1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Expression and clinical significance of RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma based on multi-source databases and clinical cohort validation
Yali GUO ; Yangchen WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Xiang GAO ; Wenmei MA ; Nan DING ; Qiang HOU ; Wu DAI ; Limei WEN ; Junping HU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1647-1656
ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression profile and clinical significance of the RAB24 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on multi-source database including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and clinical cohort validation. MethodsData from TCGA (n=424) were utilized to evaluate the prognostic value of RAB24 expression via Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. An independent clinical cohort comprising 90 HCC and 30 paracancerous tissues was established to validate protein expression and histopathological features through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and routine histological staining. The TIMER database was employed to analyze the association between RAB24 and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, integrated with LinkedOmics, GSEA and GSVA algorithms were used to quantitatively characterize the core molecular pathways regulated by RAB24. ResultsThe mRNA expression level of RAB24 in HCC was significantly higher than that in non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the overall survival (OS) of patients in the RAB24 low-expression group was significantly longer compared to the high-expression group (HR=1.570, Log-rank P=0.01). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that RAB24 expression (HR=1.480, P=0.028), T stage (HR=2.949, P<0.001), M stage (HR=4.077, P=0.017), and tumor residual status (HR=2.317, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for HCC. RAB24 expression was highly correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and immune infiltration levels (P<0.01), and showed a significant, low-level positive correlation with the TP53 gene (Rho=0.31, P<0.01). Quantitative analysis of the RAB24 protein in clinical samples validated that RAB24 expression in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to non-tumor liver tissues (P<0.05). TIMER analysis confirmed that RAB24 expression was highly associated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells (such as B cells and NK cells), as well as stromal and tumor purity scores in tumor tissues (P<0.01). GSEA/GSVA enrichment revealed that the P53, MYC, and mTORC1 signaling pathways were activated in the RAB24 high-expression group; correlation analysis confirmed that the RAB24 expression level exhibited a significant, low-level positive correlation with the ribosome pathway activity score (r=0.23, P<0.01). ConclusionsThe RAB24 gene, as a poor prognostic factor for HCC patients, is a potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The study is expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the precise diagnosis and treatment of clinical HCC.
3.Etiology, Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Rules of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qinjun YANG ; Mingxiang HAN ; Limei WEI ; Shuyu XU ; Lu ZHANG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):226-234
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation, and its high morbidity and disability rates pose a severe challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy and distinctive characteristics in the treatment of COPD. Based on the understanding of ancient and modern physicians regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, and stage-based syndrome differentiation of COPD, this article systematically elaborates on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of COPD. COPD is characterized by deficiency at root and excess in manifestation, with the coexistence of deficiency and excess. Qi deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis underlying the occurrence and development of COPD and runs throughout the entire disease course. The disease begins with deficiency of lung qi and gradually affects the spleen and kidney, leading to the internal generation of dampness, phlegm, and blood stasis. Phlegm and blood stasis are not only pathological products but also deep-rooted causes of recurrent disease. Together with qi deficiency, they are mutually causal and form a vicious cycle. During the acute exacerbation stage of COPD, phlegm and blood stasis constitute the predominant underlying pathology and are often induced by invasion of pathogenic factors due to deficiency of healthy Qi. In addition, innovative understandings of the etiology and pathogenesis of COPD have emerged from the perspectives of collateral disease, latent pathogens, smoke toxins, and dysfunction of the Shaoyang pivot. During the stable stage, deficiency of Qi in the lung, spleen, and kidney predominates and is often accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis. In the clinical differentiation and treatment of COPD, treatment should be based on different disease stages and syndrome characteristics. During the acute exacerbation stage, eliminating pathogenic factors is the primary principle, with treatment determined according to syndrome differentiation. For wind-cold attacking the lung, the treatment is to ventilate the lung, disperse cold, and relieve cough. For phlegm-dampness accumulating in the lung, the treatment is to dry dampness, resolve phlegm, and direct qi downward. For phlegm-heat obstructing the lung, the treatment is to clear the lung, resolve phlegm, and relieve asthma. For phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the lung, the treatment is to eliminate phlegm, remove blood stasis, and relieve asthma. During the stable stage, reinforcing healthy Qi is the key principle. For lung-spleen qi deficiency, the treatment is to tonify the lung and strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and direct Qi downward to relieve asthma. For deficiency of both lung and kidney, the treatment is to tonify the lung and benefit the kidney, resolve phlegm, promote Qi reception, and relieve asthma. When accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis, the treatment should focus on tonifying deficiency, resolving phlegm, and removing blood stasis. This article aims to systematically summarize the TCM etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment principles of COPD, as well as the current shortcomings in related research, in order to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of COPD with TCM, give full play to the advantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD, and optimize the whole-course management of COPD.
4.Etiology, Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Rules of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qinjun YANG ; Mingxiang HAN ; Limei WEI ; Shuyu XU ; Lu ZHANG ; Cheng YANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):226-234
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation, and its high morbidity and disability rates pose a severe challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy and distinctive characteristics in the treatment of COPD. Based on the understanding of ancient and modern physicians regarding the etiology, pathogenesis, and stage-based syndrome differentiation of COPD, this article systematically elaborates on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of COPD. COPD is characterized by deficiency at root and excess in manifestation, with the coexistence of deficiency and excess. Qi deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis underlying the occurrence and development of COPD and runs throughout the entire disease course. The disease begins with deficiency of lung qi and gradually affects the spleen and kidney, leading to the internal generation of dampness, phlegm, and blood stasis. Phlegm and blood stasis are not only pathological products but also deep-rooted causes of recurrent disease. Together with qi deficiency, they are mutually causal and form a vicious cycle. During the acute exacerbation stage of COPD, phlegm and blood stasis constitute the predominant underlying pathology and are often induced by invasion of pathogenic factors due to deficiency of healthy Qi. In addition, innovative understandings of the etiology and pathogenesis of COPD have emerged from the perspectives of collateral disease, latent pathogens, smoke toxins, and dysfunction of the Shaoyang pivot. During the stable stage, deficiency of Qi in the lung, spleen, and kidney predominates and is often accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis. In the clinical differentiation and treatment of COPD, treatment should be based on different disease stages and syndrome characteristics. During the acute exacerbation stage, eliminating pathogenic factors is the primary principle, with treatment determined according to syndrome differentiation. For wind-cold attacking the lung, the treatment is to ventilate the lung, disperse cold, and relieve cough. For phlegm-dampness accumulating in the lung, the treatment is to dry dampness, resolve phlegm, and direct qi downward. For phlegm-heat obstructing the lung, the treatment is to clear the lung, resolve phlegm, and relieve asthma. For phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the lung, the treatment is to eliminate phlegm, remove blood stasis, and relieve asthma. During the stable stage, reinforcing healthy Qi is the key principle. For lung-spleen qi deficiency, the treatment is to tonify the lung and strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and direct Qi downward to relieve asthma. For deficiency of both lung and kidney, the treatment is to tonify the lung and benefit the kidney, resolve phlegm, promote Qi reception, and relieve asthma. When accompanied by phlegm and blood stasis, the treatment should focus on tonifying deficiency, resolving phlegm, and removing blood stasis. This article aims to systematically summarize the TCM etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment principles of COPD, as well as the current shortcomings in related research, in order to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of COPD with TCM, give full play to the advantages of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD, and optimize the whole-course management of COPD.
5.Research and application of a new deep learning based strategy for platelet histogram review
Enming ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Xianchun CHEN ; Yan LIN ; Taixue AN ; Haixia LI ; Yongjian HE ; Zhiwei LIU ; Limei FENG ; Wanying LIN ; Tie XIONG ; Kai QIU ; Ya GAO ; Lizhu HUANG ; Jing HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Dehua SUN ; Bo SITU ; Lei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1201-1206
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platelet review strategy to identify abnormal platelet histograms with no significant difference between initial impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F results.Methods:This study included 5 119 routine blood analysis in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and its Ganzhou branch from July 2023 and March 2024. Specimens exhibiting abnormal platelet histograms and an initial platelet count >40×10?/L underwent review using the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) channel. Consistency of the results was defined as a difference between impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F less than ±20% of the PLT-F results. A deep learning model was developed using platelet and red blood cell histogram data from a training set of 3 807 specimens. The model′s diagnostic performance was evaluated on an independent external validation set ( n=805) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Changes in the number of reviewed samples and sample turnaround time were analyzed to assess its clinical utility. Results:The deep learning model based on platelet and red blood cell histograms achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.854 in the training set. At a cutoff value of 0.1, the sensitivity was 0.954 and specificity was 0.358. The model could reduce review by 16.80% (190/1 131). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.307, corresponding to a reduction of 17.41% (47/270) in reviewed specimens.Conclusion:The platelet review prediction model developed based on deep learning technology can efficiently identify samples with consistent results before and after review, reducing unnecessary reviews and shortening specimen testing time, thereby improving the efficiency of platelet test.
6.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
7.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
8.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
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Drug Monitoring/methods*
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Humans
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Organ Transplantation
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Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
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Delphi Technique
9.Celastrol-loaded ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes boost immunotherapy by remodeling obesity-related immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in melanoma.
Hongyan ZHANG ; Jingyi HUANG ; Yujie LI ; Wanyu JIN ; Jiale WEI ; Ninghui MA ; Limei SHEN ; Mancang GU ; Chaofeng MU ; Donghang XU ; Yang XIONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2687-2702
Obesity usually exacerbates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), hindering CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, which further represents a significant barrier to the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional liposomal system (CR-Lip) for encapsulating celastrol (CEL) was utilized to remodel obesity-related ITME and improve cancer immunotherapy, wherein Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) was detected interspersed in the phospholipid bilayer and its glycosyl exposed on the surface of the liposome. CR-Lip had a relatively uniform size (116.5 nm), facilitating favorable tumor tissue accumulation through the interaction between Rg3 and glucose transporter 1 overexpressed in obese tumor cells. Upon reaching the tumor region, CR-Lip was found to induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HFD tumor cells. Notably, the level of PHD3 in HFD tumor cells was effectively boosted by CR-Lip to effectively block metabolic reprogramming and increase the availability of major free fatty acids fuel sources. In vivo, experiments studies revealed that the easy-obtained nano platform stimulated enhanced the production of various cytokines in tumor tissues, DC maturation, CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and synergistic anticancer therapeutic potency with aPD-1 (tumor inhibition rate = 82.1%) towards obesity-related melanoma. Consequently, this study presented an efficacious approach to tumor immunotherapy in obese mice by encompassing tumor eradication, inducing ICD, and reprogramming metabolism. Furthermore, it offered a unique insight into a valuable attempt at the immunotherapy of obesity-associated related tumors.
10.Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals Shen-Bai-Jie-Du decoction retards colorectal tumorigenesis by regulating the TMEM131-TNF signaling pathway-mediated differentiation of immunosuppressive dendritic cells.
Yuquan TAO ; Yinuo MA ; Limei GU ; Ye ZHANG ; Qinchang ZHANG ; Lisha ZHOU ; Jie PAN ; Meng SHEN ; Xuefei ZHUANG ; Linmei PAN ; Weixing SHEN ; Chengtao YU ; Dan DONG ; Dong ZHANG ; Tingsheng LING ; Yang SUN ; Haibo CHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3545-3560
Colorectal tumorigenesis generally progresses from adenoma to adenocarcinoma, accompanied by dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A randomized controlled trial has confirmed the efficacy and safety of Shen-Bai-Jie-Du decoction (SBJDD) in preventing colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the dynamic evolution of the TME and validated cell infiltration with multiplex immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Bulk RNA sequencing was utilized to assess the underlying mechanisms. Our results constructed the mutually verifiable single-cell transcriptomic atlases in Apc Min/+ mice and clinical patients. There was a marked accumulation of CCL22+ dendritic cells (DCs) and an enhanced immunosuppressive action, which SBJDD and berberine reversed. Combined treatment with cholesterol and lipopolysaccharide induced characteristic gene expression of CCL22+ DCs, which may represent "exhausted DCs". Intraperitoneal injection of these DCs after SBJDD treatment eliminated its therapeutic effects. TMEM131 derived CCL22+ DCs generation by TNF signaling pathway and may be a potential target of berberine in retarding colorectal tumorigenesis. These findings emphasize the role of exhausted DCs and the regulatory mechanisms of SBJDD and berberine in colorectal cancer (CRC), suggesting that the multi-component properties of SBJDD may help restore TME homeostasis and offer novel cancer therapy.

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