1.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
2.Surveillance of Oncomelania hupensis snails following interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in Yunnan Province
Siqi NING ; Yi DONG ; Chunhong DU ; Lifang WANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Yuhe HE ; Hua JIANG ; Jiayu SUN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Jiaqi YAN ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Hongqiong WANG ; Meifen SHEN ; Jing SONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):200-206
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm2 in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm2 in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm2), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm2 in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm2), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm2 in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m2 in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ2 = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ2 = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.
3.Surveillance of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in Yunnan Province
Meifen SHEN ; Jing SONG ; Lifang WANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Hua JIANG ; Jihua ZHOU ; Jiaqi YAN ; Jiayu SUN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Zongya ZHANG ; Hongqiong WANG ; Chunhong DU ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):299-303
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in schistosomiasisendemic areas of Yunnan Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning capability and implementing precise interventions in the province. Methods A total of 56 natural villages were sampled from 14 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province as surveillance sites from 2024 to 2025. Wild murines were captured using traps at night and characterized for species. Liver samples were collected from wild murines, S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were simultaneously detected using liver tissue compression microscopy, liver tissue homogenate microscopy, and liver tissue homogenate hatching. In addition, stool samples were collected from wild murine rectum, with S. japonicum eggs detected using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique and S. japonicum miracidia detected using the hatching test with nylon gauzes. Results A total of 15 577 valid murine traps were recovered, and 891 wild murines belonging to 16 species were captured, with a capture rate of 5.72%(891/15 577). The captured wild murines were predominantly districted in paddy fields, dry lands, ditches, ponds and marshlands, with Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus norvegicus, Crocidura attenuata, R. rattus sladeni, R. flavipectus, and Eothenomys miletus as dominant species. No S. japonicum eggs or miradicia were in laboratory; however, other parasites were identified in 25 wild murines. The prevalence rates of Schistosoma sinensis, Capillaria hepatica and Hymenolepis nana were 2.24% (20/891), 0.90% (8/891) and 0.56% (5/891), and the prevalence of S. sinensis and C. hepatica co-infection was 0.90% (8/891), respectively. Conclusions S. sinensis, C. hepatica and H. nana are predominant parasite species in wild murines in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunan Province. No S. japonicum infection was detected during the study period; however, there is still a risk of wild murines as a potential source of infection for schistosomiasis transmission. Continuous intensified surveillance of S. japonicum infections in wild murines is a critical programme in schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning in Yunnan Province.
4.Analysis of external quality assessment results of bacteria screening in China International Transfusion Infection Control (CITIC), 2019 to 2025
Jianhao YANG ; Yun LU ; Yingjiao CHEN ; Yuyang XU ; Yi DU ; Tianyan HU ; Yi ZHANG ; Yingjie QIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1039-1045
Objective: To assess the current status of bacterial detection capabilities in various blood collection and supply and related laboratories across China, and to identify key factors affecting the consistency of test results. Methods: A pooled analysis was conducted on data from 21 external quality assessment (EQA) rounds for blood bacterial detection carried out by the China International Transfusion Infection Prevention and Control (CITIC) project from 2019 to 2025. The study covered three types of laboratories-blood centers, central blood stations, and commercial laboratories—across 23 provincial-level administrative regions in China. Statistics were compiled on the number of participating laboratories, and the concordance rates were calculated for different institution types, different automated blood culture systems, different bacterial concentrations, and different strains. Non-standard reporting issues were also reviewed, and statistical methods were applied for analysis. Results: Over the seven-year period, the number of participating laboratories increased from 161 to 236, with an average annual growth rate of 6.58%, and the annual concordance rates ranged from 82.61% to 94.92%. The overall laboratory concordance rates for the three types of participating laboratories were all>89.0% (P>0.05), while commercial laboratories showed a significant year-by-year increase (70.97%-100%, P<0.05). The concordance rates of automated blood culture systems from eight manufacturers showed no significant differences (97.98%-100%, P>0.05), indicating stable performance across all devices. The overall sample concordance rate was 98.88%, with negative samples showing a lower rate than positive samples (97.97% vs 99.14%); positive sample rates increased with higher concentrations; and low-concentration Gram-negative bacterial samples had a lower concordance rate than Gram-positive ones (93.15% vs 100%). A total of 50 instances of non-standard result reporting were identified, with incorrect time units accounting for the highest proportion (52.0%). Conclusion The participation scale and overall testing proficiency of blood collection and supply and related laboratories nationwide have improved year by year, and all types of automated blood culture devices can meet the requirements for blood bacterial screening. Detection of negative and low-concentration positive samples remains a weak link in current bacterial EQA, and the standardization of laboratory data reporting requires further strengthening. Continuous: external quality assessment, targeted training, and standardized reporting procedures can effectively enhance the homogenization level of blood bacterial testing across the country and ensure the safety of clinical transfusion.
