1.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
2.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
3.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
4.Rbbp6-Mediated Bmal1 Ubiquitination Inhibits YAP1 Signaling Pathway to Promote Ferroptosis in Diabetes-Induced Testicular Damage
Yuan TIAN ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Jun QIAO ; Bei LIU ; Yuehai XIAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):210-224
Background:
Diabetes-induced testicular damage (DITD) is a common complication of diabetes. We investigated underlying mechanism of retinoblastoma-binding protein 6 (Rbbp6)-mediated brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) ubiquitination in modulating ferroptosis in DITD.
Methods:
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and viability were measured by flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), respectively. The impact of Rbbp6 and Bmal1 on ferroptosis was assessed by determining expression of ferroptosis markers glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), iron, and lipid peroxidation. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between Rbbp6 and Bmal1, as well as the ubiquitination level of Bmal1. The expression levels of Rbbp6, Bmal1, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), ferroptosis markers, and testicular steroidogenic enzymes were tested by Western blot.
Results:
Bmal1 protein expression was significantly downregulated, while Rbbp6 was upregulated in DITD mouse model and high glucose (HG)-induced GC-1 spg cells. Overexpression of Bmal1 improved testicular injury in diabetic mice, reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), MDA, iron levels, and increased expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GSH, as well as testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Rbbp6 decreased Bmal1 level through promoting its ubiquitination. Meanwhile, Rbbp6 knockdown inhibited the ferroptosis of HG-induced GC-1 spg cells, which were abolished by silencing Bmal1. In addition, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with ferroptosis inducer erastin blocked the above effects caused by Bmal1 overexpression.
Conclusion
Rbbp6-mediated Bmal1 ubiquitination suppressed YAP1 pathway, promoting ferroptosis in DITD. This study highlighted Rbbp6/Bmal1/YAP1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DITD.
5.Construction of a key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury
Liu LIU ; Bei HOU ; Yanan ZHU ; Lei ZHU ; Yan GAO ; Yingfeng LIANG ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):595-601
Objective To construct a key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury, and provide a basis for the implementation of such treatment and nursing. Methods The draft of the key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury was determined by literature review, case study, and field investigation. The indicators of the system were determined through two rounds of Delphi consultation and using the precedence chart method. According to the criteria of indicator evaluation, the reliability of expert opinions, and the opinions of the research group, the indicators were refined and evaluated. Results Twenty experts were included for two rounds of consultation via mailed inquiries, with a 100% effective response rate in both rounds. The expert authority coefficients were both 0.945, and the Kendall’s W values were 0.347 and 0.448, respectively (P < 0.05). Following the expert consultations, 1 indicator was deleted, 12 indicators were added, and 6 indicators were modified. The key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury established in this study included 4 first-level indicators, 17 second-level indicators, and 73 third-level indicators. The means of importance assignment for all indicators were > 4.00, and the coefficients of variation were < 0.25. Conclusion The key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury established in this study is scientifically rigorous and practically grounded. The indicators demonstrate strong professional relevance and provide important guidance for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury.
6.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
;
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Tablets/administration & dosage*
7.Histaminergic Innervation of the Ventral Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Alleviates Motor Deficits in a 6-OHDA-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Han-Ting XU ; Xiao-Ya XI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Yun-Yong XIE ; Zhi-San CUI ; Bei-Bei ZHANG ; Shu-Tao XIE ; Hong-Zhao LI ; Qi-Peng ZHANG ; Yang PAN ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG ; Jing-Ning ZHU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):551-568
The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K+ channels, or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals
;
Histamine/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Oxidopamine/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Optogenetics
8.Supramolecular prodrug inspiried by the Rhizoma Coptidis - Fructus Mume herbal pair alleviated inflammatory diseases by inhibiting pyroptosis.
Wenhui QIAN ; Bei ZHANG ; Ming GAO ; Yuting WANG ; Jiachen SHEN ; Dongbing LIANG ; Chao WANG ; Wei WEI ; Xing PAN ; Qiuying YAN ; Dongdong SUN ; Dong ZHU ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101056-101056
Sustained inflammatory responses are closely related to various severe diseases, and inhibiting the excessive activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis has significant implications for clinical treatment. Natural products have garnered considerable concern for the treatment of inflammation. Huanglian-Wumei decoction (HLWMD) is a classic prescription used for treating inflammatory diseases, but the necessity of their combination and the exact underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism have not yet been elucidated. Inspired by the supramolecular self-assembly strategy and natural drug compatibility theory, we successfully obtained berberine (BBR)-chlorogenic acid (CGA) supramolecular (BCS), which is an herbal pair from HLWMD. Using a series of characterization methods, we confirmed the self-assembly mechanism of BCS. BBR and CGA were self-assembled and stacked into amphiphilic spherical supramolecules in a 2:1 molar ratio, driven by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π stacking; the hydrophilic fragments of CGA were outside, and the hydrophobic fragments of BBR were inside. This stacking pattern significantly improved the anti-inflammatory performance of BCS compared with that of single free molecules. Compared with free molecules, BCS significantly attenuated the release of multiple inflammatory mediators and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyroptosis. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of intracellular nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation and the noncanonical pyroptosis signalling pathway mediated by caspase-11.
