1.Key Genes in Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway of Lonicera macranthoides Based on Transcriptome and Metabolome Conjoint Analysis
Jiawei HE ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Juan ZENG ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Simin ZHOU ; Meiling QU ; Ribao ZHOU ; Xiangdan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):167-175
ObjectiveBased on the conjoint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of Lonicera macranthoides were explored, which provided a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid compounds in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides. MethodsThe stem, leaves, and three flowering flowers of "Xianglei" L. macranthoides were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptome and metabolome. The transcriptome and metabolomics were conjointly analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of L. macranthoides were explored. ResultsIn this study, 77 differential phenylpropanoids and 315 differential genes were found. Through the joint analysis of transcription and metabolism, nine key differential metabolites and four key genes related to them were finally discovered. Among them, cinnamic acid, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid,sinapyl alcohol, and chlorogenic acid were higher in flowers, and the content of the iconic effective component, namely chlorogenic acid,decreased sharply during the withering period. Caffeic acid,ferulic acid, 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde,p-coumaryl alcohol, and syringin were higher in leaves. These four key genes belong to the cinnamic alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) family, 4-coumaric acid: Coenzyme A (4CL) family, hydroxycinnamyl transferase (HCT) family, and L-phenylalanine ammonlyase (PAL) family genes. ConclusionAmong the four key genes excavated from L. macranthoides, TRINITY_DN42767_c0_g6 is related to the synthesis of p-coumaryl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. TRINITY_DN43525_c4_g1 uses caffeic acid,ferulic acid,and cinnamic acid as substrates to catalyze the next reaction. TRINITY_DN47958_c3_g4 correlates with the synthesis of 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid and caffeoyl-CoA, and TRINITY_DN52595_c1_g2 correlates with cinnamic acid synthesis. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoids in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides.
2.Research progress of anaphylaxis
Hailuan ZENG ; Ling YE ; Meiling JIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(5):865-872
The incidence of anaphylaxis has been on the rise in recent years. Drugs and foods are main triggers, and individuals in different regions and age groups have different characteristics. Its pathogenesis includes immune (IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated) factors, non-immune factors and idiopathic ones. The clinical manifestations are symptoms and signs of the skin and mucosa, and respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. There is still a lack of laboratory test indices with high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose anaphylaxis. Adrenaline intramuscular injection is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, but its usage during emergencies is unsatisfactory. Glucocorticoids are most frequently used in anaphylaxis, but there is controversy over whether they are beneficial. Currently, high-quality clinical cohort studies are needed to provide solid evidence for the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis. This article reviews the research progress on anaphylaxis, aiming to enhance the understanding of anaphylaxis among medical staff.
3.Research progress on the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in leukemia and related complication
Jie LIU ; Meiling ZHANG ; Shupeng CHEN ; Zhenhui WU ; Yingjian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):87-94
The incidence of leukemia,a malignant cancer originating from the hematopoietic system,is increasing annually.Although traditional treatment method such as chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have improved patient survival rates to some extent,serious side effects,drug tolerance,and high recurrence rates remain.In recent years,studies have shown that the gut microbiota and its metabolites play an important role in the occurrence,development,and complications of leukemia.Imbalance of the gut microbiota can lead to decreased immune function and an intensified inflammatory response,which is a key factor driving disease progression.Some metabolites,such as short-chain fatty acids,enhance immune function and improve patient prognosis through intestinal barrier repair,while others,such as hydrogen sulfide and bile acids,show potential anti-tumor effects exerted through regulation of tumor cell apoptosis and immune balance.Traditional Chinese medicine aimed at regulating the structure of the gut microbiota and its metabolites has shown great potential in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia.This review covers the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the occurrence,development,and complications of leukemia,and explores treatment strategies for regulating the microbiota,including fecal microbiota transplantation,probiotics,and traditional Chinese medicine intervention.We anticipate that this review will serve as a reference for improving the treatment and prognosis of leukemia.
4.Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive impairment and mitophagy mediated by KIF5A/Miro1 pathway in Parkinson's disease mice.
Mengzhu LI ; Jiafan CHEN ; Mengxuan CHEN ; Haiyan LI ; Zhenyi ZHANG ; Da GAO ; Weicong ZENG ; Lijun ZHAO ; Meiling ZHU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1111-1119
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the improvement effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) on cognitive impairment in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore its regulatory mechanisms on the kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A)/mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (Miro1) pathway and mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
METHODS:
A total of 70 male C57BL/6J mice of clean grade were randomly divided into a normal group (12 mice), a sham operation group (12 mice), and a model pre-screening group (46 mice). Unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle was adopted to establish the PD model in the model pre-screening group. Twenty-four mice after successful modeling were randomly selected and divided into a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at "Shuigou" (GV26) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6), ipsilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6) were connected to EA respectively, with disperse-dense wave, 5 Hz/20 Hz in frequency, 0.5 mA in current intensity, 20 min a time, 6 times a week for 30 days. Cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests; morphology of prefrontal cortex was observed by H.E. staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in prefrontal cortex was detected by fluorescence probe method; mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy; the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR; the protein expression of TH, KIF5A, Miro1, p62, Parkin and PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham operation group, both the model group and the EA group exhibited increased rotation number of per minute (P<0.001). Compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was shortened (P<0.001), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was reduced (P<0.01); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was increased (P<0.001), and mitochondrial autophagosomes could be observed; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was increased (P<0.001), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was decreased (P<0.001). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was prolonged (P<0.01), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was shortened (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was increased (P<0.05); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was decreased (P<0.001), and the number of mitochondrial autophagosomes reduced and the mitochondrial morphology was improved; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was decreased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Xingnao Kaiqiao electroacupuncture effectively alleviates cognitive impairment and damage of neuronal function in PD mice, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of KIF5A/Miro1 pathway, hence reducing the mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology*
;
Kinesins/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Mitophagy
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Mitochondria/genetics*
;
Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism*
5.Research progress on the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in leukemia and related complication
Jie LIU ; Meiling ZHANG ; Shupeng CHEN ; Zhenhui WU ; Yingjian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):87-94
The incidence of leukemia,a malignant cancer originating from the hematopoietic system,is increasing annually.Although traditional treatment method such as chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have improved patient survival rates to some extent,serious side effects,drug tolerance,and high recurrence rates remain.In recent years,studies have shown that the gut microbiota and its metabolites play an important role in the occurrence,development,and complications of leukemia.Imbalance of the gut microbiota can lead to decreased immune function and an intensified inflammatory response,which is a key factor driving disease progression.Some metabolites,such as short-chain fatty acids,enhance immune function and improve patient prognosis through intestinal barrier repair,while others,such as hydrogen sulfide and bile acids,show potential anti-tumor effects exerted through regulation of tumor cell apoptosis and immune balance.Traditional Chinese medicine aimed at regulating the structure of the gut microbiota and its metabolites has shown great potential in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia.This review covers the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the occurrence,development,and complications of leukemia,and explores treatment strategies for regulating the microbiota,including fecal microbiota transplantation,probiotics,and traditional Chinese medicine intervention.We anticipate that this review will serve as a reference for improving the treatment and prognosis of leukemia.
6.Mechanism of leukemia stem cells immune escape by Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention
Meiling ZHANG ; Yaru CUI ; Shupeng CHEN ; Junyun LUO ; Yingjian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(2):137-143
Leukemia is a critical disease with a high incidence and extremely high fatality rate.Immune escape by leukemia stem cells(LSC)is the main factor for recurrence and progression after remission.Clinical diagnosis and treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)have distinct advantages of syndrome differentiation and treatment.Based on the purpose of diagnosis and treatment,leukemia treatment by TCM emphasizes the harmony of yin and yang to restore human functions,which is conducive to improve autoimmunity and conforms to the mechanism of intervention for tumor cell immune escape.This article discusses the mechanism and research progress of TCM interventions in LSC immune escape based on literature and TCM theory.
7.Self-sufficient nanoparticles with dual-enzyme activity trigger radical storms and activate cascade-amplified antitumor immunologic responses.
