1.Toxic Mechanism, Risk Evaluation, and Regulatory Policies of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Senecionis Scandentis Herba: A Review
Weili CHEN ; Shengxuan LI ; Linying QIN ; Xiangle MENG ; Yu DONG ; Long CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):330-338
ObjectiveTo summarize the research results on the toxic mechanism and the relevant regulatory policies at home and abroad of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the main toxic components, in Senecionis Scandentis Herba, thereby providing insights into the clinical use and scientific regulation of Senecionis Scandentis Herba. MethodsMultiple Chinese and English databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched, with "Senecio," "PSenecio scandens," and "pyrrolizidine alkaloids" as search terms. The relevant articles published from 1959 to 2025 were retrieved and analyzed, and 79 articles were finally selected for review. ResultsThe chemical components of Senecionis Scandentis Herba include alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, sesquiterpenes, jacaranone derivatives, and organic acids, among which alkaloids are the most toxic components, followed by jacaranone derivatives. PAs are metabolized into highly active pyrrole derivatives in the liver, which can cause serious adverse reactions such as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and DNA damage. The content of PAs varies significantly due to the origin, harvest period, and medicinal parts. There have been reports of clinical liver injury caused by preparations containing Senecionis Scandentis Herba, and some preparations have a daily intake of PAs exceeding the international safety threshold. Currently, international organizations have set limited standards for PAs, while China only controls the content of adonifoline, and the supervision is not yet perfect. ConclusionAlthough Senecionis Scandentis Herba has medicinal value, its PAs have significant toxicological properties. This is a problem that cannot be ignored and needs to be overcome in the use of Senecionis Scandentis Herba. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the quality control of raw materials, establish a more comprehensive limited standard for PAs, and optimize the medication strategy in combination with traditional Chinese medicine theory to ensure the safety of clinical medication.
2.Toxic Mechanism, Risk Evaluation, and Regulatory Policies of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Senecionis Scandentis Herba: A Review
Weili CHEN ; Shengxuan LI ; Linying QIN ; Xiangle MENG ; Yu DONG ; Long CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):330-338
ObjectiveTo summarize the research results on the toxic mechanism and the relevant regulatory policies at home and abroad of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the main toxic components, in Senecionis Scandentis Herba, thereby providing insights into the clinical use and scientific regulation of Senecionis Scandentis Herba. MethodsMultiple Chinese and English databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched, with "Senecio," "PSenecio scandens," and "pyrrolizidine alkaloids" as search terms. The relevant articles published from 1959 to 2025 were retrieved and analyzed, and 79 articles were finally selected for review. ResultsThe chemical components of Senecionis Scandentis Herba include alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, sesquiterpenes, jacaranone derivatives, and organic acids, among which alkaloids are the most toxic components, followed by jacaranone derivatives. PAs are metabolized into highly active pyrrole derivatives in the liver, which can cause serious adverse reactions such as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and DNA damage. The content of PAs varies significantly due to the origin, harvest period, and medicinal parts. There have been reports of clinical liver injury caused by preparations containing Senecionis Scandentis Herba, and some preparations have a daily intake of PAs exceeding the international safety threshold. Currently, international organizations have set limited standards for PAs, while China only controls the content of adonifoline, and the supervision is not yet perfect. ConclusionAlthough Senecionis Scandentis Herba has medicinal value, its PAs have significant toxicological properties. This is a problem that cannot be ignored and needs to be overcome in the use of Senecionis Scandentis Herba. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the quality control of raw materials, establish a more comprehensive limited standard for PAs, and optimize the medication strategy in combination with traditional Chinese medicine theory to ensure the safety of clinical medication.
3.Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against cat allergen Fel d 1.
Linying CAI ; Zichen ZHANG ; Zhuangli BI ; Shiqiang ZHU ; Miao ZHANG ; Yiming FAN ; Jingjie TANG ; Aoxing TANG ; Huiwen LIU ; Yingying DING ; Chen LI ; Yingqi ZHU ; Guijun WANG ; Guangqing LIU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):348-354
Objective Currently, there is no commercially available quantitative detection kit for the main Felis domestic allergen (Fel d 1) in China. To establish a rapid detection method for Fel d 1, this study aims to prepare monoclonal antibodies against Fel d 1 protein. Methods The codon preference of Escherichia coli was utilized to optimize and synthesize the Fel d 1 gene. The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was constructed and used to express and purify the recombinant Fel d 1 protein. Subsequently, the recombinant protein was immunized into BALB/c mice and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by the hybridoma technique. An indirect ELISA was established using the recombinant Fel d 1 as the coating antigen, and hybridoma cell lines were screened for positive clones. The specificity and antigenic epitopes of the mAbs were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Finally, the selected hybridoma cells were injected into the peritoneal cavities of BALB/c mice for large-scale monoclonal antibody production. Results The recombinant plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was successfully constructed, and soluble Fel d 1 protein was obtained after optimizing the expression conditions. Western blot and antibody titer assays confirmed the successful isolation of two hybridoma cell lines, 7D11 and 5H4, which stably secreted mAbs specific to Fel d 1. Antibody characterization revealed that the 5H4 mAb was of the IgG2a subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 105-163 of Fel d 1, while the 7D11 mAb was the IgG1 subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 1-59. Conclusion The high-purity recombinant Fel d 1 protein produced in this study provides a promising alternative for clinical immunotherapy of cat allergies. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibody prepared in this experiment lays a material foundation for the in-depth study of the biological function of Fel d 1 and the development of ELISA detection.
Animals
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Cats
;
Mice
;
Allergens/genetics*
;
Glycoproteins/genetics*
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Hybridomas/immunology*
;
Recombinant Proteins/genetics*
;
Female
;
Antibody Specificity
4.Analysis of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility changes during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural progenitor cells
Linying LI ; Xiaodong CAI ; Ran TONG ; Chen YANG ; Zhiming WANG ; Xiaoyu HE ; Ziyue MA ; Feng ZHANG ; Lingjie LI ; Junmei ZHOU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):387-403
Objective·To investigate the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells(hESCs)into neural progenitor cells(NPCs)using in vitro differentiation models and high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies.Methods·hESCs were first induced to differentiate into NPCs in vitro using the embryoid body formation method,and cells at both stages were collected.The cell phenotypes were identified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)and immunofluorescence(IF)staining.Transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)was conducted to detect and analyze the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between hESCs and NPCs.The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing(ATAC-seq)was employed to assess chromatin accessibility changes between hESCs and NPCs.Motif enrichment analysis was performed on differentially accessible chromatin regions to discover potential regulatory transcription factors.Finally,an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data and the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were performed to identify key genes and regulatory pathways involved in the early stages of neural differentiation in vitro.Results·Both RT-qPCR and IF results indicated that the expression levels of pluripotency markers(NANOG and POU5F1)were high at the hESC stage but significantly decreased at the NPC stage,while early neural differentiation markers(PAX6,SOX1,and NES)were minimally expressed at the hESC stage but markedly upregulated at the NPC stage.RNA-seq analysis revealed that compared to the hESC stage,there were 5 597 genes upregulated and 3 654 genes downregulated at the NPC stage.Gene function enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes at the NPC stage were enriched in the functions related to neural development.ATAC-seq analysis demonstrated a total of 27 491 genomic regions had significant changes in chromatin accessibility during the differentiation from hESC to NPC,with 12 381 regions showing increased accessibility and 15 110 regions showing decreased accessibility.Motif enrichment analysis revealed that transcription factor genes such as DLX1 and LHX2 might play an important role in the differentiation process from hESCs into NPCs.Integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data revealed that overlapping genes with high expression at the NPC stage were mainly enriched in axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuron migration.After neural differentiation,the expression levels of CTNND2 and LHX2 genes increased,and the chromatin accessibility of related genomic regions also increased.PPI network analysis indentified candidate downstream genes including PRKACA,CDH2,and ERBB4.Conclusion·The in vitro differentiation model of hESCs combined with high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies can be used to depict the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of hESCs into NPCs.In this process,the expression levels of genes related to axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuronal migration pathways increase and related chromatin accessibility is enhanced.
5.Correlation between vascular senescence indicators and total burden score of MRI in patients with cerebral small vascular disease
Xiaoyu CUI ; Ying FAN ; Haibo LI ; Linying MA ; Bin LIU ; Xiaokun WU ; Wenjing MAO ; Jinxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):1071-1075
Objective To investigate the correlation of vascular senescence indicators,brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV),cardio-ankle vascular index(CAVI),ankle-brachial index(ABI)with total burden of MRI in patients with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD).Methods A total of 200 CSVD patients admitted to our hospital from November 2023 to October 2024 were retrospectively recruited,and based on their total MRI burden,they were divided into a low-burden group(score:0-1,103 cases)and a high-burden group(score:2-4,97 cases).A athero-sclerosis monitoring device(VS-1500A)was used to detect baPWV,CAVI,and ABI values.The relationships of the three indicators with total MRI burden score and their predictive values for the burden score were analyzed.Results The high-burden group had significantly higher BMI,el-evated homocysteine and uric acid levels,and increased baPWV and CAVI,but lower ABI than the low-burden group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic analysis showed that baPWV,CAVI and ABI were independent influencing factors for high MRI burden of CSVD patients.Spearman correlation analysis showed that baPWV and CAVI values were positively correlated(r=0.589,P=0.000;r=0.458,P=0.000),and ABI was negatively correlated with the total MRI burden score of CSVD patients(r=-0.352,P=0.000).ROC curve analysis showed that baPWV(AUC=0.816,P=0.000),CAVI(AUC=0.725,P=0.000)and ABI(AUC=0.676,P=0.000)were all predic-tors for high MRI burden score in CSVD patients.Conclusion baPWV and CAVI are positively,and ABI is negatively correlated with the total MRI burden score of CSVD patients.baPWV,CAVI and ABI show higher predictive value for the high burden score,with baPWV most significant.
6.Analysis of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility changes during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural progenitor cells
Linying LI ; Xiaodong CAI ; Ran TONG ; Chen YANG ; Zhiming WANG ; Xiaoyu HE ; Ziyue MA ; Feng ZHANG ; Lingjie LI ; Junmei ZHOU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):387-403
Objective·To investigate the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells(hESCs)into neural progenitor cells(NPCs)using in vitro differentiation models and high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies.Methods·hESCs were first induced to differentiate into NPCs in vitro using the embryoid body formation method,and cells at both stages were collected.The cell phenotypes were identified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)and immunofluorescence(IF)staining.Transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)was conducted to detect and analyze the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between hESCs and NPCs.The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing(ATAC-seq)was employed to assess chromatin accessibility changes between hESCs and NPCs.Motif enrichment analysis was performed on differentially accessible chromatin regions to discover potential regulatory transcription factors.Finally,an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data and the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were performed to identify key genes and regulatory pathways involved in the early stages of neural differentiation in vitro.Results·Both RT-qPCR and IF results indicated that the expression levels of pluripotency markers(NANOG and POU5F1)were high at the hESC stage but significantly decreased at the NPC stage,while early neural differentiation markers(PAX6,SOX1,and NES)were minimally expressed at the hESC stage but markedly upregulated at the NPC stage.RNA-seq analysis revealed that compared to the hESC stage,there were 5 597 genes upregulated and 3 654 genes downregulated at the NPC stage.Gene function enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes at the NPC stage were enriched in the functions related to neural development.ATAC-seq analysis demonstrated a total of 27 491 genomic regions had significant changes in chromatin accessibility during the differentiation from hESC to NPC,with 12 381 regions showing increased accessibility and 15 110 regions showing decreased accessibility.Motif enrichment analysis revealed that transcription factor genes such as DLX1 and LHX2 might play an important role in the differentiation process from hESCs into NPCs.Integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data revealed that overlapping genes with high expression at the NPC stage were mainly enriched in axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuron migration.After neural differentiation,the expression levels of CTNND2 and LHX2 genes increased,and the chromatin accessibility of related genomic regions also increased.PPI network analysis indentified candidate downstream genes including PRKACA,CDH2,and ERBB4.Conclusion·The in vitro differentiation model of hESCs combined with high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies can be used to depict the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of hESCs into NPCs.In this process,the expression levels of genes related to axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuronal migration pathways increase and related chromatin accessibility is enhanced.
