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.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
3.Application of active screening on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales monitoring in intensive care units:a multi-center study
Yiyu LYU ; Shaoyun QI ; Shihua SHEN ; Lu LIU ; Zhen TIAN ; Zhiwei XU ; Tao FANG ; Cuiying GUO ; Zhiping LI ; Ren DING ; Fanxiang MENG ; Ruojie LI ; Xiaoqian HU ; Xueping WANG ; Dequan WU ; Yile WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(7):906-911
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of active screening in improving the detection rate of carbape-nem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE)in the intensive care units(ICUs).Methods From July 2023 to June 2024,active screening of rectal swab CRE was conducted on ICU patients in 10 hospitals.ICU patients who underwent ac-tive screening from July 2023 to June 2024 were selected as the study group,while those who did not undergo active screening from July 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the control group.Difference in CRE detection rates between the two groups of patients was compared.Results A total of 7 803 ICU patients were included in the study group,744 CRE strains were detected,with a detection rate of 9.53%,out of which 304 CRE strains were detected through routine detection(detection rate 3.90%),3 707 patients underwent active screen,440 CRE strains were detected(detection rate 11.87%).7 561 ICU patients were included in the control group,out of which 250 CRE strains were detected through routine detection,with a detection rate of 3.31%.There was a statistically significant difference in the overall detection rate of CRE between two groups of patients(x2=246.18,P<0.001).In the study group,CRE detection rate of active screening(11.87%)was higher than that of routine detection(3.90%),with statistically significant difference(x2=264.26,P<0.001).A total of 17 CRE strains were detected from the study group.The proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae(80.92%vs 73.41%)and Serratia marcescens(2.30%vs0.23%)in the routine detection group were both higher than in the active screening group,while the proportion of Escherichia coli in the routine detection group was lower(8.22%vs 19.55%),all with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence of CRE in ICUs is relatively high,with a wide range of bac-terial species.Active screening can improve the detection rate of CRE.
4.Clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction for abdo-minal wall aggressive fibromatosis
Zhen REN ; Lisheng WU ; Wenxiu HAN ; Bo HAO ; Xiaohan WEI ; Hu LIU ; Shuhan WANG ; Chen PAN ; Pengfei JI ; Baichuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1186-1190
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resec-tion combined with reconstruction for abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis (AF).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 70 patients with abdominal wall AF who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, between January 2009 and July 2024 were collected. There were 6 males and 64 females, aged (36±13)years. All patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall reconstruction. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. Comparisons of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1)Surgical situations. All 70 patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall recons-truction. The operation time was 90(91)minutes and duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10(6)days. Of the 70 patients, 41 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus polypropylene mesh abdominal wall reconstruction, with a defect area of 60(54)cm2. The mesh placement method was uniformly Sublay repair. The remaining 29 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus direct suture repair, with a defect area of 34(31)cm2. There was a significant difference in the abdominal wall defect area between the two groups ( U=291.00, P<0.05). All 70 patients achieved R 0 resection. The distance from surgical margin to tumor edge was 2-3 cm in 39 cases and >3 cm in 31 cases. (2) Tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. All 70 patients were followed up for 78(90)months. During follow-up, 10 patients developed tumor recurrence (5 cases with mesh reinforced abdominal wall reconstruction and 5 cases with direct suture repair). Among them, one case was monitored, one case underwent radiotherapy, and neither received further surgical treatment. The remaining 8 patients underwent repeat R 0 resection, and no further recurrence occurred. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the patients with mesh reconstruction and patients with direct suture repair ( χ2=0.06, P>0.05). The postoperative recurrence rate was 9.7%(3/31) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge >3 cm, versus 17.9%(7/39) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge of 2-3 cm, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.97, P>0.05). Sixty patients had no tumor recurrence. During follow-up, none of the 70 patients developed incisional hernia. Two patients experienced postoperative wound infection, and 6 cases developed postoperative chronic pain. Conclusion:Extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction is safe and feasible for abdominal wall AF.
