1.Comparative Analysis of Exercise-induced Transcriptomic Responses in Human and Mouse Homologous Genes: Divergence and Convergence Based on The GEPREP Database
Qian SUN ; Wei-Chu TAO ; Ru WANG ; Bing-Xiang XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1617-1630
Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, holds a pivotal role in metabolic regulation, neuroplasticity, and immune homeostasis maintenance. However, human exercise studies are constrained by ethical limitations in tissue sampling, especially for key organs such as muscles and the brain. Meanwhile, rodent models like mice exhibit physiological differences in exercise patterns and metabolic rates from human. Despite these challenges, approximately 70% of human and mouse genes are conserved, providing a molecular basis for cross-species comparisons. This paper leverages the GEPREP database, which integrates human and mouse exercise transcriptomic data from multiple platforms, to conduct a comprehensive cross-species analysis of exercise-induced gene expression patterns. We employ a stringent data standardization process, including the conversion of orthologous genes and the filtering of low-expressing genes, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the analysis. A mixed-effects model is utilized to assess differential gene expression across multiple cohorts, identifying genes that are significantly upregulated or downregulated in response to exercise. The analysis reveals a complex pattern of gene expression, with a significant number of genes showing conserved responses between humans and mice, particularly in acute aerobic exercise, where genes such as ATF3, PPARGC1A, and ANKRD1 are commonly upregulated. These genes are implicated in muscle stress response, metabolic regulation, and muscle adaptation, highlighting the shared molecular pathways activated by exercise across species. However, the study also uncovers substantial species-specific differences in gene expression, especially in chronic aerobic exercise, where the number of divergently regulated genes increases. These differences suggest that while some fundamental biological processes are conserved, the specific regulatory mechanisms and gene expression patterns can vary significantly between humans and mice. Functional enrichment analysis further reveals that conserved genes are involved in muscle development, inflammation regulation, and energy metabolism, while species-specific genes are associated with ion transport, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, and muscle contraction, indicating the multifaceted impact of exercise on skeletal muscle function. The findings emphasize the importance of considering species-specific differences when interpreting results from animal models and translating them to human health applications. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the molecular underpinnings of exercise-induced adaptations and underscores the value of cross-species comparative analyses in uncovering the evolutionary and functional basis of these responses. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics data and expanding the analysis to include other tissues to provide a more comprehensive view of the systemic effects of exercise. Additionally, the development of species-specific gene editing models and the validation of key genes in exercise physiology will further enhance our understanding of the evolutionary logic behind exercise interventions. This study not only provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of exercise-induced adaptations but also underscores the necessity of validating findings from animal models in human cohorts to ensure the reliability and applicability of translational research in exercise science. By addressing these aspects, the study aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications, ultimately contributing to the development of personalized exercise prescriptions and interventions that can effectively promote health and prevent diseases.
2.Efficacy and Safety of Juan Bi Pill with Add-on Methotrexate in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 48-Week, Multicentre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Qing-Yun JIA ; Yi-Ru WANG ; Da-Wei SUN ; Jian-Chun MAO ; Luan XUE ; Xiao-Hua GU ; Xiang YU ; Xue-Mei PIAO ; Hao XU ; Qian-Qian LIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(2):99-107
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the efficacy and safety of Juan Bi Pill (JBP) in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS:
From February 2017 to May 2018, 115 participants from 4 centers were randomly divided into JBP group (57 cases) and placebo group (58 cases) in a 1:1 ratio using a random number table method. Participants received a dose of JBP (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with methotrexate (MTX, 10 mg per week) or placebo (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with MTX for 12 weeks. Participants were required with follow-up visits at 24 and 48 weeks, attending 7 assessment visits. Participants were undergo disease activity assessment 7 times (at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks) and safety assessments 6 times (at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks). The primary endpoint was 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). The secondary endpoints included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for 20% and 50% improvement (ACR20/50), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, Medial Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale score, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tender joint count, swollen joint count, and morning stiffness. The adverse reactions were observed during the treatment.
RESULTS:
After 12 weeks of treatment, DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP scores in both groups were lower than before treatment (both P<0.01), while the remission rate of DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP and low disease activity of JBP group were higher than those in the placebo group (both P<0.01). JBP demonstrated better efficacy on ACR20 and ACR50 compliance rate at 12 and 48 weeks comparing to placebo (all P<0.05). The CDAI and HAQ-DI score, pain VAS and global VAS change of RA patients and physicians, the serum ESR and CRP levels, and the number of tenderness and swelling joints were lower than before treatment at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the reduction of above indices in the JBP group was more obvious than those in the placebo group at 12 weeks (ESR and CRP, both P<0.05) or at 12 and 48 weeks (all P<0.01). There was no difference in adverse reactions between the 2 groups during treatment (P=0.75).
CONCLUSION
JBP combined with MTX could effectively reduce disease activity in patients with RA in active stage, reduce the symptoms of arthritis, and improve the quality of life, while ensuring safety, reliability, and fewer adverse effects. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02885597).
Humans
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Methotrexate/adverse effects*
;
Female
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Drug Therapy, Combination
;
Adult
;
Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects*
;
Aged
3.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.
4.Progress of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal carcinoma
Junjun HUANG ; Jiuhe SUN ; Shifa ZHANG ; Hongfeng LIU ; Ru SONG ; Qian WANG ; Liji CHEN ; Haibo CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(07):1058-1065
Surgery is the preferred treatment for resectable esophageal cancer, but in locally advanced esophageal cancer, the effect of surgery alone is not ideal, so surgery-based comprehensive treatment is the best option. Neoadjuvant therapy has become a standard treatment in the treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer. Neoadjuvant therapy includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, etc. With the significant efficacy and acceptable toxicity of immunotherapy in the first-line and second-line treatment of advanced esophageal cancer, neoadjuvant immunotherapy has become a research hotspot of locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer. This article reviews the latest research progress and some limitations of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer.
5.Postmortem Interval Estimation Using Protein Chip Technology Combined with Multivariate Analysis Methods.
Xu-Dong ZHANG ; Yao-Ru JIANG ; Xin-Rui LIANG ; Tian TIAN ; Qian-Qian JIN ; Xiao-Hong ZHANG ; Jie CAO ; Qiu-Xiang DU ; Jun-Hong SUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2023;39(2):115-120
OBJECTIVES:
To estimate postmortem interval (PMI) by analyzing the protein changes in skeletal muscle tissues with the protein chip technology combined with multivariate analysis methods.
METHODS:
Rats were sacrificed for cervical dislocation and placed at 16 ℃. Water-soluble proteins in skeletal muscles were extracted at 10 time points (0 d, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 5 d, 6 d, 7 d, 8 d and 9 d) after death. Protein expression profile data with relative molecular mass of 14 000-230 000 were obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) were used for data analysis. Fisher discriminant model and back propagation (BP) neural network model were constructed to classify and preliminarily estimate the PMI. In addition, the protein expression profiles data of human skeletal muscles at different time points after death were collected, and the relationship between them and PMI was analyzed by heat map and cluster analysis.
RESULTS:
The protein peak of rat skeletal muscle changed with PMI. The result of PCA combined with OPLS discriminant analysis showed statistical significance in groups with different time points (P<0.05) except 6 d, 7 d and 8 d after death. By Fisher discriminant analysis, the accuracy of internal cross-validation was 71.4% and the accuracy of external validation was 66.7%. The BP neural network model classification and preliminary estimation results showed the accuracy of internal cross-validation was 98.2%, and the accuracy of external validation was 95.8%. There was a significant difference in protein expression between 4 d and 25 h after death by the cluster analysis of the human skeletal muscle samples.
CONCLUSIONS
The protein chip technology can quickly, accurately and repeatedly obtain water-soluble protein expression profiles in rats' and human skeletal muscles with the relative molecular mass of 14 000-230 000 at different time points postmortem. The establishment of multiple PMI estimation models based on multivariate analysis can provide a new idea and method for PMI estimation.
