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.Efficacy and safety of adalimumab originator and biosimilars in the treatment of Crohn′s disease
Xiaohui LI ; Jingyi JU ; Qinglu YANG ; Pengyun YIN ; Jiaolan YANG ; Cui ZHANG ; Changqin LIU ; Zhanju LIU ; Xiaomin SUN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(3):177-181
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) originator and biosimilars in the treatment of Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From January 2020 to January 2023, the clinical data of 73 patients who were diagnosed as CD and received ADA treatment at the Department of Gastroenterology, the Tenth People′s Hospital of Tongji University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 30 patients received ADA originator treatment (National Medicine Approval Number SJ20181019; originator group), 23 patients received biosimilar A treatment (Medicine Medicine Approval Number S20190038; biosimilar A group), and 20 patients received biosimilar B (Medicine Medicine Approval Number S20190043; biosimilar B group). At 12 and 48 weeks after treatment, the clinical data of clinical remission (Crohn′s disease activity index(CDAI) score <150), clinical response (CDAI score decreased ≥ 70 from baseline), endoscopic remission (simple endoscopic score for Crohn′s disease (SES-CD) ≤ 2 or Rutgeerts score ≤ 1), endoscopic response (SES-CD decreased > 50% from baseline), and adverse drug reaction (ADR) were collected. Chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test was used for statistical analysis.Results:After 12 weeks of ADA treatment, the overall clinical remission rate was 69.9% (51/73), which of the biosimilar A group was 69.6% (16/23), the biosimilar B group was 75.0% (15/20), and the originator group was 66.7% (20/30). The overall clinical response rate was 83.6% (61/73), which of the biosimilar A group was 82.6% (19/23), the biosimilar B group was 80.0% (16/20), and the originator group was 86.7% (26/30). The overall endoscopic remission rate was 42.5% (31/73), which of the biosimilar A group was 52.2% (12/23), the biosimilar B group was 45.0% (9/20), and the originator group was 33.3% (10/30). The overall endoscopic response rate was 63.0% (46/73), which of the biosimilar A group was 73.9% (17/23), the biosimilar B group was 70.0% (14/20), and the originator group was 50.0% (15/30). And in the above data, there were no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). After 48 weeks of treatment, the overall clinical remission rate was 54.2% (32/59), which of the biosimilar A group was 8/18, the biosimilar B group was 9/15, and the originator group was 57.7% (15/26). The overall clinical response rate was 71.2% (42/59), which of the biosimilar A group was 10/18, the biosimilar B group was 12/15, and the originator group was 76.9% (20/26). The overall endoscopic remission rate was 25.4% (15/59), which of the biosimilar A group was 5/18, the biosimilar B group was 3/15, and the originator group was 26.9% (7/26). The overall endoscopic response rate was 40.7% (24/59), which of the biosimilar A group was 7/18, the biosimilar B group was 5/15, and the originator group was 46.2% (12/26). And in the above data, there were no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). The overall incidence of ADR was 32.9% (24/73), which of the biosimilar A group was 30.4% (7/23), the biosimilar B group was 30.0% (6/20), and the originator group was 36.7% (11/30); and there was no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups ( P=0.847). Conclusion:ADA biosimilars A and B demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety to the originator medication in the treatment of CD.
3.Disease burden and trends in enteric infections in China,1990-2021:a One Health perspective
Jing TAN ; Fei WANG ; Shi-pan CHEN ; Xiao-chun LI ; Hong-xin JU ; Chun-xiao YANG ; Wen-qiang YIN ; Lan-hua LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):472-479
This study analyzed the burden and trends in enteric infections in China from 1990 to 2021 from a One Health perspec-tive.Data on mortality associated with enteric infections were extracted from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease(GBD)database.The analysis focused on assessing the mortality rates of enteric infectious diseases attributed to various etiologies and risk factors,along with the age and sex distribution,from 1990 to 2021.Average annual percentage change(AAPC)was used to assess the total changes in disease burden.The age-standardized mortality rate of intestinal infections in China decreased from 9.642/100 000 in 1990 to 0.439/100 000 in 2021,with an AAPC of-57.103%(95%CI:-57.118%to-57.088%).In 2021,Rotavirus,Norovirus,and Crypto-sporidium were the top three etiologies contributing to disease burden,with mortality rates of 1.020/100 000,0.040/100 000 and 0.079/100 000,respectively.A significant variation in etiology distribution was observed across age groups:Rotavirus,Shigella,and Crypto-sporidium dominated among children under 5 years of age,whereas Cryptosporidium,Norovirus,and Clostridioides difficile were more prevalent in older populations.Risk factor analysis indicated that unsafe water sources and poor sanitation accounted for 73.394%of all enteric disease-related deaths.In conclusion,the burden of enteric infections in China markedly declined from 1990 to 2021,and sig-nificant variations in the etiological spectrum and disease burden were observed across age groups.The persistent effects of unsafe wa-ter sources and poor sanitation underscore the need for targeted interventions to further decrease the burden of these diseases.Our find-ings highlight the success of public health interventions in decreasing the burden of enteric infections in China,while emphasizing the need for targeted measures to address disparities in high-risk populations and improve environmental sanitation.
4.Nodakenin ameliorates TNBS-induced experimental colitis in mice by inhibiting pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells.
Ju HUANG ; Lixia YIN ; Minzhu NIU ; Zhijun GENG ; Lugen ZUO ; Jing LI ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):261-268
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of nodakenin for Crohn's disease (CD)-like colitis in mice.
METHODS:
Using a colonic organoid model with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and ATP-induced pyroptosis, we investigated the effects of nodakenin on pyroptosis, intestinal barrier function and inflammatory response by detecting key pyroptosis-regulating factors and assessing changes in permeability and pro-inflammatory factors. In a mouse model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis, the therapeutic effect of nodakenin was evaluated by measuring changes in body weight, DAI score, colonic histopathologies, inflammation score, intestinal barrier function and intestinal epithelial cell pyroptosis. The mechanism of nodakenin protection against pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was explored using network pharmacology analysis and in vivo and in vitro experiments.
RESULTS:
In LPS- and ATP-induced colonic organoids, treatment with nodakenin significantly inhibited the expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11, improved intestinal FITC-dextran (FD4, 4000) permeability, and decreased the levels of IL-1β and IL-18. In the mouse model of TNBS-induced colitis, nodakenin treatment significantly alleviated weight loss, reduced DAI score, inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammation score, and decreased serum FD4 and I-FABP levels and bacteria translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The mice with nodakenin treatment had also lowered expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1 and caspase-11 in the intestinal mucosa. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the inhibitory effect of nodakenin on colitis was associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway. In both the colonic organoid model and mouse models of colitis, nodakenin effectively inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the application of IGF-1, a PI3K/Akt pathway activator, strongly attenuated the protective effect of nodakenin against intestinal epithelial cell pyroptosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Nodakenin protects intestinal barrier function and alleviates CD-like colitis in mice at least partly by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling to reduce intestinal epithelial cell pyroptosis.
Animals
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid
;
Colitis/drug therapy*
;
Epithelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Intestinal Mucosa/cytology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Coumarins/pharmacology*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Crohn Disease/drug therapy*
5.Pinostrobin targets the PI3K/AKT/CCL2 axis in intestinal epithelial cells to inhibit intestinal macrophage infiltration and alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.
Keni ZHANG ; Tong QIAO ; Lin YIN ; Ju HUANG ; Zhijun GENG ; Lugen ZUO ; Jianguo HU ; Jing LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2199-2209
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanism through which pinostrobin (PSB) alleviates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.
METHODS:
C57BL/6 mice were randomized into control group, DSS model group, and PSB intervention (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) groups. Colitis severity of the mice was assessed by examining body weight changes, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathology. The expressions of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and claudin-1 in the colon tissues were examined using immunofluorescence staining, and macrophage infiltration and polarization were analyzed with flow cytometry. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used for detecting the expressions of inflammatory factors (TNF‑α and IL-6) and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL10, and CX3CL1) in the colon tissues, and PI3K/AKT phosphorylation levels were analyzed with Western blotting. In cultured Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells, the effect of PSB on CCL2-mediated macrophage migration was assessed using Transwell assay. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the key pathways that mediate the therapeutic effect of PSB.
RESULTS:
In DSS-induced mouse models, PSB at 60 mg/kg optimally alleviated colitis, shown by reduced weight loss and DAI scores and increased colon length. PSB treatment significantly upregulated ZO-1 and claudin-1 expressions in the colon tissues, inhibited colonic macrophage infiltration, and promoted the shift of macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 type. In cultured intestinal epithelial cells, PSB significantly inhibited PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and suppressed chemokine CCL2 expression. PSB treatment obviously blocked CCL2-mediated macrophage migration of RAW264.7 cells, which could be reversed by exogenous CCL2. Network pharmacology analysis and rescue experiments confirmed PI3K/AKT and CCL2 signaling as the core targets of PSB.
CONCLUSIONS
PSB alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by targeting intestinal epithelial PI3K/AKT signaling, reducing CCL2 secretion, and blocking macrophage chemotaxis and migration, highlighting the potential of PSB as a novel natural compound for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Colitis/drug therapy*
;
Dextran Sulfate
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Macrophages
;
Chemokine CCL2/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Caco-2 Cells
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Epithelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism*
6.Targeted gene silencing in mouse testicular Sertoli and Leydig cells using adeno-associated virus vectors.
Jing PANG ; Mao-Xing XU ; Xiao-Yu WANG ; Xu FENG ; Yi-Man DUAN ; Xiao-Yan ZHENG ; Yu-Qian CHEN ; Wen YIN ; Ying LIU ; Ju-Xue LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(5):627-637
Researchers commonly use cyclization recombination enzyme/locus of X-over P1 (Cre/loxP) technology-based conditional gene knockouts of model mice to investigate the functional roles of genes of interest in Sertoli and Leydig cells within the testis. However, the shortcomings of these genetic tools include high costs, lengthy experimental periods, and limited accessibility for researchers. Therefore, exploring alternative gene silencing techniques is of great practical value. In this study, we employed adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene silencing in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Our findings demonstrated that AAV serotypes 1, 8, and 9 exhibited high infection efficiency in both types of testis cells. Importantly, we discovered that all three AAV serotypes exhibited exquisite specificity in targeting Sertoli cells via tubular injection while demonstrating remarkable selectivity in targeting Leydig cells via interstitial injection. We achieved cell-specific knockouts of the steroidogenic acute regulatory ( Star ) and luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr) genes in Leydig cells, but not in Sertoli cells, using AAV9-single guide RNA (sgRNA)-mediated gene editing in Rosa26-LSL-Cas9 mice. Knockdown of androgen receptor ( Ar ) gene expression in Sertoli cells of wild-type mice was achieved via tubular injection of AAV9-short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated targeting. Our findings offer technical approaches for investigating gene function in Sertoli and Leydig cells through AAV9-mediated gene silencing.
Animals
;
Male
;
Leydig Cells/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Dependovirus/genetics*
;
Sertoli Cells/metabolism*
;
Gene Silencing
;
Genetic Vectors
;
Testis/cytology*
7.The efficacy and safety of nebulized inhalation of recombinant human interferon α1b in the treatment of pediatric respiratory syncytial viral associated lower respiratory tract infections: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase Ⅲ clinical study
Xiaohui LIU ; Baoping XU ; Yunxiao SHANG ; Han ZHANG ; Zhenkun ZHANG ; Guangyu LIN ; Ju YIN ; Aihua CUI ; Guocheng ZHANG ; Zhaoling SHI ; Liwei GAO ; Chunming JIANG ; Junmei BIAN ; Yongjian HUANG ; Rongfang ZHANG ; Xiaomei LIU ; Xiaoqing YANG ; Yu TANG ; Lili ZHONG ; Hongmei QIAO ; Chuangli HAO ; Yuqing WANG ; Qubei LI ; Ling CAO ; Yungang YANG ; Ling LU ; Rongjun LIN ; Xingzhen SUN ; Wei ZHOU ; Qiang CHEN ; Jikui DENG ; Yuejie ZHENG ; Lin ZHAO ; Tao AI ; Xiaohong LIU ; Xiaoxia LU ; Ning JIANG ; Ming LI
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(3):180-186
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulized inhalation of recombinant human interferon (IFN) α1b injection in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchiolitis) in children.Methods:A randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled add-on design was used.Children with pneumonia or bronchiolitis aged 2 months to 5 years who tested positive for RSV antigen within 72 hours of onset from 30 clinical trial sites including Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University between February 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study and randomly divided into 2 groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on a stratified-block method.Both groups received basic treatments such as cough control, asthma relieving, expectorant treatment, fever reduction, oxygen therapy, etc.The experimental group received additional nebulized inhalation of IFN α1b injection at a dose of 2.0 μg/(kg·time), twice a day.The control group received nebulized inhalation of placebo twice a day.Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on indicators such as the duration of clinical symptoms and signs, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the median and 95% CI of the duration of clinical symptoms and signs.The Log-rank test was used to compared data between groups.Safety was assessed through the incidence of adverse reactions and laboratory tests, and the Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference between groups. Results:There were 123 children in the experimental group and 122 children in the control group.The median durations of all the 5 clinical symptoms and signs [including shortness of breath, wheezing, dyspnea (visible retractions), decreased transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and abnormal mental state] in the experimental group after treatment were slightly shortened than those in the control group [2.7 d(95% CI: 1.9-3.0 d)] vs.[2.9 d(95% CI: 2.6-3.6 d), P=0.027].The improvement in dyspnea (retractions) was especially pronounced in the experimental group, with a relief rate of 50.0% (0, 100%) on the first day of administration[compared with 0 (0, 50.0%) in the control group ( Z=2.002, P=0.025)].The median duration of dyspnea in the experimental group was nearly 1 day shorter than that in the control group [1.0 d(95% CI: 0.7-1.7 d) vs.1.8 d(95% CI: 1.0-2.5 d), P=0.046].There were no significant difference in hospital stay [6.0(5.0, 8.0) d vs.6.5(5.0, 8.0) d, Z=0.675, P=0.500], oxygen therapy duration [32.0(14.0, 96.3) h vs.39.0 (24.0, 83.2) h, Z=0.094, P=0.925], the recovery rate from clinical symptoms during treatment [(105/106, 99.1%) vs.(96/101, 95.0%)], and recurrence rate [(0/106, 0) vs.(2/101, 2.0%)] between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).However, the above-mentioned four indicators in the experimental group showed a trend of clinical benefits.The quantitative virus detection results showed that the RSV viral load in both groups decreased after treatment compared to before treatment.After 2 days of treatment, the decline rate of RSV viral load from the baseline was 0.90 lg copies/(mL·d) in the experimental group and 0.25 lg copies/(mL·d)in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05).Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups ( P>0.05).Importantly, no drug-related serious adverse reactions occurred in both groups. Conclusions:The nebulized inhalation therapy of IFN α1b demonstrates efficacy and safety in treating pediatric RSV associated lower respiratory tract infections.It particularly offers outstanding clinical therapeutic value for severe children.
8.Study on synergistic promotion of ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by erastin combined with shikonin
Jian-jun WANG ; Yan-hua WANG ; Yu-ting TANG ; Jing-yi ZHANG ; Fang MA ; Xi HE ; Hui-xia YANG ; Qi-peng ZHAO ; Zhi-gang BAI ; Yin-ju HAO ; Gui-zhong LI ; Yi-deng JIANG ; Jiang-yong SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):268-276
Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50%).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P<0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P<0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P<0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P<0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.
9.Disease burden and trends in enteric infections in China,1990-2021:a One Health perspective
Jing TAN ; Fei WANG ; Shi-pan CHEN ; Xiao-chun LI ; Hong-xin JU ; Chun-xiao YANG ; Wen-qiang YIN ; Lan-hua LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):472-479
This study analyzed the burden and trends in enteric infections in China from 1990 to 2021 from a One Health perspec-tive.Data on mortality associated with enteric infections were extracted from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease(GBD)database.The analysis focused on assessing the mortality rates of enteric infectious diseases attributed to various etiologies and risk factors,along with the age and sex distribution,from 1990 to 2021.Average annual percentage change(AAPC)was used to assess the total changes in disease burden.The age-standardized mortality rate of intestinal infections in China decreased from 9.642/100 000 in 1990 to 0.439/100 000 in 2021,with an AAPC of-57.103%(95%CI:-57.118%to-57.088%).In 2021,Rotavirus,Norovirus,and Crypto-sporidium were the top three etiologies contributing to disease burden,with mortality rates of 1.020/100 000,0.040/100 000 and 0.079/100 000,respectively.A significant variation in etiology distribution was observed across age groups:Rotavirus,Shigella,and Crypto-sporidium dominated among children under 5 years of age,whereas Cryptosporidium,Norovirus,and Clostridioides difficile were more prevalent in older populations.Risk factor analysis indicated that unsafe water sources and poor sanitation accounted for 73.394%of all enteric disease-related deaths.In conclusion,the burden of enteric infections in China markedly declined from 1990 to 2021,and sig-nificant variations in the etiological spectrum and disease burden were observed across age groups.The persistent effects of unsafe wa-ter sources and poor sanitation underscore the need for targeted interventions to further decrease the burden of these diseases.Our find-ings highlight the success of public health interventions in decreasing the burden of enteric infections in China,while emphasizing the need for targeted measures to address disparities in high-risk populations and improve environmental sanitation.
10.Study on synergistic promotion of ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by erastin combined with shikonin
Jian-jun WANG ; Yan-hua WANG ; Yu-ting TANG ; Jing-yi ZHANG ; Fang MA ; Xi HE ; Hui-xia YANG ; Qi-peng ZHAO ; Zhi-gang BAI ; Yin-ju HAO ; Gui-zhong LI ; Yi-deng JIANG ; Jiang-yong SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):268-276
Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50%).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P<0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P<0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P<0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P<0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.

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