5.Analysis of medium-term efficacy of single anastomosis sleeve ileal bypass for gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Xiaohan WEI ; Zhen REN ; Shuhan WANG ; Hu LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lisheng WU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(6):451-456
Objective:To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy combined with single anastomosis gastric-ileal bypass (SASI) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods:Clinical data of 10 patients with post-LSG GERD undergoing SASI at the Department of Hernia and Bariatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China between Jan 2022 and Oct 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. Surgical safety and mid-term outcomes were evaluated.Results:The mean follow-up period was (25.40±17.33) months. The GerdQ score significantly decreased from (14.00±2.05) preoperatively to (5.70±1.49) postoperatively ( t=10.330, P<0.001), with a GERD remission rate of 90 % (9/10). Postoperative body weight and body mass index (BMI) both showed statistically significant reductions compared to preoperative values. Weight dropped from (110.29±22.92) kg to (84.95±15.89) kg ( t=5.889, P<0.001), and BMI decreased from (38.98±7.16) kg/m2 to (30.02±4.88) kg/m2 ( t=6.086, P<0.001). The percentage of excess weight loss was 65.88%±32.85%, and the percentage of total weight loss was 22.43%±9.65%. Only one patient experienced transient postoperative diarrhea, which resolved spontaneously, and no severe malnutrition cases were observed. Conclusion:SASI effectively improves GERD symptoms after LSG with favorable safety, serving as a suitable revisional surgical option for those patients.
6.From organoids to organoids-on-a-chip: Current applications and challenges in biomedical research.
Kailun LIU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhen FAN ; Fei REN ; Jing LIU ; Baoyang HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(7):792-807
The high failure rates in clinical drug development based on animal models highlight the urgent need for more representative human models in biomedical research. In response to this demand, organoids and organ chips were integrated for greater physiological relevance and dynamic, controlled experimental conditions. This innovative platform-the organoids-on-a-chip technology-shows great promise in disease modeling, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, attracting interest from researchers, clinicians, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders. This review traces the evolution from organoids to organoids-on-a-chip, driven by the necessity for advanced biological models. We summarize the applications of organoids-on-a-chip in simulating physiological and pathological phenotypes and therapeutic evaluation of this technology. This section highlights how integrating technologies from organ chips, such as microfluidic systems, mechanical stimulation, and sensor integration, optimizes organoid cell types, spatial structure, and physiological functions, thereby expanding their biomedical applications. We conclude by addressing the current challenges in the development of organoids-on-a-chip and offering insights into the prospects. The advancement of organoids-on-a-chip is poised to enhance fidelity, standardization, and scalability. Furthermore, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations will be crucial for the progression of organoids-on-a-chip technology.
Organoids/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Biomedical Research/methods*
;
Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
;
Animals
;
Microphysiological Systems
7.Diagnostic value of reflectance confocal microscopy in papular dermatoses of the female vulva.
Zhen TANG ; Lingxue HU ; Yu RAO ; Ruijian REN ; Shu DING
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):366-372
OBJECTIVES:
Papular dermatoses commonly affecting the female vulva, such as molluscum contagiosum, syringoma, lymphangioma, folliculitis, verruca vulgaris, ectopic sebaceous glands, and bowenoid papulosis, often present with similar clinical appearances and are frequently misdiagnosed. This study aims to explore the clinical diagnostic value of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in differentiating these conditions.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on RCM imaging and histopathological findings from lesion sites in 172 female patients with vulval papular dermatoses. RCM characteristics confirmed by biopsy were summarized and diagnostic clues were explored.
RESULTS:
RCM diagnosis was consistent with histopathological diagnosis in 147 out of 172 cases (85.47%). Molluscum contagiosum, syringoma, lymphangioma, and folliculitis all exhibited cystic-like structures under RCM, differing in the location of the structures, wall characteristics, internal contents, and reflectivity. Verruca vulgaris, ectopic sebaceous glands, and bowenoid papulosis lacked such structures. Verruca vulgaris showed distinctive low-refractive vacuolated cells in the spinous layer; bowenoid papulosis exhibited mild cytologic atypia in the spinous layer; ectopic sebaceous glands were characterized by moderately to low-refractive, fish roe-like sebaceous lobules within the dermis.
