1.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
2.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
3.Concept, design and clinical application of minimally invasive liver transplantation through laparoscopic combined upper midline incision
Shuhong YI ; Hui TANG ; Kaining ZENG ; Xiao FENG ; Binsheng FU ; Qing YANG ; Jia YAO ; Yang YANG ; Guihua CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):67-73
Objective To explore the technical process and clinical application of laparoscopic combined upper midline incision minimally invasive liver transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 cases of laparoscopic combined upper midline incision minimally invasive liver transplantation. The cases were divided into cirrhosis group (15 cases) and liver failure group (15 cases) based on the primary disease. The surgical and postoperative conditions of the two groups were compared. Results All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic "clockwise" liver resection, with no cases of passive conversion to open surgery or intolerance to pneumoperitoneum. In 6 cases, the right lobe was relatively large, and the right hepatic ligaments could not be completely mobilized. One case required an additional reverse "L" incision during open surgery. All patients successfully completed the liver transplantation, with no major intraoperative bleeding, cardiovascular events, or other occurrences in the 30 patients. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in the cirrhosis group was lower than that in the liver failure group (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, surgical time, blood loss, anhepatic phase, or cold ischemia time (all P>0.05). During the perioperative period, there was 1 case of hepatic artery embolism, 1 case of portal vein anastomotic stenosis, no complications of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava, and 3 cases of biliary anastomotic stenosis, all of which occurred in the liver failure group. Conclusions In strictly selected cases, the minimally invasive liver transplantation technique combining laparoscopic hepatectomy with upper midline incision for graft implantation has the advantages of smaller incisions, less bleeding, relatively easier operation, and faster postoperative recovery, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
4.Research progress on prevention strategies for immune platelet transfusion refractoriness
Peizhe ZHAO ; Yi XU ; Yajun LIANG ; Qing LI ; Yuan ZHOU ; Xianguo XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):448-454
Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) is a common issue among patients with hematological diseases and tumors. This article reviews the diagnostic criteria, influencing factors, and recent prevention and management strategies for immune PTR. The diagnostic criteria typically involve post-transfusion platelet increment (PI), platelet recovery rate (PPR), and corrected count increment (CCI). Both immune and non-immune factors can lead to PTR, with immune factors mainly including HLA and HPA antibodies. Prevention and management strategies include the use of leukocyte-reduced platelets, HLA and HPA antigen-matched platelets, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and immunosuppressive strategies. Although various strategies have been proposed and applied in clinical practice, the prevention and management of immune PTR remain challenging. Future research needs to explore more effective individualized treatment strategies, while also considering the potential application of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology in the field of transfusion.
5.Application of middle hepatic vein splitting and reconstruction technique in split liver transplantation from low-age donor livers
Hui TANG ; Binsheng FU ; Qing YANG ; Jia YAO ; Kaining ZENG ; Xiao FENG ; Shuhong YI ; Yang YANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):453-459
Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical experience of the middle hepatic vein splitting-reconstruction technique in split liver transplantation from low-age donor livers. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the cases of two low-age donor livers that underwent middle hepatic vein splitting-reconstruction, which were transplanted into four child recipients at the Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2017 to July 2023. The surgical and postoperative conditions were summarized and analyzed. Results Donor 1 was a 6-year-old and 4-month-old girl with a body weight of 21 kg, and the obtained donor liver weighed 496 g. After splitting, the left and right liver weights were 201 g and 280 g, and transplanted into a 9-month-old boy weighing 6.5 kg and a 9-month-old boy weighing 7.5 kg, respectively. The graft to recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was 3.09% and 3.73%, respectively. Donor 2 was a 5-year-old and 8-month-old boy with a body weight of 19 kg, and the donor liver weighed 673 g. After splitting, the left and right liver weights were 230 g and 400 g, and transplanted into a 13-month-old girl weighing 9.5 kg and a 15-month-old boy weighing 12 kg. The GRWR was 2.42% and 3.33%, respectively. Both donor livers were split ex vivo, with the middle hepatic vein being completely split in the middle and reconstructed using allogeneic iliac vein and iliac artery vascular patches. According to GRWR, none of the 4 transplant livers were reduced in volume. Among the 4 recipients, one died due to postoperative portal vein thrombosis and non-function of the transplant liver, while the other three cases recovered smoothly without early or late complications. Regular follow-up was conducted until July 31, 2023, and liver function recovered well. Conclusions Under the premise of detailed assessment of the donor liver and meticulous intraoperative operation, as well as matching with suitable child recipients, low-age donor livers may be selected for splitting. The complete splitting and reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein in the middle may effectively ensure the adequate venous return of the left and right liver and provide sufficient functional liver volume.
6.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
9.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

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