The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a critical target for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Activation of GCGR enhances systemic insulin sensitivity through paracrine stimulation of insulin secretion, presenting a promising avenue for treatment. However, the discovery of effective GCGR agonists remains a challenging and resource-intensive process, often requiring time-consuming wet-lab experiments to synthesize and screen potential compounds. Recent advances in artificial intelligence technologies have demonstrated great potential in accelerating drug discovery by streamlining screening and efficiently predicting bioactivity. In the present work, we propose DeepGCGR, a two-layer deep learning model that leverages graph convolutional networks (GCN) integrated with a multiple attention mechanism to expedite the identification of GCGR agonists. In the first layer, the model predicts the bioactivity of various compounds against GCGR, efficiently filtering large chemical libraries to identify promising candidates. In the second layer, DeepGCGR classifies high bioactive compounds based on their functional effects on GCGR signaling, identifying those with potential agonistic or antagonistic effects. Moreover, DeepGCGR was specifically applied to identify novel GCGR-regulating compounds for the treatment of T2DM from natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The proposed method will not only offer an effective strategy for discovering GCGR-targeting compounds with functional activation properties but also provide new insights into the development of T2DM therapeutics.
Deep Learning ; Drug Discovery/methods* ; Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, holding a crucial position in the medical field. However, the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization, completeness, and accuracy, primarily due to the decentralized distribution of TCM resources. To address these issues, we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery (TCMKD, https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/). Seven types of data, including syndromes, formulas, Chinese patent drugs (CPDs), Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs), ingredients, targets, and diseases, were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD. To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine, TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining, enrichment analysis, and network localization and separation. These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights. In addition to its analytical capabilities, a quick question and answer (Q&A) system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently, thereby improving the interactivity of the platform. The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool, offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining. Overall, TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM, delving into the pharmacological foundations of TCM treatments, but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems, extending beyond just TCM.

Objective: To investigate the potential efficacy and safety of Lutai Danshen Baishao granules (LDBG) for treating female melasma associated with kidney deficiency and blood stasis patterns. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, China from March to December 2023. A total of 110 female patients with melasma linked to kidney deficiency and blood stasis were enrolled and treated with either LDBG or a placebo twice daily for 60 days. Efficacy was assessed through measures such as the total melasma area, reduced melasma area, reduction rate of melasma area, melasma color score, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale. Safety assessments included routine blood and biochemical tests. Results: Participants in both groups were aged 52–63 years, with no significant differences. After the 2-month intervention, the total melasma area decreased in both groups; however, a greater reduction was observed in the test group [462.50 mm2 (12.81%) vs. 100.00 mm2 (3.11%), P < .001]. Moreover, LDBG treatment significantly reduced the MASI and melasma color scores in the test group (P < .05). The total TCM symptom evaluation score significantly decreased (test group: 6.00 vs. placebo group: 7.00, P = .001), with significant relief in symptoms such as improvement in dark lips, nails, and waist soreness in the test group, compared with that in the placebo group (P < .05). Within-group comparisons revealed that TCM syndrome was significantly alleviated in the test group (P < .05). Conclusion LDBG intervention shows promising effectiveness in reducing female melasma and alleviating TCM syndromes.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) and percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition with PVE for planned hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with insu-fficient remnant liver volume.Methods:The clinical data of 51 patients with initially unresectable HCC due to insufficient remnant liver volume admitted to Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital and Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 37 males and 14 females, aged (56.7±11.2) years old. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment prior to hepatectomy: percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition combined with PVE (AP group, n=12) and TACE with PVE (TP group, n=39). Patients who successfully underwent planned hepatectomy in the above two groups were marked as resectable AP group ( n=10) and the resectable TP group ( n=29), respectively. Clinical data including the waiting time for surgery and the incidence of complications were analyzed. Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient review. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis were used for survival comparison. Results:The FLR growth rate was higher in AP group [76.5% (65.3%, 81.6%)] than that in TP group [31.4% (28.2%, 41.9%), P<0.01]. The waiting time for planned hepatectomy in the resectable AP group was 12.0 (11.3, 14.5) d, shorter than that in the resec-table TP group [21.0 (15.0, 29.0) d, P<0.05]. The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the resectable AP group than that in the resectable TP group [80.0% (8/10) vs. 27.6% (8/29), P<0.05]. There was one perioperative death in the resectable AP group. The survival rate after PVE was lower in AP group than that in TP group, and the survival rate after hepatectomy was also lower in the resectable AP group than that in the resectable TP group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with insufficient FLR, TACE combined with PVE is a safe and effective method for enlargement of liver remnant, whereas percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition with PVE showed a poor prognosis, despite the higher rate of FLR enlargement and shortened the waiting time for planned hepatectomy.

Surgical resection is the first choice for liver cancer therapy.In order to transform the unresectable part into resectable one,surgeons manage to ensure adequate liver reserves by making the wanted liver tissue become hypertrophy and let the unwanted one become atrophy.However,though ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged sepatectomy) as an alternative operation plan in its initial developing stage now becomes a hot topic,it is still under great controversy.The author believes that it is imperative to draw up a personalized plan and carry out a strict and reasonable multicenter-clinical trial for those patients to get an opportunity to conduct a safe and effective operation.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of IA regimen which contains idarubicin (IDA) 8 mg/m², 10 mg/m² or 12 mg/m² as induction chemotherapy for adult patients with de-novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: A total of 1 215 newly diagnosed adult AML patients, ranging from May 2011 to March 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and other 36 clinical blood centers in China were enrolled in the multicenter, single-blind, non-randomized, clinical controlled study. To compare the response rate of complete remission (CR) , adverse events between different dose idarubicin combined with cytarabine (100 mg/m²) as induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed patients of adult AML. Results: Of 1 207 evaluable AML patients were assigned to this analysis of CR rate. The CR rates of IDA 8 mg/m² group, IDA 10 mg/m² group and IDA 12 mg/m² group were 73.6% (215/292) , 84.1% (662/787) and 86.7% (111/128) , respectively (P<0.001) . After adjusted for age, blast ratio of bone marrow, FAB classification and risk stratification, the odds ratios (95% CI) of IDA 10 mg/m² group and IDA 12 mg/m² group were 0.49 (0.34-0.70) and 0.36 (0.18-0.71) , as compared with the IDA 8 mg/m² group (P<0.001, P=0.003) . In the intermediate and favorable groups, CR rates was 76.5% (163/213) , 86.9% (506/582) and 86.1% (68/79) in different doses of IDA (P=0.007) . Interestingly, IA regimen with IDA 10 mg/m² was the only beneficial factor affecting CR in this group after adjusted for age, blast ratio of bone marrow and FAB classification[OR=0.47 (95% CI 0.31-0.71) , P<0.001]. CR rates in adverse group was 50.0% (18/36) , 60.6% (43/71) and 81.8% (18/22) respectively (P=0.089) . However, the odds ratios (95% CI) of IDA 12 mg/m² when compared with the IDA 8 mg/m² was 0.22 (0.06-0.80) , after adjusted for age, blast ratio of bone marrow and FAB classification. The median time (days) of neutrophil count less than 0.5×10⁹/L in IDA 8 mg/m² group, IDA 10 mg/m² group and IDA 12 mg/m² group were 14 (11-18) , 15 (11-20) and 18 (14-22) , respectively (P=0.012) and of platelet count lower than 20×10⁹/L were 14 (7-17) , 15 (11-20) and 17 (15-21) , respectively (P=0.001) . The incidences of lung infection in the three groups were 9.8%, 13.5% and 25.2%, respectively (P<0.001) . Conclusions For young adult patients (aged 18-60 years) with AML in China, intensifying induction therapy with idarubicin 10 mg/m² is clinically superior to IDA 8 mg/m² and IDA 12 mg/m² in favorable intermediate AML subgroup. However, idarubicin 12 mg/m² is more suitable to adverse AML subgroup.

Objective Paeoniflorin ( PAE) is a potential neuroprotective agent.In this study, we investigated the protective effect of PAE on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion ( CI/R) injury in gerbils and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The model of CI/R was established in 50 gerbils by bilateral common carotid occlusion for 10 min followed by 6-hour reperfusion.Then the animals were equally randomized into five groups:sham, model, 5 mg/kg PAE, 10 mg/kg PAE, and 20 mg/kg PAE.The latter three groups were treated with intraperitoneal injection of PAE once daily for 3 days before carotid occlusion, while the former two groups with saline only, all at 10 ml/kg.Stroke indexes were calculated during the reperfusion.The contents of endogenous neuropeptides, endothelin and calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP) in the plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay.The levels of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and malondialdehyde ( MDA) in the brain tissue homogenate were determined by the method of xanthine oxidase. Results The 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg PAE groups showed significantly decreased stroke index (14.8 ±3.6, 12.3 ±2.0, and 12.7 ±1.4) as compared with the model group (18.4 ±2.9) (P<0.05), but remarkably increased SOD activity ([99.30 ±9.71], [106.85 ± 15.13] , and [110.25 ±14.90] vs [86.54 ±10.22] nU/mgPro, P<0.05) .The MDA content was significantly lower in the 10 and 20 mg/kg PAE groups than in the model group ([69.23 ±8.42] and [65.91 ±7.64] vs [94.76 ±10.30] μmol/mgPro, P<0.01). The plasma endothelin level was markedly decreased in all the PAE groups in comparison with the model group ([24.06 ±5.37], [19.62 ±5.60] and [21.08 ±4.64] vs [30.52 ±7.13] ng/L, P<0.05). Conclusion The protective effect of PAE pretreatment in CI/R injury appears to be associated with the inhibition of the brain free radicals, lipid peroxidation and endothelin production.

