1.Assessing High-density Y-SNP Panels for Paternal Haplogroup Assignment in Forensic Practice
De-Qin ZHANG ; Chun-Nian WANG ; Lin-Lin LOU ; Meng NI ; Jing GAO ; Jiang HUANG ; Li JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):458-469
ObjectiveThe accuracy of Y-chromosome haplogroup assignment is crucial for tracing paternal lineage in male samples. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, high-density Y-SNP genotyping from whole-genome or array-based data has become a standard method for determiningY-chromosome haplogroups. This study systematically evaluated the performance of 4 commonly used high-density SNP genotyping systems—namely, the Global Screening Array (GSA), Chinese Genotyping Array (CGA), Affymetrix array, and the 1240K capture panel—for haplogroup assignment. This work provides a reference for data comparison across different systems. MethodsWe extracted genotype data for the 4 Y-SNP panels from 30× whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1 590 male samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Additionally, GSA array genotype data from 384 relative pairs (spanning 1st- to 12th-degree relationships) from 109 Chinese Han families were collected. Haplogroup assignment was performed using Y-LineageTracker v1.3.0 software. We assessed the concordance and resolution of haplogroup assignments between the four Y-SNP panels and the WGS data. The consistency and resolution of haplogroup assignments were also evaluated for both the 1000 Genomes Project samples and the 109 family samples collected in this study. Furthermore, the impact of varying numbers of Y-SNPs on haplogroup assignment was examined. ResultsThe GSA and CGA panels demonstrated superior resolution and discrimination of haplogroup subclades compared with the other two panels. The haplogroup assignments from the GSA, CGA, and 1240K panels showed high concordance with WGS data, with consistency rates exceeding 88.70%, whereas the Affymetrix platform exhibited a significantly lower consistency rate of 61.89%. Specifically, the GSA and CGA panels consistently demonstrated superior performance compared with the other two panels in the assignment of haplogroups O-M175 and H-L901, achieving complete concordance (100%) for both haplogroups. In contrast, the Affymetrix panel erroneously assigned all individuals belonging to haplogroup O-M175 to haplogroup K2-M526. Furthermore, its accuracy for haplogroup H-L901 was exceedingly low, at merely 1.41%. This poor performance was characterized by the misassignment of 98.59% of H-L901 samples—specifically, 1.41% to J-M304 and a predominant 97.18% to F-M89. For haplogroup R-M207, all four panels exhibited uniformly high levels of consistency, with concordance values exceeding 94.00%. Notably, for haplogroup E-M96, the 1240K and Affymetrix panels outperformed the GSA and CGA panels in terms of concordance, representing the first instance in which these two panels surpassed the latter. Conversely, for haplogroups J-M304, Q-M242, and I-M170, all 4 panels showed relatively elevated misclassification rates, with the Affymetrix array demonstrating the poorest overall performance. None of the four panels showed any discordant haplogroup assignments among the familial relative pairs analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between the number of Y-SNPs (ranging from 1 000 to 10 000) and classification consistency; however, classification consistency plateaued when the number of Y-SNPs exceeded 10 000. Furthermore, a random sampling analysis conducted on the GSA and CGA panels demonstrated that the haplogroup misclassification rate exhibited negligible fluctuation across the Y-SNP range of 500 to 1 000. Conversely, a marked enhancement in classification consistency was observed as the number of markers increased from 1 000 to 5 000, ultimately reaching a plateau within the interval of 5 000 to 8 000 markers. ConclusionThese findings indicate that the GSA and CGA panels provide high resolution and concordance, delivering reliable Y-haplogroup assignment for forensic investigations.
