1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
2.Optimization of simmering technology of Rheum palmatum from Menghe Medical School and the changes of chemical components after processing
Jianglin XUE ; Yuxin LIU ; Pei ZHONG ; Chanming LIU ; Tulin LU ; Lin LI ; Xiaojing YAN ; Yueqin ZHU ; Feng HUA ; Wei HUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):44-50
OBJECTIVE To optimize the simmering technology of Rheum palmatum from Menghe Medical School and compare the difference of chemical components before and after processing. METHODS Using appearance score, the contents of gallic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), sennoside A+sennoside B, combined anthraquinone and free anthraquinone as indexes, analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weight method was used to calculate the comprehensive score of evaluation indicators; the orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize the processing technology of simmering R. palmatum with fire temperature, simmering time, paper layer number and paper wrapping time as factors; validation test was conducted. The changes in the contents of five anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion), five anthraquinone glycosides (barbaloin, rheinoside, rhubarb glycoside, emodin glycoside, and emodin methyl ether glycoside), two sennosides (sennoside A, sennoside B), gallic acid and 5-HMF were compared between simmered R. palmatum prepared by optimized technology and R. palmatum. RESULTS The optimal processing conditions of R. palmatum was as follows: each 80 g R. palmatum was wrapped with a layer of wet paper for 0.5 h, simmered on high heat for 20 min and then simmered at 140 ℃, the total simmering time was 2.5 h. The average comprehensive score of 3 validation tests was 94.10 (RSD<1.0%). After simmering, the contents of five anthraquinones and two sennosides were decreased significantly, while those of 5 free anthraquinones and gallic acid were increased to different extents; a new component 5-HMF was formed. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully optimizes the simmering technology of R. palmatum. There is a significant difference in the chemical components before and after processing, which can explain that simmering technology slows down the relase of R. palmatum and beneficiate it.
3.Optimization of drug management model for investigator-initiated trial with benchmarking analysis
Yufei XI ; Tianxiao WANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Yingzhuo DING ; Li YAN ; Feng JIANG ; Xiangui HE ; Jiannan HUANG ; Qin LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):280-284
OBJECTIVE To optimize the management model of drugs used in investigator-initiated trial (IIT). METHODS With benchmarking analysis, based on the practical work experience of a tertiary specialized hospital in the field of IIT drug management in Shanghai, a thorough review was conducted, involving relevant laws, regulations, and academic literature to establish benchmark criteria and the evaluation standards. Starting from the initiation of IIT projects, a detailed comparative analysis of key processes was carried out, such as the receipt, storage, distribution, use and recycling of drugs for trial. The deficiencies in the current management of IIT drugs were reviewed in detail and a series of optimization suggestions were put forward. RESULTS It was found that the authorized records of drug management were missing, the training before project implementation was insufficient, and the records of receipt and acceptance of IIT drugs were incomplete. In light of these existing problems, improvement measures were put forward, including strengthening the training of drug administrators and stipulating that only drug administrators with pharmacist qualifications be eligible to inspect and accept drugs, etc. The related systems were improved, and 17 key points of quality control for the management of IIT drugs were developed. CONCLUSIONS A preliminary IIT drug management system for medical institutions has been established, which helps to improve the institutional X2023076) framework of medical institutions in this field.
4.Mechanisms of different yin nourishing and kidney tonifying methods on osteoclastysis pathway in ovariectomized rats
Xiaobin HUANG ; Jirong GE ; Shengqiang LI ; Lihua XIE ; Jingwen HUANG ; Yanyan HE ; Lipeng XUE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1214-1219
BACKGROUND:Liuwei Dihuang Wan takes"three tonifying and three reducing effects"as its compatibility feature to nourish yin and tonify the kidneys,while Zuogui Wan takes"seeking yin in yang"as its compatibility feature to nourish yin and tonify the kidneys by promoting yang.Both of them belong to the same method of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys,and have better curative effects at the symptomatic and cellular molecular levels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and Zuogui Wan in bone metabolism,and to explore their mechanism of action in the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)osteoblastic pathway. METHODS:Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into model,Liuwei Dihuang Wan,Zuogui Wan,and sham operation group,with eight rats in each group.Osteoporosis models were prepared using removal of both ovaries in the first three groups.Starting at 30 days postoperatively,rats in the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group were gavaged with Liuwei Dihuang Wan 1.125 g/kg/d;rats in the Zuoqui Wan group were gavaged with Zuogui Wan 2.25 g/kg/d;and rats in the sham operation group and the model group were gavaged with saline 10 mL/kg/d.After 12 weeks of gavage,the rat tibia was taken to measure bone mineral density.The serum levels of estrogen,bone alkaline phosphatase,and cAMP/cGMP were measured using ELISA,and the expression of OPG/RANKL in the femur was detected using western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the model group showed a decrease in bone mineral density and levels of estrogen and bone alkaline phosphatase(P<0.05)and an increase in cAMP/cGMP level(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group and the Zuogui Wan group significantly increased bone mineral density(P<0.05)and bone alkaline phosphatase levels(P<0.05);the Zuogui Wan group significantly decreased cAMP/cGMP levels(P<0.05)and upregulated OPG expression(P<0.05);the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group upregulated OPG expression and downregulated RANKL expression(P<0.05);and both groups were unable to significantly increase estrogen levels(P>0.05).To conclude,Zuogui Wan,which seeks yin from yang,can effectively increase the expression of OPG but cannot downregulate the expression of RANKL.However,Liuwei Dihuang Wan,which has three tonifying and three reducing effects,can bidirectionally regulate the expression of OPG and RANKL.This result suggests that Liuwei Dihuang Wan can significantly inhibit osteoclastic function compared with Zuogui Wan,and further research is needed to verify this conclusion.
5.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
6.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Treating Pruritus Vulvae Using Self-Prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方)
Xiao LIU ; Zhaozhao HUA ; Yiyuan ZHOU ; Taiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Shuang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Kaiyang XUE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):992-995
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in treating pruritus vulvae. It is believed that women have the physiological characteristics of liver and kidney as the root, and their pubic area is easily attacked by wind-dampness pathogenic qi, so the core mechanism of pruritus vulvae is proposed as wind-dampness accumulation and deficiency of liver and kidney. The core treatment method is to dispel wind-dampness and nourish the liver and kidneys, and modify the Danggui Decoction (当归饮子) to form a self-prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方) as the basic prescription to treat pruritus vulvaen.
7.Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Delaying Brain Aging in Aging Mice by Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism
De-Man ZHANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1362-1372
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.
8.Study on the anti-hepatitis mechanism of Abrus pulchellus subsp. cantoniensis (Hance) Verdc. and Abrus pulchellus subsp. mollis (Hance) Verdc. based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology
Qiaowen ZHOU ; Xue WANG ; Mingjuan HUANG ; Li LI ; Wenya CHEN ; Zhengtao WANG ; Zijia ZHANG ; Lanlan FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2772-2777
OBJECTIVE To compare the anti-hepatitis mechanisms of Abrus pulchellus subsp. cantoniensis (Hance) Verdc. (AC) and Abrus pulchellus subsp. mollis(Hance) Verdc. (AM). METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, AC- treated group, and AM-treated group, with each group consisting of 10 rats. The rats’ orbital venous blood was collected at 5, 15, 30 minutes, and 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 hours after gavage administration of 24 g/kg of the corresponding drug (calculated by crude drug) or water, respectively. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology was utilized to identify the prototype components present in the serum. The network pharmacology method was adopted to predict the anti-hepatitis active components, key targets, and signaling pathways of AC and AM. Additionally, molecular docking technology was utilized to verify the binding activity of the core active components with key targets. RESULTS A total of 35 prototype components migrating to the blood of AC and AM were identified in the serum of administered rats, among which 24 were common components. The active components in AC, such as acetylanguidine, physcion, soyasaponin A3 and soyasaponin Ⅰ, as well as those in AM, including vicenin 3, acetylanguidine,soyasaponin Ⅰ and schaftoside, all acted on key targets such as steroid receptor coactivator, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and protein kinase B1(Akt1). These components modulated pathways in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) -Akt pathway, thereby exerting anti-hepatitis effects. Furthermore, the binding energies between these active components and their key targets were all less than -5 kJ/mol. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in the active components of AC and AM against hepatitis, but their mechanisms of action are similar. Both may exert their anti-hepatitis effects through pathways in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and the PI3K-Akt pathway.