To construct, express, purify and identify the Myc-R9-EGFP fusion protein and validate its transduction activity in the cultured porcine embryo fibroblasts. cDNA of pig c-Myc gene was amplified by RT-PCR with specific primers of 9 arginine (R9) from the primordial genital ridges and inserted into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a-EGFP. After DNA sequencing confirmation, the recombinant plasmid was then transformed into BL21 (Escherichia coli) strain. After IPTG induction, the target fusion protein was efficiently induced to express, successfully purified by Novagen His-Bind kit, identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Finally, its high transduction activity in the porcine embryo fibroblasts was validated. The purified Myc-R9-EGFP fusion protein and the validation of its transduction activity in fibroblasts have provided an experimental foundation for further studies on the biological characterization of Myc protein, and soundly facilitated the further study of establishing pig induced pluripotent stem cells by recombinant protein.
Animals ; Arginine ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Membrane Permeability ; drug effects ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Swine

BACKGROUND: There are few studies conceming morphological charactedstics, space-time distribution and differentiation of hepatic stem cells during embryo liver development.OBJECTIVE: To understand the action of alpha fetoprotein, cytokeratin-19 (CK19) and c-Met in the liver through observing the expression of them.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The in vitro cytological observational study was performed at the Central Laboratory of Weifang Medical College from June 2005 to December 2006.MATERIALS: A total of 40 embryo samples were obtained from 3-rnonth aborted fetus, which were supplied by Hospital Affiliated to Weifang Medical College.METHODS: Aborted embryo was collected and made into sections within 30 minutes. Fetal age was defined according to embryonic layer formation, somite number and organ development under a microscope. Sample sections with fetal age of 3-12weeks were selected. One was collected from every eleven sections and underwent immunohistochemical staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression of alpha fetoprotein, CK19 and c-Met was measured in embryo hepatic stem cells aged 3-12 weeks.RESULTS: At 3-5 weeks, samples were positive for alpha fetoprotein and c-Met, which were indicated as hepatic stem ceils. At 10-12 weeks, alpha fetoprotein- and c-Met-positive cells were mainly distributed surrounding the header, which suggested that hepatic stem cells were mainly located at hepatic cord of the header. This had similar distribution as adult hepatic oval cells (adult hepatic stem cells). CK19-positive reaction was found at week 7, and mainly at hepatic cord cells, bile duct sheet cells and bile duct epithelial cells at 10-11 weeks. CKlg-positive reaction was only seen at the bile duct sheet and bile duct epithelial cells at week 12. At this time, all bile duct sheet cells and bile duct epithelial cells were positive for alpha fetoprotein, c-Met and CK19.CONCLUSION: CK19-positive reaction was not found in hepatic stem cells, but only detected in bile duct epithelial cells and progenitor calls. CK19 may be not fit for a marker of hepatic stem cells. All bile duct sheet and bile duct epithelial cells are positive for alpha fetoprotein, c-Met and CK19. It is assumed that alpha fetoprotein+/c-Met+/CK19+ may be bile duct progenitor calls.

Objective To explore the effect of using hydrochloricde lidocaine plasmagel in the urethral catheterization of male patients.Methods Divided 103 patients into the experimental group and the control group randomly.There were 53 cases in the experimental group and using hydrochloricde lidocaine plasmagel for the urethral catheterization.There were 50 cases in the control group and using the traditional paraff in urethral catheterization.Evaluated the pain degree of patients by VAS,and then monitored the blood press and the heart rate at the same time.Results There was a significant difference between these 2 groups in the VAS,P0.05.Conclusion Using hydrochloricde lidocaine plasmagel in the urethral catheterization of male patients is an effective method to alleviate the pain of patients and then decrease the incidence rate of complication.