5.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
6.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
7.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
8.The application effect of upper limb robot combined with extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of mild and moderate rotator cuff injuries
Dadong ZHANG ; Deting ZHU ; Yun ZHOU ; Kai LI ; Qian LU ; Yi LIU ; Quanbing ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2871-2877
Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of upper limb rehabilitation robots(ULRR)and ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave(ESW)in the treatment of mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries.Methods A total of 90 patients with mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries,who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2023 and March 2024,were selected and randomly assigned to three groups:Group A(basic rehabilitation),Group B(basic rehabilitation+ESW),and Group C(basic rehabilitation+ESW+ULRR),with 30 patients in each group.Before and after treatment,shoulder pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale(VAS).Proprioception was evaluated based on shoulder joint position reproduction error.The integral electromyography(iEMG)and root mean square(RMS)values of the median tract,supraspinatus,infraspinatus,and deltoid muscles on the affected side were measured using surface electromyography(sEMG).The active range of motion(AROM)for external rotation,abduction,and forward flexion of the affected shoulder was measured using a standard goniometer.Overall shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score(CMS).The clinical efficacy rate and patient satisfaction levels were compared among the three groups.Results After treatment,the VAS score and shoulder position reproduction deviation angle in all three groups significantly decreased.Additionally,the iEMG and RMS values of the middle deltoid,supraspinatus,and infraspinatus muscles;the AROM of shoulder external rotation,abduction,and forward flexion;and the CMS scores(including pain,activities of daily living,active range of motion,and muscle strength)all showed significant improvement.Furthermore,the degree of improvement in all evaluated parameters in Group C was significantly greater than that observed in Groups A and B(P<0.05).Moreover,Group C demon-strated a significantly higher clinical response rate and greater patient satisfaction compared to Groups A and B(P<0.05).Conclusion For patients with mild to moderate rotator cuff injuries,the integration of an upper limb rehabilitation robot with extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrates superior therapeutic outcomes,effectively alleviating pain,enhancing motor function and proprioception,and increasing overall patient satisfaction.
9.Research status and prospect of drone-based casualty evacuation and transport systems
Xiao-yun XU ; Ming YU ; Hang WU ; Xu-yi CHEN ; Guang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):103-111
The time-sensitive medical treatment advantages of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)in casualty evacuation were described,along with their typical application scenarios and the principles of casualty evacuation.The development status of UAV-based casualty evacuation,both domestically and internationally,was reviewed.Key life-support technologies,such as intelligent injury recognition,fully automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)and auto cruise-based mecha-nical ventilation,were examined as important research directions of casualty evacuation UAVs.Finally,future development trends in UAV casualty evacuation and transport system were envisioned from four dimensions of autonomous flight technology,life support systems,information interaction and policy regulations.
10.Advances in DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and depression
Zi-yun LIAO ; Meng-yu WANG ; Jing-yi QIAO ; Run ZHANG ; Pei-dong LIU ; Xin-wang CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):825-829
Depression is a heterogeneous mental disorder in which the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environ-mental factors plays a key role in its pathogenesis.Although the specific mechanisms of the disease still need to be thoroughly studied and elucidated,there is now a broad consensus that epi-genetic markers have a central influence on its mechanism of ac-tion.DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BD-NF)is not only regarded as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology,but may also help predict the efficacy of antidepres-sants.In this paper we reviewed the gene structure of BDNF and its DNA methylation regulation mechanism,and also analyzed the changes of DNA methylation of this factor in depression pa-tients and animal models,aiming to provide new ideas and theo-retical support for clinical research.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail