1.Drofenine as a Kv2.1 inhibitor alleviated AD-like pathology in mice through Aβ/Kv2.1/microglial NLRP3/neuronal Tau axis.
Jian LU ; Qian ZHOU ; Danyang ZHU ; Hongkuan SONG ; Guojia XIE ; Xuejian ZHAO ; Yujie HUANG ; Peng CAO ; Jiaying WANG ; Xu SHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):371-391
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with clinical hallmarks of progressive cognitive impairment. Synergistic effects of the Aβ-Tau cascade reaction are tightly implicated in AD pathology, and microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation drives neuronal tauopathy. However, the underlying mechanism of how Aβ mediates NLRP3 inflammasome remains unclear. Herein, we determined that oligomeric Aβ (o-Aβ) bound to microglial Kv2.1 and promoted Kv2.1-dependent potassium efflux to activate NLRP3 inflammasome resulting in neuronal tauopathy by using Kv2.1 inhibitor drofenine (Dfe) as a probe. The underlying mechanism has been intensively investigated by assays with Kv2.1 knockdown in vitro (si-Kv2.1) and in vivo (AAV-ePHP-si-Kv2.1). Dfe deprived o-Aβ of its capability to promote microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation and neuronal Tau hyperphosphorylation by inhibiting the Kv2.1/JNK/NF-κB pathway while improving the cognitive impairment of 5×FAD-AD model mice. Our results have highly addressed that the Kv2.1 channel is required for o-Aβ-driven microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation and neuronal tauopathy in AD model mice and highlighted that Dfe as a Kv2.1 inhibitor shows potential in the treatment of AD.
2.NIR-II-activated whole-cell vaccine with ultra-efficient semiconducting diradical oligomers for breast carcinoma growth and metastasis inhibition.
Yijian GAO ; Yachao ZHANG ; Yujie MA ; Xiliang LI ; Yu WANG ; Huan CHEN ; Yingpeng WAN ; Zhongming HUANG ; Weimin LIU ; Pengfei WANG ; Lidai WANG ; Chun-Sing LEE ; Shengliang LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1159-1170
High-performance phototheranostics with combined photothermal therapy and photoacoustic imaging have been considered promising approaches for efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, developing phototheranostic materials with efficient photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), especially over the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm), remains challenging. Herein, we report an ultraefficient NIR-II-activated nanomedicine with phototheranostic and vaccination capability for highly efficient in vivo tumor elimination and metastasis inhibition. The NIR-II nanomedicine of a semiconducting biradical oligomer with a motor-flexible design was demonstrated with a record-breaking PCE of 87% upon NIR-II excitation. This nanomedicine inherently features extraordinary photothermal stability, good biocompatibility, and excellent photoacoustic performance, contributing to high-contrast photoacoustic imaging in living mice and high-performance photothermal elimination of tumors. Moreover, a whole-cell vaccine based on a NIR-II nanomedicine with NIR-II-activated performance was further designed to remotely activate the antitumor immunologic memory and effectively inhibit tumor occurrence and metastasis in vivo, with good biosafety. Thus, this work paves a new avenue for designing NIR-II active semiconducting biradical materials as a promising theranostics platform and further promotes the development of NIR-II nanomedicine for personalized cancer treatment.
3.Celastrol-loaded ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes boost immunotherapy by remodeling obesity-related immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in melanoma.
Hongyan ZHANG ; Jingyi HUANG ; Yujie LI ; Wanyu JIN ; Jiale WEI ; Ninghui MA ; Limei SHEN ; Mancang GU ; Chaofeng MU ; Donghang XU ; Yang XIONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2687-2702
Obesity usually exacerbates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), hindering CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, which further represents a significant barrier to the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional liposomal system (CR-Lip) for encapsulating celastrol (CEL) was utilized to remodel obesity-related ITME and improve cancer immunotherapy, wherein Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) was detected interspersed in the phospholipid bilayer and its glycosyl exposed on the surface of the liposome. CR-Lip had a relatively uniform size (116.5 nm), facilitating favorable tumor tissue accumulation through the interaction between Rg3 and glucose transporter 1 overexpressed in obese tumor cells. Upon reaching the tumor region, CR-Lip was found to induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HFD tumor cells. Notably, the level of PHD3 in HFD tumor cells was effectively boosted by CR-Lip to effectively block metabolic reprogramming and increase the availability of major free fatty acids fuel sources. In vivo, experiments studies revealed that the easy-obtained nano platform stimulated enhanced the production of various cytokines in tumor tissues, DC maturation, CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and synergistic anticancer therapeutic potency with aPD-1 (tumor inhibition rate = 82.1%) towards obesity-related melanoma. Consequently, this study presented an efficacious approach to tumor immunotherapy in obese mice by encompassing tumor eradication, inducing ICD, and reprogramming metabolism. Furthermore, it offered a unique insight into a valuable attempt at the immunotherapy of obesity-associated related tumors.
4.A cisplatin prodrug-based self-assembling ozone delivery nanosystem sensitizes radiotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer.
Tianyue XU ; Dan ZHENG ; Meixu CHEN ; Linlin SONG ; Zhihui LIU ; Yan CHENG ; Yujie ZHAO ; Liwen HUANG ; Yixuan LI ; Zhankun YANG ; Cong LI ; Biao DONG ; Jing JING ; Hubing SHI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2703-2722
Lacking therapeutic targets highlights the crucial roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To relieve the side effects of the chemoradiotherapy combination regimen, we design and develop a self-assembled micelle nanosystem consisting of perfluorocarbon chain-modified cisplatin prodrug. By incorporating perfluorodecalin, this nanosystem can effectively carry ozone and promote irradiation-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By leveraging the perfluorocarbon sidechain, the nanosystem exhibits efficient internalization by TNBC cells and effectively escapes from lysosomal entrapment. Under X-ray irradiation, ozone-generated ROS disrupts the intracellular redox balance, thereby facilitating the release of cisplatin in a reduction-responsive manner mediated by reduced glutathione. Moreover, oxygen derived from ozone decomposition enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Notably, the combination of irradiation with ozone-loaded cisplatin prodrug nano system synergistically prompts antitumor efficacy and reduces cellular/systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combo regimen remodels the tumor microenvironment into an immune-favored state by triggering immunogenic cell death and relieving hypoxia, which provides a promising foundation for a combination regimen of immunotherapy. In conclusion, our nanosystem presents a novel strategy for integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy to optimize the efficacy and safety of TNBC clinical treatment.
5.Establishment of an atopic dermatitis model in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene
Xiaotao NIU ; Jiaqian ZUO ; Yujie HUANG ; Wenqin REN ; Xinyan SHU ; Peng SHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):216-224
Objective In this study,2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB)was used to induce the establishment of an atopic dermatitis(AD)model in BALB/c homozygous mice to simulate the skin inflammatory complications in patients with clinical malignancies.Methods BALB/c mice were divided into different groups:negative control group(NC group),model group(MODEL group),atopic dermatitis group(AD group),and dexamethasone group(DEX group).After the mice in MODEL group and DEX group were inoculated with S-180 tumor cells in the axilla,MODEL group,AD group and DEX group were stimulated with DNCB on the dorsal skin and the ear to establish an animal model of atopic dermatitis in tumor-bearing mice.Changes in body weight were observed and recorded,the dorsal skin condition of mice was assessed after the last administration of the drug,the spleen was taken to calculate the spleen coefficient,the difference in the mass of mouse ear slices was determined to calculate the degree of auricular swelling and the rate of inhibition of swelling,and histopathological tests were performed on the dorsal skin tissues to detect the levels of IgE,TNF-α,IL-4,and IL-17 in the serum using an ELISA assay.Results Compared with the NC group,the skin of mice in the MODEL and AD groups showed erythematous,papular,scaly and mossy changes,accompanied by weight loss,and a significant increase in splenic coefficient and auricular swelling.Pathologic findings showed an incomplete skin structure,a significant increase in skin thickness,a large infiltration of inflammatory cells,and an increase in the number of mast cells.Serum levels of IgE,TNF-α,IL-4 and IL-17 were increased.Compared with the MODEL group,the DEX group showed an improvement in all the assays.Conclusions DNCB excitation can successfully establish an animal model of AD in hormonal mice,which is drug-controllable,which provides a useful scientific tool for conducting scientific research related to malignant tumors and skin inflammation.
6.Jiaotai Pill Ameliorates Type 2 Diabetes in Rats Via Modulation of Neurotransmitters in HPA-Related Tissues
Xiaobin HUANG ; Jianhua CHEN ; Yanyi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Yujie ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1047-1057
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of Jiaotai Pill(JTP)on type 2 diabetic(T2DM)rats,a systemic study was conducted by examining the changes in neurotransmitter levels related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis.Methods The rats were divided into a normal group,a model group,a metformin group(183 mg·kg-1·d-1),and a JTP treatment group(3.3 g·kg-1·d-1).A T2DM model was established using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin.After 28 days of intragastric administration of JTP and metformin,metabolic indicators,Fasting blood glucose(FBG),insulin(INS),blood lipids,and pathological changes in the liver and kidneys were measured in each group of rats.Levels of eight neurotransmitters were quantified in serum,urine,and multiple tissues(brain,heart,liver,kidney,intestine,and adrenal gland)using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Results Compared to the T2DM model group,the JTP intervention groups showed varying degrees of reduction in water intake,food intake,FBG,INS,and blood lipids(P<0.05).Additionally,the fatty degeneration in the liver,glomerular lesions in the kidneys,and dyslipidemia were significantly improved.JTP intervention significantly modulated the disordered neurotransmitter levels in the blood,urine,and various tissues of T2DM rats(P<0.05),with the greatest number of neurotransmitters showing a notable recovery in blood,urine,brain,and adrenal gland.Conclusion JTP at a dosage of 3.3 g·kg-1·d-1 can improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in rats.JTP can regulate the HPA axis-related neurotransmitter system,mitigating metabolic disturbances and organ damage associated with T2DM.
7.Study on the Outcomes and Influencing Factors of Internet-based Video Medical Consultation Services
Yujie ZHA ; Lining GUO ; Caina HUANG ; Renjie LUO ; Yuxin LIU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(5):17-21
Objective Based on clinical consultation practices,it systematically evaluates the outcomes of remote video consultation services,identifies key factors influencing these outcomes,and provides empirical evidence for optimizing telemedicine services.Methods It recruited 201 patients nationwide requiring video consultations,objectively recorded diagnostic outcomes,and analyzed influencing factors using hierarchical regression.Results Among the 201 participants,62(30.84%)achieved effective diagnosis and treatment,while 139(69.16%)did not meet expected outcomes.Hierarchical regression results revealed that disease category,physician title,availability of auxiliary diagnostic information,and presence of assisting personnel significantly impacted consultation outcomes(P<0.05).Higher physician titles,richer auxiliary diagnostic information provided by patients,and involvement of assisting personnel correlated with better alignment of outcomes with expectations.Conclusion Significant variations in video consultation outcomes were observed,primarily influenced by assisting personnel,physician qualifications,auxiliary diagnostic information and disease category.It is suggested to introduce a large artificial intelligence model for pre-triage,set up standardized video consulting rooms in primary medical and health institutions and configure collaborative personnel,and build a regional patient information sharing platform,so as to improve patient satisfaction during treatment and promote the further development and optimization of video consultation.
8.Development and application of an optimized focus-forming assay for quantitation of influenza A virus titer
Jia LI ; Qiaohong CHU ; Lingfang ZHANG ; Xuchang SHAN ; Tangqi WANG ; Ruiwen HAN ; Yujie JIANG ; Donghong WANG ; Baoying HUANG ; Yao DENG ; Wenjie TAN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(1):45-52
Objective:To establish and optimize a novel method, focus forming assay (FFA), for quantitation of influenza A virus (FluA) and compare its application performance with traditional plague forming assay (PFA).Methods:The foci chromogenic effects of three peroxidase substrates in immunostaining were compared. The PFA and FFA methods were used to explore FluA incubation times and plaque morphology on 12-well plates, and to determine optimal incubation times and virus adsorption volumes for different FluA subtypes on 96-well plates. The correlation between FFA and PFA was evaluated, and the optimized FFA was applied to the in vitro antiviral efficacy analysis of Favipiravir and neutralization test against different subtypes of FluA. Results:TRUEBLUE substrate was identified as the optimal substrate for foci visualization. Compared with the PFA, the FFA showed improved sensitivity and reduced detection time in FluA titration, and good correlation was shown between the two methods′ results. By replacing the 96-well plate with the 12-well plate for FFA titration of different subtypes of FluA, the detection time was shortened, and the amount of serum samples used could be further reduced by optimizing the virus adsorption volume. The half-maximal effective concentration of favipiravir against influenza viruses assessed by the FFA and PFA methods showed no significant difference, and was consistent with the results obtained from quantitative PCR. Additionally, the focus reduction neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated strong correlation in determining antibody titers against FluA in serum neutralization assays.Conclusions:The improved FFA method developed here provides a more efficient experimental tool for FluA titration, antiviral drug screening and broad-spectrum vaccine evaluation.
9.Adverse reactions to Erwinia asparaginase and pegaspargase in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children
Shan HUANG ; Yujie GUAN ; Lili SONG ; Lihuan SHI ; Wei LIU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(7):608-612
Objective To compare the adverse reactions to pegasparaginase(PEG-ASP)and Erwiniaasparaginase(ASP)in the treat-ment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)and to provide clinical guidance for treatment.Methods A total of 13 patients who were switched from PEG-ASP to Erwinia ASP due to allergic reactions during the induction phase of ALL treatment at the Depart-ment of Hematology and Oncology,Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University between February 2022 and February 2023 were selected as the case group.A control group of 26 patients treated with PEG-ASP and matched for sex at a ratio of 1∶2 was also selected.Pre-and post-treatment coagulation function,blood biochemistry,blood ammonia level,and gastrointestinal reactions were compared between the groups.Results There were no significant differences in AST,TB,UB,TC,TG,AMY,UN,Cr,APTT,and Fbg levels between the two groups,pre-and post-treatment.However,ALT,GGT,BB,and Glu levels were higher in the control group,whereas albumin was lower than in the case group(P<0.05).Both groups had an increased post-treatment blood ammonia level(P<0.05),with significantly a higher level observed in the case group than in the control group(P<0.001).No significant differences in adverse gastro-intestinal reactions were observed between the two groups.Conclusion Erwinia ASP and PEG-ASP affected liver function in pediatric ALL re-induction therapy with minimal effects on coagulation and weaker gastrointestinal reaction.Erwinia ASP significantly affected the blood ammonia level,and both treatments caused mild gastrointestinal reactions.Regular blood ammonia monitoring,post Erwinia ASP treatment,is recommended.
10.Jiaotai pill and its main component enhance islet hormone secretion in type 2 diabetic rats by activating the THP1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FRpathway
Hongcui Han ; Xiaobin Huang ; Yanyi Li ; Peng Wang ; Qing Mao ; Yujie Zhang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):402-414
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between Jiaotai pill (JTP), its main component berberine (BBR), and the serotonin (5-HT) system in regulating islet hormone secretion and alleviating pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression.MethodsT2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. JTP, BBR, and Metformin were intragastrically administered for 35 days. The analyzed indices included blood glucose, blood lipids, islet hormones, and proteins related to 5-HT synthesis, secretion, and transport. Additionally, an in vitro model of glucose injury in islet cells was established to study the effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone secretion following tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) inhibition.ResultsJTP and BBR significantly improved blood glucose and lipid levels and islet morphology in T2DM rats. Both models exhibited reduced islet 5-HT levels and impaired islet hormone secretion. However, the administration of JTP and BBR reversed these effects. Furthermore, JTP and BBR upregulated the expression of TPH1(P = .0194, P = .0413) transglutaminase 2 (TGase2; P = .0492, P = .0349), serotonin transporter (SERT, P = .0090), and 5- hydroxytryptamine 1F receptor (5-HT1FR) in the islet 5-HT pathway (P = .0194). In the cell model, the regulatory effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone levels were significantly weakened after TPH1 inhibition (P = .001), suggesting that JTP and BBR influence islet hormone secretion through the pancreatic 5-HT system.ConclusionThe islet 5-HT system is correlated with islet hormone secretion dysfunction in T2DM. JTP and BBR can improve islet hormone secretion by activating the TPH1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FR pathway in the islet 5-HT system in T2DM rats.


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