1.Effect and mechanism of Biejiajian Pill on subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells
Lu LU ; Huanling CHEN ; Jian XU ; Yuanqin DU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yingsheng WU ; Chengting WU ; Wei BAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Hongna HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills (BJJW) on the growth of liver cancer, as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, BJJW group (2.2 g/kg), and metformin group (250 mg/kg), and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes; the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissue were measured; immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%, with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in ATP level (P<0.001), as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04, P<0.01) and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio (0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13, P<0.01) and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62, P<0.01). ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, increasing the level of ROS, reducing the level of ATP, and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Discovery of novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Zhipei SANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Wanying TAN ; Yujuan BAN ; Keren WANG ; Yufan FAN ; Hongsong CHEN ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Chanchan LIANG ; Jing MI ; Yunqi GAO ; Ya ZHANG ; Wenmin LIU ; Jianta WANG ; Wu DONG ; Zhenghuai TAN ; Lei TANG ; Haibin LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2134-2155
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC50 = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC50 = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.
3.NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of Timp1 mRNA in ischemic stroke.
Li YANG ; Xiaotong LI ; Yaxuan ZHAO ; Hao CHEN ; Can WANG ; Angrong WU ; Xintong GUO ; Yue HUANG ; Qihui WANG ; Lingyun HAO ; Xiaowen LI ; Ying JI ; Jin BAN ; Guangtian WANG ; Junli CAO ; Zhiqiang PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2575-2592
Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.
4.Study on the construction of a novel dentin remineralization system based on carboxylated polyamidoamine synergistic with magnesium ions
Qiurong LI ; Jindong LONG ; Kaiqi YAN ; Xiaoman HUANG ; Guifei BAN ; Fangfang XIE ; Wenxia CHEN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(8):897-904
Objective:To explore the effect of carboxylated polyamidoamine (PAMAM-COOH) in combination with magnesium ions on the remineralization ability of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in inducing remineralization of dentin collagen fibers in a 50% ethanol solution.Methods:Forty-five intact third molars extracted for impaction reasons were obtained from the College & Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University. Two types of demineralized dentin specimens were prepared: ①Fully demineralized dentin ( n=30), specimens were immersed in 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (pH=7.4) at room temperature for 14 days with daily solution refreshment; ②Partially demineralized dentin ( n=15), specimens were treated with 37% phosphoric acid gel (Ultra-Etch, Ultradent) for 15 seconds followed by thorough rinsing with deionized water. Three remineralization groups were established for demineralized dentin treatment: ①Control group, 50% ethanol solution; ②ACMP group, 50% ethanol solution containing amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate (ACMP); ③PAMAM-COOH/ACMP group, 50% ethanol solution incorporating carboxylated polyamidoamine dendrimer-modified ACMP (PAMAM-COOH/ACMP). The chemical composition of remineralization solutions was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The morphology and particle size distribution of nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The fully demineralized dentin specimens were treated with three different remineralization solutions (37 ℃ for 7 days) respectively. The mineralization of the dentin collagen fibers surface was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the distribution of minerals inside and outside the collagen fibers was examined by using TEM. The partially demineralized dentin specimens were treated with fluorescence-labeled remineralization solutions (37 ℃ for 7 days) respectively, followed by analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to quantitatively evaluate the penetration depth of the mineralization agents. Results:FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic absorption peaks corresponding to phosphate (PO 43-) groups, carbon-nitrogen bonds, and amide linkages in the PAMAM-COOH/ACMP nanocomposite. TEM observed that the PAMAM-COOH/ACMP nanoparticles exhibited an average particle size of (36.85±8.02) nm in an amorphous state. SEM observation indicates continuous mineral deposition on dentin collagen fibers in the PAMAM-COOH/ACMP group, while no mineral deposition in the control group and only minimal deposition in the ACMP group. TEM showed no mineral deposition inside or outside the collagen fibers in the control group, only external mineral deposition in the ACMP group, and high-density mineral deposition both inside and outside the fibers in the PAMAM-COOH/ACMP group. CLSM analysis revealed a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05) in the depth of mineralized substances entering dentin tubules between ACMP group and PAMAM-COOH/ACMP group. Conclusions:The remineralization system of 50% ethanol solution incorporating PAMAM-COOH/ACMP successfully achieved the internal and external mineralization of demineralized dentin collagen fibers.
5.Risk of Hospitalization for Genitourinary System Diseases Following Exposure to Cold Spells.
Qing Hua SUN ; Chen CHEN ; Jie BAN ; Han Shuo ZHANG ; Jing Yi SUN ; Hang DU ; Tian Tian LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1369-1377
OBJECTIVE:
To assess relationships between cold spells and genitourinary hospitalization risk.
METHODS:
Hospitalization records for genitourinary system diseases (GUDs) from 16 districts in Beijing (2013-2018) were analyzed. Cold spells were defined based on varying intensity thresholds. A two-stage analytical method was employed: first, generalized linear models assessed district-specific associations between cold spells and hospitalizations; second, random-effects meta-analysis aggregated the district-level results. Subgroup analyses were performed by admission type (emergency vs. outpatient), age, and sex.
RESULTS:
A total of 271,579 GUD-related hospitalizations were recorded. Cold spells (p1day2,daily mean temperature below the 1 st percentiles of the daily mean temperature distribution from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, lasting for two or more consecutive days) were linked to a significant rise in hospitalization risks: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.56) for all GUDs, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.23-1.49) for urinary system diseases, and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.28-1.67) for renal failure, when compared to non-cold spell days. Emergency admissions showed higher risk increases than outpatient admissions.
CONCLUSION
Extreme cold spells significantly elevate hospitalization risks for GUDs. This highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate cold-related health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Humans
;
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*
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Male
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Female
;
Cold Temperature/adverse effects*
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Infant
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Child, Preschool
;
Middle Aged
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Adult
;
Child
;
Aged
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Adolescent
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Young Adult
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Beijing/epidemiology*
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Female Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
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Male Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
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Infant, Newborn
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Risk Factors
6.Clinical Efficacy of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Its Network Pharmacological Mechanism
Can GUO ; Wenming BAN ; Jiang DU ; Lili ZHAO ; Yuanyuan SUN ; Yue SUN ; Jianing CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):328-336
Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)by using network pharmacology methods and clinical trial validation.Methods A prospective trial was carried out in 90 cases of patients with PSCI admitted to Taihe Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from August 2022 to February 2024.The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the trial group by random number table method,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional treatment for PSCI,and the trial group was treated with Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule orally on the basis of treatment for the control group.The treatment course for the two groups covered 28 days.The changes of Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)score,Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score,and the serum levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin 6(IL-6)in the patients of the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the incidences of adverse events in the two groups were recorded,thus to evaluate the safety of the treatment regimens in the two groups.And then the network pharmacological research was performed.TCMSP and literature review were used to obtain the active ingredients of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule,GeneCards and other databases were used to obtain the PSCI disease targets,and the common targets were inputted into the STRING database to construct the PPI network.Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to construct the network diagram of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule-PSCI-targets,DAVID was used to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,and then molecular docking was used to verify the binding activity.Results(1)The results of clinical trial showed that after 28 days of treatment,the MMSE and MoCA scores of patients in the two groups were increased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the increase of the scores in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).During the trial,both groups of patients did not show obvious adverse reactions,with high safety.(2)The network pharmacological research of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule yielded 92 active ingredients,803 targets,5 209 disease targets and 556 intersection targets.The core targets were AKT1,TNF,IL-6,TP53 and IL-1B,and the key compounds were deoxyharringtonine,senkyunone and genkwanin.The GO enrichment analysis obtained 1 812 GO entries,of which 154 entries were related with cellular component(CC),1 332 entries were related with biological process(BP),and 326 entries were related with molecular function(MF).The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded 195 signaling pathways.The molecular docking results showed that the key compounds of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule had good binding activities with the core targets.Conclusion The clinical efficacy of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule in the treatment of PSCI is remarkable,and its therapeutic mechanism is probably related with multiple components through the signaling pathways such as AKT1,TNF,and IL-6.The results will provide reference for the in-depth study of Shen Wu Yizhi Capsule.
7.Effect of exercise on the function and size of the liver in adolescents
Liyuan ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Shi CHEN ; Bo BAN ; Mei ZHANG ; Hui PAN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(4):517-521
Objective To evaluate the effects of physical exercise on liver function and size in adolescents.Methods A total of 361 adolescent subjects from Jining,Shandong Province were selected and divided into low,moderate,and high-intensity exercise groups according to the frequency of moderate intensity exercise.Physical ex-amination tests were conducted including morphological indicators,blood biochemical indicator measurements,liver size and the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Independent sample t-tests and variance analysis were per-formed using SPSS 26.0,and correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman correlation analysis and multivari-ate linear regression analysis.Results Compared with the moderate and low-intensity exercise groups,the high-intensity exercise group had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure,homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),and triglycerides(TG),as well as significantly higher height,maximum oblique diameter of the right liver lobe,and direct bilirubin(DBIL).Correlation analysis showed that as exercise intensity in-creased,aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase,DBIL,and the maximum oblique diameter of the right liver lobe increased significantly(P<0.05).The results of the cumulative effect of exercise type and intensity indicate that exercise type does not influence the effect of exercise intensity on liver function and size.Conclusions Regular exercise in adolescents can not only shape body,but also improve glucose and lipid metabolism and en-hance liver function.
8.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
9.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
10.The protective effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction on intestinal mucosal barrier of SAP rats based on regulation of mitochondrial autophagy by PGAM5/Drp1/PINK1/Parkin axis
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Kun-rong LIU ; Min-chao FENG ; Ying BAN ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):561-567
Aim To investigate the mechanism of in-testinal mucosal barrier protective effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction(QJHGD)on rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Methods The SAP rat model was constructed,and the sham-operation group,the model group,the group administered with different dosages of QJHGD,and the positive control group were set up respectively.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes.ELISA was employed to detect the serum levels of diamine oxidase(DAO)and D-lactic acid(D-LA)in rats.Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe the mitochondria of ileal tissues.qRT-PCR and Western blot were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PGAM5,Drp1,PINK1,Parkin,LC3B in ileal tissues of rats.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,the pancreas and ileum tissues of rats in the model group showed obvious pathological changes,with abnormal mitochondrial structure and reduced number of autoph-agic vesicles in the ileum tissues.The levels of DAO and D-LA in serum increased(P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein expression of PGAM 5,Drp 1,PINK1,Parkin,and LC3B in the ileum tissues de-creased significantly.Compared with the model group,pancreatic and ileal pathology were improved,mito-chondrial damage in the ileum was reduced,and the number of autophagic vesicles increased in the QJHGD group.The serum levels of DAO and D-LA were re-duced,and the expression of PGAM5,Drp1,PINK1,Parkin,and LC3B mRNA and protein in the ileal tis-sues increased significantly.Conclusions QJHGD may exert a protective effect on the SAP intestinal mu-cosal barrier by regulating the PGAM5/Drp1/PINK1/Parkin axis in order to elevate the level of mitochondri-al autophagy in the intestinal epithelial cells,thereby improving the level of repair of the intestinal epithelial cells.

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