9.Network Correlation Analysis Between Components of Shuanghuanglian Injection and Allergy-like Targets
Weilong ZHANG ; Hong HE ; Ru QIAO ; Peng HE ; Wenjiao LI ; Liangqi ZHANG ; Xiaoxuan LIU ; Siqi HUANG ; Xue PAN ; Fuyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):190-197
ObjectiveBased on the network pharmacology system and quantitative spectroscopy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compounds, a topological network analysis method with equilibrium constant as the core was established to further explore the interaction between allergenic components and their network targets in Shuanghuanglian injection(SHLI), in order to provide new ideas and experimental basis for identifying and screening potential allergens of SHLI. MethodAfter one week of adaptive feeding, 72 SPF-grade SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group, SHLI standard group, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos(LJF) group, Scutellariae Radix(SR) group, Forsythiae Fructus(FF) group, and 7 groups of SHLI matching groups(groups 1-7), with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered the drug intravenously and blood samples were taken after steady state, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characterization profiles of the testing drugs and plasma components in each group were established, and the peak area changes of the drugs and plasma components in each group were calculated after the component groups were classified. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the changes of immunoglobulin E(IgE), histamine(HIS), tryptase(TPS), total complement(CH50) and terminal complement complex(C5b-9) in animal blood samples. MATLAB R2020b v9.9.0 software was used to calculate the network balance constants of the component groups with the targets, and the eigenvalues of the matrices composed of network equilibrium constants were calculated and ranked according to their values. ResultELISA results showed that, compared with the blank group, groups 1-3 could significantly increase the IgE level, groups 1-2, groups 4-6 and SHLI standard group could significantly increase the HIS level, group 4 could significantly increase the CH50 level, groups 1, 3-4, LJF group and FF group could significantly increase the TPS level, SR group could significantly increase the C5b-9 level, and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05). According to the retention time of chromatographic peaks, it was classified into 6 component groups from C1 to C6 by HPLC. The order of the network balance constants of each component group was C6>C4>C1>C5>C3>C2, indicating that C6 had the greatest effect on the allergic reaction, and was most likely to be the allergen. The sequence of eigenvalues was C2>C5b-9>C3>C1>CH50>C6>C5>IgE>TPS>C4>HIS, indicating that component group C2 had the greatest contribution to the whole network. ConclusionBased on the correlation analysis of SHLI component group and allergy-like target network, this study clarified that component group C6 may be a potential allergen in SHLI, and the component group C2 may be a key node in the mechanism of drug action, which can provide new strategies and methods for the screening of allergens in TCM injections.
10.The correlation between dietary nutrition and skeletal muscle mass in the elderly with advanced age
Xiaoxiao LIANG ; Shiyuan CAI ; Huijuan RUAN ; Jiaoyan HUANG ; Youyang HUANG ; Hanping SHI ; Dawei CHEN ; Xue LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):589-595
ObjectiveThis research focused on examining the distinctive characteristics of nutrient intake and dietary patterns among long-lived elderly individuals. Additionally, the study was aimed to explore the specific dietary components that may impact the skeletal muscle mass in this particular group. MethodsThis study was conducted in the Chongming area of Shanghai, China. A total of 206 long-lived elderly individuals aged 90 or above were recruited. The 3-day 24-hour dietary recall method was used to collect dietary information and general demographic data through face-to-face interviews with professional nutritionists. The skeletal muscle mass index(SMI) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA), and low skeletal muscle mass was diagnosed based on the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. T-test analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and skeletal muscle mass. ResultsIn terms of food intake categories, compared with the long-lived elderly people with normal muscle mass, the intake of cereals containing miscellaneous beans and vegetables in the long-lived elderly people with low muscle mass was significantly lower(P<0.05). In terms of the nutrient intake, compared with the long-lived elderly people with normal muscle mass, the intake of total energy, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamin D, folic acid, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese in the long-lived elderly people with low muscle mass was significantly lower(P<0.05). After continuous adjustment for the covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the intake levels of folic acid and dietary fiber were important factors influencing skeletal muscle mass, Individuals with lower intake levels of folic acid and dietary fiber are at a higher risk of low muscle mass in long-lived elderly individuals [ORfolic acid T1, dietary fiber T1 (95%CI): 2.90 (1.11‒7.61); 4.09 (1.53‒10.91)]. ConclusionThe consumption of cereals that include a variety of beans and vegetables was noticeably lower in the long-lived elderly individuals with lower muscle mass when compared to those with normal muscle mass. Furthermore, low levels of folic acid and dietary fiber intake are associated with an increased risk of low skeletal muscle mass.


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