7.Correlation between vascular senescence indicators and total burden score of MRI in patients with cerebral small vascular disease
Xiaoyu CUI ; Ying FAN ; Haibo LI ; Linying MA ; Bin LIU ; Xiaokun WU ; Wenjing MAO ; Jinxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):1071-1075
Objective To investigate the correlation of vascular senescence indicators,brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV),cardio-ankle vascular index(CAVI),ankle-brachial index(ABI)with total burden of MRI in patients with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD).Methods A total of 200 CSVD patients admitted to our hospital from November 2023 to October 2024 were retrospectively recruited,and based on their total MRI burden,they were divided into a low-burden group(score:0-1,103 cases)and a high-burden group(score:2-4,97 cases).A athero-sclerosis monitoring device(VS-1500A)was used to detect baPWV,CAVI,and ABI values.The relationships of the three indicators with total MRI burden score and their predictive values for the burden score were analyzed.Results The high-burden group had significantly higher BMI,el-evated homocysteine and uric acid levels,and increased baPWV and CAVI,but lower ABI than the low-burden group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic analysis showed that baPWV,CAVI and ABI were independent influencing factors for high MRI burden of CSVD patients.Spearman correlation analysis showed that baPWV and CAVI values were positively correlated(r=0.589,P=0.000;r=0.458,P=0.000),and ABI was negatively correlated with the total MRI burden score of CSVD patients(r=-0.352,P=0.000).ROC curve analysis showed that baPWV(AUC=0.816,P=0.000),CAVI(AUC=0.725,P=0.000)and ABI(AUC=0.676,P=0.000)were all predic-tors for high MRI burden score in CSVD patients.Conclusion baPWV and CAVI are positively,and ABI is negatively correlated with the total MRI burden score of CSVD patients.baPWV,CAVI and ABI show higher predictive value for the high burden score,with baPWV most significant.
8.Network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation reveal the synergistic myocardial protection mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Carthamus tinctorius L.
Linying Zhong ; Ling Dong ; Jing Sun ; Jie Yang ; Zhiying Yu ; Ping He ; Bo Zhu ; Yuxin Zhu ; Siyuan Li ; Wenjuan Xu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(1):44-54
Objective:
To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the compatibility of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (S. miltiorrhiza, Dan Shen) and C. tinctorius L. (C. tinctorius, Hong Hua) as an herb pair through network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation.
Methods:
Network pharmacology was applied to construct an active ingredient-efficacy target-disease protein network to reveal the unique regulation pattern of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius as herb pair. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding of the components of these herbs and their potential targets. An H9c2 glucose hypoxia model was used to evaluate the efficacy of the components and their synergistic effects, which were evaluated using the combination index. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of these targets.
Results:
Network pharmacology analysis revealed 5 pathways and 8 core targets of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius in myocardial protection. Five of the core targets were enriched in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. S. miltiorrhiza-C. tinctorius achieved vascular tone mainly by regulating the target genes of the HIF-1 pathway. As an upstream gene of the HIF-1 pathway, STAT3 can be activated by the active ingredients cryptotanshinone (Ctan), salvianolic acid B (Sal. B), and myricetin (Myric). Cell experiments revealed that Myric, Sal. B, and Ctan also exhibited synergistic myocardial protective activity. Molecular docking verified the strong binding of Myric, Sal. B, and Ctan to STAT3. Western blot further showed that the active ingredients synergistically upregulated the protein expression of STAT3.
Conclusion
The pharmacodynamic transmission analysis revealed that the active ingredients of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius can synergistically resist ischemia through various targets and pathways. This study provides a methodological reference for interpreting traditional Chinese medicine compatibility.
9.Management status analysis of Investigator-Initiated Trials in Shandong provincial medical and health institutions
Linying MA ; Jianmei JI ; Honglei LI ; Xinxin LU ; Lili CAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2023;36(5):395-400
Objective:To analyze the current situation of Investigator-Initiated Trials in medical and health institutions in Shandong Province, the problems in the process of conducting clinical research, and put forward proposals for the establishment of a clinical research management system with effective supervision, sound systems and supporting services, taking into account the progress of the projects since the pilot work was carried out.Methods:A questionnaire was created, an online survey was conducted, a database was set up, a status analysis was conducted and a post-launch analysis of the progress of the pilot was carried out using the National Medical Research Registry Information System, culminating in recommendations using the literature summary method and empirical analysis.Results:Statistical analysis of the questionnaire found that 29.39% of the institutions have a dedicated clinical research management department, and 75.97% of the institutions have a management approach. 25.52%, 40.30%, and 43.07% of institutions established biobanks, clinical research centers, and follow-up centers. There was a statistically significant difference in the establishment of clinical research centers, biobanks, and follow-up centers in secondary and tertiary medical institutions ( P<0.05). The number of general clinical research projects filed, the number of submissions and the number of ethics committees filed in the filing system have all increased significantly after the pilot work, with growth percentages of 126%, 141% and 62% respectively. Conclusions:Shandong Province clinical research pilot work has begun to bear fruit, the current clinical research project still exists in the lack of special funding support, perfect service platform and system support and training system to be improved and other issues.
10.Quantitative analysis of the developmental potential of cells and tissues based on evolutionary conservation of genes and regulatory regions
Zhiming WANG ; Ran TONG ; Chen YANG ; Huiyuan JIAO ; Yihao WANG ; Linying LI ; Yexin WANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Lingjie LI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2023;43(11):1384-1395
Objective·To study the relationship between evolution and the developmental process from the perspective of DNA sequence conservation,and explore their inherent principles.Methods·First,conservation rate(CR)was established by analyzing the conservation of amino acid sequences of coding genes in 100 species to quantify the evolutionary conservation of genes.The relationship between CR and developmental potential was verified by using the feature genes involved in embryonic stem cells pathways.Secondly,cell type-specific genes and their characteristics in conservation were studied by analyzing the RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)data of the three early germ layers(ectoderm,mesoderm and endoderm)and their corresponding mature organs(brain,heart,liver,etc).Then,chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing(ChIP-seq)data of enhancer histone H3 acetylated at lysine 27(H3K27ac)from early germ layers and mature organs were collected to search for enhancer sites and identify super enhancers in various cells and tissues by using the ROSE procedure.Functional enrichment and signaling pathway analysis of genes was used to examine the identity correlation between SEs-regulated genes and the corresponding cell characteristics,to clarify whether the SEs identified in this study were consistent with the characteristics reported in previous studies.Finally,PhastCons program was used to calculate the DNA conservation score(CS)of non-coding regulatory regions to study their relationship with developmental potential.Results·In the coding region of DNA,CR was successfully established to quantify the conservation of genes.The gene expression data of early germ layers and mature organs showed that the genes with higher conservation rate were more relevant to the stemness and early developmental process,and the differences between the tissues from early and late development could be distinguished by using CR.In the non-coding regions of DNA,it was found that the conservation of regulatory regions was also correlated with development.The CS of the SE sequences in the early developmental germ layers was significantly higher than that of the SE sequences in the corresponding mature organs.However,cell-specific typical enhancers(TEs)did not show such a trend.Conclusion·During the developmental process,CR of genes expressed in the coding region decreases,and CS of super-enhancer DNA in the non-coding region decreases.


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