1.Mechanisms of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng Prescription in Regulating USP51 to Inhibit Progression of Poorly Cohesive Gastric Carcinoma
Sitian LIN ; Yuanjie LIU ; Yi YIN ; Shenlin LIU ; Xi ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):97-111
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng prescription (JPYZXZ) treats poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma (PC-GC) through regulation of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 51 (USP51). MethodsIn vitro experiments: Cell viability and proliferation of PC-GC cell lines (MKN-45 and HGC-27) treated with different concentrations of JPYZXZ (2, 4, 6 g·L-1) were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell migration was evaluated by wound healing (scratch) and Transwell assays. The mRNA and protein expression levels of USP51, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (e.g., E-cadherin) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Subsequently, stable MKN-45 and HGC-27 cell lines with USP51 knockdown (sh-USP51) and overexpression (oe-USP51) were constructed. Their migration ability and EMT-related protein expression were further evaluated by scratch assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo experiments: A subcutaneous xenograft model of MKN-45 human gastric cancer was established in BALB/c nude mice. Thirty mice were randomly divided into six groups (NC, NC + JPYZXZ, sh-USP51, sh-USP51 + JPYZXZ, oe-USP51, and oe-USP51 + JPYZXZ), with five mice in each group. After successful modeling, mice in the treatment groups were administered JPYZXZ (30 g·kg-1) by gavage for 28 days. Body weight and tumor volume were monitored during the experiment. The expression levels of USP51 and EMT-related proteins in tumor tissues were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the colony formation rate, wound healing rate, and number of migrated cells in MKN-45 and HGC-27 cells were significantly reduced in all JPYZXZ groups and the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of USP51 were decreased (P<0.05). The expression of ZEB1 and mesenchymal phenotype proteins (e.g., N-cadherin and vimentin) was reduced (P<0.05), whereas the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, USP51 expression was decreased in the sh-USP51 group and increased in the oe-USP51 group (P<0.05). Compared with the NC group, USP51 knockdown significantly reduced the migration and proliferation of gastric cancer cells (P<0.01), decreased the expression of ZEB1 and EMT-related proteins, and increased E-cadherin expression (P<0.05). In vivo results showed that JPYZXZ significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice (P<0.05) and markedly reversed the abnormal expression of EMT-related proteins in tumor tissues (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanisms of JPYZXZ in PC-GC may be associated with inhibition of the EMT process via regulation of the USP51-ZEB1 signaling pathway.
2.Role of PI3K/Akt Pathway in Epirubicin Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Explored Through Transcriptomic Analysis
Lingshan NAN ; Xiaomin WANG ; Xi ZUO ; Haiming LI ; Dong CHEN ; Xiaohui YIN ; Ganlin ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):339-348
Objective To establish an epirubicin (EPI)-resistant murine triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (4T1/EPI) cell line and evaluate its biological characteristics and drug resistance. Methods The EPI-resistant cell line 4T1/EPI was developed through intermittent induction with gradually increasing EPI concentrations in vitro. Morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. Drug resistance index (MTT assay), cell doubling time (CCK-8 assay), and migration ability (wound healing assay) were evaluated. Western blot was used to detect the expression of drug resistance-related proteins. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify the pathways and targets involved in EPI resistance, followed by experimental validation. Results The 4T1 cells eventually grew normally in a medium containing 100 ng/mL EPI, confirming the establishment of the 4T1/EPI resistant cell line. After stable resistance was acquired, morphological alterations were observed. Compared with their parental 4T1 cells, 4T1/EPI cells showed significantly prolonged doubling time (P<0.01) and enhanced migration ability (P<0.05). Expression levels of drug resistance-related proteins MDR1, MRP1 (P<0.01), and ABCG2 (P<0.05) were elevated in 4T1/EPI cells. In vivo models also demonstrated significant EPI resistance in 4T1/EPI tumors in terms of tumor weight and volume. Transcriptome sequencing highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and ABC transporter pathway. Validation experiments showed the upregulation of Erbb3, Egfr, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.05) and significant downregulation of Fgfr1 (P<0.01) in 4T1/EPI cells. Conclusion The EPI-resistant TNBC cell line 4T1/EPI was successfully established, exhibiting significant resistance in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism may involve the EPI-induced upregulation of Egfr and Erbb3, activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and subsequently enhancing ABC transporter expression.
3.Research progress on pharmacological activities and mechanisms of farrerol
Siyuan XI ; Yin MA ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenwen LIAN ; Bingzhi MA ; Jun HE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1768-1772
Farrerol is a dihydroflavone compound extracted from the dried leaves of Rhododendron dauricum belonging to the Ericaceae family. This article systematically reviews relevant research on farrerol both domestically and internationally, summarizes its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, and finds that it exerts cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective effects by maintaining the homeostasis of vascular endothelial function and inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia; exerts renal protective effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to reduce renal damage; exerts liver protective effects by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, and reducing lipid deposition in the liver; exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4 and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathways to reduce neuroinflammatory damage; exerts bone protective effects by promoting tendon formation and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation; exerts antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and weakening tumor cell invasion and metastasis; and exerts antibacterial effects by downregulating α -toxin expression, interfering with β -lactamase/penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), and inhibiting PBP2a oligomerization. Currently, research on the pharmacological effects of farrerol is still mainly focused on animal and cell experiments. Further mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to provide theoretical basis for its new drug development and clinical application.
4.Research progress on pharmacological activities and mechanisms of farrerol
Siyuan XI ; Yin MA ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenwen LIAN ; Bingzhi MA ; Jun HE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1768-1772
Farrerol is a dihydroflavone compound extracted from the dried leaves of Rhododendron dauricum belonging to the Ericaceae family. This article systematically reviews relevant research on farrerol both domestically and internationally, summarizes its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, and finds that it exerts cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective effects by maintaining the homeostasis of vascular endothelial function and inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia; exerts renal protective effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to reduce renal damage; exerts liver protective effects by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, and reducing lipid deposition in the liver; exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4 and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathways to reduce neuroinflammatory damage; exerts bone protective effects by promoting tendon formation and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation; exerts antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and weakening tumor cell invasion and metastasis; and exerts antibacterial effects by downregulating α -toxin expression, interfering with β -lactamase/penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), and inhibiting PBP2a oligomerization. Currently, research on the pharmacological effects of farrerol is still mainly focused on animal and cell experiments. Further mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to provide theoretical basis for its new drug development and clinical application.
5.Epidemiological characteristics of imported dengue fever cases in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025
Yan MENG ; Yang YANG ; Xiao-xing YANG ; Jun-yong YANG ; Ruo-yi DU ; Li-na TIAN ; Ruo-xi LI ; Gui-yin LIN ; Xiao-li RUAN ; Jian-jun ZHANG ; Zhen-jiang XIN ; Li-li TIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):180-186
Objective We reviewed and analyzed the epidemiological data of 83 imported dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025, to delineate their epidemiological characteristics and guide the dengue fever prevention and control strategy in the future. Methods Data on dengue fever cases in Fengtai District from 2007 to 2025 were collected to identify the epidemic factors and characteristics using descriptive epidemiological method. Results All 83 dengue fever cases reported in this region over the past two decades have been imported from abroad or other domestic areas, with Southeast Asian countries being identified as the primary source of imported infections, accounting for 42 cases (50.60%), followed by 15 cases (18.07%) from Chinese provinces other than Beijing. The remaining import sources included 13 cases from South Asia,8 from African countries, and each from Oceania, South America, and Europe. Disease onset was found concentrated between May and November. The sex ratio (male-to-female) is 1.59:1. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 61 years old, with a median age of 36. The largest proportion of cases was observed among cadres and office workers (31 cases, 37.35%), followed by businessmen (13 cases, 15.67%), and householders or the unemployed (10 cases,12.05%). Travel visit was identified as the primary reason for their exposure history. Conclusions All dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai from 2007 to 2025 were imported, with an increasing trend of imported cases in Beijing originating from other Chinese provinces. It is essential to strengthen health education for foreign travelers and returning residents, enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment training for medical personnel, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and reduce mosquito density through active patriotic health campaigns.
6.Severity Assessment Parameters and Diagnostic Technologies of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Zhuo-Zhi FU ; Ya-Cen WU ; Mei-Xi LI ; Ping-Ping YIN ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):147-161
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly widespread sleep-breathing disordered disease, and is an independent risk factor for many high-risk chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias and diabetes, which is potentially fatal. The key to the prevention and treatment of OSA is early diagnosis and treatment, so the assessment and diagnostic technologies of OSA have become a research hotspot. This paper reviews the research progresses of severity assessment parameters and diagnostic technologies of OSA, and discusses their future development trends. In terms of severity assessment parameters of OSA, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), as the gold standard, together with the percentage of duration of apnea hypopnea (AH%), lowest oxygen saturation (LSpO2), heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and the emerging biomarkers, constitute a multi-dimensional evaluation system. Specifically, the AHI, which measures the frequency of sleep respiratory events per hour, does not fully reflect the patients’ overall sleep quality or the extent of their daytime functional impairments. To address this limitation, the AH%, which measures the proportion of the entire sleep cycle affected by apneas and hypopneas, deepens our understanding of the impact on sleep quality. The LSpO2 plays a critical role in highlighting the potential severe hypoxic episodes during sleep, while the HRV offers a different perspective by analyzing the fluctuations in heart rate thereby revealing the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The ODI provides a direct and objective measure of patients’ nocturnal oxygenation stability by calculating the number of desaturation events per hour, and the biomarkers offers novel insights into the diagnosis and management of OSA, and fosters the development of more precise and tailored OSA therapeutic strategies. In terms of diagnostic techniques of OSA, the standardized questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) is a simple and effective method for preliminary screening of OSA, and the polysomnography (PSG) which is based on recording multiple physiological signals stands for gold standard, but it has limitations of complex operations, high costs and inconvenience. As a convenient alternative, the home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) allows patients to monitor their sleep with simplified equipment in the comfort of their own homes, and the cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) offers a minimal version that simply analyzes the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. As an emerging diagnostic technology of OSA, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) adeptly pinpoint respiratory incidents and expose delicate physiological changes, thus casting new light on the diagnostic approach to OSA. In addition, imaging examination utilizes detailed visual representations of the airway’s structure and assists in recognizing structural abnormalities that may result in obstructed airways, while sound monitoring technology records and analyzes snoring and breathing sounds to detect the condition subtly, and thus further expands our medical diagnostic toolkit. As for the future development directions, it can be predicted that interdisciplinary integrated researches, the construction of personalized diagnosis and treatment models, and the popularization of high-tech in clinical applications will become the development trends in the field of OSA evaluation and diagnosis.
7.Effect and mechanism of high-glucose environment on osteoblast function and bone quality in mice
Zhi-Kang GUO ; Xue LI ; Rui WANG ; Xi-Xiu XIE ; Tao-Jin FENG ; Yi LI ; Peng-Bin YIN ; Li-Jun XU ; Li-Xia ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(10):1306-1314
Objective To explore the effects of different glucose concentrations on the synthesis and secretion of bone collagen in osteoblasts and the impact of diabetes on bone quality in mice.Methods(1)Primary osteoblasts were extracted from the skulls of neonatal mice via collagenase digestion and cultured in four groups under different glucose concentrations:normal glucose(5.5 mmol/L),moderate glucose(11.5 mmol/L),moderate-high glucose(16.5 mmol/L),and high glucose(25 mmol/L).EdU staining was performed to evaluate cell proliferation,while the Transwell assay was used to assess cell migration.Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to detect and quantitatively analyze the content of type Ⅰ collagen(Col-1).Alizarin red S(ARS)staining and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining were applied to assess the effects of different glucose concentrations on osteogenic differentiation.(2)Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group(5 in each group).The model group was fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin(STZ)injection to establish a diabetic mouse model.The osteogenic differentiation capacity of primary osteoblasts from both groups was assessed.(3)Micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT)was employed to analyze femoral bone mineral density(BMD),bone volume/tissue volume(BV/TV),trabecular number(Tb.N),and trabecular separation(Tb.Sp).Three-point bending test was conducted to evaluate mechanical parameters including maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness.RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox).Masson staining and Mallory staining were used to evaluate Col-1 content in trabecular bone.Results(1)EdU and Transwell assay results demonstrated that with the gradual increase in glucose concentration,the proliferation and migration abilities of osteoblasts were significantly decreased(P<0.001),and the protein expression levels of Col-1 and lysyl oxidase(LOX)were significantly reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.001).ARS and ALP staining revealed that calcium salt deposition and ALP activity in osteoblasts were significantly decreased with increasing glucose concentration(P<0.05 or P<0.001).(2)Compared with control group,mice in model group exhibited typical"three polies and one weight loss"symptoms(polyuria,polydipsia,polyphagia,and weight loss)of diabetes,and ARS and ALP staining showed a significant reduction in osteoblasts(P<0.001).(3)Micro-CT and three-point bending test results indicated that,compared with control group,mice in model group showed microarchitectural deterioration of bone,decreased Tb.N,increased Tb.Sp,and significantly reduced maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness(P<0.05).RT-qPCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox)were significantly decreased in model group compared with control group(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Masson and Mallory staining indicated a significant reduction in collagen content in model group compared with control group(P<0.01).Conclusions High-glucose environment inhibits osteoblast proliferation,differentiation,and migration.Diabetic mice exhibit reduced bone quality and increased bone fragility,potentially mediated by decreased lysyl oxidase and collagen levels.
8.SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION AND ENZYMATIC PARAMETERS OF CYCLOPHILIN PROTEIN-1 FROM CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM
Xi-Meng JIN ; Peng JIANG ; Dong-Qiang WANG ; Zong-Zhen ZHAI ; Ji-Gang YIN ; Guan ZHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(3):129-137,173
Objective The aim of this study was to characterize the basic molecular and biochemical parameters for a cyclophilin protein in Cryptosporidium parvum called CpCyP1.Methods CpCyP1 expression patterns during the parasite life cycle were evaluated using qRT-PCR with total RNA isolated from different developmental stages of C.parvum.Native CpCyP1 protein in sporozoites was detected using western blot.The localization of CpCyP1 was performed using the immunofluorescence assay,with an affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide.The peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase(PPIase)activity of His-tagged recombinant CpCyP1 was evaluated using absorbance colorimetry,and the effect of cyclosporin A(CsA)on the activity of CpCyP1 was determined.Results CpCyP1 was expressed in all parasite developmental stages,whereas CpCyP1 was present mainly in the cytosol of sporozoites,meronts,and gamonts.CpCyP1 displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics towards N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide for its PPIase activity(Km=456.4 μmol/L;Vmax=1.981 U).CsA inhibited PPIase activity,showing lower micromolar inhibitory activity and binding affinity(Kd=5.122 μmol/L;IC50=1.004 μmol/L).Conclusions These results imply that CpCyP1 in the parasite may be the target for the previously reported anti-cryptosporidial efficacy of CsA and suggest that C.parvum cyclophilins could be evaluated as candidate drug targets.
9.Analysis of the Characteristics of Rare Disease Outpatient Visits in a Children′s Hospital: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Zhe LYU ; Kaichong JIANG ; Sha YIN ; Siyu FENG ; Ruiying MA ; Yanmin ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(4):453-459
To analyze the characteristics of outpatient rare disease admissions at Xi′an Children′s Hospital based on the two batches of the China′s Rare Disease Catalogs. Based on the hospital information system, the outpatient visits of children with diseases included in the two batches of the rare disease catalogs from January 2018 to December 2023 at our center were retrieved and analyzed. A total of 93 602 outpatient visits of children with rare diseases were recorded, accounting for 0.71% of the total outpatient admissions during the same period. Among the diseases included in the two batches of the rare disease catalogs, 129 disease types were admitted, with a disease coverage rate of 62.32% (129/207). Specifically, 83 disease types (83/121, 68.60%) from the first batch of the catalog were admitted, with a total of 18 454 outpatient visits, showing an increasing trend year by year; 46 disease types (46/86, 53.49%) from the second batch of the catalog were admitted, with a total of 75 148 outpatient visits. The department of neurology admitted the most disease types, with a total of 54 types (54/207, 26.09%). Outpatient visits for single disease types exhibited multi-specialty characteristics, with 51.21% of the cases involving two or more specialties. Our center has admitted a relatively large number of children with rare diseases, covering most of the disease types that onset during childhood in the two batches of catalogs. There are obvious multi-specialty characteristics in outpatient admissions. The study results can provide data support for further optimizing the outpatient admission process for children with rare diseases and reasonably setting up multidisciplinary outpatient services.
10.Effects of Bionic Electric Stimulation Combined with Resistance Tightening Leg Training on Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Xiaoyan YIN ; Yaping QIAN ; Guangyu SUN ; Qianyun GAO ; Xi CHEN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):358-363
Objective To explore the effect of bionic electrical stimulation(BES)combined with resistance tightening leg training on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD).Methods A total of 205 patients with PFD were divided into the BES group(n=102)and the combined group(n=103)by random number table method.All subjects received routine pelvic floor muscle training.In addition,the BES group was treated with BES intervention,and the combined group was treated with BES combined with resistance tightening leg training,with 8 weeks of treatment.The classification of pelvic floor muscle strength,electrophysiological indexes of pelvic floor function,urodynamics and stress urinary incontinence(SUI)classification/pelvic organ prolapse(POP)degree were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results After treatment,the pelvic floor muscle strength classification,SUI classification and POP degree in the combined group were significantly better than those in the BES group(P<0.05).After treatment,ClassⅠ/ClassⅡmuscle fiber fatigue,vaginal dynamic pressure and maximal electromyography(EMG)value of fast muscle in the combined group were(-1.20±0.35)%,(-0.90±0.30)%,(76.30±5.51)cmH2 O,(43.00±5.82)μV,respectively,which were all significantly higher than those in the BES group(P<0.05).After treatment,the indexes of urodynamics in both groups were significantly improved,and the combined group was better than the BES group(P<0.05).Conclusions BES combined with resistance tightening leg training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength,muscle fiber fatigue and urodynamics in patients with PFD,thus alleviating SUI/POP symptoms.


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