1.Mitochondrial Function and Regulation in Spermatogenesis and Activation of Caenorhabditis elegans
Zhan-Xin CHANG ; Long MIAO ; Peng WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1661-1672
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Mitochondria play a pivotal role in spermatogenesis and sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans, serving as the primary ATP supplier for cell division and differentiation while also acting as a key regulator of zinc ion homeostasis, membrane dynamics, and apoptotic signaling. This review systematically summarizes the essential mitochondrial mechanisms at different stages of sperm development, highlighting their multifaceted contributions beyond energy metabolism. Mitochondria are crucial for maintaining the health and stability of the gonads by regulating key apoptotic execution proteins that facilitate the proper elimination of damaged or unnecessary germ cells. Additionally, mitochondria dynamically adjust their energy supply to meet the metabolic demands of different stages of germline development. During early spermatogenesis, mitochondria provide ATP to fuel mitotic and meiotic divisions, support cellular differentiation, and regulate H+ and Zn2+ exchange to maintain cytoplasmic homeostasis, thereby ensuring the proper maturation and functionality of sperm cells. As spermatogenesis progresses, mitochondria participate in processing and sorting essential sperm proteins, such as major sperm protein (MSP), and contribute to the formation of membranous organelles (MOs), which are critical for subsequent activation events. During sperm activation, mitochondria play a dual role in ensuring a successful transition from immotile spermatids to fully functional spermatozoa. First, they provide ATP to facilitate pseudopod formation, MO fusion, and ion channel regulation, all of which are essential for sperm motility and fertilization potential. Second, mitochondria regulate the quality and quantity of functional mitochondria within sperm cells through mitopherogenesis—a recently discovered process in which mitochondrial vesicles are selectively released, ensuring that only healthy mitochondria are retained. This quality-control mechanism optimizes mitochondrial function, which is crucial for sustaining sperm motility and longevity. Beyond their traditional role in energy metabolism, mitochondria may also contribute to protein synthesis during spermatogenesis and activation. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial ribosomes actively translate specific proteins required for sperm function, challenging the long-standing belief that spermatozoa do not engage in de novo protein synthesis after differentiation. This emerging perspective raises important questions about the role of mitochondria in regulating sperm activation at the molecular level, particularly in modulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein composition to optimize ATP production. In summary, mitochondria serve as both the central energy hub and a crucial regulatory factor in sperm activation, metabolic homeostasis, and reproductive success. Their involvement extends beyond ATP generation to include apoptotic regulation, ion homeostasis, vesicle-mediated mitochondrial quality control, and potential contributions to protein synthesis. Understanding these mitochondrial functions in C. elegans not only deepens our knowledge of nematode reproductive biology, but also provides valuable insights into broader mechanisms governing mitochondrial regulation in germline cells across species. These findings open new avenues for future research into the interplay between mitochondria, energy metabolism, and sperm function, with potential implications for reproductive health and fertility studies. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.The Adoption of Non-invasive Photobiomodulation in The Treatment of Epilepsy
Ao-Yun LI ; Zhan-Chuang LU ; Li CAO ; Si CHEN ; Hui JIANG ; Chang-Chun CHEN ; Lei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):882-898
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Regulatory effect of C12ORF66 on viability of MYCN amplified high-risk neuroblastoma cells
Anna JIA ; Shijia ZHAN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Jinxin GUO ; Yongbo YU ; Yongli GUO ; Yan CHANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(3):288-294
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the effect of open reading frame 66(C12ORF66)located at chromosome 12 on the viability of MYCN amplified NB cell lines.Methods DDatasets GSE16476 and GSE49710 in R2 database were analyzed for expression level of C12ORF66 in MYCN amplified and MYCN non-amplified NB cells and its potential correlation with the prognosis of pediatric patients.C12ORF66 mRNA expression level in normal tissue immortalized cell lines,MYCN amplified and MYCN non-amplified cell lines were detected by RT-qRCR.Transient or stable knockdown of C12ORF66 cell lines were constructed to compare the difference in real time cellular analysis(RTCA),colony formation,Ki67 positive cells between the control group and the C12ORF66 knockdown group.Results By analyzing R2 datasets,C12ORF66 level in MYCN amplified samples was significantly higher than that in MYCN non-amplified samples,and the expression of C12ORF66 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of pediatric patients(P<0.05).C12ORF66 highly expressed in MYCN-amplified BE(2)-C and SK-N-BE(2)cell lines than in MYCN non-amplified CHLA-255 and SH-SY5Y cell lines(P<0.001).Transient or stable knockdown of C12ORF66 resulted in significant slow down of proliferation of MYCN amplified NB cells(P<0.001),the colony formation ability was significantly reduced(P<0.001),and the proportion of Ki67 positive cells was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions C12ORF66 was highly expressed in MYCN amplified clinical NB samples and cell lines which is believed to be correlated with poor prognosis of pediatric patients.C12ORF66 knockdown signifi-cantly inhibits cell viability of NB cells.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Changes in serum autophagy markers in infants with retinopathy of prematurity and the clinical value
Tao WU ; Suming DING ; Chang ZHAN ; Wenwen CUI ; Weihua TANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(1):79-84,90
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To study the changes in serum autophagy markers in children with retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)and its clinical value.Methods Premature infants who were screened for ROP in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects.Those screened out with ROP at 4-6 weeks of birth were assigned to the ROP group and those without ROP to the control group.The levels of serum autophagy markers LC3-Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and P62 were detected at the 3rd day,1st,2nd and 3rd weeks of birth.The two groups were compared in terms of serum autophagy markers.The diagnostic efficacy of serum autophagy markers on ROP was analyzed.Results There was no significant difference in serum LC3-Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and P62 levels between the ROP group and control group at the 3rd day of birth(P>0.05).At the first,second and third weeks of birth,how-ever,the ROP group showed significantly lower levels of serum LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 but higher level of P62 com-pared to the control group(both P<0.05).The levels of serum LC3-Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and P62 at the first,second and third weeks of birth had diagnostic value for ROP.The children in the ROP group who did not receive mechanical ventilation and oxygen inhalation,and did not develop with sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed lower serum LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 levels and higher P62 levels at the first,second and third weeks of birth compared to those without the above-mentioned treatment as well as those complications(all P<0.05).In the ROP group,those with severe ROP showed lower serum LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 levels and higher P62 levels at the 3rd day,and 1st,2nd and 3rd week of birth(all P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum autophagy markers in children with ROP show significant changes since the first week of birth,so they have diagnostic efficacy for the diseases.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Hospital Acquired Infections and Non-Hospital Acquired Infections in the Department of Critical Care Medicine
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(3):489-497
Patients with infections in the department of critical care medicine have complex sources and diverse sites of infection, which may be associated with multiple pathogenic bacteria and have a high rate of drug resistance, posing a significant challenge to clinical diagnosis and treatment. Infections in the department of critical care medicine can be divided into two types: hospital acquired infections and non-hospital acquired infections, with significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two. This article discusses the relevant concepts, risk factors, pathogenesis, and common characteristics of severe infections such as bloodstream infections, pulmonary infections, intra-abdominal infections, and intracranial infections, as well as diagnostic and treatment plans and prevention and control strategies from the perspectives of hospital acquired and non-hospital acquired infections, aiming to provide valuable guidance for the clinical management of critically ill patients.