Animals
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Humans
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Rats
;
Multivariate Analysis
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Postmortem Changes
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Protein Array Analysis
;
Technology
6.Analysis of Related Factors Affecting the Risk Assessment of Death during Hospitalization of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Qian WANG ; Hui RONG ; Yao SUN ; Bin FU ; Fei SHENG ; Yang YANG ; Ru-feng JI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(6):1060-1067
ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of different scores on predicting death risk of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). MethodsA total of 186 cases of ELBWI admitted by the Children's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University and the Lishui Branch of the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University were admitted from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021, and 125 ELBWIs were finally included after screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 47 cases in the death group and 78 cases in the survival group. General data and the items of score for neonatal acute physiology version Ⅱ (SNAP-Ⅱ), simplified version of the score for neonatal acute physiology perinatal extension (SNAPPE-Ⅱ), clinical risk index for babies (CRIB), clinical risk index for babies Ⅱ (CRIB-Ⅱ) and the national critical illness score (NCIS) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed and nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). ResultsIt was found that systolic blood pressure, maximum inhaled oxygen concentration, BE value and birth weight were important factors in ELBWI mortality risk assessment [systolic blood pressure OR: 0.968, 95%CI: 0.938-0.999, P=0.043; maximum inhaled oxygen concentration OR: 1.020, 95%CI: 1.006-1.034, P=0.006; BE OR: 0.868, 95%CI: 0.786-0.959, P=0.005; birth weight OR: 0.994, 95%CI: 0.991-0.997, P=0.000]. ROC showed that the area under the curve of the above four variables is 0.71, and the 95% confidence interval is 0.610-0.799, which is better than CRIB score. ConclusionLower systolic blood pressure, higher inhaled oxygen concentration, higher BE and lower birthweight are important influencing factors to predict the death risk of ELBWI. The above four items should be included in the newly developed score assessment to obtain a more effective ELBWI prediction system.
7.Application of Linear Regression Model of Gpnmb Gene in Rat Injury Time Estimation.
Yan-Ru XI ; Yuan-Xin LIU ; Na FENG ; Zhen GU ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Jie CAO ; Qian-Qian JIN ; Qiu-Xiang DU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2022;38(4):468-472
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of injury time, postmortem interval (PMI) and postmortem storage temperature on mRNA expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (Gpnmb), and to establish a linear regression model between Gpnmb mRNA expression and injury time, to provide aimed at providing potential indexes for injury time estimation.
METHODS:
Test group SD rats were anesthetized and subjected to blunt contusion and randomly divided into 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h groups after injury, with 18 rats in each group. After cervical dislocation, 6 rats in each group were collected and stored at 0 ℃, 16 ℃ and 26 ℃, respectively. The muscle tissue samples of quadriceps femoris injury were collected at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h postmortem at the same temperature. The grouping method and treatment method of the rats in the validation group were the same as above. The expression of Gpnmb mRNA in rat skeletal muscle was detected by RT-qPCR. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between Gpnmb mRNA expression and injury time, PMI, and postmortem storage temperature. SPSS 25.0 software was used to construct a linear regression model, and the validation group data was used for the back-substitution test.
RESULTS:
The expression of Gpnmb mRNA continued to increase with the prolongation of injury time, and the expression level was highly correlated with injury time (P<0.05), but had little correlation with PMI and postmortem storage temperature (P>0.05). The linear regression equation between injury time (y) and Gpnmb mRNA relative expression (x) was y=0.611 x+4.489. The back-substitution test proved that the prediction of the model was accurate.
CONCLUSIONS
The expression of Gpnmb mRNA is almost not affected by the PMI and postmortem storage temperature, but is mainly related to the time of injury. Therefore, a linear regression model can be established to infer the time of injury.
