1.Visual feature extraction combining dissolution testing for the study of drug release behavior of gliclazide modified release tablets
Si-yu CHEN ; Ze-ya LI ; Ping LI ; Xin-qing ZHAO ; Tao GONG ; Li DENG ; Zhi-rong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):225-231
Oral solid dosage forms require processes such as disintegration and dissolution to release the drug before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. In this manuscript, imaging technology was used to continuously visualize and characterize the
2.Mechanisms and Molecular Networks of Hypoxia-regulated Tumor Cell Dormancy
Mao ZHAO ; Jin-Qiu FENG ; Ze-Qi GAO ; Ping WANG ; Jia FU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2267-2279
Dormant tumor cells constitute a population of cancer cells that reside in a non-proliferative or low-proliferative state, typically arrested in the G0/G1 phase and exhibiting minimal mitotic activity. These cells are commonly observed across multiple cancer types, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, and represent a central cellular component of minimal residual disease (MRD) following surgical resection of the primary tumor. Dormant cells are closely associated with long-term clinical latency and late-stage relapse. Due to their quiescent nature, dormant cells are intrinsically resistant to conventional therapies—such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy—that preferentially target rapidly dividing cells. In addition, they display enhanced anti-apoptotic capacity and immune evasion, rendering them particularly difficult to eradicate. More critically, in response to microenvironmental changes or activation of specific signaling pathways, dormant cells can re-enter the cell cycle and initiate metastatic outgrowth or tumor recurrence. This ability to escape dormancy underscores their clinical threat and positions their effective detection and elimination as a major challenge in contemporary cancer treatment. Hypoxia, a hallmark of the solid tumor microenvironment, has been widely recognized as a potent inducer of tumor cell dormancy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells sense and respond to hypoxic stress—initiating the transition into dormancy—remain poorly defined. In particular, the lack of a systems-level understanding of the dynamic and multifactorial regulatory landscape has impeded the identification of actionable targets and constrained the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence indicates that hypoxia-induced dormancy tumor cells are accompanied by a suite of adaptive phenotypes, including cell cycle arrest, global suppression of protein synthesis, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy activation, resistance to apoptosis, immune evasion, and therapy tolerance. These changes are orchestrated by multiple converging signaling pathways—such as PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, and AMPK—that together constitute a highly dynamic and interconnected regulatory network. While individual pathways have been studied in depth, most investigations remain reductionist and fail to capture the temporal progression and network-level coordination underlying dormancy transitions. Systems biology offers a powerful framework to address this complexity. By integrating high-throughput multi-omics data—such as transcriptomics and proteomics—researchers can reconstruct global regulatory networks encompassing the key signaling axes involved in dormancy regulation. These networks facilitate the identification of core regulatory modules and elucidate functional interactions among key effectors. When combined with dynamic modeling approaches—such as ordinary differential equations—these frameworks enable the simulation of temporal behaviors of critical signaling nodes, including phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), phosphorylated S6 (p-S6), and the p38/ERK activity ratio, providing insights into how their dynamic changes govern transitions between proliferation and dormancy. Beyond mapping trajectories from proliferation to dormancy and from shallow to deep dormancy, such dynamic regulatory models support topological analyses to identify central hubs and molecular switches. Key factors—such as NR2F1, mTORC1, ULK1, HIF-1α, and DYRK1A—have emerged as pivotal nodes within these networks and represent promising therapeutic targets. Constructing an integrative, systems-level regulatory framework—anchored in multi-pathway coordination, omics-layer integration, and dynamic modeling—is thus essential for decoding the architecture and progression of tumor dormancy. Such a framework not only advances mechanistic understanding but also lays the foundation for precision therapies targeting dormant tumor cells during the MRD phase, addressing a critical unmet need in cancer management.
3.Mechanism of matrine against senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.
Dian LIU ; Zi-Ping XIANG ; Ze-Sen DUAN ; Xin-Ying LIU ; Xing WANG ; Hui-Xin ZHANG ; Chao WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2260-2269
Utilizing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experimental validation, this study delved into the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of matrine in combating senescence. Databases were utilized to predict targets related to the anti-senescence effects of matrine, resulting in the identification of 81 intersecting targets for matrine in the treatment of senescence. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed, and key targets were screened based on degree values. Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the key targets to elucidate the critical pathways involved in the anti-senescence effects of matrine. Molecular docking was conducted between matrine and key targets. A senescence model was established using human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) induced with hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2). Following treatment with varying concentrations of matrine(0.5, 1, and 2 mmol·L~(-1)), cell viability was assessed by using the CCK-8. SA-β-galactosidase staining was employed to observe the positive rate of senescent cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-PCR) was utilized to measure the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase 3(CASP3), albumin(ALB), glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3B), CD44 molecule(CD44), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of tumor protein p53(p53), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A(p16), and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein(pRb) in the senescence signaling pathway, p38 protein kinase(p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) pathway, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The experimental results revealed that matrine significantly increased the viability of HUVECs(P<0.05), decreased the positive rate of senescent cells and the apoptosis rate(P<0.05), and reduced the mRNA expression levels of CASP3, ALB, GSK3B, CD44, and TNF-α(P<0.05). It also inhibited the protein expression of p53, p21, p16 and pRb in the senescence signaling pathway(P<0.05), upregulated the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt(P<0.05), and downregulated the protein expression of p-p38/p38, p-JNK/JNK, and p-ERK/ERK(P<0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that matrine exerts an inhibitory effect on HUVECs senescence, and its mechanism involves the modulation of the senescence signaling pathway, MAPK pathway, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to suppress cell apoptosis and inflammation.
Humans
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Matrines
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Quinolizines/chemistry*
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Alkaloids/chemistry*
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology*
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Cellular Senescence/drug effects*
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Network Pharmacology
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
4.Antidepressant effects of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract on depressive-like behaviors in sleep deprivation rats based on integrated serum metabolomics and gut microbiota.
Liang-Lei SONG ; Ya-Yu SUN ; Ze-Jia NIU ; Jia-Ying LIU ; Xiang-Ping PEI ; Yan YAN ; Chen-Hui DU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4510-4524
Based on serum metabolomics and gut microbiota technology, this study explores the effects and mechanisms of the water extract of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(SZRW) and the petroleum ether extract of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(SZRO) in improving depressive-like behaviors induced by sleep deprivation. A modified multi-platform water environment method was employed to establish a rat model of sleep deprivation. Depressive-like behaviors in rats were assessed through the sucrose preference test and forced swim test. The expression of barrier proteins, such as Occludin, in the colon was determined by immunofluorescence. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS was utilized to analyze the serum metabolic profiles of sleep-deprived rats, screen for differential metabolites, and analyze metabolic pathways. The diversity of the gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between differential metabolites and gut microbiota. The results indicated that SZRO significantly increased the sucrose preference index and decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test in rats. A total of 34 differential metabolites were identified through serum metabolomics. SZRW and SZRO shared five metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine metabolism. SZRW uniquely featured taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, while SZRO uniquely featured linoleic acid metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed that SZRW could upregulate the abundance of Bilophila, promoting the production of indole-3-propionic acid and subsequently upregulating the expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. SZRO could indirectly influence metabolic pathways such as arginine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism by upregulating the abundance of gut microbiota such as Coprococcus and Eubacterium species. Both SZRW and SZRO can regulate endogenous metabolism, including amino acids, energy, and lipids, alter the gut microbiota microecology, and improve depressive-like behaviors. SZRO demonstrated superior effects in regulating metabolic pathways and gut microbiota structure compared to SZRW. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.
Animals
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Rats
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Male
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Metabolomics
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Depression/blood*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Sleep Deprivation/complications*
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Ziziphus/chemistry*
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Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage*
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Behavior, Animal/drug effects*
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Humans
5.Impact of human papillomavirus and coinfection with other sexually transmitted pathogens on male infertility.
Xin FAN ; Ya XU ; Li-Feng XIANG ; Lu-Ping LIU ; Jin-Xiu WAN ; Qiu-Ting DUAN ; Zi-Qin DIAN ; Yi SUN ; Ze WU ; Yun-Hua DONG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):84-89
This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parameters. These pathogens included Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium , herpes simplex virus 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus . A total of 1951 men of infertile couples were recruited between 23 March 2023, and 17 May 2023, at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Kunming, China). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis were used for HPV genotyping. Polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis were also used to detect the presence of other STIs. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.4%. The top five prevalent HPV subtypes were types 56, 52, 43, 16, and 53 among those tested positive for HPV. Other common infections with high prevalence rates were Ureaplasma urealyticum (28.3%), Ureaplasma parvum (20.4%), and Enterococcus faecalis (9.5%). The prevalence rates of HPV coinfection with Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium , herpes simplex virus 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae , and Staphylococcus aureus were 24.8%, 25.4%, 10.6%, 6.4%, 2.4%, 7.9%, 5.9%, 0.9%, and 1.3%, respectively. The semen volume and total sperm count were greatly decreased by HPV infection alone. Coinfection with HPV and Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly reduced sperm motility and viability. Our study shows that coinfection with STIs is highly prevalent in the semen of infertile men and that coinfection with pathogens can seriously affect semen parameters, emphasizing the necessity of semen screening for STIs.
Humans
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Male
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Infertility, Male/epidemiology*
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Coinfection/microbiology*
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Papillomavirus Infections/virology*
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Adult
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases/complications*
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China/epidemiology*
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Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification*
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Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification*
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Prevalence
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Mycoplasma genitalium/isolation & purification*
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Ureaplasma urealyticum/isolation & purification*
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae/isolation & purification*
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Enterococcus faecalis/isolation & purification*
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Streptococcus agalactiae/isolation & purification*
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Herpesvirus 2, Human/genetics*
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa/isolation & purification*
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Semen/virology*
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Sperm Motility
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Spermatozoa/microbiology*
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Human Papillomavirus Viruses
7.Expression profile and function of miRNAs in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium
Ping-ping JIA ; Yi ZHANG ; Shi-ze PENG ; Qian-qian ZHAO ; Xiao-xiao WU ; Fang-qi SHEN ; Kai SUN ; Shan CEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1674-1679
The interaction between
8.Comparison of clinical effects of different doses of meropenem in the treatment of septic shock
Ze PING ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Jinrong WANG ; Chengguo CHAI ; Ning LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(13):1624-1627
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical effects of different doses of meropenem in the treatment of septic shock. METHODS One hundred and six patients with septic shock were randomly divided into standard-dose group and high-dose group, with 53 cases in each group. Patients in the standard-dose group were given standard dose of meropenem (initial intravenous injection of 1 g meropenem more than 30 minutes, followed by 1 g meropenem intravenously every 8 hours, each time for more than 3 hours); patients in the high-dose group were given high dose of meropenem (initial intravenous injection of 2 g meropenem more than 30 minutes, followed by 2 g meropenem intravenously every 8 hours, each time for more than 3 hours); other treatment measures were determined based on the specific conditions of the patients. The main observation indicators were the increments of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores and simplified acute physiology score Ⅱ (SAPS Ⅱ) after 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment in both groups. Secondary observation indicators included in-hospital mortality, 90-day all-cause mortality, 7-day microbial cure rate, 7-day clinical cure rate, serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment, hospitalization days in the intensive care unit, ventilator treatment days, the highest dose of norepinephrine. The occurrence of adverse drug reaction in the two groups was observed. RESULTS The increments of SOFA scores and SAPS Ⅱ after 7 days of treatment, the levels of PCT and CRP after 5 and 7 days of treatment as well as the 90-day all-cause mortality in the high- dose group were significantly lower than the standard-dose group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in other indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS High-dose meropenem treatment for septic shock has better clinical effects and is safer than standard-dose meropenem.
9.Inhibitory effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in a rat model of chronic renal failure via regulation of IGF-1 expression
Li-Ying YE ; Guang-Hui PAN ; Ping ZHAO ; Ze-Peng WANG ; Cheng LIU ; Ying-Ying LI ; Fa-Rong ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(3):788-794
AIM To explore the effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in a rat model of chronic renal failure(CRF)and its mechanism.METHODS Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group for normal feeding and the model group for the establishment of CRF rat models by 5/6 nephrectomy.Subsequently,the successfully established rat models were randomly divided into the model group,the Heidihuang Pills group(10.43 g/kg),and the Heidihuang Pills+IGF-1R blocker(JB1)group for a regimen of 7-day subcutaneous injection of 18 μg/kg JB1 followed by gavage of 10.43 g/kg Heidihuang Pills.Eight weeks after the administration,the rats had their serum levels of Scr and BUN detected;their pathological changes of renal tissue observed by HE and Masson staining;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α and α-SMA detected by immunohistochemistry;their renal protein expressions of IGF-1R and TGF-β detected by Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of IGF-1R and TGF-β detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group displayed increased serum levels of Scr and BUN(P<0.05);increased,degree of renal fibrosis,and renal fibrosis area(P<0.05);increased renal expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α,α-SMA proteins and TGF-β mRNA(P<0.05);and decreased expressions of IGF-1R mRNA and protein(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the Heidihuang Pills group displayed decreased serum Scr and BUN levels(P<0.05);decreased inflammatory cells in renal interstitium and the fibrosis degree(P<0.05);decreased renal expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α,α-SMA proteins and TGF-β mRNA(P<0.05);and increased expressions of IGF-1R mRNA and protein(P<0.05).However,the administration of JB1 could weaken the improvement effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in CRF rats(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Heidihuang Pills can inhibit the renal fibrosis in CRF rats,and the inhibition process is related to up-regulated IGF-1 expression and promoted combination of IGF-1 and IGF-1R.
10.The impact of programming optimization for atrioventricular synchrony after Micra AV leadless pacemakers implantation
Ze ZHENG ; Yu-Chen SHI ; Song-Yuan HE ; Shao-Ping WANG ; Shi-Ying LI ; Shu-Juan CHENG ; Jing-Hua LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(2):71-75
Objective To analyze the atrioventricular synchronization rate after implantation of Micra AV leadless pacemaker,and the impact of postoperative programming optimization on atrioventricular synchronization rate.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to select patients with complete atrioventricular block who underwent Micra AV leadless pacemaker implantation at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from August 2022 to June 2023.Programming optimization were performed at 1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively,and atrioventricular synchronization rate,electrical parameters,and echocardiography were recorded.Results A total of 68 patients with complete atrioventricular block implanted with Micra AV were selected,with an average age of(68.2±9.7)years,including 47 males(69.1%).All patients were successfully implanted with Micra AV,and there were no serious postoperative complications;The average threshold,sense,and impedance parameters were stable during 1 week,1 month,and 3 months after the procedure;There was no significant difference in the EF value of postoperative echocardiography(P=0.162);The average atrioventricular synchronization rates at 1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively were(75.2%vs.83.8%vs.91.6%,P=0.001).Conclusions As an mechanical atrial sensing,Micra AV requires personalized adjustment of relevant parameters;Postoperative follow-up programming optimization plays an important role in the atrioventricular synchronization and comfort level in patients with complete atrioventricular block after implantation of Micra AV leadless pacemaker.

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