1.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
2.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
3.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
4.Mechanism of Linggui Zhugantang in Promoting Astrocyte Endocytosis and Degradation of Amyloid β
Min GAO ; Xiaojing CHENG ; Qingrong TIAN ; Yun LING ; Xibin ZHOU ; Chunxiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):1-8
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Linggui Zhugantang (LGZGT)-containing serum on primary astrocytes (AS) induced by β amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and explore the phagocytic and degradative effects of LGZGT on Aβ. MethodAn AD model was established by inducing AS with Aβ1-42. The cells were divided into normal group, model group, LGZGT low-, medium-, and high-dose (LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, and LGZGT-H) groups, and donepezil hydrochloride group. The model group was treated with Aβ1-42 at a final concentration of 10 μmol∙L-1. The LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, and LGZGT-H groups were treated with 10% serum containing LGZGT on the basis of the model group. Cell viability was assessed using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured using an LDH assay kit, and cell morphology was observed using an inverted microscope. The expression of Aβ-related degradation enzymes insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and cathepsin D (CTSD) was detected using Western blot, and the fluorescence intensity of cathepsin B (CTSB) was measured using immunofluorescence. The content of Aβ1-42 in cells was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultCompared with the normal group, the viability of AS in all groups decreased, and Aβ1-42 at different concentrations had inhibitory effects on AS proliferation. After administration, compared with the normal group, the cell survival rate of the model group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the cell survival rates of the LGZGT-H group and donepezil hydrochloride group increased significantly (P<0.05). The LDH activity of cells in the model group was significantly increased compared with that in the normal group (P<0.05), and cell bodies were swollen and enlarged with increased protrusions and elongation, suggesting more obvious cell damage. Compared with the model group, the LDH activity of cells in the donepezil hydrochloride, LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, and LGZGT-H groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). After administration, the cell swelling in the LGZGT-M, LGZGT-H, and donepezil hydrochloride groups improved, cell protrusions shortened, and cell clustering decreased. Compared with the normal group, the expression of IDE and CTSD in the model group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of IDE increased significantly in the LGZGT-M and LGZGT-H groups (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of CTSD increased significantly in the LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, LGZGT-H, and donepezil hydrochloride groups (P<0.05). The average fluorescence intensity of CTSB in the model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the average fluorescence intensity of CTSD in the LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, LGZGT-H, and donepezil hydrochloride groups increased significantly (P<0.05). The intracellular content of Aβ1-42 in cells in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05). After administration, compared with the model group, the intracellular content of Aβ1-42 in cells in the LGZGT-L, LGZGT-M, LGZGT-H, and donepezil hydrochloride groups decreased significantly (P<0.05), and LGZGT-containing serum reduced Aβ1-42 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). ConclusionLGZGT has a protective effect on Aβ1-42-induced AS and can promote the degradation of Aβ. Its mechanism may be related to reducing Aβ toxicity, enhancing cell viability, promoting the expression of IDE, CTSD, and CTSB, and restoring lysosomal function.
5.Hospital discharge readiness and its influencing factors and nursing strategies in patients with chronic diseases with multiple diseases
Xiaojing ZHANG ; Yunan CHI ; Yue TIAN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(4):296-302
Objective:To explore the discharge readiness and influencing factors of patients with multimorbidity, and to formulate corresponding strategies to guide clinical work.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, 183 patients were surveyed by convenience sample method for Department of General Practice, the Third Hospital of Peking University February in to December 2022. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors affecting discharge readiness.Results:All 183 coexisting patients, 95 males, 88 females, mean age (67.34 ± 10.36) years old. Mean discharge readiness was (109.83 ± 18.40). 54.9% of the factors for patients with multiple chronic diseases came from the perception of self-care disorder, hospitalization, stay, and preparation for discharge ( R2=0.549, P<0.05). Conclusions:The discharge readiness of patients with multiple chronic diseases in general medicine is at a high level, and clinical nursing staff should give early intervention to the patients who perceive self-care barriers, need to stay with them, have multiple hospitalization, and are not ready for discharge, so as to ensure that the patients are in a good state of discharge readiness.
6.Correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes among 46 children with SCN1A-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy
Bingwei PENG ; Haixia ZHU ; Yang TIAN ; Xiaojing LI ; Xiuying WANG ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Yani ZHANG ; Huiling SHEN ; Wenxiong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(4):426-431
Objective:To explore the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes among 46 children with SCN1A-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Methods:Clinical data of 46 children with DEE and SCN1A variants identified at the Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center between January 2018 and June 2022 were collected. The children were grouped based on their age of onset, clinical manifestations, neurodevelopmental status, and results of genetic testing. The correlation between SCN1A genotypes and clinical phenotypes was analyzed. Results:Among the 46 patients, 2 children (4.35%) had developed the symptoms before 3 months of age, 42 (91.30%) were between 3 to 9 months, and 2 cases (4.35%) were after 10 months. Two cases (4.35%) presented with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), while 44 (95.7%) had presented with Dravet syndrome (DS), including 28 cases (63.6%) with focal onset (DS-F), 13 cases (29.5%) with myoclonic type (DS-M), 1 case (2.27%) with generalized type (DS-G), and 2 cases (4.55%) with status epilepticus type (DS-SE). Both of the two EIMFS children had severe developmental delay, and among the DS patients, 7 cases had normal development, while the remaining had developmental delay. A total of 44 variants were identified through genetic sequencing, which included 16 missense variants and 28 truncating variants. All EIMFS children had carried the c. 677C>T (p.Thr226Met) missense variant. In the DS group, there was a significant difference in the age of onset between the missense variants group and the truncating variants group ( P < 0.05). Missense variants were more common in D1 (7/15, 46.7%) and pore regions (8/15, 53.3%), while truncating variants were more common in D1 (12/28, 42.9%). Children with variants outside the pore region were more likely to develop myoclonic seizures. Conclusion:The clinical phenotypes of DEE are diverse. There is a difference in the age of onset between individuals with truncating and missense variants in the SCN1A gene. Missense variants outside the pore region are associated with a higher incidence of myoclonic seizures.
7.Construction and application of prenatal health education curriculum based on virtual simulation technology
Xiaojing YU ; Xuefen XU ; Lili XU ; Yanping TIAN ; Danfeng FAN ; Suwen FENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(2):184-190
Objective To construct,implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual simulation technology-based prenatal health education course.Methods The curriculum included 4 parts:"warm delivery room and easy delivery","medicated analgesic delivery","non-medicated analgesic delivery"and"early maternal and infant health care".From May to September 2022,100 primiparas in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Zhejiang Province were investigated by convenient sampling method.Random number table method was used to divide the participants into an experimental group and a control group,with 50 participants per group.The control group received conventional health education,while the experimental group received an augmented virtual reality technology-based prenatal health education course during the late stages of pregnancy on this basis.We conducted a post-intervention comparative analysis of antenatal anxiety levels,fear of childbirth,and birth outcomes between the 2 groups.Furthermore,a post-intervention satisfaction survey was administered to the experimental group.Results After intervention,the antenatal anxiety of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group(x2=4.943,P=0.026),and the decrease in fear of childbirth scores was higher than that of the control group(t=3.200,P=0.002).The experimental group was highly satisfied with all of the 4 dimensions of the course,and the overall evaluation was(31.8±3.23)points.However,there were no significant differences in vaginal delivery rate,postpartum bleeding volume,postpartum hemorrhage incidence,perineal injury degree and duration of each labor stage between the 2 groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The virtual reality technology-based prenatal health education course was effective in improving the antenatal anxiety and fear of childbirth of primipara,and the use satisfaction is high.
8.Tildrakizumab for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients: A 12-week randomized placebo-controlled phase III trial with long-term extension
Chen YU ; Songmei GENG ; Bin YANG ; Yunhua DENG ; Fuqiu LI ; Xiaojing KANG ; Mingye BI ; Furen ZHANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Weili PAN ; Zhongwei TIAN ; Jinhua XU ; Zhenghua ZHANG ; Nan YU ; Xinsuo DUAN ; Shuping GUO ; Qing SUN ; Weiquan LI ; Juan TAO ; Zhijun LIU ; Yuanyuan YIN ; Gang WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1190-1198
Background::There is a need for effective and safe therapies for psoriasis that provide sustained benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab, an anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody, for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients.Methods::In this multi-center, double-blind, phase III trial, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous tildrakizumab 100 mg or placebo at weeks 0 and 4. Patients initially assigned to placebo were switched to receive tildrakizumab at weeks 12, 16, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients in the tildrakizumab group continued with tildrakizumab at week 16, and every 12 weeks until week 52. The primary endpoint was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) response rate at week 12.Results::At week 12, tildrakizumab demonstrated significantly higher PASI 75 response rates (66.4% [73/110] vs. 12.7% [14/110]; difference, 51.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 40.72, 62.13]; P <0.001) and Physician’s Global Assessment (60.9% [67/110] vs. 10.0% [11/110]; difference, 49.1% [95% CI, 38.64, 59.62]; P <0.001) compared to placebo. PASI 75 response continued to improve over time in both tildrakizumab and placebo-switching to tildrakizumab groups, reaching maximal efficacy after 28 weeks (86.8% [92/106] vs. 82.4% [89/108]) and maintained up to 52 weeks (91.3% [95/104] vs. 87.4% [90/103]). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild and not related to tildrakizumab. Conclusion::Tildrakizumab demonstrated durable efficacy through week 52 and was well tolerated in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Trial registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05108766.
