The role of innate immunity in diabetic nephropathy and their therapeutic consequences

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an enduring condition that leads to inflammation and affects a substantial number of individuals with diabetes worldwide. A gradual reduction in glomerular filtration and emergence of proteins in the urine are typical aspects of DN, ultimately resulting in renal failure. Mounting evidence suggests that immunological and inflammatory factors are crucial for the development of DN. Therefore, the activation of innate immunity by resident renal and immune cells is critical for initiating and perpetuating inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important group of receptors that identify patterns and activate immune responses and inflammation. Meanwhile, inflammatory responses in the liver, pancreatic islets, and kidneys involve inflammasomes and chemokines that generate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the activation of the complement cascade can be triggered by glycated proteins. This review highlights recent findings elucidating how the innate immune system contributes to tissue fibrosis and organ dysfunction, ultimately leading to renal failure. This review also discusses innovative approaches that can be utilized to modulate the innate immune responses in DN for therapeutic purposes.

m^(1)A inhibition fuels oncolytic virus-elicited antitumor immunity via downregulating MYC/PD-L1 signaling

N^(1)-methyladenosine(m^(1)A)RNA methylation is critical for regulating mRNA translation;however,its role in the development,progression,and immunotherapy response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)remains largely unknown.Using Tgfbr1 and Pten conditional knockout(2cKO)mice,we found the neoplastic transformation of oral mucosa was accompanied by increased m^(1)A modification levels.Analysis of m^(1)A-associated genes identified TRMT61A as a key m^(1)A writer linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis.Mechanistically,TRMT61A-mediated tRNA-m^(1)A modification promotes MYC protein synthesis,upregulating programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression.Moreover,m^(1)A modification levels were also elevated in tumors treated with oncolytic herpes simplex virus(oHSV),contributing to reactive PD-L1 upregulation.Therapeutic m^(1)A inhibition sustained oHSV-induced antitumor immunity and reduced tumor growth,representing a promising strategy to alleviate resistance.These findings indicate that m^(1)A inhibition can prevent immune escape after oHSV therapy by reducing PD-L1 expression,providing a mutually reinforcing combination immunotherapy approach.

Impact of exercise on markers of B cell-related immunity:A systematic review

Background:B cells represent a crucial component of adaptive immunity that ensures long-term protection from infection by generating pathogen-specific immunoglobulins.Exercise alters B cell counts and immunoglobulin levels,but evidence-based conclusions on potential benefits for adaptive immunity are lacking.This systematic review assessed current literatures on the impact of acute exercise and exercise training on B cells,immunoglobulins,and markers of secretory immunity in human biofluids.Methods:According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,MEDLINE,Web of Science,and Embase were searched on March 8,2023.Non-randomized controlled trials and crossover trials investigating the impact of acute exercise or exercise training on B cell counts and proportions,immunoglobulin levels,salivary flow rate,or secretory immunoglobulin A secretion rate were included.Quality and reporting of exercise training studies were assessed using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and reporting in Exercise.Study characteristics,outcome measures,and statistically significant changes were summarized tabularly.Results:Of the 67 eligible studies,22 applied acute exercise and 45 applied exercise training.All included outcomes revealed significant alterations over time in acute exercise and exercise training context,but only a few investigations showed significant differences compared to control conditions.Secretory and plasma immunoglobulin A levels were most consistently increased in response to exercise training.Conclusion:B cell-related outcomes are altered by acute exercise and exercise training,but evidence-based conclusions cannot be drawn with high confidence due to the large heterogeneity in populations and exercise modalities.Well-designed trials with large sample sizes are needed to clarify how exercise shapes B cell-related immunity.

