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.Investigating Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Zhengqi Prescription on Cancer-related Fatigue by UPLC-MS and Network Pharmacology
Jianghan YU ; Yiying ZHAO ; Mingsai CHENG ; Yi LU ; Bingxia ZHOU ; Mingxia WU ; Ziying WANG ; Liang CAO ; Yingbo YANG ; Zhenzhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):180-188
ObjectiveTo characterize the systemically absorbed components of Zhengqi prescription (ZQP) and investigate its therapeutic effects and mechanisms against cancer-related fatigue (CRF) through an integrated approach of network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsThe systemically absorbed components of ZQP were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential targets and signaling pathways involved in the anti-CRF effects of ZQP. A mouse model of paclitaxel-induced CRF, mimicking breast cancer-related fatigue, was established. Mice were administered different doses of ZQP extract. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on fatigue-related indicators, behavioral test results, and energy metabolism parameters. Western blot analysis was conducted to validate the regulation of core signaling pathways. ResultsA total of 48 systemically absorbed components were identified. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 124 intersecting targets (including Akt1) and implicated signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase (PI3K/Akt). Pharmacodynamic studies with the established CRF model demonstrated that ZQP alleviated fatigue symptoms. Specifically, ZQP-treated mice exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.05), prolonged struggling time in the tail suspension test, and enhanced movement duration and distance in the open field test (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, ZQP treatment decreased serum lactate and blood urea nitrogen levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased liver and muscle glycogen content (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated the expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-PI3K in the gastrocnemius muscle (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZQP exerts significant therapeutic effects on paclitaxel-induced breast cancer-related fatigue by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, this study provides a preliminary foundation for subsequent quality control of the formula and further investigation into its mechanism against CRF.
3.The epidemiologic characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts, Shanghai
Dun-jia WANG ; Xiao-lu HE ; Tian-tian ZHANG ; Tang WANG ; Zhao-peng DONG ; Can-lei SONG ; Shi-ji TAO ; Zheng-xing HOU ; Yu-ping CHENG ; Yi-bin ZHOU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):173-179
Objective The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence patterns and epidemiological characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the Minhang and Jinshan districts of Shanghai, and provide evidence-based information for optimizing prevention and control measures. Methods We collected information from epidemic reports and epidemiological investigation forms for cases of parasitic and vector-borne diseases from 2005 to 2024 in Shanghai's Minhang and Jinshan districts. Descriptive epidemiological method were adopted to conduct a comparative analysis of incidence trends, epidemic characteristics, and infection sources. Results A total of 229 cases in 7 categories were reported between 2005 and 2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.36/100 000. The average annual incidence rate in Minhang District was significantly higher than that in Jinshan District. The most prevalent diseases were malaria and dengue fever, followed by Japanese encephalitis. Monthly case reports were available, predominantly from June to October, with a peak in July-August. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two districts in case distribution during June-October (P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was found for July-August (P=0.331). The majority of cases were young men (111/229,48.47%), aged 20-39 years. Migrant workers/farmers constituted the largest occupational group (55/229, 24.02%). Registered residents of other provinces and cities (147/229,64.19%), and the main source of infection was overseas importation (112/229,48.91%). There were no statistically significant differences in gender and household-registration composition between the two districts (P>0.05). Significant differences existed in age, occupation, and source of infection (P<0.05). The imported diseases were malaria and dengue fever, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the primary source locations. Malaria was the predominant disease imported from other provinces and cities, with cases having been imported from abroad since 2012. Local infections were mainly Japanese encephalitis, followed by malaria (with the last local case reported in 2010). Cases between 2005 and 2009 were predominantly imported from other provinces and cities. The proportion of cases imported from abroad increased sharply after 2010, particularly in Minhang District. Local infections sometimes arise in Jinshan District, with Japanese encephalitis serving as the primary type. Conclusions Incidence rates of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts have generally remained low. To further reduce this disease burden, it will be necessary to strengthen joint measures for prevention and control, eliminate the environmental risk factors of vector organisms, enhance monitoring and precise control of the environment and inbound personnel to prevent the occurrence and transmission of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
4.Effect of Folic Acid-modified Crebanine Polyethylene Glycol-polylactic Acid Hydroxyacetic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles Combined with Ultrasonic Irradiation on Subcutaneous Tumor Growth of Liver Cancer in Mice
Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Hailiang ZHANG ; Kun YU ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):217-225
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of folic acid-modified crebanine polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid hydroxyacetic acid copolymer(PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles(FA-Cre@PEG-PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as NPs) combined with ultrasonic irradiation on subcutaneous tumor of liver cancer in Kunming(KM) mice. MethodsEighty-four healthy male KM mice were utilized to establish a subcutaneous tumor model of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma with H22 cells, then mice were randomly divided into model group, placebo group, hydroxycamptothecin group(8 mg∙kg-1), low, medium and high dose crebanine raw material groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose crebanine groups, respectively), low, medium and high dose NPs groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1), and low, medium and high dose NPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose combination groups, respectively). The corresponding doses of drugs were administered via tail vein injection, the model group received no treatment, while the placebo group was injected with an equivalent amount of normal saline. Dosing was conducted for a total of 10 times on alternate days. The body mass of the mice was monitored, and parameters such as body mass change rate, thymus index, spleen index, tumor volume, tumor weight, relative tumor growth rate(T/C), and tumor inhibition rate(TGI) were calculated. Pathological changes in liver and kidney tissues as well as the tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Additionally, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(CREA) in serum of mice were detected by biochemical method. Furthermore, the effect of ultrasound on the distribution of NPs in subcutaneous tumors of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma was observed by in vivo imaging technique. ResultsAmong different treatment methods, the combination of NPs and ultrasound irradiation had the best therapeutic effect. Compared with the model group, the body mass growth rates of mice in the medium and high combination groups decreased, while the thymus index and spleen index increased, but there was no statistically significant difference in serum AST, ALT, BUN and CREA levels, indicating that NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation had little effect on the normal physiological state of the body, oth groups had TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating a clear anti-tumor effect. Pathological analysis showed that compared with the NPs groups, the combination groups exhibited varying degrees of necrosis in tumor cells, accompanied by less damage to the liver and kidneys. In vivo imaging of small animals showed that compared with the high dose NPs group, the high dose combination group had stronger tumor targeting ability(P<0.01). ConclusionNPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation can not only effectively targeted the drug to the tumor site, inhibit the subcutaneous tumor growth of mouse liver cancer, but also decrease damage to liver and kidney tissues.
5.Establishment of amachine learning-based precision recruitment method at the county level
Xiaoyan FU ; Zihan ZHANG ; Fang ZHAO ; Chunlan ZHOU ; Wenbiao LIANG ; Cheng YU ; Yingzhi YAN ; Wei SI ; Weibin TAN ; Hui XUE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1752-1758
Objective: To establish a machine learning-based precision blood donor recruitment model at the county level and assess its generalizability and applicability. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using blood donation and SMS recruitment data from the Taicang Branch of the Suzhou Blood Center between 2019 and 2024. Multiple machine learning algorithms were employed, including extreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and multilayer perceptron. These were combined with techniques such as synthetic minority oversampling, undersampling, and cost-sensitive learning (using MFE and MSFE loss functions). Model parameters were optimized through grid search to identify the best-performing model. Results: In a prospective comparative study against conventional methods, the machine learning models increased the recruitment success rate among high-willingness donors by an average of 129.15%, and the recruitment efficiency per SMS improved by 125.02% compared with the traditional method. Under full-scale SMS sending, the recruitment rate per SMS increased by 42.61%, and SMS sending efficiency improved by 31.77%, significantly enhancing recruitment performance. Conclusion: This study represents the first application of a machine learning-based precision donor recruitment model at the county-level in China. The precise recruitment framework not only improves recruitment efficiency and reduces recruitment costs but also demonstrates strong scalability and generalizability. It provides a scientific and feasible intelligent pathway to ensure the safety and sustainability of the blood supply.
