1.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
2.Research Development of Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):337-341
When radiotherapy is administered, many patients exhibit a reduction in lymphocyte numbers due to the inherent radio-sensitivity of lymphocytes. In particular, they experience a decrease in CD8+ T cells, which may weaken their mediated antitumor immune response. While radiotherapy activates the immune system, it can also lead to a certain degree of immunosuppression. Current research suggests that the formation mechanism of radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) involves multiple factors, including increased radiation exposure to lymphocytes and the application of lymphocytotoxic drugs. The adverse impact of RIL on patients’ clinical outcomes can be mitigated, to some extent, by actively optimizing radiotherapy dosimetric parameters to maximally protect lymphocytes.
3.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
4.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
5.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
6.REDH: A database of RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy
Jiayue XU ; Jiahuan HE ; Jiabin YANG ; Fengjiao WANG ; Yue HUO ; Yuehong GUO ; Yanmin SI ; Yufeng GAO ; Fang WANG ; Hui CHENG ; Tao CHENG ; Jia YU ; Xiaoshuang WANG ; Yanni MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):283-293
Background::The conversion of adenosine (A) to inosine (I) through deamination is the prevailing form of RNA editing, impacting numerous nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts across various eukaryotic species. Millions of high-confidence RNA editing sites have been identified and integrated into various RNA databases, providing a convenient platform for the rapid identification of key drivers of cancer and potential therapeutic targets. However, the available database for integration of RNA editing in hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic malignancies is still lacking.Methods::We downloaded RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 29 leukemia patients and 19 healthy donors from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and RNA-seq data of 12 mouse hematopoietic cell populations obtained from our previous research were also used. We performed sequence alignment, identified RNA editing sites, and obtained characteristic editing sites related to normal hematopoietic development and abnormal editing sites associated with hematologic diseases.Results::We established a new database, "REDH", represents RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy. REDH is a curated database of associations between RNA editome and hematopoiesis. REDH integrates 30,796 editing sites from 12 murine adult hematopoietic cell populations and systematically characterizes more than 400,000 edited events in malignant hematopoietic samples from 48 cohorts (human). Through the Differentiation, Disease, Enrichment, and knowledge modules, each A-to-I editing site is systematically integrated, including its distribution throughout the genome, its clinical information (human sample), and functional editing sites under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, REDH compares the similarities and differences of editing sites between different hematologic malignancies and healthy control.Conclusions::REDH is accessible at http://www.redhdatabase.com/. This user-friendly database would aid in understanding the mechanisms of RNA editing in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancies. It provides a set of data related to the maintenance of hematopoietic homeostasis and identifying potential therapeutic targets in malignancies.
7.Safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet 2 h versus overnight fasting before non-emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Wenbo MENG ; W. Joseph LEUNG ; Zhenyu WANG ; Qiyong LI ; Leida ZHANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Meng WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yingmei SHAO ; Jijun ZHANG ; Ping YUE ; Lei ZHANG ; Kexiang ZHU ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; Hui ZHANG ; Senlin HOU ; Kailin CAI ; Hao SUN ; Ping XUE ; Wei LIU ; Haiping WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Songming DING ; Zhiqing YANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Hao WENG ; Qingyuan WU ; Bendong CHEN ; Tiemin JIANG ; Yingkai WANG ; Lichao ZHANG ; Ke WU ; Xue YANG ; Zilong WEN ; Chun LIU ; Long MIAO ; Zhengfeng WANG ; Jiajia LI ; Xiaowen YAN ; Fangzhao WANG ; Lingen ZHANG ; Mingzhen BAI ; Ningning MI ; Xianzhuo ZHANG ; Wence ZHOU ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Azumi SUZUKI ; Kiyohito TANAKA ; Jiankang LIU ; Ula NUR ; Elisabete WEIDERPASS ; Xun LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(12):1437-1446
Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.
8.Carthamus tinctorius L.extract ameliorates alcoholic liver disease by modulating PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway
Wen-Xuan WANG ; Xiang-Lei FU ; Man QI ; Fu-Rong FAN ; Fu-Rong ZHU ; Yuan-Chuang WANG ; Kai-Yue ZHANG ; Min LIU ; Sheng-Hui CHU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1137-1145
Aim To investigate the effects of Cartham-us tinctorius L.extract(CTLE)on oxidative stress,lipid metabolism,and apoptosis levels of mice with al-cohol-induced liver injury and its mechanism of action.Methods The mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease was established by chronic alcohol feeding and acute alcohol gavage.Mice were randomly divided into four groups.During the modeling period,the state changes of mice were observed every day,and their weight was recorded.At the end of modeling,blood and liver tissues were collected from each group of mice.The blood of mice was analyzed biochemically,and HE staining and Oil Red O staining were used to evaluate further the degree of pathological damage in the liver of mice.Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-Akt,Akt,p-mTOR,mTOR,p-FoxO1,FoxO1,p-FoxO3a,FoxO3a,p-FoxO4,FoxO4,BCL and BAX factors.Results Compared to the model group,the CTLE administration group showed improved hepatic patho-logical injury and reduced lipid deposition.The bio-chemical indexes in serum and liver,such as ALT,AST,TG,TC,and MDA levels were reduced,while GSH and SOD levels increased.Regulating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway resulted in increased production of SOD,which reduced damage and apoptosis caused by reactive oxygen species(ROS).Conclusions CTLE can exert anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effects through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway and attenuates alcoholic liver injury in mice,providing new ideas for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease and the develop-ment of related drugs.
9.Mechanisms of dendrobium polysaccharides in alleviating acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant reaction
Yue JING ; You-Gen WANG ; Zhi-Hui YANG ; Ming ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1539-1545
Aim To investigate the protective effects of dendrobium polysaccharide(DOP)against paraceta-mol(APAP)-induced liver injury in mice and eluci-date its underlying mechanism.Methods Healthy male Kunming mice were randomly assigned to the fol-lowing groups:control group,APAP model group,low,medium,high-dose DOP intervention group(225,450,900 mg·kg-1),and DOP control group.The APAP model group was given 300 mg·kg-1 per day,the DOP intervention group was given DOP for 2 h and then APAP was given,and the remaining groups received an equal volume of normal saline daily for sev-en consecutive days.After the final administration,se-rum and liver samples from the mice were collected and tested after 20 hours.Liver morphology and liver coef-ficient were examined.Liver histopathological altera-tions and apoptosis were examined using HE staining and TUNEL staining.Additionally,medium biochemi-cal indexes were assessed in serum and liver tissue u-sing kits.The levels of oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis-related proteins in liver tissue were de-termined using Western blotting.Results In the APAP model group,liver coefficient increased signifi-cantly,the number of liver vacuolar necrosis and apop-tosis cells increased,and the serum ALT and AST lev-els significantly increased.Compared with the APAP group,the liver coefficient,serum ALT and AST levels were significantly reduced,and the liver pathology was improved after DOP intervention,especially in the 900 mg·kg-1 group.The levels of oxidative stress and in-flammation in the APAP group increased,and the ex-pression of apoptosis,inflammation and oxidative stress related proteins in liver was unbalanced.DOP inter-vention,especially in the 900 mg·kg-1 group,could significantly reverse the oxidative stress,apoptosis and inflammatory response induced by APAP in liver,and increase the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1,but reduce the expression levels of NLRP3 and HMGB1.Conclusions The hepatoprotective mechanism of DOP is mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the inhibition of HMGB1/NL-RP3 pathway by DOP.
10.Hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919)improves ischemic stroke in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis
Xiaojuan HOU ; Yue ZHANG ; Yafan BAI ; Hailong LI ; Yixin YANG ; Yunfeng LI ; Hui MA ; Henglin WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(11):807-815
OBJECTIVE To study the way in which hypidone hydrochloride(code:YL-0919)improves motor function after ischemic stroke(IS)and explore the related mechanism.METHODS Adult male SD rats were used to establish a middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model that simulated acute IS.All animals were randomly divided into four groups:sham group,MCAO group,MCAO+YL-0919 group,and MCAO+YL-0919+erastin(Era,ferroptosis inducer)group.The drug administration groups received the first ip injection 6 h after operation,followed by continuous ip injection once per day.After 7-10 d of drug administration,the effect of YL-0919 on motor function after IS were evaluated via neu-rological function test,adhesive-removal test,rotarod test,balance beam test and open field test.After 7 d of drug administration,TTC staining was used to detect the cerebral infarction area while the colo-rimetry method was used to measure the contents of glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and ferrous ions(Fe2+)in the penumbra of the cerebral cortex.Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(xCT),acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4),and transferrin receptor 1(TFR1)in the cortical penumbra.RESULTS Compared with the sham group,the MCAO group showed higher neurological function scores(P<0.01),with notably prolonged time for tape removal and first contact with the right forepaw(P<0.01),spent significantly more time crossing the balance beam(P<0.01)but endured a notably shorter duration on the rotarod(P<0.01),reduced the movement distance in the open field(P<0.01),had a remarkably increased infarct area(P<0.01)but significantly level of GSH in the cortical penumbra region decreased(P<0.01),while MDA and Fe2+levels were markedly increased(P<0.01).Protein expression levels of GPX4 and xCT were reduced(P<0.05),while those of ACSL4 and TFR1 were elevated(P<0.05).Compared with the MCAO group,these changes were significantly reversed after YL-0919 administration.However,when Era and YL-0919 were administered simultaneously,the reversal effect of YL-0919 was significantly weakened.CONCLUSION YL-0919 can improve motor function impairment and reduce cerebral infarction areas in rats after IS,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis.

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