1.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
2.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
3.Effect of fatty liver on cardiac structure and function: a cross-sectional study based on health examination
Peiwen CHEN ; Xingxing REN ; Hongmei YAN ; Xinxia CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Hailuan ZENG ; Jingjing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):434-444
Objective To investigate the cross-sectional associations between different fatty liver classifications and cardiac structure and function in people undergo health examination. Methods A total of 6 545 adults who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were collected. The hepatic steatosis was graded by ultrasonography. And patients with fatty liver were further stratified according to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular geometric patterns were classified accordingly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between fatty liver classifications and cardiac abnormalities. Results There were 2 795 patients (42.7%) with fatty liver, of whom 832 (29.8%) had significant cardiac structural alterations and 1 500 (53.7%) had diastolic dysfunction. Severe fatty liver was risk factor for concentric remodeling and increased relative wall thickness (RWT), with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.27 (P=0.012) and 1.27 (P=0.009), respectively. Fatty liver accompanied by elevated ALT or AST was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.45,1.56; P=0.001, 0.001), increased RWT (OR=1.48,1.57; P<0.001, <0.001), and diastolic dysfunction (OR=1.27, 1.32; P=0.035, 0.040), respectively. Fatty liver with liver fibrosis was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.83, P=0.046) and diastolic dysfunction (OR=2.64, P=0.034). Conclusions Advanced fatty liver, including severe hepatic steatosis, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes or liver fibrosis, could increase risks of cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function is preserved. For patients with fatty liver, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasonography examination.
4.The Effect of Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤) on Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in Tail Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rats
Zaishi ZHU ; Zeling HUANG ; Junming CHEN ; Bo XU ; Binjie LU ; Hua CHEN ; Xingxing DUAN ; Yuwei LI ; Xiaofeng SHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):509-517
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism by which Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤, ZGD) delays intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) based on the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group, model group, low-dose ZGD group, high-dose ZGD group, and high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group, with 10 rats in each group. In the sham surgery group, the rats were pierced in the skin and muscle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail with a 21G needle (depth approximately 2 mm) without damaging the intervertebral disc. In the other groups, rats were injected with a 21G needle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail to establish an IDD model by piercing the tail intervertebral disc 5 mm. One week after modeling, rats in the low-dose and high-dose ZGD groups were given 6.24 and 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction via gastric gavage, respectively. The high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group was given 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction and an intraperitoneal injection of YAP/TAZ inhibitor Verteporfin 10 mg/kg. The sham surgery and model groups were given 5 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline via gavage. The gavage was given once a day, and the intraperitoneal injection was given every other day. After 4 weeks of continuous intervention, the pathological changes of the tail intervertebral discs were observed using HE staining, Oil Red O-Green staining, and Toluidine Blue staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aggrecan and MMP3 in the nucleus pulposus. TUNEL fluorescence staining was performed to detect apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus, and the apoptosis rate was calculated. Western blot was used to detect the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, including YAP, phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP), phosphorylated MST1/2 (p-MST1/2), phosphorylated TAZ (p-TAZ) and apoptosis-related proteins, such as Cleaved Caspase 3, P53, Bcl-2 and Bax. ResultsCompared with sham surgery group, the rats in the model group showed significant degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins in the nucleus pulposus decreased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed partial recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins increased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The high-dose ZGD group showed more significant recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration compared to the low-dose ZGD group, with a decrease in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and an increase in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the high-dose ZGD group, the high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group showed a reduced recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration, with an increase in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and a decrease in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionZGD may delay intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of YAP in the nucleus pulposus, maintaining the function of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and reducing apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells.
5.Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Qiao LIU ; Wei DONG ; Rong LIU ; Luming XU ; Ling RAN ; Ziying XIE ; Shun LEI ; Xingxing SU ; Zhengliang YUE ; Dan XIONG ; Lisha WANG ; Shuqiong WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianjun HU ; Chenxi QIN ; Yongchang CHEN ; Bo ZHU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Xia WU ; Lifan XU ; Qizhao HUANG ; Yingjiao CAO ; Lilin YE ; Zhonghui TANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):575-601
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation
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Chromatin/immunology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Immunologic Memory
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Gene Regulatory Networks
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Enhancer Elements, Genetic
6.Effect of an obstetric artificial intelligence assistant combined with a family-centered health education model on mothers and their spouses: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Suyu ZHANG ; Xueling ZHANG ; Qianqian QI ; Keting ZENG ; Xingxing DENG ; Lin YU ; Lili DU ; Fang HE ; Yong WANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Dunjin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):835-841
Objective:To evaluate the effect of an obstetric artificial intelligence (AI) assistant combined with a family-centered health education model on maternal self-care ability, comfort status, and spousal caregiving ability.Methods:This prospective, single-center, parallel randomized controlled trial used 1∶1 randomization and was conducted as a superiority trial. Postpartum mothers and their spouses admitted to family-style single rooms at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between October 2024 and April 2025 were enrolled and randomly assigned to control or intervention groups using a random number table. The control group received conventional health education, while the intervention group received conventional health education plus the AI-assisted family-centered model. Interventions were administered at 2 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours postpartum, and before discharge. Outcomes included maternal self-care ability, comfort status, and spousal caregiving ability, which were assessed at 2 hours postpartum and before discharge. Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests and Chi square tests. Results:Of the 88 mother-spouse dyads initially recruited, four were excluded due to mother-infant separation (e.g., neonatal jaundice), leaving 84 dyads (42 per group). After the intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher maternal self-care ability scores [(192.81±13.80) vs. (181.00±21.41) scores, t=3.00], higher maternal comfort scores [(104.43±7.52) vs. (96.00±14.29) scores, t=3.38], and better spousal caregiving ability [(6.07±3.13) vs. (9.50±5.02) scores, t=-3.76] compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The obstetric AI assistant combined with a family-centered health education model significantly improved maternal self-care ability and comfort status, as well as spousal caregiving ability.
7.Potassium channel Kv1.3 mediates neurodysfunction and neuroin-flammation after traumatic brain injury
Xingxing CHEN ; Zhengxun CHEN ; Die ZHANG ; Haopeng JIANG ; Jie TAO ; Lele TANG ; Yi YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(6):401-411
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of potassium channel Kv1.3knockout(Kv1.3 KO)on neurological dysfunction and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 mice following traumatic brain injury(TBI).METHODS C57BL/6 mice and homozygous Kv1.3 KO C57BL/6 mice were subjected to the classic controlled cortical impact model to establish a TBI model.The experimental groups included the sham surgery group,C57BL/6 TBI model group(TBI group),and a Kv1.3 KO C57BL/6 TBI model group(TBI+Kv1.3 KO group).At 1,2,and 3 weeks post-modeling,real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of Kv1.3,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and IL-10 in hippocampal tissues.At 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling,Western blotting was performed to detect Kv1.3 protein expressions in the hippocampus.At 3 weeks post-modeling,Western blotting was used to assess the protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-10 in hippocampal tissues.Additionally,immunofluorescence was employed to quantify cells co-labeled with the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1)and Kv1.3,IL-1β,or TNF-α in the hippocampus.Patch-clamp recordings were conducted to measure Kv1.3 channel currents in primary microglia at 3 weeks post-modeling.Neurological function was evaluated at 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling using the neurological severity score(NSS),pole climbing,and rotarod tests.Cognitive function was assessed at 3 weeks post-modeling via open field,Morris water maze,and Y-maze tests.RESULTS Compared with the sham group,the TBI group exhibited significantly elevated mRNA expression levels of Kv1.3 and IL-1β in the hippocampus at 1,2 and 3 weeks post-modeling,while IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA levels showed no significant changes.Notably,TNF-α mRNA expressions demonstrated a significant increase only at 2 and 3 weeks post-modeling.At 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling,Kv1.3 protein expres-sions in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the TBI group.At 3 weeks post-modeling,hippo-campal IL-1β and TNF-α protein levels were markedly increased in the TBI group,whereas IL-6 and IL-10 protein levels did not change significantly.Moreover,Kv1.3 current density in primary microglia was signifi-cantly enhanced in the TBI group at 3 weeks post-modeling.Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the number of IBA1-positive microglia co-labeled with Kv1.3,IL-1β,or TNF-α in the hippocampus was significantly larger in the TBI group than in the sham group at 3 weeks post-modeling.Behaviorally,the TBI group exhibited significantly higher NSS scores,lower success rates in full turn attempts,and longer times taken to descend the pole at 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling compared with the sham group.At 3 weeks post-modeling,TBI mice also demonstrated reduced total movement distance in the open field,decreased time spent in the central zone,fewer platform crossings,less time in the target quadrant,and lower spontaneous alternation rates.In contrast,the TBI+Kv1.3 KO group showed signifi-cantly improved outcomes compared with the TBI group:lower NSS scores,higher success rates in full turns,and shorter time taken to descend the pole at 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling.At 3 weeks post-modeling,the TBI+Kv1.3 KO group displayed longer rotarod endurance,increased total movement dis-tance in the open field,more time spent in the central zone,higher platform crossings,greater target quadrant exploration time,and improved spontaneous alternation rates.Furthermore,at 1 and 3 weeks post-modeling,the TBI+Kv1.3 KO group exhibited significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus compared with the TBI group.CONCLU-SION Potassium channel Kv1.3 knockout mitigates neurological dysfunction and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 mice following TBI.
8.Characterization of preclinical radio ADME properties of ARV-471 for predicting human PK using PBPK modeling.
Yifei HE ; Chenggu ZHU ; Peng LEI ; Chen YANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yuandong ZHENG ; Xingxing DIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101175-101175
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a promising class of drugs that can target disease-causing proteins more effectively than traditional small molecule inhibitors can, potentially revolutionizing drug discovery and treatment strategies. However, the links between in vitro and in vivo data are poorly understood, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of PROTACs. In this work, 14C-labeled vepdegestrant (ARV-471), which is currently in phase III clinical trials for breast cancer, was synthesized as a model PROTAC to characterize its preclinical ADME properties and simulate its clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) by establishing a physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model. For in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE), hepatocyte clearance correlated more closely with in vivo rat PK data than liver microsomal clearance did. PBPK models, which were initially developed and validated in rats, accurately simulate ARV-471's PK across fed and fasted states, with parameters within 1.75-fold of the observed values. Human models, informed by in vitro ADME data, closely mirrored postoral dose plasma profiles at 30 mg. Furthermore, no human-specific metabolites were identified in vitro and the metabolic profile of rats could overlap that of humans. This work presents a roadmap for developing future PROTAC medications by elucidating the correlation between in vitro and in vivo characteristics.
9.Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses liver fibrosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting CXCL12-induced macrophage polarization.
Wei YUAN ; Xinxin ZENG ; Bin CHEN ; Sihan YIN ; Jing PENG ; Xiong WANG ; Xingxing YUAN ; Kewei SUN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(10):1232-1247
Chronic, unresolved inflammation correlates with persistent hepatic injury and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) demonstrates therapeutic potential against HCC, yet its mechanism in preventing hepatic "inflammation-carcinoma transformation" remains incompletely understood. In the current research, clinical HCC specimens underwent analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the expression of fibrosis markers, M2 macrophage markers, and CXCL12. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced LX-2 cells and a co-culture system of LX-2, THP-1, and HCC cells were established. Cell functions underwent assessment through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence evaluated the differential expression of molecules. The interaction between β-catenin/TCF4 and CXCL12 was examined using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A DEN-induced rat model was developed to investigate BDMC's role in liver fibrosis-associated HCC (LFAHCC) development in vivo. Our results showed that clinical HCC tissues exhibited elevated fibrosis and enriched M2 macrophages. BDMC delayed liver fibrosis progression to HCC in vivo. BDMC inhibited the inflammatory microenvironment induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, BDMC suppressed M2 macrophage-induced fibrosis and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, BDMC repressed TCF4/β-catenin complex formation, thereby reducing CXCL12 transcription in LX-2 cells. Moreover, CXCL12 overexpression reversed BDMC's inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization and its mediation of fibrosis, as well as HCC proliferation and metastasis. BDMC significantly suppressed LFAHCC development through CXCL12 in rats. In conclusion, BDMC inhibited LFAHCC progression by reducing M2 macrophage polarization through suppressing β-catenin/TCF4-mediated CXCL12 transcription.
Animals
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Liver Neoplasms/etiology*
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Humans
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology*
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Liver Cirrhosis/complications*
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Macrophages/drug effects*
;
Male
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Rats
;
Chemokine CXCL12/genetics*
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Diarylheptanoids/pharmacology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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beta Catenin/genetics*
10.Preliminary investigation on the effect of zirconium-based colorants on the colorimetric properties of fused deposition modeled polyetheretherketone composites
Jin CHEN ; Yuchun CHEN ; Jie QIAN ; Wanni FU ; Wenfei CHEN ; Xingxing LI
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(8):879-885
Objective:To analyze the effect of zirconium-based pigments with different mass fractions on the colorimetric properties of fused deposition modeling (FDM) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites, and to investigate the feasibility of using these pigments for computer color matching of PEEK composites.Methods:Specimens were fabricated using FDM technology, comprising two control groups [Pure PEEK group, PEEK-TiO 2 group (PEEK compounded with 20% TiO 2)] and nine experimental groups based on the type of zirconium-based pigment (zirconium praseodymium yellow, zirconium iron red, zirconium vanadium blue) and mass fraction (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%). The experimental group specimens consisted of PEEK blended with 20% TiO 2 and the respective zirconium-based pigment. The spectral reflectance curve and chromaticity values of all specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer. The relationship between the chromaticity values of each colored PEEK composite in the experimental groups and the pigment mass fraction was determined. Shade guide tabs mimicking clinically used tooth shades were fabricated using a light-curing resin (Filtek Z350XT Body). The full-spectrum color matching method was employed to calculate the PEEK composite formulations (PEEK, 20% TiO 2, blends of the three zirconium-based pigments) required to match these target tooth shades. Verification group specimens based on these calculated recipes were then fabricated. The color difference between each verification group specimen and its corresponding target shade tab was calculated. Color differences between the target shade tabs and the two control groups (Pure PEEK, PEEK-TiO 2) were also calculated. Results:The spectral reflectance curves of PEEK composite specimens containing different types of zirconium-based pigments exhibited distinct characteristic features. The chromaticity values were significantly affected by the mass fraction of the same zirconium-based pigment. Based on computer color matching calculations, the color differences between the verification group specimens and the target shade tabs ranged from 1.59 to 14.55.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing the three zirconium-based pigments (zirconium praseodymium yellow, zirconium iron red, zirconium vanadium blue) for full-spectrum computer color matching of PEEK-TiO 2 composites.

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