1.The Dual Role and Clinical Potential of Core Fucosylation in Liver Diseases
Zi-Han LEI ; Hui-Min XU ; De-Zhi ZHAO ; Yong-Hong GUO ; Hao-Qi DU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2161-2178
Core fucosylation, catalyzed exclusively by fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification that has emerged as a central regulatory hub linking liver homeostasis, chronic disease progression, and malignant transformation. Liver diseases, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, remain a leading global health burden characterized by late diagnosis, limited therapeutic options, and poor overall survival. While aberrant glycosylation is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer and inflammatory disorders, existing research on FUT8-mediated core fucosylation in liver diseases remains fragmented: the dynamic functional switch of FUT8 from a homeostatic regulator to a pathological driver across the full disease continuum has not been systematically delineated, and the integrated mechanisms by which core fucosylation modulates oncogenic signaling, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion remain poorly understood. This review synthesizes recent advances to establish a unified framework for understanding the dual role of core fucosylation in liver physiology and pathology, and evaluates its translational potential for precision medicine. At the molecular level, FUT8’s unique catalytic specificity makes core fucosylation an irreplaceable modification, as evidenced by the perinatal lethality and severe organ dysfunction in Fut8 knockout mice. In hepatocellular carcinoma, genomic amplification of guanosine 5'-diphosphate-fucose biosynthetic enzymes provides metabolic support for aberrant core fucosylation. FUT8 expression is tightly regulated by a multi-layered network: transcriptional activation via Wnt/β‑catenin and wild-type p53, epigenetic upregulation by lncRNAs, post-transcriptional repression by miR-122-5p and miR-34a, and virus-specific induction by hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus. Physiologically, core fucosylation maintains liver homeostasis through four core mechanisms: it acts as a molecular switch for epidermal growth factor receptor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling to enable liver regeneration; directs polarized secretion of hepatocyte-derived glycoproteins into bile ducts; modulates cholesterol metabolism via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis; and regulates aging through insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor signaling. Pathologically, core fucosylation exhibits context-dependent dual functions: in liver fibrosis, FUT8 upregulation in hepatic stellate cells forms a negative feedback loop that limits excessive fibrogenesis; in hepatocellular carcinoma, however, aberrant FUT8 overexpression drives cell-autonomous malignancy by constitutively activating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor‑β/Smad, and Wnt/β‑catenin pathways, while simultaneously establishing a multi-layered immune evasion network by stabilizing programmed cell death ligand 1 and cluster of differentiation 47, and impairing natural killer cell homeostasis via interleukin‑2 receptor β glycosylation. Clinically, stage-specific core fucosylation biomarkers enable non-invasive monitoring of liver disease progression: low molecular mass kringle-Fc fusion protein outperforms conventional markers for early fibrosis detection, while alpha-fetoprotein-L3 and novel glycopeptides (α‑2‑macroglobulin N‑linked glycosylation site 1424, lumican core fucosylated peptide) significantly improve early hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, especially in alpha-fetoprotein-negative patients. Next-generation detection technologies (chemoenzymatic labeling, site-specific mass spectrometry) overcome the specificity limitations of traditional lectin assays. Therapeutically, four promising strategies are emerging: small-molecule FUT8 inhibitors, afucosylated antibodies with enhanced antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity, Fuc-modified targeted drug delivery systems, and core fucose-specific lectins for NASH treatment. The core challenge for clinical translation lies in FUT8’s inherent “double-edged sword” effect, as systemic inhibition disrupts its essential physiological functions beyond pathological roles. Long-term systemic FUT8 blockade not only impairs post-injury liver regeneration by abrogating epidermal growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling but also disrupts cholesterol homeostasis via the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-low density lipoprotein receptor axis, leading to dyslipidemia and altered bile secretion. Critically, it compromises immune surveillance by destabilizing interleukin‑2 receptor β on natural killer cells, reducing their cytotoxic activity against malignant and virally infected cells, and impairs IgG Fc-mediated effector functions, increasing susceptibility to infections. This fundamental trade-off between therapeutic efficacy and systemic toxicity necessitates a paradigm shift from non-specific global inhibition to precision modulation of pathological core fucosylation. By addressing these critical challenges, FUT8-mediated core fucosylation has the potential to transform liver disease management from late-stage intervention to early detection and precision therapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of liver diseases.
2.Analysis of the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique in the treatment of varicocele
Junlong ZHU ; Changjing XU ; Tongjie XU ; Hao CHEN ; Weidan LUO ; Lei ZHANG ; Xiaolei SUN ; Yong LIU ; Huqiang HE
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(6):1030-1032,1065
Objective To analyze the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique for treating varicocele(VC).Methods A total of 310 patients with VC(365 affected veins)were selected and divided into interventional treatment group and non-interventional treatment group.The baseline data,hospitalization data,and 6-month follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed.Results The age of patients in the interventional treatment group was significantly lower than that in the non-interventional treatment group(P<0.05).The surgical time and hospital stay in the interventional treatment group were significantly lower than those in the non-interventional treatment group(P<0.05).In the non-interventional treatment group,two patients experienced surgical site infections,and one patient opted for interventional treatment due to recurrence after non-interventional treatment.After surgery,the diameter of the spermatic vein significantly decreased in both the interventional and non-interventional treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion The"sandwich"technique(embolization coil combined with foam sclerotherapy)is an effective treatment for VC.
3.Spatial-temporal Dynamics of Tuberculosis and Its Association with Meteorological Factors and Air Pollution in Shaanxi Province, China.
Heng Liang LYU ; Xi Hao LIU ; Hui CHEN ; Xue Li ZHANG ; Feng LIU ; Zi Tong ZHENG ; Hong Wei ZHANG ; Yuan Yong XU ; Wen Yi ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):867-872
4.Research on the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and the calcification mechanism in human aortic smooth muscle cells induced by DPP4
Tongjie XU ; Weidan LUO ; Hao CHEN ; Junlong ZHU ; Hao YU ; Huqiang HE ; Yong LIU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):844-854
Objective:To investigate the differential expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs) and messenger RNAs(mRNAs) regulated by soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4(sDPP4) during vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, and to explore the potential underlying calcification mechanisms.Methods:DPP4 levels in blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients were measured using Western blotting(WB) and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). A cellular calcification model was established by treating human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(HASMCs) with sDPP4. The effects of sDPP4 on HASMCs were assessed by WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and calcium content determination. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and mRNA following sDPP4 treatment. Among them, LncRNA ENST00000540293, which exhibited the most pronounced downregulation and was located adjacent to the matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) gene, was selected for further investigation. The osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs after silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 was evaluated using WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence-based cytoskeletal staining.Results:DPP4 expression was significantly elevated in both blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients. sDPP4 stimulation upregulated the protein levels of osteopontin(OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) in HASMCs, enhanced alizarin red staining, and increased intracellular calcium deposition. RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LncRNA ENST00000540293 following sDPP4 exposure, while GO and pathway analysis indicated a marked increase in extracellular matrix binding activity(GO: 0050840). Silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 suppressed α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, promoted OPN and RUNX2 expression, increased calcification as shown by positive alizarin red staining, and cytoskeletal staining demonstrated osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, accompanied by a significant rise in MMP-1 protein level.Conclusion:sDPP4 promotes osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, potentially by downregulating LncRNA ENST00000540293. MMP-1 may be a potential target regulated by LncRNA ENST00000540293.
5.Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults (version 2025)
Zhengwei XU ; Liming CHENG ; Qixin CHEN ; Jian DONG ; Shunwu FAN ; Zhong FANG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haoyu FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Weimin JIANG ; Dianming JIANG ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Yuan HE ; Bo LI ; Jianjun LI ; Feng LI ; Li LI ; Weishi LI ; Chunde LI ; Qi LIAO ; Baoge LIU ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Yong LIU ; Xuhua LU ; Shibao LU ; Bin LIN ; Wei MEI ; Chao MA ; Renfu QUAN ; Limin RONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honghui SUN ; Yuemin SONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Tiansheng SUN ; Jiwei TIAN ; Qiang WANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Liang YAN ; Guoyong YIN ; Jie ZHAO ; Yue ZHU ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Rongqiang ZHANG ; Dingjun HAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):19-32
Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.
6.Research on the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and the calcification mechanism in human aortic smooth muscle cells induced by DPP4
Tongjie XU ; Weidan LUO ; Hao CHEN ; Junlong ZHU ; Hao YU ; Huqiang HE ; Yong LIU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):844-854
Objective:To investigate the differential expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs) and messenger RNAs(mRNAs) regulated by soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4(sDPP4) during vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, and to explore the potential underlying calcification mechanisms.Methods:DPP4 levels in blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients were measured using Western blotting(WB) and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). A cellular calcification model was established by treating human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(HASMCs) with sDPP4. The effects of sDPP4 on HASMCs were assessed by WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and calcium content determination. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and mRNA following sDPP4 treatment. Among them, LncRNA ENST00000540293, which exhibited the most pronounced downregulation and was located adjacent to the matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) gene, was selected for further investigation. The osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs after silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 was evaluated using WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence-based cytoskeletal staining.Results:DPP4 expression was significantly elevated in both blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients. sDPP4 stimulation upregulated the protein levels of osteopontin(OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) in HASMCs, enhanced alizarin red staining, and increased intracellular calcium deposition. RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LncRNA ENST00000540293 following sDPP4 exposure, while GO and pathway analysis indicated a marked increase in extracellular matrix binding activity(GO: 0050840). Silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 suppressed α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, promoted OPN and RUNX2 expression, increased calcification as shown by positive alizarin red staining, and cytoskeletal staining demonstrated osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, accompanied by a significant rise in MMP-1 protein level.Conclusion:sDPP4 promotes osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, potentially by downregulating LncRNA ENST00000540293. MMP-1 may be a potential target regulated by LncRNA ENST00000540293.
7.Analysis of the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique in the treatment of varicocele
Junlong ZHU ; Changjing XU ; Tongjie XU ; Hao CHEN ; Weidan LUO ; Lei ZHANG ; Xiaolei SUN ; Yong LIU ; Huqiang HE
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(6):1030-1032,1065
Objective To analyze the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique for treating varicocele(VC).Methods A total of 310 patients with VC(365 affected veins)were selected and divided into interventional treatment group and non-interventional treatment group.The baseline data,hospitalization data,and 6-month follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed.Results The age of patients in the interventional treatment group was significantly lower than that in the non-interventional treatment group(P<0.05).The surgical time and hospital stay in the interventional treatment group were significantly lower than those in the non-interventional treatment group(P<0.05).In the non-interventional treatment group,two patients experienced surgical site infections,and one patient opted for interventional treatment due to recurrence after non-interventional treatment.After surgery,the diameter of the spermatic vein significantly decreased in both the interventional and non-interventional treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion The"sandwich"technique(embolization coil combined with foam sclerotherapy)is an effective treatment for VC.
8.Percutaneous transvalvular left-ventricular assist system for high-risk complex coronary intervention:perioperative nursing experience
Yong-hao LU ; Bing-chen XU ; Yu-hao LI ; Chang-lin WEI ; Li ZHU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):862-867
Objective To summarize the perioperative nursing experience for patients undergoing high-risk complex percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with the support of the percutaneous transvalvular left-ventricular assist system(SynFlow 3.0),and to explore the role of nursing interventions in improving procedural success and promoting patient recovery.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 26 patients who underwent SynFlow 3.0-assisted high-risk complex PCI in Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University between Aug 2022 and Jul 2024.Stage-specific comprehensive nursing interventions were implemented throughout the perioperative period:Preoperatively,personalized nutritional support and cardiac function optimization were provided for patients with nutritional risk(NRS≥3),hypoalbuminemia(Alb<30 g/L),or an early warning score≥4.Intraoperatively,the SynFlow 3.0 operational procedures were standardized,with reinforcement of aseptic techniques and hemodynamic monitoring.Postoperatively,patients were transferred to the ICU for continuous monitoring of circulatory parameters(blood pressure,central venous pressure,urine output,etc.)and hemolysis-related indicators,alongside active prevention of vascular complications,vagal reflex,and thrombotic events.Results The procedural success rate was 100%in all 26 patients,with no severe complications occurring.Nursing interventions effectively maintained an intraoperative mean arterial pressure≥60 mmHg.Postoperative circulatory parameters remained stable(systolic blood pressure 90-130 mmHg,urine output>50 mL/h),and no thrombotic or hemolytic events were reported.The left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 32.44%±4.46%preoperatively to 38.55%±5.42%at 30 days postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(t=16.065,P<0.001).Conclusion The implementation of a full-process comprehensive nursing strategy for patients undergoing SynFlow 3.0-assisted high-risk complex PCI effectively stabilizes perioperative hemodynamics,reduces the risk of complications,ensures procedural safety,and promotes cardiac function recovery.
9.Research progress of microfibril-associated protein 2 in malignant tumors
Zhijie DING ; Weiming YANG ; Yong YAN ; Miaokang XU ; Minglong HUANG ; Hao WANG ; Yongping ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(7):557-560
Microfibrino-associated protein (MFAP) 2 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein and a member of the MFAP family. It participates in the assembly of extracellular elastic microfibers.Upregulation of MFAP2 can promote the occurrence and development of various tumors and regulate multiple cancer-related signaling pathways and is related to their prognosis, making it a potential target for tumor treatment. This article summarizes the research progress on the pathogenesis, targeted therapy and prognosis of MFAP2 in malignant tumors.
10.Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults (version 2025)
Zhengwei XU ; Liming CHENG ; Qixin CHEN ; Jian DONG ; Shunwu FAN ; Zhong FANG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haoyu FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Weimin JIANG ; Dianming JIANG ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Yuan HE ; Bo LI ; Jianjun LI ; Feng LI ; Li LI ; Weishi LI ; Chunde LI ; Qi LIAO ; Baoge LIU ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Yong LIU ; Xuhua LU ; Shibao LU ; Bin LIN ; Wei MEI ; Chao MA ; Renfu QUAN ; Limin RONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honghui SUN ; Yuemin SONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Tiansheng SUN ; Jiwei TIAN ; Qiang WANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Liang YAN ; Guoyong YIN ; Jie ZHAO ; Yue ZHU ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Rongqiang ZHANG ; Dingjun HAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):19-32
Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

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