1.Oxymatrine, a novel TLR2 agonist, promotes megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the STING/NF-κB pathway.
Chengyang NI ; Ling ZHOU ; Shuo YANG ; Mei RAN ; Jiesi LUO ; Kui CHENG ; Feihong HUANG ; Xiaoqin TANG ; Xiang XIE ; Dalian QIN ; Qibing MEI ; Long WANG ; Juan XIAO ; Jianming WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101054-101054
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia (RIT) faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients, and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings. In this research, oxymatrine, a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out, and the underlying regulatory mechanism associated with magakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated. The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro. The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg (cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)) zebrafish and RIT model mice. In addition, we carried out network pharmacological prediction, drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine. Moreover, the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence. Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro. Moreover, oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg (cd41:eGFP) zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice. Mechanistically, oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), which can be blocked by C29 and C-176, which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING, respectively. Taken together, we demonstrated that oxymatrine, a novel TLR2 agonist, plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis, suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.
2.Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumor size classification based on prognostic analysis: a retrospective multicenter study
Jiaqian CHEN ; Hongzhi LIU ; Lingtian MENG ; Weiping ZHOU ; Zhangjun CHEN ; Jianying LOU ; Shuguo ZHENG ; Xinyu BI ; Jianming WANG ; Wei GUO ; Fuyu LI ; Jian WANG ; Yamin ZHENG ; Jingdong LI ; Shi CHENG
Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice 2025;30(4):332-338
Objective To retrospectively analyze multicenter data from domestic sources, aiming to explore the link between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) tumor size and prognosis, establishing a classification system based on tumor size. Methods Between December 2011 and September 2018, 280 ICC patients from 13 hospitals were included. The tumor size prognosis cutoff was identified by the minimum P-value method, and the classification's overall survival related effectiveness was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results All 280 patients were divided into the group of tumor maximum diameter ≤4 cm and >4 cm. Tumor size was confirmed as an independent prognosis factor by multivariate COX regression analysis (HR=2.110, 95% CI: 1.358-3.280). Conclusions The tumor size dichotomy classification system based on the Chinese patient group can expediently predict ICC prognosis and offers an important basis for selecting post-operative individualized adjuvant therapy and follow up plans.
3.Effects of hydrogen sulfide synthase CBS and CSE on malignant biological behaviour of breast cancer cells
Mengmeng ZHAO ; Yalu WANG ; Yuxiang XU ; Kaige YANG ; Yuwen CAO ; Wenhu ZHOU ; Jing FEI ; Wen WANG ; Chenghua LUO ; Jianming HU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):34-43
Objective:To investigate the expressions of cystathionine-β-synthase(CBS)and cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE)and their effects on the malignant biological behaviours of breast cancer cells,and to elucidate their mechanisms.Methods:The breast cancer tissue and paracancerous normal tissue from 15 cases of patients were selected,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting methods were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of CBS and CSE in breast cancer tissue,paracancerous normal tissue,MCF-7 cells,and MDA-MB-231 cells.The MCF-7 cells were divided into siNC group(transfected with siNC)and siCBS group(transfected with siCBS),and the MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into ovNC group(transfected with CSE over-expression empty plasmid)and ovCSE group(transfected with CSE over-expression plasmid).CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of breast cancer cells in various groups,Transwell assay was used to detect the numbers of migration and invasion cells in various groups,and Western blotting method was used to detect the protein expression levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the breast cancer cells in various groups.Results:Compared with paracancerous normal tissue,the expression levels of CBS and CSE mRNA and proteins in breast cancer tissue were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with MDA-MB-231 cells,the CBS mRNA expression level in the MCF-7 cells was increased(P<0.05);compared with MCF-7 cells,the expression level of CSE protein in the MDA-MB-231 cells was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with siNC group,the proliferation activity,the numbers of migration and invasion cells,the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the MCF-7 cells in siCBS group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression level of E-cadherin protein was increased(P<0.05).Compared with ovNC group,the proliferation activity,the numbers of migratoin and invasion cells,and the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in the MDA-MB-231 cells in ovCSE group were increased(P<0.05),while the expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:The expressions of CBS and CSE are upregulated in breast cancer tissue,and high levels of CBS and CSE promote proliferation,migration,invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of breast cancer cells.
4.Application of Taylor spatial frame for treating post-burn foot and ankle deformities in adults.
Jianming GU ; Shihao WANG ; Hui DU ; Yixin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):974-981
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the safety and effectiveness of using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) based on the Ilizarov tension-stress principle for treatment of post-burn foot and ankle deformities in adults.
METHODS:
A clinical data of 6 patients with post-burn foot and ankle deformities treated between April 2019 and November 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There was 1 male and 5 females with an average age of 28.7 years (range, 20-49 years). There were 3 cases of simple ankle equinus, 2 cases of ankle equinus, midfoot rocker-bottom foot, and forefoot pronation, and 1 case of calcaneus foot and forefoot pronation. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 45.3±18.2, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12)-Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 34.3±7.3 and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 50.4±8.8. Imaging examination showed tibial-calcaneal angle of (79.8±31.5)°, calcaneus-first metatarsal angle of (154.5±45.3)°, talus-first metatarsal angle of (-19.3±35.0)°. Except for 1 case with severe deformity that could not be measured, the remaining 5 cases had talus-second metatarsal angle of (40.6±16.4)°. The deformities were fixed with TSF after soft tissue release and osteotomy. Then, the residual deformities were gradually corrected according to software-calculated prescriptions. TSF was removed after maximum deformity correction and osteotomy healing. External fixation time, brace wearing time after removing the TSF, and pin tract infection occurrence were recorded. Infection severity was evaluated based on Checketts-Otterburns grading. Joint function was evaluated using AOFAS score and SF-12 PCS and MCS scores. Patient satisfaction was assessed using Likert score. Imaging follow-up measured relevant indicators to evaluate the degree of deformity correction. Deformity recurrence was observed during follow-up.
RESULTS:
The external fixation time was 103-268 days (mean, 193.5 days). The mild pin tract infections occurred during external fixation in all patients, which healed after pin tract care and oral antibiotics. No serious complication such as osteomyelitis, fractures, neurovascular injury, or skin necrosis occurred. After external fixation removal, 3 cases did not wear braces, while the remaining 3 cases wore braces continuously for 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 years, respectively. All patients were followed up 13.9-70.0 months, with an average of 41.7 months. During follow-up, none of the 6 patients had recurrence of foot deformity. At 1 year after operation, the AOFAS score was 70.0±18.1, SF-12-PCS and MCS scores were 48.9±4.5 and 58.8±6.4, respectively, all showing significant improvement compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). Imaging follow-up showed that all osteotomies healed, and all distraction cases achieved bony union at 6 months after stopping stretching. At 1 year after operation, tibial-calcaneal angle was (117.5±12.8)° and talus-first metatarsal angle was (-3.3±19.3)°, both showing significant improvement compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). Calcaneus-first metatarsal angle was (132.0±14.4)°, which also improved compared to preoperative values but without significant difference ( P>0.05). Except for 1 case with severe deformity that could not be measured, the remaining 5 cases had talus-second metatarsal angle of (18.0±6.4)°. And there was no significant difference ( P>0.05) between pre-and post-operative data of 4 patients with complete data. At 1 year after operation, 1 patient was satisfied with effectiveness and 5 patients were very satisfied.
CONCLUSION
The TSF, by applying the Ilizarov tension-stress principle for gradual distraction and multi-planar adjustment, combined with soft tissue release and osteotomy, can effectively correct foot and ankle deformities after burns, especially equinus deformity with contracture of the posterior soft tissues of the lower leg. There are still limitations in treating cases with tight, adherent scars on the dorsum of the foot that require long-distance distraction. If necessary, a multidisciplinary approach combined with microsurgical techniques can be utilized.
Humans
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Adult
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Retrospective Studies
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External Fixators
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Young Adult
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Burns/complications*
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Foot Deformities, Acquired/etiology*
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Treatment Outcome
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Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation*
5.Dimeric natural product panepocyclinol A inhibits STAT3 via di-covalent modification.
