1.Evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the magnolol ester derivative YW and investigate its mechanism of action on chondrocyte senescence
Haochen XU ; Jie PENG ; Pingting YANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Weiwen HU ; Xulei WANG ; Wei WEI ; Chun WANG ; Shangxue YAN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):845-854
ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the novel magnolol ester derivative YW and to investigate its effects on chondrocyte senescence and preliminary mechanisms. MethodsMagnolol and p-methylbenzoic acid were used as raw materials to synthesize the magnolol ester derivative YW (Molecular Formula: C26H24O3, Molecular Weight: 384.17, HPLC Purity >96%) via DCC/DMAP-catalyzed esterification. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage activation model and an interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced rat primary chondrocyte model were established. The release and mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Griess reagent method, and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The expression of senescence markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β), lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16), as well as proteins related to chondrocyte extracellular matrix synthesis and catabolism, were analyzed by Western blot (WB). Molecular docking was performed using Discovery Studio 2019 to validate target binding. ResultsYW exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations ≤20 μmol/L. YW concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory cytokine release, significantly downregulated iNOS, Pro-IL-1β protein, and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression (P<0.01). YW stably bound to KAT7 protein (binding energy: -94.2 kcal/mol); YW downregulated KAT7 and aging marker protein expression in naturally aged and IL-1β-induced chondrocyte models (P<0.01); YW regulated chondrocyte matrix synthesis and catabolic protein expression in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes (P<0.01). ConclusionYW inhibits macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokine release while downregulating KAT7 and senescence marker protein expression in chondrocytes, thereby blocking chondrocyte senescence.
2.Mechanism of Exogenous Melatonin in Inhibiting Early Bolting in Angelica sinensis
Jiang ZHAO ; Zhanwen TANG ; Tao YANG ; Jie SHA ; Tong PENG ; Weiwen LU ; Yinquan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):234-240
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of different sizes of seedlings and melatonin treatment on physiological and biochemical indicators and bolting-related gene expression in Angelica sinensis, find substances related to early bolting, and elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of melatonin on bolting. MethodsSpectrophotometry was used to detect the related enzyme activities of A. sinensis leaves. The contents of endogenous hormones and polyamines were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of bolting-related genes. Inter-group differential indicator analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and principal component analysis were comprehensively applied to identify factors related to early bolting. ResultsEndogenous jasmonic acid and melatonin were identified as the most important factors affecting early bolting. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, abscisic acid content, gibberellin content, and the expression levels of CO3, HD3A, and FD genes had important effects on the bolting process. Compared with small seedlings, exogenous melatonin treatment mainly inhibited early bolting by increasing endogenous melatonin content, reducing gibberellin content, and decreasing the expression levels of SOC1 and FD genes. ConclusionExogenous melatonin can inhibit early bolting in A. sinensis by regulating its physiological, biochemical, and gene expression levels.
3.Mechanism of Exogenous Melatonin in Inhibiting Early Bolting in Angelica sinensis
Jiang ZHAO ; Zhanwen TANG ; Tao YANG ; Jie SHA ; Tong PENG ; Weiwen LU ; Yinquan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):234-240
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of different sizes of seedlings and melatonin treatment on physiological and biochemical indicators and bolting-related gene expression in Angelica sinensis, find substances related to early bolting, and elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of melatonin on bolting. MethodsSpectrophotometry was used to detect the related enzyme activities of A. sinensis leaves. The contents of endogenous hormones and polyamines were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of bolting-related genes. Inter-group differential indicator analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and principal component analysis were comprehensively applied to identify factors related to early bolting. ResultsEndogenous jasmonic acid and melatonin were identified as the most important factors affecting early bolting. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, abscisic acid content, gibberellin content, and the expression levels of CO3, HD3A, and FD genes had important effects on the bolting process. Compared with small seedlings, exogenous melatonin treatment mainly inhibited early bolting by increasing endogenous melatonin content, reducing gibberellin content, and decreasing the expression levels of SOC1 and FD genes. ConclusionExogenous melatonin can inhibit early bolting in A. sinensis by regulating its physiological, biochemical, and gene expression levels.
4.Correlating white matter hyperintensities severity with collateral disease syndrome type distribution
Jianhu ZHAN ; Weiwen QIU ; Haiyuan LAN ; Huaqiang WANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(2):1-4
Objective To explore the relationship between the severity of white matter hyperintensities(WMH)and the distribution of collateral disease syndrome types.Methods A total of 208 patients clearly diagnosed with cerebral small vessel disease in Lishui TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from December 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects.All enrolled subjects in the study completed the collateral disease syndrome differentiation.WMH was graded on magnetic resonance imaging fluid-attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR)sequences using the Fazekas scale and measured for volume.Results Among the 208 patients,there were 52 cases of the brain collateral impoverishment(BCI)type,with Fazekas score of 3(2,3)points,and WMH volume of(8.80±9.37)ml;67 cases of the brain collateral stasis(BCS)type,with Fazekas score of 4(3,4)points,and WMH volume of(13.42±9.18)ml;47 cases of the brain collateral constraint(BCC)type,with Fazekas score of 4(3,5)points,and WMH volume of(14.60±10.07)ml;and 42 cases of the brain collateral occlusion(BCO)type,with Fazekas score of 4(4,5)points,and WMH volume of(18.65±10.71)ml.Of these,55 patients with a Fazekas score of 1-2 points were most commonly of the BCI type,105 patients with a Fazekas score of 3-4 points were most commonly of the BCS type,and 48 patients with a Fazekas score of 5-6 points were most commonly of the BCO type.There were statistically significant differences in Fazekas scores and WMH volumes between the BCI and BCO types and other syndrome types(P<0.05).Conclusion The severity of WMH corresponds to a certain distribution of collateral disease syndrome types,and can serve as a reference indicator for assessing the severity of illness in patients with collateral disease.
5.A cohort study on the preventive effect of preserving the urethral ridge in transurethral Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate on retrograde ejaculation
Qinglong WU ; Songtao ZHAO ; Tao WANG ; Rongjin FANG ; Chao LI ; Jiqian WANG ; Yongchao WANG ; Yongmei CHEN ; Weiwen LIU ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(9):676-683
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of preserving the urethral ridge during Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate(HoLEP)in preventing postoperative retrograde ejaculation and to evaluate its impact on sexual function.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)who underwent HoLEP at Xiamen Haicang Hospital(Haicang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen Medical College)from November 2022 to June 2024. Inclusion criteria were as follows:diagnosis of BPH confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound;International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)> 7;maximum urinary flow rate(Q max)< 15 ml/s;prostate-specific antigen(PSA)< 4 ng/ml;and an active sexual life with intact antegrade ejaculation. Exclusion criteria included neurogenic bladder,active urinary tract infection(UTI),and other relevant conditions. Patients were grouped based on the operating surgeon's comprehensive judgment during surgery,considering the degree of prostatic median lobe hyperplasia(preserved if hyperplasia was mild,not preserved if severe). The EP-HoLEP group underwent “tunnel technique” enucleation of the middle lobe hyperplasia with preservation of the urethral ridge,while the HoLEP group underwent conventional prostate enucleation. Primary outcomes included postoperative retrograde ejaculation rate,International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF),Ejaculation Projection Score(EPS),IPSS,Quality of Life Score(QOL),Q max,post-void residual urine volume(PVR),operative time,and postoperative complications. Univariate analysis was used to screen potential influencing factors,followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Results:Seventy patients with BPH were enrolled,with 35 in each group. Baseline characteristics,including age[(69.97 ± 5.14)years vs.(72.34 ± 5.08)years],body mass index(BMI)[(22.99 ± 1.41)kg/m2 vs.(23.16 ± 1.38)kg/m2],prostate volume[47.4(31.9,59.4)ml vs. 44.2(34.9,61.7)ml],PSA[4.0(1.9,8.2)ng/ml vs. 3.1(2.6,5.0)ng/ml],hemoglobin[(130.09 ± 12.92)g/L vs.(125.69 ± 17.26)g/L],IPSS[17(10,22)vs. 17(10,27)],QOL[5(4,5)vs. 4(4,5)],Q max[7.5(6.3,9.1)ml/s vs. 7.0(5.9,8.9)ml/s]and PVR[65(22,167)ml vs. 60(16,150)ml]showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups( P > 0.05). Operative time[65(55,76)min vs. 63(55,73)min],postoperative 2-hour hemoglobin[(124.17 ± 14.89)g/L vs.(120.11 ± 15.44)g/L],and postoperative hospital stay[(3.94 ± 1.89)days vs.(3.66 ± 1.53)days]were also comparable between the two groups( P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the decrease in IIEF score[1(0,2)vs. 2(0,6), P = 0.203]. EPS at 3 months[2(1,3)vs. 1(0,2), P < 0.001]and at 6 months[2(1,2)vs. 1(0,2), P < 0.001]postoperatively were significantly higher in the EP-HoLEP group. The incidence of postoperative UTI did not differ significantly[5.7%(2/35)vs. 2.9%(1/35), P = 1.00]. Two cases of urinary retention occurred after catheter removal in the EP-HoLEP group,while none occurred in the HoLEP group. No blood transfusions or urethral strictures were reported in either group. The incidence of retrograde ejaculation was significantly lower in the EP-HoLEP group[28.6%(10/35)vs. 68.6%(24/35), P <0.001]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that urethral ridge preservation was an independent protective factor for retrograde ejaculation after HoLEP( OR = 0.159,95% CI 0.053 ? 0.476, P = 0.001). Conclusions:Urethral ridge preservation during HoLEP is safe and feasible,significantly reduces retrograde ejaculation,and preserves ejaculatory function,though it offers limited erectile function preservation. This approach is suitable for middle-aged,young,or younger elderly patients who prioritize ejaculatory quality,and provides clinical evidence for surgical optimization.
6.Effects of exogenous additives on growth and high-value bioproducts accumulation of microalgae.
Yawei WU ; Fangzhong WANG ; Lei CHEN ; Weiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):173-198
With the rapid development of synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and molecular manipulation methods in recent years, microalgae, as representatives of microbial cell factories, have been widely used as hosts in the production of high-value bioproducts, such as oils, pigments, proteins, and biofuels, demonstrating promising prospects of application in biochemical energy, food and drugs, and environmental protection. Despite these advancements, the low production efficiency of microalgae limits their industrial application. In addition to strain improvement and culture condition optimization, the regulation by exogenous chemical additives serves as a promising optimization strategy. This method relies on straightforward phenotypic screening and circumvents the necessity for intricate understanding of molecular targets in the metabolic and catabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of bioproducts. It enables rapid yield increasing of high-value bioproducts from microalgae and obtaining the required phenotypes. Although studies have reported the use of alternatives means such as exogenous additives to improve the growth of microalgae and the yield of high-value bioproducts, the classification and summarization of the types, applications, targeted strains, and molecular mechanisms of these additives are not comprehensive. Here, we review the studies using chemical inducers or enhancers to improve cell growth and high-value bioproduct accumulation in microalgae in recent years. This paper focuses on the types of exogenous additives, the effects of exogenous additives and their combinations on microalgae growth and high-value bioproduct accumulation, and the molecular mechanisms of related effects. We aim to provide information for researchers to use methods of synthetic biology to develop suitable cell chassis and harness microalgae for industrial production.
Microalgae/drug effects*
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Biofuels
7.Correlation between plasma NLRP3 inflammasome and atrial remodeling in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Hang MA ; Mi LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Weiwen WANG ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):4-8
Objective To investigate the correlation between plasma nucleotide-binding oligomer-ization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome and atrial remodeling in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods A total of 199 elderly NVAF patients hos-pitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the First Affiliated Kunming Medical University from July 2019 to October 2020 were enrolled in this study.The levels of inflammatory factors,such as plasma NLRP3 and IL-1β were detected using ELISA.Their clinical data and echocardio-graphic indicators were collected.According to the first quartile of left atrial diameter(LAD),they were divided into a LAD ≤36 mm group(52 cases)and a LAD>36 mm group(147 cases).Based on the mean level of NLRP3(97 ng/L),the patients were assigned into a low level group(95 ca-ses)and a high level group(104 cases).Using the first quartile of IL-1β at 49 ng/L and the third quartile at 106 ng/L,they were categorized into low,middle and high level groups(40,82 and 77 cases,respectively).The correlation between plasma NLRP3 and IL-1β levels and atrial remode-ling were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasome was an independent influencing factor of atrial remodeling in NVAF pa-tients.Results The IL-1β and NLRP3 levels were significantly elevated in the LAD>36 mm group than the LAD ≤36 mm group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The patients with high NLRP3 level had an obviously larger transverse diameter of the middle right atrium than those with low level(P<0.05).Higher LAD index(LADI)was found in the high IL-1β level group than the low and middle level groups,and larger long diameter of right atrium was observed in the high level group than the low level group(P<0.05).Plasma NLRP3 level was positively correlated with LAD and transverse diameter of the middle right atrium(r=0.143,P=0.044;r=0.180,P=0.011),and plasma IL-1β level was positively correlated with LAD,LADI,and long diameter of the right atri-um(r=0.153,P=0.031;r=0.148,P=0.037;r=0.142,P=0.046).Multivariate logistic regres-sion analysis indicated that persistent atrial fibrillation,creatinine,pulmonary artery systolic pres-sure,and NLRP3 were independent risk factors for left atrial enlargement(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion NLRP3 inflammasome is closely associated with atrial remodeling in elderly NVAF patients,and elevated plasma NLRP3 level is an independent risk factor of left atrial remodeling.
8.Effects of lncRNA ZFAS1 on hippocampal neuron damage andcognitive function in diabetic encephalopathy mice
Huaying GUAN ; Mingxing ZHU ; Zhijing WU ; Huan WANG ; Weiwen CHEN ; Zhenqin WU ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Mingqing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(11):2081-2090
AIM:To investigate the expression profile and biological significance of long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)zinc finger antisense 1(ZFAS1)in the brains of mice with diabetic encephalopathy(DE).METHODS:Ten db/m mice served as the normal control group,while twenty 22-week-old db/db mice were used to establish the DE model and randomly divided into two subgroups:ten as the db/db model control and the remaining ten receiving ZFAS1 gene knockdown(db/db+sh-ZFAS1)via lentiviral transfection.Weekly measurements of body weight and blood glucose levels were performed.Brain tissues were collected for Nissl staining to evaluate neuronal damage,TUNEL assay to detect apop-tosis,and immunofluorescence staining to examine neural biomarker expression.Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and oxidative stress markers,including reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),were determined.Western blot was conducted to quantify the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38(p-p38)in brain tissues.The expression levels of ZFAS1 and caspase-3 mRNA were determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS:Knockdown of ZFAS1 in db/db mice significantly improved cognitive function,alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage,and reduced body weight and blood glucose levels(P<0.01).More-over,oxidative stress was mitigated,as evidenced by decreased MDA and ROS levels(P<0.01)and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes,GSH-Px,SOD and CAT(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Meanwhile,ZFAS1 silencing down-regulated Bax and p-p38/p38 protein expression(P<0.01 or P<0.05)while up-regulating Bcl-2(P<0.01).Consistently,RT-qPCR confirmed significant down-regulation of ZFAS1 and caspase-3 mRNA levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:lncRNA ZFAS1 is highly expressed in the hippocampus of DE mice.Down-regulation of ZFAS1 expression enhances cognitive func-tion,suppresses oxidative stress,and inhibits neuronal apoptosis,thereby attenuating neural damage in DE.
9.Review of biomechanical studies on the effects of various labor positions on the lower limb
Yan WANG ; Weiwen ZHANG ; Cui YIN ; Wenzhi CAI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(26):2073-2076
This paper systematically searched Chinese and English databases from January 2000 to December 2024 to screen the research literature related to labor positions and biomechanics.By extracting key information such as study type, position type, measurement technique, mechanical parameters and injury findings, we focused on the differences in pelvic outlet expansion, lower limb joint loading and injury risk between upright and horizontal birthing positions, and then summarized the biomechanical mechanisms and findings by using thematic analysis.The analysis showed that the upright position could significantly expand the pelvic outlet, but might increase the load on the ankle and knee joints;the combination of video capture and open-source platform technology provided a new direction for the dynamic study of delivery positions.
10.Effects of lncRNA ZFAS1 on hippocampal neuron damage andcognitive function in diabetic encephalopathy mice
Huaying GUAN ; Mingxing ZHU ; Zhijing WU ; Huan WANG ; Weiwen CHEN ; Zhenqin WU ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Mingqing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(11):2081-2090
AIM:To investigate the expression profile and biological significance of long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)zinc finger antisense 1(ZFAS1)in the brains of mice with diabetic encephalopathy(DE).METHODS:Ten db/m mice served as the normal control group,while twenty 22-week-old db/db mice were used to establish the DE model and randomly divided into two subgroups:ten as the db/db model control and the remaining ten receiving ZFAS1 gene knockdown(db/db+sh-ZFAS1)via lentiviral transfection.Weekly measurements of body weight and blood glucose levels were performed.Brain tissues were collected for Nissl staining to evaluate neuronal damage,TUNEL assay to detect apop-tosis,and immunofluorescence staining to examine neural biomarker expression.Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and oxidative stress markers,including reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),were determined.Western blot was conducted to quantify the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38(p-p38)in brain tissues.The expression levels of ZFAS1 and caspase-3 mRNA were determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS:Knockdown of ZFAS1 in db/db mice significantly improved cognitive function,alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage,and reduced body weight and blood glucose levels(P<0.01).More-over,oxidative stress was mitigated,as evidenced by decreased MDA and ROS levels(P<0.01)and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes,GSH-Px,SOD and CAT(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Meanwhile,ZFAS1 silencing down-regulated Bax and p-p38/p38 protein expression(P<0.01 or P<0.05)while up-regulating Bcl-2(P<0.01).Consistently,RT-qPCR confirmed significant down-regulation of ZFAS1 and caspase-3 mRNA levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:lncRNA ZFAS1 is highly expressed in the hippocampus of DE mice.Down-regulation of ZFAS1 expression enhances cognitive func-tion,suppresses oxidative stress,and inhibits neuronal apoptosis,thereby attenuating neural damage in DE.

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