2.Assessing High-density Y-SNP Panels for Paternal Haplogroup Assignment in Forensic Practice
De-Qin ZHANG ; Chun-Nian WANG ; Lin-Lin LOU ; Meng NI ; Jing GAO ; Jiang HUANG ; Li JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):458-469
ObjectiveThe accuracy of Y-chromosome haplogroup assignment is crucial for tracing paternal lineage in male samples. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, high-density Y-SNP genotyping from whole-genome or array-based data has become a standard method for determiningY-chromosome haplogroups. This study systematically evaluated the performance of 4 commonly used high-density SNP genotyping systems—namely, the Global Screening Array (GSA), Chinese Genotyping Array (CGA), Affymetrix array, and the 1240K capture panel—for haplogroup assignment. This work provides a reference for data comparison across different systems. MethodsWe extracted genotype data for the 4 Y-SNP panels from 30× whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1 590 male samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Additionally, GSA array genotype data from 384 relative pairs (spanning 1st- to 12th-degree relationships) from 109 Chinese Han families were collected. Haplogroup assignment was performed using Y-LineageTracker v1.3.0 software. We assessed the concordance and resolution of haplogroup assignments between the four Y-SNP panels and the WGS data. The consistency and resolution of haplogroup assignments were also evaluated for both the 1000 Genomes Project samples and the 109 family samples collected in this study. Furthermore, the impact of varying numbers of Y-SNPs on haplogroup assignment was examined. ResultsThe GSA and CGA panels demonstrated superior resolution and discrimination of haplogroup subclades compared with the other two panels. The haplogroup assignments from the GSA, CGA, and 1240K panels showed high concordance with WGS data, with consistency rates exceeding 88.70%, whereas the Affymetrix platform exhibited a significantly lower consistency rate of 61.89%. Specifically, the GSA and CGA panels consistently demonstrated superior performance compared with the other two panels in the assignment of haplogroups O-M175 and H-L901, achieving complete concordance (100%) for both haplogroups. In contrast, the Affymetrix panel erroneously assigned all individuals belonging to haplogroup O-M175 to haplogroup K2-M526. Furthermore, its accuracy for haplogroup H-L901 was exceedingly low, at merely 1.41%. This poor performance was characterized by the misassignment of 98.59% of H-L901 samples—specifically, 1.41% to J-M304 and a predominant 97.18% to F-M89. For haplogroup R-M207, all four panels exhibited uniformly high levels of consistency, with concordance values exceeding 94.00%. Notably, for haplogroup E-M96, the 1240K and Affymetrix panels outperformed the GSA and CGA panels in terms of concordance, representing the first instance in which these two panels surpassed the latter. Conversely, for haplogroups J-M304, Q-M242, and I-M170, all 4 panels showed relatively elevated misclassification rates, with the Affymetrix array demonstrating the poorest overall performance. None of the four panels showed any discordant haplogroup assignments among the familial relative pairs analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between the number of Y-SNPs (ranging from 1 000 to 10 000) and classification consistency; however, classification consistency plateaued when the number of Y-SNPs exceeded 10 000. Furthermore, a random sampling analysis conducted on the GSA and CGA panels demonstrated that the haplogroup misclassification rate exhibited negligible fluctuation across the Y-SNP range of 500 to 1 000. Conversely, a marked enhancement in classification consistency was observed as the number of markers increased from 1 000 to 5 000, ultimately reaching a plateau within the interval of 5 000 to 8 000 markers. ConclusionThese findings indicate that the GSA and CGA panels provide high resolution and concordance, delivering reliable Y-haplogroup assignment for forensic investigations.
3.N-glycosylation Modifications of Immunoglobulins G in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Yao-Zhou LIU ; Zheng BIAN ; Chun-Cui HUANG ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2205-2216
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, primarily characterized by systemic inflammation and hyperactivation of both B and T lymphocytes. Key immunological features include increased consumption of complement components, sustained overproduction of type I interferons (IFN-I), and persistent production of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA antibodies. However, the use of autoantibodies as biomarkers for the early detection of SLE is associated with a high false-positive rate, suggesting that antibody characteristics evolve during disease progression.N-glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification of antibodies that significantly influences their structure and receptor-binding properties, thereby modulating biological activities and functions. In particular, glycosylation patterns affect the antibody’s affinity for Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), subsequently regulating various antibody-mediated immune responses. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of individual monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine, which constitute N-glycans—on the immunological functions of antibodies. This review systematically summarizes the aberrant immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation patterns observed in SLE patients, with a focus on correlations between disease progression or complications and quantitative alterations in individual glycan components. We first review how different types of N-glycosylation modifications affect the biological activity and functional properties of IgG, particularly regarding the effects of specific monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and galactose—on FcγR binding affinity and the resulting downstream immune functions. We then summarize the differential expression of IgGN-glycans and glycosyltransferase genes between SLE patients and healthy controls, and outline the associations between glycosylation changes and SLE-related pathological responses. In response to the inconsistencies and limitations in current research, we propose potential explanations from the perspectives of study methodologies, participant characteristics, and variations in N-glycan structures, aiming to provide a constructive reference for future studies. Given the close relationship between antibody glycosylation and SLE, this review highlights the potential of IgG N-glycosylation patterns as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. In terms of therapy, we discuss how IgG glycosylation can enhance the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment and introduce emerging therapeutic strategies that aim to modulate endogenous IgG N-glycans as a novel glycan-based approach for SLE management. In summary, N-glycans are essential structural components of antibodies that regulate immune responses by modulating antibody-receptor interactions. Aberrant glycosylation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. However, due to the structural diversity of N-glycans and the complexity of glycosylation processes, the precise roles of IgGN-glycosylation in SLE pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. Moreover, therapeutic strategies targeting IgG glycosylation are still in early development and have not yet reached clinical application. Continued progress in glycan analysis technologies and other biological tools, along with interdisciplinary collaboration, will be essential for advancing this field.
4.The Biological Activity of Human Milk Oligosaccharides
Hai-Zhu WANG ; Chun-Cui HUANG ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2462-2473
Human milk is universally recognized as the optimal and most natural source of nutrition for newborns, offering benefits that extend far beyond basic energy and macronutrient provision. Among its complex constituents, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) represent the third most abundant solid component, surpassed only by lactose and lipids. HMOs are distinguished by their exceptionally high structural diversity—over 200 distinct structures have been identified to date. This structural complexity underlies the extensive biological functions HMOs perform within the infant’s body. HMOs play a pivotal role in promoting healthy growth, development, and overall well-being in infants and young children, functioning as indispensable bioactive molecules. Their key physiological activities include: immunomodulation and allergy prevention by promoting immune tolerance and reducing the risk of allergic diseases; potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect vulnerable infant tissues; support for brain development and cognitive enhancement through multiple mechanisms; anti-pathogenic properties, acting as soluble receptor analogs or “decoy” molecules to competitively block viral, bacterial, and other pathogen adhesion, thereby preventing colonization and infection in the gastrointestinal tract; and functioning as blood group substances. At the translational and application level, HMO research is actively driving cross-disciplinary innovation. Building on a deep understanding of their immunological and neurodevelopmental benefits, certain structurally defined HMOs have been successfully incorporated into infant formula. These HMO-supplemented formulas have received regulatory approval and are now commercially available worldwide, providing a nutritional alternative that more closely resembles human milk for infants who are not exclusively breastfed. This represents a significant step toward narrowing the compositional gap between formula and breast milk. Simultaneously, research into the symbiotic relationship between HMOs and the gut microbiota—particularly their role as selective prebiotic substrates promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria—has catalyzed the development of novel functional foods, dietary supplements, and microbiome-targeted therapies. These include advanced synbiotic formulations that combine specific probiotic strains with HMOs to synergistically optimize gut health and function. Furthermore, the intrinsic qualities of HMOs—including their natural origin, safety profile, biocompatibility, and proven antioxidant properties—have attracted growing interest in the emerging field of high-performance cosmetics. They are increasingly being explored as innovative functional ingredients in skincare products aimed at reducing oxidative stress and supporting skin health. This review aims to systematically synthesize recent advancements in HMO research, offering a comprehensive analysis centered on their complex composition and structural diversity; the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying their diverse biological functions; their translational potential across sectors such as nutrition, medicine, and consumer care (including cosmetics); and the major challenges that persist in the field. It critically examines both foundational discoveries and recent breakthroughs. By integrating these interconnected themes, the review provides a holistic and up-to-date perspective on the scientific landscape of HMOs, highlighting their essential role in early-life nutrition and their expanding relevance across health and wellness applications. It also outlines promising directions for future research, with the goal of advancing evidence-based innovation in infant health and beyond.
5.Clinical course, causes of worsening, and outcomes of severe ischemic stroke: A prospective multicenter cohort study.
Simiao WU ; Yanan WANG ; Ruozhen YUAN ; Meng LIU ; Xing HUA ; Linrui HUANG ; Fuqiang GUO ; Dongdong YANG ; Zuoxiao LI ; Bihua WU ; Chun WANG ; Jingfeng DUAN ; Tianjin LING ; Hao ZHANG ; Shihong ZHANG ; Bo WU ; Cairong ZHU ; Craig S ANDERSON ; Ming LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1578-1586
BACKGROUND:
Severe stroke has high rates of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course, causes of worsening, and outcomes of severe ischemic stroke.
METHODS:
This prospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled adult patients admitted ≤30 days after ischemic stroke from nine hospitals in China between September 2017 and December 2019. Severe stroke was defined as a score of ≥15 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Clinical worsening was defined as an increase of 4 in the NIHSS score from baseline. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≥3 at 3 months and 1 year after stroke onset, respectively. We performed Logistic regression to explore baseline features and reperfusion therapies associated with clinical worsening and functional outcomes.
RESULTS:
Among 4201 patients enrolled, 854 patients (20.33%) had severe stroke on admission. Of 3347 patients without severe stroke on admission, 142 (4.24%) patients developed severe stroke in hospital. Of 854 patients with severe stroke on admission, 33.95% (290/854) experienced clinical worsening (median time from stroke onset: 43 h, Q1-Q3: 20-88 h), with brain edema (54.83% [159/290]) as the leading cause; 24.59% (210/854) of these patients died by 30 days, and 81.47% (677/831) and 78.44% (633/807) had unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months and 1 year respectively. Reperfusion reduced the risk of worsening (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.49, P <0.01), 30-day death (adjusted OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.41, P <0.01), and unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months (adjusted OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.68, P <0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.50, P <0.01).
CONCLUSIONS:
Approximately one-fifth of patients with ischemic stroke had severe neurological deficits on admission. Clinical worsening mainly occurred in the first 3 to 4 days after stroke onset, with brain edema as the leading cause of worsening. Reperfusion reduced the risk of clinical worsening and improved functional outcomes.
REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03222024.
Humans
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Male
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Female
;
Prospective Studies
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Ischemic Stroke/mortality*
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Aged
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Middle Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Stroke
;
Brain Ischemia
6.Effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on mice with inflammatory pain based on GPR37-mediated inflammation resolution.
Ying LIU ; Guo-Xin ZHANG ; Xue-Min YAO ; Wen-Li WANG ; Ao-Qing HUANG ; Hai-Ping WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU ; Na LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):178-186
In order to investigate whether the effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on the peripheral and central inflammation resolution of mice with inflammatory pain is related to their regulation of G protein-coupled receptor 37(GPR37), an inflammatory pain model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) into the paws of mice, with a sham-operated group receiving a similar volume of normal saline. The mice were assigned randomly to the sham-operated group, model group, ibuprofen group(91 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Yuxuebi Tablets(60, 120, and 240 mg·kg~(-1)). The drug was administered orally from days 1 to 19 after modeling. Von Frey method and the hot plate test were used to detect mechanical pain thresholds and heat hyperalgesia. The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) in the spinal cord were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression of GPR37 in the spinal cord was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Additionally, immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of macrosialin antigen(CD68), mannose receptor(MRC1 or CD206), and GPR37 in dorsal root ganglia, as well as the expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), CD206, and GPR37 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The results showed that compared with those of the sham-operated group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the model group significantly declined, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglia and the expression of IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 significantly decreased in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord were significantly decreased. Compared with those of the model group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the high-dose group of Yuxuebi Tablets significantly increased, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglion and IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly decreased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased, as well as IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord. These findings indicated that Yuxuebi Tablets may reduce macrophage(microglial) infiltration and foster M2 macrophage polarization by enhancing GPR37 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of the spinal cord of CFA-induced mice, so as to improve IL-10 and TGF-β levels, promote resolution of both peripheral and central inflammation, and play analgesic effects.
Inflammation/genetics*
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Pain/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Mice
;
Freund's Adjuvant/pharmacology*
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Ibuprofen
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Pain Threshold/drug effects*
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Hyperalgesia/genetics*
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Ganglia, Spinal
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Interleukin-10/genetics*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics*
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
;
Tablets
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
7.Integrated multiomics reveal mechanism of Aidi Injection in attenuating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Yan-Li WANG ; Yu-Jie TU ; Jian-Hua ZHU ; Lin ZHENG ; Yong HUANG ; Jia SUN ; Yong-Jun LI ; Jie PAN ; Chun-Hua LIU ; Yuan LU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2245-2259
The combination of Aidi Injection(ADI) and doxorubicin(DOX) is a common strategy in the treatment of cancer, which can achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects while attenuating the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of ADI in attenuating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by multi-omics. DOX was used to induce cardiotoxicity in mice, and the cardioprotective effects of ADI were evaluated based on biochemical indicators and pathological changes. Based on the results, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to analyze the changes of endogenous substances in different physiological states. Furthermore, data from multiple omics were integrated to screen key regulatory pathways by which ADI attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and important target proteins were selected for measurement by ELISA kits and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that ADI significantly reduced the levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and effectively ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and intracellular vacuolization, indicating that ADI showed therapeutic effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The transcriptomics analysis screened out a total of 400 differentially expressed genes(DEGs), which were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. After proteomics analysis, 70 differentially expressed proteins were selected, which were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response, cardiac function, and energy metabolism. A total of 51 differentially expressed metabolites were screened by the metabolomics analysis, and they were mainly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, including the inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. The integrated data of multiple omics showed that linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism pathways played an important role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and ADI may exert therapeutic effects by modulating these pathways. Target validation experiments suggested that ADI significantly regulated abnormal protein levels of cyclooxygenase-1(COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), prostaglandin H2(PGH2), and prostaglandin D2(PGD2) in the model group. In conclusion, ADI may attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism, thus alleviating inflammation of the body.
Doxorubicin/toxicity*
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Animals
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Mice
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Cardiotoxicity/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
;
Proteomics
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Metabolomics
;
Injections
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Humans
;
Multiomics
8.Effects and mechanisms of Yuxuebi Tablets combined with ibuprofen in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain through "integrated regulation of inflammation and pain-related oxylipins".
