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.The role of bile acid dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Si-Rui Yu ; Run Sun ; Mei-Ya Shi ; Mei Yang ; Kun Chen ; Qiong Pan ; Ling Zhao ; Ming-Yue Wu ; Jin Chai
Liver Research 2026;10(1):35-50
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is higher among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of MASLD in patients with IBD may occur independently of traditional metabolic risk factors, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism distinct from conventional MASLD pathways. Bile acids (BAs), which act as critical signaling molecules in enterohepatic circulation, play an essential role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis through bidirectional gut–liver axis communication. These molecules are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators in the progression of both MASLD and IBD. While previous studies have characterized the dynamics of BA in blood or fecal samples under both conditions, a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles and the associated interactions within the gut–liver axis is still lacking. This review synthesizes current evidence from studies employing BA metabolomics to investigate IBD and MASLD. By focusing on BA signatures, we summarize conserved alterations between these two conditions and their potential mechanisms of disease progression. Our review advances understanding of BA-mediated pathways in IBD and MASLD, providing a foundation for assessing their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of MASLD in patients with IBD.
3.Experimental study on the method of establishing a pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model
Heng ZHAO ; Jinteng FENG ; Shan GAO ; Rui ZHAO ; Hongyi WANG ; Ye SUN ; Yixing LI ; Haotian BAI ; Runyi TAO ; Bin HE ; Zhiyu WANG ; Yanpeng ZHANG ; Borui SUN ; Shuo LI ; Guangjian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1275-1281
Objective To explore the method for establishing a pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model. Methods A total of 4 male Yorkshire pigs weighing (40.0±2.5) kg underwent surgical procedures, including anesthesia, tracheal intubation, donor lung procurement, and recipient lung transplantation. Histological morphology and blood gas analysis of the transplanted lungs were assessed 2 hours after reperfusion to evaluate the histological changes and function of the transplanted lungs. Results The pigs underwent left lung in situ transplantation, effectively simulating conditions relevant to human lung transplantation. Two hours after the transplantation, arterial blood gas analysis showed that arterial partial pressure of oxygen was 155.4-178.6 mm Hg, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was 53.1-62.4 mm Hg, and the oxygenation index was 310.8-357.2 mm Hg. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated a low degree of pulmonary edema and minimal cellular infiltration. Conclusion The pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model possesses strong operability and stability. Researchers can replicate this model according to the described methods and further conduct basic research and explore clinical translational applications.
4.The Oncogenic Role of TNFRSF12A in Colorectal Cancer and Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Analysis
Chuyue WANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; You CHEN ; Ying SHI ; Zhiying YANG ; Weili WU ; Rui MA ; Bo WANG ; Yifeng SUN ; Ping YUAN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):212-228
Purpose:
Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods:
Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A.
Results:
TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.
5.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
6.Comparison of the diagnostic value of 3.0 T MRI HASTE sequence and high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound for high-risk placenta previa combined with placenta accreta
Yue ZHAO ; Xueyang HU ; Lin SUN ; Rui ZHANG ; Zhibao WANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(1):38-42
Objective To compare the value of high-field strength MRI half-Fourier single shot turbo spin-echo(HASTE)sequence with high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis of placenta previa combined with placenta accreta.Methods A total of 116 pregnant women with suspected high-risk placenta previa and placenta accreta who underwent cesarean section at The No.2 Hospital of Baoding from December 2019 to December 2022 were selected as research objects.All parturients took examinations of ultrasound and high-field MRI before surgery.Pathological diagnosis after cesarean section was used as the gold standard for analysis of the consistency between MRI and ultrasound results and pathological results.The value of HASTE sequence and high-frequency ultrasound in diagnosing placenta accreta was compared.Results Pathological results confirmed that 86 patients had high-risk placenta previa and placenta accreta.The positive predictive values of ultrasound,MRI,and ultrasound+MRI in diagnosis of high-risk placenta previa combined with placenta accreta were 93.51%,97.62%,and 98.81%,respectively.The negative predictive values were 64.10%,87.50%,and 90.63%,respectively.The accuracies were 83.62%,94.83%,and 96.55%,respectively.The sensitivities were 83.72%,95.35%,and 96.51%,respectively.The specificities were 83.33%,93.33%,and 96.67%,respectively.The Kappa values for consistency were 0.611,0.868,and 0.912,respectively.The accuracy of MRI in diagnosis of high-risk placenta previa combined with placenta accreta was higher than that of ultrasound(P<0.05).Conclusion 3.0 T MRI HASTE sequence has greater efficacy and higher accuracy in diagnosis of high-risk placenta previa combined with placenta accreta.
7.Influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics
Duming WANG ; Xinqi ZHANG ; Yu TIAN ; Xiaolei SONG ; Xianliang GE ; Lidong WANG ; Rui ZHAO ; Zongxiao SUN ; Chunhui WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):7-14
Objective Accurate speed perception is crucial for tasks such as man-controlled rendezvous and docking,and teleoperation of space manipulator.Therefore,it is necessary to conduct in-orbit experiments to explore the influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics.Methods The Time-to-Collision(TTC)paradigm was selected to develop experimental software,using a tablet computer for stimulus presentation.Human speed perception characteristics were evaluated based on the subjects'keystroke response data on the keyboard.Through ground-based experiments,the usability and reliability of the paradigm were explored,and the gravity internal model effect was quantitatively analyzed.Through in-orbit experiments on space station tasks,the influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics was further investigated.Results Under the 1G environment on the ground,the TTC paradigm has a high test-retest reliability(r>0.8),and indicators such as average deviation rate and absolute value of average deviation rate show no practice effect.In addition,ground experiments found that compared to vertical upward movement,vertical downward movement is estimated to be faster(i.e.,keystroke time is advanced),showing the existence of the gravity internal model effect.In the microgravity environment of spaceflight,there are no significant differences in average deviation rate and absolute value of average deviation rate among three stages(pre-flight,in-flight,post-flight)and seven tests,indicating that no obvious changes in astronauts'speed perception ability were found at the existing test time points and paradigms.However,the gravity internal model effect(difference between vertical downward and vertical upward)showed a trend of fading in the early stage of astronauts entering orbit.Conclusion Based on the computer screen TTC estimation paradigm,no significant changes in human speed perception ability were found during long-term spaceflight,but microgravity may weaken the human brain's gravity internal model.
8.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in neutropenia management after CAR-T cell therapy: A safety and efficacy evaluation in refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Xinping CAO ; Meng ZHANG ; Ruiting GUO ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Rui SUN ; Xia XIAO ; Xue BAI ; Cuicui LYU ; Yedi PU ; Juanxia MENG ; Huan ZHANG ; Haibo ZHU ; Pengjiang LIU ; Zhao WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenyi LU ; Hairong LYU ; Mingfeng ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):111-113
9.Associations between statins and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among peritoneal dialysis patients: A multi-center large-scale cohort study.
Shuang GAO ; Lei NAN ; Xinqiu LI ; Shaomei LI ; Huaying PEI ; Jinghong ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Zibo XIONG ; Yumei LIAO ; Ying LI ; Qiongzhen LIN ; Wenbo HU ; Yulin LI ; Liping DUAN ; Zhaoxia ZHENG ; Gang FU ; Shanshan GUO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Rui YU ; Fuyun SUN ; Xiaoying MA ; Li HAO ; Guiling LIU ; Zhanzheng ZHAO ; Jing XIAO ; Yulan SHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xuanyi DU ; Tianrong JI ; Yingli YUE ; Shanshan CHEN ; Zhigang MA ; Yingping LI ; Li ZUO ; Huiping ZHAO ; Xianchao ZHANG ; Xuejian WANG ; Yirong LIU ; Xinying GAO ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Hongyi LI ; Shutong DU ; Cui ZHAO ; Zhonggao XU ; Li ZHANG ; Hongyu CHEN ; Li LI ; Lihua WANG ; Yan YAN ; Yingchun MA ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Caili WANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2856-2858
10.Huanglian Jiedu Decoction prevents and treats acute liver injury in septic mice via AMPK/SIRT1 autophagy pathway.
Rui-Zhu ZHAO ; Xin-Yue REN ; Yu-Hang WANG ; Ding-Xing FAN ; Shi-Lei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):507-514
This study aims to explore the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction(HJD) in treating acute liver injury(ALI) in the mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Fifty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose group HJD, and dexamethasone group. The mouse model of sepsis was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS after 7 days of gavage with HJD, and dexamethasone(0.2 mL) was injected intraperitoneally 1.5 h after modeling. The murine sepsis score(MSS) was recorded 12 h after modeling. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the liver tissue and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the mouse liver. The content of light chain 3 of microtubule-associated protein 1(LC3) was detected by immunofluorescence, and that of sirtuin 1(SIRT1) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), LC3, and P62 were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, and SIRT1 in the liver tissue. The results showed that compared with model group, drug interventions decreased the MSS and liver injury indicators, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines, improved the liver tissue structure, upregulated the protein levels of of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 and the mRNA levels of AMPK and LC3, and downregulated the mRNA level of P62. To sum up, HJD can regulate the autophagy level and reduce inflammation to ameliorate acute liver injury in septic mice by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 autophagy pathway.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Sirtuin 1/genetics*
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Male
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Mice
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Sepsis/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Autophagy/drug effects*
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
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Liver/metabolism*
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Humans
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*


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