Animals
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Rats
;
Glycoproteins
;
Linear Models
;
Melanoma
;
Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics*
;
Postmortem Changes
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
;
Time Factors
8.Features of hyperintense white matter lesions and clinical relevance in systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian GUO ; Yang HE ; Xia LIU ; Xuguang GAO ; Jing XU ; Xue LI ; Yue SUN ; Yajuan XIANG ; Ru LI ; Zhanguo LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2022;135(8):962-970
Background::Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by complex and various clinical manifestations. The study aimed to analyze clinical features and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions in SLE patients.Methods::This was a retrospective study based on a consecutive cohort of 1191 SLE patients; 273 patients for whom cerebral MRI data were available were enrolled to assess hyperintense WM lesions associated with SLE. Patients were assigned to two groups, ie, with or without hyperintense WM lesions. The MRI assessment showed that the hyperintense WM lesions could be classified into three categories: type A, periventricular hyperintense WM lesions; type B, subcortical hyperintense WM lesions; and type C, multiple discrete hyperintense WM lesions. The clinical and MRI characteristics were analyzed. Factors related to hyperintense WM lesions were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results::Among the 273 SLE patients with available cerebral MRI scans, 35.9% (98/273) had hyperintense WM lesions associated with SLE. The proportions of types A, B, and C were 54.1% (53/98), 11.2% (11/98), and 92.9% (91/98), respectively. Fifty-one percents of the patients showed an overlap of two or three types. Type C was the most common subgroup to be combined with other types. Compared with those without hyperintense WM lesions, the patients with hyperintense WM lesions were associated with neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), lupus nephritis (LN), hypertension, and hyperuricemia ( P = 0.002, P = 0.018, P = 0.045, and P = 0.036, respectively). Significantly higher rates of polyserous effusions and cardiac involvement were found in the patients with hyperintense WM lesions ( P = 0.029 and P = 0.027, respectively), and these patients were more likely to present with disease damage ( P < 0.001). In addition, the patients with hyperintense WM lesions exhibited a higher frequency of proteinuria ( P = 0.009) and higher levels of CD8 + T cells ( P = 0.005). In the multivariate logistic analysis, hyperuricemia and higher CD8 + T cells percentages were significantly correlated with hyperintense WM lesions in SLE patients ( P= 0.019; OR 2.129, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.313-4.006 and P < 0.001; OR 1.056, 95% CI 1.023-1.098, respectively). Conclusions::Hyperintense WM lesions are common in SLE patients and significantly associated with systemic involvement, including NPSLE, LN, polyserous effusions, cardiac involvement, and disease damage. Hyperuricemia and a higher number of CD8 + T cells were independent factors associated with hyperintense WM lesions in SLE.
9.GKK1032B from endophytic Penicillium citrinum induces the apoptosis of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells through caspase pathway activation.
Na LIU ; Mei-Na SONG ; Qian-Qian ZHANG ; Cong WU ; Kong-Kai ZHU ; Yu-Lin SUN ; Meng-Ru LI ; Feng-Ying YANG ; Run-Liang FENG ; Yu-Ying ZHANG ; Hua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2022;20(1):67-73
Chemical investigation of the culture extract of an endophytic Penicillium citrinum from Dendrobium officinale, afforded nine citrinin derivatives (1-9) and one peptide-polyketide hybrid GKK1032B (10). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined for the first time by calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Among them, GKK1032B (10) showed significant cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 with an IC50 value of 3.49 μmol·L-1, and a primary mechanistic study revealed that it induced the apoptosis of MG63 cellsvia caspase pathway activation.
Apoptosis
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Bone Neoplasms
;
Caspases
;
Humans
;
Osteosarcoma/drug therapy*
;
Penicillium
10.Qi-Tai-Suan, an oleanolic acid derivative, ameliorates ischemic heart failure via suppression of cardiac apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis.
Ming QIAN ; Zhi-Qi FENG ; Ru-Nan ZHENG ; Kai-Wen HU ; Jia-Ze SUN ; Hong-Bin SUN ; Liang DAI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2022;20(6):432-442
Although anti-thrombotic therapy has been successful for prevention of deaths from acute myocardial infarction (MI), by far, there are few preventive and therapeutic options for ischemic heart failure (IHF) after MI. Qi-Tai-Suan (QTS) is an oleanolic acid (OA) derivative which once underwent a clinical trial for treating hepatitis. In this study, we investigated the potential cardioprotective effect of QTS on IHF. IHF mouse model was constructed by coronary artery ligation in male C57BL/6J mice, and the protective effects of QTS on IHF were examined by echocardiography measurement, histological and TUNEL analysis, etc. We found that QTS exhibited promising cardioprotective effect on IHF. QTS treatment significantly improved cardiac function of IHF mice and the symptoms of heart failure. Notably, QTS had much better oral bioavailability (F = 41.91%) in mice than its parent drug OA, and took effects mainly as its original form. Mechanistically, QTS ameliorated ischemic heart failure likely through suppression of cardiac apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Taken together, QTS holds great promise as a preventive and therapeutic agent for ischemic heart failure and related diseases.
Animals
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Apoptosis
;
Fibrosis
;
Heart Failure/drug therapy*
;
Inflammation/drug therapy*
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Myocardial Ischemia/pathology*
;
Oleanolic Acid/pharmacology*

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