1.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
2.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
3.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
4.Research progress sildenafil in treatment of high altitude heart disease
Yin-lian TONG ; Xiao-jing ZHANG ; Shou-hua MU ; Jing-yan JIN ; Jie-long SUN ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2008-2013
High altitude heart disease(HAHD)is a chronic mountain sickness in which the body is exposed to high altitude(>2 500 m)hypobaric hypoxia environment for a long time.HAHD has high morbidity and poor prognosis,and pulmonary hypertension is the main causative mechanism for its develop-ment.The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil has become a hot drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.This paper reviews the progress of HAHD and discusses the mechanism of action and effectiveness of sildenafil in the treatment of HAHD,with a view to providing a basis for the treatment of HAHD with sildenafil.
5.Investigation of tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice via TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway
Qiong-qiong GUO ; Wen-jie LI ; Jin-tian LI ; Jian-qing LIANG ; Ping TIAN ; Rong HU ; Xu-chao DONG ; Mei-hao XUE ; Long-xin XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2894-2901
AIM To investigate the tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice.METHODS Ten intact C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the blank group.Sixty additional mice were developed into Lewis lung cancer models bearing transplanted tumor and subsequently allocated into the model group,the cisplatin group(5 mg/kg),the high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract group(6.6 g/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin group(1.6,3.3,6.6 g/kg+5 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group.Mice in the blank and model groups received saline via daily gavage,while treatment groups were administered Guiqi Yiyuan Extract orally(once daily),and cisplatin injection intraperitoneally(once every other day).After 14 days of drug administration,mice were euthanized for endpoint analysis.The following assessments were conducted:general health status and body weight changes monitored throughout the study period;tumor excision and weighing for inhibition rate calculation;histopathological examination of tumors via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;serum quantification of IL-1 β,IL-18 and HMGB1 by ELISA;ultrastructural analysis of tumor cell death using transmission electron microscopy(TEM);spatial localization of TXNIP and GSDMD-N in tumor sections via immunofluorescence(IF);and Western blot detection of TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N protein expressions in tumor tissues.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the cisplatin group and all combination therapy groups exhibited significant reduction in tumor weight(P<0.05)and increased tumor suppression rate;enhanced tumor tissue necrosis with characteristic pyroptotic morphology;elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and HMGB1(P<0.05);and upregulated expressions of pyroptosis-associated proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-N(P<0.05).The high dose combination group demonstrated optimal therapeutic efficacy(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Guiqi Yiyuan Extract enhances cisplatin sensitivity,demonstrating synergistic anti-tumor effects in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice.This combinatorial therapeutic effect likely involves modulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
6.Regulation of ATF6 on ZEA-induced injury of murine luteinized granulosa cell
Xingyao XIAO ; Tao HUANG ; Li CHEN ; Xiaochuan LONG ; Yao WU ; Xiayu MIN ; Can LUO ; Jin OU ; Xin WEN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2231-2238
This study examines the effects of zearalenone(ZEA)on the survival and function of lu-teinized granulosa cells,and studies the role of activating transcription factor 6(ATF6)in regula-ting apoptosis and functional abnormalities of luteinized granulosa cells induced by ZEA.An in vitro model of luteinized granulosa cells was utilized to examine the effects of ZEA treatment on apoptosis,hormone secretion,and the expression of relevant proteins.Furthermore,the expression of ATF6 was manipulated using siRNA to elucidate its regulatory function in the ZEA-induced damage of luteinized granulosa cells in mice.Our findings revealed that ZEA inhibited the activity of luteinized granulosa cells and reduced the secretion of estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P4)in a dose-dependent manner.The expression levels of p-IRE1,ATF6 and StAR in both low(20 pmol/L)and high(40 μmol/L)ZEA groups were significantly increased after 24 h(P<0.05).GRP78 had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P>0.05),but significantly increased at high concentration treatment(P<0.05).Similarly,ATF4 and p-EIF2α had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P>0.05),but significantly decreased at high concentration treat-ment(P<0.05).HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P<0.05).After 48 h of treatment,ATF6 and GRP78 were significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P<0.05).p-IRE1 was significantly de-creased at low concentration treatment(P<0.05),but remained unchanged at high concentration treatment(P>0.05).ATF4,p-EIF2α,HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P<0.05).St AR was significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P<0.05).Interference with the expression of ATF6 could sig-nificantly reduce the apoptosis induced by low concentration group(P<0.05),and enhanced the hormone secretion in both high and low concentration groups(P<0.05).In conclusion,ZEA can cause damage to luteinized granulosa cells and activate ATF6 signaling pathway.Interference with ATF6 can alleviate apoptosis and hormone secretion disturbance induced by low concentration ZEA,but has limited effect on damage caused by high concentration ZEA.
7.Clinical effect of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture of the hemiplegic side
Wei YIN ; Ning MA ; Long JIANG ; Si-wen WU ; Li-li ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):320-324
Objective To investigate the clinical effects and safety of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture of the hemiplegic side.Methods Patients with hemiplegia and femoral neck fracture who underwent hip arthroplasty in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the research objects,and they were randomly divided into the dual mobility group(dual mobility total hip arthroplasty was performed)and the hemiarthroplasty group(hemiarthroplasty was performed),with 31 cases in each group.The perioperative status,postoperative hip function and postoperative complications of patients in the two groups were analyzed and compared.Results The operative time of patients in the dual mobility group was longer than that in the hemiarthroplasty group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,total drainage volume 3 days after operation or hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05).One month after surgery,there was no significant difference in hip Harris score between the two groups(P>0.05).At 6 months and 12 months after surgery,the hip Harris scores of patients in the dual mobility group were better than those in the hemiarthroplasty group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In the case of different preoperative muscle strength of the hemiplegic side,the hip Harris scores of patients in the dual mobility group at 6 months and 12 months after surgery were better than those in the hemiarthroplasty group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications was 12.9%(4/31)in the dual mobility group,and it was 22.6%(7/31)in the hemiarthroplasty group,without significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion For patients with femoral neck fracture and decreased muscle strength of affected limb due to hemiplegia,the use of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty can achieve good postoperative function and anti-dislocation effect.
8.Research progress sildenafil in treatment of high altitude heart disease
Yin-lian TONG ; Xiao-jing ZHANG ; Shou-hua MU ; Jing-yan JIN ; Jie-long SUN ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2008-2013
High altitude heart disease(HAHD)is a chronic mountain sickness in which the body is exposed to high altitude(>2 500 m)hypobaric hypoxia environment for a long time.HAHD has high morbidity and poor prognosis,and pulmonary hypertension is the main causative mechanism for its develop-ment.The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil has become a hot drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.This paper reviews the progress of HAHD and discusses the mechanism of action and effectiveness of sildenafil in the treatment of HAHD,with a view to providing a basis for the treatment of HAHD with sildenafil.
9.Clinical effect of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture of the hemiplegic side
Wei YIN ; Ning MA ; Long JIANG ; Si-wen WU ; Li-li ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):320-324
Objective To investigate the clinical effects and safety of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture of the hemiplegic side.Methods Patients with hemiplegia and femoral neck fracture who underwent hip arthroplasty in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the research objects,and they were randomly divided into the dual mobility group(dual mobility total hip arthroplasty was performed)and the hemiarthroplasty group(hemiarthroplasty was performed),with 31 cases in each group.The perioperative status,postoperative hip function and postoperative complications of patients in the two groups were analyzed and compared.Results The operative time of patients in the dual mobility group was longer than that in the hemiarthroplasty group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,total drainage volume 3 days after operation or hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05).One month after surgery,there was no significant difference in hip Harris score between the two groups(P>0.05).At 6 months and 12 months after surgery,the hip Harris scores of patients in the dual mobility group were better than those in the hemiarthroplasty group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In the case of different preoperative muscle strength of the hemiplegic side,the hip Harris scores of patients in the dual mobility group at 6 months and 12 months after surgery were better than those in the hemiarthroplasty group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications was 12.9%(4/31)in the dual mobility group,and it was 22.6%(7/31)in the hemiarthroplasty group,without significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion For patients with femoral neck fracture and decreased muscle strength of affected limb due to hemiplegia,the use of dual mobility total hip arthroplasty can achieve good postoperative function and anti-dislocation effect.
10.Research progress on mechanism of curcumin in treatment of depression
Lin WANG ; Qi-fei PAN ; Wen-juan LONG ; Jia-rong DU ; Zhong-yang HU ; Xin-yao LI ; Yi-shu CHEN ; Dong-dong QIN ; Xiao-man LYU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1618-1623
Depression is a prevalent mental and emotional disor-der that often results in significant emotional disturbances,cog-nitive dysfunction,and memory impairments.It is characterized by a high incidence rate,a substantial disability burden,and limited therapeutic efficacy.Currently,the long-term use of medications for the treatment of depression can result in a range of adverse reactions,highlighting the urgent need to explore no-vel approaches that can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms while minimizing side effects.Curcumin,a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric,demonstrates considerable potential in the prevention and treatment of depres-sion,owing to its diverse array of biological activities.In recent years,numerous studies have investigated the use of curcumin for the treatment of depression.This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action underlying curcumin's efficacy in treating depression.Specifically,it focu-ses on its ability to improve neurotransmitter imbalances,restore neural plasticity,alleviate neural damage,mitigate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis,regulate in-flammatory factors and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways,and inhibit oxidative stress.This review is intended to offer in-sights and methodological references for basic research on curcu-min,as well as for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression.

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