Forsythia suspensa is a traditional Chinese medicine and a commonly used landscaping plant. Its dried fruit is used in medicine for its functions of clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling, dissipating masses, and dispersing wind and heat. It possesses extremely high medicinal and economic value. However, the genetic differentiation and diversity of its wild populations remain unclear. In this study, chloroplast genome sequences were obtained from 15 wild individuals of F. suspensa using high-throughput sequencing technology. The sequence characteristics and intraspecific variations were analyzed. The results were as follows:(1) The full length of the F. suspensa chloroplast genome ranged from 156 184 to 156 479 bp, comprising a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and two inverted repeat regions. The chloroplast genome encoded a total of 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes.(2) A total of 166-174 SSR loci, 792 SNV loci, and 63 InDel loci were identified in the F. suspensa chloroplast genome, indicating considerable genetic variation among individuals.(3) Population structure analysis revealed that F. suspensa could be divided into five or six groups. Both the population structure analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction results indicated significant genetic variation within the wild populations of F. suspensa, with no obvious correlation between intraspecific genetic differentiation and geographical distribution. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and differentiation within F. suspensa species and offers additional references for the conservation of species diversity and the utilization of germplasm resources in wild F. suspensa.
Genome, Chloroplast ; Forsythia/classification* ; Phylogeny ; Genetic Variation ; Chloroplasts/genetics* ; Microsatellite Repeats

Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for chemical components of different processed products of Corni Fructus were established to systematically characterize and identify these components, and the content of the main differential components was determined. The chemical components of different processed products of Corni Fructus were collected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Through analysis of self-built databases, literature, and reference standards, a total of 93 components were obtained, including 19 iridoids, 15 flavonoids, 16 organic acids, eight triterpenoids, eight tannins, four amino acids, two polysaccharides, five olefins, and 16 other compounds. Additionally, by using multivariate statistical methods, the differential components between different processed products of Corni Fructus were screened under the conditions of VIP>1.0 and FC<0.5 or FC>2.0 and P<0.05. The PCA and OPLS-DA results showed differences in the chemical components between different processed products of Corni Fructus. A total of 21 differential components were screened, including tartaric acid, morroniside, and rutin. On this basis, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of 10 main common differential components, including gallic acid, morroniside, ursolic acid, loganin, swertiamarin, rutin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, cornuside Ⅰ, quercetin, and oleanolic acid. The above 10 components showed a good linear relationship within the determined concentration range, with the precision, stability, repeatability, and sample recovery rate all meeting the requirements. Compared with that in Corni Fructus, the content of iridoid glycosides in wine-prepared Corni Fructus and wine-and honey-prepared Corni Fructus decreased, while the content of gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid increased. Compared with wine-prepared Corni Fructus, wine-and honey-prepared Corni Fructus showed varying degrees of increase in all other components, except for a slight decrease in gallic acid content. In summary, this study clarified the influence of different processing methods on the chemical components of Corni Fructus, providing a theoretical basis for the scientific connotation, overall quality evaluation, and clinically rational application of Corni Fructus processing in the future.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Cornus/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Fruit/chemistry*

Based on the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) technology, combined with related literature, databases, and reference material information, this study qualitatively analyzed the components of Dayuanyin in the tissue of rats after gavage and employed molecular docking technology to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind the antipyretic effect of the in vivo components in Dayuanyin. A total of 21, 26, 20, 21, 14, and 31 prototype components and 3, 16, 3, 7, 5, and 24 metabolites were identified from the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and hypothalamus of the rats, respectively, and the binding ability of key components and targets was further verified by molecular docking. The results showed that all components had good binding ability with targets. The established UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS could effectively and quickly identify the Dayuanyin components distributed in tissue and preliminarily identify their metabolites. Many components were identified in the hypothalamus, which suggested that the components delivered to the brain should be focused on in the study on Dayuanyin in the treatment of febrile diseases. The molecular docking technology was used to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind its antipyretic effect, which lays the foundation for the clarification of the material basis and action mechanism of Dayuanyin, the development of new preparations, and the prediction of quality markers.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Male ; Antipyretics/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Distribution ; Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Hypothalamus/metabolism*

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/chemistry* ; Lonicera/classification* ; Flowers/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Multigene Family

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) in immunoglobulin A (IgA) -mediated immune abnormalities in B lymphocytes of pediatric Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). METHODS: One hundred HSP children admitted to Hengshui People's Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected as HSP group, and one hundred healthy children as control group. Sema4D expression was detected, and the relationship between Sema4D expression in children's serum and skin lesions and clinical characteristics of children was analyzed. Sema4D expression on the surface of lymphocytes of HSP children was detected. Different concentrations of human recombinant Sema4D protein was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells in HSP children in vitro. The expression level of IgA in the supernatant was detected to verify whether Sema4D mediates immune abnormalities through IgA secreted by B lymphocytes. RESULTS: The Sema4D level in the HSP group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.001). Sema4D level in HSP children with severe, renal involvement, and joint involvement was higher than those with mild to moderate disease, and no renal or joint involvement (all P <0.001). Compared with control group, IgA level, CD8 ⁺ T lymphocyte proportion, and CD19 ⁺ B lymphocyte proportion in the HSP group were significantly higher but CD4 ⁺ T lymphocyte proportion was lower (all P <0.001). The expression levels of Sema4D on the surface of CD4 ⁺ T lymphocytes, CD8 ⁺ T lymphocytes, and CD19 ⁺ B lymphocytes in the HSP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P <0.001). With the increase of human recombinant Sema4D protein concentration, the level of IgA expression in HSP children gradually increased (P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Sema4D was significantly positively correlated with IgA (r =0.667). CONCLUSION HSP children show high expression of Sema4D, especially on the surface of T and B lymphocytes. The shedding of Sema4D from membrane surface may stimulate B lymphocytes to secrete IgA by binding to CD72, leading to immune abnormalities.
Humans ; IgA Vasculitis/immunology* ; Semaphorins/metabolism* ; B-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Immunoglobulin A/immunology* ; Child ; Antigens, CD/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by the abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the Huntingtin gene (HTT) located on chromosome 4. It is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner and is characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. To date, there are no curative treatments for HD have been developed; current therapeutic approaches focus on symptom relief and comprehensive care through coordinated pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods to manage the diverse phenotypes of the disease. International clinical guidelines for the treatment of HD are continually being revised in an effort to enhance care within a multidisciplinary framework. Additionally, innovative gene and cell therapy strategies are being actively researched and developed to address the complexities of the disorder and improve treatment outcomes. This review endeavours to elucidate the current and emerging gene and cell therapy strategies for HD, offering a detailed insight into the complexities of the disorder and looking forward to future treatment paradigms. Considering the complexity of the underlying mechanisms driving HD, a synergistic treatment strategy that integrates various factors-such as distinct cell types, epigenetic patterns, genetic components, and methods to improve the cerebral microenvironment-may significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. In the future, we eagerly anticipate ongoing innovations in interdisciplinary research that will bring profound advancements and refinements in the treatment of HD.
Huntington Disease/pathology* ; Humans ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Animals ; Huntingtin Protein/genetics* ; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods*

Pyroptosis is an identified programmed cell death that has been highly linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics. However, the crucial proteins for modulating dynamic ER membrane curvature change that trigger pyroptosis are currently not well understood. In this study, a biotin-labeled chemical probe of potent pyroptosis inducer α-mangostin (α-MG) was synthesized. Through protein microarray analysis, reticulon-4 (RTN4/Nogo), a crucial regulator of ER membrane curvature, was identified as a target of α-MG. We observed that chemically induced proteasome degradation of RTN4 by α-MG through recruiting E3 ligase UBR5 significantly enhances the pyroptosis phenotype in cancer cells. Interestingly, the downregulation of RTN4 expression significantly facilitated a dynamic remodeling of ER membrane curvature through a transition from tubules to sheets, consequently leading to rapid fusion of the ER with the cell plasma membrane. In particular, the ER-to-plasma membrane fusion process is supported by the observed translocation of several crucial ER markers to the "bubble" structures of pyroptotic cells. Furthermore, α-MG-induced RTN4 knockdown leads to pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-dependent conventional caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavages for pyroptosis progression. In vivo, we observed that chemical or genetic RTN4 knockdown significantly inhibited cancer cells growth, which further exhibited an antitumor immune response with anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1). In translational research, RTN4 high expression was closely correlated with the tumor metastasis and death of patients. Taken together, RTN4 plays a fundamental role in inducing pyroptosis through the modulation of ER membrane curvature remodeling, thus representing a prospective druggable target for anticancer immunotherapy.
Pyroptosis/immunology* ; Humans ; Endoplasmic Reticulum/immunology* ; Animals ; Nogo Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Xanthones/pharmacology* ; Neoplasms/pathology* ; Mice, Nude

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Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of etoricoxib tablets in healthy Chinese subjects and to evaluate the bioequivalence and safety of the test and reference formulations.Methods In a randomised,single-dose,two-period,two-sequence crossover trial,28 healthy subjects were enrolled under the fasting and fed conditions,respectively,who received a single oral dose of 60 mg of etoricoxib tablets in the test or reference formulation.The concentration of etoricoxib in plasma was detected by LC-MS/MS,and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated to evaluate bioequivalence and using WinNonlin 8.2 software.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference preparations were as follows:The fasting condition Cmax of etoricoxib were(1 176.96±287.95)and(1 164.93±189.65)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(18 651.95±6 100.27)and(19 241.39±6 107.48)ng·h·mL-1;and AUC0-∞ were(19 939.15±7 553.27)and(20 536.31±7 223.40)ng·h·mL-1.The fed condition Cmax of etoricoxib were(913.50±184.72)and(878.59±164.35)ng·mL-1;and AUC0-t were(19 085.22±5 155.01)and(18 669.54±4 508.21)ng·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(20 103.77±5 567.02)and(19 528.05±4 989.74)ng·h·mL-1.The 90％confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of the main pharmacokinetic parameters in the fasting and fed conditions fell between 80.00％and 125.00％.The incidence of adverse events in the fasting and fed conditions were 28.57％and 21.43％,respectively.Conclusion Two kinds of etoricoxib tablets are bioequivalent,and have similar safety in healthy Chinese subjects.