1.Overview of host-directed antiviral targets for future research and drug development.
Xiaoxia GU ; Mengzhu ZHENG ; Ya GAO ; Shuang LIN ; Xiaotian ZHANG ; Chunmei CHEN ; Hucheng ZHU ; Weiguang SUN ; Yonghui ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1723-1751
Viruses constitute a significant group of pathogens that have caused numerous fatalities and substantial economic losses in recent years, particularly with the emergence of coronaviruses. While the impact of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be diminishing in daily life, only a limited number of drugs have received approval or emergency use authorization for its treatment. Given the high mutation rate of viral genomes, host-directed agents (HDAs) have emerged as a preferred choice due to their broad applicability and lasting effectiveness. In contrast to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), HDAs offer several advantages, including broad-spectrum antiviral activities, potential efficacy against future emerging viruses, and a lower likelihood of inducing drug resistance. In our review article, we have synthesized known host-directed antiviral targets that span diverse cellular pathways and mechanisms, shedding light on the intricate interplay between host cells and viruses. Additionally, we have provided a brief overview of the development of HDAs based on these targets. We aim for this comprehensive analysis to offer valuable perspectives and insights that can guide future antiviral research and drug development efforts.
2.Proanthocyanidins regulate retinal autophagy in form-deprivation myopic guinea pigs through the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Jifu LIU ; Xiaotian YANG ; Bowen ZHENG ; Chen YE ; Meiqi FANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1906-1913
AIM:To investigate the regulatory effects of proanthocyanidins on autophagy and apoptosis in the retinas of guinea pigs with form-deprivation myopia via the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.METHODS:Fifty guinea pigs were randomly divided into a normal control group, a myopia model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose proanthocyanidins groups(25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). Refractive power and axial length of right eye were measured using a retinoscope and A-scan ultrasound. Retinal pathological changes were observed via HE staining. Immunohistochemistry assessed p-AMPK and p-mTOR expression in the retina. Immunofluorescence detected p62 and LC3 expression. TUNEL staining evaluated retinal cell apoptosis. Western blot examined expression of proteins related to the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy(p62, Beclin1, LC3-II/LC3-I), and apoptosis-related proteins(Bax, Bcl-2, Cleaved-Caspase3, Caspase3)in the retina.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the myopia model group showed significantly reduced refractive power and significantly increased axial length(both P<0.05); retinal cell arrangement became sparse and retinal thickness thinned. The p-AMPK levels in the retina were significantly reduced, while p-mTOR levels were significantly increased(both P<0.05), indicating suppression of the AMPK-Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The p62 levels were significantly elevated and LC3 levels were significantly reduced(both P<0.05), suggesting inhibition of autophagy. Bax and Cleaved-Caspase3 were significantly increased, while Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, indicating significantly increased apoptosis(both P<0.05). Compared with the myopia model group, all proanthocyanidins dose groups significantly inhibited refractive error reduction and axial length growth(both P<0.05), restored retinal cell alignment and thickness, activated the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, significantly increased p-AMPK expression, and suppressed p-mTOR expression(all P<0.05); significantly suppressed p62 expression, increased Beclin1 and LC3-II/LC3-I expression(both P<0.05), and activated retinal autophagy; significantly suppressed Bax and Cleaved-Caspase3 expression, increased Bcl-2 expression(both P<0.05), and inhibited retinal cell apoptosis.CONCLUSION:Proanthocyanidins enhance retinal autophagy by activating the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby inhibiting retinal apoptosis and preventing or alleviating the onset of myopia.
3.Advances in the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders
Xuemei QIN ; Su SHU ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Xiaotian ZHAO ; Lingsi ZENG ; Mohan MA ; Wenwen OU ; Guanyi LYU ; Qi ZHENG ; Shuyin XU ; Mi WANG ; Mei LIAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yumeng JU ; Jin LIU ; Bangshan LIU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(4):292-296
Anticipatory anxiety is a negative emotion that arises when individuals encounter potential threats or uncertainties in the future. It is the core symptom of a variety of anxiety disorders, and is closely associated with the occurrence, severity, treatment outcome, and prognosis of anxiety disorders, which has garnered a growing amount of focus in clinical practice. Nevertheless, scientific research on anticipatory anxiety continues to face obstacles such as unclear pathological mechanisms, the absence of simple and consistent self-assessment tools, and effective interventions. To improve understanding of the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, this study reviews pertinent domestic and international literature, and briefly introduces the concept, assessment and measurement, activation paradigm, pathological mechanisms, and interventions of anticipatory anxiety.
4.Advances in the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders
Xuemei QIN ; Su SHU ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Xiaotian ZHAO ; Lingsi ZENG ; Mohan MA ; Wenwen OU ; Guanyi LYU ; Qi ZHENG ; Shuyin XU ; Mi WANG ; Mei LIAO ; Li ZHANG ; Yumeng JU ; Jin LIU ; Bangshan LIU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(4):292-296
Anticipatory anxiety is a negative emotion that arises when individuals encounter potential threats or uncertainties in the future. It is the core symptom of a variety of anxiety disorders, and is closely associated with the occurrence, severity, treatment outcome, and prognosis of anxiety disorders, which has garnered a growing amount of focus in clinical practice. Nevertheless, scientific research on anticipatory anxiety continues to face obstacles such as unclear pathological mechanisms, the absence of simple and consistent self-assessment tools, and effective interventions. To improve understanding of the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, this study reviews pertinent domestic and international literature, and briefly introduces the concept, assessment and measurement, activation paradigm, pathological mechanisms, and interventions of anticipatory anxiety.
5.Research progress on nutritional support for gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease
Haiyan YU ; Xueting ZHANG ; Yan LIU ; Zheng LU ; Xiaotian SUN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024;32(1):50-56
Gastrointestinal graft versus host disease is one of the most severe complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which can occur in patients of any age groups. Its clinical manifestations include nausea, vomit, abdominal pain, diarrhea and the like. Severe gastrointestinal graft versus host disease could directly influence the patients' clinical prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of transplantation. Here we had a review of the research progress on nutritional support and diet management strategies for gastrointestinal graft versus host disease. It is of great clinical significance to form a step-wise nutritional support model to reduce the risk of malnutrition in patients with gastrointestinal graft versus host disease, which would contribute to improving patients' general condition, relieving digestive tract symptoms, and reducing the risk of complications.
6.Discussion on the Prevention and Treatment of Tumor through Chinese Medicine of Gao Fang Based on the Theory of Preventive Treatment of Disease
Maofeng ZHONG ; Dapeng ZHENG ; Li LIN ; Xiaotian ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(8):2101-2105
Under the theory of preventive treatment of disease,Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has accumulated wealth experience in cancer prevention such as recurrence and metastasis,and cancer treatment,that plays a unique advantage on several stages of cancer.As an important treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine to prevent disease,Gao Fang has the function of correcting deviation and removing disease,and has four functions including regulating,supplementing,preventing and treating,which plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of malignant tumor.Gao Fang is an effective means to treat tumor.Therefore,this article intends to discuss the effect of Gao Fang on tumor under the perspective of preventive treatment of the disease.
7.Functional differentiation of bilateral feet in young women walking with increasing weight bearing
Jialin WEI ; Hongfeng HUO ; Xiaotian BAI ; Dongyu ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2024;43(4):258-265
Objective To explore the patterns of functional gait asymmetry during the support phase and the differentiation of bilateral foot functions,to gain insights into the human movement compensa-tion mechanisms and stability control characteristics,so as to provide theoretical references for the pre-vention and rehabilitation treatment of unilateral foot and ankle injuries.Methods Twelve young females with normal feet were recruited,and the time percentage of each phase of the support period,the change of longitudinal arch angle,the vertical ground reaction force and the center of plantar pressure trajectory of the dominant and non-dominant feet were collected by using a three-dimensional motion capture and a high-frequency plantar pressure testing system when the subjects walked at the optimum speed with the incremental loading of weights[0%body weight(BW),10%BW and 20%BW].The ef-fects of laterality(dominant foot,non-dominant foot)and load(0%BW,10%BW,20%BW)on arch changes and gait parameters,and the interactions between them,were analyzed using a two-way re-peated-measures ANOVA.Results The factors of laterality and load interacted significantly on arch changes,but not on gait parameters.(2)Compared with 0%BW,the time percentage of the buffering phase of the nondominant feet with the load of 20%BW increased(P<0.05),while that of the domi-nant ones decreased(P<0.05),with an increase in the buffering load of both feet with the load of 20%BW(P<0.05)and the buffering force excursion of both feet with the load of 10%BW(P<0.05).More-over,changes in longitudinal arch angle increased(P<0.05)with the load of 10%and 20%BW,the pedal extension load rate increased(P<0.05)with the above BW load in the non-dominant feet,and the horizontal slope of pedal extension decreased(P<0.05)with 20%BW load in the dominant feet.Compared with 10%BW,when the feed was loaded 20%BW,the time percentage in the buffering phase and the buffering force offset of the dominant feet decreased(P<0.05),while the buffering load of both feet increased(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the non-dominant feet,for the dominant feet,the buffering load rate at the load of 10%and 20%BW and changes in the longitudinal arch angle at the load of 20%BW decreased(P<0.05),while the horizontal slope of the pedal extension without load in-creased(P<0.05).Conclusion Walking with load induces function differentiation in bilateral feet.The dominant foot has more efficient horizontal extension without load and better buffering function in the vertical direction with loads,while the non-dominant feet perform a more adequate weight-bearing and extension function vertically with larger load.It is suggested that unilateral injury feet should not be given too much load,and it is inappropriate to select a single foot to represent and evaluate the func-tion and injury risk of the double feet in loaded walking.
