1.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
2.Hypoglycemic Effect and Mechanism of ICK Pattern Peptides
Lin-Fang CHEN ; Jia-Fan ZHANG ; Ye-Ning GUO ; Hui-Zhong HUANG ; Kang-Hong HU ; Chen-Guang YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):50-60
Diabetes is a very complex endocrine disease whose common feature is the increase in blood glucose concentration. Persistent hyperglycemia can lead to blindness, kidney and heart disease, neurodegeneration, and many other serious complications that have a significant impact on human health and quality of life. The number of people with diabetes is increasing yearly. The global diabetes prevalence in 20-79 year olds in 2021 was estimated to be 10.5% (536.6 million), and it will rise to 12.2% (783.2 million) in 2045. The main modes of intervention for diabetes include medication, dietary management, and exercise conditioning. Medication is the mainstay of treatment. Marketed diabetes drugs such as metformin and insulin, as well as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are effective in controlling blood sugar levels to some extent, but the preventive and therapeutic effects are still unsatisfactory. Peptide drugs have many advantages such as low toxicity, high target specificity, and good biocompatibility, which opens up new avenues for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. Currently, insulin and its analogs are by far the main life-saving drugs in clinical diabetes treatment, enabling effective control of blood glucose levels, but the risk of hypoglycemia is relatively high and treatment is limited by the route of delivery. New and oral anti-diabetic drugs have always been a market demand and research hotspot. Inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides are a class of multifunctional cyclic peptides. In structure, they contain three conserved disulfide bonds (C3-C20, C7-C22, and C15-C32) form a compact “knot” structure, which can resist degradation of digestive protease. Recent studies have shown that ICK peptides derived from legume, such as PA1b, Aglycin, Vglycin, Iglycin, Dglycin, and aM1, exhibit excellent regulatory activities on glucose and lipid metabolism at the cellular and animal levels. Mechanistically, ICK peptides promote glucose utilization by muscle and liver through activation of IR/AKT signaling pathway, which also improves insulin resistance. They can repair the damaged pancrease through activation of PI3K/AKT/Erk signaling pathway, thus lowering blood glucose. The biostability and hypoglycemic efficacy of the ICK peptides meet the requirements for commercialization of oral drugs, and in theory, they can be developed into natural oral anti-diabetes peptide drugs. In this review, the structural properties, activity and mechanism of ICK pattern peptides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism were summaried, which provided a reference for the development of new oral peptides for diabetes.
3.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of hordenine on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in rats
Junyan LI ; Tao LIU ; Fang SUN ; Jiahui HUANG ; Shuzhen MAO ; Jing YAO
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):80-90
To investigate the therapeutic effect and related mechanisms of hordenine on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in rats, HE and AB-PAS staining were used to detect the improvement of pathological damage to the nasal mucosa induced by hordenine. ELISA was employed to detect the effect of hordenine on OVA-sIgE in serum and IL-4 in the nasal mucosa supernatant of rats. IHC and Western blot experiments were undertaken to examine the effect of hordenine on Th1/Th2 cell balance. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict pathways, which were verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The experimental results showed that hordenine could alleviate the behavioral manifestations of OVA-induced AR rats, alleviate nasal mucosal pathological damage caused by AR, and reduce the secretion of OVA-sIgE and IL-4. In addition, hordenine could regulate the Th1/Th2 balance. Bioinformatics analysis results showed that the potential pathway of action of hordenine on AR was the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The in vivo experimental results showed that the expression of PI3K and p-Akt proteins in the nasal mucosa of the model group rats was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and that the protein expression level was significantly decreased after the administration of hordenine, which was also confirmed by an in vitro experiment. This study suggests that hordenine may regulate Th1/Th2 cell balance through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting an alleviating effect on OVA-induced AR.
4.Research on a COPD Diagnosis Method Based on Electrical Impedance Tomography Imaging
Fang LI ; Bai CHEN ; Yang WU ; Kai LIU ; Tong ZHOU ; Jia-Feng YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1866-1877
ObjectiveThis paper proposes a novel real-time bedside pulmonary ventilation monitoring method for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Four indicators—center of ventilation (CoV), global inhomogeneity index (GI), regional ventilation delay inhomogeneity (RVDI), and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC)—are calculated to enable the spatiotemporal assessment of COPD. MethodsA simulation of the respiratory cycles of COPD patients was first conducted, revealing significant differences in certain indicators compared to healthy individuals. The effectiveness of these indicators was then validated through experiments. A total of 93 subjects underwent multiple pulmonary function tests (PFTs) alongside simultaneous EIT measurements. Ventilation heterogeneity under different breathing patterns—including forced exhalation, forced inhalation, and quiet tidal breathing—was compared. EIT images and related indicators were analyzed to distinguish healthy individuals across different age groups from COPD patients. ResultsSimulation results demonstrated significant differences in CoV, GI, FEV1/FVC, and RVDI between COPD patients and healthy individuals. Experimental findings indicated that, in terms of spatial heterogeneity, the GI values of COPD patients were significantly higher than those of the other two groups, while no significant differences were observed among healthy individuals. Regarding temporal heterogeneity, COPD patients exhibited significantly higher RVDI values than the other groups during both quiet breathing and forced inhalation. Moreover, during forced exhalation, the distribution of FEV1/FVC values further highlighted the temporal delay heterogeneity of regional lung function in COPD patients, distinguishing them from healthy individuals of various ages. ConclusionEIT technology effectively reveals the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of regional lung function, which holds great promise for the diagnosis and management of COPD.
5.Research progress of biological targeted therapy for atopic dermatitis
Ying LIU ; Cai-Jun YAO ; Hui ZENG ; Ji-Fang CHEN ; Chun ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):768-772
Atopic dermatitis(AD)is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease.For decades,the treatment of AD has been limited to local corticosteroid or calcineurin inhibitors,and light therapy or systemic immunosuppressive drug for moderate to severe AD patients.With the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of AD,many local and systemic targeted therapy drugs are being developed,which may change the treatment options of AD.This review combination with the latest clinical trials give a summarize on the type,mechanism,efficacy and safety of biological targeted therapy for AD,to provide a theoretical basis for the individualized treatment of AD.
6.Effects of emodin modulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway on vascular endothelial cells damage in diabetic macroangiopathy rats
Qiu-Xiao ZHU ; Hui-Yao HAO ; Zi-Bo LIU ; Ming GAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Zhi-Hua HAO ; Li-Hui ZHANG ; Yong-Mei HAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):859-863
Objective To investigate the impact of emodin(EM)on vascular endothelial cell injury in rats with diabetes macroangiopathy by regulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods SD rats were divided into blank group and modeling group,the rats in the modeling group were fed with high fat and high sugar combined with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester to build the diabetes macroangiopathy model,and the blank group was fed with ordinary diet.The vascular endothelial cells successfully isolated from the thoracic aorta of rats in blank group and modeling group were named control group and model group,respectively.The vascular endothelial cells in the modeling group were divided into model group,dimethyloxallyl glycine(DMOG)group(10 μmol·L-1DMOG),combined group(80 mg·L-1EM+10 μmol·L-1 DMOG)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(20,40,80 mg·L-1 EM).The apoptosis of rat vascular endothelial cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blot was applied to detect the expression of HIF-1αand VEGF proteins in rat vascular endothelial cells.Results The apoptosis rates of vascular endothelial cells in experimental-M,-H groups,DMOG group,combined group,model group and control group were(10.18±0.36)%,(6.28±0.20)%,(24.96±1.18)%,(12.36±0.49)%,(18.76±0.68)%and(4.59±0.26)%;HIF-1α protein levels were 0.96±0.07,0.78±0.06,2.03±0.12,1.05±0.13,1.58±0.12 and 0.69±0.05;VEGF protein levels were 0.59±0.05,0.23±0.02,0.98±0.06,0.63±0.04,0.86±0.07 and 0.11±0.01.The above indexes in the model group were compared with the control,DMOG,experimental-M and experimental-H groups,and the above indexes in the combined group were compared with the experimental-H group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion EM may inhibit HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to improve vascular endothelial cell injury in rats with diabetes macroangiopathy.
7.Based on the novel anti-heart failure drug ARNI,the mechanism of prevention of cardiotoxicity caused by anthracycline antitumor drugs was discussed
Jieqiong LIU ; Yali YAO ; Qian SUI ; Ke LI ; Fang HUANG ; Yongqing CAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(2):188-194
Objective To explore the efficacy of a new anti-heart failure drug,Entresto,in the prevention of cardiotoxicity caused by doxorubicin(DOX).Methods Male adult ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups(n = 8):control group,DOX group and DOX plus Entresto group.Cardiac function of mice was measured by echocardiography.H9c2 cells were pretreated with Entresto(0-48 μmol/L)for 24 hours in the presence or absence of DOX(1 mmol/L),and then cell viability,oxidative stress,apoptosis and mitochondrial function were evaluated.Results As compared with the control group,leakage of CK,CK-MB and LDH increased significantly in the DOX group(P<0.01),and left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurred.Entresto administration reversed these changes in the DOX group.The level of ROS and the number of apoptotic cells in cardiomyocytes in the DOX plus Entresto group were lower than those in the DOX group(P<0.05).As compared with the DOX group,the level of ROS and the number of apoptotic cells in H9c2 cells decreased significantly in the Entresto plus DOX group(P<0.05),and mitochondrial membrane potential increased significantly(P<0.05).Entresto reversed the inhibitory effect of DOX on SIRT1/PGC-1α/MFN2 signaling pathway.Conclusions Entresto improves DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis,and its mechanism may be related to SIRT1/PGC-1α/MFN2 signal transduction pathway.
8.Prevalence and related factors of HIV testing among young students who ever had sexual experiences in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(12):1718-1721
Objective:
To understand the prevalence of HIV testing and related factors among young students who had sex in Guangdong Province, in order to provide evidence for relevant education programs and HIV testing promotion in young students.
Methods:
From September to December 2022, a convenient sampling method was used to select 48 749 young students from 16 universities and mechanic colleges in 6 cities including Guangzhou, Shantou, Maoming, Huizhou, Dongguan, and Zhongshan in Guangdong Province for online questionnaire survey. A total of 2 971 students who ever had sexual experiences were screened out, and the HIV testing situation and related factors were investigated by using the questionnaire designed by AIDS Prevention and Education Project for College Students of China STD and AIDS Prevention Association.The influencing factors of HIV testing were analyzed using Chi square test and multiple Logistic regression model.
Results:
Among students who had sexual experiences, 11.92% (354/2 971) were tested for HIV. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that among young sexual students, using psychoactive substances during sexual activity in the last 1 year ( OR =7.70), having first sex with the same sex ( OR =3.87), having commercial sex ( OR =2.37), having heard of PEP ( OR =2.20), having a high level of self assessed understanding of HIV testing ( OR =1.73), inconsistent use of condoms ( OR =1.56), being aware of HIV infection ( OR =1.53), being aware of HIV knowledge ( OR =1.51) were more likely to test for HIV, and females ( OR =0.39) were less likely to test for HIV ( P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The proportion of HIV testing is low among sexually active young students in Guangdong Province. Targeted interventions should be tailored to promote HIV testing coverage.
9.Analysis of the connotation and path of high-quality development of primary health care
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):17-23
Objective:To analyze the connotation and realization path of high-quality development of primary health care under the new development pattern,and expects to give full play to the advantages of primary health in the construction of a high-quality,efficient and integrated medical and health service system.Methods:Based on the Donabedian structure-process-outcome three-dimensional quality theory,the core connotation and realization path of high-quality development of primary health care were analyzed.Results:The connotation of high-quality development of primary health care includes three aspects:integrated and collaborative resource structure,innovative connotative service process,and high-quality and efficient outcome output.Through system innovation and development,innovative supply-side structural reform,we will promote the implementation of the main responsibility of health on both the supply and demand sides,and establish an evaluation mechanism guided by health outcome assessment,so as to help grassroots health care achieve high-quality development.Conclusions:The high-quality development of primary health care requires the coordination and linkage between multiple elements,focusing on the coordination and balance between supply and demand,focusing on health goals,innovating service models,extending service provision,realizing the transformation of primary health care from treatment service to health management,and promoting the formation of a virtuous circle of survival and development of primary health care.
10.Screening and evaluation of the biocontrol efficacy of a Trichoderma brevicompactum strain and its metabolite trichodermin against banana Fusarium wilt.
Xiajun YAO ; Jin XIE ; Yanhua QI ; Bin WANG ; Wenxia FANG ; Gang TAO ; Xiliang JIANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):211-225
The banana Fusarium wilt (BFW) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race4 (FocTR4) is difficult to control worldwide, which causes a huge economic losse to banana industry. The purpose of this study was to screen Trichoderma strains with antagonistic activity against FocTR4, to isolate and purify the active compound from the fermentation broth, so as to provide important biocontrol strains and active compound resources. In this work, Trichoderma strains were isolated and screened from the rhizosphere soil of crops, and the strains capable of efficiently inhibiting FocTR4 were screened by plate confrontation, and further confirmed by testing inhibition for the conidial germination and mycelial growth of FocTR4. The phylogenetic tree clarified the taxonomic status of the biocontrol strains. Moreover, the active components in the fermentation broth of the strains were separated and purified by column chromatography, the structure of the most active component was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), the BFW control effect was tested by pot experiments. We obtained a strain JSHA-CD-1003 with antagonistic activity against FocTR4, and the inhibition rate from plate confrontation was 60.6%. The fermentation broth of JSHA-CD-1003 completely inhibited the germination of FocTR4 conidia within 24 hours. The inhibition rate of FocTR4 hyphae growth was 52.6% within 7 d. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the ITS and tef1-α gene tandem sequences, and JSHA-CD-1003 was identified as Trichoderma brevicompactum. Purification and NMR identification showed that the single active compound was trichodermin, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 25 μg/mL. Pot experiments showed that the fermentation broth of strain JSHA-CD-1003 was effective against BFW. The control rate of leaf yellowing was 47.4%, and the rate of bulb browning was 52.0%. Therefore, JSHA-CD-1003 effectively inhibited FocTR4 conidial germination and mycelium growth through producing trichodermin, and showed biocontrol effect on banana wilt caused by FocTR4, thus is a potential biocontrol strain.
Fusarium
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Musa
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Phylogeny
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Trichodermin
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Hypocreales


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