1.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
2.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
3.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
4.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
5.PU.1 regulation of type 1 dendritic cell function via NF-κB pathway in inhibition of non-small cell lung cancer progression.
Tingting WANG ; Yishuo LI ; Qiongyu DUAN ; Chunlei WANG ; Yixian WANG ; Tianyu HU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):101154-101154
This research investigates the regulatory role of the transcription factor PU.1 in type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) and its therapeutic potential of modulating the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) cells signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Utilizing single-cell transcriptome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics tools, including the CIBERSORT algorithm, we analyzed the immune cell landscape within NSCLC tissues. Our analysis revealed distinct NSCLC subtypes and delineated the developmental trajectories and functional distinctions of cDC1 cells. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pivotal functional modules within these cells were identified, highlighting PU.1 as a critical mediator underexpressed in NSCLC samples. Functionally, PU.1 demonstrated the induction of the NF-κB pathway, which led to inhibited tumor proliferation and enhanced activation of cDC1, thereby suggesting its role in tumor immune surveillance. In vivo models confirmed the suppressive effect of PU.1 on NSCLC progression, mediated through its influence on cDC1 functionality via the NF-κB pathway. These findings propose PU.1 as a promising target for NSCLC therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of transcriptional regulators in the tumor microenvironment.
6.Research progress on early screening methods for occupational noise-induced hearing loss
Aihua LI ; Wenyan YU ; Hongyan YANG ; Weihong CAI ; Rui ZHANG ; Haijiang FENG ; Huaiying TAO ; Yixian MA ; Yan YE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1400-1404
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss that severely endangers workers’ health, making early screening crucial. This article reviewed the research progress on early screening methods for occupational NIHL, introduced the testing mechanisms of three core screening methods—tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry —and summarized their clinical application advantages and limitations. It is proposed that multimodal combined detection (e.g., the combination of tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry) can significantly improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of early screening. Meanwhile, future studies with prospective cohort design are encouraged to verify the long-term monitoring value of each method and to strengthen the joint development of screening technologies with cutting-edge approaches such as machine learning, in order to further improve screening efficiency and provide stronger protection for workers’ hearing health.
7.The effect of the AIM2 inflammasome in noise-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats
Kangyong WU ; Yixian REN ; Yanmei RUAN ; Jialuo MA ; Caixia LI ; Zhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(5):332-339
Objective:To explore the effect of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) -mediated neuroinflammation in noise-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats.Methods:In April 2023, sixteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and noise group, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in the noise group were placed in 50 cm×50 cm×40 cm transparent boxes and exposed to 100 dB (A) white noise with a sound pressure level of 100 dB (A) (4 h/d for 30 d) . At the same time, rats in the control group were kept in similar boxes with environmental noise less than 60 dB (A) . After 30 days of noise exposure, the Morris water maze experiment was applied to test the learning and memory abilities of the rats; the pathological morphology of hippocampal tissues was observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of AIM2, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) , apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) , interleukin-1β (IL-1β) , IL-18, ionic calcium-binding articulation molecule-1 (Iba-1) , and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) . The expression of both Iba-1 and GFAP in hippocampal tissue was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The co-localization of AIM2 with Iba-1 or GFAP was determined by immunofluorescence double staining.Results:Compared with the control group, the escape latency of rats in the noise group was increased by 16.29 s, 17.71 s, and 20.26 s on days 3, 4, and 5, respectively. On day 6, the noise-exposed rats spent shorter time in the target quadrant and had fewer times in crossing the platform[ (7.25±2.27) s and (1.13±0.64) times] than the control group[ (15.64±3.99) s and (4.25±2.12) times] ( P<0.05) . After noise exposure, hippocampal neurons of rats displayed marked nuclear hyperchromatic and pyknosis phenomenon. The noise-exposed rats had higher numbers of both microglia and astrocytes (27.00±2.65 and 43.33±5.51) in the DG area of the hippocampus relative to the control group (14.67±3.06 and 20.00±4.58) ( P<0.05) . Moreover, the glial cells in the noise group had larger cell cytosol with more and thicker branches. The protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines Cleaved-IL-1β and Cleaved-IL-18 in the hippocampus of rats in the noise group (1.55±0.19 and 1.74±0.12) were significantly higher than the control group (1.00±0.11 and 1.00±0.13) ( P<0.05) . After noise exposure, the protein expression levels of AIM2, Cleaved-Caspase-1 and ASC (1.19±0.09, 1.34±0.07 and 1.14±0.01) were higher than the control group (1.00±0.07, 1.00±0.14 and 1.00±0.06) and differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . A significant increase in the number of cells co-localizing AIM2 with Iba-1 or GFAP in the noise group (28.67±4.04 and 40.67±5.13) compared with the control group (15.67±4.04 and 17.67±3.79) , and statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Noise exposure may activate the AIM2 inflammasome in hippocampal glial cells of rats, releasing excessive inflammatory cytokines and causing neuroinflammation that damages neurons.
