1.Optimization of Menin inhibitors based on artificial intelligence-driven molecular factory technology
Hao ZENG ; Guozhen WU ; Wuxin ZOU ; Zhe WANG ; Jianfei SONG ; Hui SHI ; Xiaojian WANG ; Tingjun HOU ; Yafeng DENG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(3):326-334
The new generation of artificial intelligence technology,represented by deep learning,has emerged as a crucial driving force in the advancement of new drug research and development.This article creatively proposes a workflow named"Molecular Factory"for the design and optimization of drug molecules based on artificial intelligence technology.This workflow integrates intelligent molecular generation models,high-performance molecular docking algorithms,and accurate protein-ligand binding affinity prediction methods.It has been integrated as a core module into DrugFlow,a one-stop drug design software platform,providing a comprehensive set of mature solutions for the discovery and optimization of lead compounds.Utilizing the"Molecular Factory"module,we conducted the research of second-generation inhibitors against Menin that can combat drug resistance.Through the integration of computational and experimental approaches,we rapidly identified multiple promising compounds.Among them,compound RG-10 exhibited the IC50 values of 9.681 nmol/L,233.2 nmol/L,and 40.09 nmol/L against the wild-type Menin,M327I mutant,and T349M mutant,respectively.Compared to the positive reference molecule SNDX-5613,which has entered Phase Ⅱ clinical trials,RG-10 demonstrated significantly enhanced inhibitory activity against the M327I and T349M mutants.These findings fully demonstrate the unique advantages of the"Molecular Factory"technology in practical drug design and development scenarios.It can rapidly and efficiently generate high-quality active molecules targeting specific protein structures,holding significant value and profound implications for advancing new drug discovery.
2.Ameliorative effects of Ziyin Mingmu Pills on mouse retinitis pigmentosa by activating the sonic hedgehog factor signaling pathway
Mei-Yan ZENG ; Meng XIONG ; Hou-Pan SONG ; Chen OU ; Chao-Jun FU ; Qing-Hua PENG ; Yu-Hui QIN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(8):2551-2561
AIM To explore the ameliorative effects of Ziyin Mingmu Pills on mouse retinitis pigmentosa(RP)and the possible mechanism.METHODS The RP transgenic mice(rd10)were randomly divided into the model group,the Leding group(0.15 g/kg)and the low and high dose Ziyin Mingmu Pills groups(4.50,9.00 g/kg),in contrast to the C57BL/6 mice of the normal group,with 12 mice in each group.The mice had their retinal pathological changes detected by HE staining;their visual function detected by electroretinogram(ERG);their fundus conditions and retinal thickness detected by optical coherence tomography(OCT);their retinal blood perfusion detected by laser speckle blood flow technique;their mRNA expressions of Shh,Ptc,Smo,Gli1,N-myc and Cyclin mRNA detected by digital PCR;and their protein expressions of Shh,Ptc,Smo,Gli1,N-myc and Cyclin detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group displayed pathological changes in the fundus and retina and decreased amplitudes of ERG a wave and b wave(P<0.01);decreased retinal thickness(P<0.01);decreased retinal blood perfusion(P<0.01);and decreased retinal expressions of Shh,Ptc,Smo,Gli1,N-myc,Cyclin mRNA and protein(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Ziyin Mingmu Pills or Leding shared improved pathological changes in the fundus and retina tissue,and increased retinal thickness(P<0.01);increased retinal blood flow(P<0.01);increased amplitudes of ERG a wave and b wave(P<0.01);and increased retinal Shh,Ptc,Smo,Gli1,N-myc and Cyclin mRNA and protein expressions(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Ziyin Mingmu Pills can improve the fundus pathological changes and visual function to delay RP in mice because of their efficacy in ameliorating retinal thickness and blood flow possibly by activating Shh signaling pathway.
3.Expression of Trichinella spiralis trehalase(TsTRE)protein and establishment of an indirect ELISA
Jia-Ming HOU ; Bo-Han ZHANG ; Ru-Lin RUAN ; Jian-Hui ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Hao-Yuan CHEN ; Ming-Xin SONG ; Zi-Qun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2023;39(12):1174-1180
We established an indirect ELISA method using Trichinella spiralis trehalase(TsTRE)protein expressed in prokaryotic cells.The TsTRE gene was amplified by RT-PCR and ligated into the pCold I plasmid,which was expressed in E.coli BL21 competent cells.The rTsTRE protein was purified through affinity column chromatography.The TsTRE protein was localized with immunofluorescence techniques,and the immunogenicity of rTsTRE was detected by westernblotting.Subse-quently,rTsTRE protein was used as a coating antigen to establish an indirect ELISA.We optimized the antigen-coating con-centration,serum dilution concentration,antigen-coating incubation time,type of blocking solution,blocking incubation time,HRP-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG serum dilution concentration,HRP-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG serum incubation time and response time of TMB.Subsequently,the critical value,repeatability,sensitivity,specificity and clinical detection rate of the ELISA were evaluated.Immunofluorescence indicated that trehalase was abundant in the rod-shaped body,tail and epidermis of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae.Western-blot indicated that rTsTRE protein combined with the positive serum of mice infected with T.spiralis for 42 d;the band was approximately 60 kDa.The established indirect ELISA had a positive threshold of 0.384;the intra-run and inter-run coefficients of variation were 5.504%-7.630% and 4.664%-9.929%,and did not exceed 10%.The lowest detectable titer was 1:1 280.No cross reaction was observed with antibodies to Clonorchissinensis,Schistosoma ja-ponicum,Ascaris suum,Toxocara gondii and Toxocara canis,and the clinical negative detection rate was 0%.Thus,we suc-cessfully expressed the rTsTRE protein.Moreover,the established indirect ELISA method using the TsTRE protein as the coating antigen had good repeatability,sensitivity,specificity and clinical detectability,and can be applied to the detection of clinical samples.
5.Molecular epidemiological investigation on Theileria in yellow cattle from Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province
Hui LI ; Qiang-hong HOU ; Guo-xiang TANG ; Yang-xiang WU ; Da-jun ZHANG ; Jun-long ZHAO ; Jin-qiu SONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2022;34(2):183-186
Objective To investigate the prevalence and genetic variation of Theileria in yellow cattle in Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province. Methods A total of 184 blood specimens were collected from Fenghuang, Huanyuan and Baojing counties of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture during the period from August 2018 through August 2019, and were detect using PCR assay with the specific 18S ribosomal rRNA (18S rRNA) gene targeting Theileria. The gene sequences of positive specimens were aligned with the sequences recorded in GenBank, and a phylogenetic tree was created with Plasmodium ovale 18S rRNA as an outgroup. Results A total of 143 blood samples were positive for Theileria, with a mean detection rate of 77.7%. Theileria was prevalent in the blood samples from yellow cattle in all three counties, with detection rates of 85.0% in Fenghuang County, 88.3% in Huayuan County and 61.0% in Baojing County, respectively. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of Theileria between Xiangxi yellow cattle and normal yellow cattle (77.2% vs. 79.5%; χ2 = 0.08, P > 0.05), while the detection of Theileria was significantly lower in the housed yellow cattle than in free-range cattle (68.9% vs. 89.7%; χ2 = 22.36, P < 0.01). A total of 18 PCR positive samples were randomly selected for sequencing and analysis, and all samples showed more than 99.0% homology with T. luwenshuni isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 18 positive samples were clustered into the same branch with T. luwenshuni, but were far away from other isolates. Conclusions The prevalence of Theileria is high in yellow cattle from Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, and T. luwenshuni may be the dominant parasite species.
6.Effect of Jinlida Granules on Visceral Fat Accumulation in Prediabetic Rats
Shao-lan ZHANG ; Yun-long HOU ; Kun MA ; Jia-meng HAO ; Cui-ru LI ; Ya-hui SONG ; Cong WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(8):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Jinlida granules on visceral fat accumulation and its induced inflammatory response in prediabetic rats. MethodMale SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Jinlida low-dose group (1.5 g·kg-1), Jinlida high-dose group (3.0 g·kg-1) and atorvastatin group (10 mg·kg-1). Prediabetic rat model was established using high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) by multiple small-dose intraperitoneal injections. After 8 weeks of modeling and drug intervention for 13 consecutive weeks, body weight, oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured in each group of rats. The content of visceral fat was quantified by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of fat cells. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6) in rat visceral fat and serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of macrophage marker CD68 in visceral fat was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultCompared with normal group, model group had increased oral glucose tolerance, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C (P<0.01), elevated body weight and visceral fat accumulation (P<0.05, P<0.01), enhanced CD68 protein expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P<0.01), decreased HDL-C (P<0.01), and abnormal hypertrophy of adipocytes. Compared with model group, Jinlida high- and low-dose groups lowered oral glucose tolerance, HOMA-IR, TC and LDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01), body weight and visceral fat accumulation (P<0.05), and CD68 protein expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and lessened hypertrophy of fat cells. ConclusionJinlida can improve the insulin resistance in prediabetic rats by reducing visceral fat accumulation and its induced inflammatory response, which provides a new pharmacological basis for clinical treatment of prediabetes by Jinlida granules.
7.Clinical application of serum Golgi protein 73 in patients with chronic liver diseases.
Yan Na LIU ; Ming Jie YAO ; Su Jun ZHENG ; Xiang Mei CHEN ; Xiang Yi LIU ; Peng HU ; Qi Shui OU ; Xiao Guang DOU ; Hong Song CHEN ; Zhong Ping DUAN ; Jin Lin HOU ; Yue Min NAN ; Zhi Liang GAO ; Xiao Yuan XU ; Hui ZHUANG ; Feng Min LU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2022;30(1):4-8
Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a transmembrane protein on the Golgi apparatus and can be cut and released into the blood. In recent years, an increasing number of clinical studies have shown that the elevated serum GP73 level is closely related to liver diseases. And thus GP73 is expected to be used as a new serum marker for assessing progress of chronic liver diseases. Herein, the clinical application of serum GP73 in chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with different etiologies was reviewed based on available literatures; and a research outlook in this field is made.
