1.Analysis of Differential Metabolites of Pinelliae Rhizoma at Different Browning Stages Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics
Jing TAO ; Honghong LIANG ; Ruoshi LI ; Zhouli XU ; Minzhao LI ; Aien TAO ; Guihua JIANG ; Li AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):191-199
ObjectiveTo investigate differential metabolites associated with browning in the post-harvest processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma, providing data support for elucidating the key metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in browning, and developing safe and efficient sulfur-free processing techniques. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was used to detect the metabolites of Pinelliae Rhizoma at different browning stages(0, 8, 16 h) for widely targeted metabolomics. Subsequently, Multivariate statistical analysis of metabolites was conducted using principal component analysis(PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and K-means cluster analysis. Differential metabolites at different browning stages were screened based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and |log2fold change(FC)|≥1, and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). ResultsA total of 1 416 metabolites were identified across the three browning stages of Pinelliae Rhizoma, predominantly comprising amino acids and their derivatives(239), lipids(219), alkaloids(156), phenolic acids(121), terpenoids(113), and flavonoids(111). A two-by-two comparison of the three browning phases, yielded 622 differential metabolites that were significantly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and purine metabolic pathway. Further analysis revealed that carbohydrates such as D-mannose and turanose, phenolic acids such as 1-O-caffeoyl-6-O-glucosyl-β-D-glucose, dicaffeoylshikimic acid, and flavonoids such as epigallocatechin gallate, vitexin-7-O-rutinoside, luteolin-7-O-(6″-malonyl)glucoside-5-O-arabinoside, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, isovitexin-7-O-glucoside-2″-O-rhamnoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside-4ʹ-O-sophoroside, 3,5,3ʹ,4ʹ,5ʹ-penta-hydroxyflavan-7-gallate may act as browning substrates and play important roles in the browning process. ConclusionCarbohydrates, phenolic acids, and flavonoids may serve as key substrates in the browning process of Pinelliae Rhizoma, involving pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and purine metabolism, which can provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the browning mechanism.
2.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
3.Epidemiological investigation of a cluster of rural severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases and tick ecological monitoring results in Zibo City
Jun DU ; Ai-min FENG ; Bao-qiang CUI ; Tao SUN ; Yi-chuan YANG ; Yan-dong WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):128-133
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus(SFTSV)nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag ·100 m)in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.
4.Alcohol-related liver disease-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure: Mechanisms, dynamic assessment, and precise management
Na AI ; Huaining CUI ; Xiaohui FANG ; Tao LIU ; Yanhang GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1755-1760
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a high-mortality syndrome that develops during the acute deterioration of chronic liver disease and is characterized by multiple organ dysfunction driven by systemic inflammation. Due to gut microbiota dysbiosis, endotoxin translocation, and amplified inflammatory responses, alcohol-related liver disease-associated ACLF (ALD-ACLF) is more pronounced and is often accompanied by a high risk of secondary infection and extrahepatic organ involvement, thereby exhibiting distinct etiological and clinical characteristics. This article systematically reviews the advances in the definitional boundaries, pathophysiological mechanisms, dynamic early warning, and prognostic assessment of ALD-ACLF, elaborates on risk stratification and key issues in clinical management, and discusses the potential impact of the dual-hit phenotype of metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease on risk stratification in ALD-ACLF. This article also highlights the need to further strengthen etiology-oriented early identification, dynamic stratification, control of predisposing factors, and earlier intervention, in order to provide a reference for the precise assessment and individualized intervention of these patients.