7.Overview of Research on Qushi Tongmai Method in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Application
Chang-Song LIN ; Jing-Yi ZHAN ; Shu-Lin CHEN ; Yi-Fang ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2625-2630
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis patients exerts the features of wind-damp and stasis obstruction,sinew injury and bone damage,therefore,the therapy of dispelling wind and removing dampness,dredging blood vessels,unblocking meridians and collaterals,invigorating spleen and kidney,and strengthening muscles and bones was proposed,hereinafter referred to as Qushi Tongmai method.Under the guidance of Qushi Tongmai method,rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with Chinese medicine based on the modification of empirical formulas such as Kunduan Yimu Formula,Nanxu Yimu Granules and Santeng Shujin Formula,and classical formulas such as Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction,Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction and Banxia Xiexin Decoction according to the deficiency and excess of healthy qi and pathogenic qi as well as the specific symptoms.Moreover,the soft exact,external treatment and functional exercise can be also included.The Chinese medicine therapy combined with the soft exact,external treatment and functional exercise constitutes a unique Chinese medicine system for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.The results of a series of clinical and experimental studies indicated that Qushi Tongmai method exerts efficiency-enhancing and toxin-reducing effect in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,and the establishment of Qushi Tongmai method is a theoretical innovation in exerting the advantages of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Analysis of Human Brain Bank samples from Hebei Medical University
Juan DU ; Shi-Xiong MI ; Yu-Chuan JIN ; Qian YANG ; Min MA ; Xue-Ru ZHAO ; Feng-Cang LIU ; Chang-Yi ZHAO ; Zhan-Chi ZHANG ; Ping FAN ; Hui-Xian CUI
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(4):437-444
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To understand the current situation of human brain donation in Hebei Province by analyzing the basic information of Human Brain Bank samples of Hebei Medical University in order to provide basic data support for subsequent scientific research.Methods The samples collected from the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University were analyzed(from December 2019 to February 2024),including gender,age,cause of death,as well as quality control data such as postmortem delay time,pH value of cerebrospinal fluid and and RNA integrity number and result of neuropathological diagnosis.Results Until February 2024,30 human brain samples were collected and stored in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University,with a male to female ratio of 9∶1.Donors over 70 years old accounted for 53%.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases(36.67%)and nervous system diseases(23.33%)accounted for a high proportion of the death causes.The location of brain tissue donors in Shijiazhuang accounted for 90%donations,and the others were from outside the city.The postmortem delay time was relatively short,90%within 12 hours and 10%more than 12 hours.69.23%of the brain samples had RNA integrity values greater than 6.Cerebrospinal fluid pH values ranged from 5.8 to 7.5,with an average value of 6.60±0.45.Brain weights ranged from 906-1496 g,with an average value of(1210.78±197.84)g.Three apolipoprotein E(APOE)alleles were detected including five genotypes(ε2/ε3,ε2/ε4,ε3/ε3,ε3/ε4,ε4/ε4).Eleven staining methods related to neuropathological diagnosis had been established and used.A total of 12 cases were diagnosed as neurodegenerative diseases(including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,multiple system atrophy,corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy,etc.),accounting for 40%donated brains.The comorbidity rate of samples over 80 years old was 100%.Conclusion The summary and analyses of the data of brain donors in the Human Brain Bank of Hebei Medical University can reflect the current situation of the construction and operation of the brain bank in Hebei Province,and it can also be more targeted to understand and identify potential donors.Our information can provide reference for the construction of brain bank and provides more reliable materials and data support for scientific research.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Research progress of potassium ion channel Eag1 in tumor
Xu-Zhao WANG ; Bo-Chang WANG ; Ya-Fei CHEN ; Yong ZHAN ; Wen-Xin LIU ; Hai-Long AN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(5):823-828
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Eag1(ether-à-go-go-1,also known as Kv10.1,KC-NH1)is a member of the KCNH gene family of voltage-gated potassiumion(K+)channels,which is mainly expressed in the central nervous system as well as in a variety of malignancies and plays an important role in tumor development.The study of the distribution and mechanism of action of Eag1 is of great impor-tance to reveal its physiological function and its association with pathological mechanisms.This paper reviews the current re-search progress on the physiological and pathological properties of Eag1,the relationship between Eag1 and tumor development and the anti-tumor application of Eag1 modulators.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Application of modified presentation assimilation discussion combined with heuristic clinical medicine teaching in training of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses
Huili LYU ; Zhan YANG ; Fuhua LI ; Dandan WANG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Jianfang CHANG ; Feifei WANG ; Xiangke ZHAO ; Xiaojun LIU ; Shaoyan QI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(22):3047-3051
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To explore the application effect of the modified presentation assimilation discussion combined with heuristic clinical medicine teaching in training of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses.Methods:The convenient sampling method was used to select 62 nurses who participated in training of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to June 2023 as the research objects. A total of 30 nurses who participated in the 25th training session from January to March 2023 were selected as the control group, and 32 nurses who participated in the 26th training session from April to June 2023 were selected as the observation group. The control group received conventional training method, while the observation group received modified presentation assimilation discussion combined with heuristic clinical medicine teaching. The theoretical knowledge and operational skills of nurses, core competence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses and training satisfaction were compared between the two groups after training.Results:After training, the scores of theoretical knowledge and operational skills, core competence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses and training satisfaction in observation group were higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The modified presentation assimilation discussion combined with heuristic clinical medicine teaching can improve the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist nurses, and the nurses' training satisfaction is higher.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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