Biomarkers
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
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Golgi Apparatus
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Humans
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Liver Cirrhosis
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Liver Neoplasms
8.3- to 24-month Follow-up on COVID-19 with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Survivors after Discharge: Results from a Prospective, Multicenter Study
Ya Jing WANG ; Yu Xing ZONG ; Hui Gui WU ; Lin Yuan QI ; Zhen Hui LI ; Yu Xin JI ; Lin TONG ; Lei ZHANG ; Bo Ming YANG ; Ye Pu YANG ; Ke Ji LI ; Rong Fu XIAO ; Song Lin ZHANG ; Hong Yun HU ; De Hong LIU ; Fang Shou XU ; Sheng SUN ; Wei WU ; Ya MAO ; Qing Min LI ; Hua Hao HOU ; Yuan Zhao GONG ; Yang GUO ; Wen Li JIAO ; Jin QIN ; Yi Ding WANG ; Fang WANG ; Li GUAN ; Gang LIN ; Yan MA ; Ping Yan WANG ; Nan Nan SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2022;35(12):1091-1099
Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) are major public health and social issues worldwide. The long-term follow-up of COVID-19 with pulmonary TB (PTB) survivors after discharge is unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively describe clinical outcomes, including sequela and recurrence at 3, 12, and 24 months after discharge, among COVID-19 with PTB survivors. Methods From January 22, 2020 to May 6, 2022, with a follow-up by August 26, 2022, a prospective, multicenter follow-up study was conducted on COVID-19 with PTB survivors after discharge in 13hospitals from four provinces in China. Clinical outcomes, including sequela, recurrence of COVID-19, and PTB survivors, were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews at 3, 12, and 24 months after discharge. Results Thirty-two COVID-19 with PTB survivors were included. The median age was 52 (45, 59) years, and 23 (71.9%) were men. Among them, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the survivors were moderate, three (9.4%) were severe, and more than half (59.4%) had at least one comorbidity (PTB excluded). The proportion of COVID-19 survivors with at least one sequela symptom decreased from 40.6% at 3 months to 15.8% at 24 months, with anxiety having a higher proportion over a follow-up. Cough and amnesia recovered at the 12-month follow-up, while anxiety, fatigue, and trouble sleeping remained after 24 months. Additionally, one (3.1%) case presented two recurrences of PTB and no re-positive COVID-19 during the follow-up period. Conclusion The proportion of long symptoms in COVID-19 with PTB survivors decreased over time, while nearly one in six still experience persistent symptoms with a higher proportion of anxiety. The recurrence of PTB and the psychological support of COVID-19 with PTB after discharge require more attention.
9.Instructive significance of "treatment in accordance with time factor" for the idea of clinical diagnosis and treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Xue-Si HOU ; Hui-Lin LIU ; Yuan-Bo FU ; Shao-Song WANG ; Peng CHEN ; Bin LI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2021;41(3):331-334
"Treatment in accordance with time factor" is one of the key principles of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. In clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, the connotation of "timing/time factor" should be fully understood and the temporal rule on physiology and pathology affected by the changes of four seasons and day and night be grasped. Based on the change law of
Acupuncture Points
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Moxibustion
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Needles
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Time Factors
10. Self-assembled aggregations in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dynamically regulate intestinal tissue permeability through Peyer's patch-associated immunity
Qing-qing ZHANG ; Ye YANG ; Rong-rong REN ; Qing-qing CHEN ; Jing-jing WU ; Yu-yu ZHENG ; Xiao-hui HOU ; Yu-feng ZHANG ; Ming-song XUE ; Deng-ke YIN ; Ye YANG ; Deng-ke YIN ; Ye YANG ; Deng-ke YIN ; Ye YANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2021;13(3):370-380
Objective: To investigate the dynamic regulation of self-assembled aggregations (SAA) in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction on the permeability of intestinal tissue and the mechanism underlying. Methods: The effects of SAA on berberine (Ber) absorption were respectively analyzed in an in situ intestinal perfusion model and in an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with or without Peyer's patches (PPs). The expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 were detected by immunofluorescence to evaluate the tight junction (TJ) between intestinal epithelium cells. The expression levels of T-box-containing protein expressed in T cells, signal transducers and activators of tranion-6, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt and forkhead box P3 in PPs were detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the secretions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PPs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, to reflect the differentiation of T lymphocyte in PPs to helper T (Th) cell 1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell. To confirm the correlation between SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction, PPs-associated immunity and intestinal epithelium permeability, SAA were administrated on an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with immunosuppressed PPs and evaluated its influences on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. Results: SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction could dose-dependently promote Ber absorption in jejunum segment, with the participation of PPs. The dose-dependent and dynamical regulations of SAA on permeability of intestinal tissue and TJ proteins expression level between intestinal epithelium cells occurred along with the dynamically changed T lymphocyte differentiation and immune effectors secretion in PPs. The administration of SAA on immunosuppressed PPs exhibited dose-dependent PPs activation, inducing dynamic promotion on intestinal tissue permeability and inhibition on TJ proteins expression. Conclusion: SAA can improve the Ber absorption in small intestine, through the PPs-associated immunity induced dynamic regulation on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. These findings might enlighten the research of traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

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