1.Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel RRx-001 derivatives
Ruonan WU ; Wenmin TANG ; Lin GAO ; Yuelin WU ; Chuan LUO ; Zhenyuan MIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):400-403
Objective To study the antitumor activities of RRx-001 derivatives with novel covalent fragments. Methods Four targeted compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS. A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines were selected for antiproliferative activity assays. Results All the compounds revealed antitumor activities and compound ZM528 showed the best antitumor activity against these two cell lines with IC50 values of (5.1±4.8) μmol/L and (6.0±2.7) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion The result indicated that bromoacetyl group of RRx-001 could be substituted with other covalent fragments.
2.Protective effects and mechanisms of sodium pyruvate on storage lesions in human red blood cells
Haoning CHEN ; Qi MIAO ; Qiang GAO ; Xin SUN ; Shunyu MEI ; Li WANG ; Yun LIAN ; Honglin LUO ; Chenjie ZHOU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):833-838
Objective: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium pyruvate (SP) on RBC storage lesions using an oxidative damage model. Methods: Six units of leukocyte-depleted suspended RBCs (discarded for non-infectious reasons within three days post-collection) were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NS), positive control (PS), experimental group 1 (SP1), and experimental group 2 (SP2). Oxidative stress was induced in the PS group by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H
O
), while SP1 and SP2 received SP supplementation at different concentrations (25 mM and 50 mM, respectively) in the presence of H
O
. After 1 hour of incubation, RBC morphology was assessed microscopically, and biochemical indicators including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (MetHb), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and Na
/K
-ATPase activity were measured. Results: RBCs in the PS group exhibited pronounced morphological damage, including cell shrinkage and echinocyte formation, whereas both SP-treated groups showed significantly reduced structural injury. SP treatment led to elevated GSH levels and decreased concentrations of MDA and MetHb, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, SP enhanced intracellular ATP levels and Na
/K
-ATPase activity, thereby contributing to membrane stability. Notably, the SP2 group (50 mM) demonstrated superior protective effects compared to SP1 (25 mM). Conclusion: Sodium pyruvate effectively attenuates oxidative storage lesions in RBCs, primarily through its antioxidant properties, energy metabolism supporting ability, and celluar membrane stabilizing function. These findings suggest SP as a promising additive for enhancing the quality and safety of stored RBCs.
3.Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activities of oridonin sulfonylurea derivatives
Ruonan WU ; Shuang YE ; Mochenxuan LI ; Zhenyuan MIAO ; Chuan LUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):335-338
Objective To study anti-inflammatory activities of oridonin derivatives without Michael fragment. Methods Two oridonin sulfonylureas were designed and synthesized by a photocatalysis reaction and a scaffold hopping strategy. The inhibitory rate of IL-1β was selected for anti-inflammatory activity evaluation. Results Both compound ZM658 and ZM659 revealed potent anti-inflammatory activities with the values of 69.3% and 59.7% in THP-1 cells, respectively. Moreover, two compounds also showed dose-dependent and low cytotoxicity. Conclusion The result indicated that Michael receptor fragment of oridonin could be substituted with sulfonylurea group.
4.Involvement of interferon γ-producing mast cells in immune responses against melanocytes in vitiligo requires Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 activation.
Zhikai LIAO ; Yunzhu YAO ; Bingqi DONG ; Yue LE ; Longfei LUO ; Fang MIAO ; Shan JIANG ; Tiechi LEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1367-1378
BACKGROUND:
Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress and interferon γ (IFNγ)-driven cellular immune responses are responsible for the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the connection between oxidative stress and the local production of IFNγ in early vitiligo remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism underlying the production of IFNγ by mast cells and its impact on vitiligo pathogenesis.
METHODS:
Skin specimens from the central, marginal, and perilesional skin areas of active vitiligo lesions were collected to characterize changes of mast cells, CD8 + T cells, and IFNγ-producing cells. Cell supernatants from hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-treated keratinocytes (KCs) were harvested to measure levels of soluble stem cell factor (sSCF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. A murine vitiligo model was established using Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-B2 (MrgB2, mouse ortholog of human MrgX2) conditional knockout (MrgB2 -/- ) mice to investigate IFNγ production and inflammatory cell infiltrations in tail skin following the challenge with tyrosinase-related protein (Tyrp)-2 180 peptide. Potential interactions between the Tyrp-2 180 peptide and MrgX2 were predicted using molecular docking. The siRNAs targeting MrgX2 and the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 were also used to examine the signaling pathways involved in mast cell activation.
RESULTS:
IFNγ-producing mast cells were closely aligned with the recruitment of CD8 + T cells in the early phase of vitiligo skin. sSCF released by KCs through stress-enhanced MMP9-dependent proteolytic cleavage recruited mast cells into sites of inflamed skin (Perilesion vs . lesion, 13.00 ± 4.00/high-power fields [HPF] vs . 26.60 ± 5.72/HPF, P <0.05). Moreover, IFNγ-producing mast cells were also observed in mouse tail skin following challenge with Tyrp-2 180 (0 h vs . 48 h post-recall, 0/HPF vs . 3.80 ± 1.92/HPF, P <0.05). The IFNγ + mast cell and CD8 + T cell counts were lower in the skin of MrgB2 -/- mice than in those of wild-type mice (WT vs . KO 48 h post-recall, 4.20 ± 0.84/HPF vs . 0.80 ± 0.84/HPF, P <0.05).
CONCLUSION
Mast cells activated by MrgX2 serve as a local IFNγ producer that bridges between innate and adaptive immune responses against MCs in early vitiligo. Targeting MrgX2-mediated mast cell activation may represent a new strategy for treating vitiligo.
Vitiligo/metabolism*
;
Mast Cells/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Interferon-gamma/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Humans
;
Melanocytes/metabolism*
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics*
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Female
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
;
Stem Cell Factor/metabolism*
5.Identification of blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology and evaluation of their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms.
Xia-Xia REN ; Jin-Na YANG ; Xue-Jun LUO ; Hui-Ping LI ; Miao QIAO ; Wen-Jia WANG ; Yi HE ; Shui-Ping ZHOU ; Yun-Hui HU ; Rui-Ming LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1928-1937
This study identified blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills and explored their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms. The main blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were detected and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The rationality of the formula was assessed by using enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms, and core targets of its active components were selected as the the potential anti-insomnia targets of Anshen Dropping Pills through network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis were performed on the core targets. An active component-core target network for Anshen Dropping Pills was constructed. Finally, the effects of low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Anshen Dropping Pills on sleep episodes, sleep duration, and sleep latency in mice were measured by supraliminal and subliminal pentobarbital sodium experiments. Moreover, total scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale was used to evaluate the changes before and after the treatment with Anshen Dropping Pills in a clinical study. The enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms verified the rationality of the Anshen Dropping Pills formula, and nine blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The network proximity revealed a significant correlation between eight components and insomnia, including magnoflorine, liquiritin, spinosin, quercitrin, jujuboside A, ginsenoside Rb_3, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the major anti-insomnia pathways of Anshen Dropping Pills involved substance and energy metabolism, neuroprotection, immune system regulation, and endocrine regulation. Seven core genes related to insomnia were identified: APOE, ALB, BDNF, PPARG, INS, TP53, and TNF. In summary, Anshen Dropping Pills could increase sleep episodes, prolong sleep duration, and reduce sleep latency in mice. Clinical study results demonstrated that Anshen Dropping Pills could decrease total scores of PSQI scale. This study reveals the pharmacodynamic basis and potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects of Anshen Dropping Pills, suggesting that its anti-insomnia mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of insomnia-related signaling pathways. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of Anshen Dropping Pills.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Male
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Humans
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Sleep/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Adult
6.Mechanisms of tumor immune microenvironment remodeling in current cancer therapies and the research progress.
Yuanzhen YANG ; Zhaoyang ZHANG ; Shiyu MIAO ; Jiaqi WANG ; Shanshan LU ; Yu LUO ; Feifei GAO ; Jiayue ZHAO ; Yiru WANG ; Zhifang XU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):372-377
The cellular and molecular components of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their information exchange processes significantly influence the trends of anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, numerous studies have begun to evaluate TIME in the context of previous cancer treatment strategies. This review will systematically summarize the compositional characteristics of TIME and, based on this foundation, explore the impact of current cancer therapies on the remodeling of TIME, aiming to provide new insights for the development of innovative immune combination therapies that can convert TIME into an anti-tumor profile.
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
;
Animals
7.Clinical Features and Prognosis of Primary Tonsil Lymphoma.
Dan LUO ; Qi-Miao SHAN ; Hua DING ; Jiao LIU ; Zi-Qing HUANG ; Feng ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1042-1046
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of primary tonsil lymphoma (PTL).
METHODS:
The clinical data of 41 patients diagnosed with PTL and treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2015 to December 2022 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical features and prognostic factors were analyzed.
RESULTS:
All the 41 patients were newly diagnosed with PTL, and the median age of onset was 58(19-85) years. Among them, 19 patients started with pharyngeal pain, 12 patients presented with dysphagia, 8 patients presented with pharyngeal mass, and 2 patients presented with blurred articulation. The most common pathological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (24 cases, 58.54%). All patients received chemotherapy, and 3 patients were combined with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Among 41 patients, 11 (26.83%) achieved complete response, 14 (34.15%) achieved partial response, and the total response rate was 60.98% (25/41). The median follow-up time was 37(6-107) months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 70.81% and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 66.20%. Univariate analysis showed that B symptoms, Ki-67, β2-MG and IPI score had significant effects on PFS and OS of patients (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that IPI score was an independent risk factor for PFS and OS of patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The clinical manifestations of PTL lack specificity, and the prognosis is relatively good. Most patients can achieve long-term survival after treatment. IPI score is related to the prognosis.
Tonsillar Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Lymphoma/pathology*
;
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Drug Therapy
;
Progression-Free Survival
;
Male
;
Female
;
Young Adult
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Lymphoma, B-Cell/pathology*
;
Survival Rate
8.Trend of Cervical Cancer Incidence and Age Change in Cancer Registration Areas of Jiangsu Province from 2009 to 2019
Lingling WU ; Fudong LIU ; Weigang MIAO ; Renqiang HAN ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Pengfei LUO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(11):945-950
Objective To analyze the changing trends of the incidence and onset age of cervical cancer in Jiangsu Province by using cancer registration data from 2009 to 2019. Methods The information of national cancer registries with continuous data from 2009 to 2019 was selected, and the quality control indices of cancer registration must be up to standards. A total of 16 registries were included in this study. Statistical analysis indicators include the crude incidence rate of cervical cancer, age-standardized incidence rate, actual average onset age, age-standardized average onset age, and average annual percentage change (AAPC). A birth cohort model was constructed to analyze the incidence of cervical cancer among women born from 2009 to 2019 and its incidence trend. Results From 2009 to 2019, the crude and age-standardized incidence rates of cervical cancer among women in Jiangsu Province showed upward trends, with AAPCs of 5.62% (95%CI: 3.47−7.82) and 4.14% (95%CI: 2.06−6.27), respectively. The incidence rate of cervical cancer in rural areas (AAPC=4.46, 95%CI: 1.13−7.91) increased more than that in urban areas (AAPC=3.83, 95%CI: 2.81−4.86). The actual average onset age of cervical cancer increased from 51.53 years in 2009 to 55.07 years in 2019 (β=0.36, P<0.05). The age-standardized average onset age increased from 48.89 years in 2009 to 50.43 years in 2019 (β=0.21, P<0.05). The age composition ratios of cervical cancer in the age group of 60 years and older were 31.90% in 2019 and 22.40% in 2009 (β=3.66, P<0.05). The incidence of cervical cancer in the same age group of people with different birth years showed an upward trend with the increase in birth year. Conclusion From 2009 to 2019, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in Jiangsu Province showed an upward trend, and this trend was more obvious in rural areas than in urban areas. In addition, the average onset age of cervical cancer showed an upward trend.
9.Fundamental study on the anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether extract from Melastoma dodecandrum based on spectrum-effect relationship
Shixi LUO ; Xiuping MA ; Jing LIU ; Wuqing XIONG ; Qingwen SUN ; Ning DING
China Pharmacy 2024;35(23):2877-2882
OBJECTIVE To explore the material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of the petroleum ether extract from Melastoma dodecandrum by establishing its fingerprint and combining it with cellular pharmacodynamics experiments. METHODS HPLC method was adopted; the fingerprints of 20 batches of petroleum ether extract from M. dodecandrum were drawn using The Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Chromatographic Fingerprint (2012 edition); similarity evaluation and common peak identification were carried out. The lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model of mice mononuclear macrophages (RAW264.7) was established; the inhibitory rates of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were used as indexes to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether extract from M. dodecandrum; grey correlation degree method and partial least square regression analysis were adopted to study the spectrum-effect relationship. Molecular docking was used to validate the binding activity of the anti-inflammatory active ingredients with TNF-α and iNOS protein receptor. RESULTS There were 19 common peaks in the fingerprint of the petroleum ether extract from M. dodecandrum, the similarity of 20 batches of samples ranged from 0.603-0.990, and five components were identified, such as vitexin (peak 5), isovitexin (peak 6), ellagic acid (peak 7), quercetin (peak 9) and luteolin (peak 10). The grey correlation degree between 19 common peaks of the petroleum ether extract from M. dodecandrum and the inhibition rates of NO and TNF-α were all greater than 0.7; peaks 19, 13, 9 (quercetin), 12, 5 (vitexin), 6 (isovitexin), 8, 7 (ellagic acid), 18, 1 were positively correlated with NO inhibition rate, and peaks 8, 10 (luteolin), 13, 15, 3, 19, 17, 7 (ellagic acid), 18, 1 were positively correlated with inhibition rate of TNF-α. The binding energies of vitexin, isovitexin and quercetin with iNOS protein receptor were less than -5.0 kcal/mol. CONCLUSIONS Vitexin, isovitexin and quercetin may be the basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of the petroleum ether extract from M.dodecandrum.
10.Isolation of Enterobacteriaceae strains carrying mcr-1 resistance gene from Shanghai wastewater treatment plants and quantification of their copy number
Jun FENG ; Mingxiang LIU ; Yuan ZHUANG ; Miao PAN ; Qian LIU ; Yong CHEN ; Jiayuan LUO ; Jiayi FEI ; Yitong WU ; Yanqi ZHU ; Jing ZHANG ; Min CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(3):217-223
ObjectiveTo provide technical support for the molecular surveillance of pathogenic bacteria strains carrying mobile colistin resistance-1 (mcr⁃1) gene isolate from inlet of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). MethodsThe Enterobacteriaceae strains carrying mcr⁃1 resistance gene isolate from inlet of WWTP during April 1 to June 30, 2023 in Shanghai were cultured on blood-rich and SS culture medium and were identified using a mass spectrometry analyzer. The mcr⁃1 gene and copy number were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Drug susceptibility test was performed by microbroth dilution method. The copy numbers of Escherichia coli carrying mcr⁃1 gene isolated from wastewater and human fecel were statistically analyzed by SPSS 25.0. ResultsA total of 14 strains carrying the mcr⁃1 gene were isolated from 49 WWTP samples, and the positive isolation rate was 28.6%, including 12 non-diarrheal E. coli strains and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. The drug susceptibility results showed that all 14 strains were multi-drug resistant bacteria. They were all sensitive to imipenem and tigecycline, but were ampicillin- and cefazolin-resistant. There was no significant difference in the copy number between human-sourced diarrheal E. coli and wastewater-sourced non-diarrheal E. coli (t=0.647, P>0.05). ConclusionThe isolation and identification of strains carrying the mcr⁃1 gene from inlet of WWTP samples were firstly established in Shanghai. The multi-drug resistance among the isolated strains is severe. To effectively prevent and control the spread of colistin-resistant bacteria, more attention should be paid to the surveillance of mcr⁃1 gene.

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