1.GSTP1-mediated inhibition of ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis via JNK pathway in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.
Mingbo WU ; Ye ZHAO ; Dong LI ; Xueli HU ; Jiaojiao ZHOU ; Siyi CHEN ; Xin YANG ; Zegang LI ; Xiaomiao RUAN ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenwu LING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2498-2510
BACKGROUND:
Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is extensively used in the treatment of various tumors. However, its clinical application is limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Currently, few effective strategies exist to mitigate or eliminate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). Although ferroptosis is implicated in DIC and its inhibition partially alleviates the condition, the direct targets of DOX in the progression of cardiotoxicity remain unclear. This study aimed to discover the direct targets of DOX in ferroptosis-mediated DIC.
METHODS:
A DOX pulldown assay was performed to identify proteins specifically binding to DOX in murine hearts, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify candidate proteins. A cardiac injury mouse model was established by DOX treatment. Based on this, multiple ferroptosis biomarkers were detected by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunochemistry, etc. Besides, specific activator and inhibitor of signaling pathways were applied to illuminate molecular mechanisms.
RESULTS:
Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) was identified as a DOX target. GSTP1 activity was inhibited in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, while its overexpression significantly alleviated DIC. Moreover, GSTP1 overexpression inhibited acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)-dependent ferroptosis. Mechanistically, GSTP1 overexpression suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibiting ferroptosis in DIC.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies the DOX/GSTP1/JNK axis as a critical pathway mediating ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis in DIC. GSTP1 is highlighted as a potential key mediator of ferroptosis and a promising therapeutic target for DIC.
2.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.
3.Role of the iNOS/IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced insulin resistance
Meina Jin ; Xueli Zhou ; Haibo Li ; Wei Bai ; Chuxuan Jia ; Li Gao ; Lijue Ren ; Qingyu Chen ; Rui Wang ; Hua Li ; Cuiying Wei
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):210-217
Objective :
To pathological changes and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 serine 307(p-IRS1ser 307), phosphorylated protein kinase B serine 473(p-AKTser 473), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), and gluconeogenic synthase(GS) proteins were observed in the liver of rats under the condition of chronic intermittent hypoxia-replicated oxygen in control. And to explore the role of iNOS/IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced insulin resistance.
Methods :
Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a control group(NC group) and an experimental group(CIH group), with 20 rats in each group. The NC group was placed in a normoxic environment for 12 weeks, while the CIH group was first subjected to intermittent hypoxia for 8 weeks, and then resumed normoxic rearing until the 12th week. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) and fasting insulin(FINS) were measured at baseline, week 8 and week 12, and liver tissues were taken for pathology and measurement of iNOS, p-IRS1ser 307, p-AKTser 473, GSK3β and GS levels, to compare the differences between groups.
Results:
t baseline, there was no significant difference in liver pathology between the two groups, and the observed indexes were not statistically significant(P>0.05); at 8 weeks, compared with the NC group, liver pathology in the CIH group showed significant disorganization of hepatic blood sinusoids and hepatocyte cords, obvious hepatocyte edema, smaller nuclei, increased lymphocyte infiltration, and a small number of fat vacuoles, significantly higher levels of FBG, FINS, insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR), iNOS mRNA, p-IRS1ser 307 protein, GSK-3β protein levels, and decreased p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein levels, all of which were statistically significant(allP<0.05). IRS1ser 307 protein, GSK-3β protein levels were increased, p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein levels were decreased, and the differences were statistically significant(allP<0.05); at 12 weeks, no lymphocyte infiltration was seen in the CIH group compared with that of the NC group and fat vacuoles significantly increased, and there was no improvement in the other pathological damage that had already occurred, and the levels of p-AKTser 473 protein significantly increased. AKTser 473 protein level significantly increased, p-IRS1ser 307 protein and GS protein levels were significantly reduced, all of which were statistically significant(allP<0.05), and the rest of the observational indexes were not statistically significant. Pearson′s correlation analysis showed that HOMA-IR of CIH group was significantly positively correlated with the levels of iNOS mRNA, p-IRS1ser 307 protein, and GSK-3β protein at 8 weeks(r=0.874, 0.817,0.872;allP<0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with the levels of p-AKTser 473 protein and GS protein(r=-0.886,-0.879;allP<0.05).
Conclusion
Chronic intermittent hypoxia can lead to hepatic pathological damage that cannot be reversed even by reoxygenation interventions and may mediate the development of insulin resistance by upregulating the IRS1/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway through the upregulation of iNOS mRNA expression.
4.Dynamic transcriptomic analysis of macrophages infected with Salmonella typhimurium
Boyuan SONG ; Xueli WU ; Xueyuan LI ; Lisha WANG ; Yang CHEN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(6):779-785
Objective To comprehensively understand the dynamic transcriptional landscape during infection through investigating the temporal molecular changes in macrophages RAW 264.7 upon infection with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344.Methods Macrophages RAW 264.7 were infected with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344,and cell samples were collected at 0 h,8 h,and 16 h for RNA-sequencing(RNA-seq).Upstream and downstream analyses of the transcriptome data including differential gene expression,clustering,functional annotation,and mo-lecular network studies were conducted to elucidate the signaling pathways changes in macrophages.Results Infec-ted macrophages exhibited significant morphological and transcriptional changes.Differential gene analysis identified significant upregulation and downregulation patterns.Clustering revealed six gene clusters involving various signaling pathways,such as immune response,membrane transport,and lipid catabolic process.Conclusions Macrophages dynamically respond to Salmonella typhimurium infection,displaying distinct temporal gene expression patterns.The coordinated activation of immune response,membrane transport,and lipid catabolic process pathways implies a multifaceted cellular adaptation to external infections,providing essential insights into the molecular mechanisms of macrophage response to Salmonella typhimurium infection.
5.A survey on the current situation of serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels among children aged 2-<7 years of 20 cities in China
Qionghui WU ; Qian CHEN ; Ting YANG ; Jie CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Xueli XIANG ; Feiyong JIA ; Lijie WU ; Yan HAO ; Ling LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiaoyan KE ; Mingji YI ; Qi HONG ; Jinjin CHEN ; Shuanfeng FANG ; Yichao WANG ; Qi WANG ; Tingyu LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(3):231-238
Objective:To investigate serum vitamin A and vitamin D status in children aged 2-<7 years in 20 cities in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 2 924 healthy children aged 2-<7 years were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019 from 20 cities in China, categorized by age groups of 2-<3 years, 3-<5 years, and 5-<7 years. The demographic and economic characteristics and health-related information of the enrolled children were investigated. Body weight and height were measured by professional staff members. The serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Chi-square test and Logistic regression were applied to analyze the association between vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as well as their underlying impact factors.Results:The age of the 2 924 enrolled children was 4.33 (3.42, 5.17) years. There were 1 726 males (59.03%) and 1 198 females (40.97%). The prevalences of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency in enrolled children were 2.19% (64/2 924) and 3.52% (103/2 924), respectively, and the insufficiency rates were 29.27% (856/2 924) and 22.20% (649/2 924), respectively. Children with both vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies or insufficiencies were found in 10.50% (307/2 924) of cases. Both vitamin A ( χ2=7.91 and 8.06, both P=0.005) and vitamin D ( χ2=71.35 and 115.10, both P<0.001) insufficiency rates were higher in children aged 3-<5 and 5-<7 years than those in children aged 2-<3 years. Vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation in the last 3 months was a protective factor for vitamin A and D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively ( OR=0.68 and 0.22, 95% CI 0.49-0.95 and 0.13-0.40, both P<0.05). The rates of vitamin A and D insufficiency was higher in children with annual household incomes <60 000 RMB than in those with annual household incomes ≥60 000 RMB ( χ2=34.11 and 10.43, both P<0.01). Northwest and Southwest had the highest rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency in children aged 2-<7 yeas, respectively ( χ2=93.22 and 202.54, both P<0.001). Conclusions:Among 20 cities in China, children aged 2-<7 years experience high rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency, which are affected by age, family economic level, vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation, and regional economic level. The current results suggest that high level of attention should be paid to vitamin A and vitamin D nutritional status of preschool children.
6.Application of balance technique and measurement osteotomy technique under Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty
Xueli HUANG ; Ruiqin LUO ; Sheng CHEN ; Xiaowu LI ; Haibo CHEN ; Qingqiang ZENG ; Zhihui ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(24):3822-3826
BACKGROUND:At present,measurement osteotomy technique and gap balance technique are the two main surgical methods in total knee arthroplasty.Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.By adjusting the osteotomy angle,the gap balance technique can reduce the release of soft tissue and obtain a more balanced flexion and extension space.The clinical efficacy of gap balance technique is superior,but this surgical method lacks tools and is easily influenced by the surgeon's surgical experience and subjective judgment,with more errors.Measurement osteotomy technique has a short learning curve,but it relies on anatomic markers and is prone to many complications due to inaccurate positioning.In recent years,many instrument companies have successively developed and launched tools that can improve the quality of surgery.However,there are still few reports about the tool. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical efficacy of gap balance technique and measurement osteotomy technique under Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty,and explore the value of Offset Repo-Tensor in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:The medical records of 85 patients with total knee arthroplasty were collected and divided into two groups according to the operation method.Group A consisted of 44 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using a gap balance technique combined with Offset Repo-Tensor.Group B consisted of 41 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using measurement osteotomy technique.Surgical time,American Knee Society Score,knee range of motion,changes in lower limb alignment,and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups to evaluate the clinical efficacy of gap balance technique combined with Offset Repo-Tensors in total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All 85 patients were followed up.(2)Postoperative knee range of motion in both groups was higher than that before surgery(P<0.05),and the improvement in group A was more significant than that in group B(P<0.05).(3)American Knee Society Score in both groups after surgery was higher than that before surgery(P<0.05),and the American Knee Society Score in group A was higher than that in group B at 2 weeks,1,3 months,and the last follow-up(P<0.05).(4)The operation time of group A was slightly shorter than that of group B,but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).(5)The lower limb alignment in both groups was improved after operation,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)The complication rate of group A(2%)was lower than that of group B(7%),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).(7)It is indicated that compared with the measurement osteotomy technique,the combination of Offset Repo-Tensor and gap balance technique can elevate the clinical effect and improve the function and motion range of the knee joint.
7.Analysis of temporal trends of the incidence rate of tuberculosis in Shaanxi Province
Hengliang LYU ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Hui CHEN ; Xihao LIU ; Xueli ZHANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Junzhu BAI ; Shumeng YOU ; Yuanyong XU ; Wenyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(11):1659-1664
Objective:To analyze the temporal trends of the incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in Shaanxi Province and provide a reference for WHO to control the prevalence of TB effectively.Methods:Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trend of the incidence rate of TB in Shaanxi Province from 2004 to 2022, and the seasonal autoregressive moving average model was used to forecast the incidence rate of TB in Shaanxi Province to 2030.Results:The incidence rate of TB in Shaanxi Province decreased from 90.896/100 000 in 2004 to 35.364/100 000 in 2022, showing a general downward trend (AAPC=-7.72%, P<0.001). From 2014 to 2019, the reduction trend slowed down (APC=-0.69%, P=0.814), of which the largest decline occurred from 2019 to 2022 (APC=-13.26%, P=0.010). The predicted incidence rate of TB in Shaanxi Province from 2020 to 2022 was higher than the reported incidence rate, with the expected incidence rate of 51.342/100 000 in 2022 and 43.468/100 000 in 2030. Conclusion:The incidence rate of TB in Shaanxi Province shows a downward trend from 2004 to 2022, but the decline has shrunk in recent years. It is predicted that the downward trend will continue to slow down by 2030.
8.Rehabilitation big data standards under ICF framework
Yifan TIAN ; Haiyan YE ; Ye LIU ; Yaning CHENG ; Ruixue YIN ; Xueli LÜ ; Di CHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(11):1262-1271
Objective To explore and organize the standards of rehabilitation big data. Methods The connotation and extension of rehabilitation big data were discussed based on International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF)framework.Referring to the documents of Guidance on the analysis and use of routine health information systems rehabilitation module,Rehabilitation in health systems:guide for action,Rehabilitation indicator menu:a tool accompanying the Framework for Rehabilitation Monitoring and Evaluation(FRAME),and Data quality assurance.Module 1.Framework and metrics,the sources,patterns,clas-sification systems and coding standards were discussed under the ICF theory,and the metadata standards were ex-plored.The application and management of rehabilitation big data standards were discussed according to Nation-al Health Medical Big Data Standards,Security and Service Management Measures(Trial). Results The rehabilitation big data included rehabilitation service data and personal health data,coming from population-based and institution-based data,covering macro,meso and micro levels.The pattern of rehabilitation data flow corresponded to the interaction and source of the entire process of rehabilitation service,to organize and manage rehabilitation big data.The classification system included object classes,object feature classes,participant role classes,relationship classes,and activity and event classes,each of which was further subdivided into subcatego-ries to cover the entities,features,roles,relationships and activities involved in the rehabilitation process.The metadata standards included three levels:core,general and specialized metadata,ensuring standardized manage-ment,sharing and interoperability of rehabilitation data. Conclusion This study delves into the standardization of rehabilitation big data based on the ICF framework,encompass-ing multiple dimensions such as the connotation and extension of rehabilitation big data,data sources,data mod-els,classification systems,coding standards,and metadata standards.The construction of a rehabilitation big data standard system involves standardization efforts in various aspects,including data content,data structure,data coding,and metadata.These standards not only adhere to the norms of data flow,but also take into account the complexity of data composition.This system aligns with health big data standards,ensuring data consistency,ac-curacy,and interoperability,thus providing a foundation for effective exchange and comparison between different data sources.The establishment of a rehabilitation big data standard system not only ensures the standardized pro-cessing of rehabilitation big data,but also lays a solid foundation for effective exchange between rehabilitation big data and other health data,as well as for the widespread application of rehabilitation big data.This provides crucial support for improving the quality and efficiency of rehabilitation services,ensuring that patients receive appropriate care,rehabilitation and support.It holds significant theoretical and practical implications for promot-ing the development of the rehabilitation field.
9.Research on policy framework, standards system and application of disability data
Yaru YANG ; Zhuoying QIU ; Zhongyan WANG ; Di CHEN ; Jian YANG ; Qi JING ; Na AN ; Tiantian WAN ; Xiaojia XIN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Yuanjun DONG ; Xiangxia REN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN ; Xueli LÜ
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(12):1365-1375
ObjectiveTo systematically analyze international disability data policies and standards, as well as the application of disability data in policymaking, service optimization and inclusive social development, and to clarify the importance of international disability data policies, standard systems and disability data application for the development of disability-related services. MethodsThrough the analysis of policy content and research on the data standard system, this study explored the disability data policy framework, standard system and technical path of data interoperability and integration of international organizations including the United Nations (United Nations Statistics Division and United Nations Children's Fund), World Health Orgnization, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, and International Labour Organization. ResultsInternational organizations established disability data policy frameworks based on their respective mandates, involving data and service development, data standards, data governance, and data application. The international community established a disability data standard system for disability data collection, coding, exchange, interoperability, statistical analysis, data fusion and application. Building a standardized disability data standard system based on the framework of international health classification standards such as International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision would ensure the consistency of cross-national disability data policies, and the interoperability and comparability of disability data, promoting the development of data-driven disability-related services, accurately identifying the service needs of people with disabilities, and optimizing service provision, thereby improving the quality of life and social participation of people with disabilities. ConclusionThe construction and implementation of international disability data policies and data standards have promoted the standardization and interoperability of disability data. With the application of big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies in disability data, international cooperation and cross-industry data fusion in the field of disability data have been promoted, further promoting the development of data-driven disability services, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy service resources, and improving the coverage and quality of disability services.
10.Effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia and reoxygenation on insulin resistance and skeletal muscle miR-27a-3p/PPARγ/IRS1/PI3K/AKT expressions in rats
Xueli ZHOU ; Hua LI ; Qingyu CHEN ; Meina JIN ; Haibo LI ; Wei BAI ; Chuxuan JIA ; Cuiying WEI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1729-1737
Objective To investigate the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH)and reoxygenation on insulin resistance(IR)and expressions of miR-27a-3p/PPARγ/IRS1/PI3K/AKT in rat skeletal muscle.Methods GEO database was used for screening the differentially expressed miRNAs in CIH,and their target genes were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis followed by construction of the miRNA-mRNA-pathway regulatory network using Cytoscape.In the animal experiment,48 male SD rats were randomly divided into normoxia group and CIH group(8 weeks of CIH followed by 4 weeks of normoxic recovery).Blood and skeletal muscle samples were collected at baseline,8 weeks,and 12 weeks to evaluate the changes in fasting blood glucose(FBG)and fasting insulin(FINS)levels and muscular pathology.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the changes in the expressions of miR-27a-3p,PPARγ,GLUT4,IRS1,p-IRS1,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT in the muscular tissues.Results No muscular miRNA datasets for CIH were available in GEO database,from which only a kidney-related dataset(GSE202480)was obtained,based on which a total of 165 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified.GO/KEGG analysis suggested that these miRNAs were involved in muscular regulation and insulin signaling.The miRNA-mRNA-pathway network highlighted miR-27a-3p as a crucial regulator in the PPAR and PI3K/AKT pathway.In the animal experiment,the rats subjected to CIH for 8 weeks showed significantly increased FBG,FINS,HOMA-IR,and PPARγ levels,loose muscle fiber arrangement,decreased cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers,and lowered expressions of miR-27a-3p,p-IRS1/IRS1,PI3K,and p-AKT/AKT in the skeletal muscles.Conclusion CIH increases IR,causes skeletal muscle pathology,downregulates miR-27a-3p expression,upregulates PPARγ expression,and inhibits IRS1/PI3K/AKT insulin signaling in the skeletal muscles of rats,and these changes can be reversed by reoxygenation.MiR-27a-3p may participate in CIH-induced IR by modulating the PPAR γ/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail