1.Effect and mechanism of the azo-podophyllotoxin derivative SU056 in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis
Qichao GE ; Rui CHEN ; Yufei YANG ; Yuecheng GUO ; Dihanjing ZHANG ; Hui DONG ; Lungen LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1310-1320
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of SU056, an azo-podophyllotoxin derivative, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and related mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 12 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group (CCl4+normal saline), and treatment group (CCl4+SU056), with 4 mice in each group. Mice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 to establish a model of liver fibrosis, and during the middle stage of modeling, the mice in the treatment group were given daily intraperitoneal injection of SU056. Liver histopathological injury, collagen deposition, and liver function were assessed based on HE staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue, and the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression levels of smooth muscle actin α (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ, and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB1). The human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and primary mouse HSC were used, and CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation; Transwell assay was used to observe cell migration; quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ, collagen type Ⅲ, YB1, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated S6K, so as to validate the function of the YB1/mTOR signaling axis. The one-way or two-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significant alleviation of inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and pseudolobule formation in liver tissue and significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.01). Immunofluorescence assay showed that SU056 significantly inhibited the abnormal high expression of α-SMA, collagen type I, and YB1 in liver tissue (all P<0.01). In vitro experiments showed that SU056 inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1-induced proliferation of LX-2 cells (P<0.01), the migration of LX-2 cells (P<0.05), and the transcriptional up-regulation of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ (all P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, and SU056 could inhibit the spontaneous activation of primary HSC in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that transforming growth factor-β1 simultaneously upregulated the expression levels of YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K in LX-2 cells, and treatment with SU056 (10 and 20 µmol/L) could downregulate the protein expression levels of collagen type I, YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K. Specific knockdown of YB1 or administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin exerted a similar effect as SU056. SU056 also inhibited the co-upregulation of α-SMA and phosphorylated mTOR in liver tissue of model mice (P<0.01). ConclusionSU056 can effectively inhibit HSC activation, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production both in vivo and in vitro and thus delay the progression of liver fibrosis, by disrupting the YB1/mTOR positive feedback signaling axis.
2.Differences in arousal threshold among obstructive sleep apnea patients of different genetic backgrounds and influencing factors
Rui ZHAO ; Ping YAO ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Zhiguo GUO ; Minqi XIE ; Hui DANG ; Yanrong JIA ; Jing CHENG ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):240-245
BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents a prevalent sleep disordered breathing condition characterized by complex pathophysiology. The arousal threshold (ArTH), a core non-anatomical contributor to OSA pathogenesis, is intimately tied to the disease severity and clinical phenotypes. To date, research regarding factors associated with ArTH has yielded inconsistent findings, and ArTH profiles and disparities across populations with different genetic backgrounds are not fully elucidated. ObjectiveTo explore the differences of ArTH in OSA patients with different genetic backgrounds and analyze the key factors affecting ArTH, thereby providing evidence for understanding OSA pathophysiology and formulating targeted treatment regimens. MethodsA total of 285 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for OSA, as defined by the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All participants underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) at the Sleep Medicine Center of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center from December 2022 to May 2024. Based on the study design, the cohort was stratified into two distinct genetic background subgroups (group A and group B). Demographic and clinical characteristics, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and overnight PSG data were collected. The apnea hypopnea index (AHI), the lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO2), and fraction of hypopneas (FHypopneas) were utilized as surrogate indicators to estimate ArTH in OSA patients. The influencing factors of low ArTH were tested by binary Logistic regression analysis. ResultsAmong the 285 OSA patients, there were 227 cases (79.65%) in group A and 58 cases (20.35%) in group B. Comparisons between the two genetic background subgroups revealed no statistically significant differences in the proportion of low ArTH, ESS score, PSG parameters, and the three markers for low ArTH (AHI<30 events/h, LSpO2>82.5%, FHypopneas>58.3%) (P>0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis identified sex (OR=2.421, 95% CI: 1.070–5.478), BMI (OR=0.847, 95% CI: 0.770–0.932), N1 sleep duration (OR=0.974, 95% CI: 0.963–0.985), and hypertension (OR=0.348, 95% CI: 0.143–0.848) as independent factors associated with low ArTH in the total cohort. Stratified analysis by genetic backgrounds revealed that sex(OR=3.799, 95% CI: 1.389–10.392), BMI(OR=0.819, 95% CI:0.723–0.929), and N1 sleep duration(OR=0.973, 95% CI: 0.961–0.986) were independent factors of low ArTH in group A. In contrast, only N1 sleep duration (OR=0.951, 95% CI: 0.911–0.993) remained a significant factor in group B. ConclusionArthur may have conservative characteristics in patients with OSA with different genetic backgrounds, but the pathophysiological mechanism of OSA may have population heterogeneity. [Funded by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Natural Science Fundation Project (number, 2024QN08050); Intra-institutional Scientific Research Project of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center (number, 2022QNWN0010)]
3.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
4.Compatibility Principle and Efficacy Characteristics of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Xuxiao LYU ; Mingyue QI ; Hui ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):210-216
Tangye Jingfa Tu is an important content in the ancient book Fuxingjue from Dunhuang, implying the fundamental principles of formula compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our research group has delved into nearly 200 formulas (both classical and contemporary formulas) recorded in the Fangjixue under the theoretical framework of the deficiency or excess syndrome of five Zang-organs together with the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors. We have initially elucidated the essential principles of the correspondence between formulas and syndromes, revealing the deep-level logic of medicinal material selection and compatibility, thus enriching the understanding about the core characteristics and essence of the diseases and syndromes targeted by formulas. The lunar year of 2024 is Jia Chen year. The formula recorded in Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun for treating the epidemic diseases characterized by excessive earth, prevalent dampness and wetness, and invasion of pathogenic factors into the kidney water in Jia Chen year is Fuzi Shanzhuyutang. Therefore, elucidating the compatibility principle of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang is of great significance for clinical prescription and medication modification in Jia Chen year. According to the Tangye Jingfa Tu theory on the deficiency or excess of syndrome of five Zang-organs and the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors, this article dissects Fuzi Shanzhuyutang regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of the main indications, as well as the five-element properties and efficacy characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials constituting this formula. It explains the compatibility principles of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang and puts forward suggestions for modifying the formula to address different indications, providing a reference for guiding clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.
5.Compatibility Principle and Efficacy Characteristics of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang from Perspective of Tangye Jingfa Tu
Xuxiao LYU ; Mingyue QI ; Hui ZHANG ; Rui JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):210-216
Tangye Jingfa Tu is an important content in the ancient book Fuxingjue from Dunhuang, implying the fundamental principles of formula compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our research group has delved into nearly 200 formulas (both classical and contemporary formulas) recorded in the Fangjixue under the theoretical framework of the deficiency or excess syndrome of five Zang-organs together with the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors. We have initially elucidated the essential principles of the correspondence between formulas and syndromes, revealing the deep-level logic of medicinal material selection and compatibility, thus enriching the understanding about the core characteristics and essence of the diseases and syndromes targeted by formulas. The lunar year of 2024 is Jia Chen year. The formula recorded in Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun for treating the epidemic diseases characterized by excessive earth, prevalent dampness and wetness, and invasion of pathogenic factors into the kidney water in Jia Chen year is Fuzi Shanzhuyutang. Therefore, elucidating the compatibility principle of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang is of great significance for clinical prescription and medication modification in Jia Chen year. According to the Tangye Jingfa Tu theory on the deficiency or excess of syndrome of five Zang-organs and the reinforcing and reducing effects of Chinese medicinal materials of five flavors, this article dissects Fuzi Shanzhuyutang regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of the main indications, as well as the five-element properties and efficacy characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials constituting this formula. It explains the compatibility principles of Fuzi Shanzhuyutang and puts forward suggestions for modifying the formula to address different indications, providing a reference for guiding clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment.
6.Effects of microstructured bone implant material surfaces on osteogenic function of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts
Liping HUANG ; Hui LI ; Xinge WANG ; Rui WANG ; Bei CHANG ; Shiting LI ; Xiaorong LAN ; Guangwen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):1990-1996
BACKGROUND:The micro/nanostructured gradient biomimetic surface of implant materials can simulate the structure of the extracellular environment in human bone tissue,thereby achieving perfect bone integration function.However,further research is needed on the mechanisms by which the surface microstructure of bone implant materials regulates cell function and promotes osteogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effect of titanium sheet microstructure surface on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. METHODS:(1)At a constant voltage of 5 V or 20 V,nanotube arrays of different diameters were prepared on the surface of titanium sheets by acid etching and anodic oxidation techniques,and were recorded as group R5 and group R20,respectively.The surface morphology,roughness,and hydrophilicity of pure titanium sheet(without acid etching or anodizing treatment)were measured in group R5 and group R20.(2)MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts of logarithmic growth stage were inoculated on the surface of pure titanium sheets,R5 group and R20 group respectively.After 24 hours of osteogenic induction culture,the expression of mechanical sensitive channel protein 1 was analyzed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining.Osteoblast inducible base with or without the mechanosensitive channel protein 1 activator Yada1 was added,and alkaline phosphatase staining was performed after 7 days of culture.Alizarin red staining was performed after 14 days of culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surface of pure titanium sheets was smooth under scanning electron microscope.Relatively uniform and orderly nanotube arrays with average diameters of about 30 nm and 100 nm were observed on the surface of titanium sheets of groups R5 and R20,respectively.The results of scanning electron microscope were further verified by atomic force microscopy.The surface roughness of titanium sheet of group R5 was higher than that of pure titanium(P<0.05),and the water contact angle was lower than that of pure titanium(P<0.05).The surface roughness of titanium sheet in group R20 was higher than that in group R5(P<0.05),and the water contact angle was lower than that in group R5(P<0.05).(2)RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of mechanosensitive channel protein 1 in group R5 was higher than that in pure titanium group(P<0.05),and the expression of mechanosensitive channel protein 1 in group R20 was higher than that in group R5(P<0.05).Under the osteogenic induction,compared with the condition without Yada1,there were no significant changes in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the deposition of calcified nodules in pure titanium group after Yada1 addition,while the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the deposition of calcified nodules in groups R5 and R20 after Yada1 addition were significantly increased(P<0.05).With or without Yada1,the alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule deposition in group R5 were higher than those in pure titanium group(P<0.05),and the alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule deposition in group R20 were higher than those in group R5(P<0.05).(3)The results show that the surface microstructure of titanium sheet can promote the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast MC3T3-E1 by activating mechanosensitive channel protein 1.
7.Ultrasound-based radiogenomics: status, applications, and future direction
Si-Rui WANG ; Yu-Ting SHEN ; Bin HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):95-111
Radiogenomics, an extension of radiomics, explores the relationship between imaging features and underlying gene expression patterns. This field is instrumental in providing reliable imaging surrogates, thus potentially representing an alternative to genetic testing. The rapidly growing area of radiogenomics that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging seeks to elucidate the connections between US image characteristics and genomic data. In this review, the authors outline the radiogenomics workflow and summarize the applications of US-based radiogenomics. These include the prediction of gene variations, molecular subtypes, and other biological characteristics, as well as the exploration of the relationships between US phenotypes and cancer gene profiles. Although the field faces various challenges, US-based radiogenomics offers promising prospects and avenues for future research.
8.Ultrasound-based radiogenomics: status, applications, and future direction
Si-Rui WANG ; Yu-Ting SHEN ; Bin HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):95-111
Radiogenomics, an extension of radiomics, explores the relationship between imaging features and underlying gene expression patterns. This field is instrumental in providing reliable imaging surrogates, thus potentially representing an alternative to genetic testing. The rapidly growing area of radiogenomics that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging seeks to elucidate the connections between US image characteristics and genomic data. In this review, the authors outline the radiogenomics workflow and summarize the applications of US-based radiogenomics. These include the prediction of gene variations, molecular subtypes, and other biological characteristics, as well as the exploration of the relationships between US phenotypes and cancer gene profiles. Although the field faces various challenges, US-based radiogenomics offers promising prospects and avenues for future research.
9.Ultrasound-based radiogenomics: status, applications, and future direction
Si-Rui WANG ; Yu-Ting SHEN ; Bin HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):95-111
Radiogenomics, an extension of radiomics, explores the relationship between imaging features and underlying gene expression patterns. This field is instrumental in providing reliable imaging surrogates, thus potentially representing an alternative to genetic testing. The rapidly growing area of radiogenomics that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging seeks to elucidate the connections between US image characteristics and genomic data. In this review, the authors outline the radiogenomics workflow and summarize the applications of US-based radiogenomics. These include the prediction of gene variations, molecular subtypes, and other biological characteristics, as well as the exploration of the relationships between US phenotypes and cancer gene profiles. Although the field faces various challenges, US-based radiogenomics offers promising prospects and avenues for future research.
10.Luteolin alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting autophagy of hepatic stellate cells
Shu-ling CHEN ; Xi-xuan WANG ; Rui-qi LI ; Da-wei YANG ; Hui CAO ; Yong-feng YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1875-1883
Aim To explore the mechanism of luteolin in alleviating hepatic fibrosis.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,CCl4 group,silybin group(100 mg·kg-1)and luteo-lin group(100 mg·kg-1).After 10-week modeling and 2-week treatment,the serum levels of aminotrans-ferase and liver histopathology were examined.Hepatic fibrosis and autophagy-related gene expression were as-sessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluores-cence.Human hepatic stellate cell line(LX2)was cultured and divided into control,TGF-β1(10 mg·L-1),TGF-β1+silybin(40 μmol·L-1),TGF-β1+luteolin(40 μmol·L-1).Fibrotic and autophagy-re-lated markers were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR,Western blot,immunofluorescence and MDC staining.Results Compared with the CCl4 group,the treatment groups showed significantly improved liver function and reduced hepatic fibrosis,with markedly downregulated COL1A1 and α-SMA expression,and luteolin demonstrated superior efficacy.Compared with TGF-β1 group,luteolin treatment significantly de-creased mRNA levels of COL1A1,ACTA2 and MAP1LC3B,while increasing the mRNA level of SQSTM1,the protein levels of COL1A1 and α-SMA de-creased,p62 was enhanced,the LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was downregulated,and autophagy was reduced.These effects of luteolin were reversed by autophagy inducer rapamycin.Conclusion Luteolin alleviates liver fi-brosis by decreasing the autophagy of hepatic stellate cells.

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