1.Discovery and proof-of-concept study of a novel highly selective sigma-1 receptor agonist for antipsychotic drug development.
Wanyu TANG ; Zhixue MA ; Bang LI ; Zhexiang YU ; Xiaobao ZHAO ; Huicui YANG ; Jian HU ; Sheng TIAN ; Linghan GU ; Jiaojiao CHEN ; Xing ZOU ; Qi WANG ; Fan CHEN ; Guangying LI ; Chaonan ZHENG ; Shuliu GAO ; Wenjing LIU ; Yue LI ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Mingmei WANG ; Na YE ; Xuechu ZHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5346-5365
Sigma-1 receptor (σ 1R) has become a focus point of drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. A series of novel 1-phenylethan-1-one O-(2-aminoethyl) oxime derivatives were synthesized. In vitro biological evaluation led to the identification of 1a, 14a, 15d and 16d as the most high-affinity (K i < 4 nmol/L) and selective σ 1R agonists. Among these, 15d, the most metabolically stable derivative exhibited high selectivity for σ 1R in relation to σ 2R and 52 other human targets. In addition to low CYP450 inhibition and induction, 15d also exhibited high brain permeability and excellent oral bioavailability. Importantly, 15d demonstrated effective antipsychotic potency, particularly for alleviating negative symptoms and improving cognitive impairment in experimental animal models, both of which are major challenges for schizophrenia treatment. Moreover, 15d produced no significant extrapyramidal symptoms, exhibiting superior pharmacological profiles in relation to current antipsychotic drugs. Mechanistically, 15d inhibited GSK3β and enhanced prefrontal BDNF expression and excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these in vivo proof-of-concept findings provide substantial experimental evidence to demonstrate that modulating σ 1R represents a potential new therapeutic approach for schizophrenia. The novel chemical entity along with its favorable drug-like and pharmacological profile of 15d renders it a promising candidate for treating schizophrenia.
2.Pathogenicity and Transcriptomic Profiling Revealed Activation of Apoptosis and Pyroptosis in Brain of Mice Infected with the Beta Variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Han LI ; Bao Ying HUANG ; Gao Qian ZHANG ; Fei YE ; Li ZHAO ; Wei Bang HUO ; Zhong Xian ZHANG ; Wen WANG ; Wen Ling WANG ; Xiao Ling SHEN ; Chang Cheng WU ; Wen Jie TAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1082-1094
OBJECTIVE:
Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351).
METHODS:
K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.
RESULTS:
Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks.
CONCLUSION
These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals
;
COVID-19/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Brain/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
SARS-CoV-2/physiology*
;
Pyroptosis
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Transcriptome
;
Male
;
Female
3.Efficacy analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy
Bang LIU ; Peiyao WANG ; Zhaoxiong ZHANG ; Daohan WANG ; Wenxin ZHANG ; Pengyu CHEN ; Hengbin ZHAO ; Yongjia YAN ; Weihua FU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(4):521-527
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 99 patients of right colon cancer who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. There were 50 males and 49 females, aged 69(range, 26?89)years. Of the 99 patients, 41 patients undergoing robotic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the robotic group, and 58 patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the lapa-roscopic group. Patients received robotic-assisted or laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy operated by the same major surgeon. Observation indicators:(1) propensity score matching status and com-parison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) intraoperative and postoperative conditions.Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the nonparametic rank sum test. Propensity score matching was performed using the 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method. The caliper value was set as 0.1. Results:(1) Propensity score matching status and comparison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 99 patients, 82 patients were successfully matched, with 41 cases in each of the robotic group and the laparoscopic group. After propensity score matching, the elimination of history of abdominal operation confounding bias ensured comparability. (2) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. After propensity score matching, the operation time of the robotic group was 215(range, 130?340)minutes, the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 50(range, 10?400)mL, the number of lymph node dissected was 21(range, 5?55), the number of intensive care unit stay was 15, time to postoperative first flatus was 3(range, 1?12)days, time to postoperative first food intake was 4(range, 2?14)days, duration of postoperative hospital stay was 8(range, 5?25)days. The above indicators of the laparoscopic group were 210(range, 140?370)minutes, 50(range, 5?150)mL, 19(range, 5?34),20, 3(range, 0?9)days, 5(range, 2?10)days, 8(range, 6?17)days, respectively. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between patients of the two groups ( Z=?0.94, ?1.87, ?1.32, χ2=1.25, Z=0.13, ?0.83, ?0.65, P>0.05). There was no patient converted to open operation in the robotic group, versus 1 patient converted to open operation in the laparoscopic group, showing no significant difference between patients of the two groups ( P>0.05). There were 6 cases in the robotic group and 4 cases in the laparoscopic group with complications, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.46, P>0.05). Both groups of patients achieved R 0 resection and had no readmission 30 days after surgery. The hospital expense was (11.0±1.8)×10 4 yuan of the robotic group, versus (9.0±1.7)×10 4 yuan of the laparoscopic group, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( t=?5.27, P<0.05). Conclusion:Robot-assisted right hemicolectomy is non inferior to laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy in safety and efficacy, but with higher hospitalization costs.
4.Efficacy analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy
Bang LIU ; Peiyao WANG ; Zhaoxiong ZHANG ; Daohan WANG ; Wenxin ZHANG ; Pengyu CHEN ; Hengbin ZHAO ; Yongjia YAN ; Weihua FU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(4):521-527
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 99 patients of right colon cancer who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. There were 50 males and 49 females, aged 69(range, 26?89)years. Of the 99 patients, 41 patients undergoing robotic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the robotic group, and 58 patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the lapa-roscopic group. Patients received robotic-assisted or laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy operated by the same major surgeon. Observation indicators:(1) propensity score matching status and com-parison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) intraoperative and postoperative conditions.Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the nonparametic rank sum test. Propensity score matching was performed using the 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method. The caliper value was set as 0.1. Results:(1) Propensity score matching status and comparison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 99 patients, 82 patients were successfully matched, with 41 cases in each of the robotic group and the laparoscopic group. After propensity score matching, the elimination of history of abdominal operation confounding bias ensured comparability. (2) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. After propensity score matching, the operation time of the robotic group was 215(range, 130?340)minutes, the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 50(range, 10?400)mL, the number of lymph node dissected was 21(range, 5?55), the number of intensive care unit stay was 15, time to postoperative first flatus was 3(range, 1?12)days, time to postoperative first food intake was 4(range, 2?14)days, duration of postoperative hospital stay was 8(range, 5?25)days. The above indicators of the laparoscopic group were 210(range, 140?370)minutes, 50(range, 5?150)mL, 19(range, 5?34),20, 3(range, 0?9)days, 5(range, 2?10)days, 8(range, 6?17)days, respectively. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between patients of the two groups ( Z=?0.94, ?1.87, ?1.32, χ2=1.25, Z=0.13, ?0.83, ?0.65, P>0.05). There was no patient converted to open operation in the robotic group, versus 1 patient converted to open operation in the laparoscopic group, showing no significant difference between patients of the two groups ( P>0.05). There were 6 cases in the robotic group and 4 cases in the laparoscopic group with complications, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.46, P>0.05). Both groups of patients achieved R 0 resection and had no readmission 30 days after surgery. The hospital expense was (11.0±1.8)×10 4 yuan of the robotic group, versus (9.0±1.7)×10 4 yuan of the laparoscopic group, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( t=?5.27, P<0.05). Conclusion:Robot-assisted right hemicolectomy is non inferior to laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy in safety and efficacy, but with higher hospitalization costs.
5.Treatment of male immune infertility by traditional Chinese medicine:A meta-analysis
Chun-Mei FAN ; Si-Qi MA ; Ke-Fan DING ; Yi-Jian YANG ; Xin-Bang WEN ; Zi-Qin ZHAO ; Shu-Hui CHEN ; Guo-Zheng QIN
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(6):547-563
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of male im-mune infertility(MII)by meta-analysis.Methods:We retrieved randomized controlled trial(RCT)on the treatment of male im-mune infertility with traditional Chinese medicine from the databases of WanFang,Chinese Biomedical Literature,Cochrane Library,Weipu,PubMed and CNKI,and performed methodological quality assessment of the RCTs identified and statistical analysis and evalua-tion of the publication bias using the RevMan5.4 software.Results:Totally,25 RCTs(2 563 cases)were included in this study.Compared with Western medicine alone in the treatment of MII,TCM achieved a significantly higher total effectiveness rate(OR=6.35,95% CI:4.96-8.13,P<0.000 01),negative conversion rate of seminal plasma anti-sperm antibodies(OR=4.52,95% CI:2.72-7.51,P<0.000 01),negative rate of serum anti-sperm antibodies(OR=2.98,95% CI:2.23-3.96,P<0.000 01),sperm concentration(MD=15.56,95% CI:11.32-19.79,P<0.000 01),grade a sperm motility(MD=3.85,95% CI:1.91-5.79,P=0.000 01),grade a+b sperm motility(MD=13.77,95% CI:7.06-20.48,P<0.000 1),sperm viability(MD=10.32,95% CI:6.78-13.86,P<0.000 01)and pregnancy rate(OR=3.53,95% CI:2.68-4.63,P<0.000 01),but a lower rate of adverse reactions(OR=0.06,95% CI:0.01-0.23,P<0.000 01).There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm between TCM and Western medicine alone in the treatment of MII(MD=-7.53,95% CI:-15.50-0.44,P=0.06).Conclusion:TCM has a definite effectiveness and high safe in the treatment of male immune infertility.
6.Quality control method improvement of Zanthoxylum nitidum
Ding-Bang AN ; Qi-Yan LIN ; Xiang ZHAO ; Xue-Mei CHENG ; Chang-Hong WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(5):1440-1446
AIM To improve the quality control method of Zanthoxylum nitidum(Roxb.)DC.METHODS In the TLC qualitative identification of nitidine chloride,chelerythrine and toddalolactone,the analysis was performed on silica gel GF254 TLC plate,chloroform-methanol-ammonia(30∶1∶0.1)was taken as a developing agent.The HPLC fingerprints for Z.nitidum and its adulterants were established.In the HPLC content determination of magnoflorine,nitidine chloride and chelythrine,the analysis was performed on a 30℃ thermostatic Diamonsil Plus column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%trifluoroacetic acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 273 nm.RESULTS The clear TLC plots demonstrated good separation.The similarities of fingerprints for eighteen batches of medicinal materials were 0.484-0.983,Z.nitidum and its adulterants were effectively distinguished.Three constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2=1.000 0),whose average recoveries were 98.9%-103.3%with the RSDs of 1.17%-1.96%.CONCLUSION This simple and reproducible can provide a new method for the quality control of Z.nitidum.
7.Mechanism analysis of fisetin regulating LKB1-AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K pathway to improve oligonasthenospermia in rats
Li-Bang CHEN ; Bing-Xiang SHEN ; Chun-Yuan HE ; Wei-Chen ZHAO ; Wei CHANG ; Tong-Sheng WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1296-1301
Aim To investigate the protective effect of fisetin on testis and sperm of rats with oligoasthenosper-mia and to explore its mechanism.Methods The rat model of oligoasthenospermia was established.The rats were randomly divided into the blank group,model group,low-,medium-,and high-dose fisetin treat-ment groups,and LKB1 agonist group,with 10 rats in each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of FSH,LH,T,E2 and PRL.Flow cytometry was used to detect sperm cell apoptosis.HE staining was used to detect testicular tissue damage.Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect the ultrastructure of sperm cells.qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of LKB1,AMPK,mTOR,and p70S6K.Results Compared with the blank group,the levels of FSH,LH,PRL,T and other hormones in the model group and LKB1 ago-nist group were significantly reduced,and sperm cell apoptosis and testicular injury were severe.The ex-pressions of LKB1 and p-AMPK/AMPK were signifi-cantly up-regulated,while the expressions of mTOR and p-p70S6K/p70S6K were significantly down-regula-ted(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,af-ter different doses of fisetin treatment,the number of apoptotic sperm cells was significantly reduced,the levels of FSH,LH,PRL,T and other hormones markedly increased,the expression of LKB1 and p-AMPK/AMPK was significantly down-regulated,and the expression of mTOR and p-p70S6K/p70S6K was evidently up-regulated(P<0.05).Conclusion Fi-setin is effective in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia rats,which may be related to LKB1-AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Xuanfei Yipi Formula in Treating Senile Sarcopenia and Its Effect on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation of the Patients
Hui-Pei AO ; Shi-Xing HAO ; Hui-Cong LI ; Zhao-Bang CHEN ; Ji-Ying HAI ; Yu-Qing LIU ; Xiao-Lu MIAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(11):2931-2936
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Xuanfei Yipi Formula,a prescription derived from modified Jianpi Pill recorded in Yi Fang Ji Jie(A Collection of Prescriptions with Expositions),in treating senile sarcopenia with spleen-stomach weakness type,and to observe its effect on chronic low-grade inflammation of the patients.Methods Seventy cases of senile sarcopenia patients of spleen-stomach weakness type were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was given exercise and nutritional guidance,while the observation group was treated with Xuanfei Yipi Formula orally on the basis of the control group,and the intervention time of both groups was eight weeks.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(ASMI),grip strength,6-meter walking pace,and the serum levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in the two groups before and after treatment were observed.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the patients in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After eight weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 94.29%(33/35),and that in the control group was 77.14%(27/35),the intergroup comparison(by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of TCM syndrome score in the observation group was more obviously than that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After eight weeks of treatment,the ASMI,grip strength and 6-meter walking pace in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment,and the increase of ASMI and grip strength in the observation group was more obviously than that in the control group(P<0.05).(4)After eight weeks of treatment,the levels of serum CRP,IL-6,and TNF-α in the two groups were decreased significantly compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of serum CRP level in the observation group was more obviously than that in the control group(P<0.05).(5)During the treatment,no obvious adverse reactions occurred in both groups,and the safety indexes of liver and kidney functions of the patients were all within the normal range.Conclusion Xuanfei Yipi Formula can improve the clinical symptoms of senile sarcopenia patients,and its mechanism is probably related with the regulation of chronic low-grade inflammation.
9.Study of acetyl-11-keto-3-boswellic acid inhibiting oral squamous cell carcinoma
Xin-Bang HUANG ; Yu WANG ; Qian YU ; Yong LI ; Biao-Dong LI ; Hai-Lei HE ; Kun CHEN ; Ling-Fan ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(20):2993-2997
Objective To investigate the mechanism of apoptosis induced by acetyl-11-keto-3-boswellic acid(AKBA)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)cells.Methods CAL27 were randomly divided into control group(conventional culture),low-dose group(40.00 μmol·L-1 AKBA),middle-dose group(80.00 μmol·L-1 AKBA),high-dose group(120.00 μmol·L-1 AKBA),3-methyladenine(3-MA)group(120.00 μmol·L-1 AKBA+2 mmol·L-1 autophagy inhibitor 3-MA).5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(Edu)assay was used to detect cell proliferation;Western blot assay was used to detect protein expression;flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis.Mice were randomly divided into model group(construct OSCC mouse model),AKBA-L group(10.00 mg·kg-1 AKBA after modeling),AKBA-H group(20.00 mg·kg-1 AKBA after modeling),10 animals per group.After 28 days of continuous administration,weight were detected;and the expression of related proteins were detected by Western blot assay.Results The Edu positive cell rates in control group,high-dose group were(40.18±2.53)%,(12.08±0.93)%,respectively;the protein levels of autophagy associated microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in control group,high-dose group and 3-MA group were 0.33±0.05,2.93±0.39,0.56±0.07,respectively;phosphorylated adenylate activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha subunit 1(p-PRKAA1)protein levels were 0.34±0.04,1.03±0.07,0.99±0.09,respectively;the apoptosis rates were(4.65±0.39)%,(25.75±2.29)%,(14.92±1.49)%,respectively.The above indexes in hige-dose group were significantly different from those in the control group(all P<0.05).The above indexes in 3-MA group were significantly different from those in high-dose group(all P<0.05).The tumor weight of model group,AKBA-L group and AKBA-H group were(0.96±0.08),(0.55±0.06),(0.43±0.05)g,respectively;the protein levels of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ were 0.47±0.09,0.94±0.21 and 1.69±0.34,respectively.The above indexes in AKBA-L group and AKBA-H group were significantly different from those in model group(all P<0.05).Conclusion AKBA can induce cytotoxic autophagy related apoptosis and inhibit CAL27 cell proliferation,which may be related to activation of AMPK signal.
10. Recombinant Human Peroxiredoxin-5 Improves Anti-tumor Immunity by Inducing Macrophage Polarization
Hao-Dong CHEN ; Wen-Bang WANG ; Lin YANG ; Zhi-Fei ZHANG ; Yuan-Yuan JIN ; Zhao-Yong YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2023;39(6):880-888
Tumor cells can use different strategies to suppress the immune system and disable them for killing tumor cells. Previous studies have shown that recombinant human peroxiredoxin-5 (hPRDX5) can activate the normal anti-tumor immune, so as to control and eliminate the tumor cells, but its exact mechanism of action needs to be studied in depth. The study aimed to investigate whether hPRDX5 exerts its anti-tumor activity by activating or reversing the polarization state of mouse macrophages RAW264. 7 cells. The results of CCK8 showed that different doses of hPRDX5 could significantly enhance the viability of macrophage compared with the control group (P < 0. 001); The results of Nitric oxide (NO) test showed that hPRDX5 significantly enhanced NO secretion levels in RAW264. 7 cells (P < 0. 001); ELISA experiments revealed that hPRDX5 promotes TNF-α (P<0. 01) and IL-6 (P<0. 001) secretion in RAW264. 7 cells; Flow cytometry revealed that hPRDX5 increased the expression of antigen differentiation cluster (CD) 80 (P < 0. 01) and inducible nitric oxide oxide synthase (iNOS) (P < 0. 001) in RAW264. 7 cells, and reduced the expression of CD206 (P < 0. 001) in RAW264. 7 cells induced by tumor conditional culture solution (TCS); Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) experiments revealed that hPRDX5 can increase the killing activity of mouse macrophages on mouse pancreatic cancer Panc02 cells. hPRDX5 is able to activate mouse macrophage RAW264. 7 cells, promotes its M1-type polarization, reverses M2-type polarization, and exerts antitumor activity through the immune-enhancing effect.

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