1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.YTHDF1 regulation of Fis1 on the activation and proliferation and migration ability of hepatic stellate cells
Lin Jia ; Feng Sun ; Qiqi Dong ; Jingjing Yang ; Renpeng Zhou ; Wei Hu ; Chao Lu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):49-58
Objective:
To explore the effect of YTH domain family protein 1(YTHDF1) on the activation, proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) by regulating mitochondrial fission mediated by mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1).
Methods:
The mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS-1 was treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24 h to induce its activation and proliferation, andYTHDF1-siRNA was used to construct aYTHDF1silencing model.The experiment was divided into Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+si-NC group and TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group.Expression changes ofYTHDF1,Fis1and key indicators of fibrosis, type Ⅰ collagen(CollagenⅠ) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) were detected through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot; CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation ability; Transwell migration assay and cell scratch assay were used to detect cell migration ability; immunofluorescence staining experiment was used to detect the effect ofYTHDF1onFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission; finally, JC-1 staining was used to experimentally detect the effect ofYTHDF1on mitochondrial membrane potential.
Results:
Compared with the Control group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.05,P<0.01;P<0.000 1), as well as the fibrosis markersCollagenⅠand the expression level of α-SMA increased(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.000 1); while adding CCK-8, the experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); Transwell experimental results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.01); the cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); the immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the TGF-β1 group Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal increased(P<0.05); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.01). Compared with the TGF-β1+si-NC group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001), and fibrosis markers the levels ofCollagenⅠandα-SMAwere reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.01).CCK-8 experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); Transwell experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.001); cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.01); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.05).
Conclusion
YTHDF1promotes the activation, proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs by positively regulatingFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission. This suggests thatYTHDF1may be a key gene involved in regulating the activation, proliferation and migration of HSCs.
3.Knowledge and behaviors about hepatitis B prevention and control among carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen
LI Siwen ; ZHOU Tiantian ; ZHANG Chao ; ZHANG Dan ; HU Weijun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):253-256,261
Objective:
To investigate the knowledge and behaviors related to hepatitis B prevention and control among carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), so as to provide the basis for conducting health education and interventions for HBsAg carriers.
Methods:
Based on the seroepidemiological survey of hepatitis B among individuals aged 1 to 69 years in Shaanxi Province, HBsAg carriers were selected as the study subjects. Basic information, knowledge and behaviors about hepatitis B prevention and control were collected through questionnaire surveys. The awareness of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge and related behaviors among HBsAg carriers were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 107 HBsAg carriers were enrolled, including 52 males (48.60%) and 55 females (51.40%), and had a median age of 47.04 (interquartile range, 19.78) years. The awareness of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge ranged from 56.07% to 87.85% among HBsAg carriers, with the highest awareness for "hepatitis B vaccination can effectively prevent hepatitis B "(87.85%), and the lowest awareness for "sharing meals with HBsAg carriers or hepatitis B patients will not lead to infection" (56.07%) and "hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral drugs" (61.68%). The proportions of those who did not seek medical consultation, undergo regular check-ups, or receive treatment were relatively high, at 65.42%, 72.90% and 77.57%, respectively.
Conclusions
The awareness of hepatitis B transmission routes and treatment-related knowledge among HBsAg carriers is relatively low, and their medical-seeking behaviors are relatively passive. There is a need to enhance the dissemination of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge, improve medical-seeking behaviors, and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus transmission.
4.Chemical consitituents and hypoglycemic activity of Qinhuai No. 1 Rehmannia glutinosa
Meng YANG ; Zhi-you HAO ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):205-210
Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of
5.Association between intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway
Qiao TANG ; Chao ZHOU ; Ning ZHANG ; Man GONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):574-579
Liver failure is a common severe syndrome of liver diseases with high mortality. The function and structural integrity of the intestinal barrier as an entity are closely associated with the development and progression of liver failure. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway can participate in innate immune response by recognizing DNA produced by pathogen invasion and host cell damage and inducing the production of type I interferon. Numerous studies have shown that activation of the cGAS-STING pathway can significantly impact the cellular structure, mucosal components, and commensal bacteria of the intestinal barrier. This article reviews the interplay between the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure, in order to provide novel insights for the clinical management of liver failure.
6.Analysis of characteristics of adverse drug reactions in a hospital from 2021 to 2023
Yan WANG ; Ming FANG ; Hongwei SONG ; Chao ZHONG ; Feng XU ; Ting ZHOU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):200-204
Objective To analyze the characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported in Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai Jiaotong University from 2021 to 2023, to provide reference for promoting rational clinical drug use. Methods ADR data reported in our hospital were collected retrospectively, including patients’ basic information, drugs causing adverse reactions, types of adverse reactions and outcomes. Descriptive analysis methods were used to summarize and analyze the data. Results A total of 979 cases of ADR were reported in our hospital from 2021 to 2023. The highest proportion of patients with ADR occurred in the age range of 31 to 50, and more male patients (63.5%). The top five drugs involved with adverse reactions were antibiotics (48.8%), Chinese medicine injections(19.2%), vitamins(7.5%), Chinese traditional medicine(7.2%), equine tetanus immunoglobulin(6.3%). Among antibiotics, cefuroxime, ceftazidime and cefotiam were the majority. The organs/systems involved in all ADR were mainly skin and accessories damage (55.4%). The clinical manifestations were rash, itching, and maculopapular rash. Conclusion From 2021 to 2023, the most common drugs causing adverse drug reactions in our hospital were mainly antibacterial drugs, and the rational clinical use of antibacterial drugs still needs to be concerned.
7.Mass Spectrometry-based Cell Imaging
Peng ZHOU ; Xin WANG ; Qian LUO ; Chao ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):858-868
Cell models can simulate a variety of life states and disease developments, including single cells, two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids, and organoids. They are essential tools for addressing complex biochemical questions. With continuous advancements in biological and cellular analysis technologies, in vitro cellular models designed to answer scientific questions have evolved rapidly. Early in vitro models primarily relied on 2D systems, which failed to accurately replicate the complex cellular compositions and microenvironmental interactions observed in vivo, let alone support sophisticated investigations into cellular biological functions. Subsequent improvements in cell culture techniques led to the development of 3D culture-based models, such as cellular spheroids. The advent of pluripotent stem cell technology further advanced the development of organoid systems, which closely mimic human organ development. Compared to traditional 2D models, both 3D cellular models and organoids offer significant advantages, including personalization and enhanced physiological relevance, making them particularly suitable for exploring molecular mechanisms of disease progression, discovering novel cellular and biomolecular functions, and conducting related studies. The imaging analysis of common cellular models primarily employs labeling-based methods for in situ imaging of targeted genes, proteins, and small-molecule metabolites, enabling further research on cell types, states, metabolism, and drug efficacy. However, these approaches have drawbacks such as poor labeling specificity and complex experimental procedures. By using cells as experimental models, mass spectrometry technology combined with morphological analysis can reveal quantitative changes and spatial distributions of various biological substances at the spatiotemporal level, including metabolites, proteins, lipids, peptides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and metals. This allows for the investigation of cell-cell interactions, tumor microenvironments, and cellular bioinformational heterogeneity. The application of these cutting-edge imaging technologies generates vast amounts of cellular data, necessitating the development of rapid, efficient, and highly accurate image data algorithms for precise segmentation and identification of single cells, multi-organelle structures, rare cell subpopulations, and complex cellular morphologies. A critical focus lies in creating deep learning models and algorithms that enhance the accuracy of cellular visualization. At the same time, establishing more robust data integration tools is essential not only for analyzing and interpreting outputs but also for effectively uncovering the biological significance of spatially resolved mass spectrometry data. Developing a cell imaging platform with high versatility, operational stability, and specificity to enable data interoperability will significantly enhance its utility in clinical research, thereby advancing investigations into disease molecular mechanisms and supporting precision diagnostics and therapeutics. In contrast to genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information, the metabolome can rapidly respond to external stimuli and cellular physiological changes within a short timeframe. This rapid and precise reflection of ongoing cellular state alterations has positioned spatial metabolomics as a pivotal approach for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes in cells, tissues, and organisms. In this review, we summarize research on cell imaging based on mass spectrometry technologies, including the selection and preparation of cell models, morphological analysis of cell models, spatial omics techniques based on mass spectrometry, mass cytometry, and their applications. We also discuss the current challenges and propose future directions for development in this field.
8.Effect of optimized intense pulsed light on meibomian gland morphology and function in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction
Yifan ZHOU ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Lifeng LIU ; Xinhong HAN ; Chao WANG ; Limei LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):968-974
AIM: To assess the impact of optimized pulsed technology(OPT)on the morphological and functional changes of meibomian glands in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled 60 MGD patients(60 right eyes)treated at Weifang Eye Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on the extent of meibomian gland loss, with 20 cases(20 eyes)per group. Treatments consisted of bilateral OPT combined with meibomian gland massages, administered biweekly over four sessions. Ocular surface function indicators including the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS), non-invasive average tear break-up time(NIBUTav), and non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), as well as meibomian gland function parameters such as meibomian gland expressibility score(MGES)and meibomian gland secretion score(MGYSS)were observed and recorded before treatment and at 3 mo after final treatment. Cellular-level assessments using in vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM)examined meibomian gland acinar unit density(MGAUD), inflammatory cell density(ICD), meibomian gland acinar longest diameter(MGALD)and meibomian gland acinar shortest diameter(MGASD).RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences were found in NITMH across groups(P>0.05). Statistical significance were observed in NIBUTav, MGES, MGYSS, MGAUD, MGALD, and MGASD(all P<0.05). Compared to the mild group, the moderate and severe groups showed significant differences in OSDI, CFS, and ICD(all P<0.05), though no significant differences existed between moderate and severe groups(all P>0.05). At 3 mo after treatment, all groups showed no significant differences in NITMH(all P>0.05). All parameters improved significantly in the mild group(all P<0.05); all indicators improved in the moderate group(P>0.05), except for MGASD before and after treatment(all P<0.05); significant improvements were noted in OSDI, CFS, and NIBUTav in the severe group(all P<0.05), while MGES and MGYSS did not differ significantly(all P>0.05). IVCM parameters(MGAUD, ICD, MGALD, and MGASD)showed no significant change in the severe group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:OPT effectively enhances various ocular surface functions and improves gland expressibility and secretion quality in mild to moderate MGD cases, while also positively impacting certain cellular parameters. In severe cases, where most acinar functions are lost and structural reversibility is limited, OPT can still mitigate MGD symptoms and decelerate disease progression.
9.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.
10.Pharmacokinetic Differences of Seven Components in Different Phases of Banxia Xiexintang in Rats
Chao HE ; Siyi LIU ; Mingyun WANG ; Qi WANG ; Jingwen ZHOU ; Tong ZHANG ; Yiqiong PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):215-222
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of phases on the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven components from Banxia Xiexintang(BXT) in normal rats by investigating and comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles in different phase samples. MethodsThe phase separation of BXT was carried out by centrifugation-dialysis method, and three phase samples were obtained, including the precipitated phase(PP), colloidal phase(CP) and true solution phase(TP). A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into BXT, PP, CP and TP groups(n=6). The BXT group was gavaged at a dose of 24.1 g·kg-1(calculated by the dosage of raw materials). After proper treatments, PP, CP and TP groups were administrated at the same dose as that of BXT group, respectively. Blood was collected from each group at set time points after gavage of BXT and the phase samples. The contents of 7 components(baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, ammonium glycyrrhizinate and isoliquiritin) in rat plasma were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were analyzed by DAS 2.0. ResultsThe peak concentration of baicalin was the highest among the blood-entered components in each group, followed by wogonoside. The results of the concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters of the 7 components showed that the area under the concentration-time curve(AUC) of isoliquiritin in the BXT group was the highest, followed by that in the CP group. AUC values of baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate in the BXT group were similar to those of the CP group, and AUC of palmatine in the BXT group was similar to that of the PP group. The elimination half-life(t1/2) values of baicalin and wogonoside in the BXT group was the longest, the t1/2 values of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and berberine were similar to those of the CP group, and the t1/2 of palmatine was similar to that of the PP group. The t1/2 of wogonin was the longest in the PP group, and the t1/2 of isoliquiritin was the longest in the TP group was the longest, which was similar to that in the PP group. Except for isoliquiritin, the other 6 components showed double peaks in the concentration-time curve of the PP group, indicating that the above components might be reabsorbed through the enterohepatic circulation in vivo, which resulted in the maintenance of high plasma concentrations for a long time, and consequently exhibited sustained-release properties. ConclusionThe pharmacokinetic characteristics of the components in different phases were different, and the CP phase may be the effective phase from the perspective of the pharmacological action of BXT. Compared with the BXT group, the in vivo action times of some components in the CP and PP groups were prolonged. The study explores the phase differences of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound decoction in the aspect of pharmacokinetics, and verifies that the phase states from TCM compound decoction will affect the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the active components, which may consequently lead to the difference in in vivo effects.


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