1.The PGAM5-NEK7 interaction is a therapeutic target for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in colitis.
Cheng-Long GAO ; Jinqian SONG ; Haojie WANG ; Qinghong SHANG ; Xin GUAN ; Gang XU ; Jiayang WU ; Dalei WU ; Yueqin ZHENG ; Xudong WU ; Feng ZHAO ; Xindong LIU ; Lei SHI ; Tao PANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):349-370
The innate immune sensor NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. PGAM5 is a mitochondrial phosphatase involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the role of PGAM5 in ulcerative colitis and the mechanisms underlying PGAM5 regulating NLRP3 activity remain unknown. Here, we show that PGAM5 deficiency ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By combining APEX2-based proximity labeling focused on PGAM5 with quantitative proteomics, we identify NEK7 as the new binding partner of PGAM5 to promote NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation in a PGAM5 phosphatase activity-independent manner upon inflammasome induction. Interfering with PGAM5-NEK7 interaction by punicalagin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction in macrophages for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and further provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis by blocking the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction.
2.Taxifolin attenuates liver fibrosis by regulating the phosphorylation of NDRG1 at Thr328 via hepatocyte-stellate cell cross talk.
Chuan DING ; Zeping WANG ; Kao SHI ; Sunan LI ; Xinyue DOU ; Yan NING ; Gang CHENG ; Qiao YANG ; Xianan SANG ; Mengyun PENG ; Qiang LYU ; Lu WANG ; Xin HAN ; Gang CAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2059-2076
Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural compound known for its liver protection effect, but the mechanism remains unknown. Phosphorylated proteomics analyses discovered that the phosphorylation level of NDRG1 at T328 was a key event of TAX-improved liver fibrosis. We established models with NDRG1 knockout (KO) in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating that NDRG1 KO attenuated the development of hepatocyte injury, and combining NDRG1 KO and TAX administration did not result in a reduction in protection against liver injury. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasma resonance analysis showed that TAX directly binds to NDRG1 rather than its upstream kinase, subsequently demonstrating that TAX regulated phosphorylation of NDRG1 at T328 through binding to its C289 site. NDRG1 T328A (phosphorylated mutation) and T328E (mimic phosphorylation) in vivo and in vitro confirmed that pNDRG1T328 exacerbates hepatocyte injury along with DNA damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. In contrast, TAX can inhibit the above pathological abnormalities and block hepatocyte injury-triggered HSCs activation and fibrosis. Overall, TAX is a potent liver protection drug primarily targeting NDRG1 and inhibiting pNDRG1T328 in hepatocytes.
3.Influence of oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly pa-tients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain
Minghong SHI ; Zhanwei LIU ; Yang ZHU ; Lili XIA ; Gang CHENG ; Youguo LU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(11):1718-1723
Objective To investigate the influence of combination of oxycodone-acetaminophen and local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain.Methods Eighty elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain admitted to Huainan Xinhua Medical Group Xinhua Hospital from January 2020 to April 2024 were divided into control group(40 cases)and observa-tion group(40 cases)according to the order of admission.The control group received codeine combined with local radiotherapy,whereas the observation group was treated with oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radio-therapy.Pain relief(assessed using visual analogue scale(VAS)),daily fulminant pain occurrence frequency and occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment as well as serum cytokines[substance P(SP),prostaglandinE2(PGE2),interleukin-6(IL-6)],sleep quality(assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI))and quality of life[assessed using functional assessment of cancer therapy-general(FACT-G)]before and after treatment were compared between the two groups..Results The pain relief effect in the observation group was better(P<0.05),and the daily occurrence frequency of fulminant pain was less than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treat-ment,serum levels of SP,PGE2 and IL-6 in the observation group were lower compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The total incidence rate of bone-related events during treatment was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05),and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The PSQI score in the observation group after treatment was lower(P<0.05)while the scores of physiology and emotion of FACT-G were higher compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy can down-regulate the levels of serum SP,PGE2 and IL-6,relieve the pain,and improve the sleep quality and quality of life in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain.
4.Investigation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and subthreshold states among children in Chongqing
Xiuying YANG ; Zhanming SHI ; Yi LI ; Jiasheng LIU ; Dengguo CHENG ; Tingting HE ; Wei ZHAO ; Gang YUAN ; Ludan ZHANG ; Chunni HUANG ; Junhao LUAN ; Xiaoyue JIA ; Tiantian CHEN ; Mei WANG ; Shiping ZHENG ; Chunying WU ; Yuanming REN ; Mengfei LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):561-567
BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate inattention, excessive activities incongruous with setting, and emotional impulsivity. Subthreshold ADHD (sADHD) is clinically defined as the presence of ADHD symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Children with sADHD exhibit deficits in executive function, demonstrate more conduct, learning, and anxiety-related problems compared to typically developing children, and show even poorer working memory performance than children diagnosed with ADHD. Currently, there is limited epidemiological research on sADHD in China, with few studies simultaneously investigating the prevalence of both ADHD and sADHD in children. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of ADHD and sADHD among children aged 6–13 years in Chongqing, analyzing their distribution characteristics within this population, with the aim of providing references for developing preventive measures against both ADHD and sADHD. MethodsFrom October to November 2023, a total of 3 398 students in grades 1–6 from six primary schools in Jiangbei District, Chongqing were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The occurrence of ADHD and sADHD was evaluated by using the short version (18-item version) of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV rating scales (SNAP-IV) and the Chinese vision of Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). ResultsThe ADHD detection rate among children in Chongqing was 1.90% (95% CI: 0.014–0.024). Boys showed a significantly higher ADHD detection rate than girls (χ2=7.733, P=0.005). No statistically significant differences were found in ADHD detection rates across different grades or age groups (χ2=7.347, 12.362, P>0.05). The sADHD detection rate was 6.32% (95% CI: 0.054–0.072). Similarly, boys exhibited significantly higher sADHD detection rates than girls (χ2=21.005, P<0.01). Significant differences emerged across different grades (χ2=20.559, P=0.001), while no statistically significant difference was observed in age groups (χ2=12.070, P=0.060). ConclusionThe ADHD detection rates were comparable across all grade levels and age groups from 6–13 years old. Second-grade children demonstrated notably higher sADHD rates compared to other grades, while boys demonstrated higher prevalence rates than girls for both ADHD and sADHD. [Funded by Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project in Jiangbei District, Chongqing City in the Second Half of 2023 (number, 2023JBKWLH022)]
5.Correlation between pathological features at the positive margin and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer
Xin-huan FAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Lin-lin ZHU ; Cheng-yi LIU ; De-gang CHEN ; Shi-fang SANG ; Peng-cheng XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(3):202-207
Objective:To investigate the correlation between pathological features at the positive margins and biochemical re-currence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.Methods:From June 2014 to December 2019,a total of 200 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy were included in this study by the method of case matching(1:1).One hundred patients with positive surgical margin and 100 with negative surgical margin were enrolled in this study.All patients did not receive any adjuvant treatment after surgery with a clinical stage of T2/N0.BCR-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.An optimal cutoff for the PSM length which differentiated risk for BCR was identified by Classification and Regression Tree analysis(CART).Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between variables and BCR-free surviv-al.Results:A total of 200 patients were included in this study,and 177 patients with pT2 stage were pathological after operation.The median follow-up time of this group of patients was 32.8 months ranged from 5.6 to 80.5 months.A total of 28 cases of biochemi-cal recurrence were found through PSA follow-up after surgery,including 6 cases(6.0%)in the negative margin group and 22 cases(22.0%)in the positive margin group.The result of Kaplan Meier survival curve analysis showed that the non biochemical recurrence survival time of the negative margin group was longer than that of the positive margin group(log rank x2=9.336,P=0.003).It was found that the length of positive margin≥1 mm in the positive margin group was positively correlated with postoperative biochemical re-currence.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify that the highest Gleason score ≥8 and the length of pos-itive ≥ 1 mm were independent factors of postoperative biochemical recurrence in both the overall patients and the patients with positive margin.Conclusion:The patients with highest Gleason score ≥8 and the length of positive ≥1mm are at elevated risk for BCR.
6.Influence of oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly pa-tients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain
Minghong SHI ; Zhanwei LIU ; Yang ZHU ; Lili XIA ; Gang CHENG ; Youguo LU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(11):1718-1723
Objective To investigate the influence of combination of oxycodone-acetaminophen and local radiotherapy on serum cytokines in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain.Methods Eighty elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis and cancer pain admitted to Huainan Xinhua Medical Group Xinhua Hospital from January 2020 to April 2024 were divided into control group(40 cases)and observa-tion group(40 cases)according to the order of admission.The control group received codeine combined with local radiotherapy,whereas the observation group was treated with oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radio-therapy.Pain relief(assessed using visual analogue scale(VAS)),daily fulminant pain occurrence frequency and occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment as well as serum cytokines[substance P(SP),prostaglandinE2(PGE2),interleukin-6(IL-6)],sleep quality(assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI))and quality of life[assessed using functional assessment of cancer therapy-general(FACT-G)]before and after treatment were compared between the two groups..Results The pain relief effect in the observation group was better(P<0.05),and the daily occurrence frequency of fulminant pain was less than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treat-ment,serum levels of SP,PGE2 and IL-6 in the observation group were lower compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The total incidence rate of bone-related events during treatment was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05),and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).The PSQI score in the observation group after treatment was lower(P<0.05)while the scores of physiology and emotion of FACT-G were higher compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone-acetaminophen combined with local radiotherapy can down-regulate the levels of serum SP,PGE2 and IL-6,relieve the pain,and improve the sleep quality and quality of life in elderly patients with malignant tumor bone metastasis complicated with cancer pain.
7.Study on the basic characteristics and healthcare resource demand of elderly seasonal migrants in Hainan Province
Zhen-Yu SHI ; Cun-Ku WANG ; Ben-Guo YU ; Gang CHENG ; Qing-Yue MENG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(8):28-35
This study analyzed the characteristics of 118 738 seasonal migrants who were aged 65 and under management by the Health Statistics Center of Hainan Health Commission.Our study revealed that approximately 51.6%of elderly seasonal migrants were male,with around 75.2%aged below 75 years.Elderly seasonal migrants originating from the Northeast region constituted roughly 36.3%of the total,and the majority of them settled in Haikou,Chengmai and Dongfang(each representing over 10%of the total).Of the nine prevalent health conditions surveyed,about 27.6%of the elderly seasonal migrants suffered at least one condition.Haikou,Wanning,Qionghai,and Dongfang received more than 3 000 elderly seasonal migrants with health issues.Considering the availability of healthcare resources,there exists a negative correlation between the distribution of elderly seasonal migrants and the hospitalization service load of doctors in various destination areas.This study recommends Hainan Province further improving the seasonal migrants dynamic survey system,scientifically arranging healthcare resources and services,and systematically enhancing the health service experience of the seasonal migrants.
8.Changes in fundus microcirculation of myopic adolescents after wearing orthokeratology observed by optical coherence tomography angiography
Jia-Hui SHI ; Li-Li LANG ; Yi-Ping ZHAO ; Gang LIU ; Ji-Li CHEN ; Wan-Cheng JIA
International Eye Science 2023;23(3):512-516
AIM: To observe changes in fundus microcirculation of myopic adolescents after wearing orthokeratology by applying optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Prospective study. A total of 40 cases(40 eyes)of adolescents with low to moderate myopia who chose orthokeratology to correct visual acuity at our hospital from April 2021 to June 2022 were collected. The uncorrected distant visual acuity and axial length were evaluated at 1, 3 and 6mo before and after wearing orthokeratology, respectively. Furthermore, the changes in superficial vessel density(SVD), deep vessel density(DVD), central retinal thickness(CRT), foveal avascular zone area(FAZ-A), foveal avascular zone perimeter(FAZ-P), retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness and radial peripapillary capillaries density(RPCD)were observed by applying OCTA.RESULTS: The uncorrected distant visual acuity was significantly improved at 1, 3 and 6mo after wearing orthokeratology(P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in axial length before and after wearing orthokeratology(P>0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences in both SVD of fovea quadrant and DVD of fovea and lower quadrant(P<0.01), but there were no differences in CRT, FAZ-A and FAZ-P, RNFL thickness and RPCD(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Wearing orthokeratology can significantly improve visual acuity and increase local retinal vessel density in the macula in adolescents with low to moderate myopia.
9.Genome-wide identification of bZIP family genes and screening of candidate AarbZIPs involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in Artemisia argyi.
Bo-Han CHENG ; Meng-Yue WANG ; Lan WU ; Ran-Ran GAO ; Qing-Gang YIN ; Yu-Hua SHI ; Li XIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(19):5181-5194
Artemisia argyi is an important medicinal and economic plant in China, with the effects of warming channels, dispersing cold, and relieving pain, inflammation, and allergy. The essential oil of this plant is rich in volatile terpenoids and widely used in moxi-bustion and healthcare products, with huge market potential. The bZIP transcription factors compose a large family in plants and are involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, stress response, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids. However, little is known about the bZIPs and their roles in A. argyi. In this study, the bZIP transcription factors in the genome of A. argyi were systematically identified, and their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationship, conserved motifs, and promoter-binding elements were analyzed. Candidate AarbZIP genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were screened out. The results showed that a total of 156 AarbZIP transcription factors were identified at the genomic level, with the lengths of 99-618 aa, the molecular weights of 11.7-67.8 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric points of 4.56-10.16. According to the classification of bZIPs in Arabidopsis thaliana, the 156 AarbZIPs were classified into 12 subfamilies, and the members in the same subfamily had similar conserved motifs. The cis-acting elements of promoters showed that AarbZIP genes were possibly involved in light and hormonal pathways. Five AarbZIP genes that may be involved in the regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis were screened out by homologous alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of the five AarbZIP genes varied significantly in different tissues of A. argyi. Specifically, AarbZIP29 and AarbZIP55 were highly expressed in the leaves and AarbZIP81, AarbZIP130, and AarbZIP150 in the flower buds. This study lays a foundation for the functional study of bZIP genes and their regulatory roles in the terpenoid biosynthesis in A. argyi.
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Phylogeny
;
Artemisia/genetics*
;
Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Terpenes
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
10. Daidzein affects proliferation and apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells:role of p53 signaling pathway
Ting LUO ; Shi-Qun YU ; Jin OU-YANG ; Ting LUO ; Shi-Qun YU ; Jin OU-YANG ; Deng-Gang FU ; Xiao-Wei XIONG ; Shao-Xin HUANG ; Xin WANG ; Xiao-Bo WANG ; You PENG ; Cheng-Quan CHENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(3):431-438
Aim To investigate the effects of daidzeinDD on the proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells,with a focus on the possible role of the p53 signaling pathway in this regard. Methods CCK-8 method and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of soy isoflavone crude extract and DD on the viability and apoptosis of HELF and H1299 cells. Gene microarray was used to detect the changes in gene expression after treatment of H1299 cells with DD. GSEA and differential analysis were used to screen the major pathways and key genes. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to verify the differences in mRNA and protein expression of key genesp53 and CASP9 in the major pathways. After p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-α inhibited the expression of p53,the effect of DD on p53 mRNA and protein expression levels was examined,and the proliferative effect on H1299 cells was observed. Results Soy isoflavone crude extract and DD promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of normal lung cells and inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of lung cancer cells. p53 signaling pathway was significantly enriched in the DD-treated groupNES=1.78,P=0.000,and the expressions of p53 and CASP9 genes were found to be significantly up-regulated in the treated group. Compared with the control group,mRNA expression of CASP9 and p53 significantly increased in both HELF and H1299 cells treated with DDP<0.05,and p53 protein expression also increased in HELF cellsP<0.05. After inhibition of p53 expression,DD significantly increased the mRNA expression of p53 in H1299 and HELF cellsP<0.05 and also markedly increased the expression of p53 protein in H1299 cellsP<0.05,and it was observed that DD inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells. Conclusions DD inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of lung cancer H1299 cells,and the mechanism mainly involves the p53 signaling pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail