1.Effect of targeted silencing of DNMT3A on collagen deposition, proliferation and migration activity of mouse lung fibroblasts
Xianchen Wang ; Junbo You ; Hui Ling ; Jiahao Fan ; Qi Chen ; Hui Tao ; Jiming Sha
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):66-72
Objective:
To investigate the effect of targeted silencing of DNA methyltransferase 3A(DNMT3A) on collagen deposition, proliferation and migration activity of mouse lung fibroblasts(PFs).
Methods:
In order to ensure the proliferation and migration activity of primary fibroblasts, the lung tissues of neonatal C57 suckling mice were taken, PFs were extracted after being sheared, and the morphology was observed and identified under the microscope. PFs cells were activated by 5 ng/ml TGF-β1for 24 h after cell attachment, and DNMT3A silencing model was constructed by small interfering RNA; The experiment was divided into control group, TGF-β1group, TGF-β1+ siRNA-NC group and TGF-β1+ siRNA-DNMT3A group. The protein expressions of DNMT3A, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were detected by Western blot; Real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression changes ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠ. The proliferation ability of PFs was detected by CCK-8 and EdU staining; the migration ability of PFs was detected by scratch test and Transwell migration test.
Results:
Compared with the control group, TGF-β1induced the increase of DNMT3A in the activated PFs cell group(P<0.01), the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis and proliferation related indicators α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ also increased(allP<0.05), and the proliferation and migration ability of PFs increased(allP<0.000 1). Compared with the siRNA-NC group, the protein expression levels of DNMT3A(P<0.000 1) and related indicators α-SMA(P<0.01) and Collagen Ⅰ(P<0.01) significantly decreased in the DNMT3A silencing group by Western blot, and the mRNA levels ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠby RT-qPCR also decreased(allP<0.001), and the proliferation(P<0.01) and migration ability(P<0.05) of PFs cells decreased compared with the control group.
Conclusion
Silencing DNMT3A can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation of PFs. DNMT3A can promote the proliferation and migration of PFs, and then promote the activation of PFs and the development of pulmonary fibrosis. This process may be regulated by DNA methylation modification.
2.Value of adjuvant chemotherapy in IB-lIA cervical adenocarcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study.
You WU ; Miao AO ; He ZHANG ; Kunyu WANG ; Meixian FANG ; Xueyan LYU ; Guobing CHEN ; Tao LYU ; Bin LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(17):2192-2194
3.Silencing PTPN2 with nanoparticle-delivered small interfering RNA remodels tumor microenvironment to sensitize immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fu WANG ; Haoyu YOU ; Huahua LIU ; Zhuoran QI ; Xuan SHI ; Zhiping JIN ; Qingyang ZHONG ; Taotao LIU ; Xizhong SHEN ; Sergii RUDIUK ; Jimin ZHU ; Tao SUN ; Chen JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2915-2929
Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) is a promising target for sensitizing solid tumors to immune checkpoint blockades. However, the highly polar active sites of PTPN2 hinder drug discovery efforts. Leveraging small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, we developed a novel glutathione-responsive nano-platform HPssPT (HA/PEIss@siPtpn2) to silence PTPN2 and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HPssPT showed potent transfection and favorable safety profiles. PTPN2 deficiency induced by HPssPT amplified the interferon γ signaling in HCC cells by increasing the phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinase 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, resulting in enhanced antigen presentation and T cell activation. The nano-platform was also able to promote the M1-like polarization of macrophages in vitro. The unique tropism of HPssPT towards tumor-associated macrophages, facilitated by hyaluronic acid coating and CD44 receptor targeting, allowed for simultaneous reprogramming of both tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, thereby synergistically reshaping tumor microenvironment to an immunostimulatory state. In HCC, colorectal cancer, and melanoma animal models, HPssPT monotherapy provoked robust antitumor immunity, thereby sensitizing tumors to PD-1 blockade, which provided new inspiration for siRNA-based drug discovery and tumor immunotherapy.
4.PROTAC-loaded nanocapsules degrading BRD4 for radio-chemotherapy sensitization in glioblastoma.
Yun GUO ; Mingzhu FANG ; Shilin ZHANG ; Zheng ZHOU ; Zonghua TIAN ; Haoyu YOU ; Yun CHEN ; Jingyi ZHOU ; Xiaobao YANG ; Yunke BI ; Chen JIANG ; Tao SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5050-5070
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis. Conventional chemo-radiotherapy demonstrates limited therapeutic efficacy and is often accompanied by significant side effects, largely due to factors such as drug resistance, radiation resistance, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the activation of DNA damage repair mechanisms. There is a pressing need to enhance treatment efficacy, with BRD4 identified as a promising target for increasing GBM sensitivity to therapy. Lacking small molecule inhibitors, BRD4 can be degraded using PROteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), thereby inhibiting DNA damage repair. To deliver PROTAC, SIAIS171142 (SIS) effectively, we designed a responsive nanocapsule, MPL(SS)P@SIS, featuring GBM-targeting and GSH-responsive drug release. Modified with 1-methyl-l-tryptophan (MLT), nanocapsules facilitate targeted delivery of SIS, downregulating BRD4 and sensitizing GBM cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After intravenous administration, MPL(SS)P@SIS selectively accumulates in tumor tissue, enhancing the effects of radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. GSH activates the nanocapsules, triggering BRD4 degradation and hindering DNA repair. In mouse models, the nanosensitizer, combined with TMZ and X-ray irradiation, efficiently inhibited the growth of GBM. These findings demonstrate a novel PROTAC-based sensitization strategy targeting BRD4, offering a promising approach for effective GBM therapy.
5.Thalidomide mitigates Crohn's disease colitis by modulating gut microbiota, metabolites, and regulatory T cell immunity.
Chao-Tao TANG ; Yonghui WU ; Qing TAO ; Chun-Yan ZENG ; You-Xiang CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101121-101121
Thalidomide (THA) is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms in the context of Crohn's disease (CD) development. Mouse colitis models were established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Fecal microbiota and metabolites were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Antibiotic-treated mice served as models for microbiota depletion and transplantation. The expression of forkhead box P3+ (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assay in colitis model and patient cohort. THA inhibited colitis in DSS-treated mice by altering the gut microbiota profile, with an increased abundance of probiotics Bacteroides fragilis, while pathogenic bacteria were depleted. In addition, THA increased beneficial metabolites bile acids and significantly restored gut barrier function. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that THA inhibited interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β and cell cycle signaling. Fecal microbiota transplantation from THA-treated mice to microbiota-depleted mice partly recapitulated the effects of THA. Specifically, increased level of gut commensal B. fragilis was observed, correlated with elevated levels of the microbial metabolite 3alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanic acid (7-ketolithocholic acid, 7-KA) following THA treatment. This microbial metabolite may stable FOXP3 expression by targeting the receptor FMR1 autosomal homolog 1 (FXR1) to inhibit autophagy. An interaction between FOXP3 and FXR1 was identified, with binding regions localized to the FOXP3 domain (aa238-335) and the FXR1 domain (aa82-222), respectively. Conclusively, THA modulates the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles towards a more beneficial composition, enhances gut barrier function, promotes the differentiation of FOXP3+ Tregs and curbs pro-inflammatory pathways.
6.Clinical remission and transmural healing of ustekinumab in patients with Crohn's disease
Yun WU ; Yalan XU ; Guoyan ZHANG ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Junyao WANG ; Peng YOU ; Tao PENG ; Yulan LIU ; Ning CHEN
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(2):253-259
Objective:To treat the Crohn's disease(CD)patients with ustekinumab(UST),to eva-luate their clinical and endoscopic remission,and to evaluate their transmural response(TR)and trans-mural healing(TH)condition using intestinal ultrasonography(IUS).Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on patients diagnosed with CD in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2020 to Au-gust 2022,who were treated with UST for remission induction and maintenance therapy.All the patients were evaluated on both week 8 and week 16/20 after treatment,including clinical,biochemical indica-tors,colonoscopy and IUS examination.Results:A total of 13 patients were enrolled in this study,inclu-ding 11 males and 2 females.The minimum age was 23 years,the maximum age was 73 years and the mean age was 36.92 years.All the patients were in the active stage of disease before treatment,and the average Best Crohn's disease activity index(Best CDAI)score was 270.12±105.55.In week 8,the Best CDAI score of the patients decreased from 270.12±105.55 to 133.16±48.66(t=4.977,P<0.001).Eight patients achieved clinical remission while 5 patients remained in the active stage.Nine patients underwent colonoscopy evaluation.The average simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease(SES-CD)score decreased from 10.71±7.14 before treatment to 6.00±7.81(t=2.483,P=0.048)in week 16/20.Four patients achieved endoscopic remission while 5 patients did not.In week 8,5 pa-tients achieved TR,2 patients achieved TH,the other 6 patients did not get TR or TH.In week 16/20,6 patients achieved TR,3 patients achieved TH while the other 4 patients did not get TR or TH.There was no significant statistical difference in the TR effect of UST between small intestine and colon lesions(Fisher test,P>0.999).The rate of UST transmural response in the patients who had had previous bio-logical agent therapy was lower than those with no previous biological agent therapy,but there was no sig-nificant statistical difference(Fisher test,P=0.491).Conclusion:After treatment of UST,the clinical and endoscopic conditions of the CD patients had been improved,and some patients could achieve clini-cal remission and endoscopic remission.UST had good TR and TH effects on CD.TR might appear in week 8,and the TR effect increased in week 16/20.There was no significant statistical difference in the TR effect between small intestine and colon lesions.TR effect of UST was better in the patients who had no previous biological agent therapy than those who had had other biological agents,but the result had no significant statistical difference.
