1.DIA Proteomics Reveals Mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Extract in Treating α-Syn Transgenic Parkinson's Disease in Mice
Qi ZHENG ; Yi LU ; Donghua YU ; Liangyou ZHAO ; Chunsheng LIN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):40-50
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis extract (ASH) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice by Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) proteomics. MethodsThe α-Synuclein (α-Syn) transgenic PD mice were selected as suitable models for PD, and they were randomly assigned into PD, ASH (61.25 mg·kg-1), and Madopar (97.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Male C57BL/6 mice of the same age were selected as the control group, with eight mice in each group. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage once a day for 20 days. The pole climbing time and the number of autonomic activities were recorded to evaluate the exercise ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe neuronal changes in the substantia nigra of PD mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to measure the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the substantia nigra and assess the areal density of α-Syn in the striatum. DIA proteomics was used to compare protein expression in the substantia nigra between groups. IHC was utilized to validate key differentially expressed proteins, including Lactotransferrin, Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to investigate the effect of ASH on the viability of PD cells with overexpression of α-Syn. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels of Lactotransferrin, Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 in PD cells. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed prolonged pole climbing time, diminished coordination ability, reduced autonomic activities (P<0.01), and reduced swelling neurons. Compared with the model group, ASH and Madopar reduced the climbing time, increased autonomic activities (P<0.01), and ameliorated neuronal damage. Compared with the control group, the model group showed a decrease in TH activity in the substantia nigra and an increase in α-Syn accumulation in the striatum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ASH group showed an increase in TH activity and a reduction in α-Syn accumulation (P<0.05). DIA proteomics revealed a total of 464 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the control group, with 323 proteins being up-regulated and 141 down-regulated. A total of 262 differentially expressed proteins were screened in the ASH group compared with the model group, including 85 proteins being up-regulated and 177 down-regulated. Kyoto encylopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that ASH primarily regulated the Notch signaling pathway. The model group showed up-regulation in protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 and down-regulation in the protein level of Lactotransferrin compared with the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ASH down-regulated the protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.05) while up-regulating the protein level of Lactotransferrin (P<0.01). The IHC results corroborated the proteomics findings. The cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.01), while down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of Lactotransferrin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ASH reduced the mRNA and protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.01), while increasing the mRNA and protein levels of Lactotransferrin (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionASH may Synergistically inhibit the Notch signaling pathway and mitigate neuronal damage by down-regulating the expression of Notch2 and Ndrg2. Additionally, by up-regulating the expression of Lactotransferrin and down-regulating the expression of TMEM166, ASH can address brain iron accumulation, intervene in ferroptosis, inhibit mitophagy, and mitigate reactive oxygen species damage, thereby protecting nerve cells and contributing to the treatment of PD.
2.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
3.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
4.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
5.Improvement effects and mechanism of Xiangsha yiwei tang on gastric mucosal injury in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis
Pengfei XIA ; Di JIN ; Jin LIANG ; Yi YU ; Jinjun DU ; Zhanyong JIN ; Jun FANG ; Xia YANG ; Huiwu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1311-1316
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Xiangsha yiwei tang on gastric mucosal injury in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). METHODS Rats were randomly assigned into normal control group, model group, Xiangsha yiwei tang low-, medium- and high-dose groups (6, 12, 18 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang+740 Y-P [Xiangsha yiwei tang 18 g/kg+transforming growth factor β1/phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/ protein kinase B(TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt) pathway activator group 740 Y-P 10 mg/kg], with 18 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs via oral gavage or injection, once daily, for 4 consecutive weeks. Gastric mucosal blood flow, the levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones [including motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), and pepsinogen (PP)], as well as inflammatory cytokines [including tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6] in rats were measured. Pathological damage to gastric mucosal tissue was observed in rats; the apoptotic rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected. The expressions of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins [including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)] in the gastric mucosal tissues of rats were assessed. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, model group had abnormal gastric mucosal tissue structure, with shedding of gastric mucosal epithelial cells, and prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells. Gastric mucosal blood flow, the serum levels of MTL, GAS, PP, and Bcl-2 protein expression were lowered significantly, while serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, apoptosis rate, protein expressions of Bax and TGF-β1, the phosphorylations of PI3K and Akt were increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, Xiangsha yiwei decoction groups exhibited attenuated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and significant improvements in the aforementioned quantitative parameters (P<0.05). Compared with high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang, high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei decoction combined with 740 Y-P exhibited significantly aggravated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues, and the aforementioned quantitative parameters were markedly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Xiangsha yiwei tang can alleviate gastric mucosal damage in CAG rats, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
7.Effects of prescription pre-review system on rational drug use and off-label drug use management in outpatient and emergency department
Zhi GAO ; Lulu HAN ; Fang LIU ; Rui JIAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1666-1670
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of prescription pre-review system on rational drug use and off-label drug use management in outpatient and emergency department. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on outpatient and emergency department prescription data from three phases in our hospital: January to May 2023 (silent review phase, control group), June to October 2023 (systematic automatic review phase, intervention group 1), and November 2023 to March 2024 (phase combining systematic automatic review with centralized feedback from pharmacists to physicians regarding irrational prescriptions, intervention group 2). These phases followed the implementation of our hospital’s pre-prescription review software. Statistical analysis of the prompt rate of alert, rate of irrational prescriptions, registered the off-label drug use rate and false positive irrationality prescription rate were conducted. Meanwhile, the composition of irrational prescriptions was analyzed, and evidence- based evaluation of the off-label drug use proposed by clinicians was also conducted. RESULTS Compared with control group, the prompt rate of alert and the rate of irrational prescriptions in intervention group 1 were all decreased significantly after receiving pop-up notification, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). With the help of system warning and the pharmacists feedback, the prompt rate of alert and the rate of irrational prescriptions declined further in the intervention group 2, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with intervention group 1 (P>0.05). The main type of irrational drug use was improper administration routes. When comparing intervention group 1 with the control group, as well as intervention group 2 with intervention group 1, a significant decrease in the rate of improper administration routes was observed, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Compared with control group, there was no significant difference in the registered off-label drug use rate of intervention group 1 and intervention group 2 (P>0.05). The doctor’s awareness of off-label drug use registration increased due to the real-time alerts from the pre-prescription review software, along with the pharmacists’ regular summarization and feedback. Total 13 items registrations of off-label drug use were proposed by clinicians from June 2023 to March 2024, all of which were supported by evidence of varying levels; among them, 3 items received FDA approval, 4 items were included in the Micromedex database, and the remaining 6 items were supported by evidence from system reviews or randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS Prescription pre-review system can improve the level of rational drug use and assist in the standardized management of off-label drug use.
8.Research progress of PANoptosis in cancer.
Yi-Ling LUO ; Liu-Yan CHEN ; Yao-Bin WANG ; Su-Fang ZHOU
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(2):277-288
PANoptosis is a type of programmed cell death regulated by the PANoptosome with key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis and/or necroptosis. As the most complex programmed cell death, PANoptosis emphasizes the compensatory role among multiple programmed cell deaths, and can regulate malignant phenotypes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells through multiple signaling pathways, thus affecting malignant tumor progression. It has been found that PANoptosis plays a dual role in tumor progression and treatment. Therefore, it is clinically important to understand the molecular mechanisms by which PANoptosis affects tumorigenesis, development and progression. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, and discusses the activation and regulation mechanisms of PANoptosis and PANoptosome as well as the research progress on the role of PANoptosis in tumors, aiming to provide new ideas for cancer treatment and prognostic assessment.
Humans
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Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Pyroptosis/physiology*
;
Apoptosis/physiology*
;
Necroptosis/physiology*
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Signal Transduction
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Animals
9.Review of chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex and prediction of its Q-markers.
Meng-Fan PENG ; Bao-Song LIU ; Pei-Pei YAN ; Cai-Xia LI ; Xiao-Fang ZHANG ; Yi ZHENG ; Ya-Gang SONG ; Tong LIU ; Lei YANG ; Ming-San MIAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):946-958
Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Quality Control
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Humans
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Animals
10.Traditional Chinese medicine dry powder inhalers: research status and development ideas and methods.
Yu-Wen MA ; Yi-Chen ZENG ; Hao-Ran WANG ; Guang-Fu LIU ; Jun JIANG ; Yu-Song ZENG ; Bai-Xiu ZHAO ; Jin FANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):620-631
As an innovative dosage form, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dry powder inhalers have emerged as a focal point in the research and development of new preparations due to its high efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. This paper systematically reviewed the relevant literature and patents associated with TCM dry powder inhalers to analyze the origins and the current research and development status. Furthermore, this paper probed into the research and development ideas of TCM dry powder inhalers regarding clinical positioning, prescription screening, and druggability. Additionally, the paper thoroughly analyzed the technical barriers in druggability studies and elaborated on corresponding research techniques and coping measures. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for improved regulations and policies governing TCM dry powder inhalers, advocated for strengthened oversight, and called for the establishment of a scientific quality evaluation system. Measures such as promoting production-education-research collaboration, enhancing personnel training, and fostering international exchanges were proposed to provide a scientific and systematic reference for the future research, development, and application of TCM dry powder inhalers, thereby facilitating the rapid modernization of TCM.
Humans
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Dry Powder Inhalers/trends*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/instrumentation*
;
Administration, Inhalation

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