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1.
Revisiting X-linked congenital ichthyosis.
Zhou, B, Liang, C, Li, P, Xiao, H
International journal of dermatology. 2025;(1):51-61
Abstract
X-linked recessive ichthyosis (XLI) is a hereditary skin disease characterized by generalized dryness and scaling of the skin, with frequent extracutaneous manifestations. It is the second most common type of ichthyosis, with a prevalence of 1/6,000 to 1/2,000 in males and without any racial or geographical differences. The causative gene for XLI is the steroid sulfatase gene (STS), located on Xp22.3. STS deficiency causes an abnormal cholesterol sulfate (CS) accumulation in the stratum corneum (SC). Excess CS induces epidermal permeability barrier dysfunction and scaling abnormalities. This review summarizes XLI's genetic, clinical, and pathological features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and differential diagnoses, and therapeutic perspectives. Further understanding the role of the STS gene pathogenic variants in XLI may contribute to a more accurate and efficient clinical diagnosis of XLI and provide novel strategies for its treatment and prenatal diagnosis.
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2.
[Clinical efficacy of Fu's subcutaneous needling based on "multi-joint muscle spiral balance chain" theory for cervical vertigo and its effect on blood flow velocity of vertebral artery].
Gong, M, Liu, Z, Li, P, Xiao, R, Jia, P, Guo, H, Jin, S
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion. 2025;(1):13-8
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of Fu's subcutaneous needling based on "multi-joint muscle spiral balance chain" theory for cervical vertigo (CV) and its effect on blood flow velocity of vertebral artery. METHODS A total of 60 patients with CV were randomized into a Fu's subcutaneous needling group and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, Fu's subcutaneous needling was delivered at Dazhui (GV14), the flexible tube was retained for 5 min after sweeping manipulation, and the treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. In the medication group, betahistine mesylate tablet and diclofenac sodium dual-release enteric capsule were taken orally for continuous 3 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment, and in follow-up of one month after treatment completion, the scores of dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed; before and after treatment, the blood flow velocity of vertebral artery was measured by transcranial Doppler, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS After treatment and in follow-up, each item scores and total scores of DHI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05); the VAS scores after treatment in the two groups, as well as the VAS score in follow-up of the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). In the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, after treatment and in follow-up, the physical scores and the total scores of DHI, and the VAS scores were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05); in follow-up, the emotional and functional scores of DHI were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the mean blood flow velocity (Vm) of the left vertebral artery (LVA) and the right vertebral artery (RVA) was increased compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the Vm of LVA and RVA in the Fu's subcutaneous needling group was higher than that in the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 100.0% (30/30) in the Fu's subcutaneous needling group, which was superior to 73.3% (22/30) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Fu's subcutaneous needling based on the "multi-joint muscle spiral balance chain" theory can effectively alleviate the vertigo and neck pain, and improve the blood flow velocity of vertebral artery in CV patients, and has a long-term therapeutic effect.
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3.
Impact of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis on mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wu, Z, Chen, F, Li, P, Zhao, M
Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. 2025;(1):79-88
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mortality impact of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains uncertain. METHODS A meta-analysis comparing mortality in ESRD patients on PD versus HD was conducted, including 9 studies with 7556 HD and 2651 PD patients. RESULTS No significant difference was found in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related mortality, or infection-related mortality between HD and PD patients. Hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels were similar in groups, but HD patients had higher albumin and BUN levels (p < 0.05). Regarding cardiovascular factors and bone minerals, total cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly lower, and calcium levels were significantly higher in the HD group compared with the PD group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Mortality does not significantly differ between HD and PD in ESRD patients, though HD is linked to higher serum albumin levels and lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL.
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4.
Isolation and crystallization of copper resistance protein B (CopB) from Acinetobacter baumannii.
Nayeri, N, Górecki, K, Lindkvist-Petersson, K, Gourdon, P, Li, P
Protein expression and purification. 2025;:106635
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic, Gram-negative human pathogen, which is predominantly found in hospital patients. Its antimicrobial resistance is escalating, leading to less efficient treatments, and an increasing interest in identifying new therapeutic drugs. Metals as antimicrobials are vital in healthcare and agriculture, and copper-containing surfaces are known to reduce microbial counts, also in clinical settings. Indeed, copper (Cu) is an essential element required for survival in all organisms from bacteria to humans, but nevertheless elevated levels are highly toxic for cells. Through different regulatory mechanisms, cells maintain Cu homeostasis, and ion channels and transporters are critical in this process. Precise understanding of such ion transport requires insight into the protein structures of the involved proteins, which will also provide information important for applied sciences. Considering the medical significance of A. baumannii and the possibility to exploit Cu to handle such infections, channels and transporters represent appealing targets. Here we approached the putative outer membrane CopB (Copper resistance protein B) from A. baumannii that is postulated to conduct Cu, with characterization of its structure and function as well as to enable rational drug-design. To this end, we demonstrate in this work procedures to produce purified sample and to recover diffracting protein crystals of CopB. The protein was overproduced in E. coli and membrane extracted in a range of detergents. The solubilized protein was subjected to crystallization, which yielded hits that scatter X-rays to low resolution. Our findings have the potential to pave the way for subsequent drug discovery.
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5.
Plant PI4P is required for bacteria to translocate type-3 effectors.
Peng, J, Zhang, L, Lu, K, Chen, X, Pang, H, Yao, X, Li, P, Cao, P, Li, X, Wang, Z, et al
The New phytologist. 2025;(2):748-766
Abstract
Type-3 effectors (T3E) of phytopathogenic Gram-negative bacteria fulfill a virulent role, causing disease, or an avirulent role, inducing immunity, following their translocation into plant cells. This study aimed to validate the hypothesis that bacterial T3E translocation requires lipidic compounds in plant cell membranes. Based on genetic, molecular, and biochemical assays, we determined that phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) associated with plant cell membranes is essential for the translocation of T3E by bacterial pathogens. Replicate experimental data revealed that PI4P cooperates with the type-3 translocase HrpF to facilitate the translocation of effectors TAL and Xop from Xanthomonas oryzae and Hop from Pseudomonas syringae into the cells of Oryza sativa and Nicotiana benthamiana, respectively. Genetic and molecular analyses confirmed that, once translocated into plant cells, the distinct effectors induce disease or immunity. Combined genetic and pharmacological analyses revealed that when PI4P content is suppressed via genetic or pharmacological measures, the T3 effector translocation is considerably suppressed, resulting in serious inhibition of bacterial infection. Overall, these findings demonstrate that cooperative functioning of HrpF-PI4P is conserved in bacterial effectors and plants.
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6.
Dual-mode detection of human immunoglobulin via copper oxide nanozyme catalysis fluorescent species generation and photoelectrochemical alteration in ZnIn2S4/SnO2-based system.
Zhou, J, Zhao, L, Zhong, Y, Li, P, Zhu, X, Huang, S, Zhang, Y, Liu, M
Analytica chimica acta. 2025;:343409
Abstract
Human immunoglobulin (HIgG) has gained recognition as a crucial biomarker diagnosing and treating various diseases, particularly in identifying elevated serum levels in conditions like measles and pneumococcal disease. Traditional detection methods, however, are often hindered by inefficiencies, high costs, and potential inaccuracies, underscoring the urgent need for more sensitive, efficient, accurate, and self-calibration methods for HIgG. Here, a novel ZnIn2S4/SnO2 composites was synthesized, featuring uniformly dispersed SnO2 nanoparticles on the flower-like ZnIn2S4 structure, resulting in a type II heterojunction that promotes the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Under optimized conditions, this composite demonstrated remarkable photocurrent enhancements 52 and 195 times greater than that of the individual ZnIn2S4 or SnO2, respectively. A novel dual-mode biosensing platform was subsequently developed, employing the ZnIn2S4/SnO2 composites as both as the photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal generator and antibody carrier. This system utilizes multifunctional CuO NPs with ascorbic acid oxidase-like properties, serving as a secondary antibody label. Upon specific binding to HIgG, a notable decrease in the PEC response occurs due to the catalytic activity of CuO NPs and the antigen-antibody interactions. The introduction of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) further enhances detection by facilitating the formation of a fluorescent substance DHAA. This dual-signal approach yielded excellent linear correlations between both PEC and fluorescence signals and HIgG concentration, achieving low detection limits of 22.5 pg/mL or 8.6 pg/mL. These two signals originated from the same PEC electrode with continuous detection in the absence and presence of OPD, simplifying experimental procedures and enhancing the reliability of detection. The non-toxic, chemically stable ZnIn2S4/SnO2 composites ensures reliable and sensitive detection through photocurrent output after incubation with biomolecules. The integration of nanozyme catalysis, biospecific reactions, and in situ fluorescent products generation promise high selectivity across diverse immunosensing applications.
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7.
Design, synthesis and activity evaluation of novel quinazolinone compounds as TRPC5 inhibitors.
Bai, L, Xiang, Y, Shen, M, Han, Y, Li, P, Zuo, Z, Li, Y
Bioorganic chemistry. 2025;:108147
Abstract
The TRPC5 channel plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, which is related to various human diseases, especially psychiatric and kidney diseases. Although the TRPC5 channel is one of the essential potential target, no drugs against TRPC5 channels have been granted in the market to date. In this study, based on the structure of hit compound ph1, we further synthesied 49 compounds of novel quinazolinone and heterocyclic fusion pyrimidinone derivatives, and their activities were evaluated by electrophysiological assays. After extensive screening, 21 compounds exhibited significant TRPC5 inhibitory activity, and compounds ph8 and ph14 displayed strong inhibitory with IC50 of 1.28 and 2.16 μM, respectively. These identified potential TRPC5 inhibitor may provide lead compounds and experimental evidence for the development of novel TRPC5 inhibitors with potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and progressive kidney disease.
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8.
Deciphering the role of zinc homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment and prognosis of prostate cancer.
Guo, T, Wang, J, Meng, X, Wang, Y, Lou, Y, Ma, J, Xu, S, Ni, X, Jia, Z, Jin, L, et al
Discover oncology. 2024;(1):207
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of zinc homeostasis is widely recognized as a hallmark feature of prostate cancer (PCa) based on the compelling clinical and experimental evidence. Nevertheless, the implications of zinc dyshomeostasis in PCa remains largely unexplored. METHODS In this research, the zinc homeostasis pattern subtype (ZHPS) was constructed according to the profile of zinc homeostasis genes. The identified subtypes were assessed for their immune functions, mutational landscapes, biological peculiarities and drug susceptibility. Subsequently, we developed the optimal signature, known as the zinc homeostasis-related risk score (ZHRRS), using the approach won out in multifariously machine learning algorithms. Eventually, clinical specimens, Bayesian network inference and single-cell sequencing were used to excavate the underlying mechanisms of MT1A in PCa. RESULTS The zinc dyshomeostasis subgroup, ZHPS2, possessed a markedly worse prognosis than ZHPS1. Moreover, ZHPS2 demonstrated a more conspicuous genomic instability and better therapeutic responses to docetaxel and olaparib than ZHPS1. Compared with traditional clinicopathological characteristics and 35 published signatures, ZHRRS displayed a significantly improved accuracy in prognosis prediction. The diagnostic value of MT1A in PCa was substantiated through analysis of clinical samples. Additionally, we inferred and established the regulatory network of MT1A to elucidate its biological mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The ZHPS classifier and ZHRRS model hold great potential as clinical applications for improving outcomes of PCa patients.
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9.
H2O2 accumulation promoting internalization of ox-LDL in early atherosclerosis revealed via a synergistic dual-functional NIR fluorescence probe.
Wang, H, Guo, J, Xiu, T, Tang, Y, Li, P, Zhang, W, Zhang, W, Tang, B
Chemical science. 2024;(1):345-353
Abstract
The equilibrium of lipid metabolism is critical to sustaining human health. Metabolic disorders often result in a variety of cardiovascular illnesses, especially atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterized by complicated complications and high mortality. Cholesterol deposition and oxidative stress have been considered as critical mechanisms in the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis, however, the relationship between oxidative stress and lipid accumulation remains a puzzle in foam cells during the early stages of atherosclerosis development. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been reported to participate in various signaling pathways associated with atherosclerotic diseases. Additionally, the excessive intake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) leads to cholesterol accumulation and viscosity increasing in foam cells. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the internalization and modification of ox-LDL by H2O2 in foam cells. Herein, we developed a near-infrared, synergistic dual-functional fluorescent probe capable of detecting H2O2 and viscosity simultaneously with high selectivity and sensitivity. Through in situ imaging of H2O2 and viscosity in vivo, we discovered that H2O2 accumulation leads to an increased intake of ox-LDL in the early stages of plaque formation. This finding establishes a new experimental approach and theoretical foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, as well as the development of new medications.
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10.
Effects of green tea on lipid profile in overweight and obese women.
Li, A, Wang, Q, Li, P, Zhao, N, Liang, Z
International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition. 2024;(3-4):239-251
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Abstract
The effect of green tea administration on serum lipids' concentrations remains unclear as various investigations, which have explored this topic, have produced conflicting results. Gender might be one of the factors influencing the impact of green tea on the lipid profile. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of green tea intake on the lipid profile in overweight and obese women. We searched five databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar) using a combination of MeSH and non-MeSH terms. Results were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and synthesized with a random-effects model. In total, 15 eligible RCTs with 16 arms (1818 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The combined effect size revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -4.45 mg/dl, 95% CI: -6.63, -2.27, P<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -4.49 mg/dl, 95% CI: -7.50 to -1.47, P=0.003) concentrations following green tea supplementation in overweight and/or obese women. In addition, a more pronounced reduction of triglyceride (TG) levels occurred when the baseline TG value was ≥150 mg/dL (WMD: -24.45 mg/dL, 95% CI: -40.63 to -8.26, P=0.003). Moreover, a significant decrease in TG concentrations occurred in RCTs conducted on overweight subjects (BMI: 25-29.99 kg/m2) (WMD: -5.88 mg/dl, 95% CI: -10.76 to -0.99, P=0.01). In the subgroup analyses based on the study population, a notable increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values was observed in obese individuals (>30 kg/m2) (WMD: 2.63 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.10 to 5.16, P=0.041). Consumption of green tea causes a reduction in LDL-C and TC concentrations in overweight and obese women. The decline in TG levels was notable particularly in overweight patients with hypertriglyceridemia at baseline. In addition, a significant increase in HDL-C was detected in obese subjects following intake of green tea.
