1.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.
2.PRMT1-mediated asymmetric dimethylation of arginine residue 602 in DDX1 promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression
Wenzheng LIU ; Yangwei LIAO ; Yiyang KUAI ; Xin GAO ; Xingmin YAN ; Jingjing LI ; Junsheng CHEN ; Jukun SU ; Jingcong ZHOU ; Yizhu KONG ; Siqin HUANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Feng PENG ; Bing WANG ; Yongjun CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):843-865
Background/Aims:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary malignant neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. While combined chemoradiotherapy has been demonstrated to delay CCA progression to a certain extent, the absence of specific molecular biomarkers or targets significantly hinders the diagnosis and treatment of CCA.
Methods:
Through cross-analysis of proteomics and ADMA modificationomics, we identified DDX1 overexpressed in CCA with elevated R602-ADMA modifications. HPLC-MS/MS identified PRMT1 as the methyltransferase and USP10 as the deubiquitinating enzyme for DDX1. Immunofluorescence and nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning experiments confirmed DDX1’s nuclear localization. GO and KEGG analyses clarify the biological functions of DDX1 in response to hypoxia. RNA-seq transcriptomics analyzed key pathways influenced by DDX1. A hydrodynamic in situ CCA mouse model was established to validate the chemopreventive effects of the PRMT1-specific inhibitor GSK715 on CCA development.
Results:
DDX1 promotes CCA progression both in vivo and in vitro and can be inhibited by GSK715. Mechanistically, PRMT1 mediates ADMA modification at position R602 of DDX1. This modification promotes DDX1 nuclear localization by recruiting USP10 to deubiquitinate DDX1, while simultaneously inhibiting PRMT1 degradation. DDX1 promotes the transcription of PRMT1 and USP10 by binding to the mRNA 3’UTR region, establishing a positive feedback regulatory pathway. This mechanism promotes the occurrence and development of CCA and can serve as a target for the inhibitor GSK715 to suppress CCA progression.
Conclusions
Our study identified DDX1-R602-ADMA modification as a novel ADMA modification in CCA. It further confirmed its pivotal role in CCA progression. Targeting the USP10-PRMT1-DDX1 axis may represent a significant therapeutic approach for CCA.
3.Optimizing the whole-process quality control system of intravenous drug distribution center based on failure mode and effect analysis
Wei WEI ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Lan YAN ; Peng TIAN ; Xia FENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):322-328
Objective To explore the application effect of a standardized management method based on failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in optimizing the whole-process quality control system of the intravenous admixture service (PIVAS). Methods The quality control management system of the PIVAS was optimized by establishing six quality control groups led by the head nurse, with full participation of pharmacy, nursing, and logistical staff, ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability of all quality control links. Each group conducted risk priority number (RPN) scoring for potential failure modes in their respective quality control processes, and targeted improvement measures were formulated based on the scoring results. The RPN values of failure modes and quality control-related evaluation indicators before and after implementation were compared to achieve closed-loop management. Results After one year of management, the RPN values of the six major failure modes significantly decreased compared to those before implementation (P<0.05). The compounding error rate dropped to 0.13%, the dispensing error rate decreased to 0.95%, the compounding efficiency increased to 98%, the delivery time was shortened by 0.45 h per batch, the intervention rate for irrational prescriptions rose to 94.87%, satisfaction improved to 96.78%, and the participation rate of quality control personnel reached 95.36% (P<0.05). Conclusion FMEA-based identification of potential failure modes in the whole-process quality control system of the IVAS, combined with risk quantification and targeted interventions, significantly reduced high-risk failure modes, improved compounding accuracy and efficiency, and ensured the safety of clinical intravenous medication and the effectiveness of healthcare quality management.
4.Optimizing the whole-process quality control system of intravenous drug distribution center based on failure mode and effect analysis
Wei WEI ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Lan YAN ; Peng TIAN ; Xia FENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):322-328
Objective To explore the application effect of a standardized management method based on failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in optimizing the whole-process quality control system of the intravenous admixture service (PIVAS). Methods The quality control management system of the PIVAS was optimized by establishing six quality control groups led by the head nurse, with full participation of pharmacy, nursing, and logistical staff, ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability of all quality control links. Each group conducted risk priority number (RPN) scoring for potential failure modes in their respective quality control processes, and targeted improvement measures were formulated based on the scoring results. The RPN values of failure modes and quality control-related evaluation indicators before and after implementation were compared to achieve closed-loop management. Results After one year of management, the RPN values of the six major failure modes significantly decreased compared to those before implementation (P<0.05). The compounding error rate dropped to 0.13%, the dispensing error rate decreased to 0.95%, the compounding efficiency increased to 98%, the delivery time was shortened by 0.45 h per batch, the intervention rate for irrational prescriptions rose to 94.87%, satisfaction improved to 96.78%, and the participation rate of quality control personnel reached 95.36% (P<0.05). Conclusion FMEA-based identification of potential failure modes in the whole-process quality control system of the IVAS, combined with risk quantification and targeted interventions, significantly reduced high-risk failure modes, improved compounding accuracy and efficiency, and ensured the safety of clinical intravenous medication and the effectiveness of healthcare quality management.
5.Role of naringenin in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and its molecular mechanism
Changwen LIN ; Qiuyi REN ; Mengjie ZHENG ; Huan YAN ; Jia LI ; Jiaxin FENG ; Haiying LIN ; Faming SHU ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Fuli LONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1419-1425
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease mediated by T lymphocytes, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis or even liver failure without timely intervention. As a natural flavonoid compound, naringenin (NAR) shows a potential value in the prevention and treatment of AIH through multiple mechanisms such as remodeling immune homeostasis, targeted inhibition of inflammatory pathways, antioxidation, regulating hepatocyte metabolism and apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal flora. However, the clinical translation and application of NAR is limited by issues such as low bioavailability and insufficient efficiency of liver-targeted delivery. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of NAR in the prevention and treatment of AIH, explores the potential signaling pathways involved in this process, and analyzes existing challenges in its translation and application and future research directions, so as to provide a reference for further research on NAR and its application in the prevention and treatment of AIH.
6.Sini San Treats Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Polarization of Intrahepatic Kupffer Cells
Yanyu QU ; Qiao GENG ; Zhuxiu ZHOU ; Dongyang ZHENG ; Jianmin YAN ; Huan LIU ; Li CHEN ; Feng ZHANG ; Desong KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):34-46
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Sini San (SNS) treats liver fibrosis through regulating the polarization of intrahepatic Kupffer cells. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Balb/c mice were randomized into blank control, model, silymarin (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.93, 5.85, 11.70 g·kg-1, respectively) SNS groups. A mouse model of liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. After 5 weeks of administration, the body mass, liver pathological changes [Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining], serum biochemical indicators [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], liver fibrosis markers [procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA)], inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)], and fibrosis-related proteins [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ)] were assessed. A co-culture system of THP-1 cells (M1 macrophages) and human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) was established. The cell experiment was designed with blank control (LX-2 alone), model (LX-2 + M1 macrophages), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SNS (co-culture with 5%, 10%, or 20% SNS-containing serum, respectively) groups. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokines, and macrophage phenotype were examined. Human primary hepatic Kupffer cells were allocated into blank control, M1 (LPS 100 μg·L-1+IFN-γ 20 μg·L-1), M2 (IL-4 20 μg·L-1+IL-13 20 μg·L-1), M1+M2, M1+SNS (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M1 conditions for 24 h), M2+SNS (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M2 conditions for 24 h), and M1+M2+SNS groups (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M1+M2 conditions for 24 h), and the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at protein and mRNA levels was determined. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, PCⅢ, LN, HA, IL-6, and TNF-α, upregulated protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased IL-10 level and STAT3 mRNA level (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by marked collagen deposition and inflammatory infiltration in the liver. Compared with the model group, all doses of Sini San reversed these alterations (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most pronounced effects. Cell experiments demonstrated that, compared with the blank control group, the model group had elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and upregulated protein and mRNA levels of M1 markers [cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] (P<0.01), along with declined level of IL-10 and downregulated expression of M2 markers [(CD163, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1)] (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with Sini San-containing serum at various concentrations lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of M1 markers (P<0.05, P<0.01), while increasing the IL-10 level and M2 marker expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, Sini San downregulated the mRNA level of NF-κB and upregulated the mRNA level of STAT (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the experiment with human primary Kupffer cells, compared with the blank group, the M1 group showed increased NF-κB p65 expression (P<0.01) and decreased STAT3 expression (P<0.05), whereas the M2 group exhibited increased STAT3 expression (P<0.01). Compared with the respective model groups, Sini San-containing serum reversed the M1-induced overexpression of NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and further enhanced the M2-induced STAT3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSini San can inhibit the NF-κB p65/STAT3 signaling pathway and repolarize intrahepatic Kupffer cells from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype to attenuate inflammation and suppress hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen deposition, thereby exerting anti-fibrotic effect.
7.Optimization of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Parameters for Phosphorus Detection in Water Using Orthogonal Experiment
Xin-Yan YANG ; Xin WANG ; Wen-Wen ZHOU ; Yi-Heng LI ; Peng ZHU ; Bin WANG ; Xian-Feng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1921-1930
Aerosol-assisted plasma amplification laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS)was employed for phosphorus detection in water.To address the multivariate coupling effects in LIBS and nebulization sampling system,an orthogonal experiment was employed to systematically optimize the key experimental parameters.Using the orthogonal experimental design,the parametric effects of laser energy(output voltage),signal acquisition delay,liquid velocity,and gas velocity on the signal to background ratio(SBR)of P I 213.618 nm were evaluated,and the optimal conditions were achieved,including laser energy of 86 mJ,delay time of 3 μs,gas velocity of 1.05 mL/min,and liquid velocity of 60 μL/min,which were in agreement with the control-variable optimization results.Moreover,the SBR response trends at P I 213.618 nm with all experimental parameters was strong in consistency with control-variable optimization results,which demonstrated the validity of the orthogonal array experimental design.This study established an efficient and accurate parameter optimization methodology for complex LIBS systems,significantly advancing the application of LIBS in environmental monitoring.
8.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
9.Analysis of the Main Chemical Components and Seasonal Differences of Mussels
Xiaozheng HUANG ; Qianqian ZHONG ; Xinyu PAN ; Wanglin BAO ; Qiyuan FENG ; Jizhou YIN ; Jiangyu LI-ANG ; Shenghan YAN ; Jidong ZHOU ; Jipeng SUN ; Hao WU ; Rui LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):383-392
OBJECTIVE To analyze the differences in chemical composition of mussels from Shengsi,Zhoushan in different har-vest months,and to compare the differences in the composition of mussels from different origins,so as to provide ideas for the compre-hensive utilization of its resources.METHODS Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QqQ-MS)and spectrophotometry were used to analyze and evaluate the contents of nucleosides,amino acids,water-soluble proteins,total sugars and polysaccharides in mussels from Shengsi,Zhoushan in 12 months of the year and from 5 different origins;principal component analysis(PCA),partial least squares discriminant method(PLS-DA)and TOPSIS method were used to compre-hensively evaluate mussels.RESULTS A total of 16 amino acids and 11 nucleosides were detected in mussels.The average content of total amino acids in Shengsi mussels throughout the year was 4 851.74 μg·g-1,the average content of total nucleosides was 921.40 μg·g-1,and the average contents of water-soluble protein,polysaccharides,and total sugars were 51.32 mg·g-1,74.39 μg·g-1,and 417.22 mg·g-1,respectively.The nucleosides of Shengsi mussels were the highest in March and April,the ami-no acids and water-soluble proteins were the highest in April and May,and the polysaccharides and total sugars were the highest in Oc-tober and November.The PCA and PLS-DA results of the chemical components of different resources showed that there were great differences in Shengsi mussel samples harvested in different seasons.The entropy weight TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehen-sive scores of Shengsi mussels in March and April(S7 and S8)were better than those in other areas,and the comprehensive score of Shengsi mussels in April(S8)was the highest,which was determined to be the best harvesting month.CONCLUSION The comparison results of multi-type resource chemistry show that there are great differences in the chemical compo-sition of Shengsi mussels in different harvesting seasons;the quality of Shengsi mussels is better than that of other areas;April is the best harvesting season,providing a reference for the quality evaluation and comprehensive development and utilization of mussels.
10.Lumbar Spondylolysis in Chinese Adults: Prevalence and Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Dong YAN ; Yan Dong LIU ; Ling WANG ; Kai LI ; Wen Shuang ZHANG ; Yi YUAN ; Jian GENG ; Kang Kang MA ; Feng Yun ZHOU ; Zi Tong CHENG ; Xiao Guang CHENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):598-606
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis (LS) and the proportion of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS) in China, and to evaluate the musculoskeletal status of patients with LS and SS.
METHODS:
Spine Computed Tomography (CT) images were collected from community populations aged 40 and above in a nationwide multi-center project. LS was diagnosed, and SS was graded by an experienced radiologist. Bone mineral density (BMD) and paraspinal muscle parameters were quantified based on CT images.
RESULTS:
One hundred and seventeen patients of a total of 3,317 individuals were diagnosed with LS, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 3.53%. 63 of the 1,214 males (5.18%) and 54 of the 2,103 females (2.57%) were diagnosed with LS. SS occurred in 64/121 vertebrae (52.89%). BMD was not associated with LS ( P = 0.341). The L5 extensor paraspinal muscle density was higher in the LS group than in the non-LS group. In the LS group, patients with SS had a smaller L5 paraspinal extensor muscle cross-sectional area than those without SS ( P = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of LS in Chinese adults was 3.53%, with prevalence rates of 5.18% in males and 2.57% in females. Patients with LS have higher muscle density, whereas those with SS have smaller muscle cross-sectional areas at the L5 level.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Prevalence
;
Adult
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging*
;
Spondylolysis/diagnostic imaging*
;
Aged
;
Bone Density
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Spondylolisthesis/epidemiology*
;
East Asian People

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