1.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
2.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
3.Threshold-Effect Associations of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D on Bone Turnover Markers and GC rs2282679 Variants in Chinese Women of Childbearing Age.
Xiao Yun SHAN ; Yu Ting LI ; Xia Yu ZHAO ; Yi Chun HU ; Si Ran LI ; Hui di ZHANG ; Yang CAO ; Rui WANG ; Li Chen YANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):433-446
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to investigate possible serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] cutoffs for the associations between 25(OH)D and Bone turnover markers (BTMs), and how GC gene variation influences such cutoffs in Chinese women of childbearing age.
METHODS:
In total, 1,505 non-pregnant or non-lactating women (18-45 years) were recruited from the 2015 Chinese Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance. Serum 25(OH)D, osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), β-CrossLaps of type 1 collagen containing cross-linked C-telopeptide (β-CTX), and single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined. Locally weighted regression and smoothing scatterplot and segmented regression were performed to estimate the 25(OH)D thresholds.
RESULTS:
The median serum 25(OH)D was 16.63 (11.96-22.55) ng/mL and the prevalence of low serum 25(OH)D (< 12 ng/mL) was 25.2%. Women with the lowest 25(OH)D had the highest β-CTX. After adjustment for the confounders, 25(OH)D cutoffs for OC [14.04 (12.84-15.23) ng/mL], β-CTX [13.94 (12.49-15.39) ng/mL], and P1NP [13.87 (12.37-15.37) ng/mL] in the whole population, cutoffs for OC [12.30 (10.68-13.91) ng/mL], β-CTX [12.23 (10.22-14.23) ng/mL], and P1NP [11.85 (10.40-13.31) ng/mL] in women with the GC rs2282679 G allele, and cutoffs for OC [12.75 (11.81-13.68) ng/mL], β-CTX [13.05 (11.78-14.32) ng/mL], and P1NP [12.81 (11.57-14.06) ng/mL] in women with the GC rs2282679 T allele, were observed. Below these cutoffs, BTMs were negatively associated with 25(OH)D, while above these cutoffs, BTMs plateaued.
CONCLUSION
In Chinese women of childbearing age, there were thresholds effect of serum 25(OH)D concentrations on BTMs. The results indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 13.87 ng/mL in this population had adverse influences on maintaining bone remodeling. BTMs were suppressed at a relatively lower serum 25(OH)D in women with the GC rs2282679 G allele compared with those with the T allele.
Humans
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Female
;
Vitamin D/blood*
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Adult
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Middle Aged
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
China
;
Biomarkers/blood*
;
Bone Remodeling/genetics*
;
Vitamin D-Binding Protein/genetics*
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Procollagen/blood*
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Osteocalcin/blood*
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Peptide Fragments/blood*
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East Asian People
4.Quality evaluation of Chinese and global guidelines/consensus for TDM of anti-TNF-α agents in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Tanghui JIN ; Mengxin ZHU ; Cheng XIE ; Fan XIA ; Di YU ; Yue LI ; Yun LI ; Qinhua XI ; Jianguo ZHU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):481-487
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of guidelines/consensus on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in China and globally. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, and release websites of guidelines/consensus in China and globally were searched to collect guidelines/expert consensus on TDM with anti-TNF-α for IBD patients. The search period was from database establishment to June 2023. After two investigators independently screened the literature and extracted the data, the methodological quality of the included guidelines/consensuses was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ. The main recommendations of the included guidelines/consensuses were summarized. RESULTS A total of 9 articles were included, 3 were guidelines and 6 were expert consensus. The standardized percentages of the 9 guidelines/consensus in the 6 dimensions (scope and aims, participants, rigor of formulation, clarity of expression, application, and editorial independence) were 90.43%, 41.98%, 52.55%, 85.49%, 19.00%, and 76.85%, respectively. Eight guidelines/consensus had a recommendation of grade B and one consensus of grade C. The main recommendations involve TDM application scenarios, threshold ranges, strategy adjustments, detection methods, and interpretation of results. Most guidelines/consensus recommend passive TDM for non-responders. It is recommended to set the TDM concentration range according to the expected treatment results and make strategy adjustments in combination with the disease condition and TDM results. Additionally, the same test method is recommended for the same patient. Some guidelines/consensus hold that no differences were noted in the interpretation of results between biosimilar and original drug. CONCLUSIONS The overall quality of the included guidelines/consensus was fair, with relatively consistent recommendation. Clinicians need to understand the characteristics and limitations of TDM with this class of drugs, and interpret and apply results of TDM in combination with specific clinical treatment goals.
5.Clinical and Imaging Features of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
Huanyu LUO ; Di HU ; Shuangfeng YANG ; Hang LI ; Yun PENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(3):245-249
Purpose To summarize the clinical and imaging features of neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis(NHSE).Materials and Methods Clinical and imaging data of 5 NHSE from January 2016 to June 2023 in Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University were retrospectively collected.All five children underwent MRI examinations,with three of them undergoing enhanced scanning simultaneously.Two children had previously undergone CT scans.The location,density/signal,enhancement characteristics as well as follow-up imaging changes of the lesions were reviewed.Results The main clinical manifestations of NHSE were fever(5 cases)and seizure(4 cases),sometimes accompanied by herpes(2 cases).Imaging examinations in NHSE typically presented with symmetric(1 case)or diffuse/multifocal(4 cases)lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres,along with involvement of the bilateral thalamus(5 cases).Early CT scans showed either no abnormalities(1 case)or extensive areas of low density(1 case).MRI examinations usually demonstrated restricted diffusion of acute phase lesions(3 cases)and significant leptomeningeal enhancement in affected areas(3 cases).Intracranial lesions often led to the diffuse atrophy of brain parenchyma and polycystic encephalomalacia(3 cases),indicating a poor prognosis.Conclusion The clinical manifestations of NHSE are nonspecific.Early MRI examinations are of great value for accurate diagnosis and disease evaluation.
6.Analyses of high-risk factors for poor neurologic prognosis in full-term neonatal purulent meningitis based on clinical and MRI characteristics
Huanyu LUO ; Di HU ; Shuangfeng YANG ; Hang LI ; Yun PENG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(3):301-306
Objective:To analyze high-risk factors for poor neurological prognosis in full-term neonatal purulent meningitis based on clinical and brain MRI features.Methods:This study was a case-control study. The clinical and brain MRI data of 79 neonates with purulent meningitis were retrospectively collected at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to January 2022. Follow-up assessments including growth and development, as well as neurological sequelae, were conducted over a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups with good ( n=49) and poor prognosis ( n=30) according to follow-up results. Chi-square tests were used to compare clinical and brain MRI features between the two groups, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the high-risk factors for poor neurologic prognosis in full-term neonates with purulent meningitis. Results:There were statistically differences between two groups regarding the incidence of seizures, early-onset manifestations, positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, CSF white cell counts, and CSF protein concentration ( P<0.05). Statistically differences were also found in the occurrence rates of ependymitis, obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus, spotty and patchy brain injury/hemorrhage, and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that seizures ( OR=5.722, 95% CI 1.126-29.072, P=0.035), early-onset neonatal purulent meningitis ( OR=3.657, 95% CI 1.073-12.459, P=0.038), ependymitis ( OR=8.851, 95% CI 1.169-67.017, P=0.035), obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus ( OR=12.675, 95% CI 1.085-148.110, P=0.043), and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma ( OR=16.370, 95% CI 1.575-170.175, P=0.019) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusions:The occurrence of seizures, early-onset manifestations as well as ependymitis, obvious ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus, and destructive lesions within the brain parenchyma on MRI are high-risk factors for poor prognosis in the full-term neonate with purulent meningitis.
7.Effect of Thyme Herbal Tea on Proliferation of Human Coronavirus OC43 in vitro and in vivo
Jixiang TIAN ; Tongtong ZHANG ; Yuning CHANG ; Peifang XIE ; Shuwei DONG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Yun WANG ; Chunhui ZHAO ; Hongwei WU ; Amei ZHANG ; Haizhou LI ; Xueshan XIA ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):81-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of thyme herbal tea (BLX) on the proliferation of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical composition of BLX was analyzed by UPLC-MS. The cytotoxicity of BLX in HRT-18 cells and the effect of BLX treatment on the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 in cells were analyzed. Copies of viral gene were detected by real-time PCR. The effect of BLX treatment on the life cycle of HCoV-OC43 was detected by time-of-addition assay. The maximum tolerated dose of BLX and the influences of BLX on the body weight and survival time of suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43 were determined. The expression of viral protein in the brain and lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ResultThere were 11 chemical components identified in BLX by UPLC-MS. BLX showed the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of (13 859.56±319) mg·L-1, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (1 439.09±200) mg·L-1, and the selection index of 8.26-11.44 for HCoV-OC43 in HRT-18 cells. Compared with the cells infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at the concentrations of 1 500, 1 000, 500 mg·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of this virus (P<0.05, P<0.01). BLX exhibited antiviral effect in the early stage of virus infection, and the inhibition role in the attachment stage was more significant than that in the entry stage (P<0.05). In the suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at 1200 and 600 mg·kg-1·d-1 alleviated the symptoms, prolonged the survival period, reduced the death rate, and down-regulated the mRNA level of nucleocapsid protein in the mice. Moreover, BLX at 1 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 down-regulated the expression of nucleocapsid protein in the brain (P<0.01) and the lung (P<0.01). ConclusionBLX contained multiple antiviral ingredients. It inhibited the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 both in vitro and in vivo by interference with viral attachment. This study provides theoretical reference for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection with HCoV-OC43 and for further development and application of BLX.
8.Research progress on acquired RET fusion induces secondary resistance to EGFR therapy in advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer
An WANG ; Tao LI ; Di LU ; Yun-Ye MAO ; Jia-Pei QIN ; Xin ZHOU ; Hao FAN ; Yi HU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(9):1080-1087
With the in-depth study of molecular biology,non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)has opened the era of precision medicine based on mutation-based molecular targeting therapy.Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)driver mutations are closely related to the progression of NSCLC,and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)developed based on this have achieved significant therapeutic effects,but acquired drug resistance is still one of the major factors limiting their long-term use.As resistance mechanisms are further investigated,in addition to secondary EGFR mutation,MET amplification,HER2 amplification,histologic transformation,etc.,receptor tyrosine kinase(RTK)fusion mutation have been shown to be a targetable mechanism of acquired resistance.Among the acquired RTK fusion mutations,rearranged during transfection(RET)fusion mutations are the accessible targets of our concern.As the RET molecule continues to be explored,drugs targeting RET fusions have been approved and marketed.There are different clinical strategies to deal with acquired RET fusion mutation mediating resistance to EGFR-TKIs treatment.In this review,the structure and function of RET,its relationship with EGFR-TKIs resistance,and treatment strategies are reviewed to further improve patient survival outcomes.
9.Application value of MR nonenhanced brain neurovascular sequences in evaluating neonatal arterial ischemic stroke
Di HU ; Huanyu LUO ; Hang LI ; Shuangfeng YANG ; Yun PENG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(6):961-965
Objective To systematically evaluate brain parenchymal and vascular changes after neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke(AIS)using nonenhanced brain neurovascular MR sequences.Methods MR imaging data of 57 children with AIS(<28 days old at the time of diagnosis)were analyzed retrospectively,including[susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI),magnetic resonance angiography(MRA),magnetic resonance venography(MRV)]sequences and conventional brain sequences[T1 WI,T2 WI,diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)].The imaging features and alteration trend of different sequences in different periods were summarized and studied.Results Vessels increased or decreased in number and enlarged or reduced in diameter within the infarction area,which presented a mixed-pattern,while the periphery showed increased only by using the nonenhanced brain vascular sequence.During the first 9 days after the onset of symptoms,the signals of T1 WI and T2 WI within the infarction area gradually stabilized,and most signals of DWI returned to normal.MRA,MRV,and SWI sequences showed a minimal change of diameter and number of vessels within the infarction area and its surroundings,which directed that neonatal AIS may had transient and dramatic brain injury and blood flow alteration.Conclusion The nonenhanced neurovascular sequence of brain MR can comprehensively display the alteration of brain parenchymal signals and vascular trends after neonatal AIS,providing the possibility for early clinical rapid and effective evaluation.
10.Molecular authentication of calcined oyster (Ostrea gigas) and its processed products.
Zhi-Yang XIAO ; Li HU ; Yun-Jun BAI ; Chao JIANG ; Yu-Yang ZHAO ; Yuan YUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(23):6264-6271
Calcined oyster is a commonly used shellfish traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice in China. During the processing of oysters, their microscopic characteristics are destroyed, and open-fire calcination can damage the DNA of oysters, making it difficult to identify the primary source. The establishment of a specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method for the identification of calcined oysters can provide a guarantee for the safety and clinical efficacy of the medicine and its processed products. With Ostrea gigas as an example, the DNA extraction method of decoction pieces and formula particles of calcined oysters was improved, and high-quality DNA was obtained. Based on the specific single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) sites of O. gigas and the other two species, the specific identification primers were designed, and the site-specific identification method of formula granules of calcined oyster(O. gigas) was established. The specificity and applicability of the method were investigated. The results showed that when the annealing temperature was 54 ℃, and the cycle was 44 times, the PCR amplified products of calcined oyster(O. gigas) and its formula granules produced a single bright identification band at 102 bp, while the other two species of oysters, O. talienwhanensis Crosse and O. rivularis Gould, had no band. In this study, DNA extraction and PCR identification of animal medicinal materials by calcination were established for the first time, which provided a tool for solving the difficult identification of calcined decoction pieces and ensuring drug safety.
Animals
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Ostrea/classification*
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Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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DNA/genetics*

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