1.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
2.Evidence-based practice of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients
Lin HAN ; Chuchu YAN ; Yawei SHAN ; Haiying LU ; Ru CHEN ; Fei GAN ; Lijuan JIN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1157-1164
Objective To construct an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients based on the best evidence,and to evaluate its clinical effects,aiming to provide references for the implementation of relevant interventions.Methods Knowledge to Action Framework was used as a guide to summarise the best evidence on discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients and to select services based on clinical context.We selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from the De-partment of Orthopaedic Surgery at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai in September-October 2023 to conduct a baseline review,identify facilitating and hindering factors,and develop a practice protocol.We also selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from November-December 2023 on this ward for evidence-based practice.Nurses'rates of completion of review indicators,levels of knowledge of discharge preparation ser-vices,and discharge planning competencies were compared before and after practice.Patients'readiness for dis-charge,hip function,and unplanned readmissions were also compared before and after the practice.Results After evidence-based practice,nurses'completion rates of review indicators,knowledge of discharge preparation services,and discharge planning competencies were higher than baseline levels(P<0.05).Hip replacement patients showed a significant improvement in readiness for discharge and hip function(P<0.001).Conclusion The implementation of an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services improves nurses'knowledge and skills,and also contributes to the discharge readiness and hip function of hip replacement patients.
3.Research on Preservation Performance of Polymer Evidence Bags for Sealing Fire Debris
Yu-Hang JIANG ; Yao LIU ; Yu WANG ; Yan-Ru YAO ; Jing JIN ; Zheng-Zhe ZANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):765-773,中插11-中插20
Arson is classified as a violent crime,and often involves accelerants that significantly increase casualties and property damage.These accelerants,typically flammable liquids with low saturated vapor pressure,present volatile characteristic components in fire residues,making evidence preservation critical for accurate forensic analysis.In this study,the preservation performance of AMPAC(American KAPAC polyester sampling bags)and polyethylene(PE)evidence bags were evaluated under simulated field conditions(40 oC)through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)technique,focusing on background interference,sealing integrity,and cross-contamination.The results demonstrated that AMPAC bags exhibited minimal background interference(C12?C14 alkanes detected after 3?7 days)and effective gasoline sealing,though slight losses of C2?C3 alkylbenzenes and trace cross-contamination were observed.In contrast,PE bags showed significant background hydrocarbons(C15?C19 alkanes)and pronounced gasoline component losses,including C2?C4 alkylbenzenes,naphthalenes,and indenes.Notably,severe cross-contamination of gasoline markers was detected in adjacent blank PE bags,with characteristic components such as C2?C4 alkylbenzenes,naphthalenes,methylnaphthalenes,dimethylnaphthalenes,indenes,indanes,methylindenes,and dimethylindenes identified,indicating substantial cross-contamination issues in PE evidence bags.Microstructural analysis revealed superior sealing in AMPAC bags attributed to their smooth,dense surface morphology compared to PE's rougher,porous structure.This study established a comprehensive evaluation framework for fire residue evidence containers,and found that PE bags were unsuitable for long-term gasoline evidence preservation due to compromised integrity.These findings provided critical references for forensic container selection in fire investigations.
4.Nogo-A Protein Mediates Oxidative Stress and Synaptic Damage Induced by High-Altitude Hypoxia in the Rat Hippocampus.
Jin Yu FANG ; Huai Cun LIU ; Yan Fei ZHANG ; Quan Cheng CHENG ; Zi Yuan WANG ; Xuan FANG ; Hui Ru DING ; Wei Guang ZHANG ; Chun Hua CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):79-93
OBJECTIVE:
High-altitude hypoxia exposure often damages hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Nogo-A is an important axonal growth inhibitory factor. However, its function in high-altitude hypoxia and its mechanism of action remain unclear.
METHODS:
In an in vivo study, a low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate high-altitude hypoxia, and genetic or pharmacological intervention was used to block the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway. Contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory in rats, and synaptic damage in the hippocampus and changes in oxidative stress levels were observed. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function with or without Nogo-A knockdown in Oxygen Glucose-Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) models.
RESULTS:
Exposure to acute high-altitude hypoxia for 3 or 7 days impaired learning and memory in rats, triggered oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, and reduced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. Blocking the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway ameliorated oxidative stress, synaptic damage, and the learning and memory impairment induced by high-altitude exposure.
CONCLUSION:
Our results demonstrate the detrimental role of Nogo-A protein in mediating learning and memory impairment under high-altitude hypoxia and suggest the potential of the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway as a crucial therapeutic target for alleviating learning and memory dysfunction induced by high-altitude exposure.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
available in www.besjournal.com.
Animals
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Oxidative Stress
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Nogo Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Hypoxia/metabolism*
;
Altitude
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Synapses
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Humans
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Altitude Sickness/metabolism*
5.circHERC4_041 Inhibits the Fibrotic Phenotype of Cardiac Fibroblasts by Encoding Protein
Yuan GAO ; Chuan-Meng ZHOU ; Hua-Yan WU ; Ya WANG ; Ru-Shi WU ; Pei-Ying GUAN ; Jun-Tao FANG ; Jin-Dong XU ; Yu-Peng LIU ; Zhi-Qin HU ; Zhi-Xin SHAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):393-403
A mounting body of research suggests that circRNAs significantly contribute to the develop-ment of myocardial fibrosis.The microarray results of human circular RNA expression profile indicated that circHERC4_041 expression increased in the myocardium of patients with heart failure,RT-qPCR a-nalysis confirmed that the myocardial expression level of circHERC4_041 in individuals with heart failure were considerably elevated compared to that in healthy organ donors.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed that circHERC4_041 was abundant in the cytoplasm of human cardiomyocyte AC16.Overexpression of circHERC4_041 in mouse myocardial fibroblasts(mCFs)mediated by adenovirus in-hibited the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in mCFs.Experiments involving cell proliferation,wound healing,and Transwell assays demonstrated that overexpression of circHERC4_041 suppressed the growth and mobility of mCFs(P<0.001).Sequence analysis results suggested that circHERC4_041 con-tains potential ribosome entry sequence(IRES)and open reading frame(ORF).Western blot confirmed that circHERC4_041 could translate the 516 amino acid HERC4-516aa protein,which was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the cell.Cell functional experiments confirmed that circHERC4_041 inhibited the fi-brotic phenotype of mCFs by specifically translating HERC4-516aa(P<0.05).The specific interaction between HERC4-516aa and transglutaminase 2(TGM2)was confirmed by IP-MS screening and Co-IP i-dentification.Further results found that the degradation of TGM2 was promoted through proteasome path-way.The overexpression of TGM2 in mCFs facilitated by adenoviral vectors could counteract the suppres-sive effects of HERC4-516aa on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs.Therefore,this study confirmed that the HERC4-516aa protein translated by circHERC4_041 can specifically bind to TGM2 to inhibit the fibrotic phenotype of myocardial fibroblasts.
6.Simultaneous content determination of twenty-one constituents in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction by HPLC-MS/MS
Qiu-gu CHEN ; Jin-ru WU ; Chang-hui LI ; Shang-bin ZHANG ; Yuan ZHAO ; Jian-ping CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):365-371
AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,oxypaeoniflorin,catechin,epicatechin,albiflorin,paeoniflorin,rutin,calycosin-7-glucoside,syringaldehyde,ferulic acid,coumarin,ononin,calycosin,cinnamic alcohol,cinnamic acid,benzoylpaeoniflorin,cinnamaldehyde,astragaloside,astragaloside Ⅲ,6-gingerol in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD column(150 mmx4.6 mm,3 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.015%formic acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.4 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electrospray ionization source was adopted in positive and negative ion modes with multiple reaction monitoring.RESULTS Twenty-one constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.990 5),whose average recoveries were 93.99%-108.52%with the RSDs of 1.04%-5.97%.CONCLUSION This simple,feasible,stable and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction.
7.Effect and mechanism of triptolide in alleviating depression induced by corticosterone in mice via CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway
Ya-ru ZHANG ; Yao ZHUANG ; Zhu TAO ; Xue LI ; Shu-min DING ; Jin-peng LYU ; Li LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):677-685
Aim To investigate the effect of triptolide(TP)on corticosterone(CORT)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice and explore the antidepressant mechanism of TP based on the CREB/BDNF/TrkB sig-naling pathway.Methods Sixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups:control group,CORT group,TP groups of low and high doses(10,30 μg·kg-1),and fluoxetine(FLU)group(10 mg·kg-1).Except for the control group,the other groups received subcutaneous injec-tions of CORT for three consecutive weeks to establish the model of depression.During the last two weeks of modeling,normal saline,TP and FLU were adminis-tered via intraperitoneal injection respectively.After the administration,depression-like behaviors in mice were assessed using forced swimming test,tail suspen-sion test,and sucrose preference test.Biochemical methods were used to measure the levels of SOD and MDA in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex(PFC).Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL meth-od.Immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,and Western blotting were employed to detect the expres-sion of apoptosis/autophagy-related proteins,synaptic structure markers,and proteins related to the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.Results TP signifi-cantly ameliorated CORT-induced depression-like be-haviors in mice,mainly manifested by reduced immo-bility time in the tail suspension test and forced swim-ming test,and increased sucrose preference rate.TP alleviated CORT-induced oxidative stress by increasing SOD levels and reducing MDA production in brain tis-sue.Additionally,TP also inhibited apoptosis and ex-cessive autophagy of neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex,maintained synaptic plasticity,and significantly upregulated the expression of p-CREB,BDNF,and TrkB.Conclusions TP exhibits potential antidepressant effect in mice by upregulating the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway,reducing oxida-tive stress,inhibiting excessive neuronal apoptosis and autophagy,and improving synaptic plasticity.
8.Evidence-based practice of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients
Lin HAN ; Chuchu YAN ; Yawei SHAN ; Haiying LU ; Ru CHEN ; Fei GAN ; Lijuan JIN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1157-1164
Objective To construct an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients based on the best evidence,and to evaluate its clinical effects,aiming to provide references for the implementation of relevant interventions.Methods Knowledge to Action Framework was used as a guide to summarise the best evidence on discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients and to select services based on clinical context.We selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from the De-partment of Orthopaedic Surgery at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai in September-October 2023 to conduct a baseline review,identify facilitating and hindering factors,and develop a practice protocol.We also selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from November-December 2023 on this ward for evidence-based practice.Nurses'rates of completion of review indicators,levels of knowledge of discharge preparation ser-vices,and discharge planning competencies were compared before and after practice.Patients'readiness for dis-charge,hip function,and unplanned readmissions were also compared before and after the practice.Results After evidence-based practice,nurses'completion rates of review indicators,knowledge of discharge preparation services,and discharge planning competencies were higher than baseline levels(P<0.05).Hip replacement patients showed a significant improvement in readiness for discharge and hip function(P<0.001).Conclusion The implementation of an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services improves nurses'knowledge and skills,and also contributes to the discharge readiness and hip function of hip replacement patients.
9.Experimental study on salvianolic acid B regulating lipid metabolism and improving non-alcoholic fatty liver
Jia-jian ZHANG ; Meng-ru GUO ; Jin-yu MEI ; Ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):107-115
Aim To explore the effect of salvianolic acid B(SalB)on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver by regulating Lcn2.Methods In vivo experiments,8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed with regular maintenance diet as the control group,while 8-week-old ApoE-/-mice were fed with high-fat diet and random-ly divided into the model group and SalB group.After eight weeks of feeding,mice in the SalB group were ga-vaged with SalB at a low dose of 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 and a high dose of 30 mg·kg-1·d-1,while mice in the control and model groups were gavaged with equal doses of normal saline.The results of liver RNA-seq revealed differentially expressed genes between the model group and the SalB group.HE staining and Oil Red O staining were used to observe pathological chan-ges in liver tissue.The kit was used to detect lipid,ox-idative stress,and inflammation in serum and liver tis-sue.RT-qPCR was employed to detect the mRNA lev-els of Lcn2,SREBP-1C,and enzymes related to lipid synthesis.In vitro experiments established a NAFLD model by inducing L02 and LX-2 cells with palmitic acid(PA)for 24 hours,and the effect of SalB on non-alcoholic fatty liver in vitro was detected by co treat-ment of SalB(30 pmol·L-1)and PA(0.2 mmol·L-1).The assay kit was used to detect the content of TC and TG in L02 cells,the cell oil red O staining to detect the accumulation of lipids in L02 cells,and RT-qPCR to detect the mRNA levels of Lcn2,SREBP-1 C,and genes related to lipid metabolism in LX-2 cells.Results The biochemical indicators of serum and liver in the model group were abnormal,with elevated levels of lipid,inflammation,and oxidative stress in liver tis-sue.Large areas of lipid vacuoles and deposition were observed,and PA induced L02 cells also exhibited sig-nificant lipid accumulation.These liver lesions were significantly improved after intervention with SalB.The effect of SalB on regulating lipid metabolism and in-flammation was found from RNA-seq.The mRNA lev-els of liver and LX-2 cells showed significant upregula-tion of Lcn2,SREBP-1 C,and enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the model group,and markedly downreg-ulation in the SalB group.Conclusions SalB can im-prove non-alcoholic fatty liver,and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression of Lcn2,SREBP-1 C,and lipid synthase.
10.Association between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance
Jin-Bo LI ; Ya XIAO ; Shu-Qin JIANG ; Xiang-Yang LUO ; Hong-Ru ZHANG ; Jun SUN ; Wen-Hui SHI ; Ying YANG ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1487-1492
Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

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