Li LI ; Yuezhou WANG ; Yiqiu WANG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Qihong DENG ; Fei GAO ; Wenhua LIAN ; Yunzhan LI ; Fu GUI ; Yanling WEI ; Su-Jie ZHU ; Cai-Hong YUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhiyu HU ; Qingyan XU ; Xiaobing WU ; Lanfen CHEN ; Dawang ZHOU ; Jianming ZHANG ; Fei XIA ; Xianming DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):409-423
Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.
6.eIF3a function in immunity and protection against severe sepsis by regulating B cell quantity and function through m6A modification.
Qianying OUYANG ; Jiajia CUI ; Yang WANG ; Ke LIU ; Yan ZHAN ; Wei ZHUO ; Juan CHEN ; Honghao ZHOU ; Chenhui LUO ; Jianming XIA ; Liansheng WANG ; Chengxian GUO ; Jianting ZHANG ; Zhaoqian LIU ; Jiye YIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1571-1588
eIF3a is a N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader that regulates mRNA translation by recognizing m6A modifications of these mRNAs. It has been suggested that eIF3a may play an important role in regulating translation initiation via m6A during infection when canonical cap-dependent initiation is inhibited. However, the death of animal model studies impedes our understanding of the functional significance of eIF3a in immunity and regulation in vivo. In this study, we investigated the in vivo function of eIF3a using eIF3a knockout and knockdown mouse models and found that eIF3a deficiency resulted in splenic tissue structural disruption and multi-organ damage, which contributed to severe sepsis induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ectopic eIF3a overexpression in the eIF3a knockdown mice rescued mice from LPS-induced severe sepsis. We further showed that eIF3a maintains a functional and healthy immune system by regulating B cell function and quantity through m6A modification of mRNAs. These findings unveil a novel mechanism underlying sepsis, implicating the pivotal role of B cells in this complex disease process regulated by eIF3a. Furthermore, eIF3a may be used to develop a potential strategy for treating sepsis.
7.Artificial intelligence-driven multi-omics approaches in Alzheimer's disease: Progress, challenges, and future directions.
Fang REN ; Jing WEI ; Qingxin CHEN ; Mengling HU ; Lu YU ; Jianing MI ; Xiaogang ZHOU ; Dalian QIN ; Jianming WU ; Anguo WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4327-4385
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss, with few effective treatments currently available. The multifactorial nature of AD, shaped by genetic, environmental, and biological factors, complicates both research and clinical management. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-omics technologies provide new opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of AD and identify early biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. AI-driven approaches such as machine learning, deep learning, and network-based models have enabled the integration of large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and microbiomic datasets. These efforts have facilitated the discovery of novel molecular signatures and therapeutic targets. Methods including deep belief networks and joint deep semi-non-negative matrix factorization have contributed to improvements in disease classification and patient stratification. However, ongoing challenges remain. These include data heterogeneity, limited interpretability of complex models, a lack of large and diverse datasets, and insufficient clinical validation. The absence of standardized multi-omics data processing methods further restricts progress. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in AI-driven multi-omics research in AD, highlighting achievements in early diagnosis and biomarker discovery while discussing limitations and future directions needed to advance these approaches toward clinical application.
8.Impact of diabetes mellitus on myocardial injury and cardiac function recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting
Chen ZHOU ; Huajun XIAO ; Fancai CHEN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Hua LUO ; Chengyi YAN ; Jinwen CHEN ; Jianming PENG ; Jinfeng WANG ; Yuexi YUAN ; Jicheng YANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(8):1142-1146
Objective:To explore the impact of diabetes mellitus on perioperative myocardial injury and cardiac function recovery in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods:The clinical data of 40 patients with coronary heart disease who underwent off-pump CABG in Changsha Central Hospital from 2015 to 2025 were retrospectively included. They were divided into the diabetes group (20 cases) and the control group (20 cases) according to whether they had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Myocardial injury markers (creatine kinase isoenzyme, troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase) before surgery, on the 1st and 3rd days after surgery and before discharge, as well as cardiac function indicators (B-type natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction) before surgery and before discharge were compared between the two groups. The postoperative recovery speed (mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, vasoactive drug use time, postoperative hospital stay) was also compared between the two groups.Results:Before surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in myocardial injury markers and cardiac function indicators between the two groups (all P>0.05). On the 3rd day after surgery, lactate dehydrogenase in the diabetes group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in creatine kinase isoenzyme and troponin I between the two groups (all P>0.05). Before discharge, the levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme and B-type natriuretic peptide in the diabetes group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05), and the left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the diabetes group had significantly longer mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative hospital stay (all P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the use time of vasoactive drugs ( P>0.05). Conclusions:For patients with coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus, their preoperative cardiac status is comparable to that of patients without diabetes mellitus, but they show a characteristic dynamic injury pattern after surgery: early elevation of lactate dehydrogenase suggests susceptibility to subcellular injury, and long-term abnormalities of creatine kinase isoenzyme, B-type natriuretic peptide, and decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction indicate myocardial repair disorders. Compared with patients without diabetes mellitus, those with diabetes mellitus require a longer recovery time after off-pump CABG, and targeted perioperative management strategies are urgently needed.
9.Research on etiological sampling for large-scale object surfaces in hospitals based on enrichment technology
Jianming ZHOU ; Yujuan JIN ; Miaoer LAI ; Haiduan LIN ; Ao LUO ; Jingmei LI ; Yingjian CHEN ; Qiongyao WANG ; Zeren LIN ; Xiaoli WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3495-3499
OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of traditional swab sampling method on etiological surveillance of in-fectious diseases for large-scale object surfaces in hospitals and validate the samples processing method based on pre-wet anti-static fabric and modified polyethylene glycol(PEG)precipitation enrichment technology so as to im-prove the capability of early warning of infectious diseases and optimize the environmental surveillance program in the hospitals.METHODS The on-site surveillance was carried out for 8 times in 3 public hospitals(Shenzhen Longgang People's Hospital,the Second People's Hospital of Longgang and Longgang Maternal and Child Health Hospital)from May 2024 to Mar.2025.Totally 23 types of respiratory tract pathogens(18 types of viruses,5 type of pathogenic bacteria)and 6 types of gastrointestinal tract pathogens were simultaneously detected by means of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR);the actual isolation rates,etiological spectrum and cycle threshold(Ct)value were compared.The acrylic plate added with standards of different loads of H1NI influ-enza viruses was used as model for laboratory evaluation.The minimum detection limit,sensitivity and repeatabili-ty were observed and compared between the methods.RESULTS The minimum detection limit of both methods was 6.0 × 104 copies/ml,however,the positive rate of nucleic acid testing of the pre-wet fabric method was 100.00%(3/3),higher than 33.33%(1/3)of the swab method;when the low viral load was 6.0× 105 copies/ml,the average concentration of viral nucleic acid of the pre-wet fabric method(X-Ct=36.59)was higher,with the re-peatability(CV=0.99%,<3.14%)better.The results of the on-site surveillances showed that the total isolation rates of pathogens of the pre-wet fabric method ranged between 42.84%and 64.27%,higher than between 10.71%and 21.43%of the swab method,with the isolated pathogens more abundant,the Ct value lower(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The pre-wet fabric sampling enrichment method integrated with anti-static fabric sampling and PEG enrichment technology shows higher sensitivity and stability in the etiological surveillance of large-scale object surfaces,raising the isolation rate.
10.Oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,promotes megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the STING/NF-κB pathway
Chengyang NI ; Ling ZHOU ; Shuo YANG ; Mei RAN ; Jiesi LUO ; Kui CHENG ; Feihong HUANG ; Xiaoqin TANG ; Xiang XIE ; Dalian QIN ; Qibing MEI ; Long WANG ; Juan XIAO ; Jianming WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):208-229
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia(RIT)faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients,and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings.In this research,oxy-matrine,a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out,and the underlying regulatory mecha-nism associated with magakaryocyte(MK)differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated.The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro.The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg(cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP))zebrafish and RIT model mice.In addition,we carried out network pharmacological pre-diction,drug affinity responsive target stability assay(DARTS)and cellular thermal shift assay(CETSA)analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine.Moreover,the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses,Western blot(WB),and immunofluorescence.Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro.Moreover,oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg(cd41:eGFP)zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice.Mechanistically,oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes(STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),which can be blocked by C29 and C-176,which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING,respectively.Taken together,we demonstrated that oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis,suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.

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