1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
4.Trimming and morphological identification of deposited tick specimens originating from 17 counties or cities in Yunnan Province
Zheng-xiang LIU ; Zong-ti SHAO ; Yu-qiong LI ; Qing-hong YUAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):204-209,225
Objective To characterize the species composition and distribution patterns of ticks in 17 counties and cities of Yunnan Province, thereby furnishing fundamental data for the prediction, prevention, and control of local tick-borne diseases. Methods Tick specimens deposited in Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention (YIEDC) collected from 17 counties or cities during 1957-2024 were thoroughly trimmed and morphological identified based on diagnostic characters. Results A total of 2 923 tick specimens were taxonomically identified and classified into 18 species within 6 genera in the Ixodidae family. Specifically, the genus Haemaphysalis comprised 6 species with 154 specimens, the genus Rhipicephalus included 3 species with 2 444 specimens, the genus Ixodes consisted of 4 species with 236 specimens, the genus Amblyomma included 3 species with 49 specimens, the genus Dermacentor contained 1 species with 12 specimens, and the genus Hyalomma included 1 species with 28 specimens. A wide range of host animals were found, including livestock, wild avian species, wild mammalian species, reptiles (including pythons), and humans. Conclusions Ticks were found on a wide array of host animals within the 17 counties and cities of Yunnan Province, demonstrating high host species diversity. Our data suggest a need to strengthen the monitoring of tick-borne diseases and provide health education for the general population in Yunnan Province.
5.Advances in Dual-response Adenosine Triphosphate Fluorescent Probes for Bioimaging
Qing-Yu XU ; Xiang LI ; Wei CAO ; Zhi-Hua PENG ; Jing-Bin ZENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1213-1225
Adenosine triphosphate(ATP),as the core energy metabolism molecule in living systems,has dynamic changes closely related to fundamental physiological processes.To meet the urgent demand for spatiotemporal ATP detection in vivo and in situ,the development of highly sensitive multifunctional synchronous sensing fluorescent probes has become a recent research focus.These dual-function probes achieve fluorescence detection of dual targets by designing recognition sites for ATP alongside biological factors or microenvironment parameters such as reactive oxygen/nitrogen/sulfur species,metal ions,and enzymes,enabling physiological/pathological state correlation analysis through bioimaging.This paper systematically reviews recent advances in fluorescent probes for the collaborative detection of ATP and key biomolecules.It specifically examines probe construction strategies based on specific molecular recognition mechanisms(e.g.,metal coordination competition,electrostatic interactions,and host-guest recognition),multi-modal optical signal transduction mechanisms(ratiometric fluorescence,fluorescence lifetime,and photodynamic therapy),and their applications in pathological models such as oxidative stress monitoring,metal homeostasis imbalance,and enzyme activity co-detection.Finally,from the perspective of molecular probe engineering,current challenges and future research directions are proposed to provide methodological support for precise analysis of ATP-related life process regulation networks.
6.Rapid Identification of Textile Fiber Composition Using Microtube Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry Combined with Random Forest Algorithm
Yu-Han SHANG ; Yue-Guang LYU ; Xian-Shuang MENG ; Qing LYU ; Xiang-Yu GUO ; Qing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1331-1341,中插93-中插95
A rapid and accurate method for textile fiber identification was developed for quality control and consumer protection.This method utilized electric soldering iron burning-mesh collision enhanced microtube plasma ionization mass spectrometry(ESIB-MC-μTP-MS)to acquire textile fiber MS data and used a random forest(RF)prediction model to identify fiber composition based on these MS data.The MC-μTP device involved in the method was a homemade low-temperature plasma ionization device constructed using cost-effective and readily available components.The system was applicable for direct analysis of small amount of textile samples without any complex sample pretreatment processes.Characteristic thermal decomposition products of different fibers were generated via soldering iron burning(350℃)in ambient atmosphere,and were subsequently analyzed by a mass spectrometer,with each analysis completed within 5 s.Raw MS data underwent noise reduction,normalization,and global binning steps to form a dataset,and its intrinsic class separability was evaluated using principal component analysis(PCA)combined with k-means clustering.Then,the RF model was trained based on the dimensionality-reduced textile fiber dataset.After grid search optimization,this model demonstrated robust performance with a 0.9762 out-of-bag score,a 0.9683 cross-validation accuracy(5-fold),and a 0.9636 test accuracy,supported by precision,recall,and F1-scores exceeding 0.889 for all fiber classes.The method was applied to analysis of 30 luxury apparel samples from eight brands,among which 20 samples achieved 100%prediction confidence,aligning with labeled compositions.The identification result of two low-confidence samples was further confirmed using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FT-IR).The method has been proven to be simple,portable and with minimal sample requirements for on-site customs inspections,providing a viable tool in the fight against counterfeit products,therefore supporting regulatory enforcement and consumer trust in the textile goods market.
7.Rapid On-site Analysis of Four Prohibited Sex Hormones in Cosmetics Using Online Derivatization Reaction and A Miniature Mass Spectrometer
Li-Li TONG ; Yan-Hong HU ; Ren-You YANG ; Yue-Guang LYU ; Yu-Han SHANG ; Qing LYU ; Qing ZHANG ; Qiang WANG ; Xiang-Yu GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1623-1630
Due to the poor ionization efficiency and the weak mass spectrometry(MS)intensity of weakly polar substances,direct analysis using the traditional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)is a big challenge.In this study,a novel rapid on-site detection method of four prohibited sex hormones in cosmetics was proposed using online derivatization strategy coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer.The target substances in the samples were extracted by a custom-made polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube solid-phase microextraction(SPME)probe.The stirring speed was 200 r/min,the extraction temperature was 40℃,and the extraction time was 2 min.A pulled dual-channel θ borosilicate glass capillary emitter was used as the nano-ESI ion source.The SPME probe was inserted into the channel containing methanol in theθborosilicate glass capillary.When the spray voltage was applied,the four sex hormones were desorbed and formed spray microdroplets,which then collided with the hydroxylamine microdroplets generated from the other channel.The microdroplets of reaction product entered into the miniature mass spectrometer for direct analysis.The limits of detection(LOD)and limits of quantification(LOQ)for the four sex hormones were 10-20 ng/mL and 20-50 ng/mL,respectively.The recoveries were from 84.6%to 107.8%with the relative standard deviations(RSD)from 4.1%to 11.6%.Compared to detection without derivatization,the MS signals of the four target substances were increased by 3 to 15 times.This method was simple,rapid,highly efficient and sensitive,and suitable for on-site rapid analysis of weakly polar sex hormones in cosmetics.
8.International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025).
Sheng-Sheng ZHANG ; Lu-Qing ZHAO ; Xiao-Hua HOU ; Zhao-Xiang BIAN ; Jian-Hua ZHENG ; Hai-He TIAN ; Guan-Hu YANG ; Won-Sook HONG ; Yu-Ying HE ; Li LIU ; Hong SHEN ; Yan-Ping LI ; Sheng XIE ; Jin SHU ; Bin-Fang ZENG ; Jun-Xiang LI ; Zhen LIU ; Zheng-Hua XIAO ; Jing-Dong XIAO ; Pei-Yong ZHENG ; Shao-Gang HUANG ; Sheng-Liang CHEN ; Gui-Jun FEI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):502-518
Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
9.Associations between Red Cell Indices and Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in High Altitude.
Hao Lun SUN ; Tai Ming ZHANG ; Dong Yu FAN ; Hao Xiang WANG ; Lu Ran XU ; Qing DU ; Jun LIANG ; Li ZHU ; Xu WANG ; Li LEI ; Xiao Shu LI ; Wang Sheng JIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1314-1319
10.Establishement and ethical optimization of rat oral mucosa ulcer model
Xiang LI ; Kaiyan WANG ; Weiwei YU ; Xinyi HAO ; Ling LI ; Jianhong DUAN ; Bin FENG ; Qing LIU ; Lingyun XIA ; Lina NIU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):26-33
Objective:To develop rat models of oral mucosa ulcer using distinct experimental methodologies,fulfilling research requirements and adhering to the ethical standards for animal care.Methods:96 SD rats were randomly allocated into groups.The rats in control group(n=8)were regularly fed without other treatment.Those in chemical cauterization groups were treated by 20%,40%,60%of glacial acetic acid(GAA)on oral mucosa(n=8);in mechanical damage groups by 30 000 r/min high speed drill induced trauma of 10,20 and 30 mm2 respectively(n=8);in ionizing radiation groups were treated with 10,12,15,20 and 30 Gy on the mucosa respectively(n=8).After the ulcer was appeared,the morphology of the mucosa were observed,the mucosal tissue lesions were examined by HE,Masson and immunofluorescence staining,the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by qPCR and ELISA respectively,and the body conditions such as diet and body weight of the rats were observed,the pain,dis-tress and discomfor of the rats were evaluated by MORTON&Griffits Guidelines.Results:40%and 60%GAA,20 mm2 and 30 mm2 friction damage and ionizing radiation of 12 Gy or greater may induce oral mucosa ulcer with a diseas coruse of 6-7 d in SD rats.TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression in the damaged tissue,the related protein expression in blood serum of the rats were in-creased.MORTON&Griffits Guidelines analysis showed 40%GAA,20 mm2 friction damage and 12 Gy ionizing radiation induced the lowest scores of pain,distress and discomfort of the rats with compatible oral mocosa ulcere induced by the relevat treatment.Conclusion:40%GAA,20 mm2 of friction damage and 12 Gy of ionizing radiation can reliably establish oral mucosa ulcer models and minimize adverse effects on SD rats,and accord with ethical standards of 3R for laboratory animal.


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