8.Construction of postoperative prognostic model for primary liver cancer based on SMOTE and machine learning
Bi PAN ; Jinghua YU ; Yixian HUANG ; Yazhou WU ; Fang LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(19):2236-2240
Objective To construct a prognosis prediction model of primary liver cancer after surgical treatment based on synthetic minority over-sampling technique(SMOTE)algorithm and machine learning model.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 4 297 patients with primary liver cancer from the surveillance,epidemiology,and end results(SEER)database.One-Hot Encoding and Multiple Imputation were used to preprocess the collect data,and SMOTE algorithm was employed to solve the imbalance of data categories.The obtained clinical variables were included in the machine learning model.Based on decision tree(DT),random forest(RF),gradient boosting decision tree(GBDT)and eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost),a prognostic prediction model(SMOTE+DT/RF/GBDT/XGBoost)was build,and then the best prediction model was determined by comparing the performance of various models.Finally,a prognostic analysis system for primary liver cancer was developed based on the optimal model,which was then visualized.Results The combination model SMOTE+RF showed the best predictive performance,with higher area under the curve(0.895),accuracy(0.811)and precision(0.806)than those of other models in receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)analysis.Conclusion The SMOTE+RF prognostic prediction model can effectively predict the survival outcome of patients with primary liver cancer.
9.Application status and development trend of virtual clinical trials
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(02):216-222
Virtual clinical trials are clinical trials conducted through computer simulation technology, which breaks through the limitations of traditional clinical trials and has the advantages of saving time, reducing costs, and reducing the risk of human trials. With the application of new computer technologies such as population pharmacokinetics, physiologically-based pharmacokinetics, quantitative systems pharmacology, and artificial intelligence, the field of virtual clinical trials in healthcare has become an important development direction. This article will give a preliminary review of the connotation, methods and future development trends of virtual clinical trials, aiming to provide reference for the application of new technologies and methods in clinical trials.
10.Research progress on cognitive dysfunction induced by occupational noise and combined exposure to heavy metals
Caixia LI ; Kangyong WU ; Yixian REN ; Bin LIN ; Jinwei ZHANG ; Zhi WANG ; Jiabin LIANG
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(2):172-176
Exposure to occupational noise and heavy metals are common occupational hazards in workplaces. Occupational noise exposure not only leads to noise-induced hearing loss but also cognitive dysfunction. Exposure to common heavy metals such as lead, manganese, and cadmium during work is closely related to cognitive dysfunction in workers. Combined exposure to noise and heavy metals is common in workplaces. However, current research on the combined effects of exposure to occupational noise with lead or manganese on workers' cognitive function is not comprehensive or systematic. The method for cognitive dysfunction identification varies, leading to a lack of comparability. And the causality between occupational exposure and cognitive dysfunction in workers has not been clarified. Therefore, studying the cognitive dysfunction due to combined exposure to noise and common heavy metals is of great significance for workers' occupational health. In the future, it is necessary to unify the method for cognitive dysfunction identification and conduct systematic and comprehensive research on the effects, mechanisms, and combined effects of exposure to occupational noise with lead, manganese, cadmium, and other heavy metals on workers' cognitive dysfunction, to ensure the occupational health rights and interests of workers.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail