1.The Role and Regulatory Mechanisms of FOXO1 in Hepatic Lipid Deposition
Meng JIA ; Fang-Hui LI ; Shi-Zhan YAN ; Ai-Ju LI ; Yi-Le WANG ; Pin-Shi NI ; Jia-Han HE ; Yin-Lu LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):905-919
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is fundamentally driven by an imbalance in hepatic fatty-acid flux: the influx of fatty acids exceeds the liver’s capacity for disposal, resulting in excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, predominantly in the form of triglycerides (TGs). The occurrence and progression of MAFLD depend on disordered regulation across multiple metabolic steps, including fatty-acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty-acid oxidation (FAO), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) export. Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key transcriptional regulator within the hepatic network coordinating glucose and lipid metabolism. Under metabolic stress and insulin resistance (IR), FOXO1 expression is frequently increased, whereas its inhibitory phosphorylation is reduced. These changes enhance FOXO1 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, thereby reprogramming the expression of genes related to metabolism in the liver. Because hepatic lipid deposition is the central pathological feature of MAFLD, the functional status of FOXO1 directly influences hepatic lipid homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that FOXO1 can exert bidirectional, environment-dependent effects on hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the molecular basis for this functional switch remains incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO1 and its roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, with a particular focus on its crosstalk with insulin signaling. FOXO1 expression is shaped by RNA modifications and epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. Its transcriptional output is precisely governed by post-translational modifications—such as phosphorylation and acetylation—as well as by coordinated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Notably, these regulatory patterns vary markedly across nutritional states, degrees of insulin resistance, and stages of disease. In the fed state, insulin/IGF-1 signaling activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of FOXO1 and facilitating additional modifications, including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Together, these events drive FOXO1 export from the nucleus and dampen its transcriptional activity, suppressing gluconeogenesis and constraining lipogenic programs. Conversely, during fasting or when insulin signaling is weakened, FOXO1 inhibition is relieved. FOXO1 accumulates in the nucleus, binds to DNA, and regulates the transcription of downstream target genes. Mechanistically, FOXO1 can aggravate hepatic lipid accumulation by activating genes involved in TG synthesis while repressing FAO-related pathways, thereby favoring storage over oxidation. However, under specific conditions, FOXO1 may also alleviate the hepatic lipid burden by promoting TG hydrolysis and enhancing VLDL secretion, thereby reducing the net hepatic lipid load. In addition, lipotoxic signals mediated by ceramides and diacylglycerols (Cer/DAG) activate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), further exacerbating the disruption of the AKT-FOXO1 axis. This vicious cycle ultimately produces a metabolic paradox in which increased hepatic glucose output coexists with persistent, insulin-independent lipogenesis, accelerating MAFLD progression. Importantly, FOXO1 regulation is not uniform: during early metabolic overload, insulin-mediated suppression may remain effective, whereas in advanced insulin resistance, the loss of AKT control permits sustained FOXO1 activity. Such stage-dependent dynamics may help explain why FOXO1 can either promote steatosis or, in certain contexts, support programs that facilitate lipid turnover. Accordingly, interventions should be liver-specific and tuned to the disease stage, aiming to curb maladaptive FOXO1 signaling while preserving its capacity to promote triglyceride hydrolysis and VLDL secretion when advantageous. Overall, this review offers an important perspective on MAFLD pathogenesis, emphasizing FOXO1 as a potential therapeutic target and providing a theoretical basis for developing liver-specific, disease-course-dependent precision interventions.
2.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
3.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
4.Periodic Dynamic Evolution of Lung Collateral Microenvironment and Staged Treatment Strategies After Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Based on Theory of Latent Pathogens
Liwei LIU ; Yuqing CAO ; Ni WANG ; Yipin FAN ; Yan MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):208-217
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease that seriously endangers public health. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TB is considered to be caused by "exogenous latent tuberculosis pathogens", and whether the disease occurs depends on the strength of healthy Qi. The disease course is characterized by five features: Hidden latency, pathological accumulation, triggering due to deficiency of healthy Qi, depletion of healthy Qi, and prolonged progression with difficulty in recovery. The latent stage is based on the fundamental pathogenesis of "specific latent pathogens concealed in the lung collaterals and waiting for the appropriate time to manifest", which exhibits the temporal and spatial characteristics of latent pathogens. During this stage, Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains in a dormant state and maintains a dynamic balance with the host immune system. The triggering and progression stages are characterized by the core pathogenesis of "deficiency of healthy Qi initiating pathogenic factors and excessive pathogenic factors triggering disease". Immune dysfunction may lead to severe pathological damage to the structure of the lung collaterals. The key pathogenesis of the latent-retention stage is "persistent latent pathogens consuming healthy Qi", which is also the core reason for the difficulty in treating initial TB onset, prolonged disease progression, and recurrent attacks. Based on the theory of latent pathogens, this study establishes a four-stage prevention and treatment system "with pathogenesis as the guiding principle and disease stages as the criteria". The corresponding therapeutic principles include tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin, clearing and transforming latent phlegm, regulating and tonifying the spleen and kidney, strengthening healthy Qi and replenishing the primordial Qi, nourishing Yin and reducing fire, suppressing and eliminating tuberculosis pathogens, tonifying deficiency, restoring primordial Qi, clearing residual pathogens, and eliminating pathogenic factors. Guided by the theory of latent pathogens, this article systematically elucidates the TCM connotation of M. tuberculosis invasion of the lung collaterals and the staged syndrome differentiation and treatment approach, providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the prevention and treatment of TB through integrated Chinese and Western medicine and offering new perspectives for the prevention and control of infectious diseases using TCM.