8.Effects of prenatal multidisciplinary consultation on outcomes of fetuses with structural anomalies
Weijing HE ; Haitao ZHU ; Kuiran DONG ; Shan ZHENG ; Xiaotian LI ; Yu XIONG ; Chun SHEN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(6):477-483
Objective:To investigate the effects of improving the prenatal multidisciplinary consultation mode on the outcomes of fetuses with structural malformations.Methods:Clinical data of pregnant women attending the Prenatal Multidisciplinary Consultation Center, jointly established by the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University and the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2004 to December 2019, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. In 2014, the center optimized the multidisciplinary consultation mode to achieve a more individualized approach to genetic testing based on more accurate imaging diagnosis and deeper cooperation between the obstetrics and pediatrics teams. Differences in the number of cases, structure of the diseases, genetic testing results, outcomes, and prognosis between the improved group (enrolled from January 2014 to December 2019) and the baseline group (enrolled from January 2004 to December 2013) were compared. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:(1) This study recruited 5 977 pregnant women, including 3 424 in the baseline group and 2 553 in the improved group. The main indications for consultation were fetal factors [97.2% (5 812/5 977)], among which congenital structural malformations accounted for 77.5% (4 503/5 812). There was a significant difference in the systematic distribution of congenital structural malformations between the two groups ( χ2=141.31, P<0.001). The proportion of malformations involving the central nervous, cardiovascular, and urinary systems ranked in the top three in both groups. (2) The percentage of women receiving genetic testing was higher in the improved group than in the baseline group [26.7% (682/2 553) vs. 15.9% (546/3 424), χ2=103.87, P<0.001] and the positive rate of genetic testing was also higher in the improved group [19.9% (136/682) vs. 9.9% (54/546). χ2=23.42, P<0.001]. (3) Among the 5 977 cases, 418 (7.0%) were lost to follow-up; 1 741 (29.1%) opted for pregnancy termination; 123 (2.2%) had intrauterine fetal death; and 3 695 (61.8%) were live births. The rate of pregnancy termination in the improved group was lower than that of the baseline group [27.7% (707/2 553) vs. 30.2% (1 034/3 424), χ2=4.45, P=0.035]. (4) In the 1 741 cases with pregnancy termination, fatal cardiovascular system malformations ( n=413, 23.7%), central nervous system malformations ( n=377, 21.7%), multiple malformations ( n=258, 14.8%), and chromosomal abnormalities ( n=162, 9.3%) were the main causes. The top five diseases leading to pregnancy termination were cleft lip and palate [59.0% (46/78)], meningocele (5/9), gastroschisis/omphalocele [49.3% (33/67)], diaphragmatic hernia [46.5% (33/71)], and skeletal malformations [40.9% (83/203)]. The rates of pregnancy termination due to gastroschisis/omphalocele, diaphragmatic hernia, and skeletal malformations in the improved group were all lower than those in the baseline group [57.4% (27/47) vs. 30.0% (6/20), χ2=4.23; 59.0% (23/39) vs. 31.3% (10/32), χ2=5.43; 51.8% (72/139) vs. 17.2% (11/64), χ2=21.72; all P<0.05]. (5) Among the 3 695 live births, 1 979 (53.6%) were delivered by cesarean section and 1 716 (46.4%) by vaginal delivery; 3 633 (98.3%) survived and 62 (1.7%) died in the neonatal period. The survival rate of newborns in the improved group was higher than that in the baseline group [98.8% (1 648/1 668) vs. 97.9% (1 985/2 027), χ2=4.23, P=0.040]. Among the 62 dead newborns, 51 (82.3%) had fatal structural or chromosomal abnormalities. (6) In the surviving neonates, 372 (10.2%) showed no abnormalities in a postnatal reexamination, and 468 (12.9%) received surgical treatment in the neonatal period. The other 2 793 cases received no treatment in the neonatal period but were followed up regularly. Conclusion:The optimized prenatal multidisciplinary consultation mode effectively reduces the rate of pregnancy termination due to non-fatal single structural malformations and increases the survival rate of newborns.
9.Effect of Porcine Large Intestine-processed Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) on Defecation and Colon Pathological Changes in Constipation Model Mice
Xiaotian RAO ; Linjin HUANG ; Peisen ZHENG ; Bangyang CHEN ; Dianwei WU ; Maosheng HUANG ; Qiuming CHEN ; Dongjin HUANG ; Hongyue ZHAN ; Yinghua YAO ; Chao CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(18):1916-1921
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of porcine large intestine-processed Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) on defecation in constipation model mice and the possible mechanism. MethodsFifty Kunming mice were randomized to blank group (n=10) and model group (n=40). Loperamide suspension at the dose of 8 mg/(kg·d) was given by gavage for four consecutive days to establish a model of constipation. The 24 successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group, processed Dahuang group, lactulose group, raw Dahuang group, with six mice in each group. Moreover, six randomly selected mice were chosen as control group. Since the fifth day, 8 mg/(kg·d) of loperamide suspension by gavage was given to the model group, processed Dahuang group, raw Dahuang group, and lactulose group; two hours later, the processed and raw Dahuang groups were administered with 0.6 g/(kg·d) of processed and raw Dahuang suspension, respectively, while the lactulose group was given 0.6 g/(kg·d) of latulose suspension, and the blank group and the model group were given 0.2 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage, all for four days. The general condition, body weight after the last gavage, number of fecal particles within six hours, fecal wet weight, fecal water content ratio, intestinal propulsion rate and colonic histology changes by HE staining of each group were detected. ResultsThe body weight of the mice in the raw Dahuang group was significantly lighter than that in the other groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of fecal particles, fecal wet weight and intestinal propulsion rate of mice significantly decreased in the model group than in the blank group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the number of fecal particles and fecal wet weight in the processed Dahuang group, lactulose group and raw Dahuang group significantly increased, and the fecal water content ratio in the raw Dahuang group increased as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the processed Dahuang group, the number of fecal particles and fecal wet weight in the raw Dahuang group decreased, while the fecal water content ratio increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the fecal water content ratio in the lactulose group increased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal propulsion rate in the processed Dahuang group was higher than that in the model group, lactulose group and raw Dahuang group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological analysis showed that the colonic crypts and goblet cells in the blank group were normal and clear, and the colonic muscular layer was thicker. The colonic crypts of the mice in the model group were damaged, with reduced goblet cells to varying degrees and changed colonic muscularis. In the lactulose group and raw Dahuang group, part of the crypts were broken, and the goblet cells were damaged to varying degrees, while in the processed Dahuang group, still the colonic tissue structure of the mice was relatively clear, and the colonic crypts and goblet cells were relatively normal, with thickened muscular layer of the colon. ConclusionPorcine large intestine-processed Dahuang could improve defecation in constipation model mice, and reduce the drastic purgation function of raw Dahuang, for which the mechanism may be related to the protection of colon histopathological damage.
10.Qianjin Wenwu decoction suppresses renal interstitial fibrosis by enhancing the degradation of extracellular matrix in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction.
Chengshan JIN ; Xiaotian WU ; Yue YOU ; Yuing WANG ; Jing WU ; Along ZUO ; Yan ZHENG ; Jianpeng GUO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2023;21(4):253-262
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Qianjin Wenwu decoction (QWD), a well-known traditional Korean medicine, has been used for the treatment of DKD, with satisfactory therapeutic effects. This study was designed to investigate the active components and mechanisms of action of QWD in the treatment of DKD. The results demonstrated that a total of 13 active components in five types were found in QWD, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropionic acids, saponins, coumarins, and lignins. Two key proteins, TGF-β1 and TIMP-1, were identified as the target proteins through molecular docking. Furthermore, QWD significantly suppressed Scr and BUN levels which increased after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson staining results demonstrated that QWD significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. We also found that QWD promoted ECM degradation by regulating MMP-9/TIMP-1 homeostasis to improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and interfere with the expression and activity of TGF- β1 in DKD treatment. These findings explain the underlying mechanism of QWD for the treatment of DKD, and also provide methodological reference for investigating the mechanism of traditional medicine in the treatment of DKD.
Rats
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Mice
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Animals
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Ureteral Obstruction/metabolism*
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Kidney/metabolism*
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Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/metabolism*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Kidney Diseases/drug therapy*
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Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
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Flavonoids/metabolism*
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Fibrosis

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