Liping BAI ; Jin YANG ; Siting YU ; Zhongzheng XIANG ; Yuanyuan ZENG ; Meiling SHEN ; Xiaorong KOU ; Qinjie WU ; Changyang GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):821-835
Radiotherapy (RT) can potentially induce systemic immune responses by initiating immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. However, RT-induced antitumor immunologic responses are sporadic and insufficient against cancer metastases. Herein, we construct multifunctional self-sufficient nanoparticles (MARS) with dual-enzyme activity (GOx and peroxidase-like) to trigger radical storms and activate the cascade-amplified systemic immune responses to suppress both local tumors and metastatic relapse. In addition to limiting the Warburg effect to actualize starvation therapy, MARS catalyzes glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is then used in the Cu+-mediated Fenton-like reaction and RT sensitization. RT and chemodynamic therapy produce reactive oxygen species in the form of radical storms, which have a robust ICD impact on mobilizing the immune system. Thus, when MARS is combined with RT, potent systemic antitumor immunity can be generated by activating antigen-presenting cells, promoting dendritic cells maturation, increasing the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the synergistic therapy of RT and MARS effectively suppresses local tumor growth, increases mouse longevity, and results in a 90% reduction in lung metastasis and postoperative recurrence. Overall, we provide a viable approach to treating cancer by inducing radical storms and activating cascade-amplified systemic immunity.
8.Effect of virtual reality on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease:a meta-analy-sis
Meiling LÜ ; Jie WANG ; Weisi ZENG ; Xiaoting WEN ; Xin CHU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(6):648-656
Objective To evaluate the effect of virtual reality(VR)on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with Parkin-son's disease. Methods A systematic search of CBM,CNKI,Wanfang data,VIP,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,and PubMed was carried out to identify randomized control trials(RCT)about the effect of VR technology on pa-tients with Parkinson's disease from inception to February 29th,2024.The control group received routine cogni-tive training,balance training or physical therapy,and the experimental group received VR technology.The quali-ty of articles was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's 5.1.0 RCT risk assessment tool for bias.The meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.4.GRADE was used to evaluate the evidence quality of outcome indica-tors. Results A total of 13 literatures involving 426 patients were included.Allocation concealment and blind methods were not described in most literatures,and selective reporting of research results or other biases was unclear.VR tech-nology could improve the Motreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score(MD=1.11,95%CI 0.31 to 1.90,P=0.006),Trail Making Test(TMT)-A score(MD=-6.25,95%CI-11.71 to-0.78,P=0.030)and depression scale score(SMD=-0.56,95%CI-0.95 to 0.18,P=0.004)of patients with Parkinson's disease;however,it did not improve TMT-B score(MD=-6.01,95%CI-28.16 to 16.14,P=0.590),Unified Parkinson's Disease Rat-ing Scale(UPDRS)-Part II score(MD=-2.11,95%CI-4.97 to 0.75,P=0.150)and Parkinson's Disease Ques-tionnaire(PDQ-39)score(MD=-0.92,95%CI-4.03 to 2.19,P=0.560).For quality of evidence,MoCA score,UPDRS-Part II score and PDQ-39 score were low,and depression score and TMT score were moderate. Conclusion VR technology can improve the cognitive function and depression of patients with Parkinson's disease;how-ever,no significant improvement is found in activities of daily living and quality of life.
9.Feasibility study on the evaluation of parieto-occipital sulcus of normal fetuses by simplified grade of prenatal ultrasound
Yue QIN ; Dandan LUO ; Huaxuan WEN ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(9):776-783
Objective:To validate the morphological changes of the parieto-occipital sulcus on the transcalvarial axial plane between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, simplify grade for assessing fetal parieto-occipital sulcus development, and confirm its clinical feasibility.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study analysis that included 550 cases of normal singleton fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The morphological changes of the bilateral parieto-occipital sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane were observed. The development of the parieto-occipital sulcus was classified into 6 grades based on the developmental features of angulation, progressive closure, and curvilinear growth: straight or shallow arcuate (Grade 0), shallow and wide V-shaped (Grade 1), deep and narrow V-shaped (Grade 2), Y-shaped (Grade 3), I-shaped (Grade 4), and curvilinear (Grade 5). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution of gestational weeks for fetuses with different grades of parieto-occipital sulci on the left and right sides was analyzed. The symmetry between bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus gradings within individuals, as well as the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. The gender differences in asymmetry of parieto-occipital sulci grades between the left and right sides was analyzed. Moreover, a model for predicting the grade of the parieto-occipital sulcus based on gestational week was established.Results:Grade for the left parieto-occipital sulcus was obtained for 549 fetuses, while grade for the right was obtained for 550 fetuses. From 20 to 32 weeks of gestation, the morphology of the fetal parieto-occipital sulcus was divided into Grade 0-5, progressing from low to high with gestational development. Grade 0 showed that the sulcus was not visible or only had a slight arcuate indentation, occurring at 20-22 weeks; Grade 1 presented as a shallow and wide "V" shape with an obtuse angle at the top, appearing from 20 to 27 weeks; Grade 2 was a deep and narrow "V" shape with an acute angle at the top, appearing from 24 to 29 weeks; Grade 3 appeared as a "Y" shape with the top part partially closed and the bottom still open, occurring between 26 to 30 weeks; Grade 4 was a fully closed "I" shape, appearing at 29-32 weeks; Grade 5 presented as a curved shape, indicating the parieto-occipital sulcus was approaching maturity, appearing from 31 to 32 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of gestational weeks for bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus developmental grade ( P>0.05). Bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus grade could be assessed in 549 fetuses, of which 43 cases (7.83%) exhibited grade asymmetry with a one-grade difference between sides; such asymmetry showed no significant difference between male and female genders ( P=0.647). The weighted kappa coefficient analysis results indicated a strong consistency in the development of the parieto-occipital sulci on both sides within individuals, generally demonstrating symmetrical development ( P<0.001). The intra-observer and inter-observer weighted kappa coefficients were 0.92 and 0.75, respectively, with good consistency. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound via the transcalvarial axial plane enables a preliminary and rapid assessment of the development of bilateral parieto-occipital sulci, facilitating early evaluation of fetal cortical maturation.
10.A cross-sectional study of simplified grade of the transcalvarial axial plane in evaluating the convexity sulci of normal fetuses
Yue QIN ; Huaxuan WEN ; Dandan LUO ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Ying YUAN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(10):884-890
Objective:To study the stability and morphological changes of the convexity sulci in normal fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks, and to explore the simplified grade for evaluating the convexity sulci development and analyzing its clinical significance.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 551 cases of normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The display of the far-field convexity sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane was observed as 0 for not displayed and 1 for displayed.Further, based on the morphology and number of convexity sulci, they were classified into five grades: no sulcus displayed (grade 0), one sulcus (grade 1), two sulci (grade 2), three sulci (grade 3), and four or more sulci (grade 4). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution characteristics of gestational weeks for each grade of the convexity sulci were analyzed, and the gestational week distribution of the left and right convexity sulci was compared to analyze bilateral symmetry. The Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to analyze inter-observer and intra-observer consistency, and curve regression analysis was employed to establish a model for predicting grade based on gestational weeks.Results:Before 25 weeks of gestation, the convexity of the fetal cranial vertex was completely smooth.The central sulcus consistently appeared after 26 weeks, while the superior frontal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, postcentral sulcus, and precentral sulcus consistently appeared between 28 and 31 weeks. Among these, the superior frontal sulcus had a lower display rate before 29 weeks. By 32 weeks, all convexity sulci of the cranial vertex should be visible. Three hundred and eleven fetuses were graded for the left, and 240 fetuses were graded for the right. The developmental grade of the convexity sulci increased from Grade 0 to Grade 4 as the gestational age progressed. Grade 0 appeared between 20-26 weeks, grade 1 between 25-28 weeks, grade 2 between 26-28 weeks, grade 3 between 27-30 weeks, and grade 4 between 27-32 weeks. The distribution of grade did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of grade 0, 1, 3 and 4 (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the distribution of gestational age between the convexity sulci of grade 2 ( P<0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, indicating strong consistency. Conclusions:The simplified grade for assessing the development of convexity sulci in normal fetuses on the transcalvarial axial plane via prenatal ultrasound can provide a preliminary evaluation of the maturation of convexity sulci in fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation.

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