CONCLUSIONS
RCM enables noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic visualization of key diagnostic and differential features of common vulvar papular dermatoses in women, offering high diagnostic value.
Humans
;
Female
;
Microscopy, Confocal/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Vulvar Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Middle Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Child
;
Skin Diseases/pathology*
;
Molluscum Contagiosum/diagnosis*
8.Clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction for abdo-minal wall aggressive fibromatosis
Zhen REN ; Lisheng WU ; Wenxiu HAN ; Bo HAO ; Xiaohan WEI ; Hu LIU ; Shuhan WANG ; Chen PAN ; Pengfei JI ; Baichuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1186-1190
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resec-tion combined with reconstruction for abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis (AF).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 70 patients with abdominal wall AF who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, between January 2009 and July 2024 were collected. There were 6 males and 64 females, aged (36±13)years. All patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall reconstruction. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. Comparisons of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1)Surgical situations. All 70 patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall recons-truction. The operation time was 90(91)minutes and duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10(6)days. Of the 70 patients, 41 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus polypropylene mesh abdominal wall reconstruction, with a defect area of 60(54)cm2. The mesh placement method was uniformly Sublay repair. The remaining 29 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus direct suture repair, with a defect area of 34(31)cm2. There was a significant difference in the abdominal wall defect area between the two groups ( U=291.00, P<0.05). All 70 patients achieved R 0 resection. The distance from surgical margin to tumor edge was 2-3 cm in 39 cases and >3 cm in 31 cases. (2) Tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. All 70 patients were followed up for 78(90)months. During follow-up, 10 patients developed tumor recurrence (5 cases with mesh reinforced abdominal wall reconstruction and 5 cases with direct suture repair). Among them, one case was monitored, one case underwent radiotherapy, and neither received further surgical treatment. The remaining 8 patients underwent repeat R 0 resection, and no further recurrence occurred. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the patients with mesh reconstruction and patients with direct suture repair ( χ2=0.06, P>0.05). The postoperative recurrence rate was 9.7%(3/31) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge >3 cm, versus 17.9%(7/39) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge of 2-3 cm, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.97, P>0.05). Sixty patients had no tumor recurrence. During follow-up, none of the 70 patients developed incisional hernia. Two patients experienced postoperative wound infection, and 6 cases developed postoperative chronic pain. Conclusion:Extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction is safe and feasible for abdominal wall AF.
9.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
10.Analysis of medium-term efficacy of single anastomosis sleeve ileal bypass for gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Xiaohan WEI ; Zhen REN ; Shuhan WANG ; Hu LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lisheng WU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(6):451-456
Objective:To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy combined with single anastomosis gastric-ileal bypass (SASI) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods:Clinical data of 10 patients with post-LSG GERD undergoing SASI at the Department of Hernia and Bariatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China between Jan 2022 and Oct 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. Surgical safety and mid-term outcomes were evaluated.Results:The mean follow-up period was (25.40±17.33) months. The GerdQ score significantly decreased from (14.00±2.05) preoperatively to (5.70±1.49) postoperatively ( t=10.330, P<0.001), with a GERD remission rate of 90 % (9/10). Postoperative body weight and body mass index (BMI) both showed statistically significant reductions compared to preoperative values. Weight dropped from (110.29±22.92) kg to (84.95±15.89) kg ( t=5.889, P<0.001), and BMI decreased from (38.98±7.16) kg/m2 to (30.02±4.88) kg/m2 ( t=6.086, P<0.001). The percentage of excess weight loss was 65.88%±32.85%, and the percentage of total weight loss was 22.43%±9.65%. Only one patient experienced transient postoperative diarrhea, which resolved spontaneously, and no severe malnutrition cases were observed. Conclusion:SASI effectively improves GERD symptoms after LSG with favorable safety, serving as a suitable revisional surgical option for those patients.

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