6.Effect of staged nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise in preoperative prehabilitation for patients with enterocutaneous fistula
Shan-Shan YU ; Lan DING ; Hong-Lin YAO ; Min-Yi ZHOU ; Xue-Cheng ZHAO ; Yun-Li MA ; Yang YANG
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(5):298-303
Objective:To evaluate the application of a two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise in the preoperative prehabilitation of patients with high-output intestinal fistula(HIF).Methods:A total of 164 HIF patients scheduled for definitive fistula resection in the Department of General Surgery,Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from March 2023 to March 2025 were prospectively enrolled.They were randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention group at a 1:1 ratio,with 82 patients in each group.The control group received conventional nutritional support and basic functional exercise,while the intervention group underwent a two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with graded functional exercise.Nutritional indicators,inflammatory markers,functional status,and postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups at 28 days before surgery,1 day before surgery,and 1,3,and 7 days after surgery.Results:On the day before surgery,the nutritional indicators in the intervention group,including albumin[(36.8±4.1)g/L],prealbumin[(213.5±42.1)mg/L],and total protein[(69.3±6.1)g/L],were all significantly higher than those in the control group[albumin(33.1±3.9)g/L,prealbumin(163.2±37.6)mg/L,total protein(63.7±5.9)g/L],with P<0.001.The energy compliance rates on the 21st day before surgery and the day before surgery in the intervention group(85.2%,92.8%)were significantly higher than those in the control group(62.5%,72.4%),with P<0.001.The 6-minute walk distance(6MWD)in the intervention group on the day before surgery and on the 7th day after surgery[(385.1±55.2)m,(346.3±48.4)m]was significantly greater than that in the control group[(315.3±60.7)m,(298.3±51.1)m],with P<0.001.On the 1st day after surgery,the inflammatory markers in the intervention group[CRP(98.7±35.2)mg/L,IL-6(45.3±12.5)pg/mL,PCT(1.2±0.5)ng/mL]were all significantly lower than those in the control group[CRP(152.4±48.6)mg/L,IL-6(89.6±25.4)pg/mL,PCT(2.8±0.9)ng/mL],with P<0.001.Additionally,the time to first ambulation after surgery[(16.8±4.2)h],time to first flatus[(52.4±14.5)h],and ICU stay duration[(3.1±1.6)d]in the intervention group were all significantly shorter than those in the control group,with P<0.001 Conclusion:The two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise significantly improves the attainment of nutritional targets,suppresses systemic inflammatory response,enhances muscle reserve and exercise tolerance,and effectively shortens the postoperative recovery period in HIF patients.These findings support the use of this combined approach as a targeted and feasible model for preoperative prehabilitation,demonstrating substantial clinical application value.
7.Recent Advances of Carbon Dots in Chemiluminescence
Yu-Jie XIAO ; Xuan TAN ; Yue ZHAO ; Ke CHENG ; Xue ZHANG ; Xian YANG ; Hong ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):27-37
Chemiluminescence,as a self-luminous phenomenon that does not require light,heat,acoustic,electric and magnetic excitation,has been widely used in the fields of analytical chemistry,cold light source and bio-imaging because of its advantages including high sensitivity,wide linear range,simple equipment and fast detection speed compared with other analytical techniques.Carbon dots(CDs)are a class of nanomaterials with excellent photoluminescence properties and high biocompatibility.CDs are stable,easy to prepare and abundant in types,and researchers have introduced many types of CDs into different chemiluminescence systems.In this paper,the applications of CDs in common chemiluminescence systems and the possible mechanisms of action were discussed,and the research progresses on the application of CDs in different chemiluminescence detection fields in recent years were summarized.Finally,the development trend of CDs in chemiluminescence was analyzed.
8.Investigation of Effects of Ultrasound on Red Blood Cell Membranes Using Cryo-Electron Tomography
Yang YU ; Si-Hang CHENG ; Guan-Fang ZHAO ; Hui-Li WANG ; Hai-Jiao XU ; Hong-Da WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):74-83
Ultrasound technology has been applied in the biomedical field,particularly in drug delivery and cell processing.In this study,the effects of different ultrasound power levels(40 W to 100 W)and time durations(1 min,5 min,or 5 min discontinuously)on the morphology of human red blood cells(hRBCs)membranes were systematically investigated using cryo-electron tomography(Cryo-ET).The hRBCs membranes were firstly subjected to ultrasound at power levels of 40 W and 60 W for 5 min each.Cryo-ET observations revealed minimal morphological changes in the hRBCs membranes following the 40 W treatment,with the membrane structure remaining relatively intact and only minor undulations appearing on the membrane surface.These undulations might result from the mild mechanical stress induced by ultrasound,which was insufficient to disrupt the overall membrane structure.At power of 60 W,the hRBCs membranes largely preserved their structural integrity.When the ultrasonic power was increased to 80 W,the structural damage to the hRBCs membranes became more severe.Cryo-ET images showed irregular ruptures and larger pores on the membrane surface,indicating a significant compromise in membrane integrity.At ultrasound power of 100 W,the hRBCs membranes were completely disrupted,resulting in the formation of numerous membrane fragments,and a complete loss of membrane continuity.To further explore the effects of ultrasound duration on erythrocyte membrane morphology,the ultrasonic power was fixed at 100 W and the impacts of varying treatment durations(1 min,5 min,and intermittent ultrasound)on the membrane structure were systematically investigated.After 1 min of ultrasonic treatment,Cryo-ET images showed minimal changes in erythrocyte membrane morphology.Although some small pores and undulations appeared on the membrane surface,the overall structure remained relatively intact.As the ultrasound duration extended to 5 min,the degree of membrane damage increased significantly.Cryo-ET images revealed extensive rupture and detachment of the membrane,with continuity being severely compromised.As to treatment alternating 1 min of ultrasound with 1 min of rest,for a total of 5 min of ultrasound exposure,Cryo-ET observations showed the integrity of the membrane-cytoskeleton attachment remained.Under intermittent ultrasound treatment,although some pores and ruptures were observed on the membrane surface,the overall structure remained more intact compared to continuous ultrasonic treatment.This preservation might be due to the intermittent treatment providing buffer periods for the membrane,allowing partial recovery after mechanical stress,thereby reducing the cumulative damage caused by continuous ultrasound.This work provided experimental basis for further understanding of mechanism of ultrasound induced change of cell membrane and cytoskeleton.
9.Preparation and In Vitro Degradation Characteristics Analysis of Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)Microspheres Based on Microfluidic Process
Bao-Cheng WANG ; Cong-Yu MA ; Ke WANG ; Si-Tong ZHENG ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Xun ZHAO ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Zheng-Song GAO ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Hong-Yuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):621-630
Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.
10.Research Progress on Electrochemical Sensors for Monoamine Neurotransmitters
Yu ZHONG ; Yu ZHANG ; Xiu-Zhi KANG ; Jing SUN ; Cheng DONG ; Hong-Wei WU ; Yan-Zhao LI ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1411-1421
Monoamine neurotransmitters mainly include serotonin,dopamine,epinephrine,and norepinephrine.They play an indispensable regulatory role in key physiological activities such as emotion,sleep,and memory within the central nervous system.Precise detection of these neurotransmitters holds great significance in the field of neuroscience research.Detection methods for monoamine neurotransmitters encompass high-performance liquid chromatography,mass spectrometry,capillary electrophoresis,fluorescence spectroscopy,and electrochemical methods,etc.Compared with other methods,electrochemical methods offer advantages such as high sensitivity,good selectivity,low cost,strong portability,convenient operation,and capability for in vivo real-time detection.This article reviewed recent research progress in electrochemical detection of monoamine neurotransmitters,focusing on a retrospective and summary from three aspects:sensor electrode materials,detection of various monoamine neurotransmitters,and in vivo real-time analysis.Furthermore,the future development of electrochemical sensors for monoamine neurotransmitters was prospected.


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