1.miR-6824-3p suppresses hepatitis B virus replication by targeting NRAS to regulate TNF-α secretion in macrophages
Simin LIN ; Limin CHEN ; Yujia LI ; Shilin LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):465-477
Objective: To investigate the regulatory role of miR-6824-3p in macrophage function and its molecular mechanism in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, thereby providing experimental evidence to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms underlying persistent HBV infection. Methods: miR-6824-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into human THP-1-induced macrophages. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutral red uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and fluorescent latex particle phagocytosis assays were employed to evaluate the effects of miR-6824-3p on macrophage phenotype and function. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and siRNA interference techniques, we identified the target gene of miR-6824-3p and examined their effects on downstream signaling pathways. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of miR-6824-3p-regulated macrophages on HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigen levels in HepAD38 cells. Key effector molecules were identified through neutralization assays. Results: miR-6824-3p mimic significantly promoted the expression and secretion of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in macrophages (P<0.001), while concurrently reducing ROS production and phagocytosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-6824-3p downregulated NRAS expression in macrophages, which was accompanied by a reduction in MAPK signalling path-way activity (p-MEK, p-ERK). Compared to the control group, the medium of macrophages with overexpressed miR-6824-3p inhibited the expression of HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigens HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcAg in HepAD38 cells (P<0.01). Similar results were also observed in the co-culture system of macrophages with HepAD38 cells. The addition of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies markedly attenuated the aforementioned antiviral effects (P<0.001). Conclusion: miR-6824-3p targets NRAS to affect the downstream MAPK signaling pathway, regulating the immune function of macrophages. The TNF-α induced by miR-6824-3p is one of the key molecules that suppress HBV replication. This study provides evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence HBV replication via modulating the host immune microenvironment.
2.Establishment and clinical application of a method for the determination of tacrolimus concentration in human whole blood
Simin LIU ; Yamin CHU ; Yahui HU ; Guangfeng LONG ; Feng CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1180-1184
OBJECTIVE To develop a method for the determination of tacrolimus (TAC) concentration in human whole blood and to apply it in clinical therapeutic drug monitoring. METHODS Whole blood samples were processed by protein precipitation with methanol. The determination was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with ascomycin serving as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Kinetex F5 100Å column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1 mmol/L ammonium acetate containing 0.2 mmol/L formic acid and methanol. Gradient elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The injection volume was 5 μL. Detection was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring ( m / z 821.6→768.6 for TAC; m / z 809.4→756.1 for ascomycin) with an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode. The study focused on 86 whole blood samples collected from 83 pedi atric patients who received TAC therapy at Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 1 to 30, 2025. The aforementioned method was employed to measure the TAC concentration in the whole blood samples. The correlation and agreement between the aforementioned method and the traditional enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) were evaluated through Spearman correlation analysis, Bland-Altman analysis, and Passing-Bablok regression analysis. RESULTS The linear range of TAC was 0.5-100 ng/mL; the evaluation results for accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability tests all met the relevant requirements. Clinical application results showed that the median concentration of TAC in pediatric whole blood measured by LC-MS/MS and EMIT methods were 4.4 and 4.0 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, the two methods exhibited a strong correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.848 1) and good agreement (average relative deviation of 6.5%). CONCLUSIONS A reliable LC-MS/MS method for the determination of TAC concentration in human whole blood is successfully established. This method demonstrates strong correlation and good agreement with the EMIT method, making it suitable for clinical therapeutic drug monitoring.
3.Structure of myelin in the central nervous system and another possible driving force for its formation-myelin compaction.
Qi SHAO ; Simin CHEN ; Tian XU ; Yuyu SHI ; Zijin SUN ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(4):303-316
Myelin formation is considered the last true "invention" in the evolution of vertebrate nervous system cell structure. The rapid jumping pulse propagation achieved by myelin enables the high conduction speed that is the basis of human movement, sensation, and cognitive function. As a key structure in the brain, white matter is the gathering place of myelin. However, with age, white matter-associated functions become abnormal and a large number of myelin sheaths undergo degenerative changes, causing serious neurological and cognitive disorders. Despite the extensive time and effort invested in exploring myelination and its functions, numerous unresolved issues and challenges persist. In-depth exploration of the functional role of myelin may bring new inspiration for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and even mental illnesses. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the structure and key molecules of the myelin in the CNS, delving into its formation process. Specifically, we propose a new hypothesis regarding the source of power for myelin expansion in which membrane compaction may serve as a driving force for myelin extension. The implications of this hypothesis could provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diseases involving myelin malfunction and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention in myelin-related disorders.
