1.Identification of GSK3 family and regulatory effects of brassinolide on growth and development of Nardostachys jatamansi.
Yu-Yan LEI ; Zheng MA ; Jing WEI ; Wen-Bing LI ; Ying LI ; Zheng-Ming YANG ; Shao-Shan ZHANG ; Jing-Qiu FENG ; Hua-Chun SHENG ; Yuan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):395-403
This study identified 8 members including NjBIN2 of the GSK3 family in Nardostachys jatamansi by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree revealed that the GKS3 family members of N. jatamansi had a close relationship with those of Arabidopsis. RT-qPCR results showed that NjBIN2 presented a tissue-specific expression pattern with the highest expression in roots, suggesting that NjBIN2 played a role in root growth and development. In addition, the application of epibrassinolide or the brassinosteroid(BR) synthesis inhibitor(brassinazole) altered the expression pattern of NjBIN2 and influenced the photomorphogenesis(cotyledon opening) and root development of N. jatamansi, which provided direct evidence about the functions of NjBIN2. In conclusion, this study highlights the roles of BIN2 in regulating the growth and development of N. jatamansi by analyzing the expression pattern and biological function of NjBIN2. It not only enriches the understanding about the regulatory mechanism of the growth and development of N. jatamansi but also provides a theoretical basis and potential gene targets for molecular breeding of N. jatamansi with improved quality in the future.
Brassinosteroids/metabolism*
;
Steroids, Heterocyclic/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects*
;
Plant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Phylogeny
;
Nardostachys/metabolism*
;
Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology*
;
Plant Roots/drug effects*
2.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*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cardiotoxicity/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Proteomics
;
Metabolomics
;
Injections
;
Humans
;
Multiomics
3.Mechanism related to bile acids metabolism of liver injury induced by long-term administration of emodin.
Jing-Zhuo TIAN ; Lian-Mei WANG ; Yan YI ; Zhong XIAN ; Nuo DENG ; Yong ZHAO ; Chun-Ying LI ; Yu-Shi ZHANG ; Su-Yan LIU ; Jia-Yin HAN ; Chen PAN ; Chen-Yue LIU ; Jing MENG ; Ai-Hua LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3079-3087
Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage*
;
Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Male
;
Liver/injuries*
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Humans
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Mice
;
Rats
4.Innovation and application of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing promoted through integration of whole-process data elements.
Huan-Fei YANG ; Si-Yu LI ; Chen-Qian YU ; Jian-Kun WU ; Fang LIU ; Li-Bin JIANG ; Chun-Jin LI ; Xiang-Fei SU ; Wei-Guo BAI ; Hua-Qiang ZHAI ; Shi-Yuan JIN ; Yong-Yan WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3189-3196
As a new type of production factor that can empower the development of new quality productivity, the data element is an important engine to promote the high quality development of the industry. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing is the most basic work of TCM clinical pharmacy, and its quality directly affects the clinical efficacy of TCM. The integration of data elements and TCM dispensing can stimulate the innovation and vitality of the TCM dispensing industry and promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the industry. A large-scale, detailed, and systematic study on TCM dispensing was conducted. The innovative practice path of data fusion construction in the whole process of TCM dispensing was investigated by integrating the digital resources "nine full activities" of TCM dispensing, creating the digital dictionary of "TCM clinical information data elements", and exploring innovative applications of TCM dispensing driven by data and technology, so as to promote the standardized, digital, and intelligent development of TCM dispensing in medical health services. The research content of this project was successfully selected as the second batch of "Data element×" typical cases of National Data Administration in 2024, which is the only selected case in the field of TCM.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
;
Humans
5.Nogo-A Protein Mediates Oxidative Stress and Synaptic Damage Induced by High-Altitude Hypoxia in the Rat Hippocampus.
Jin Yu FANG ; Huai Cun LIU ; Yan Fei ZHANG ; Quan Cheng CHENG ; Zi Yuan WANG ; Xuan FANG ; Hui Ru DING ; Wei Guang ZHANG ; Chun Hua CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):79-93
OBJECTIVE:
High-altitude hypoxia exposure often damages hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Nogo-A is an important axonal growth inhibitory factor. However, its function in high-altitude hypoxia and its mechanism of action remain unclear.
METHODS:
In an in vivo study, a low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate high-altitude hypoxia, and genetic or pharmacological intervention was used to block the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway. Contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory in rats, and synaptic damage in the hippocampus and changes in oxidative stress levels were observed. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function with or without Nogo-A knockdown in Oxygen Glucose-Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) models.
