1.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):634-650
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) have emerged as critical agents for cancer therapy. By inhibiting the catalytic activity of PARP enzymes and trapping them in the DNA, PARPis disrupt DNA repair, ultimately leading to cell death, particularly in cancer cells with homologous recombination repair deficiencies, such as those harboring BRCA mutations. This review delves into the mechanisms of action of PARPis in anticancer treatments, including the inhibition of DNA repair, synthetic lethality, and replication stress. Furthermore, the clinical applications of PARPis in various cancers and their adverse effects as well as their combinations with other therapies and the mechanisms underlying resistance are summarized. This review provides comprehensive insights into the role and mechanisms of PARP and PARPis in DNA repair, with a particular focus on the potential of PARPi-based therapies in precision medicine for cancer treatment.
Humans
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Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
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DNA Repair/drug effects*
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Animals
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
4.Clinical observation of antibacterial photodynamic therapy assisted subgingival curettage for the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Xinlin WANG ; Wenjun TANG ; Yiyang JIANG ; Yan SHI ; Ziqi YAN ; Dongqing WANG
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2024;32(6):451-456
Objective To investigate the efficacy of antibacterial photodynamic therapy(aPDT)as an adjunct to subgingival scaling and root planning in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.Methods This study followed medical ethics guidelines,and informed consent was obtained from all patients.Sixteen patients were recruited for this random-ized split-mouth controlled trial.The control group underwent subgingival scaling and root planning(SRP),while the ex-perimental group received subgingival scaling and root planing plus aPDT treatment using Perowave? with a toluidine blue O solution photosensitizer.The probing pocket depth(PD),recession,plaque index(PLI),bleeding index(BI)and proportion of positive sites of bleeding on probing(BOP)(BOP%)at all sites were examined at baseline(before treat-ment)and at 1,3 and 6 months after treatment.Results Follow-up was completed for 13 patients.On the control side,356 teeth were tested at 2 136 sites.A total of 360 teeth on the test side and 2 160 sites were included in the study.Before treatment,there was no significant difference in the baseline indicators between the two groups.After treatment,both groups showed significant improvement in clinical parameters,including PD,PLI,BI,and BOP%,compared with baseline.At 3 months,the BOP%and PLI in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The improvement in BOP%and PLI in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group 3 months after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion aPDT,as an adjuvant treatment to SRP for chronic periodontitis,can improve gingival bleeding and control periodontal inflammation in the early stage.
5.Exploration on the Mechanism of Renshen Yimai Prescription in Preventing Vascular Aging Based on Oxidative Stress Pathway
Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Xiaochen GUO ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Yuanchun ZHANG ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Meixia LIU ; Jiangang LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(7):63-68
Objective To observe the effects of Renshen Yimai Prescription on oxidative stress and vascular aging in ApoE-/-mice;To explore its mechanism of intervention in vascular aging.Methods Forty ApoE-/-mice were divided into model group,Western medicine group(rosuvastatin,2.6 mg/kg),TCM low-and high-dosage group(Renshen Yimai Prescription,4.29,8.58 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group.Another 10 C57BL/6J mice were set as normal group.A vascular aging model was established by ApoE-/-mice fed with a Western diet.Each medication group was given corresponding drugs by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks,the normal group and model group were given equivalent volume of pure water.HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of aortic tissue,and ox-LDL content in serum was detected by ELISA,the contents of ROS,GSH,GPX and NAD+in serum were detected by colorimetric method,the expressions of SIRT1,p53,p21 and NOX4 protein in aortic tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group mice showed significant fat deposition in the aorta,thickening of the intima and media,a significant decrease in elastic fibers,and an increase in collagen fibers;the serum contents of ox-LDL and ROS significantly increased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,GPX and NAD+significantly decreased(P<0.01);the expression of SIRT1 protein in the aortic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of p21 and p53 protein significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,a small amount of lipid deposition was observed in the intima of aorta in each medication group,with clearer membrane structures in each layer and reduced collagen fiber;the serum contents of ox-LDL and ROS in each medication group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the GSH content significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the NAD+content in TCM low-dosage group significantly increased(P<0.05);the expressions of p21 and NOX4 protein in aortic tissue of the TCM high-dosage group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the Western medicine group,the TCM high-dosage group showed a significant decrease in ROS content(P<0.01)and a significant decrease in p53 protein expression(P<0.05).Compared with the TCM low-dosage group,the TCM high-dosage group showed a significant decrease in p21 protein expression(P<0.01)and a significant increase in NOX4 protein expression(P<0.01).Conclusion Renshen Yimai Prescription may reduce vascular endothelial damage by regulating oxidative stress levels and related protein expression,thereby playing a role in improving vascular aging.
6.Medicine+information: Exploring patent applications in precision therapy in cardiac surgery
Zhengjie WANG ; Qi TONG ; Tao LI ; Nuoyangfan LEI ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Huanxu SHI ; Yiren SUN ; Jie CAI ; Ziqi YANG ; Qiyue XU ; Fan PAN ; Qijun ZHAO ; Yongjun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2023;30(09):1246-1250
Currently, in precision cardiac surgery, there are still some pressing issues that need to be addressed. For example, cardiopulmonary bypass remains a critical factor in precise surgical treatment, and many core aspects still rely on the experience and subjective judgment of cardiopulmonary bypass specialists and surgeons, lacking precise data feedback. With the increasing elderly population and rising surgical complexity, precise feedback during cardiopulmonary bypass becomes crucial for improving surgical success rates and facilitating high-complexity procedures. Overcoming these key challenges requires not only a solid medical background but also close collaboration among multiple interdisciplinary fields. Establishing a multidisciplinary team encompassing professionals from the medical, information, software, and related industries can provide high-quality solutions to these challenges. This article shows several patents from a collaborative medical and electronic information team, illustrating how to identify unresolved technical issues and find corresponding solutions in the field of precision cardiac surgery while sharing experiences in applying for invention patents.
7.Effects of Psoraleae Crude Plysaccharide on Metabolism and Toxicity/Efficacy Relationship of Coumarin Components from Psoraleae Fructus Based on Zebrafish Integrated Evaluation
Xuman WU ; Jiayan LI ; Qing NING ; Ziqi SHI ; Yingjie WEI
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2023;40(23):3208-3216
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of psoraleae crude polysaccharide(PPS) on metabolism and toxicity/efficacy relationship of coumarin components of Psoraleae Fructus(CCPF) by zebrafish integrated evaluation. METHODS Zebrafish(1-6 days post fertilization, dpf) was used to evaluate the safety of CCPF, PPS and their combination; the morphologies of zebrafish organs was observed and the number of deaths was recorded and the half death concentration of zebrafish(LC50) was calculated. Zebrafish(1-6 dpf) were exposed to CCPF and its combination with PPS; the dynamic changes of psoralenoside and isopsoralenoside and their metabolites psoralen and isopsoralen were analyzed. The zebrafish osteoporosis model was induced with 25 μmol·L-1 prednisolone; microscopic observation and digital imaging of zebrafish larvae of each treatment group cultured to 8 dpf were performed using alizarin red, and the bone staining area was quantitatively analyzed by image software to evaluate the anti-osteoporosis activity of above samples. RESULTS Evaluation of the safety of CCPF, PPS and their combination by interaction with zebrafish juveniles. The toxicity of the combination of CCPF and PPS to zebrafish was greater than that of CCPF or PPS alone, and the toxicity increased with the increase of the proportion of PPS: PPS reduced the poisoning concentration of zebrafish, causing serious morphological distortion of zebrafish organs, shortening the death time of zebrafish and increasing the death rate of zebrafish. PPS obviously accelerated the deglycosylation of psoralenoside and isopsoralenoside in CCPF into psoralen and isopsoralen, which were potential metabolites of liver injury. CCPF and its combination with PPS increased the mineralized area and cumulative optical density of zebrafish skull and the combination had a certain synergistic effect, which suggested that PPS increased the anti-osteoporosis activity of CCPF to some extent. CONCLUSION Based on the integrated evaluation of zebrafish, the effects of PPS on the metabolism and toxicity/efficacy relationship of CCPF are revealed, which provides an efficient method and idea for revealing the toxicity/efficacy relationship action of PPS on other structural components.
8.Research progress of miRNAs in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer
Ziqi WANG ; Jinglong ZHAO ; Qiusheng SHI
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2022;45(3):280-285
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in adult males, and its morbidity and mortality keep growing year after year. However, the pathogenesis is not understood clearly yet. The development of prostate cancer is a synergistic, multi-gene process. MicroRNA (miRNA), as small ribonucleic acid molecules and a class of non-coding small RNAs, controls the expression of several genes and plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In recent years, emerging evidence shows that the miRNAs are significantly abnormally expressed in prostate cancer and that they can target multiple signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and progression of prostate cancer, which has important value in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of prostate cancer. In this paper, the origin, formation, and biological properties of miRNAs, as well as their potential application in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, were reviewed with the aim of providing an in-depth understanding of prostate cancer from the perspective of molecular biology and new thinking for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Volumetric Imaging of Neural Activity by Light Field Microscopy.
Lu BAI ; Zhenkun ZHANG ; Lichen YE ; Lin CONG ; Yuchen ZHAO ; Tianlei ZHANG ; Ziqi SHI ; Kai WANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2022;38(12):1559-1568
Recording the highly diverse and dynamic activities in large populations of neurons in behaving animals is crucial for a better understanding of how the brain works. To meet this challenge, extensive efforts have been devoted to developing functional fluorescent indicators and optical imaging techniques to optically monitor neural activity. Indeed, optical imaging potentially has extremely high throughput due to its non-invasive access to large brain regions and capability to sample neurons at high density, but the readout speed, such as the scanning speed in two-photon scanning microscopy, is often limited by various practical considerations. Among different imaging methods, light field microscopy features a highly parallelized 3D fluorescence imaging scheme and therefore promises a novel and faster strategy for functional imaging of neural activity. Here, we briefly review the working principles of various types of light field microscopes and their recent developments and applications in neuroscience studies. We also discuss strategies and considerations of optimizing light field microscopy for different experimental purposes, with illustrative examples in imaging zebrafish and mouse brains.
Animals
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Mice
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Microscopy/methods*
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Zebrafish
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Neurons/physiology*
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Brain/physiology*
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Neurosciences
10.Anti-tumor effect of CTL on colon cancer xenograft in nude mice after blockingout CTLA-4 with CRSIPR/Cas9 technology
SHI Long ; GENG Songsong ; CAI Ziqi ; HAN Jinsheng ; ZHAO Zhilong ; ZHANG Wei ; SONG Hongtao ; MENG Tongyu ; CAI Jianhui
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2020;27(3):221-227
Objective: To investigate the anti-tumor effect of CTL cells on colon cancer xenograft in nude mice after knocking out the immune check point CTLA-4 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Methods: A specific small guide RNA (sgRNA) for CTLA-4 was designed to construct sgRNA/Cas9 plasmid, which was then transfected into CTL using a lentiviral vector to obtain CTL cells with CTLA-4 deletion (CTLA-4 KO CTL). The transfection efficiency of the plasmid and the deletion efficiency of CTLA-4 were verified. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into two groups to prophylactically inoculate CTLA-4 KO CTL (experimental group) or CTL (control group); 3 days later, the animals of two groups were inoculated with colon cancer cell line LS174-T to observe the tumor formation rate and tumor formation time. After constructing colon cancer xenograft model in nude mice, the animals were randomly divided into two groups, respectively treated with CTLA-4 KO CTL (experimental group) and CTL (control group) cells to observe the tumor growth volume and survival time of mice. The serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in nude mice were detected. Results: sgRNAwas designed and CRSIPR/Cas9 system with lentivirus as vector was successfully constructed. CTL cells were transfected with the established CRSIPR/ Cas9 system, and the highest transfection efficiency was up to (28.80±0.62)%. After transfection, the deletion efficiency of CTLA-4 was detected by Flow cytometry. The CTLA-4 expression of CTLA-4 KO CTL group was significantly lower than that of CTL group [(0.91±0.25)% vs (42.70±2.72)%, P<0.05]. In prophylactic assay, the formation rate of colon cancer xenografts in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group(33.33%vs100%,P<0.05). In treatment assay, the tumor volume in the experimental group was significantly inhibited compared with the control group ([503±23.9] vs [911.2±51.4] mm3, P<0.05), and the survivaltimeoftheexperimentalgroupwassignificantlyprolonged (mediansurvivaltime:78dvs42d,P<0.05); Moreover, the secretion levels of serumTNF-α([268.93±17.04]pg/mlvs[148.26±20.07]pg/ml,P<0.05) and IFN-γ(315.38±18.67 pg/ml vs 202.92±29.32 pg/ml, P<0.05) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: The lentiviral vector CRSIPR/Cas9 system is an effective gene editing method; its successful deletion of CTLA-4 in CTL cells can significantly inhibit the tumor formation rate of colon cancer xenografts in nude mice and enhance the anti-tumor effect of CTLon colon cancer xenografts.


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