Ao-Qing HUANG ; Wen-Li WANG ; Guo-Xin ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Na LIN ; Chun-Yan ZHU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3763-3777
This study adopted a three-dimensional "effect-dose-mechanism" evaluation system to screen the optimal regimen of Yuxuebi Tablets(YXB) combined with ibuprofen(IBU) for chronic musculoskeletal pain(CMP) intervention and elucidate its pharmacological mechanism, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of the regimen. The experiments were conducted using 8-week-old ICR mice, which were randomly divided into sham operation(sham) group, model(CFA) group, IBU group, YXB group, stasis paralysis tablets combined with ibuprofen low-dose group(IBU-L-YXB), stasis paralysis combined with ibuprofen high-dose group(IBU-H-YXB), stasis paralysis tablets combined with ibuprofen high-dose with ibuprofen discontinuation on the 10th day of administration(IBU-10-YXB), and stasis paralysis tablets combined with ibuprofen high-dose with ibuprofen halving on the 10th day of administration(IBU-1/2-YXB) group. An animal model was established using the CFA plantar injection method. On D0(the second day post-modeling), the success of model establishment was assessed, followed by continuous drug administration for 18 consecutive days from D1 to D18. During this period, mechanical pain threshold was measured by the Von Frey test; thermal hyperalgesia was detected by the hot plate test, and depression-like behavior was observed by the tail suspension test. After treatment, peripheral blood was collected from all groups for complete blood biochemical analysis, and the injected feet of the sham, CFA, IBU, YXB, IBU-YXB, and IBU-10-YXB groups were subjected to oxylipin metabolomics analysis. Immunofluorescence double staining was further performed to detect the co-expression of key oxylipin metabolic enzymes(COX2, LTA4H, and 5/12/15-LOX) and macrophage marker CD68 in the sham, CFA, IBU, and YXB-L/M/H groups. Subsequently, confirmatory analysis of positive indicators was conducted in the sham, CFA, IBU, YXB, IBU-YXB, and IBU-10-YXB groups. On D6(acute phase), mechanical pain sensitivity data showed that compared with the CFA group, only the three combination groups(IBU-YXB, IBU-10-YXB, and IBU-1/2-YXB) exhibited significantly increased paw withdrawal thresholds. On D17(chronic phase), only the IBU-10-YXB group showed a mechanical pain threshold significantly higher than all other monotherapy and combination groups. On D17, thermal pain data showed that compared with the CFA group, all groups except IBU-1/2-YXB had significantly prolonged paw withdrawal latency. On D18, tail suspension data showed that compared with the CFA group, the YXB, IBU-YXB, and IBU-10-YXB groups had significantly reduced immobility time. In summary, IBU-10-YXB stably improved the core symptoms of acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Complete blood count data showed that compared with the sham group, the CFA group had significantly increased mean platelet volume(MPV), while compared with the CFA group, the IBU-YXB and IBU-10-YXB groups had significantly reduced MPV. Moreover, the platelet distribution width(PDW) of the IBU-10-YXB group was further reduced compared with the CFA group. These data suggest that the IBU-10-YXB combination regimen has superior effects on inflammation and blood circulation improvement compared with other treatment groups. At the mechanistic level, each treatment group differentially regulated pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving oxylipin(SPM). Specifically, compared with the CFA group, the IBU and IBU-YXB groups significantly inhibited the synthesis of the prostaglandin family downstream of COX2, reducing pro-inflammatory oxylipins PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1α but inhibiting PGE1 and PGE2, which played positive roles in peripheral circulation, vasodilation, and inflammation resolution. Compared with the CFA group, the YXB group tended to inhibit the pro-inflammatory oxylipin LTB4 downstream of LTA4H and increase SPMs such as LXA4. The IBU-10-YXB group bidirectionally regulated pro-inflammatory oxylipins and SPMs. Compared with IBU, IBU-10-YXB significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory mediator 5-HETE. Meanwhile, IBU-10-YXB broadly upregulated SPMs, as evidenced by significant upregulation of LXA4 compared with the CFA group, significant upregulation of LXA5 compared with the IBU and IBU-YXB groups, significant upregulation of RvD1 compared with the CFA group and all other treatment groups, and significant upregulation of RvD5 compared with the sham group. Immunofluorescence double staining results were as follows: compared with the CFA group, the IBU group specifically inhibited the oxylipin metabolic enzyme COX2. In the YXB group, COX2, LTA4H, and 5/12-LOX were significantly inhibited. Within the optimal analgesic dose range, YXB's inhibitory effects on COX2 and LTA4H were dose-dependent, while its inhibitory effects on 5/12-LOX were inversely dose-dependent. The two combination groups(IBU-YXB and IBU-10-YXB) inhibited COX2 and LTA4H without significantly affecting 5-LOX, while IBU-10-YXB further significantly inhibited 12-LOX. These results suggest that the IBU-10-YXB combination regimen effectively maintains stable inhibition of COX2, LTA4H, and 12-LOX while enhancing 5-LOX expression. This combinatorial strategy effectively suppresses pro-inflammatory oxylipins and promotes SPM biosynthesis, overcoming IBU's analgesic ceiling effect and its blockade of pain resolution pathways while compensating for YXB's inability to effectively intervene in acute pain and inflammation. Therefore, it achieves more stable anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant effects.
Animals
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Ibuprofen/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred ICR
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Musculoskeletal Pain/immunology*
;
Tablets
;
Humans
;
Chronic Pain/metabolism*
;
Drug Therapy, Combination
;
Disease Models, Animal
9.A CYP80B enzyme from Stephania tetrandra enables the 3'-hydroxylation of N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids.
Yaoting LI ; Yuhan FENG ; Wan GUO ; Yu GAO ; Jiatao ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Chun LEI ; Yun KANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Xudong QU ; Jianming HUANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):630-640
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a structurally diverse group of plant metabolites renowned for their pharmacological properties. However, sustainable sources for these compounds remain limited. Consequently, researchers are focusing on elucidating BIA biosynthetic pathways and genes to explore alternative sources using synthetic biology approaches. CYP80B, a family of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, plays a crucial role in BIA biosynthesis. Previously reported CYP80Bs are known to catalyze the 3'-hydroxylation of (S)-N-methylcoclaurine, with the N-methyl group essential for catalytic activity. In this study, we successfully cloned a full-length CYP80B gene (StCYP80B) from Stephania tetrandra (S. tetrandra) and identified its function using a yeast heterologous expression system. Both in vivo yeast feeding and in vitro enzyme analysis demonstrated that StCYP80B could catalyze N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine into their respective 3'-hydroxylated products. Notably, StCYP80B exhibited an expanded substrate selectivity compared to previously reported wild-type CYP80Bs, as it did not require an N-methyl group for hydroxylase activity. Furthermore, StCYP80B displayed a clear preference for the (S)-configuration. Co-expression of StCYP80B with the CYP450 reductases (CPRs, StCPR1, and StCPR2), also cloned from S. tetrandra, significantly enhanced the catalytic activity towards (S)-coclaurine. Site-directed mutagenesis of StCYP80B revealed that the residue H205 is crucial for coclaurine catalysis. Additionally, StCYP80B exhibited tissue-specific expression in plants. This study provides new genetic resources for the biosynthesis of BIAs and further elucidates their synthetic pathway in natural plant systems.
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/chemistry*
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Benzylisoquinolines/chemistry*
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Hydroxylation
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
;
Alkaloids/metabolism*
;
Stephania tetrandra/genetics*
10.Association between Fish Consumption and Stroke Incidence Across Different Predicted Risk Populations: A Prospective Cohort Study from China.
Hong Yue HU ; Fang Chao LIU ; Ke Yong HUANG ; Chong SHEN ; Jian LIAO ; Jian Xin LI ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Ying LI ; Xue Li YANG ; Ji Chun CHEN ; Jie CAO ; Shu Feng CHEN ; Dong Sheng HU ; Jian Feng HUANG ; Xiang Feng LU ; Dong Feng GU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):15-26
OBJECTIVE:
The relationship between fish consumption and stroke is inconsistent, and it is uncertain whether this association varies across predicted stroke risks.
METHODS:
A cohort study comprising 95,800 participants from the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China project was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on fish consumption. Participants were stratified into low- and moderate-to-high-risk categories based on their 10-year stroke risk prediction scores. Hazard ratios ( HRs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models and additive interaction by relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI).
RESULTS:
During 703,869 person-years of follow-up, 2,773 incident stroke events were identified. Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, particularly among moderate-to-high-risk individuals ( HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.47-0.60) than among low-risk individuals ( HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.85). A significant additive interaction between fish consumption and predicted stroke risk was observed (RERI = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.80-5.36; SI = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.42-1.89; AP = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28-0.43).
CONCLUSION
Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, and this beneficial association was more pronounced in individuals with moderate-to-high stroke risk.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Stroke/etiology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Incidence
;
Aged
;
Animals
;
Fishes
;
Risk Factors
;
Diet
;
Seafood
;
Adult
;
Cohort Studies

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