RESULTS:
Exposure to acute high-altitude hypoxia for 3 or 7 days impaired learning and memory in rats, triggered oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, and reduced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. Blocking the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway ameliorated oxidative stress, synaptic damage, and the learning and memory impairment induced by high-altitude exposure.
CONCLUSION:
Our results demonstrate the detrimental role of Nogo-A protein in mediating learning and memory impairment under high-altitude hypoxia and suggest the potential of the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway as a crucial therapeutic target for alleviating learning and memory dysfunction induced by high-altitude exposure.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
available in www.besjournal.com.
Animals
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Nogo Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Hypoxia/metabolism*
;
Altitude
;
Synapses
;
Humans
;
Altitude Sickness/metabolism*
6.Deciphering Virulence Factors of Hyper-Virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Meningitis.
Li Ling XIE ; Shuo LIU ; Yu Fan WANG ; Ming Chun LI ; Zhen Hua HUANG ; Yue MA ; Qi Lin YU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):856-866
OBJECTIVE:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa( P. aeruginosa) is a prevalent pathogenic bacterium involved in meningitis; however, the virulence factors contributing to this disease remain poorly understood.
METHODS:
The virulence of the P. aeruginosa A584, isolated from meningitis samples, was evaluated by constructing in vitro blood-brain barrier and in vivo systemic infection models. qPCR, whole-genome sequencing, and drug efflux assays of A584 were performed to analyze the virulence factors.
RESULTS:
Genomic sequencing showed that A584 formed a phylogenetic cluster with the reference strains NY7610, DDRC3, Pa58, and Pa124. Its genome includes abundant virulence factors, such as hemolysin, the Type IV secretion system, and pyoverdine. A584 is a multidrug-resistant strain, and its wide-spectrum resistance is associated with enhanced drug efflux. Moreover, this strain caused significantly more severe damage to the blood-brain barrier than the standard strain, PAO1. qPCR assays further revealed the downregulation of the blood-brain barrier-associated proteins Claudin-5 and Occludin by A584. During systemic infection, A584 exhibited a higher capacity of brain colonization than PAO1 (37.1 × 10 6 CFU/g brain versus 2.5 × 10 6 CFU/g brain), leading to higher levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α.
CONCLUSION
This study sheds light on the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa involved in meningitis.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics*
;
Virulence Factors/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Virulence
;
Mice
;
Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology*
;
Blood-Brain Barrier/microbiology*
;
Humans
;
Female
7.Research Progress in Copper Homeostasis and Diseases.
Shu-Ting QIU ; Xiao-Hua TAN ; Shi-Han SHAO ; Li YU ; Ying-Ying ZHANG ; Yue-Jia CAO ; Di CHUN-HONG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):102-109
As an indispensable trace element in the human body,copper plays an important role in various physiological and biochemical reactions.The dyshomeostasis of copper leads to the disorder of copper metabolism and the occurrence of related diseases.Cuproptosis,a newly proposed regulatory cell death mode,is different from the known apoptosis,pyroptosis,necroptosis,and ferroptosis.Recent studies have found that the dyshomeostasis of copper has been observed in a variety of cancers.Therefore,targeting copper for disease treatment may become a new strategy and a new idea.This article systematically summarizes the fundamental properties of copper,copper dyshomeostasis-related diseases (Menkes syndrome,Wilson's disease,and cancer) and their treatment,and reviews the research progress in cuproptosis.
Humans
;
Copper/metabolism*
;
Homeostasis
;
Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Hepatolenticular Degeneration/metabolism*
;
Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome/metabolism*
8.Clinical analysis of 72 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Wen-Xuan JIANG ; Fang-Hua YE ; Yi-Xin XIAO ; Wen-Jun DENG ; Yan YU ; Liang-Chun YANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):555-562
OBJECTIVES:
To study the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and prognosis of pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 72 children with newly diagnosed LCH.
RESULTS:
The median age of the 72 children was 5 years (range: 0-14 years), with skull involvement being the most common (56 cases, 77.8%). The BRAF-V600E mutation was not associated with clinical characteristics, efficacy, or prognosis (P>0.05). The 5-year overall survival rate was 91.6%±4.2%, and the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 67.5%±5.8%. The 6-week chemotherapy response rate and 5-year EFS rate were lower in the risk organ involvement group compared to the no risk organ involvement group (P<0.05). The five-year overall survival rates for the group with multi-system involvement and the group with platelet count ≥450×109/L were respectively lower than those for the single-system involvement group and the group with platelet count <450×109/L (P<0.05). Risk organ involvement is an independent risk factor for 5-year EFS (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Skull is the most commonly affected site in pediatric LCH. The BRAF-V600E mutation is not related to clinical characteristics, efficacy, or prognosis. Elevated platelet count, risk organ involvement, and multisystem involvement are associated with poor prognosis, with risk organ involvement being an independent risk factor for 5-year EFS.
Humans
;
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/therapy*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
;
Male
;
Infant
;
Female
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Mutation
9.Efficacy and Safety of Decitabine-Based Myeloablative Preconditioning Regimen for allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Xia-Wei ZHANG ; Jing-Jing YANG ; Ning LE ; Yu-Jun WEI ; Ya-Nan WEN ; Nan WANG ; Yi-Fan JIAO ; Song-Hua LUAN ; Li-Ping DOU ; Chun-Ji GAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):557-564
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the efficacy and safety of decitabine-based myeloablative preconditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
METHODS:
The clinical characteristics and efficacy of 115 AML patients who underwent allo-HSCT at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from August 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 37 patients treated with decitabine conditioning regimen (decitabine group) and 78 patients without decitabine conditioning regimen (non-decitabine group). The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), overall survival (OS), leukemia-free survival (LFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM) and graft versus host disease (GVHD) were analyzed.
RESULTS:
For the patients in first complete remission (CR1) state before allo-HSCT, the 1-year relapse rates of decitabine group(22 cases) and non-decitabine group(69 cases) were 9.1% and 29.6%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant(P =0.042). The 1-year cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in decitabine group and non-decitabine group was 62.2% and 70.5%, respectively, and the 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic inhibitor-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was 18.9% and 14.1%, respectively, there were no significant differences in the incidence of aGVHD and cGVHD between the two groups (P >0.05). Of the 115 patients, there were no significantly differences in the 1-year CIR(21.7% vs 28.8%, P =0.866), NRM(10.9% vs 3.9%, P =0.203), OS(75.2% vs 83.8%, P =0.131) and LFS(74.6% vs 69.1%, P =0.912) between the decitabine group(37 cases) and the non-decitabine group(78 cases).
CONCLUSION
Decitabine-based conditioning regimen could reduce the relapse rate of AML CR1 patients with good safety.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods*
;
Decitabine/therapeutic use*
;
Transplantation Conditioning/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Graft vs Host Disease
;
Transplantation, Homologous
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
10.Efficacy and Safety of Juan Bi Pill with Add-on Methotrexate in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 48-Week, Multicentre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Qing-Yun JIA ; Yi-Ru WANG ; Da-Wei SUN ; Jian-Chun MAO ; Luan XUE ; Xiao-Hua GU ; Xiang YU ; Xue-Mei PIAO ; Hao XU ; Qian-Qian LIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(2):99-107
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the efficacy and safety of Juan Bi Pill (JBP) in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS:
From February 2017 to May 2018, 115 participants from 4 centers were randomly divided into JBP group (57 cases) and placebo group (58 cases) in a 1:1 ratio using a random number table method. Participants received a dose of JBP (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with methotrexate (MTX, 10 mg per week) or placebo (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with MTX for 12 weeks. Participants were required with follow-up visits at 24 and 48 weeks, attending 7 assessment visits. Participants were undergo disease activity assessment 7 times (at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks) and safety assessments 6 times (at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks). The primary endpoint was 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). The secondary endpoints included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for 20% and 50% improvement (ACR20/50), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, Medial Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale score, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tender joint count, swollen joint count, and morning stiffness. The adverse reactions were observed during the treatment.
RESULTS:
After 12 weeks of treatment, DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP scores in both groups were lower than before treatment (both P<0.01), while the remission rate of DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP and low disease activity of JBP group were higher than those in the placebo group (both P<0.01). JBP demonstrated better efficacy on ACR20 and ACR50 compliance rate at 12 and 48 weeks comparing to placebo (all P<0.05). The CDAI and HAQ-DI score, pain VAS and global VAS change of RA patients and physicians, the serum ESR and CRP levels, and the number of tenderness and swelling joints were lower than before treatment at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the reduction of above indices in the JBP group was more obvious than those in the placebo group at 12 weeks (ESR and CRP, both P<0.05) or at 12 and 48 weeks (all P<0.01). There was no difference in adverse reactions between the 2 groups during treatment (P=0.75).
CONCLUSION
JBP combined with MTX could effectively reduce disease activity in patients with RA in active stage, reduce the symptoms of arthritis, and improve the quality of life, while ensuring safety, reliability, and fewer adverse effects. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02885597).
Humans
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Methotrexate/adverse effects*
;
Female
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Drug Therapy, Combination
;
Adult
;
Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects*
;
Aged

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