1.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
2.ALKBH3-regulated m1A of ALDOA potentiates glycolysis and doxorubicin resistance of triple negative breast cancer cells.
Yuhua DENG ; Zhiyan CHEN ; Peixian CHEN ; Yaming XIONG ; Chuling ZHANG ; Qiuyuan WU ; Huiqi HUANG ; Shuqing YANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Tiancheng HE ; Wei LI ; Guolin YE ; Wei LUO ; Hongsheng WANG ; Dan ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3092-3106
Chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of systemic management for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but chemoresistance significantly impacts patient outcomes. Our research indicates that Doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant TNBC cells exhibit increased glycolysis and ATP generation compared to their parental cells, with this metabolic shift contributing to chemoresistance. We discovered that ALKBH3, an m1A demethylase enzyme, is crucial in regulating the enhanced glycolysis in Dox-resistant TNBC cells. Knocking down ALKBH3 reduced ATP generation, glucose consumption, and lactate production, implicating its involvement in mediating glycolysis. Further investigation revealed that aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in glycolysis, is a downstream target of ALKBH3. ALKBH3 regulates ALDOA mRNA stability through m1A demethylation at the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). This methylation negatively affects ALDOA mRNA stability by recruiting the YTHDF2/PAN2-PAN3 complex, leading to mRNA degradation. The ALKBH3/ALDOA axis promotes Dox resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical analysis demonstrated that ALKBH3 and ALDOA are upregulated in breast cancer tissues, and higher expression of these proteins is associated with reduced overall survival in TNBC patients. Our study highlights the role of the ALKBH3/ALDOA axis in contributing to Dox resistance in TNBC cells through regulation of ALDOA mRNA stability and glycolysis.
3.Clinicopathological analysis of intraosseous hibernoma
Jin HUANG ; Jie CHEN ; Zhiyan LIU ; Huizhen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):599-603
Objective:To investigate the clinical, radiological and histological features of intraosseous hibernoma.Methods:Two cases of intraosseous hibernoma diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed. Related literature was also reviewed.Results:One case was a 44-year-old female with abnormal signals in the proximal right femur revealed by MRI, who underwent curettage of the lesion. The other case was a 41-year-old female with an occupying lesion in the second sacral vertebrae revealed by CT and MRI, who underwent CT-guided biopsy. Microscopically, both tumors were composed of large polygonal cells, with finely vacuolated cytoplasm and distinct cell membranes and variably admixed mature adipose cells or hematopoietic components within the stroma. Nuclei were small, centrally or paracentrally situated and displayed prominent scalloping. Nuclear atypia was absent. A relatively clear tumor boundary could be observed in one case. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, while negative for keratin, CD68, H3F3A, and Brachyury.Conclusions:Intraosseous hibernoma is extremely rare and tends to affect middle-aged and elderly patients. It most frequently occurs in the spine and pelvis. It needs to be differentiated from metastatic cancer, Erdheim-Chester disease, intraosseous lipoma with necrosis, and benign notochordal cell tumor. Increasing awareness of it helps to avoid missed diagnoses or excessive treatment due to misdiagnosis.
4.Effect of WTAP on collagen deposition in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Yunsen Yunsen ; Zhenyu Liu ; Zhiyan Liu ; Lichan Lin ; Jiming Sha ; Hui Tao ; Qi Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):266-271
Objective :
To explore the effect of Wilms′ tumor 1-associated protein(WTAP) on tissue collagen deposition in pulmonary fibrosis caused by bleomycin.
Methods :
60 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group(Control group), Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis group(BLM group), pulmonary fibrosis lentivirus empty vector control group(BLM+LV-NC group), pulmonary fibrosis WTAP lentivirus group virus group(BLM+LV-WTAP group). Experimental pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin(35 mg/kg) into the abdomen, twice a week for a total of 8 times. After modeling, Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression of fibrosis-related markers α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), type I collagen(Collagen Ⅰ), fibronectin(Fibronectin), and WTAP protein. Masson staining and Sirius Red staining were used to detect collagen deposition. RT-qPCR was used to detect WTAP mRNA expression, WTAP lentivirus infection effect, and Collagen Ⅰ mRNA expression.
Results:
Compared with the Control group, the expression of pulmonary fibrosis markers α-SMA(P<0.001), Collagen Ⅰ(P<0.001), and Fibronectin(P<0.01) protein in the BLM group all increased. Masson staining(P<0.001) and Sirius Red staining(P<0.001) confirmed that significant collagen deposition occurred in the lung tissue of the BLM group. In addition, the expression of WTAP protein in the lung tissue of the BLM group increased(P<0.01). Compared with the Control group, the expression of WTAP mRNA in the BLM group increased(P<0.001). Compared with the BLM+LV-NC group, the expression of WTAP mRNA in the tissues of the BLM+LV-WTAP group decreased(P<0.001), proving that virus infection is effective. After infection with WTAP lentivirus, collagen fiber deposition decreased(P<0.001), Collagen Ⅰ mRNA(P<0.001) level decreased, and protein(P<0.001) expression decreased in the BLM+LV-WTAP group.
Conclusion
Knocking down of WTAP can reduce collagen deposition in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis tissue in mice and improve experimental pulmonary fibrosis.
5.Physical fitness improvement exercise training for the elderly led by medical institutions
Ying DING ; Zhiyan YU ; Chen WANG ; Xiaohu CAI ; Jing WANG ; Minxia LU ; Youfang LI ; Jian FAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(6):133-138
Objective To explore medical institution-led exercise training interventions,prelimina-ry preventive measures,and comprehensive health service strategies for elderly adults.Methods Sixty elderly adults from communities under the jurisdiction of primary hospitals who voluntarily participated in the training and met the inclusion criteria were divided into 75 to 79 years old group and 80 to 84 years old group.Elastic bands exercise were selected as the method for physical training for elderly community members.A total of three sets(9 items)of exercise,including upper and lower limb mus-cle strength exercises and balance as well as coordination training,were designed.The training period lasted for 12 weeks,with each session lasting 1 hour,three times a week.The medical team partici-pated in training supervision and follow-up evaluations throughout the process,dynamically adjusting the training intensity based on individual needs.Results Comprehensive safety and support meas-ures significantly improved training participation and completion rates.No sports injuries or adverse events occurred throughout the process,and all participants completed the training plan.After train-ing,statistically significant differences were observed in grip strength,five-times sit-to-stand test duration,Berg Balance Scale(BBS)scores,and Timed Up and Go(TUG)test results(P<0.05),indicating effective physical fitness improvement.Conclusion Elastic band exercises are a suitable mode for physical improvement training among elderly adults,significantly enhancing muscle strength in the limbs and trunk and improving balance function.The positive communication and in-teraction in group activities significantly boost elderly adults'confidence in healthy living,leading to notable improvements in their mental state.
6.Clinicopathological characteristics and SDHB phenotype of 30 cases of paragangli-oma with literature review
Likun ZHANG ; Shuyi LIU ; Chunyan CHEN ; Yi WANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Keyang SUN ; Jie CHEN ; Zhiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(1):31-36
Purpose To summarize the clinicopathological features of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma(PPGL)and discuss the potential correlation between SDHB immunophenotype and prognosis in PPGLs.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 samples of PPGL along with their corresponding clinicopathological informa-tion,SDHB immunophenotype characteristics,and the risk of recurrence and metastasis.Results The study included 20 extra-adrenal paragangliomas and 10 pheochromocytoma cases.The male-to-female ratio was 13∶17,with a mean age of 56(range from 21 to 79).Four cases recurred,one case resulted in death and five cases failed to follow-up.All recurrent or fatal cases were paraganglioma patients.Among the 30 cases,3 had multiple nodular lesions,and the re-maining cases were single nodule.The neck was the most frequent site for paraganglioma(6/20),followed by retroper-itoneum(5/20).Histologically,the tumors displayed a variable"zellballen"architecture with a highly vascularized stroma.The chief cells had abundant pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and slightly to moderately atypical nuclei,and pe-ripherally located sustentacular cells.Positive immunoreactivity with markers of neuroendocrine cells,including Syn,CgA,and GATA3,was found in tumor chief cells,which were nonreactive for CK.The sustentacular cells exhibited positive immunoreactivity for the S-100 protein.SDHB deficiency was demonstrated in 12 of 30 cases,with only one case being pheochromocytoma.The recurrence rate in SDHB-deficient group was higher than that in the positive group(33.3%vs 6.7%).Only one case of paraganglioma developed distant metastasis and death.Conclusion SDHB de-ficiency was predominantly observed in paragangliomas and serverd as an indipentent factor for metastatic risk in PPGLs.It was closely associated with younger age at onset,invasiveness,extra-adrenal tumorgenesis,and a high rate of tumor recurrence.
7.Clinicopathological characteristics and SDHB phenotype of 30 cases of paragangli-oma with literature review
Likun ZHANG ; Shuyi LIU ; Chunyan CHEN ; Yi WANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Keyang SUN ; Jie CHEN ; Zhiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(1):31-36
Purpose To summarize the clinicopathological features of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma(PPGL)and discuss the potential correlation between SDHB immunophenotype and prognosis in PPGLs.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 samples of PPGL along with their corresponding clinicopathological informa-tion,SDHB immunophenotype characteristics,and the risk of recurrence and metastasis.Results The study included 20 extra-adrenal paragangliomas and 10 pheochromocytoma cases.The male-to-female ratio was 13∶17,with a mean age of 56(range from 21 to 79).Four cases recurred,one case resulted in death and five cases failed to follow-up.All recurrent or fatal cases were paraganglioma patients.Among the 30 cases,3 had multiple nodular lesions,and the re-maining cases were single nodule.The neck was the most frequent site for paraganglioma(6/20),followed by retroper-itoneum(5/20).Histologically,the tumors displayed a variable"zellballen"architecture with a highly vascularized stroma.The chief cells had abundant pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and slightly to moderately atypical nuclei,and pe-ripherally located sustentacular cells.Positive immunoreactivity with markers of neuroendocrine cells,including Syn,CgA,and GATA3,was found in tumor chief cells,which were nonreactive for CK.The sustentacular cells exhibited positive immunoreactivity for the S-100 protein.SDHB deficiency was demonstrated in 12 of 30 cases,with only one case being pheochromocytoma.The recurrence rate in SDHB-deficient group was higher than that in the positive group(33.3%vs 6.7%).Only one case of paraganglioma developed distant metastasis and death.Conclusion SDHB de-ficiency was predominantly observed in paragangliomas and serverd as an indipentent factor for metastatic risk in PPGLs.It was closely associated with younger age at onset,invasiveness,extra-adrenal tumorgenesis,and a high rate of tumor recurrence.
8.Clinicopathological analysis of intraosseous hibernoma
Jin HUANG ; Jie CHEN ; Zhiyan LIU ; Huizhen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):599-603
Objective:To investigate the clinical, radiological and histological features of intraosseous hibernoma.Methods:Two cases of intraosseous hibernoma diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed. Related literature was also reviewed.Results:One case was a 44-year-old female with abnormal signals in the proximal right femur revealed by MRI, who underwent curettage of the lesion. The other case was a 41-year-old female with an occupying lesion in the second sacral vertebrae revealed by CT and MRI, who underwent CT-guided biopsy. Microscopically, both tumors were composed of large polygonal cells, with finely vacuolated cytoplasm and distinct cell membranes and variably admixed mature adipose cells or hematopoietic components within the stroma. Nuclei were small, centrally or paracentrally situated and displayed prominent scalloping. Nuclear atypia was absent. A relatively clear tumor boundary could be observed in one case. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, while negative for keratin, CD68, H3F3A, and Brachyury.Conclusions:Intraosseous hibernoma is extremely rare and tends to affect middle-aged and elderly patients. It most frequently occurs in the spine and pelvis. It needs to be differentiated from metastatic cancer, Erdheim-Chester disease, intraosseous lipoma with necrosis, and benign notochordal cell tumor. Increasing awareness of it helps to avoid missed diagnoses or excessive treatment due to misdiagnosis.
9.Lilaglutide improved hepatocyte senescence and liver fibrosis in diabetic mice
Weiyu CHEN ; Zhiyan PU ; Yanxia YANG
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(8):623-629
Objective To investigate the effect of Liraglutide on alleviating the liver injury inmice with DM,and to evaluate the effects of Liraglutide on liver fibrosis,liver aging and liver oxidative stress.Methods Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group(Con),model group(Mod)and Liraglutide group(Lir),with 10 mice in each group.The expressions of p21,p16,p53,inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by Western blot.The effects of Liraglutide on liver fibrosis were analyzed by Masson and Sirius scarlet staining.The oxidative stress Lndexes of reactive oxygen species(ROS),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were compared among the groups.Results The expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,NLRP3,p16,p21,p53,p15,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,NLRP3 and α-SMA were higher in Mod group than in Con and Lir groups(P<0.05).ROS and MDA were higher,while SOD and GSH-PX were lower in Mod group than in Con and Lir group(P<0.05).The positive areas of Sirius scarlet and Masson staining were higher in Mod group than in Con and Lir groups(P<0.05).Conclusions Liraglutide can alleviate liver aging,inflammation and fibrosis,and has protective effect on liver injury caused by DM.
10.Pediatric giant cell tumor of bone: a clinicopathological analysis of 35 cases
Yanrui PANG ; Juan ZHOU ; Chunyan CHEN ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Keyang SUN ; Zhiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(11):1122-1126
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in children.Methods:A total of 35 cases of GCTB diagnosed at Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School from 2016 to 2023 were collected, and a retrospective analysis of clinicopathological features and imaging findings was conducted.Results:Pediatric GCTB accounted for approximately 4.6% of total GCTB cases during the study period. There were 11 males and 24 females. The onset age ranged from 9 to 18 years (mean age 15 years, median age 16 years), with 8 cases (8/35, 22.9%) experiencing postoperative recurrence. Twenty-eight cases (28/35, 80%) primarily affected long bones, while 7 cases involved small or irregular bones. Imaging revealed osteolytic changes as the predominant feature, with 3 cases exhibited open physis, one of which had the tumor primarily at the diaphysis without crossing the physis. Histologically, pediatric GCTB resembled adult cases, characterized by mononuclear cells and osteoclast-like giant cells. Seven cases with denosumab treatment demonstrated degrees of giant cell disappearance, increased fibrous tissue and reactive bone proliferation in the stroma. One case was diagnosed as pediatric multicentric GCTB, and three cases as pediatric primary malignant GCTB, with malignant transformation into osteosarcoma. In all 35 cases, mutations in the H3F3A gene were identified, comprising 32 cases with H3.3 p.G34W mutations, one case with H3.3 p.G34V mutation, and 2 cases with H3.3 p.G34L mutations. Notably, the former two categories were successfully validated at the protein level through immunohistochemical staining, utilizing highly specific antibodies tailored for these mutation types: H3.3 p.G34W antibody and H3.3 p.G34V antibody. However, immunohistochemical staining was not available for the last category.Conclusions:Pediatric GCTB predominantly affects females and occurs primarily in long bones, mainly around the knee joint, the majority of tumors predominantly arise in the epiphysis and extend into the metaphysis; however, in cases where the epiphyseal plates are still unclosed, the tumors may be restricted to the metaphysis. Detection of H3F3A gene mutation is crucial for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pediatric GCTB.


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