1.Chinese Materia Medica by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Lanhua XI ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Tianwei LIANG ; Hui HUANG ; Shan LI ; Xian HUANG ; Chun YAO ; Guochu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):321-330
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa, and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality, oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), encoded by the Nfe212 gene, plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulated in the body, and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition, Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response, cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this, this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2, the molecular mechanism of activation, the protective effect in the pathological process of UC, and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory, promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promoting intestinal mucosal repair, providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.
2.Dynamics Changes of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Testis and Epididymis During Male Mouse Aging
Hongle HE ; Rui SUN ; Jinhong GUAN ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Yun XIE ; Chengqiang MO ; Xianshen SHA ; Yanping HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):806-815
ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic expression profiles and potential regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in male reproductive system aging. MethodsA naturally aging C57BL/6 mouse model was used and 4 mice were selected each at 3, 15, and 21 months of age. RNA was extracted from seven regions of the male reproductive tract (testis, efferent duct, initial segment of epididymis, caput epididymis, corpus epididymis, cauda epididymis, and vas deferens), followed by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. ResultsRegion-specific dynamic expression profiles of lncRNAs were constructed in the testis, epididymis (efferent duct, initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda), and vas deferens of male mice. Combined with gene functional enrichment analysis, the functional associations of lncRNAs were elucidated in reproductive system aging. The differentially expressed lncRNAs in the aging testis were primarily involved in hormone biosynthesis and extracellular matrix organization, while those in the initial segment of the epididymis were closely related to cell recognition and epithelial cell migration. A comprehensive lncRNA expression atlas associated with male reproductive aging was established. ConclusionLncRNAs may participate in male reproductive aging through the regulation of the reproductive microenvironment, which provides key molecular targets and a research foundation for understanding age-related fertility decline.
3.Iodine nutrition among children aged 8-10 in Baoshan City from 2018 to 2024
LI Yanping, LIU Guihua, WANG Anwei, LIU Zengkan, JIANG Zongqi, HUANG Dongsheng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(11):1559-1563
Objective:
To analyze the iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 in Baoshan City, so as to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of eliminating and consolidating iodine deficiency disorders in Baoshan City.
Methods:
From 2018 to 2024, a stratified random sampling method was used to sample 7 363 non boarding children aged 8-10 from 35 survey sites in 5 counties of Baoshan City (Longyang County, Shidian County, Changning County, Tengchong City, Longling County). The salt iodine content and urinary iodine concentration were detected, and the thyroid volume of children was measured by ultrasound. Group comparison was conducted by using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Chi square test. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of salt iodine, urinary iodine and thyroid volume.
Results:
A total of 7 361 samples of household edible salt for children were detected. The iodized salt coverage rate was 99.70%, the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 97.02 %. The proportion of unqualified iodized salt fluctuated and decreased from 3.14% in 2018 to 2.14% in 2024. The median iodine content of household edible salt for children was 23.70 (21.60, 25.80) mg/kg. The median urinary iodine of children was 217.41 (152.40, 294.59) μg/L, and the proportions of iodine deficiency, adequate iodine, and iodine excess were 9.75 %, 66.66%, and 23.58%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the median urinary iodine of children among different years, ages, genders and before and after the supply of non iodized salt ( Z/H =134.88, 11.04,-4.28,-2.66, all P < 0.01). An average thyroid volume of children was 3.32 (2.77, 3.93) mL, with a goiter rate of 1.91%. Before and after the implementation of non iodized salt supply in Baoshan City in 2023, there were no statistically significant differences in the median iodine content of household edible salt and the goiter rate of children ( Z/χ 2=-1.54, 3.25, both P >0.05), but there were statistically significant differences in the qualified status of iodized salt, the median urinary iodine, and the frequency distribution of urinary iodine ( χ 2/Z =15.53,-2.66, 10.14, all P <0.05). Salt iodine was positively correlated with urinary iodine ( r =0.04) and negatively correlated with thyroid volume ( r =-0.07), and urinary iodine was negatively correlated with thyroid volume ( r =-0.03) (all P < 0.05 ). The thyroid volume of children consuming iodized salt was larger than that of children consuming non iodized salt ( H = 9.99 ), and there were statistically significant differences in thyroid volume among children with different urinary iodine levels ( H =15.13) (both P <0.01).
Conclusions
From 2018 to 2024, the overall iodine nutritional level of children aged 8-10 in Baoshan City is at an adequate level. The elimination status of iodine deficiency disorders has been continuously consolidated.
4.Mechanism of electroacupuncture-induced macrophage polarization in promoting acute skeletal muscle injury repair in rats.
Yuting HUANG ; Yuye LIN ; Guojun ZHANG ; Chufan ZENG ; Xia ZHANG ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Yu KAN ; Yanping FANG ; Xianghong JING ; Jun LIAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):791-800
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.
METHODS:
Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XTTM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/immunology*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Cell Proliferation
5.Hypotension with neurovascular changes and cognitive dysfunction: An epidemiological, pathobiological, and treatment review.
Yingzhe CHENG ; Lin LIN ; Peilin HUANG ; Jiejun ZHANG ; Yanping WANG ; Xiaodong PAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):405-418
Hypotension is a leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. The available literature evidences that vascular factors are associated with dementia and that hypotension alters cerebral perfusion flow and can aggravate the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the discovery of biomarkers and the recent progress made in neurovascular biology, epidemiology, and brain imaging, some key issues remain largely unresolved: the potential mechanisms underlying the neural deterioration observed in AD, the effect of cerebrovascular alterations on cognitive deficits, and the positive effects of hypotension treatment on cognition. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to unravel the potential association between hypotension and cognitive dysfunction and reveal the potential benefits of hypotension treatment for AD patients. Here, we review the current epidemiological, pathobiological, and treatment-related literature on neurovascular changes and hypotension-related cognitive dysfunction and highlight the unsettled but imminent issues that warrant future research endeavors.
Humans
;
Hypotension/complications*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
;
Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology*
;
Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology*
;
Cognition Disorders/etiology*
6.Linagliptin synergizes with cPLA2 inhibition to enhance temozolomide efficacy by interrupting DPP4-mediated EGFR stabilization in glioma.
Dongyuan SU ; Biao HONG ; Shixue YANG ; Jixing ZHAO ; Xiaoteng CUI ; Qi ZHAN ; Kaikai YI ; Yanping HUANG ; Jiasheng JU ; Eryan YANG ; Qixue WANG ; Junhu ZHOU ; Yunfei WANG ; Xing LIU ; Chunsheng KANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3632-3645
The polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF)-cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phospholipid remodeling pathway facilitates tumor proliferation in glioma. Nevertheless, blockade of this pathway leads to the excessive activation of oncogenic receptors on the plasma membrane and subsequent drug resistance. Here, CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was identified through screening of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. Suppressing PTRF-cPLA2 signaling resulted in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway through phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine remodeling, which ultimately increased DPP4 transcription. In turn, DPP4 interacted with EGFR and prevented its ubiquitination. Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, facilitated the degradation of EGFR by blocking its interaction with DPP4. When combined with the cPLA2 inhibitor AACOCF3, it exhibited synergistic effects and led to a decrease in energy metabolism in glioblastoma cells. Subsequent in vivo investigations provided further evidence of a synergistic impact of linagliptin by augmenting the sensitivity of AACOCF3 and strengthening the efficacy of temozolomide. DPP4 serves as a novel target and establishes a constructive feedback loop with EGFR. Linagliptin is a potent inhibitor that promotes EGFR degradation by blocking the DPP4-EGFR interaction. This study presents innovative approaches for treating glioma by combining linagliptin with AACOCF3 and temozolomide.
7.Therapeutic mechanism of aqueous extract of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang root for pancreatic cancer:the active components,therapeutic targets and pathways
Yan HUANG ; Lulu QIN ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Yanping GUANG ; Yuru WEI ; Ailing CAO ; Dongmei LI ; Guining WEI ; Qibiao SU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1336-1344
Objective To explore the key targets and signaling pathways in the therapeutic mechanism of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang(SC)root against pancreatic cancer network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and cell experiments.Methods The targets of SC and pancreatic cancer were predicted using the network pharmacological database,the protein-protein interaction network was constructed,and pathways,functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses were performed.CCK-8 assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of SC root on 8 cancer cell lines,and its effects on invasion,migration,proliferation,and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated.Western blotting was performed to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.Results We identified a total of 18 active components in SC,which regulated 21 potential key targets in pancreatic cancer.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that these targets were involved mainly in the biological processes including protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,and apoptosis and participated in cancer signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.Among the 8 cancer cell lines,The aqueous extract of SC root produced the most obvious inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells,and significantly inhibited the invasion,migration,and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells(P<0.05).Western blotting confirmed that SC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in Panc-1 cells(P<0.001).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of SC root against pancreatic cancer effects is mediated by its multiple components that act on different targets and pathways including the PI3K-Akt pathway.
8.Establishing reference ranges of serum vitamin K in healthy children
Yuqing CHEN ; Shuanfeng FANG ; Xing LIU ; Yujun CHEN ; Xin FAN ; Yanping CHEN ; Liming LIU ; Yan LI ; Qianqi LIU ; Jinzhun WU ; Qiling HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Dong BAI ; Chunhua JIN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(9):847-852
Objective:To establish and validate reference intervals of serum vitamin K for healthy children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2023, involving 807 healthy children aged 0 to 14 years, selected by stratified random sampling based on the population distribution of children in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. Sample collection was carried out in 16 hospitals across 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Basic information of the children was collected using a standardized self-design questionnaire. Serum levels of vitamin K 1 and vitamin K 2 (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals was established by direct approach. The children were divided into different groups by age. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the reference intervals ( P2.5- P97.5) were determined using non-parametric methods. Screening 40 healthy children for small sample validation based on age groups within the reference range(25 from eastern, 10 from central, and 5 from western regions). Results:The age of the 807 children was 5.00 (2.00, 9.81) years, and 495 (61.3%) were males and 312 (38.7%) females. Reference intervals were established for 795 children, of whom 303 children were aged 1 month to 3 years and 492 were aged 4 to 14 years. The reference intervals for serum vitamin K 1 were 0.09-4.54 μg/L for children aged 1 month to 3 years, and 0.10-1.73 μg/L for 4-14 years. For MK-7, the intervals were 0.07-1.42 μg/L for 1 month to 3 years and 0.19-2.03 μg/L for 4-14 years. The reference intervals for MK-4 in children aged 1 month to 14 years were 0-0.42 μg/L. The measured values of serum vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in the validation samples did not exceed the reference limit in more than 2 samples. Conclusion:Reference intervals for vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in healthy children aged 1 month to 14 years have been established and validated, and can be used to assess vitamin K nutritional status in children.
9.Therapeutic mechanism of aqueous extract of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang root for pancreatic cancer:the active components,therapeutic targets and pathways
Yan HUANG ; Lulu QIN ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Yanping GUANG ; Yuru WEI ; Ailing CAO ; Dongmei LI ; Guining WEI ; Qibiao SU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1336-1344
Objective To explore the key targets and signaling pathways in the therapeutic mechanism of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang(SC)root against pancreatic cancer network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and cell experiments.Methods The targets of SC and pancreatic cancer were predicted using the network pharmacological database,the protein-protein interaction network was constructed,and pathways,functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses were performed.CCK-8 assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of SC root on 8 cancer cell lines,and its effects on invasion,migration,proliferation,and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated.Western blotting was performed to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.Results We identified a total of 18 active components in SC,which regulated 21 potential key targets in pancreatic cancer.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that these targets were involved mainly in the biological processes including protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,and apoptosis and participated in cancer signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.Among the 8 cancer cell lines,The aqueous extract of SC root produced the most obvious inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells,and significantly inhibited the invasion,migration,and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells(P<0.05).Western blotting confirmed that SC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in Panc-1 cells(P<0.001).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of SC root against pancreatic cancer effects is mediated by its multiple components that act on different targets and pathways including the PI3K-Akt pathway.
10.Prevalence and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment among the elderly in Zhoukanghang region of Shanghai Pudong New Area
Yuan LIU ; Guinian ZHAO ; Jing HUANG ; Jiahong FAN ; Yanping TANG ; Yunxia LI ; Mei ZHAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(9):1180-1184
Objective To analyze the prevalence and related risk factors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly in Zhoukanghang region of Pudong New Area,Shanghai. Methods Clinical data of 1537 elderly people (aged≥60 years old) in Zhoukanghang region of Pudong New Area,Shanghai from Aug. 2019 to Sep. 2022 were collected. Demographic data,cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure,blood glucose,blood lipids,etc.),family history of dementia,cerebrovascular history,and hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging data were collected,and the MCI was tested by the simple mental state scale (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). According to the clinical diagnostic criteria of MCI,the subjects were divided into MCI group and non-MCI group. The clinical data were compared between the 2 groups,and the independent risk factors of MCI were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 1537 subjects,226 cases (14.70%) were MCI patients and 1311 cases (85.30%) were non-MCI individuals. Among the 226 patients with MCI,138 had single domain amnestic MCI,33 had multiple domain amnestic MCI,11 had single domain non-amnestic MCI,and 7 had multiple domain non-amnestic MCI. The proportions of male,diabetes mellitus,hyperlipidemia,family history of dementia and cerebrovascular disease in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the non-MCI group (all P<0.05),and the hippocampal atrophy was significantly higher than that in the non-MCI group (P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that family history of dementia,cerebrovascular history and hippocampal atrophy were independent risk factors for MCI in the elderly (all P<0.05). Totally 214 patients with MCI were followed up to Feb. 2023,of which 20 cases (9.35%) were diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease and 4 cases (1.87%) as Lewy bodies dementia. Conclusion The prevalence of MCI in the elderly in Zhoukanghang region of Pudong New Area,Shanghai is 14.70%. Family history of dementia,cerebrovascular disease and hippocampal atrophy are independent factors for MCI in the elderly.


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