1.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury via regulating serum exosomal miRNA
Zhaohua CHEN ; Shumin XIE ; Wanshun CHANG ; Yuqing HAN ; Yanwen CHEN ; Yanhui ZHU ; Mingzhuo CAO ; Haiying HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):305-310
OBJECTIVE To study the ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury (ALI) based on serum exosomal microRNA (miRNA). METHODS The rats were randomly divided into a blank group (normal saline), model group (nomal saline), and F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair group (2.55 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were used to establish an ALI model by intratracheal dripping of 5 mg/ mL lipopolysaccharides. After modeling, each group was given relevant medicine/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 3 consecutive days. After the last medication, the pathological status of lung tissue was observed; lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10] in BALF were determined. Exosomes were isolated from rat serum, and high- throughput sequencing technology was employed to screen differentially expressed miRNA within the exosomes, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Based on the screened differentially expressed miRNA and the enriched KEGG pathways, in vitro cellular experiments were conducted for validation. RESULTS The animal experimental results demonstrated that after intervention with the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair, the wet-to-dry weight ratio, the number of leukocytes in BALF, as well as the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF of ALI rats were all significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the level of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results of high-throughput sequencing experiments revealed that the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair could significantly up-regulate the expressions of miR-345-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-653-5p, and others in exosomes. Among them, the KEGG pathways involved in the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA included the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway, among others. The results of cellular E-mail:huang.haiying@126.com validation experiments showed that overexpressed miR-345-3p could significantly elevate the level of IL-10 in the cell supernatant (P<0.01), while significantly reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of protein kinase B1, phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase, and HIF-1α (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair can alleviate inflammatory responses and thereby exert a therapeutic effect in improving ALI by up-regulating the expression of miR-345-3p in serum exosomes and inhibiting the activity of the HIF-1 signaling pathway.
2.Analysis of individual external radiation dose monitoring results in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City, China
Wei ZHANG ; Libo JIA ; Tanchun XIE ; Qing CHANG ; Qiqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):97-102
Objective To evaluate the levels and changes in occupational individual external radiation dose in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City, and to provide a basis for radiation protection in such units. Methods Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to monitor individual radiation doses among radiation workers in 38 non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results From 2021 to 2023, a total of
3.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
4.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
5.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
6.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
7.Application of isokinetic strength combined with conventional training in rehabilitation after elbow joint release surgery
Wei WANG ; Jia JIN ; Chang SHE ; Ye XIE
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):315-319
Objective To explore the application effect of isokinetic strength combined with conventional training in the rehabilitation after elbow joint release surgery.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 82 patients who underwent elective elbow joint release surgery in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023.They were divided into the control group and the observation group,with 41 cases in each group.Patients in the control group received routine training,while patients in the observation group received isokinetic strength training on the basis of the control group.The elbow joint function,elbow joint range of motion,pain degree,and ability of daily living before and after surgery of patients in the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results Three months after surgery,compared with the control group,the Mayo elbow function score of patients in the observation group were higher(P<0.05),the elbow flexion,extension,forearm supination,and forearm pronation ranges of motion of patients in the observation group were greater(P<0.05),the VAS score of patients in the observation group was lower(P<0.05),the ability of daily living of patients in the observation group was better(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of isokinetic strength combined with conventional training in elbow joint release surgery can promote elbow joint functional recovery,alleviate pain degree,and enhance ability of daily living.
8.Qualitative determination of multiple components in Rhodiola crenulata based on linear calibration with two reference substances assisted HPLC
Yang WANG ; Xiaoying GUAN ; Yaoxuan XIE ; Junyao LI ; Bing WANG ; Xiao LUO ; Chang SU ; Shuhong WANG
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(3):263-269
Objective:To establish a qualitative analysis of Rhodiola crenulata for determing six components inclu-ding gallic acid,salidroside,tyrosol,1,2,3,4,6-O-gallic glucose,rhodiosin,oxorlin-7-O-rhamnoside by HPLC,and to find out the feasibility of the method of linear calibration using two reference substances in qualitative analysis of chromatographic peaks.Methods:The real retention time of 6 components in Rhodiola crenulata on 19 chromatographic columns were determined.Gallic acid and rhodiosin were selected as the reference substances,and the method of linear calibration using these 2 substances was used to predict the retention time.Tyrosol was also chosen as the reference to predict the retention time with the relative retention time method(RRT method).Comparing the accuracy of these two methods.Results:Compared to the RRT method,the method of linear calibration with two reference substances was more accurate for predicting the retention time and more adapatable for many kinds of chromatographic columns.Conclusion:As a new alternative reference substance method,the method of linear calibration using two reference substances can assist chromatographic peak determination better and has broad application prospects.
9.Clinical characteristics analysis of two Chinese siblings with Susac syndrome and literature review
Hui DONG ; Yulan LI ; Xiaoli XU ; Shulei LIU ; Shuyi LIU ; Han XIE ; Yuan WU ; Xingzhi CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Chen XING ; Chunying GUO ; Jun WANG ; Ye WU ; Xinhua BAO
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(11):856-860
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestation, therapy, and prognosis of Susac syndrome and enhance the understanding of this disease.Methods:A case summary was made.The clinical data of two siblings with Susac syndrome treated at Children′s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital in January 2024 were summarized.Reported cases of pediatric Susac syndrome were reviewed.Results:The onset of the disease in the two siblings was at the age of 3.00 and 6.75 years, with recurrent headaches, tinnitus, hearing loss and encephalopathy symptoms.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cerebral microbleeding and microinfarction lesions, " snowball like" in the corpus callosum and diffuse white matter edema in the brain.Audiometry revealed sensorineural hearing loss.In one case, ophthalmic fluorescein angiography revealed ischemic changes due to branch retinal artery occlusions.No pathogenic variants were detected in gene testing.This child was diagnosed with Susac syndrome, and the symptoms were improved after treatment with Corticosteroids and Rituximab.No relapse was observed during the 9-month follow-up.A total of 20 pediatric cases of Susac syndrome were retrieved, including 18 reported previously and 2 cases from this study.There were 2 boys and 18 girls, with the age of onset ranging from 2.5 to 17.0 years.The common initial symptoms included headache (19 cases), vertigo and tinnitus or hearing loss (9 cases), and vision impairment or visual field defect (4 cases). The symptoms were improved after immunotherapy.Conclusions:With a low incidence, Susac syndrome is rare in children and difficult to diagnose.There may be a genetic predisposition in such disease.Early diagnosis and immunotherapy can low the relapse and improve the prognosis.
10.Prognostic value of quantitative flow ratio measured immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion.
Zheng QIAO ; Zhang-Yu LIN ; Qian-Qian LIU ; Rui ZHANG ; Chang-Dong GUAN ; Sheng YUAN ; Tong-Qiang ZOU ; Xiao-Hui BIAN ; Li-Hua XIE ; Cheng-Gang ZHU ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Guo-Feng GAO ; Ke-Fei DOU
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(4):433-442
BACKGROUND:
The clinical impact of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) quantitative flow ratio (QFR) in patients treated with PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO) was still undetermined.
METHODS:
All CTO vessels treated with successful anatomical PCI in patients from PANDA III trial were retrospectively measured for post-PCI QFR. The primary outcome was 2-year vessel-oriented composite endpoints (VOCEs, composite of target vessel-related cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was conducted to identify optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting the 2-year VOCEs, and all vessels were stratified by this optimal cutoff value. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI.
RESULTS:
Among 428 CTO vessels treated with PCI, 353 vessels (82.5%) were analyzable for post-PCI QFR. 31 VOCEs (8.7%) occurred at 2 years. Mean value of post-PCI QFR was 0.92 ± 0.13. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis shown the optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting 2-year VOCEs was 0.91. The incidence of 2-year VOCEs in the vessel with post-PCI QFR < 0.91 (n = 91) was significantly higher compared with the vessels with post-PCI QFR ≥ 0.91 (n = 262) (22.0% vs. 4.2%, HR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.32-10.70).
CONCLUSIONS
Higher post-PCI QFR values were associated with improved prognosis in the PCI practice for coronary CTO. Achieving functionally optimal PCI results (post-PCI QFR value ≥ 0.91) tends to get better prognosis for patients with CTO lesions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail