1.Mechanism of drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules in inhibiting microglial ferroptosis
Guangkun FAN ; Yue QI ; Jixian WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Chunpeng XIA ; Yihang WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Yang AN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):317-323
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism by which drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules (DXQ) inhibits microglial ferroptosis. METHODS Male SD rats were given normal saline and Dianxianqing granules solution via intragastric administration to prepare normal serum and DXQ, respectively. Mice microglia BV2 cells were collected and successfully transfected with a negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC), and then they were included in the si-NC group and cultured under normal conditions. Cells successfully transfected with small interfering RNA targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (si-GPX4) were divided into the si-GPX4 group, the CsA group (treated with 1 μmol/L cyclosporine A), and the DXQ- L, DXQ-M and DXQ-H groups (treated with 5%, 7% and 10% DXQ, respectively). These groups were subsequently treated with their corresponding drug solutions and ferroptosis inducer Erastin (10 μmol/L). The intracellular levels of total iron ions, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of mitochondrial superoxide were determined in each group after 48 h of treatment. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential, the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and cyclophilin D (CypD) were detected. Furthermore, the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins[GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)], as well as MPTP-related proteins [adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (CytC), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and CypD] were assessed. RESULTS Compared with si-NC group, the levels of total iron ions and ROS, the expression level of mitochondrial superoxide, the opening degree of MPTP, protein and its mRNA expressions of CypD as well as protein expressions of TfR1 and MCU were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.01); however, GSH content, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, and protein expressions of FTH1, ANT and CytC were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the si-GPX4 group, the cells in the DXQ-M, DXQ-H groups showed a general improvement in the above quantitative indicators (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DXQ can enhance antioxidant capacity by activating the GSH/GPX4 pathway, regulate the expressions of TfR1 and FTH1 protein to correct iron ion homeostasis, inhibit excessive opening of MPTP to improve mitochondrial function, and ultimately suppress microglial ferroptosis.
2.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
3.Effect of Danggui Buxuetang on PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway of Vascular Dementia Rats
Guifang QI ; Yue JIANG ; Yunxiang TAN ; Nanbu WANG ; Xinghua CHEN ; Ting WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):15-24
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxuetang (DBT) in the treatment of vascular dementia (VAD). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group, model group, DBT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the donepezil group. Except for the sham-operated group, rats in all other groups underwent bilateral common carotid artery ligation. After successful modeling, DBT was administered at doses of 9.2, 18.4, 36.8 g·kg-1 for the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively, while the donepezil group received 3 mg·kg-1 donepezil solution by gavage once daily. After 4 consecutive weeks of drug treatment, rats underwent the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, Nissl staining to observe hippocampal neurons, and immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to assess the expression of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and p47phox in hippocampal tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity were measured to evaluate oxidative stress levels. ResultsIn the Morris water maze test, escape latency changed significantly over time in all groups except the model group. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the DBT groups and the donepezil group exhibited significantly shorter escape latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of crossings over the original platform was significantly reduced in the model group compared with the sham-operated group (P<0.01), whereas rats in the DBT and donepezil groups showed significantly increased platform crossings compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, exploration time of new objects was significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, exploration time of new objects increased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups and the donepezil group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while no significant change was observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the high-dose DBT group, rats in the donepezil group had significantly prolonged escape latency and reduced platform crossings and new-object exploration time (P<0.05). Nissl staining showed decreased density of healthy neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in the model group, with loss of Nissl bodies and nuclear atrophy or disappearance. In the high-dose DBT group, neuronal density in CA1 and CA3 increased, with neurons arranged closely and displaying normal morphology. Immunofluorescence showed that compared with the sham-operated group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the VAD model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), compared with the VAD model group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the high-dose DBT group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, the expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins was significantly increased(P<0.01), while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the VAD model group(P<0.01). Compared with the VAD model group, the high-dose DBT group showed significantly decreased expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.01)and significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01). The medium-dose DBT group exhibited significantly reduced expression of Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01) and significantly increased Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial pyknosis, thickened cristae, increased electron density, and the presence of mitochondrial autophagy in the model group. In contrast, hippocampal neurons in the high-dose DBT group contained abundant mitochondria with intact morphology, clear cristae, and uniform matrix. Compared with the sham-operated group, total antioxidant capacity, SOD activity, and GSH levels were significantly decreased, while MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant levels (SOD, GSH) increased significantly, and MDA decreased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups (P<0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the sham-operated group, mRNA expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly decreased in the DBT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDBT may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, thereby improving learning and memory abilities and treating VAD.
4.Research progress of visual quality after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation
Yunkai QI ; Yanghe WANG ; Xiaojuan HUANG ; Hongyun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):86-90
Compared to other refractive surgeries, the implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation procedure has become one of the most popular surgical options in refractive surgery. ICL surgery offers advantages such as reversibility, high-definition visual outcomes, and preservation of the corneal anatomical structure. The V4c model, which features a central port, is currently the most widely used in clinical practice and eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomy during the perioperative period. Although excellent uncorrected visual acuity can be achieved postoperatively, some patients may experience visual disturbances in the early postoperative period, such as halo and glare, which may affect visual comfort particularly under low-light conditions. This article reviews visual quality metrics after ICL V4c implantation, including higher-order aberrations(HOA), modulation transfer function(MTF), and contrast sensitivity(CS), along with influencing factors, and discusses potential relative deficits in postoperative visual quality and their underlying mechanisms.
5.Swine TRIM25 inhibits vesicular stomatitis virus replication by activation of type I IFN signaling pathway and binding vRNA
Ying CAO ; Jinxia ZHANG ; Dongwan YOO ; Haowen ZHANG ; Dandan JIANG ; Yue HU ; Xiaoyan CONG ; Juntong LI ; Xiangju WU ; Yijun DU ; Jing QI ; Juan HUANG
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(3):e25-
Objective:
To define the mechanism by which swine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication.
Methods:
Porcine 3D4/21 cells with TRIM25 overexpression or knockdown were infected with vesicular stomatitis virus. Viral replication was quantified by immunoblotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and 50% tissue culture infectious dose assays. Type I interferon signaling was assessed by transcript quantification, interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated response element reporter assays, and co-immunoprecipitation.Viral RNA binding was tested by RNA immunoprecipitation.
Results:
TRIM25 overexpression reduced viral RNA and infectious titers, whereas TRIM25 knockdown increased replication (p < 0.01). TRIM25 increased interferon-beta and interferon-stimulated gene expression and enhanced interferon-beta and interferonstimulated response element promoter activity (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, TRIM25 promoted Lys63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I and increased phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 and interferon regulatory factor 3. TRIM25 also bound vesicular stomatitis virus genomic RNA, and binding required the C-terminal region.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Porcine TRIM25 restricts vesicular stomatitis virus replication by amplifying type I interferon signaling and directly binding viral RNA.
6.Research progress on novel serum and urine biomarkers in early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):146-150
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Early diagnosis is crucial for slowing down the progression of DN and improving the prognosis of patients. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as measurement of urinary microalbumin (mALB) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), often fail to detect early renal injury because structural renal injury may occur before albumin excretion. This study aims to optimize clinical diagnostic methods for DN, reduce patient risk of onset, and provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of diagnostic biomarkers of DN by evaluating the diagnostic value of multiple novel serum and urine biomarkers in the early detection of DN.
7.Effect of rehabilitation robot training on abdominal muscle thickness and balance ability in children with hemiplegia
Yanhua LIANG ; Tong ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Yanqing ZHANG ; Qing YUE ; Sijia LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(8):927-937
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of rehabilitation robot training on abdominal muscles thickness and balance ability in children with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom October, 2024 to December, 2025, 58 children with hemiplegia were admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and randomly divided into control group (n = 29) and experimental group (n = 29). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment, and the experimental group received rehabilitation robot training in addition, for four weeks. The thickness of bilateral external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, the time of Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the center of pressure (COP) ellipse area, and self-selected walking speed (SWS) and maximum walking speed (MWS) of 10-meter walk test were compared before and after training. ResultsThree cases dropped out in each group. After training, the thickness of the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis on the hemiplegic side increased significantly in the experimental group (|t| > 7.280, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.43~2.01), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.895, P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.80~1.60); the BBS score increased in both groups (|t| > 6.667, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.30~4.06), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (t = -2.721, P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.75). The time of TUGT decreased in both groups (t > 5.790, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.14~2.68), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 2.290, P < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.63). The SWS and MWS increased in both groups (|Z| > 2.910, P < 0.01, r = 0.40~0.68), and were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|Z| > 2.912, P < 0.05, r = 0.40~0.45), and the differences remained significant after correction. ConclusionRehabilitation robot training can improve the thickness of external oblique, the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles on the hemiplegic side in children with hemiplegia, and improve their balance and walking functions.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Modified Huangqi Chifengtang in Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Patients and Exploration of Dose-effect Relationship of Astragali Radix
Xiujie SHI ; Meiying CHANG ; Yue SHI ; Ziyan ZHANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Hangyu DUAN ; Jing LIU ; Mingming ZHAO ; Yuan SI ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):9-16
ObjectiveTo explore the dose-effect relationship and safety of high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in the modified Huangqi Chifengtang (MHCD) for treating proteinuria in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical use of high-dose Astragali Radix in the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. MethodsA total of 120 patients with IgA nephropathy, diagnosed with Qi deficiency and blood stasis combined with wind pathogen and heat toxicity, were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups. The control group received telmisartan combined with a Chinese medicine placebo, while the treatment groups were given telmisartan combined with MHCD containing different doses of raw Astragali Radix (60, 30, 15 g). Each group contained 30 patients, and the treatment period was 12 weeks. Changes in 24-hour urinary protein (24 hUTP), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, effective rate, and renal function were observed before and after treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring liver function and blood routine. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, 24 hUTP significantly decreased in the high, medium, and low-dose groups, as well as the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, and low-dose groups also significantly decreased (P<0.01). Comparisons between groups showed that the 24 hUTP in the high-dose group was significantly lower than in the medium, low-dose, and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 24 hUTP in the medium-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly lower than in the low-dose and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rates for proteinuria in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 92.59% (25/27), 85.19% (23/27), 60.71% (17/28), and 57.14% (16/28), respectively. The effective rates in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly higher than in the low-dose and control groups (χ2=13.185, P<0.05, P<0.01). The effective rates for TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 88.89% (24/27), 81.48% (22/27), 71.43% (20/28), and 46.43% (13/28), respectively. The efficacy of TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups was significantly higher than in the control group (χ2=14.053, P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment values, there was no statistically significant difference in eGFR and serum creatinine in the high and medium-dose groups. However, eGFR significantly decreased in the low-dose and control groups after treatment (P<0.05), and serum creatinine levels increased significantly in the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in urea nitrogen, uric acid, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and blood routine before and after treatment in any group. ConclusionThere is a dose-effect relationship in the treatment of IgA nephropathy with high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in MHCD. The high-dose group exhibited the best therapeutic effect and good safety profile.
9.Analysis of weight loss behavior and related factors of middle school students in Shanghai
CHEN Weili, ZHANG Zhe, ZHAI Yani, YAN Qiong, QI Yue, LUO Chunyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):223-228
Objective:
To investigate the distribution characteristics and related factors of weight loss behavior among middle school students in Shanghai, so as to provide a reference for guiding scientific weight loss among middle school students.
Methods:
From May to June 2021, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 16 758 junior and high school students in 16 districts of Shanghai. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was administered to assess the basic condition and weight loss behaviors of the students. An unordered multinomial Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors associated with weight loss behaviors.
Results:
A total of 5 881 (35.09%) reported engaging in exercise for weight loss, 6 344 (37.86%) reported dieting for weight loss, and 461 (2.75%) engaged in unhealthy weight loss behaviors. The unordered multinomial Logistic regression analysis indicated that compared with the no weight loss behavior group, students from urban areas( OR =1.35,95% CI =1.10-1.66), those with Internet addiction ( OR =1.71,95% CI =1.23-2.38), those with victims of bullying ( OR =2.09, 95% CI =1.68-2.61), those experiencing insomnia ( OR =2.33,95% CI = 1.74-3.11), those feelings of sadness or despair ( OR =3.10, 95% CI =2.42- 3.97 ), and those who perceived their body weight as slightly heavy ( OR =2.77, 95% CI = 2.17-3.55) or very heavy ( OR =3.41, 95% CI =2.44-4.75) were more likely to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There are significant differences in weight loss behaviors among middle school students with varying characteristics in Shanghai. Negative emotions such as insomnia and feelings of sadness or despair, Internet addiction, cognitive bias in weight and experiences of bullying are identified as related factors for unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented to guide students towards scientific approaches to weight management.
10.Five new triterpenoid saponins from the kernels of Momordica cochinchinensis
Ru DING ; Jia-qi WANG ; Yi-yang LUO ; Yong-long HAN ; Xiao-bo LI ; Meng-yue WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):442-448
Five saponins were isolated from the kernels of


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