9.Spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2021
Ke CHEN ; Hao YU ; Limei ZHU ; Qiao LIU ; Bei WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(4):513-519
Objective:To analyze the spatial-temporal distribution of etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) at the county (city, district) unit in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2021 to provide evidence for the implementation and adjustment of prevention and control strategies of PTB in Jiangsu Province.Methods:The registration data of etiologically positive PTB patients in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2021 were collected from the Tuberculosis Management Information System in the China Information System of Disease Control and Prevention. Data on the permanent population were from the statistical yearbook of each county (city, district) in Jiangsu Province. Geoda 1.18.0 software was used to analyze the global and local spatial autocorrelation and explore the spatial clustering. SaTScan 10.1 software was used to analyze the spatial-temporal clusters, and ArcGIS 10.7 software was used to visualize the spatial-temporal clusters.Results:A total of 128 240 etiological positive PTB cases were registered in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2021, with an average annual registration rate of 13.99/100 000. The registration rate showed an overall upward trend (trend χ2=63.49, P<0.001) after 2017, and the etiologically positive rate showed an overall upward trend (trend χ2=3 710.86, P<0.001). The annual Moran's I values ranged from 0.107 to 0.343, which showed a spatial clustering distribution. The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were "high-high" clustering areas in Jiangsu Province each year, showing a dynamic distribution, and most of the areas were distributed in the central and southern regions of Jiangsu Province, with the largest number (7) in 2015 and the smallest number (1) in 2011. A total of 4 spatial-temporal clustering areas were explored by spatial-temporal scanning analysis (all P<0.001), among which the first-level clustering area covered 3 counties (cities, districts), namely Changshu, Taicang, and Xiangcheng District of Suzhou, and the clustering time was from 2011 to 2015. The secondary clustering areas covered 24 counties (cities, districts), mainly covering Jiangsu's central and northern regions, such as Huai'an, Suqian, and Yancheng. The third-level clustering areas covered 26 counties (cities, districts); the fourth-level clustering area was the Gaochun District of Nanjing, with the clustering period from 2017 to 2021. Conclusions:From 2011 to 2021, the etiologically positive PTB registration rate at the county (city, district) level in Jiangsu Province had obvious spatial-temporal clustering characteristics. The clustering areas included the northern areas with relatively backward economies and the southern areas with better economic development. Multiple measures should be taken to prevent and control PTB according to the specific situation in different regions.
10.Efficacy and safety of artificial liver support therapy with a selective plasma separator in low-platelet count patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Shoujuan LI ; Li WANG ; Ming ZHOU ; Bei WU ; Lei WANG ; Meng DUAN ; Hongfan LIAO ; Ruiqing HU ; Zhaoxia HU ; Li ZHU ; Juan HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(6):1191-1195
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of artificial liver support therapy with an Evanure-4A selective membrane plasma separator and its influence on platelet count in the treatment of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)patients with different platelet counts.Methods A total of 302 patients with ACLF who were hospitalized in Department of Hepatology,Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center,from January 2021 to May 2023,were enrolled,and according to the platelet count(PLT),they were divided into group A(25×109/L—50×109/L)with 101 patients,group B(51×109/L—80×109/L)with 98 patients,and group C(81×109/L—100×109/L)with 103 patients.In addition to medical treatment,all patients received different modes of artificial liver support therapy based on their conditions,including plasma perfusion combined with plasma exchange,double plasma molecular adsorption combined with plasma exchange,and bilirubin system adsorption combined with plasma exchange.The paired t-test was used for comparison of continuous data before and after treatment in each group;an analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups,and the SNK-q test was used for further comparison between two groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups.Results Of all 302 patients,268(88.74%)achieved varying degrees of improvement in clinical symptoms after artificial liver support therapy.After treatment,all three groups had varying degrees of reductions in alanine aminotransferase(t=14.755,21.614,and 15.965,all P<0.001),aspartate aminotransferase(t=11.491,19.301,and 13.919,all P<0.001),total bilirubin(t=19.182,17.486,and 21.75,all P<0.001),and international normalized ratio(INR)(t=3.497,3.327,and 4.358,all P<0.05).After artificial liver support therapy with an Evanure-4A selective membrane plasma separator,PLT in group A decreased from(37.73±6.27)×109/L before treatment to(36.59±7.96)×109/L after treatment,PLT in group B decreased from(66.97±7.64)×109/L before treatment to(62.59±7.37)×109/L after treatment,and PLT in group C decreased from(93.82±5.38)×109/L before treatment to(85.99±12.49)×109/L after treatment;groups B and C had significant reductions in PLT after treatment(t=12.993 and 8.240,both P<0.001),but there was no significant difference in group A(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions during artificial liver support therapy between the three groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Artificial liver support therapy can improve liver function and INR in patients with ACLF.The use of Evaure-4A selective membrane plasma separator during artificial liver support therapy has little influence on platelets,and it is safe in the treatment of ACLF patients with a significantly lower level of platelets.

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