7.C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1/C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 pathway in the recovery of memory function in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation rats
Xiao-Jun WU ; Ri-Xing WANG ; Fang-Chong LIN ; You-Kai LÜ ; Qi-Tao FENG ; Tian-Qi YUN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):158-166
Objective To investigate the effect of microglia activation regulated by C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1)-C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1)pathway on memory function in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation rats.Methods The experiment was divided into two parts.In the first part,the rats were randomly divided into sham group,model-0.5 hour group,model-1.5 hour group,model-3 hour group,10 rats in each group.There were differences in the time of hemorrhagic shock among each group.In the second part,rats were randomly divided into control group and CX3CL1 group,10 rats in each group.The rats in CX3CL1 group were treated with CX3CL1 protein factor(intraventricular injection),and the rats in control group were treated with saline.All rats were trained in Morris water maze experiments before model construction,and tests of Morris water maze experiments were carried out after 4 days of model construction.After completion,the whole brains were taken for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining.Cerebrospinal fluid was taken for detection of inflammatory cytokines,and hippocampus tissues were taken for Real-time PCR detection and Western blotting detection.Results Compared with the sham group,the escape latency of rats in model group increased,the number of platform crossings and the resident time in the third quadrant decreased.The neuronal state was impaired in HE staining in model group.In addition,compared with the sham group,the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1(Iba1)in the brain of the rats in model group increased,the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid increased,and the M1-type microglia markers CD16,TNF-α,IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)mRNA content increased.At the same time,compared with the sham group,the expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the brain of model group decreased,and the expressions of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB(p-NF-κB)and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)increased.However,compared with the control group,rats in CX3CL1 group had reduced escape latency,increased platform crossing times and quadrantⅢresident time,and recovered neuronal states.In addition,the expression of Iba1 in the brain of CX3CL1 group decreased,the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased,the mRNA contents of M1-type microglia markers like CD16,TNF-α,IL-1β and iNOS decreased,and the mRNA contents of markers of M2-type microglia glial like CD206,transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),arginase-1(Arg1),Chitinase 3-like protein 1(Ym 1)increased.Conclusion CX3CL1 can help inhibit the excessive activation of microglia,induce the polarization of microglia to M2 type,inhibit the polarization of M1 type,reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines,and alleviate the memory function damage induced by hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation.
8.Study on the mechanism of regulating c-Jun expression by budesonide to inhibit oxidative stress damage in alveolar macrophages NR8383
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):534-538
Objective To investigate the protective mechanism of oxidative stress injury of SD rats NR8383 by budesonide.Methods Rat alveolar macrophages NR8383 were divided into 5 groups:blank group was given serum-free K12 medium without any treatment;lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group was given 2.29 μg·mL-1 LPS standard solution;budesonide group(budesonide),c-Jun inhibitor group(AS601245)and budesonide+c-Jun inhibitor group(budesonide+AS601245)were given budesonide 28.0 μL,c-Jun inhibitor AS601245 2.50 μg,and budesonide 28.0 μL+c-Jun inhibitor AS601245 2.50 μg based on the LPS group,respectively.Cells in 5 groups were incubated in serum-free K12 medium at constant temperature for 24 h.The apoptosis rate at 24 h was examined by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay;c-Jun mRNA expression was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q-PCR);oxidative stress damage factor reactive oxygen species(ROS),8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),thioredoxin reductase-1(TRX-1)expression were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);c-Jun signaling pathway protein expression in each group by Western blot.Results Compared with LPS group(29.88±5.98)%,24 h apoptosis rate was significantly decreased in budesonide group,c-Jun inhibitor group,budesonide+c-Jun inhibitor group and blank group[(20.15±6.66)%,(15.39±3.54)%,(12.11±2.55)%and(8.52±1.27)%,respectively],the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The ROS in budesonide group,c-Jun inhibitor group,budesonide+c-Jun inhibitor group,LPS group and blank group were(3.16±0.19),(4.15±0.33),(2.21±0.21),(6.52±0.36)and(1.06±0.23)U·g-1;8-OHdG were(10.55±1.23),(11.14±1.06),(9.55±1.00),(15.66±1.99)and(8.27±1.13)ng·mL-1;GSH-PX were(188.52±12.33),(200.52±27.97),(144.52±20.55),(335.14±30.10)and(126.55±12.52)U·mL-1;TRX-1 were(40.11±6.66),(50.55±10.07),(60.25±10.55),(115.36±20.03)and(16.55±2.33)ng·mL-1;the relative c-Jun mRNA expressions were 0.56±0.03,0.44±0.11,0.25±0.04,0.89±0.12 and 0.08±0.01;c-Jun/GAPDH protein relative expression were 3.15±0.22,2.36±0.14,1.55±0.13,4.02±0.22 and 0.88±0.12.Compared with the LPS group,the differences of indicators in the budesonide group,c-Jun inhibitor group and budesonide+c-Jun inhibitor group possessed statistical significance(all P<0.05).Conclusion Budesonide significantly increased the survival rate of NR8383 cells and significantly decreased the concentrations of oxidative damage representative factors ROS,GSH-Px,8-OHdG and TRX-1,its oxidative damage protection mechanism may be related to the regulation of c-Jun protein.
9.Clinical trial of brexpiprazole in the treatment of adults with acute schizophrenia
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Liang LI ; Dong YANG ; Jin-Guo ZHAI ; Tao JIANG ; Yu-Zhong SHI ; Bin WU ; Xiang-Ping WU ; Ke-Qing LI ; Tie-Bang LIU ; Jie LI ; Shi-You TANG ; Li-Li WANG ; Xue-Yi WANG ; Yun-Long TAN ; Qi LIU ; Uki MOTOMICHI ; Ming-Ji XIAN ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):654-658
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in treating acute schizophrenia.Methods Patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.The treatment group was given brexpiprozole 2-4 mg·d-1 orally and the control group was given aripiprazole 10-20 mg·d-1orally,both were treated for 6 weeks.Clinical efficacy of the two groups,the response rate at endpoint,the changes from baseline to endpoint of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),Clinical Global Impression-Improvement(CGI-S),Personal and Social Performance scale(PSP),PANSS Positive syndrome subscale,PANSS negative syndrome subscale were compared.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in two groups were compared.Results There were 184 patients in treatment group and 186 patients in control group.After treatment,the response rates of treatment group and control group were 79.50%(140 cases/184 cases)and 82.40%(150 cases/186 cases),the scores of CGI-I of treatment group and control group were(2.00±1.20)and(1.90±1.01),with no significant difference(all P>0.05).From baseline to Week 6,the mean change of PANSS total score wese(-30.70±16.96)points in treatment group and(-32.20±17.00)points in control group,with no significant difference(P>0.05).The changes of CGI-S scores in treatment group and control group were(-2.00±1.27)and(-1.90±1.22)points,PSP scores were(18.80±14.77)and(19.20±14.55)points,PANSS positive syndrome scores were(-10.30±5.93)and(-10.80±5.81)points,PANSS negative syndrome scores were(-6.80±5.98)and(-7.30±5.15)points,with no significant difference(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events between the two group(69.00%vs.64.50%,P>0.05).Conclusion The non-inferiority of Brexpiprazole to aripiprazole was established,with comparable efficacy and acceptability.
10.Research status of non-coding RNA in viral myocarditis
Xiao-Long HE ; Xin-Xin HU ; Fan-Ning WANG ; Wen-Xin WANG ; Guo-Lei ZHOU ; Kang YI ; Tao YOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2143-2147
Viral myocarditis(VMC)is the leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy,which can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology,non-coding RNA(ncRNA)plays an important role in the occurrence and development of VMC.ncRNA promotes the occurrence and development of VMC by regulating viral replication,immune cell function,myocardial cell death,myocardial interstitial fibrosis,and other pathological processes.This article reviews the research progress of ncRNA in VMC and provides new ideas for the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of VMC.


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