1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.Reporting quality and influencing factors of patient-reported outcomes in randomized controlled trials of lung cancer: Based on the CONSORT-PRO extension
Guiying ZHANG ; Yueyuan YOU ; Xiaoqin ZHOU ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):322-331
Objective To evaluate the reporting quality and influencing factors of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of lung cancer. Methods RCTs of lung cancer with PRO as either primary or secondary endpoints were searched from PubMed, EMbase, Medline, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases between January 1, 2010 and April 20, 2024. Reporting quality of included RCTs were assessed based on the CONSORT-PRO extension. Descriptive statistics and bivariate regression analysis were used to describe the reporting quality and analyze the factors influencing the reporting quality. Results A total of 740 articles were retrieved. After screening, 53 eligible RCTs of lung cancer with 22 780 patients were included. The patients were mainly with non-small cell lung cancer (84.91%), with the median sample size of the included studies was 364.0 (160.5, 599.5) patients. The primary PRO tool used was the EORTC QLQ-C30 (60.38%). There were 52 (98.11%) studies whose PRO measured the domain of "symptom management of cough, dyspnea, fatigue, pain, etc.", and 45 (84.91%) studies measured "health-related quality of life". Multicenter studies accounted for 84.91%, and randomized non-blind trials accounted for 62.26%. PRO was used as the primary endpoint in 33.96% of the studies and as secondary endpoints in 66.04%. The reliability and validity of the PRO tools were explicitly mentioned in 11.32% and 7.55% of the studies, respectively. The average completeness of reporting according to the CONSORT-PRO guidelines was 60.00%, ranging from 25.00% to 93.00%. The main factors affecting the completeness of CONSORT-PRO reporting included sample size and publication year. For every increment in sample size, the completeness of reporting increased by 27.5% (SE=0.00, t=2.040, P=0.046). Additionally, studies published after 2018 had a 67.2% higher completeness of reporting compared to those published in or before 2018 (SE=17.8, t=–3.273, P=0.006). Conclusion The study reveals that the overall reporting quality of PRO in lung cancer RCTs is poor. Particularly, the reporting of PRO measures reliability and validity, PRO assumptions, applicability, and handling of missing data need further improvement. Future research should emphasize comprehensive adherence to the CONSORT-PRO guidelines.
3.Current status of proteomics research in diabetic retinopathy
Shun ZHOU ; Yan WANG ; Jing LENG ; Yong ZHAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):428-433
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)has emerged as the leading cause of vision loss among working-age people in many countries under the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the longevity of the population. The pathogenesis of DR is complicated and has not been fully elucidated at present, while the treatment methods of DR have not been greatly improved, mainly retinal laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment and vitrectomy surgery. The current treatment methods not only have shortcomings, but also bring serious economic burden to patients. Therefore, new methods are needed to explore the pathogenesis of DR, discover new treatments or improve current treatments, and improve the satisfaction of DR patients. In recent years, the identification and quantification of proteins expressed in blood, retina, vitreous humor, aqueous humor, and tears of all observable DR patients and DR rats and differentially expressed proteins after drug intervention have provided new ideas for further exploring the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of DR with the rise of proteomics, which put forward new insights into early detection and treatment.The proteomics of DR in recent years are reviewed, in order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of DR.
4.Current status of proteomics research in diabetic retinopathy
Shun ZHOU ; Yan WANG ; Jing LENG ; Yong ZHAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):428-433
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)has emerged as the leading cause of vision loss among working-age people in many countries under the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the longevity of the population. The pathogenesis of DR is complicated and has not been fully elucidated at present, while the treatment methods of DR have not been greatly improved, mainly retinal laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment and vitrectomy surgery. The current treatment methods not only have shortcomings, but also bring serious economic burden to patients. Therefore, new methods are needed to explore the pathogenesis of DR, discover new treatments or improve current treatments, and improve the satisfaction of DR patients. In recent years, the identification and quantification of proteins expressed in blood, retina, vitreous humor, aqueous humor, and tears of all observable DR patients and DR rats and differentially expressed proteins after drug intervention have provided new ideas for further exploring the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of DR with the rise of proteomics, which put forward new insights into early detection and treatment.The proteomics of DR in recent years are reviewed, in order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of DR.
5.Effect of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on Neuronal Damage and Aβ Clearance in Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Jing LIU ; Kang CHEN ; Yushun ZHOU ; Zhezuo ZHANG ; Guran YU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study, and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group, a sham operation group, a model group, low- and high-dose (3.27,6.54 g·kg-1, respectively) Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups, and a positive control (donepezil hydrochloride, 0.65 mg·kg-1) group. At the end of the drug intervention, the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally, in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid, and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group, the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged, the platform residence time was shortened, the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis, Nissl body dissolution, and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down, and the expression levels of BDNF, NT-3, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB (p-NF-κB p65) in hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened, and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis, Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD, thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation, reduction of inflammation, and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Effect of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on Neuronal Damage and Aβ Clearance in Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Jing LIU ; Kang CHEN ; Yushun ZHOU ; Zhezuo ZHANG ; Guran YU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study, and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group, a sham operation group, a model group, low- and high-dose (3.27,6.54 g·kg-1, respectively) Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups, and a positive control (donepezil hydrochloride, 0.65 mg·kg-1) group. At the end of the drug intervention, the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally, in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid, and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group, the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged, the platform residence time was shortened, the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis, Nissl body dissolution, and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down, and the expression levels of BDNF, NT-3, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB (p-NF-κB p65) in hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened, and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis, Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD, thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation, reduction of inflammation, and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Efficacy evaluation of denosumab in the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis at high risk of fracture
Jing ZHOU ; Xingyun HOU ; Tingting LIU ; Jiaoyang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):85-92
Objective To explore the difference of efficacy and safety between denosumab and zoledronic acid in the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), and to optimize the medication regimen for PMOP patients. Methods A total of 123 PMOP patients with high risk of fracture at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from September 2021 to March 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the denosumab group (n=63) and the zoledronic acid group (n=60). Both groups underwent one-year treatment and follow-up, bone metabolism indexes, lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck, and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) were monitored, and any adverse reactions were documented. Results After treatment, the lumbar vertebrae and total hip BMD of patients in the denosumab group and the zoledronic acid group were significantly improved (P<0.05); the femoral neck BMD of patients in the zoledronic acid group was also significantly improved (P<0.05). The improvement of lumbar vertebrae BMD in the denosumab group was significantly better than that in the zoledronic acid group, while the improvement of femoral neck and total hip BMD in the zoledronic acid group was significantly better than that in the denosumab group (P<0.05). Bone metabolism indicators were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), and no significant liver and kidney dysfunction were observed. A total of 7 patients in the zoledronic acid group had mild adverse reactions and 5 patients in the denosumab group had mild adverse reactions. Conclusions Denosumab significantly increased lumbar vertebrae BMD and improved bone metabolism markers in PMOP patients, thus reducing risk of fracture and demonstrating good safety.
8.A prediction model for high-risk cardiovascular disease among residents aged 35 to 75 years
ZHOU Guoying ; XING Lili ; SU Ying ; LIU Hongjie ; LIU He ; WANG Di ; XUE Jinfeng ; DAI Wei ; WANG Jing ; YANG Xinghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):12-16
Objective:
To establish a prediction model for high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) among residents aged 35 to 75 years, so as to provide the basis for improving CVD prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Permanent residents aged 35 to 75 years were selected from Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality using the stratified random sampling method from 2018 to 2023. Demographic information, lifestyle, waist circumference and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Influencing factors for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model, and a prediction model for high-risk CVD was established. The predictive effect was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results:
A total of 6 968 individuals were surveyed, including 2 821 males (40.49%) and 4 147 females (59.51%), and had a mean age of (59.92±9.33) years. There were 1 155 high-risk CVD population, with a detection rate of 16.58%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, smoking, central obesity, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were influencing factors for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the established prediction model was 0.849 (95%CI: 0.834-0.863), with a sensitivity of 0.693 and a specificity of 0.863, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
The model constructed by eight factors including demographic characteristics, lifestyle and blood biochemical indicators has good predictive value for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years.
9.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
10.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.


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