1.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
2.Multivariate quantitative combined with chemometrics for evaluating the quality of Sophora flavescens from different producing areas
Jiahui CHEN ; Qiong LUO ; Junli ZHAO ; Yan HAI ; Chengdong LIU ; Tuya BAI ; Jun LI ; Yuewu WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2404-2408
OBJECTIVE To establish a content determination method for multiple components in Sophora flavescens from different origins and to evaluate its quality by combining with chemometrics. METHODS Thirteen batches (No. K1-K13) of S. flavescens from different origins were selected as test samples. A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was established to determine the contents of 12 components, including matrine, oxymatrine, betaine, cytisine, N-methylcytisine, sophoridine, genistein, sophoricoside, sophorone, formononetin, sophorolone Ⅰ and norkurarinone in S. flavescens. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Shim-pack GIST-HP C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol (A) and water containing 0.1% formic acid (B), using gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min, column temperature of 35 ℃, and an injection volume of 3 μL. Mass spectrometry was conducted using an electrospray ionization source with positive and negative ion scanning. Data were collected in segments using the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and grey relational analysis (GRA)methods were employed to compare and comprehensively evaluate the 13 batches of S. flavescens from different origins. RESULTS The methodological validation for the content determination met the relevant regulatory requirements. The contents of the 12 components were 490.66-1 231.00, 11 088.10- 18 021.50, 7.91-25.38, 903.97-1 713.64, 336.08-1 485.54,1 065.33-2 075.50, 27.52-71.80, 109.36-517.83, 6 034.55-10 632.73, 21.26-145.35, 814.84-1 911.32, 1 040.87-3 446.37 μg/g), respectively. TOPSIS results showed that the top 7 samples in Euclidean distance ranking were K6, K12, K11, K3, K5, K10, K13. The GRA results showed that the top 7 samples in the relative correlation ranking were K12, K11, K10, K6, K13, K5, K3. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC-MS/MS method is rapid, accurate, highly sensitive, stable and reliable. Combined with chemometrics methods, it can be used for the quality control and evaluation of S. flavescens. The comprehensive quality of samples K3, K5, K6( from Hebei), K10( from Sichuan), K11-K13( from Shanxi), etc. is relatively superior.
3.MASLD development: From molecular pathogenesis toward therapeutic strategies.
Zhu YANG ; Jiahui ZHAO ; Kexin XIE ; Chengwei TANG ; Can GAN ; Jinhang GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1807-1824
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) comprises a spectrum of liver injuries, including steatosis to steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and relevant complications. The liver mainly comprises hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), immune cells (T cells, B cells), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Crosstalk among these different liver cells, endogenous aberrant glycolipid metabolism, and altered gut dysbiosis are involved in the pathophysiology of MASLD. This review systematically examines advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of MASLD, with a focus on emerging therapeutic targets and translational clinical trials. We first delineate the crucial regulatory mechanisms involving diverse liver cells and the gut-liver axis in MASLD development. These cell-specific pathogenic insights offer valuable perspectives for advancing precision medicine approaches in MASLD treatment. Furthermore, we evaluate potential therapeutic targets and summarize clinical trials currently underway. By comprehensively updating the MASLD pathophysiology and identifying promising strategies, this review aims to facilitate the development of novel pharmacotherapies for this increasingly prevalent condition.
Humans
;
Fatty Liver/therapy*
;
Animals
;
Liver/pathology*
;
Kupffer Cells/metabolism*
;
Hepatocytes/metabolism*
;
Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism*
4.Imaging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) in vivo with 18F-labeled brain penetrant positron emission tomography (PET) ligand.
Xin ZHOU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jimmy S PATEL ; Wenqing RAN ; Yinlong LI ; Richard S VAN ; Mostafa M H IBRAHIM ; Chunyu ZHAO ; Yabiao GAO ; Jian RONG ; Ahmad F CHAUDHARY ; Guocong LI ; Junqi HU ; April T DAVENPORT ; James B DAUNAIS ; Yihan SHAO ; Chongzhao RAN ; Thomas L COLLIER ; Achi HAIDER ; David M SCHUSTER ; Allan I LEVEY ; Lu WANG ; Gabriel CORFAS ; Steven H LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5036-5049
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its 18F-isotopologue ([18F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [18F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [18F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.
5.Natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: the known unknowns.
Jiahui MENG ; Qiqi WANG ; Haopeng WANG ; Xuange SHEN ; Tingting QIN ; Wen ZHAO ; Haixia LI ; Ziqiao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1036-1046
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized by fatty acid overload, secondary chronic inflammation, and fibrosis, has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally. While no effective pharmacotherapy exists for MAFLD, mitigating inflammatory responses represents a promising approach to preventing the progression from steatosis to severe steatohepatitis. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which detects endogenous danger and stress signals, has emerged as a significant target for inflammatory disease treatment, as transcriptional inactivation of its components demonstrates the therapeutic potential for MAFLD. Natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation have shown promising efficacy in MAFLD therapy. This review synthesizes the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and therapeutic targets for NLRP3 homeostasis. Additionally, natural products reported to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome for MAFLD improvement are categorized according to their mechanisms of action. The review also addresses limitations and future directions regarding natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in MAFLD treatment. Enhanced understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation mechanisms in MAFLD and the identification of novel natural products supported by mechanistic research will significantly advance MAFLD treatment.
Humans
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology*
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
Biological Products/therapeutic use*
;
Animals
;
Fatty Liver/immunology*
6.Exploring the role of curcumol on mitochondrial autophagy in hepatic stellate cells based on the PINK1/Parkin signalling pathway
Huaye Xiao ; Lei Wang ; Jiahui Wang ; Tiejian Zhao ; Yang Zheng ; Xuelin Duan
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(5):919-928
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of curcumol on mitochondrial autophagy in hepatic stellate cells and its molecular mechanism against liver fibrosis.
Methods :
Hepatic stellate cells were divided into blank group, model group(lipopolysaccharide 5 mg/L), and low, medium and high curcumol group(12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L); Thiazolyland(MTT) was used to detect the effects of curcumol on the viability of hepatic stellate cells; flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of curcumol on apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells; 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylimidacarbocyanine iodide(JC-1) was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential; effects of curcumol on mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome were detected by transmission electron microscopy; effect of curcumol on mitochondrial localisation were detected by fluorescent probe; Immunoblotting assay was performed to detect the effects of curcumin on PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1), Parkinson's disease protein(Parkin), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3), autophagy-associated protein(Beclin1), mitochondrial inner membrane translocase 23(Timm23), mitochondrial outer membrane translocase 20(Tomm20), Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax), B lymphocytoma-2(Bcl2), cleaved-cysteine protease 3(Caspase3), α-smooth muscle actin(ɑ-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ(Collagen Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ(Collagen Ⅲ) protein expression.
Results :
Compared with the blank control group, cell proliferation rate, Caspase3, Bcl2, LC3Ⅱ, Beclin1, PINK1, Parkin, ɑ-SMA, CollagenⅠ, CollagenⅢ proteins significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), co-localisation of mitochondria and lysosomes increased, and the number of mitochondrial autophagosome significantly increased(P<0.01), while Timm23 and Tomm20 proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly(P<0.01), apoptosis rate decreased, and Bax protein expression decreased. Compared with the model group, after curcumol intervention, cell proliferation rate, Bcl2, Timm23, Tomm20, α-SMA, CollagenⅠ and CollagenⅢ protein expression significantly decreased in the curcumol low-, medium-and high-concentration groups(P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased(P<0.01), whereas apoptosis rate, Caspase3, Bax, LC3Ⅱ, Beclin1, PINK1 and Parkin proteins significantly increased(P<0.05), the co-localisation of mitochondria and lysosomes increased, and the number of mitochondrial autophagosome significantly increased(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Curcumol exerts ameliorative effects on hepatic fibrosis by modulating mitochondrial hyperautophagy mediated by the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, and promoting hepatic stellate cell apoptosis.
7.Role of lidocaine in assisting the treatment of different types of tumor:basic and clinical evidence
Jiahui ZHAO ; Yongzheng HAN ; Min LI ; Chang LIU
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(5):579-584
Lidocaine,as an amide local anesthetic,is widely used in cancer patients in the perioperative period.This article summa-rizes the effect of lidocaine on cell proliferation,invasion,and metastasis of common tumors in clinical practice based on both basic and clinical studies,including breast cancer,gastric cancer,colon cancer,and lung cancer,and it also reviews the clinical application of li-docaine in the perioperative treatment of patients with these four types of cancer.It is necessary to explore the mechanism of action of li-docaine in various types of cancer,develop individualized administration regimens based on the treatment characteristics of different tu-mors,and optimize perioperative treatment strategies for cancer patients through novel formulations,which may provide a theoretical ba-sis for lidocaine in assisting tumor therapy in the perioperative period.
8.Artificial intelligence in colorectal sessile serrated lesion:recent progress
Youdong ZHAO ; Jiahui WEI ; Song ZHANG ; Zhaoshen LI ; Shengbing ZHAO ; Yu BAI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):24-31
Sessile serrated lesion(SSL)is a major precancerous lesion type of colorectal cancer and one of the main causes of colorectal cancer.SSL has unique tissue structures and morphological features,with low detection rate under endoscopy and high variability in histopathological diagnosis,making it one of the most easily missed lesions in colorectal cancer screening.In recent years,the application of artificial intelligence(AI)in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer has been rapidly increasing.Previous studies have found that AI-assisted endoscopic technology can improve the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of colorectal SSL,and AI-assisted pathological diagnosis can improve diagnostic efficiency and consistency.This article aims to provide a review of current research on AI technology in colorectal SSL.
9.Non-genetic risk factors of colorectal cancer:research progress
Jiahui WEI ; Youdong ZHAO ; Huanwei ZHANG ; Zhaoshen LI ; Shengbing ZHAO ; Yu BAI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):32-39
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide,and its incidence has been increasing in recent years,especially among young adults.Non-genetic factors,such as dietary habits,lifestyle and intestinal flora,play an important role in the development of CRC.Dietary factors have a close relationship with CRC development.Insufficient fiber intake and excessive consumption of red and processed meat are generally considered major high-risk factors for CRC,while vegetables and fruits are considered as beneficial factors.The roles of calcium supplements,vitamin D,dairy products,and different dietary patterns in the development of CRC are still controversial.Furthermore,obesity,smoking,alcohol consumption,and lack of physical exercise are also associated with the risk of CRC.The imbalance of intestinal flora is also believed to be associated with the development of CRC.Optimizing dietary habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of CRC.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and estrogen supplementation may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of CRC.For certain individuals at high risk,pharmacological intervention may serve as an effective preventive measure.
10.Clinical advantages of robot-assisted transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery total hysterectomy:a retrospective cohort study
Jiahui ZHAO ; Yuan LIAO ; Jüyuan HUANG ; Jiaqiang XIONG ; Manwen LUO ; Wei ZHANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1407-1413
Objective To systematically compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery total hysterectomy(R-vNOTES-TH),transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery total hysterectomy(vNOTES-TH),and robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site total hysterectomy(R-LESS-TH),and to evaluate the clinical advantages of R-vNOTES-TH.Methods Clinical data of 259 patients undergoing total hysterectomy for benign diseases at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from Jan.2020 to Dec.2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Baseline indicators and perioperative indicators were collected.Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to the surgical approach:R-vNOTES-TH group(n=22),vNOTES-TH group(n=39),or R-LESS-TH group(n=198).Perioperative indicators were compared between the R-vNOTES-TH group and the other 2 groups to evaluate the advantages of R-vNOTES-TH.Results Compared with the vNOTES-TH group,the R-vNOTES-TH group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss(50[50,100]mL vs 100[50,100]mL,P=0.027),lower intraoperative fluid infusion volume(1 000[500,1 000]mL vs 1 000[1 000,1 500]mL,P<0.001),and shorter urinary catheter indwelling time(3[1,4]d vs 5[2,5]d,P=0.043),but longer vaginal drain indwelling time(2[2,3]d vs 2[0,2]d,P=0.004).Compared with the R-LESS-TH group,the R-vNOTES-TH group had longer urinary catheter indwelling time(3[1,4]d vs 1[1,1]d,P<0.001).Conclusion Compared with vNOTES-TH,R-vNOTES-TH enhances intraoperative operational precision,reduces bleed loss,and accelerates urinary catheter removal,confirming that the robotic system effectively overcomes the technical limitations of conventional vNOTES.Although R-vNOTES-TH eliminates abdominal wall trauma-thereby prolonging urinary catheter indwelling time relative to R-LESS-TH-it offers patients a truly scar-free alternative.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail