1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.The Effects of the Combination of Curcumin,Berberine,and Puerarin on Lipid Levels in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Zhi-yuan FAN ; Yi-zhou XU ; Si-wei XU ; Xiong-hua XING ; Mao-lin LIU ; Xia YI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2100-2109,2099
Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P<0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P<0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P<0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%,85%,and 98%,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42%,45%,and 43%,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%with low-dose combination and 169%with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38%with low-dose combination and 42%with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.
4.Construction of medical consumables selection indicator system based on analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy cluster method
Li-ping FAN ; Miao XIAO ; Guo-zhong LU ; Wei WANG ; Yu-yuan DENG ; Zhi-hong CHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):78-83
Objective To construct a medical consumables selection indicator system based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)and fuzzy cluster method.Methods Firstly,a medical consumables selection indicator system was established preliminarily with the literature research results and actual situation of hospital consumables management;secondly,13 experts in related fields were selected to execute two rounds of online questionnaires,the expert weights were determined with AHP,the importance of each selection indicator was scored by the expert evaluation method and fuzzy cluster method,and consistency analysis was carried out on the two rounds of expert evaluation results;finally,the final medical consumables selection indicator system was built with the 100-point scale.Results The constructed medical consumables selection indicator system was composed of 5 primary indicators,12 secondary indicators and 38 tertiary indicators.The primary indicators included consumables quality,clinical demand,cost-effectiveness,supply capacity and after-sales service,with the percentage-based scores being 27,25,14,26 and 8,respectively.Conclusion The medical consumables selection indicator system based on AHP and fuzzy cluster method with high reliability provides effective and reliable references for medical institutions to select medical consumables.
5.Construction of medical consumables selection indicator system based on analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy cluster method
Li-ping FAN ; Miao XIAO ; Guo-zhong LU ; Wei WANG ; Yu-yuan DENG ; Zhi-hong CHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):78-83
Objective To construct a medical consumables selection indicator system based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)and fuzzy cluster method.Methods Firstly,a medical consumables selection indicator system was established preliminarily with the literature research results and actual situation of hospital consumables management;secondly,13 experts in related fields were selected to execute two rounds of online questionnaires,the expert weights were determined with AHP,the importance of each selection indicator was scored by the expert evaluation method and fuzzy cluster method,and consistency analysis was carried out on the two rounds of expert evaluation results;finally,the final medical consumables selection indicator system was built with the 100-point scale.Results The constructed medical consumables selection indicator system was composed of 5 primary indicators,12 secondary indicators and 38 tertiary indicators.The primary indicators included consumables quality,clinical demand,cost-effectiveness,supply capacity and after-sales service,with the percentage-based scores being 27,25,14,26 and 8,respectively.Conclusion The medical consumables selection indicator system based on AHP and fuzzy cluster method with high reliability provides effective and reliable references for medical institutions to select medical consumables.
6.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
7.Effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Han-li YANG ; Ming SHI ; Chun-zhi LIU ; Shao-hu LIN ; Ming-gao HU ; Xian-zhong BU ; Yuan-ming ZHONG ; Wei XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3233-3241
AIM To investigate the effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).METHODS The CSM rat models were established and randomly assigned to the model group,the Fer-1 group(2 g/kg Ferrostatin-1 via intraperitoneal injection),the low-dose(9.7 g/kg,intragastrically),medium-dose(19.4 g/kg,intragastrically)and high-dose(38.8 g/kg,intragastrically)Jisuishang Formula groups,and the sham operation group,with 6 rats in each group.Following 4 weeks of treatment administration,BBB locomotor scores and oblique plate test result were recorded to assess their neurological function in rats.Histopathological evaluation utilized HE staining for spinal cord tissue pathology,Nissl staining for Nissl body visualization,and Prussian blue staining for iron ion deposition analysis.Protein expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1,TFRC and Cox2 in spinal cord tissues was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,while mRNA expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared to the sham group,the CSM model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB locomotor scores and inclined plane test performance at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);obvious tissue cavitation,cellular edema and Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1(P<0.05);and upregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the Jisuishang Formula and Fer-1 intervention groups showed significantly improved BBB scores and inclined plane test result at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);reduced tissue cavitation,attenuated cellular edema and decreased Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;upregulated protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 and HO-1 in spinal cord tissues(P<0.05);and downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Targeting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway,Jisuishang Formula potentially suppresses ferroptosis and alleviates iron accumulation in spinal cord neurons,thereby improving neurological recovery in CSM rats.