Herb pair of Huangqi-Danggui exerts anti-tumor immunity to breast cancer by upregulating PIK3R1

Background:According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),drugs supplementing the vital energy,Qi,can eliminate tumors by restoring host immunity.The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying immune mechanisms of anti-tumor activity associated with Qi-supplementing herbs,specifically the paired use of Huangqi and Danggui.Methods:Analysis of compatibility regularity was conducted to screen the combination of Qi-supplementing TCMs.Using the MTT assay and a transplanted tumor mice model,the anti-tumor effects of combination TCMs were investigated in vitro and in vivo.High content analysis and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate cellular immunity,followed by network pharmacology and molecular docking to dissect the significant active compounds and potential mechanisms.Finally,the anti-tumor activity and the mechanism of the active ingredients were verified by molecular experiments.Results:There is an optimal combination of Huangqi and Danggui that,administered as an aqueous extract,can activate immunity to suppress tumor and is more effective than each drug on its own in vitro and in vivo.Based on network pharmacology analysis,PIK3R1 is the core target for the anti-tumor immunity activity of combined Huangqi and Danggui.Molecular docking analysis shows 6 components of the combined Danggui and Huangqi extract(quercetin,jaranol,isorhamnetin,kaempferol,calycosin,and suchilactone)that bind to PIK3R1.Jaranol is the most important component against breast cancer.The suchilactone/jaranol combination and,especially,the suchilactone/kaempferol combination are key for immunity enhancement and the anti-tumor effects of the extract.Conclusions:The combination of Huangqi and Danggui can activate immunity to suppress breast cancer and is more effective than the individual drugs alone.

The life-history trait trade-offs mediated by reproduction and immunity in the brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens Stål

Reproduction and immune defense are costly functions,and they are expected to tradeoff with each other to drive evolution.The brown planthopper(BPH),Nilaparvata lugens Stål(Hemiptera,Delphacidae),is a global superpest that mostly damages rice crops.Yeast-like symbionts(YLS)exist in the abdominal fat body tissue and are tightly associated with the development,growth,and reproduction of BPH.Our previous research demonstrated that mating behavior promotes the release of YLS from the fat body into the hemolymph in the BPH,thereby triggering an immune response.Additionally,the fitness costs related to life-history traits of BPH(such as survival rate)have a strong dependence on the relative abundance of YLS.However,the possible relationship between reproduction and the immune response in BPH has not been identified.In this study,an omics-based approach was used to analyze the transcriptome of fat body tissues in mated and unmated BPH at 72 h post-eclosion,from which two antimicrobial peptide genes,NlDefensin A(NlDfA)and NlDefensin B(NlDfB),were selected since they were highly expressed in mated BPH.Subsequently,the full-length cDNA sequences of the NlDfA and NlDfB genes were cloned and analyzed.qPCR results showed up-regulation of the NlDfA and NlDfB genes in mated BPH when compared to unmated BPH.Spatial-temporal expression analysis indicated that the NlDfA and NlDfB genes were expressed in all tissues and developmental stages,and they were most highly expressed in the fat body at 24 h post-eclosion.Moreover,the symbionts in BPH were significantly inhibited by the in vitro expression of the NlDfA and NlDfB proteins.Furthermore,RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated suppression of NlDfA and NlDfB dramatically increased the relative abundance of YLS in the fat body,while YLS in the hemolymph decreased significantly.These BPHs also displayed some fitness disadvantages in survival,fecundity,hatchability,and possibly the vertical transmission of YLS from hemolymph to egg.Our results indicated that mating could heighten the immunity of BPH by upregulating the expression of the NlDfA and NlDfB genes,which protect the host from pathogen challenges during reproduction.However,the reduced content of YLS may act as a fitness disadvantage in dictating the life-history traits of BPH.This work has significant theoretical and practical implications for the precise green control technology that involves crucial gene targeting,as well as for the“endosymbionts for pest control”strategy in insects.

Pharmacological Investigation on the Qi-Invigorating Action of Schisandrin B: Effects on Mitochondrial ATP Generation in Multiple Tissues and Innate/Adaptive Immunity in Mice

Schisandrae Fructus, containing schisandrin B (Sch B) as its main active component, is recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its Qi-invigorating properties in the five visceral organs. Our laboratory has shown that the Qi-invigorating action of Chinese tonifying herbs is linked to increased mitochondrial ATP generation and an enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione redox status. To explore whether Sch B can exert Qi-invigorating actions across various tissues, we investigated the effects of Sch B treatment on mitochondrial ATP generation and glutathione redox status in multiple mouse tissues ex vivo. In line with TCM theory, which posits that Zheng Qi generation relies on the Qi function of the visceral organs, we also examined Sch B’s impact on natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced splenocyte proliferation, both serving as indirect measures of Zheng Qi. Our findings revealed that Sch B treatment consistently enhanced mitochondrial ATP generation and improved mitochondrial glutathione redox status in mouse tissues. This boost in mitochondrial function was associated with stimulated innate and adaptive immune responses, marked by increased natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation, potentially through the increased generation of Zheng Qi.

Effects of antioxidant‑rich Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immunity status, and mammary gland gene expression in dairy goats

Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress(OS)on the animals.To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation,a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.Methods Twenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats(38.1±1.20 kg)were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments:one containing silage inoculated with L.plantarum MTD/1(RSMTD-1),and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L.plantarum 24-7(ES24-7).Results ES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1.The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxi-dase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT)activities in milk,serum,and feces of lactating goats(with the exception of T-AOC in milk).Additionally,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield,milk free fatty acid(FFA)content,and vitamin A level in the goats’milk.Furthermore,an increase of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,IgM,inter-leukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 concentrations were observed,coupled with a reduction in IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αconcentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7.Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid(VFA),acetate,and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage.Moreover,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2(NFE2L2),beta-carotene oxygenase 1(BCO1),SOD1,SOD2,SOD3,GPX2,CAT,glu-tathione-disulfide reductase(GSR),and heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1)genes in the mammary gland,while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),TNF,and interferon gamma(IFNG).Conclusions These findings indicated that feeding L.plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Does Herd Immunity Reduce the Risk of Contracting COVID-19?

Herd immunity is often considered a measure to protect a whole community or population from disease if the vaccination threshold is met. Using the demographic and COVID-19 infection data from the state of Pennsylvania, United States, the study aimed to determine if herd immunity by vaccination is an effective way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Pennsylvania counties were split into two groups based on qualification of herd immunity: counties that met the COVID-19 herd immunization rate of 70% and counties that did not. The ANOVA test was used to analyze the difference between the groups with and without herd immunity by the COVID-19 vaccine. The results demonstrated that there was no significant statistical difference between counties that did achieve and those that did not achieve the herd immunity threshold for the COVID-19 vaccine. On the other hand, it was observed that there had been a significant decrease in positive cases between 2020 and 2023. This decline can be attributed to the overall protection by the vaccination and adaptability to the disease, not specifically due to herd immunity alone. Ultimately, these outcomes suggest that herd immunity cannot reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Increased efforts to get vaccinated should be implemented to protect the general community and a wider scope of age.

Targeting the chromatin structural changes of antitumor immunity

Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes,promoting the onset and progression of cancer.Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks,tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes,which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy,cancer immunotherapy,and their combinations.Herein,we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes,DNA methylation,histone post-translational modification,and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity,and introduce these epigenetic research methods.We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immuno-therapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.

Harnessing immunity:Immunomodulatory therapies in COVID-19

An overly exuberant immune response,characterized by a cytokine storm and uncontrolled inflammation,has been identified as a significant driver of severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases.Consequently,deciphering the intricacies of immune dysregulation in COVID-19 is imperative to identify specific targets for intervention and modulation.With these delicate dynamics in mind,immunomodulatory therapies have emerged as a promising avenue for miti-gating the challenges posed by COVID-19.Precision in manipulating immune pathways presents an opportunity to alter the host response,optimizing antiviral defenses while curbing deleterious inflammation.This review article compre-hensively analyzes immunomodulatory interventions in managing COVID-19.We explore diverse approaches to mitigating the hyperactive immune response and its impact,from corticosteroids and non-steroidal drugs to targeted biologics,including anti-viral drugs,cytokine inhibitors,JAK inhibitors,convalescent plasma,monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,cell-based therapies(i.e.,CAR T,etc.).By summarizing the current evidence,we aim to provide a clear roadmap for clinicians and researchers navigating the complex landscape of immunomodulation in COVID-19 treatment.CS Glucocorticoids are among the most widely prescribed drugs with their immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory effect[84].The current guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 recommend against the use of dexamethasone or other systemic CS in non-hospitalized patients in the absence of another indication[70].The RECOVERY trial demonstrates the reduced 28-d mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 using dexamethasone compared to the usual standard of care,along with other investigators,such as Ahmed and Hassan[85].The benefit of dexamethasone was seen only among participants receiving either oxygen alone or invasive mechanical ventilation at randomization but not among those receiving no respiratory support at enrollment[85].In a systematic review and meta-analysis,Albuquerque et al[86]showed that in comparison to tocilizumab,baricitinib,and sarilumab are associated with high probabilities of similar mortality reductions among hospitalized COVID-19 concurrently treated with CS.As a result of the absence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral medications,the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments is reduced.Several COVID-19 therapies are now under investigation.However,the majority of them lack specificity,efficacy,and safety[87].Immunotherapy is a ground-breaking medical treatment that manipulates the immune system to fight diseases.Translational research is rapidly progressing,recognized as a significant breakthrough in 2013[88].Among the immunotherapeutic options for treating COVID-19 are Immunoglobulin,CP,antibodies,mAbs(mAbs),NK cells,T cells,TLR,cytokine therapies and immune modulators.

The Magnaporthe oryzae effector Avr-PikD suppresses rice immunity by inhibiting an LSD1-like transcriptional activator

Avirulence effectors(Avrs),encoded by plant pathogens,can be recognized by plants harboring the corresponding resistance proteins,thereby initiating effector-triggered immunity(ETI).In susceptible plants,however,Avrs can function as effectors,facilitating infection via effector-triggered susceptibility(ETS).Mechanisms of Avr-mediated ETS remain largely unexplored.Here we report that the Magnaporthe oryzae effector Avr-PikD enters rice cells via the canonical cytoplasmic secretion pathway and suppresses rice basal defense.Avr-PikD interacts with an LSD1-like transcriptional activator AKIP30 of rice,and AKIP30 is also a positive regulator of rice immunity,whereas Avr-PikD impedes its nuclear localization and suppresses its transcriptional activity.In summary,M.oryzae delivers Avr-PikD into rice cells to facilitate ETS by inhibiting AKIP30-mediated transcriptional regulation of immune response against M.oryzae.

Tumor-infiltrating T-Lymphocyte immunity-related immune tolerance and anti–programmed cell death protein 1/ligand of programmed cell death protein 1 therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Systemic therapy has become the standard treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)whose treatment options are limited.However,the long-term patient response to drugs and the survival outcomes remain a concern.With increasing exploration of the HCC microenvironment,particularly in terms of T lymphocyte immunity,a new era of immunomolecular targeted therapy,based on molecular signaling,has arrived for advanced HCC.In the study of immune tolerance of the intrinsic HCC microenvironment,we found that multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms and immune checkpoint inhibitors,such as anti–programmed cell death protein 1/ligand of programmed cell death protein 1 therapy,have improved clinical outcomes in some patients with advanced HCC.Furthermore,various combination therapies have been investigated,and HCC types have been categorized into different types based on anti–programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)/ligand of programmed cell death protein 1(PD-L1)treatment.In this paper,we first discuss the tumor-infiltrating T lymphocyte immunity and immune tolerance of HCC.We then clarify the basic mechanism of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and discuss the types of HCC based on anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.Thereafter,we explain the relevant studies and mechanisms of combination therapy of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 with antiangiogenesis drugs or multikinase kinase inhibitors,anti–T lymphocyte–related signaling pathways in HCC,and other anti-CD8+T cell immune checkpoints.In this way,this review offers a deeper understanding of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for advanced HCC,in order to provide better individualized treatments for patients with advanced HCC.

OsbZIP53 Negatively Regulates Immunity Response by Involving in Reactive Oxygen Species and Salicylic Acid Metabolism in Rice

The basic region/leucine zipper(bZIP)transcription factors play important roles in plant development and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.OsbZIP53 regulates resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in rice by analyzing APIP5-RNAi transgenic plants.To further investigate the biological functions of OsbZIP53,we generated osbzip53 mutants using CRISPR/Cas9 editing and also constructed OsbZIP53 over-expression transgenic plants.Comprehensive analysis of phenotypical,physiological,and transcriptional data showed that knocking-out OsbZIP53 not only improved disease resistance by inducing a hypersensitivity response in plants,but also regulated the immune response through the salicylic acid pathway.Specifically,disrupting OsbZIP53 increased H2O2 accumulation by promoting reactive oxygen species generation through up-regulation of several respiratory burst oxidase homologs(Osrboh genes)and weakened H2O2 degradation by directly targeting OsMYBS1.In addition,the growth of osbzip53 mutants was seriously impaired,while OsbZIP53 over-expression lines displayed a similar phenotype to the wild type,suggesting that OsbZIP53 has a balancing effect on rice immune response and growth.

Impact of nutritional support on immunity,nutrition,inflammation,and outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients after surgery

BACKGROUND Postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with gastric cancer has always been the focus of clinical attention.Whether the intervention by a full-course nutritional support team can have a positive impact on the postoperative immune function,nutritional status,inflammatory response,and clinical outcomes of this special population has not yet been fully verified.AIM To evaluate the impact of full-course nutritional support on postoperative comprehensive symptoms in elderly patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This is a retrospective study,including 60 elderly gastric cancer patients aged 70 years and above,divided into a nutritional support group and a control group.The nutritional support group received full postoperative nutritional support,including individualized meal formulation,and intravenous and parenteral nutrition supplementation,and was regularly evaluated and adjusted by a professional nutrition team.The control group received routine postoperative care.RESULTS After intervention,the proportion of CD4+lymphocytes(25.3%±3.1%vs 21.8%±2.9%,P<0.05)and the level of immunoglobulin G(12.5 G/L±2.3 G/L vs 10.2 G/L±1.8 G/L,P<0.01)were significantly higher in the nutritional support group than in the control group;the changes in body weight(-0.5 kg±0.8 kg vs-1.8 kg±0.9 kg,P<0.05)and body mass index(-0.2±0.3 vs-0.7±0.4,P<0.05)were less significant in the nutritional support group than in the control group;and the level of C-reactive protein(1.2 mg/L±0.4 mg/L vs 2.5 mg/L±0.6 mg/L,P<0.01)and WBC count(7.2×10^(9)/L±1.5×10^(9)/L vs 9.8×10^(9)/L±2.0×10^(9)/L,P<0.01)were significantly lower in the nutritional support group than in the control group.In addition,patients in the nutritional support group had a shorter hospital stay(10.3 d±2.1 d vs 14.8 d±3.6 d,P<0.05)and lower incidence of infection(15%vs 35%,P<0.05)in those of the control group.CONCLUSION The intervention by the nutritional support team has a positive impact on postoperative immune function,nutritional status,inflammatory response,and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

2023年国内外天然气市场回顾与2024年展望

2023年,全球天然气消费量为3.96万亿立方米,产量达4.28万亿立方米,供需基本面趋于宽松;国际气价高位回落,供应链扰动风险不断;全球天然气贸易格局持续深度调整,俄罗斯出口欧洲的管道气持续大幅下降,欧洲LNG进口量高位回落,亚洲LNG进口量恢复增长。2023年,中国天然气消费量为3917亿立方米,增量242亿立方米,同比增长6.6%。天然气产量为2353亿立方米,同比增长5.7%,连续7年增产超100亿立方米。天然气进口量为1656亿立方米,增速为9.5%;对外依存度为42.3%,较上年上涨1.1个百分点。中国天然气基础设施建设稳步推进,天然气价格市场化改革持续进行。2024年,预计全球天然气市场延续脆弱平衡态势,市场走势不确定性因素增多,国际气价波动更加频繁;中国天然气市场持续向好,天然气需求维持较快增长,国产天然气稳步上产,有望再超百亿立方米,进口气较快增长。

碳中和目标下中国天然气工业进展、挑战及对策

天然气在21世纪中叶将迈入“鼎盛期”,“天然气时代”正在到来。回顾全球天然气工业历程,梳理美国页岩革命启示,总结中国天然气发展历史与成果进展,分析天然气在能源绿色低碳转型中的地位与挑战,提出当前和未来中国天然气工业的发展对策。中国天然气工业经历了起步、增长、跨越3个发展阶段,已成为世界第4大天然气生产国与第3大消费国;天然气勘探开发理论技术取得重大成就,为储量产量规模增长提供了重要支撑。碳中和目标下,推动绿色可持续发展,天然气工业发展挑战与机遇并存。天然气低碳优势显著,“气电调峰”助力新能源发展;同时,开采难度与成本加大等问题更突出。为保障国家能源安全,实现经济社会与生态环境和谐共生,碳中和进程中,立足“统筹布局、科技创新;多能互补、多元融合;灵活高效、优化升级”,完善产供储销体系建设,加速推动天然气工业发展:①加大天然气勘探开发力度,规划部署重点勘探开发领域,突破关键理论,强化技术攻关,持续支撑增储上产;②推进天然气绿色创新发展,突破新技术,拓展新领域,融合新能源;③优化天然气供需转型升级,加大管道气、液化天然气布局和地下储气库建设,建立储备体系,提升应急调节能力和天然气一次能源消费比例,助力能源消费结构转型,实现资源利用低碳化、能源消费清洁化。

2023年中国天然气调峰特性及2024年市场供需展望

为了助推天然气在中国新型能源体系建设中发挥更大的作用,回顾了2023年中国天然气市场调峰需求的主要特点,展望了2024年中国天然气市场的发展趋势。研究结果表明:(1)2023年,中国天然气供需总体宽松,天然气季节性调峰量为212×10^(8)m^(3),占该年全国天然气消费总量的5.4%,较2022年有所下滑;(2)2023年中国高月天然气不均匀系数为1.34,低月不均匀系数为0.85,月峰谷比为1.57,消费量月度波动幅度在年初市场异常和淡季需求量增长的影响下有所收窄;(3)2023年中国高峰天然气日消费量在历史性寒潮的刺激下直线攀升,峰值达到15.7×10^(8)m^(3)/d,同比增长18.9%;(4)城市燃气和发电用气成为2023年中国天然气调峰需求的主力,工业燃料和化工原料用气在一定程度上平抑了天然气消费量的季节性波动;(5)2023年中国储气设施顶峰能力再上新台阶,经营品种更加丰富;(6)在诸多有利条件叠加的情景下,预计2024年中国天然气需求量将有望达到4264×10^(8)m^(3),同比增长8.8%,新增需求量以工业燃料和发电用气为主;(7)2024年中国天然气调峰需求量预计为227×10^(8)m^(3),同比增长7.0%;(8)预计2024年中国天然气供应能力增长将超过需求量增长,整体上继续保持供应宽松的格局,并且在积极情景下LNG现货需求将保持旺盛;(9)建议国内天然气进口企业高度关注国际市场供应侧风险,销售企业提前做好冬季资源储备,城市燃气企业利用改革红利及时补齐相关短板,设施经营企业积极拓展市场化经营模式。

2023年中国天然气发展述评及2024年展望

为了助力产业高质量发展、助推中国式现代化建设,收集、整理、分析了中国天然气行业2023年的各项指标、数据和动态,论述和研判了2023年中国天然气产业链各环节以及天然气市场的热点和亮点,进而展望了2024年中国天然气行业的发展前景。研究结果表明,2023年中国天然气发展稳中有进、不乏亮点,主要表现在:(1)天然气勘探全面开花,预计新增天然气探明地质储量或创历史新高;(2)天然气生产稳中有进,全年共生产天然气2 324×10^(8)m^(3),年增产量近123×10^(8)m^(3);(3)天然气进口量增价跌(共进口天然气1 655.6×10^(8)m^(3)),其中LNG进口量重返世界第一(进口量为984.2×10^(8)m^(3));(4)天然气需求量小幅度反弹,天然气表观消费量达3 915.5×10^(8)m^(3),天然气对外依存度为40.6%,市场供应平稳;(5)天然气基础设施建设方兴未艾,LNG接收站、天然气长输管道和地下储气库建设有新进展;(6)在推进实现碳达峰碳中和目标和建设新型能源体系的形势下,油气生产企业大力拓展新能源业务;(7) LNG重卡销量创历史新高(共销售15.19万辆),用气增量异军突起;(8)国家问政于民,新版《天然气利用政策》面向全社会征求意见。结论认为:(1)尽管中国天然气增量市场面临着煤炭“压舱石”和新能源的竞争,但天然气仍然是中国能源结构低碳化发展过程中的桥梁和支柱,不可或缺;(2)预计2024年天然气勘探力度不减,探明天然气地质储量增势依旧;(3)天然气生产稳中有进,增产量与2023年相当;(4)天然气进口量将大幅度增加,天然气进口均价将继续下降;(5)天然气需求量平稳增长,市场供应宽松。

天然气管道掺氢输送研究现状与分析

天然气管道掺氢输送是实现大规模、远距离和低成本氢气运输的手段之一,但氢气掺入天然气管道给管线运行工况、安全维护等带来了不容忽视的影响,具有一定的安全隐患。为此,围绕国内外天然气管道掺氢输送的技术研究与工程应用现状,讨论了影响天然气管道掺氢安全输送的主要因素,即掺氢引起的天然气物性改变、氢致失效和掺混不均,以及掺氢管道泄漏扩散和燃爆的安全问题。结果表明,天然气掺氢后,对现有管材提出了新要求,需开展相关实验以揭示氢致失效机理,掺氢天然气管道停输后是否发生气体分层与管道是否发生氢致失效密切相关。掺氢天然气管道泄漏扩散及自燃的安全范围、发生燃爆所需的最小掺氢比及燃爆机理尚不明晰,实验研究与实际运营存在差距。针对天然气管道掺氢输送的规范、标准及相关监管政策仍处于发展阶段,需要结合系统的研究数据及实践进一步完善。以上结果明晰了掺氢输送存在的风险,可为大规模掺氢混输的工程推广与实际运营提供参考。

对天然气在新型能源体系中地位和作用的认识

当前全球能源利用以化石能源为主,各国能源加速向新能源演进,呈现出化石能源下降、可再生能源快速扩张、终端电气化水平提升、低碳氢使用增加四大发展趋势。全球天然气需求先增后降,增长动力主要来自发电和工业领域。中国能源需求较长时间内仍将保持增长态势,预计2030年中国一次能源消费将达到65亿吨标煤左右,2040年前后达到峰值后缓慢下降。中国天然气发展经历了管网建设拉动、政策拉动两个历史阶段,未来发展动能将主要来自“双碳”约束下的工业用能升级和气电与新能源的融合。新型能源体系构建中,天然气在各利用领域呈现差异化发展:在新型电力系统中发挥灵活性调节和应急支撑作用,促进风光可再生能源发展;在工业用能领域发挥补煤替煤作用,促进工业用能减污降碳协同增效;在城市燃气领域长期发挥基础能源作用,增进民生福祉;在交通领域发挥过渡性能源作用,助力陆上重卡和远洋船舶运输减污降碳;在化工领域对原料气起到补充作用,主要保障农业化肥生产需求。