9.Quality of life and risk factors of patients with depression in Shandong Province
Junting LIU ; Xiaojing CHENG ; Jingxuan ZHANG ; Ruzhan WANG ; Xiaojing LI ; Qian WANG ; Chenghui WANG ; Hao DING ; Liju QIAN ; Xiaona WAN ; Xue TIAN ; Zongyin HOU ; Fengjie LIU ; Jindong LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(6):465-472
Objective:To study the life characteristics and related risk factors of patients with depression in Shandong Province.Methods:Based on the 2015 mental epidemiological survey database in Shandong Province,a total of 832 patients with depression,807 high-risk individuals with depression,and 819 low-risk individuals were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fourth Edition(DSM-Ⅳ)and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-Ⅳ-TR Axis I Disorders,Research Version(SCID-I/P).In 2020,SCID-I/P was used for re diagnosis,and the General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-12),Simple Quality of Life question-naire,Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ),Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),Global Pain Scale(GPS),Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),Simplified Coping Style Question-naire(SCSQ)were used for evaluation.Compare changes in the quality of life of depression patients and construct a risk factor model.Results:Patients with depression had lower scores on the simple quality of life questionnaire at baseline and at retest after 5 years than those in the high-and low-risk groups,those in remission of depression had higher scores on the simple quality of life questionnaire at baseline and at retest after 5 years than those in non-re-mission,and those with new-onset disorder in the high-and low-risk groups had lower scores on the simple quality of life questionnaire at baseline and at retest after 5 years than those with no-onset disorder(Ps<0.001).Depres-sion diagnosis and PSQI scale scores at baseline negatively predicted at retest after 5 years(β=-0.06,-0.15),while coping style tendencies at baseline positively predicted(β=0.06).The simple quality of life questionnaire at baseline negatively predicted depression diagnosis at retest after 5 years,GHQ-12 scores at retest after 5 years,and PSQI scale scores at retest after 5 years(β=-0.11,-0.17,-0.09),while the simple quality of life question-naire at baseline positively predicted coping style tendencies at retest after 5 years(β=0.13).Depression diagnosis at retest after 5 years,GHQ-12 scores at retest after 5 years,PSQI scale scores at retest after 5 years,coping style tendencies at retest after 5 years,SSRS scale scores,CTQ scale scores,GPS scale scores,and the simple quality of life questionnaire at baseline all influenced the simple quality of life questionnaire at retest after 5 years through ei-ther direct or indirect pathways.Conclusion:It suggest that the quality of life is lower in patients with depression than in the general population.Depression diagnosis,sleep,mental health,pain,social support,childhood trauma and coping are direct and indirect risk factors affecting life.
10.CT radiomics nomogram for predicting Ki-67 expression of thymus epithelial tumors
Zhengping ZHANG ; Xiaojing HOU ; Zijin LIU ; Kede MI ; Zhitao WANG ; Shuping MENG ; Xingcang TIAN ; Li ZHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(11):1693-1697
Objective To observe the value of CT radiomics nomogram for predicting Ki-67 expression of thymus epithelial tumors.Methods Totally 163 patients with thymus epithelial tumor,including 114 patients in training set and 49 patients in validation set were retrospectively enrolled.The patients were further divided into low expression(<50%)and high expression(≥50%)subgroups according to Ki-67 index.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to screen independent predicting factors of Ki-67 expression in thymus epithelial tumors,and clinical-CT model was constructed.The optimal radiomics features were extracted and screened based on chest plain and venous phase enhanced CT images,respectively.Then radiomics modelplain and radiomics modelenhanced were constructed,and Radscoreplain and Radscoreenhanced were calculated,respectively.The nomogram model was constructed based on clinical-CT model,Radscoreplain and Radscoreenhanced.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and the area under the curves(AUC)were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each model for predicting Ki-67 expression of thymus epithelial tumors.Results Patient's gender and enhanced CT value of lesion were both independent predicting factors of Ki-67 expression in thymus epithelial tumors(both P<0.05).The AUC of clinical-CT model,radiomics modelplain,radiomics modelenhanced and nomogram model for predicting Ki-67 expression was 0.736,0.814,0.836 and 0.857 in training set,which was 0.746,0.746,0.750 and 0.799 in validation set,respectively.Conclusion CT radiomics nomogram could be used to predict Ki-6 7 expression of thymus epithelial tumors.

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