8.Establishment of Cultural Method of Primary Rabbit Spinal Cord Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Hua-Gen MA ; Ming CHI ; Zhi-Yi LIN ; Yuan-Yu TANG ; Wei-Hong CONG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1062-1067
This study aims to isolate and culture primary rabbit spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells in vitro,providing a practical source of test cells for spinal cord injury research.Spinal cord tissue was aseptically extracted from one-month-old rabbits and processed sequentially through mincing,bovine serum albumin density gradient centrifugation,mesh filtration,and type Ⅱ collagenase digestion to ob-tain purified spinal cord microvascular segments.The microvascular segments were homogeneously mixed with an apprapriate volume of M199 complete culture medium and seeded into a culture dish for primary culture.Throughout the culture period,cell growth performance were continuously observed and recor-ded.Additionally,immunocytochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression of factor Ⅷ-re-lated antigen.The results showed that after 24 hours of inoculation,a small amount of endothelial-like cells were observed to emerge from the spinal cord microvascular segments.Within 36~60 hours,the cell colonies gradually expanded and fused.After 72 hours,the cells spread across the base of the dish,forming a"cobblestone-like"monolayer.Immunocytochemical staining showed that more than 99%of the cells showed brown-red cytoplasm and were positive for factor Ⅷ-related antigen.It is these results that suggest this study has successfully established a convenient and stable primary rabbit spinal cord micro-vascular endothelial cells culture method.
9.Establishment and validation of a predictive model for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Yin HU ; Hai-long YU ; Hong-wen GU ; Kang-en HAN ; Shi-lei TANG ; Yuan-hang ZHAO ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Jun-chao LI ; Le XING ; Hong-wei WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(11):981-986
Objective To analyze the risk factors for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF),and to establish a predictive model and then validate it.Methods The clinical data of 680 patients who underwent open TLIF at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected and the patients were randomly divided into the training group(n=476)and the validation group(n=204).Taking the predictive factors screened out by LASSO regression analysis as independent variables,a multivariate Logistic regression predictive model was constructed.The model was internally validated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and calibration curve,and its clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis(DCA).Results LASSO regression analysis screened out four predictive variables:age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The multivariate Logistic regression predictive model demonstrated that age≥60 years,number of surgical segments≥4,operative duration≥2 hours,and intraoperative blood loss≥200 mL were independent influencing factors for the increased postoperative drainage volume in patients undergoing TLIF(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.816(95%CI:0.798 to 0.867)in the training group and 0.783(95%CI:0.685 to 0.823)in the validation group,indicating that the predictive model had good discriminatory ability.Additionally,the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve indicated that the predictive model had a good degree of fit,and the predicted probability was basically consistent with the actual probability,demonstrating a good calibration.The DCA results confirmed that this predictive model could be applied in clinical practice.Conclusion The risk factors for increased drainage volume after open TLIF include age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The predictive model established based on these factors demonstrates good performance,and it can be applied in clinical guidance for the selection of drainage tube removal time after TLIF.
10.Glutamine signaling specifically activates c-Myc and Mcl-1 to facilitate cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Meng WANG ; Fu-Shen GUO ; Dai-Sen HOU ; Hui-Lu ZHANG ; Xiang-Tian CHEN ; Yan-Xin SHEN ; Zi-Fan GUO ; Zhi-Fang ZHENG ; Yu-Peng HU ; Pei-Zhun DU ; Chen-Ji WANG ; Yan LIN ; Yi-Yuan YUAN ; Shi-Min ZHAO ; Wei XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):968-984
Glutamine provides carbon and nitrogen to support the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise reason why cancer cells are particularly dependent on glutamine remains unclear. In this study, we report that glutamine modulates the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) to promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, lysine 604 (K604) in the sixth of the 7 substrate-recruiting WD repeats of FBW7 undergoes glutaminylation (Gln-K604) by glutaminyl tRNA synthetase. Gln-K604 inhibits SCFFBW7-mediated degradation of c-Myc and Mcl-1, enhances glutamine utilization, and stimulates nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis through the activation of c-Myc. Additionally, Gln-K604 promotes resistance to apoptosis by activating Mcl-1. In contrast, SIRT1 deglutaminylates Gln-K604, thereby reversing its effects. Cancer cells lacking Gln-K604 exhibit overexpression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and display resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Silencing both c-MYC and MCL-1 in these cells sensitizes them to chemotherapy. These findings indicate that the glutamine-mediated signal via Gln-K604 is a key driver of cancer progression and suggest potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on varying Gln-K604 status.
Glutamine/metabolism*
;
Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Signal Transduction
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7/genetics*
;
Cell Survival
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Apoptosis

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