (46.9±20.6), (42.9±19.2) ml based on the color chart with a ratio of 3∶1, 2∶1 and 1∶1, respectively. The red blood cell count laboratory test results were (53.6±15.3), (55.2±20.7), (53.5±18.1) ml, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of the two methods showed a linear positive correlation ( Y=1.1 X+5.6, R2=0.989, P<0.01). Conclusion:A self-made color chart can be used to quickly and accurately calculate the blood content in liposuction solution.
7.Study on meal preferences of school aged children based on discrete choice experiment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):45-49
Objective:
To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children.
Methods:
From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices.
Results:
The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.
8.Detection and genetic evolution analysis of pathogens borne by Pulex irritans in selected areas of Xinjiang
Xinxin HAN ; Jing ZHAO ; Xuefeng LIU ; Yitao LI ; Tingting WU ; Junang DAI ; Mengyang YAN ; Zhihua SUN ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(8):852-858
This study identified the types and pathogen carrying status of fleas on the surface of sheep in some areas of southern Xinjiang,and analyzed the genetic evolution differences with respect to related pathogens.The aim was to provide a reference for the local prevention and control of fleas and insect borne infectious diseases.A total of 1 586 fleas were collected from agricultural and pas-toral areas of Tumushuke City and Hotan Prefecture.Flea species were identified on the basis of morphology and the Pulex irritans mi-tochondrial COII gene.Flea DNA was extracted,and PCR was conducted to amplify the Bartonella gltA gene;Arsenophonus,Ana-plasma,Ehrlichia,and Wolbachia 16S rRNA genes;RickettsiaOmpA,17kDa,16S rRNA genes,and Yersinia pestis 16S rDNA gene.The amplified products were sequenced,and the homology of the genes of the three detected pathogens(gltA gene of Bartonella,16S rRNA gene of Wolbachia,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum)with respect to known corresponding genes of the same pathogen in Gen-Bank was analyzed.Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the adjacency method in MEGA 11.0.According to morphological and mo-lecular biology identification results,all fleas collected in this study were Pulex irritans.PCR indicated that the target gene fragments had been added to the mitochondrial COII,BartonellagltA,Wolbachia,and autophagosomal 16S rRNA genes of human fleas,all of which were consistent with the expected fragment sizes.Target bands were not amplified from Ehrlichia,Arsenophonus,spotted fever group Rickettsia,and Yersinia pestis.According to homology and genetic evolution analysis of human flea mitochondrial COII and the corresponding genes of the above-described pathogens,the COX2 gene(ON455234.1)of human fleas in Tumushuke city and Iran ob-tained in this study showed the highest homology(99.84%).The COII gene(NC_063709.1)of human fleas in Hetan City and Hunan region showed the highest homology(100%).Our findings further confirmed that the flea species was Pulex irritans.The PCR amplifi-cation results indicated that the collected Pulex irritans carried multiple pathogens,among which Bartonella and Wolbachia had the highest infection rates,and the infection rate with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was relatively low.This study is the first to discover flea species on the surface of sheep in some areas of southern Xinjiang.Our findings preliminarily confirmed that Bartonella,Wolba-chia,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are the main Pulex irritans pathogens.
9.Detection and genetic evolution analysis of pathogens borne by Pulex irritans in selected areas of Xinjiang
Xinxin HAN ; Jing ZHAO ; Xuefeng LIU ; Yitao LI ; Tingting WU ; Junang DAI ; Mengyang YAN ; Zhihua SUN ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(8):852-858
This study identified the types and pathogen carrying status of fleas on the surface of sheep in some areas of southern Xinjiang,and analyzed the genetic evolution differences with respect to related pathogens.The aim was to provide a reference for the local prevention and control of fleas and insect borne infectious diseases.A total of 1 586 fleas were collected from agricultural and pas-toral areas of Tumushuke City and Hotan Prefecture.Flea species were identified on the basis of morphology and the Pulex irritans mi-tochondrial COII gene.Flea DNA was extracted,and PCR was conducted to amplify the Bartonella gltA gene;Arsenophonus,Ana-plasma,Ehrlichia,and Wolbachia 16S rRNA genes;RickettsiaOmpA,17kDa,16S rRNA genes,and Yersinia pestis 16S rDNA gene.The amplified products were sequenced,and the homology of the genes of the three detected pathogens(gltA gene of Bartonella,16S rRNA gene of Wolbachia,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum)with respect to known corresponding genes of the same pathogen in Gen-Bank was analyzed.Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the adjacency method in MEGA 11.0.According to morphological and mo-lecular biology identification results,all fleas collected in this study were Pulex irritans.PCR indicated that the target gene fragments had been added to the mitochondrial COII,BartonellagltA,Wolbachia,and autophagosomal 16S rRNA genes of human fleas,all of which were consistent with the expected fragment sizes.Target bands were not amplified from Ehrlichia,Arsenophonus,spotted fever group Rickettsia,and Yersinia pestis.According to homology and genetic evolution analysis of human flea mitochondrial COII and the corresponding genes of the above-described pathogens,the COX2 gene(ON455234.1)of human fleas in Tumushuke city and Iran ob-tained in this study showed the highest homology(99.84%).The COII gene(NC_063709.1)of human fleas in Hetan City and Hunan region showed the highest homology(100%).Our findings further confirmed that the flea species was Pulex irritans.The PCR amplifi-cation results indicated that the collected Pulex irritans carried multiple pathogens,among which Bartonella and Wolbachia had the highest infection rates,and the infection rate with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was relatively low.This study is the first to discover flea species on the surface of sheep in some areas of southern Xinjiang.Our findings preliminarily confirmed that Bartonella,Wolba-chia,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are the main Pulex irritans pathogens.
10.Bioinformatics analysis and purification of Treponema pallidum OmpH protein and preparation of polyclonal antibody
Xian WU ; Jing JIANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Ming WANG ; Huan YANG ; Shuguang HE ; Youde CAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1013-1021
Objective:To analyze and predict the biological properties and function of Treponema pallidum OmpH protein by bioinformatics methods, purify the target protein, and prepare polyclonal antibodies. Methods:From January 2024 to February 2025, the research team from the Department of Clinical Laboratory at The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College (Hunan Province Directly Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital) conducted a study employing integrative approaches combining bioinformatics analysis with animal experimentation. During this investigation, the coding sequence of the T. pallidum outer membrane protein H (TpOmpH) was systematically retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. And the bioinformatics tools, such as Protparam, Protscale,SignalP 6.0,NetNGlyc-1.0,TMHMM2.0,NetPhos-3.1,SOPMA,AlphaFold3,IEDB,STRING,C-immsim were used to analyze and predict the biological and immunological characteristics of TpOmpH protein. The full length of TpOmpH gene was synthesized and was cloned into the pET28a to construct the recombinant plasmid pET28a-TpOmpH. The the expression of target protein was induced by IPTG and was purified using affinity chromatography. The TpOmpH protein was used to immunize mice and the anti-serum was harvested, then the titer of antibody was detected. Results:TpOmpH is a hydrophobic outer membrane protein with a molecular weight of 19.7 kDa and strong stability. The TpOmpH protein is located outside the cell membrane and contains 11 serine, 4 threonine, and 1 tyrosine phosphorylation site, but no glycosylation sites. The 77.91% of the amino acids in TpOmpH protein are alpha helix, 8.72% are extended strand, 10.47% are random coils, and 2.91% are beta turns. The tertiary structure predicted by AlphaFold3 is in its optimal state. The TpOmpH protein has 4 CTL epitopes, 4 linear epitopes, and 5 spatial epitopes. The TpOmpH protein can interact with Tp92,MutS,SurA,TPANIC_0600 and other proteins which may be involved in Tp invasion. TpOmpH protein can induce an increase in B cell count, antibody content, Th cell count, NK cell count, as well as the expression of various cytokines. High purity TpOmpH protein was obtained through Ni 2+ affinity chromatography, which is consistent with the theoretical molecular weight. TpOmpH protein can induce mice to secrete polyclonal antibodies with antibody titers higher than 1∶10 000. Conclusion:TpOmpH protein is a hydrophobic protein located on the outer membrane of Tp, can induce mice to secrete high titer antibodies, which providing experimental basis for the pathogenesis of Tp and vaccine development.


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