5.Efficacy and safety of daratumumab-based regimens for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Shangyi AI ; Shaolong HE ; Tao WANG ; Qiujuan ZHU ; Zhilin GAO ; Jie ZHAO ; Weiwei TIAN
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2025;34(4):208-212
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab-based regimens for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. Thirty-seven RRMM patients treated with daratumumab-based regimens at Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2017 to November 2023 were selected, and their efficacy and adverse reactions were analyzed.Results:The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 37 RRMM patients was 62 (56, 68) years, the median number of previous treatment lines was 2 (1, 3.5) lines, 12 cases (32.4%) had extramedullary lesions, 12 cases (32.4%) had lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥ 245 U/L, and 11 cases (29.7%) had previously received the third-line or more treatment. Among 27 patients who completed fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, 8 cases (29.6%) had high-risk cytogenetical changes. The median time from diagnosis to use of daratumumab was 23.1 (5.9, 52.0) months. The overall response rate (ORR) of 37 RRMM patients after treatment was 75.7% (28/37), with ORR of 88.0% (22/25) and 50.0% (6/12) for patients without and with extramedullary lesions, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.036). The median follow-up time was 12.3 (4.6, 22.7) months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 7.8 months (95% CI: 2.0- 13.7 months), and the median overall survival (OS) time was 22.4 months (95% CI: 17.5-29.5 months). The median PFS time for patients without and with extramedullary lesions was 11.8 and 4.2 months, and the median OS time was 23.5 and 8.3 months, respectively, and the differences in PFS and OS between the two were statistically significant (both P < 0.05); the median PFS time for patients with LDH ≥ 245 U/L and < 245 U/L was 6.5 and 11.9 months, and the median OS time was 30.2 and 12.1 months, respectively, and the differences in PFS and OS between the two were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). The incidence of non-hematological adverse reactions was 32.4% (12/37), with the most common being infusion-related adverse reactions (29.7%, 11/37), all of which were grade 1-2; the incidence of ≥ grade 3 hematological adverse reactions was 13.5% (5/37), with thrombocytopenia being the most common (8.1%, 3/37). Conclusions:The ORR of RRMM patients treated with daratumumab-based regimens is high, and the adverse reactions are tolerable.
6.Study on clinical characteristics and prognosis of lower respiratory tract infection occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infantile stage
Guiju LI ; Yijie HUANG ; Yinghong FAN ; Xinglu WANG ; Tao AI ; Lei ZHANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):366-371
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of lower respiratory tract infections oc-currence and respiratory system prognosis in infantile stage of children patients with bronchopulmonary dys-plasia(BPD).Methods Fifty premature infants with lower respiratory tract infection and BPD treated in this hospital from March 2017 to December 2020 were selected as the BPD group and 50 preterm infants with low-er respiratory tract infection without BPD during the same period were selected as the non-BPD group.The clinical data and occurrence situation of respiratory system diseases within 3 years after birth in the two groups were collected and analyzed.Results Compared with the non-BPD group,the incidence rates of tachy-pnoea(48.0%vs.12.0%),wheeze(44.0%vs.10.0%),wheezing rale(44.0%vs.10.0%),three concave sign(28.0%vs.8.0%),cyanosis(20.0%vs.4.0%),severe pneumonia(48.0%vs.12.0%)and respirato-ry failure(20.0%vs.4.0%)in the BPD group were higher,the hospitalization duration[7.5(7.0,10.0)d vs.7.0(6.0,7.0)d]was longer,the reaching peak time ratio[18.20%(14.65%,22.25%)vs.24.85%(19.55%,32.78%)],the reaching peak volume ratio[22.15%(19.43%,23.83%)vs.25.65%(22.40%,34.90%)]and the inspiratory/expiratory ratio(0.70±0.12 vs.0.76±0.11)were lower,the 3-year total lower respiratory tract infection times[5.0(4.0,10.0)times vs.3.0(2.0,5.0)times],wheeze times[2.0(1.0,4.0)times vs.0.5(0,1.0)times],the hospitalization times[3.00(2.00,5.00)times vs.2.00(1.00,2.00)times],severe pneumonia times[2.0(1.0,2.0)times vs.1.0(0,1.0)times]and wheeze times in differ-ent ages were more,total hospitalization duration[29.50(19.50,38.25)d vs.13.00(7.00,17.75)d]was lon-ger,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The children patients with BPD are prone to lower respiratory tract infections,especially 0-<1 years old,the proportion of severe pneumonia af-ter infection is higher and wheezing is easily to develop.
7.Application value of small airway function measurement in children with cough variant asthma
Hongjia CHEN ; Tao AI ; Ronghua LUO ; Li WANG ; Wenwen CHEN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(5):1107-1110,1117
Objective To explore the application value of small airway function measurement in chil-dren with cough variant asthma(CVA).Methods A total of 155 children with chronic cough who visited the hospital from January to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects and divided into the CVA group(n=78)and the non-CVA group(n=77)according to the results of the bronchial provocation test.The small airway function was evaluated by three indicators in the basic lung function:the percentage of the maximum mid-expiratory flow to the predicted value(MMEF%pred),and the percentage of the instantaneous expiratory flow to the predicted value when forcefully exhaling 50%and 75%of the vital capacity(FEF50%%pred,FEF75%% pred).If any one of the three indicators is lower than the lower limit of the normal value(<65%),it is determined as small airway dysfunction.The incidence of small airway dysfunction and the indica-tors of atmospheric airway function[percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second to the predicted value(FEV1%pred),percentage of maximum expiratory flow to the predicted value(PEF% pred)]and small airway(MMEF%pred,FEF50%%pred,FEF75%%)before and after bronchial provocation tests were compared between the two groups.Results Among 55 children with chronic cough,47 cases were found to have small airway dysfunction,with 33 cases in the CVA group and 14 cases in the non-CVA group.The incidence of small airway dysfunction in the CVA group was higher than that in the non-CVA group[42.3%(33/78)vs.18.2%(14/77)],and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with before the bron-chial provocation test,the levels of large and small airway function indicators in both groups decreased after the bronchial provocation test.The decrease rate in the CVA group was higher than that in the non-CVA group,and the decrease rates of MMEF%pred,FEF50%%pred,and FEF75%% pred were higher than those of FEV1% pred and PEF% pred,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Small air-way function measurement can be performed in children with CVA for early diagnosis and therapeutic effect e-valuation.
8.Remodeling of enhancers in high-grade epithelial dysplasia of gastric mucosa and its effect on expression of proliferation-related gene CD24
Rui XUE ; Yuwei PAN ; Yuting TAN ; Zhaole CHU ; Biying LIU ; Xianfeng LI ; Tao WANG ; Bin WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Ai SHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(5):426-434
Objective To identify the enhancer profile marked by histone H3K27ac modification in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)in order to reveal the novel regulatory mechanism of HGIN pathogensis.Methods Gastric tissue samples were collected from Department of Gastroenterology of Army Medical Center of PLA between June 2022 and June 2023,including 14 normal gastric tissues(Nor group),31 HGIN tissues(HGIN group)and 17 gastric cancer tissues(GC group).Cleavage under targets and tagmentation(CUT&Tag)technique was employed to capture enhancer regions modified by histone H3K27ac.Multi-omics analysis was performed to identify HGIN-specific active enhancers and their potentially regulated genes.Immunohistochemical profiling was performed to assess differential expression of the gene of interest across clinically stratified specimens,combined with CRISPR-dCas9-mediated ablation of active enhancers to monitor the gene of interest transcriptional dynamics and validate enhancer-mediated regulatory mechanisms.Results Epigenomic sequencing obtained the data with excellent quality,and indicated that obvious remodeling was observed in H3K27ac enhancers in HGIN and GC groups(P<0.05),though no significant difference in the genome-wide distribution of H3K27ac modification among the 3 groups.Combining transcriptome data revealed that enhancer remodeling may up-regulate the expression of the proliferation-related target gene,CD24,in the HGIN tissue;while,inhibiting enhancer activity can notably reduce CD24 expression level(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical assay displayed a positive correlation between the expression levels of CD24 and Ki-67(P<0.001).Conclusion The remodeling of H3K27ac enhancer represents a significant epigenetic feature of the transformation from normal condition to HGIN.Remodeling of H3K27ac enhancer up-regulates CD24,which may facilitate the abnormal proliferation of gastric epithelial cells.
9.Study of Reference Materials for Quantitative Analysis of Gene Copy Numbers of Lentiviral Vectors
Yin-Bo HUO ; Jia-Qi YANG ; Qing TAO ; Wen LIANG ; Li XU ; Lan-Ying LI ; Xiao-Lei ZUO ; Juan YAN ; Min DING ; Ai-Wen MA ; Gang LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1555-1565
Lentiviral vectors(LVs)are key gene delivery tools for integrating target genes into the host genome,but they may also pose risks of insertional mutagenesis.The vector copy number(VCN)in cells is critical for determining the safety of gene modification.However,the reliability and accuracy of its quantification process are influenced by multiple factors.Developing cell reference materials with specific vector copy numbers represents a viable approach to enhance the reliability and consistency of measurement results,enabling quality control of the quantification process and traceability of outcomes.However,the preparation of such reference materials faces challenges in cell sample design,preparation protocols,and advanced quantification techniques.In this study,T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat-based reference materials with LV gene copy numbers of 1 and 2 copy/cell were developed.A high-precision duplex digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)method was established to quantify the LV gene and endogenous genes simultaneously.Additionally,the results of dPCR were cross-validated through next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric analysis.Ultimately,confocal microscopy characterization results showed that the developed cell reference materials had intact morphology.The quantification result of VCN-1 was(1.07±0.11)copy/cell,and that of VCN-2 was(2.09±0.21)copy/cell.These cell reference materials demonstrated compliance with stability and homogeneity requirements,and could be applied for quality control throughout the VCN measurement workflow and metrological traceability,improving the accuracy,comparability,and validity of copy number measurements.
10.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.


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