5.Research on the Factors Influencing the Evolution of COPD Qi Deficiency Syndrome Based on Nonlinear Mixed Effects Model
Weike LI ; Mingyang YI ; Yuanyuan NI ; Lizhen YAN ; Jianxin GUAN ; Shihao WANG ; Huijie WANG ; Jiansheng LI ; Zhiwan WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2205-2214
Objective To provide methodological examples for related research,the influencing factors of the evolution of Qi deficiency syndrome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)based on a nonlinear mixed effects model was explored.Methods A research questionnaire on the influencing factors of the evolution of Qi deficiency syndrome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was developed,and clinical data of 650 COPD patients on the 1st and 14th day of acute exacerbation,the 1st and 28th day of risk window,the first day of stable period,and the 90th day were dynamically collected from 10 tertiary hospitals across the country.8 baseline data including gender and age were collected through the PROC NLMIXED process by SAS 9.4 software.Coronary heart disease,diabetes and hypertension accounted for the highest proportion.Nine concurrent syndromes including wind cold syndrome and phlegm heat syndrome were used as fixed effects,and individual level was used as random effects to gradually fit the model and screen the influencing factors of Qi deficiency syndrome in the entire process of disease occurrence and development.Results A total of 637 eligible cases were included,and clinical datas were dynamically collected on the 1st and 14th day of acute exacerbation,the 1st and 28th day of the risk window,the 1st and 90th day of the stable period.It was found that the number of acute exacerbations,alcohol consumption,concomitant hypertension,coronary heart disease,blood stasis syndrome,yin deficiency syndrome,yang deficiency syndrome,6-minute walking distance,and the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Questionnaire(mMRC)had an impact on the evolution of Qi deficiency syndrome in the previous year(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of a nonlinear mixed effects model revealed the relevant factors affecting the evolution of Qi deficiency syndrome from complex multi temporal dynamic data,providing methodological references for other related studies.
6.Establishment and practice of scientific research project-based experimental system—exploration of"5+3"integration Medical Immunology experimental teaching
Haiying FU ; Yanling WANG ; Hongyan YUAN ; Dongmei YAN ; Weihua NI ; Yan QI ; Dong LI ; Xia CHEN ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(1):195-197,201
Theory and technology of Medical Immunology are widely used in scientific research.Our teaching and research group uses experimental teaching of Medical Immunology as a platform to carry out practice of scientific research project-based experi-mental system among"5+3"integration students.By completing a mini-project research including experimental design-experimental operation-research article writing,students cultivated scientific research thinking and exercised scientific research practice ability,and generally reported that the course is very difficult,but after completing it,it is very rewarding.
7.Balance ability and brain activation characteristics in adolescents with cerebral palsy under the external perturbation conditions
Shuhan WANG ; Aihua LI ; Yan NI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(8):1155-1162,1168
Objective:To explore the differences in balance ability and brain activation level between the cerebral palsy(CP)adolescents and the typically developing(TD)adolescents.Method:Eight adolescents with CP or TD were recruited in this study.The center of pressure(COP)was measured using an AMTI three-dimensional force platform to assess the standing balance under perturbation or non-perturbation condition.Brain activation level was also measured using the fNIRS device to collect the oxy-genated hemoglobin concentrations(ΔHbO2)in the supplementary motor area(SMA),precental gyrus(PreCG),postcentral gyrus(PoCG)and superior parietal lobule(SPL).Result:①Balance ability indicators:During the perturbation condition,DeltaAP,RMS,RMSAP,SPAP in the CP group were significantly greater than those in the control group.In the CP group,DeltaAP,DeltaML,RMS,RMSAP,SPAP during the perturbation condition were significantly greater than those during the non-pertur-bation condition.②Brain activation level indicators:During the perturbation conditions,the ΔHbO2 of SMA in the CP group were significantly greater than those in the control group.In the CP group,the ΔHbO2 of SMA,PreCG,PoCG during the perturbation condition were significantly greater than those during the non-per-turbation condition.Conclusion:Compared to the TD adolescents,the CP adolescents had poorer balance in the anterior-posterior direction and higher level of SMA activation in the external perturbation condition.Under the external perturba-tion condition,the balance ability decreased in the anterior-posterior direction,while the activation level of SMA,PreCG and PoCG increased in the adolescents with CP.
8.Impact of transferring vitrified-thawed non-re-expanded blastocysts on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching
Jie ZHU ; Huiqun YIN ; Cunli WANG ; Kang LUAN ; Yan WU ; Feng NI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):696-701
Objective:To investigate the effect of the transfer of blastocysts that have not re-expanded after 2-4 h of thawing on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data from 2 428 vitrified frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the 901st Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA between January 2015 and March 2024. Based on the re-expansion status of the blastocoel cavity after thawing, the cycles were divided into group A (110 non-re-expanded) and group B (2 318 re-expanded). After propensity score matching, there were 109 cycles in each group. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results:Before propensity score matching, there were statistical differences in percentage of good-quality blastocyst transfer, percentage of degree 4 blastocyst, percentage of endometriosis and others in reasons for infertility between the two groups (all P<0.05). After propensity score matching, there were no statistical differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [27.52% (30/109)], the ongoing pregnancy rate [21.10% (23/109)] and the live birth rate [19.27% (21/109)] in group A were all significantly lower than those in group B [61.47% (67/109), 51.38% (56/109), 47.70% (52/109), all P<0.001]. Neonatal outcomes showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of birth weight, neonatal length, malformation rate, monozygotic twin rate and male neonatal rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Transfer of non-re-expanded blastocysts after thawing may reduce clinical pregnancy rate but does not negatively affect neonatal outcomes.
9.Construction and practice of an experimental problem-based learning model based on national first-class virtual simulation course
Yanxia WANG ; Youmin HU ; Wenwen NI ; Yan LIU ; Chen HUANG ; Mingmin GU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):325-330
In order to cultivate high-level medical talents, introducing information technology into medical teaching, the teaching faculty of the "Medical Functional Experiment" course constructed and explored an online-offline hybrid experimental problem-based learning (PBL) model guided by hypoxia pathophysiology problems. We explore the teaching method, implementation process, assessment, and effect evaluation of the experimental PBL model from the aspects of teaching objects, online teaching platform setting, and offline application, and also discuss its academic innovation points and application value. We hope to provide ideas for integrating the PBL concept into experimental teaching and help cultivate excellent innovative medical talents.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of common viral respiratory infections before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Huzhou,Zhejiang Province
Min-yi YANG ; Yan LIU ; Su-yi ZHANG ; Qiang WANG ; Guang-tao LIU ; Bo ZHENG ; Xin-yu WANG ; Dan-ni ZHAO ; Jian-yong SHEN ; Wei-bing WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):819-828
Objective To investigate and compare the epidemiological characteristics of common respiratory viruses among influenza-like illness(ILI)and severe acute respiratory infection(SARI)cases in Huzhou,Zhejiang Province before and after the COVID-19 pandemic,so as to provide a basis for formulating and adjusting the prevention and control strategies for viral respiratory infectious diseases.Methods ILI and SARI cases at two influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Huzhou and had throat swab samples collected during Nov 2017 to Feb 2020(pre-COVID-19 pandemic period)and Dec 2022 to Apr 2024(post-COVID-19 mitigation phase)were selected as the participants.Seven common viral respiratory pathogens were tested,including influenza A virus(H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes),influenza B virus(Victoria lineage,FluB),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),rhinovirus(HRV),adenovirus(ADV),and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2).The positive rates of respiratory pathogens before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were compared across different age groups and different time.Results A total of 7 948 ILI samples and 2 294 SARI samples were included.The overall positive rate of ILI samples increased from 33.6%to 47.1%,primarily due to the increase in influenza and COVID-19 infections;the overall positive rate of SARI samples decreased from 31.4%to 24.8%,mainly due to the reduction in HRV and ADV infections.During the post-COVID-19 mitigation phase,SARS-CoV-2(22.1%),H3N2(12.7%),and FluB(6.0%)were the primary pathogens in ILI samples,while RSV(7.1%),H3N2(5.3%),and HRV(4.5%)dominated in SARI samples.During the post-COVID-19 mitigation phase,the influenza virus circulation period was shortened.Before the COVID-19 pandemic,RSV was mainly detected in autumn and winter,while during the post-COVID-19 mitigation phase,out-of-season RSV epidemics were observed in spring and summer.Co-infection rate in ILI cases increased significantly in the post-COVID-19 mitigation phase,predominantly consisting of co-infections of COVID-19 and influenza A virus,while co-infection rate in SARI cases showed a decline.Conclusion We found important epidemiological changes in respiratory viruses in Huzhou during the post-COVID-19 mitigation phase compared to pre-COVID-19 period,including increased positive rates of influenza and COVID-19,and disruptions to the seasonal patterns of influenza and RSV.The prevention and control strategies should be adjusted in a timely manner based on the monitoring data.

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