Myelin Sheath/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Central Nervous System/metabolism*
;
Animals
4.Research on the protective effects and influencing factors of hearing protection device in different industries
Shibiao SU ; Xi ZHONG ; Qifan HUANG ; Qinyu OU ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Zepeng LI ; Xi LUO ; Simin CHEN ; Zhaoying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(7):508-512
Objective:To evaluate the current situation of the protective effect of hearing protection device (HPD) worn by manufacturing workers and discuss their possible influencing factors.Methods:A total of 3634 noisy workers were surveyed and tested. The study conducted surveys of workers on the use of HPD. The 3M TM E-A-R Fit TM binaural verification system was used to measure the personal attenuation device (PAR) of workers wearing HPD. Results:The M ( Q1, Q3) of baseline PAR obtained by 3634 workers was 12 (2, 19) dB. There was a statistically significant difference in baseline PAR among the three types of HPDs ( H=336.39, P<0.01) . After pairwise comparison, it was found that the baseline PAR of workers wearing foam earplugs and earmuffs was higher than that of pre-molded earplugs ( P<0.01) . There were differences in baseline PAR among workers in different industries ( Z=359.73, P<0.01) . Education level, age of using HPD, types of HPDs, noise exposure intensity, with or without knowledge of correct methods, and comfort evaluation were the main factors affecting baseline PAR ( P<0.05) . There were 1536 workers (43.4%) failed the baseline PAR test. After the intervention, the median PAR increased significantly from 1 (0, 6) dB (baseline) to 18 (14, 22) dB (after the intervention) ( P<0.01) . The follow-up test found that the follow-up PAR of 328 workers was higher than the baseline PAR of the initial test, and the follow-up PAR was higher than the post-intervention PAR of the initial test ( P<0.01) . Conclusion:Under the conditions of this study, the protective effect of HPD was affected by factors such as incorrect understanding of wearing methods, exposure to high-intensity noise, low education level, a short period of time of HPD use and low comfort of hearing protectors. The protective effect could be improved through training, optimizing the wearing of hearing protector models, and follow-up interventions. Enterprises should use suitability verification to ensure the correct selection and wearing of noisy workers.
5.Efficacy and the influence on anal function of surgery combined with ustekinumab in active Crohn's disease patients with perianal fistula
Simin XU ; Yibo YAO ; Yikun LI ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Yingxin FU ; Chen WANG
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(1):59-66
Objective:To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy and the influence on anal function of surgery combined with ustekinumab (UST) in active Crohn's disease (CD) patients with perianal fistula.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data of active CD patients with perianal fistula undergoing surgery combined with UST at Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2020 to December 2022 were collected. The primary endpoints were clinical healing rate, Wexner score, and anorectal manometry values at week 52 of treatment. Secondary endpoints included the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), perianal Crohn's disease activity index (PDAI), laboratory indicators [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fecal calprotectin (FC) ], endoscopic remission rate, Van Assche score, and radiographic healing rate at week 52 of treatment.Results:A total of 28 patients were included, with 22 males (78.6%) and 6 females (21.4%) ; age (25.2 ± 7.7) (16.0-52.0) years. There was 1 patient (3.6%) of simple anal fistula. There were 27 patients (96.4%) of complex anal fistulas, including 12 of high intersphincteric type, 15 of high transsphincteric type, in which 15 with branched tracts (or ≥2 fistula tracts). The pre-treatment CDAI was 187.0 (156.0, 245.0), and the PDAI was 10.0 (9.0, 12.0). Among the 28 patients, 23 (82.1%) underwent fistulotomy, 1 (3.6%) underwent transanal opening of intersphincteric space (TROPIS), and 4 (14.3%) underwent video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC). All the patients received UST treatment postoperatively, without concurrent use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroid therapy. At week 52 of treatment, 28 (100%) patients achieved clinical healing. Compared to pre-treatment, Wexner score of patients at week 52 of treatment was significantly lower [0 (0, 0) vs. 1.0 (0, 3.0), P < 0.001], maximum anal sphincter pressure increased [ (137.6±40.9) mmHg vs. (105.1±29.2) mmHg, P < 0.001], maximum anal sphincter contraction time extended [9.0 (5.0, 15.0) s vs. 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) s, P < 0.001], and there was no significant decrease in anal resting pressure ( P > 0.05). Compared to pre-treatment, CDAI, PDAI, Van Assche scores, and simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) of patients at week 52 of treatment all significantly decreased (all P < 0.001), and CRP, ESR, and FC all decreased (all P < 0.05), with statistically significant differences. The radiographic healing rate at week 52 of treatment was 75.0% (21/28), and the radiographic remission rate was 92.9% (26/28). The endoscopic remission rate was 57.1% (16/28), and the endoscopic response rate was 82.1% (23/28) . Conclusion:The long-term clinical healing rate of active CD patients with perianal fistula receiving surgery combined with UST is high, and the anal function can be improved significantly.
6.Recent advance in NLRP3 inflammatome in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Simin CHEN ; Hongyu QUAN ; Mai LI ; Qian CHEN ; Ying WU ; Yongmei LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):94-99
The mechanism of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is still unclear, which might be closely related to ion channel changes, central sensitization and decreased function of descending inhibitory system after injury. Existing studies have shown that the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play a key role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury; therefore, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising therapeutic strategy. This review analyzes the molecular mechanism and treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury, aiming to provide references for pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.
7.Therapeutic effect of Rhizoma Corydalis on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate and its mechanism:a study based on metabolomics
Chentao XIE ; Jialing LIU ; Yangyang GAO ; Haoran XU ; Hui WANG ; Yuanjing ZHAO ; Ruyi FAN ; Simin CHEN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):879-888
Objective:To investigate the interventional effect of Rhizoma Corydalis on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS),as well as the potential mechanism of Rhizoma Corydalis in the treatment of UC based on metabolomics and inflammation biomarkers.Methods:A mouse model of UC was established,and then the mice were divided into model group,high-dose group(1.517 g/kg crude drug),middle-dose group(0.986 g/kg crude drug),low-dose group(0.455 g/kg crude drug),and positive drug group(5-aminosalicylic acid at a dose of 718.8 mg/kg),while the mice without modeling were selected as normal group(0.9%NaCl by gavage).The mice in each group were administered for 7 consecutive days,and phenotypic parameters were dynamically moni-tored,such as body weight change,disease activity index(DAI),mean daily food intake,and daily water intake.The mice were sacri-ficed after 7 days to collect serum and colon tissue samples;ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of the proinflammatory fac-tors interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-17A(IL-17A),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was used to perform the non-targeted metabolomics analysis and compare the differences in se-rum metabolite profiles between groups.The mice were selected for modeling and validation with the same method,and glutathione(GSH)was selected as the positive drug.Colon length and mucosal damage were assessed,and quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the relative mRNA expression levels of the key genes in the glutathione synthesis pathway(γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase[γ-GCS]and oxidative stress regulators yap1p and skn7)and mito-chondrial GSH transporter protein(Slc25a39)in colonic tissue.Results:Rhizoma Corydalis significantly improved weight loss,DAI,and colon length in a dose-dependent manner in the model animals,and there were reductions in the serum levels of IL-6,CRP,and TNF-α,while it had no significant effect on IL-17A.The metabolomics analysis revealed 21 potential biomarkers associated with amino acid and lipid metabolism,which were significantly regulated by Rhizoma Corydalis.In the verification experiment,both Rhi-zoma Corydalis and GSH exerted a significant protective effect against colonic mucosal damage without affecting colon length.Rhizoma Corydalis upregulated the expression of genes associated with glutathione synthesis,especially γ-GCS,suggesting that Rhizoma Co-rydalis could enhance intestinal antioxidant defenses.Conclusion:Rhizoma Corydalis has a therapeutic potential in a mouse model of DSS-induced UC and can alleviate symptoms,reduce the serum levels of inflammatory markers,and regulate metabolic pathways,and upregulation of the genes associated with glutathione synthesis suggests that the drug can enhance intestinal antioxidant defenses.
8.Discussion on the biological connotations of the pathogenesis of "earth congestion and wood depletion" in anxiety based on "intestinal flora-bile acid metabolism"
Yanan WANG ; Yuehan SONG ; Simin CHEN ; Jiayi CHEN ; Xinyi LYU ; Jiahui HE ; Kaiyue RU ; Zijie CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1347-1352
In recent years, the relationship between intestinal flora dysbiosis and abnormal bile acid metabolism and anxiety has received widespread attention. This article discussed the biological mechanism of the pathogenesis of anxiety from the perspective of intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism, in order to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the TCM prevention and treatment of anxiety. According to TCM, spleen and stomach belong to earth, liver and gallbladder belong to wood, when spleen qi is healthy, the normal distribution of water and grain essence can be achieved, so that the liver can be nourished, qi and blood is sufficient, and its excretory function is normal, and the bile is sufficient. Once the spleen is not healthy, the distribution of water and grain essence is good, affecting the metabolism of fluids, resulting in phlegm and dampness, the qi is not smooth, can affect the liver's excretory function; liver and wood depression for a long time, transgressing the spleen and earth, qi and blood lack of biochemical sources, the formation of soil congestion and wood depression of the pathological phenomenon will appear. From the viewpoint of modern medicine and molecular biology, changes in the structure of intestinal flora affect the organism through neurological, endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways, which is consistent with the pathogenesis of "congestion of the earth"; disorders in the metabolism of bile acids can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and synaptic structure in the brain, causing anxiety symptoms, which is consistent with the characteristics of "wood depression". The bile acid metabolism disorder can cause neurotransmitter and synaptic structure changes in the brain, causing anxiety symptoms, which is consistent with the characteristics of "wood depression". It is important to regulate the intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism pathway to ease the liver and strengthen the spleen to improve anxiety.
9.Drug target discovery for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization
Xueyang LIN ; Simin LANG ; Yufeng YANG ; Chen YANG ; Ziqi CUI ; Yuan LUO ; Yongan WANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(5):356-363
Objective To identify potential drug target genes associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and predict therapeutic candidates using a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)approach across the druggable genome.Methods Druggable genome data from the DGIdb database and Finan were integrated to identify overlapping genes.A two-sample MR analysis was performed to infer causal relationships between genes and IPF.Functional enrichment analyses,including Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG),were conducted to explore biological pathways.Drug-target interactions were predicted via DSigDB database screening,followed by molecular docking simulations to evaluate binding affinities.Results Among the 2588 overlapping druggable genes,thirty exhibited significant causal associations with IPF(P<0.05).Four hub genes(NOD2,LATS2,LTA,and TCF7L2)were enriched in IPF-related pathways,notably Hippo and TNF signaling.Six potential therapeutics were identified:oxyphenbutazone,moexipril,α-galactosylceramide,GSK429286A,CGP74514A,and JW-7-24-1.Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between these drugs and their targets.Conclusion This study has identified thirty druggable gene targets and six candidate drugs for IPF.The enrichment of hub genes in key pathways and validated drug-target interactions provide insights into IPF therapies.
10.The world's first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody:ivonescimab
Caihong SUN ; Taotao HU ; Xingxing XIAO ; Mengnan YUAN ; Simin JIANG ; Yinqi CHEN ; Guodong RUAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(9):1290-1296
Ivonescimab is a humanized bispecific antibody targeting human vascular endothelial growth factor-A(VEGF-A)and programmed death protein-1(PD-1).It was approved by National Medi-cal Products Administration on May 24th,2024,and can be used in combination with pemetrexed and carboplatin for locally advanced or positive EG-FR gene mutation after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)tyrosine kinase inhib-itor.This paper mainly introduces the research progress of the world's first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody ivonescimab,and summarizes the mecha-nism of action,pharmacokinetics,phase Ⅰ-Ⅲ clinical trials and drug safety.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail