1.Effect and mechanism of action of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid on an in vitro cell model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Tong LIU ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Yijia SONG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Yajie GUAN ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1586-1596
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential targets of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the molecular mechanism by which it regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA network pharmacology analysis was performed at first, and related databases were used to obtain the common action targets of 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD, followed by molecular docking and pathway enrichment analysis to predict the potential biological processes and signaling pathways regulated by these targets. Then mouse normal hepatocytes AML-12 were used for cell experiments, and CCK-8 assay was used to determine the three optimal intervention concentrations of 2,5-DHBA. AML-12 cells were divided into control group, model group (cells cultured in a medium containing 2 mmol/L free fatty acid [FFA] to establish a cell model of MAFLD), and three 2,5-DHBA intervention groups (cells cultured with FFA and 2,5-DHBA at the three different concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L, respectively). Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation; the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to measure the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); biochemical assays were used to measure the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC); quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of related genes and proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsA total of 32 common targets were obtained for 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD. Within a concentration range of 1.25 — 20 μmol/L, 2,5-DHBA treatment, starting from the concentration of 2.5 μmol/L, increased the viability of AML-12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum effective concentration of 1.25 μmol/L, the intermediate gradient concentration of 5 μmol/L, and the maximum safe concentration within the effective range of 20 μmol/L were selected for low-, middle-, and high-dose intervention, respectively. Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA intervention at concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L could significantly reduce lipid droplet accumulation in cells (all P<0.05), and there were significant differences in TG and TC between the model group and the three intervention groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in ROS fluorescence intensity (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, there was a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular ROS level after treatment with 5 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA treatment at concentrations of 5 and 20 μmol/L significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of the lipogenic genes SREBf1 and FASN and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of the key antioxidant gene Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in the model group was significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased after 5 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in the model group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased after treatment with 1.25 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology and cellular experiments confirm that 2,5-DHBA can alleviate lipid deposition and oxidative stress by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on MAFLD.
2.Ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on the gut-liver axis
Beilei CUI ; Yijia SONG ; Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Junjiao XU ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2501-2508
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) based on the gut-liver axis theory.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank group ( n =9) and a modeling group ( n =47). The modeling group was fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the MAFLD model. Forty-five modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group, a positive control group [metformin, 0.2 g/(kg·d)], and Weiling decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups [6.17, 12.34, 24.68 g/(kg·d), calculated as crude drug], with 9 mice in each group. Mice in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding drug solution or normal saline once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the body weight, liver weight, and liver index were compared among groups; the levels of liver function indicators (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), lipid indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β], oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), and intestinal barrier indicators [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid] were measured; hepatic pathological changes were observed; the expressions of tight junction proteins [zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin] in jejunal tissue and proteins related to lipid metabolism [sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)] and inflammatory pathways [Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65)] in liver tissue were detected; and changes in gut microbiota were analyzed.RESULTS Compared with the model group, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory injury were significantly alleviated in all Weiling decoction dose groups; body weight (at week 16), liver weight, liver index, and the levels of liver function indicators, lipid indicators, inflammation indicators, oxidative stress indicators, and intestinal barrier indicators were all generally improved ( P <0.05). The expressions of SREBP-1, FASN, TLR4, and MyD88 and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 in liver tissue were generally decreased or downregulated ( P <0.05), while the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in jejunal tissue and PPARα in liver tissue were generally increased or upregulated ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the Observed species, Chao1, and Ace indices of gut microbiota in the Weiling decoction high-dose group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), and the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia , etc. were significantly increased, while those of Actinomycetota, Alistipes , Faecalibaculum , etc. were significantly decreased ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS Weiling decoction can ameliorate MAFLD, and its effect may be associated with regulating gut microbiota, repairing the intestinal mechanical barrier, reducing LPS translocation, thereby inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, alleviating oxidative stress, and regulating SREBP-1/FASN and PPARα-mediated lipid metabolism.
3.Pharmacological mechanism of hawthorn fruit and its herb pairs for improving metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2203-2208
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. As a classic food-medicine homologous Chinese herb, hawthorn fruit has the functions of promoting digestion to resolve food stagnation and activating blood circulation to resolve blood stasis. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that hawthorn fruit and its active components exert diverse pharmacological activities in regulating lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting inflammatory response, delaying hepatic fibrosis, and protecting hepatocytes. These effects precisely match the “multiple-hit” pathological features of MAFLD, and thus hawthorn fruit shows significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. Drug pair combination is a key strategy in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. In clinical practice, hawthorn fruit is often combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza, Alisma orientalis, cassia seed, and Poria cocos, and such combination adheres to the principle of “mutual reinforcement and assistance” to enhance efficacy and expand their application in different syndromes of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core pharmacological mechanisms of hawthorn fruit in intervening against MAFLD and the research advances in its classic drug combinations, in order to provide a scientific reference for the in-depth development of hawthorn fruit and its combinations and the precise clinical intervention of MAFLD.
4.Role and clinical application prospect of epigenetics in lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Sutong LIU ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Yajie GUAN ; Beilei CUI ; Wenjing WU ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1161-1166
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially among lean individuals. The research on related epigenetic mechanisms has provided new clues and directions for revealing the underlying causes and treatment strategies of NAFLD. This article introduces the role of epigenetics in the development and progression of NAFLD among lean individuals in recent years, analyzes the latest research advances in the epigenetics of NAFLD in this population, and briefly describes the basic concepts of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation. This article also discusses how epigenetic alterations impact the pathogenesis, disease progression, and treatment strategies of NAFLD in lean individuals.
5.Latent profile analysis of dyadic psychological capital among stroke patients and their spouses and nursing countermeasures
Bowen LIU ; Shanshan WANG ; Qianqian SUN ; Yongxia MEI ; Beilei LIN ; Lamei LIU ; Zhenxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(3):332-339
Objective To explore the potential categories of dyadic psychological capital and related factors among stroke patients and their spouses,in order to inform the improvement of their mental health.Methods Stroke patients and their spouses were recruited in the Neurology Department of 3 tertiary general hospitals from March,2023 to August,2023 by convenience sampling method.The general information questionnaire,Modified Rankin Scale(mRs),Psychological Capital Questionnaire,The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10)and Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS)were used for investigation.Latent profile analysis was adopted to explore the categories of dyadic psychological capital,and multiple Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of various factors on different categories.Results A total of 232 returned questionnaires(out of the 235)were valid,resulting an effective response rate of 98.7%.Stroke patients and their spouses were divided into 3 categories,including dyadic low psychological capital-low self-efficacy group(6.0%),dyadic high psychological capital-low resilience group(15.9%)and dyadic medium psychological capital group(78.1%).The stroke patients'education level,mRs scores,occupational status after the illness,level of perceived social support,and spouses'working condition were the influencing factors on potential profiles of dyadic psychological capital(P<0.05).Conclusion There are heterogeneity and interdependence in the level of dyadic psychological capital of stroke patients and their spouses.Healthcare professionals should promote dyadic mental health by developing targeted interventions for stroke patients and their spouses with different psychological capital characteristics from a dyadic holistic perspective.
6.Latent profile analysis of dyadic psychological capital among stroke patients and their spouses and nursing countermeasures
Bowen LIU ; Shanshan WANG ; Qianqian SUN ; Yongxia MEI ; Beilei LIN ; Lamei LIU ; Zhenxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(3):332-339
Objective To explore the potential categories of dyadic psychological capital and related factors among stroke patients and their spouses,in order to inform the improvement of their mental health.Methods Stroke patients and their spouses were recruited in the Neurology Department of 3 tertiary general hospitals from March,2023 to August,2023 by convenience sampling method.The general information questionnaire,Modified Rankin Scale(mRs),Psychological Capital Questionnaire,The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10)and Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS)were used for investigation.Latent profile analysis was adopted to explore the categories of dyadic psychological capital,and multiple Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of various factors on different categories.Results A total of 232 returned questionnaires(out of the 235)were valid,resulting an effective response rate of 98.7%.Stroke patients and their spouses were divided into 3 categories,including dyadic low psychological capital-low self-efficacy group(6.0%),dyadic high psychological capital-low resilience group(15.9%)and dyadic medium psychological capital group(78.1%).The stroke patients'education level,mRs scores,occupational status after the illness,level of perceived social support,and spouses'working condition were the influencing factors on potential profiles of dyadic psychological capital(P<0.05).Conclusion There are heterogeneity and interdependence in the level of dyadic psychological capital of stroke patients and their spouses.Healthcare professionals should promote dyadic mental health by developing targeted interventions for stroke patients and their spouses with different psychological capital characteristics from a dyadic holistic perspective.
7.Expression of porcine deltacoronavirus S protein in insect cells and preparation and identification of monoclonal antibody
Dantong LI ; Qing HE ; Dongliang WANG ; Beilei YU ; Qian YUAN ; Weijiao LIU ; Yi YANG ; Naidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(11):2309-2315
Porcine deltacoronavirus(PDCoV),a newly discovered virus in recent years,can cause severe diarrhea,vomiting,dehydration and even death in piglets.S protein is an important structur-al protein of PDCoV,which determines the host or tissue tropism of the virus,and is an important target for the development of PDCoV vaccines and detection methods.In order to prepare mono-clonal antibody(MAb)against the S protein of PDCoV,the recombinant plasmid of S protein was constructed based on the extracellular domain sequence of S protein of PDCoV epidemic strain in China and transformed into DH10Bac competent cells.The recombinant bacmid was identified by blue-white spot screening and PCR.BALB/c mice were immunized with S protein,and the spleen cells of immunized mice were fused with myeloma cells.The positive hybridoma cells that secreted stable antibodies were screened by indirect ELISA and subcloning.Five hybridoma cell superna-tants(MAb)specifically recognizing S protein(2E5,4D5,5D10,2F7 and 5A9)were identified by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay(IFA).Subsequently,the neutralization test showed that three of the monoclonal antibodies(2E5,4D5 and 5D10)could neutralize the virus to varying degrees.The S protein was successfully expressed and 5 monoclonal antibodies that can stably se-crete and specifically bind to PDCoV and S protein were prepared,which laid an important founda-tion for further research on the structure and function of S protein,the development of detection methods for PDCoV infection,and the prevention or treatment of PDCoV infection.
8.Current situation of the health behavioral decision making in ischemic stroke patients and its influencing factors analysis
Fupei HE ; Beilei LIN ; Xueting LIU ; Zhenxiang ZHANG ; Jiajia WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(18):2222-2229
Objective To investigate the current status of health behavioral decision-making in ischemic stroke patients and analyze its influencing factors.Methods Totally 250 ischemic stroke patients were selected from 2 hospitals in Zhengzhou and Anyang from February to May 2023.A general information questionnaire,Behavioral Decision-Making Scale for Stroke Patients,Recurrence Risk Perception Scale for Patients with Stroke,and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used to conduct the questionnaire survey.Results The Behavioral Decision-Making Scale for Stroke Patients score of 229 ischemic stroke patients was(117.83±7.15)scores.The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that occupational status,glycemic compliance,primary caregiver,current symptoms,stroke self-efficacy,and recurrence risk perception were the influencing factors of health behavioral decision making in ischemic stroke patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The health behavioral decision making of ischemic stroke patients is at an upper-middle level.Individualized interventions can be carried out for patients with different characteristics to promote the patients'ability to behavior decision making and the formation of preventive behaviors.
9.Predicting and overcoming resistance to CDK9 inhibitors for cancer therapy.
Chen HU ; Lijuan SHEN ; Fengming ZOU ; Yun WU ; Beilei WANG ; Aoli WANG ; Chao WU ; Li WANG ; Jing LIU ; Wenchao WANG ; Qingsong LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(9):3694-3707
Abnormally activated CDK9 participates in the super-enhancer mediated transcription of short-lived proteins required for cancer cell survival. Targeting CDK9 has shown potent anti-tumor activity in clinical trials among different cancers. However, the study and knowledge on drug resistance to CDK9 inhibitors are very limited. In this study, we established an AML cell line with acquired resistance to a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor BAY1251152. Through genomic sequencing, we identified in the kinase domain of CDK9 a mutation L156F, which is also a coding SNP in the CDK9 gene. By knocking in L156F into cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9, we found that single CDK9 L156F could drive the resistance to CDK9 inhibitors, not only ATP competitive inhibitor but also PROTAC degrader. Mechanistically, CDK9 L156F disrupts the binding with inhibitors due to steric hindrance, further, the mutation affects the thermal stability and catalytic activity of CDK9 protein. To overcome the drug resistance mediated by the CDK9-L156F mutation, we discovered a compound, IHMT-CDK9-36 which showed potent inhibition activity both for CDK9 WT and L156F mutant. Together, we report a novel resistance mechanism for CDK9 inhibitors and provide a novel chemical scaffold for the future development of CDK9 inhibitors.
10.Interpretation of the Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Set and Measurement international consensus report
Junyu SHI ; Beilei LIU ; Xinyu WU ; Hongchang LAI
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2023;58(12):1227-1234
Selection and measurement of clinical outcome are key components of clinical research in implant dentistry. Shanghai Ninth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine took the lead and collaborated with multiple internationally renowned colleges of stomatology to develop an international consensus on the core outcome set and measurement in implant dentistry, which took two years and was published in May, 2023 in Journal of Clinical Periodontology and Clinical Oral Implants Research simultaneously. The consensus, aiming at identifying the full spectrum of benefits and harms of interventions, provides a comprehensive, agreed, and standardized set of outcomes that should be measured and reported as a minimum in clinical trials relating with implant dentistry, bone augmentation, and soft tissue augmentation. The present review describes the methodology and key elements of the consensus to help Chinese clinical researchers fully understand and appropriately apply the core outcome set and improve the overall quality of Chinese clinical research in implant dentistry.

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