1.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
2.Brain functional networks in children with spastic cerebral palsy and their correlation with motor function as analyzed based on fNIRS
Yangyang CAO ; Xiaokang TANG ; Qianyu GUO ; Jun WANG ; Dengna ZHU ; Gongxun CHEN ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Junying YUAN ; Juan SONG ; Yiran XU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(11):998-1004
Objective:To explore the characteristics of the brain functional networks in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) while at rest and to correlate them with motor functioning.Methods:Thirty-six children with SCP were enrolled as the SCP group, while thirty-four age-matched healthy children were recruited as the control group (the HC group). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the children′s cerebral cortex while at rest. The left prefrontal cortex (LPFC), right prefrontal cortex (RPFC), left motor cortex (LMC), and right motor cortex (RMC) were selected as regions of interest. Phase locking values (PLVs) were used to evaluate the strength of functional connectivity (FC) among these brain regions, and graph theory methods were applied to analyze the topological properties of the brain networks. Motor functioning was assessed using the gross motor function measure (GMFM).Results:The analyses of FC strength revealed that the SCP group had significantly weaker FC among all of the regions of interest while at rest compared to the HC group. Their PLVs for LPFC-RPFC, LPFC-RMC, RPFC-RMC and LMC-RMC connectivity were all significantly smaller. Graph theory analysis showed that the SCP group had significantly lower global efficiency (GE) and smaller clustering coefficients (CCs) and network density (D), while their characteristic path lengths were significantly longer. According to the correlation analysis, the PLVs for LMC-RMC connections in the SCP group were positively correlated with their scores on dimensions D and E of the GMFM ( r=0.496 and r=0.579 respectively). GE ( r=0.587 and r=0.642) and CC ( r=0.318 and r=0.759) showed similar significant positive correlations with GMFM dimensions D and E. Conclusions:At rest, the functional networks in the brains of children with SCP exhibit abnormalities closely associated with their motor dysfunction.
3.Effect of Morin on inflammatory response in young asthmatic rats by regulating mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway
Yangyang CHEN ; Hongqi MA ; Jing YANG ; Zongyue WU ; Ping ZHU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1394-1400
Objective:To investigate effect and mechanism of Morin on inflammatory response of young asthmatic rats by regu-lating mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Methods:An asthma rat model was established.Experiment was separated into Control group,Model group,Morin low-dose[Morin-L,10 mg/(kg·d)]group,Morin medium dose[Morin-M,30 mg/(kg·d)]group,Morin high-dose[Morin-H,100 mg/(kg·d)]group and Morin high-dose+mTOR activator group[Morin-H+MHY-1485,100 mg/(kg·d)Morin+7 mg/(kg·d)MHY-1485]group.Enhanced expiratory interval value was detected and recorded;Total IgE,ovalbumin(OVA)specific IgE,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,IFN-γ and TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA;Giemsa staining was applied to observe and record situation of related inflammatory cells;proportion of Th1,Th2 and Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry;HE and PAS staining were applied to observe pathologi-cal changes in lung tissue and goblet cell proliferation;GATA-binding protein 3(GATA-3)expression was detected by immunohisto-chemistry and qRT-PCR;Western blot was applied to detect expression and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 proteins.Results:Compared with Control group,inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious in Model group,with irregular thickening of tube wall and basement membrane,obviously more goblet cells,and increased mucus secretion,Penh value,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,total IgE and OVA-sIgE levels,macrophages,lymphocytes,eosinophils and neutrophils numbers,Th2 and Th17 cells proportion,average optical density of GATA-3,GATA-3 mRNA and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 were obviously increased(P<0.05),proportion of Th1 cells and IFN-γ level were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with Model group,bronchial wall structure of rats in Morin-L,Morin-M and Morin-H groups was smoother and more complete,with epithelial cells arranged in a more orderly manner,moderate airway wall thickness,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and reduced goblet cell proliferation,Penh value,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,TGF-β1,total IgE and OVA-sIgE levels,numbers of macrophages,lymphocytes,eosinophils and neutrophils,proportion of Th2 and Th17 cells,average optical density of GATA-3,GATA-3 mRNA,and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 were obviously decreased(P<0.05),proportion of Th1 cells and IFN-γ level were significantly increased(P<0.05).MHY-1485 reversed inhibitory effect of morin on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats(P<0.05).Conclusion:Morin may inhibit activation of mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway,inhibit inflammatory response in young rats with asthma,and thereby improve asthma symptoms.
4.Correlation of gait parameters and muscle parameters with imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
Jing LIU ; Chunxin XU ; Yangyang LU ; Qinquan QU ; Qi ZHU ; Yulan GUO ; Min SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4477-4485
BACKGROUND:Gait analysis,as a radiation-free dynamic assessment method,may be able to assist imaging to evaluate patients with scoliosis,thereby reducing radiation exposure.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the correlation between gait parameters and imaging parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,and preliminarily explore the potential mechanism through OpenSim simulation modeling.METHODS:Twenty adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients aged 10-18 years with Cobb angle of 10°-45° were selected as adolescent idiopathic scoliosisgroup. The control group was normal children of the same age and the same body mass index range,and a total of 40 subjects were included. The differences in spatiotemporal parameter,kinematic parameters,dynamic parameters,and gait deviation index of the two groups were compared to explore the correlation between pathological gait and coronal balance. The related mechanisms were preliminarily studied.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The comparison of gait parameters between groups showed that the percentage of bilateral support phase and double support phase increased in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,and the percentage of bilateral swing phase decreased (P<0.05). The maximum adduction angle of the left hip joint of patients in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis group was greater than that of the control group,and the maximum abduction angle of the bilateral hip joints was significantly less than that of the control group (P<0.05). The ankle joints of the two groups when the bilateral heels initially touched the ground;the difference between angles was significant (P<0.05). The peak power of right hip flexor muscle group in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly decreased when they pushed off the ground (P<0.05). (2) The results of the correlation study showed that the maximum abductive angle of the right hip joint was significantly positively correlated with the Cobb angle (r=0.552,P=0.012),and the right peak power of right hip flexor muscle and C7 lateral offset were significantly negatively correlated (r=-0.475,P=0.034). There was a significant positive correlation between ankle angle and lateral pelvic tilt when left foot followed the ground (r=0.476,P=0.034). (3) The simulation results of muscle length showed that the change of muscle fiber length of gluteal medium muscle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The change of muscle fiber length of the bilateral internal oblique muscle was significantly reduced in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (P<0.05). Comparing the muscle fiber length of the two groups when foot followed the ground,it was found that the muscle fiber length of the calf triceps of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly shorter when foot followed the ground (P<0.05). (4) The results showed that the postural stability control of the trunk of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was decreased,which was manifested as slow step frequency,increased percentage of double support phase and decreased percentage of swing phase. The common pattern of low foot striking pattern is caused by bilateral Achilles tendon tension. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,the ability of hip flexor muscle to do work is decreased,which may be related to joint angular velocity and main bend direction.
5.Differences of local brain activity in first-episode drug-na?ve depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation during resting-state
Hua XIAO ; Limin YAO ; Qian ZHAO ; Yangyang XU ; Shan XIE ; Hongquan LU ; Qin JIANG ; Kaitang ZHU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1089-1093
Objective To analyze the differences of brain activity between first-episode untreated depressive patients with and without suicidal ideation(SI),and its correlations with clinical characteristics.Methods A total of 40 major depressive disorder(MDD)patients with SI(MDD+SI group),40 patients without SI MDD(MDD+NSI group),and 40 healthy controls(HC)(HC group)were enrolled.The 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17)and Beck scale for suicide ideation(BSI)were used to assess the severity of depression and SI,respectively.MRI data were collected.The values of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(fALFF)were calculated.Results(1)Compared with the HC group,the MDD+NSI group showed decreases in the fALFF val-ues of the default network and attention network.The fALFF values of the attention network in the MDD+SI group showed decreases.Compared with the MDD+NSI group,the MDD+SI group showed decreases in the fALFF values of the attention network.(2)The fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.55;P<0.001)in the MDD+NSI group,while the fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the total score of HAMD-17(r=-0.53;P<0.001)and the total score of BSI(r=-0.51;P<0.001)in the MDD+SI group.(3)The optimal critical value of fALFF value in left middle frontal gyrus for predicting SI occurrence in MDD patients was-0.039,area under the curve(AUC)was 0.76,sensitivity was 0.63,and specificity was 0.80.Conclusion The decreased local activity intensity in the left middle frontal gyrus of the brain might be the central mechanism for the occurrence of SI in MDD patients.In addition,the left middle frontal gyrus might have certain value in identifying SI and predicting the severity of SI.
6.Anesthesia in Parathyroidectomy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Chronic Kidney Disease
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):171-176
With the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease,the incidence of renal secondary hyperparathyroidism(SHPT)has also reached a high level.At the beginning of the course of SHPT,medical treatment is the main method,but nearly 10%of patients eventually need to undergo parathyroidectomy.The perioperative management of such operations requires comprehensive consideration of the influence of primary disease,secondary pathophysiological changes and surgical factors,which poses a challenge to anesthesiolo-gists.This article summarizes the pathophysiological characteristics,treatment status and anesthesia points of SHPT,with the aim of providing reference for the implementation of safer and better anesthesia management for SHPT patients.
7.Clinical characteristics and therapy experience of 179 cases of botulism induced by cosmetic botulinum toxin injections
Yangyang XU ; Xin LYU ; Xiangyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Lipeng ZHU ; Hongwei CAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(10):1023-1031
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment experience of patients with botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the Department of Medical Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection between January 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024. Clinical data and treatment regimens were collected. Patients received botulinum antitoxin injection, neurotrophic therapy, nutrition supplementation, modulation and enhancement of cellular immune function, and systemic supportive care based on their condition. Prior to antitoxin administration, a skin test was performed. Patients with a negative test received intramuscular injections of 10 000 U of antitoxin serum every 12 hours, while those with a positive result underwent a desensitization protocol. The cessation criterion was significant improvement of toxic symptoms. Data collected included age, gender, region, time of presentation, injection location, brand and type of toxin, injection time, sites and dose of injection, time to onset of initial symptoms, main symptoms, skin test result for antitoxin, dosage of antitoxin administered, length of hospital stay, adverse reactions and prognosis. Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Version 10.2.0.Results:A total of 179 patients were included, with 8 cases in 2023 and 171 cases in 2024. The majority were female (97.2%, 174 cases). The age range was 18-62 years, with a median age of 35 years; the highest proportion was in the 20-40 age group (71.5%, 128 cases). Patients were from 23 different provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government in China. The injected product was mostly an unspecified brand of botulinum toxin (57.5%, 103 cases). Injections were primarily administered in non-medical institutions, with beauty salons or private studios accounting for 88.8% (159 cases). Injection sites included the platysma (92 cases), masseter muscle (82 cases), orbicularis oculi muscle (82 cases), frontalis muscle (67 cases), among others, with some patients receiving injections at multiple sites. 69 cases (38.5%) of patients were unaware of the injected dose; for the remaining cases, based on information provided, the injected doses were all within the safe range. The incubation period was mostly 1-7 days. The main symptoms included fatigue (171 cases), dysphagia (137 cases), dizziness (101 cases), blurred vision (76 cases), and difficulty opening eyes (66 cases). 176 patients received botulinum antitoxin treatment; 82 cases (46.6%) had a positive skin test and received desensitization injections, while 94 cases (53.4%) had a negative test. The total dosage of antitoxin used ranged from 10 000 U to 240 000 U. Three patients received only adjuvant therapy such as neurotrophic support. Adverse reactions during treatment primarily included induration at the injection site and serum sickness, all of which resolved after symptomatic treatment with antihistamines, steroids, etc. The hospital stay ranged from 1 to 24 d, with an average of 4.6 d. Upon discharge, symptoms in all patients had alleviated or resolved. At the 6-month follow-up after discharge, 14 patients were lost to follow-up; the remaining patients recovered well with no other complications.Conclusion:Poisoning incidents due to the illegal or improper use of botulinum toxin are increasing. Administration of botulinum antitoxin is an effective means to ameliorate intoxicating symptoms. Patients should seek timely medical intervention and receive antitoxin treatment as early as possible. Desensitization administration does not affect the efficacy of the antitoxin.
8.Study on the return strategy and results of blood donors with false reactive HIV in Wenzhou
Jie YANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Yaya WU ; Yangyang LIN ; Huiqiong ZHU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(1):14-17
Objective Based on the analysis of the results of retesting of blood donors with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)serological single-reagent reactivity,the rationality and practical effect of the existing retesting strategy were discussed.Methods HIV serological single-reagent reactivity blood donors in Wenzhou from January to December 2023 were selected as the study objects,and were confirmed by Wenzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)and returning test to confirm whether they could be returnee.Differences in return rates were analyzed by the basic data of blood donors and the S/CO value of HIV serological test during screening.Results Among the 374 HIV serological single-reagent reactivity blood donors,55 were confirmed by CDC with uncertain HIV antibodies,319 met the criteria for return,and 84 actively applied for return.78 showed no reactivity through self-test and return test and were allowed to return to the team.Four showed HIV serological reactivity,one showed HIV nucleic acid testing(NAT)test reactivity,permanent shielding.One showed the reactivity of anti-HIV chemiluminescence immunoassay test,and the HIV NAT test was noreactivity,and continued to be screened to participate in the next round of return.There were statistically significant differences in the permissible return rate of blood donors with different ages,blood types and blood donation times(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the allowed return rate of blood donors with different S/CO values during screening(χ2=1.898,P=0.168).Conclusion Reasonable return procedures can effectively reduce the loss of blood donors and ensure the safety of blood for clinical use.
9.Interpretation of the International Association of Pancreatology revised guidelines on acute pancreatitis 2025
Dan WANG ; Xiaolin DOU ; Yangyang CHEN ; Shunshun ZHAO ; Liandong JI ; Shuai ZHU ; Dong LUO ; Yebin LU ; Jun ZHOU ; Wei WEI ; Guo CHEN ; Xuejun GONG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1858-1875
In 2025,the International Association of Pancreatology(IAP),in collaboration with the American Pancreatic Association,European Pancreatic Club,Indian Pancreas Club,and Japan Pancreas Society,released the International Association of Pancreatology revised guidelines on acute pancreatitis 2025.This edition represents a comprehensive revision of the 2013 guidelines,based on high-quality evidence accumulated over the past decade,particularly randomized controlled trials.The guidelines encompass 18 key areas-including pain management,fluid therapy,nutritional support,management of infected necrosis,complication control,discharge and follow-up,and recurrence prevention-offering a total of 96 recommendations that emphasize individualized treatment.These updates provide important guidance for standardizing clinical practice and improving outcomes in acute pancreatitis,while also indicating future research directions such as the development of targeted therapies.However,some recommendations remain limited by lower evidence quality,uncertain applicability in specific clinical settings,and insufficient consideration of economic burden and cost-effectiveness.
10.Application of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment
Zhenzhen SU ; Fen YE ; Hui LU ; Yangyang SHAO ; Yanfang LUO ; Lingyun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(4):251-259
Objective:To investigate the effects of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS (P: planning; A: attention; S: simultaneous; S:successive) theory on cognitive function, balance function and self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Elderly patients with post-stroke MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2022 to November 2023 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling method. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table. The patients in the control group implemented routine care and rehabilitation training, while the observation group were implemented backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on the PASS theory. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brunel Balance, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intervention, respectively.Results:A total of 116 elderly patients with post-stroke MCI were included, comprising 58 patients in the observation group (32 males and 26 females), aged (73.47 ± 7.10) years, and 58 patients in the control group (33 males and 25 females), aged (72.72 ± 8.37) years. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in the total scores of MoCA, SSEQ and Brunel Balance Scale between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total score of MoCA in the observation group were (20.10 ± 2.73), (22.98 ± 2.98) points, which were higher than those of the control group (18.24 ± 2.84), (20.47 ± 3.29) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.61, 4.32, both P<0.05). The total score of SSEQ in the observation group were (49.97 ± 7.73), (54.98 ± 7.88) points, which were higher than those in the control group (46.50 ± 8.69), (51.59 ± 6.10) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.27, 2.60, both P<0.05). At 4 weeks of intervention, the Brunel Balance Scale score in the observation group was 11(9, 11) points, which was higher than 10(8, 11) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:Backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS theory can effectively improve cognitive and balance functions, and enhance self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke MCI.

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