1.Oxidative Stress-related Signaling Pathways and Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Li TANG ; Yun-Long SHEN ; De-Jian PENG ; Tian-Lu RAN ; Zi-Heng PAN ; Xin-Yi ZENG ; Hui LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2486-2498
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
2.The evolution and application progress of non-modified drug target discovery CETSA technology
Guang-yuan LIU ; Ya-hui LI ; Wei ZHANG ; De-zhi KONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):25-34
Understanding the research methods for drug protein targets is crucial for the development of new drugs, clinical applications of drugs, drug mechanisms, and the pathogenesis of diseases. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), a target research method without modification, has been widely used since its development. Now, there are various CETSA-based technology combinations, such as mass spectrometry-based cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA), isothermal dose response-cellular thermal shift assay (ITDR-CETSA), amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-cellular thermal shift assay (Alpha-CETSA),
3.Determination of lorlatinib concentration in human plasma by two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography
Wei LI ; Jing ZHAI ; Ming-Hui LONG ; Yong PAN ; De-Hua LIAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1327-1330
Objective To establish a method for the determination of lorlatinib in human plasma by two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography.Methods In the two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography method,one-dimensional column SX1E-1A(50 mm × 3.5 mm,5 μm)and two-dimensional column SCB-C18(125 mm × 4.6 mm,5 μm)were used with flow rates of 0.8 mL·min-1 and 1.0 mL·min-1,respectively.The column temperature was 40 ℃,The UV detection wavelength was 317 nm,and the sample size was 500 μL.This study investigated the specificity,standard curve and minimum quantification limit,precision and recovery rate,as well as stability of the method.Results The concentration of lolatinib in human plasma showed a good linear relationship in the range of 11.72-1 018.98 ng·mL-1,and the regression equation was y=944.50x-588.90(R2=0.999 7).The minimum limit of quantification was 11.72 ng·mL-1.The extraction recovery rates of the three quality control samples were 97.61%-99.86%,and the intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 5.29%,indicating that the detection performance of the method was good.Conclusion The method has the characteristics of good stability,high sensitivity and strong anti-interference ability,and is suitable for the determination of loratinib in human plasma.
4.Clinical trial on vascular intervention anesthesia of intracranial aneurysms using different doses of remimazolam
De-Li ZHENG ; Ju-Zeng WANG ; Huan CHEN ; Hui-Li LI ; Ji SHI ; Li MENG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1860-1864
Objective To explore the application effect and safety of general anesthesia with different doses of remimazolam during vascular intervention anesthesia of intracranial aneurysms.Methods Patients with intracranial aneurysms were divided into high,middle and low dose groups according to the random number table method.The venous access was opened after the patients entered the room,and the vital signs were closely monitored.The low,middle and high dose groups were intravenously injected with 0.25,0.30 and 0.35 mg·kg-1remazolam,respectively.After the loss of consciousness,alfentanil and mivacurium chloride were given for anesthesia induction.The anesthetic effect,recovery quality,hemodynamic indexes,cerebral hemodynamic indexes and neurological function indexes before anesthesia induction(T0),at the time of laryngeal mask insertion(T1),embolization(T2),5 min after operation(T3)and 30 min after operation(T4)were compared among the three groups.The incidence of postoperative cerebral vasospasm(CVS),delayed ischemic neurological dysfunction(DIND)and the incidence of adverse drug reactions related to anesthesia were counted.Results The onset times of anesthesia in the high,middle,and low dose groups were(5.03±1.28),(5.17±1.09),and(7.21±1.15)min,respectively;the number of anesthesia rescue interventions were(0.12±0.02),(0.21±0.06),and(1.51±0.23)times,respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the number of rescue interventions between the high and middle dose groups compared to the low dose group(all P<0.05).The therapeutic efficacy rates of flumazenil in the high,middle,and low dose groups were 18.18%,11.11%and 2.86%,respectively.the mean arterial pressure(MAP)at T2 were(87.06±6.02),(86.85±5.61)and(81.09±5.37)mmHg;the MAP at T4 were(92.05±5.13),(87.57±6.29)and(84.42±5.16)mmHg,respectively.There was statistically significant difference in MAP between the high and low dose groups(all P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation(SpO2),left peak systolic velocity of middle cerebral artery(Vp-MCA),left mean systolic velocity of middle cerebral artery(Vm-MC)and pulsatility index(PI),S100β protein,and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)levels among the three groups at different time points(all P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of cardiovascular system complications,delayed postoperative cognitive dysfunction,or anesthesia-related adverse reactions between the three groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion The safety of different doses of remimazolam general anesthesia in the vascular interventional therapy of intracranial aneurysms is high,and the effects on cerebral hemodynamics and neurological function are similar.However,high-dose remimazolam have shorter general anesthesia induction time and less intraoperative anesthesia remedy frequency while the high-dose remimazolam has higher postoperative flumazenil antagonist therapy.
5.Investigation on the Correlation Between Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Pathogenic Factors in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Shui-Ying LYU ; Ji-Chao YIN ; Peng-Gang XU ; De-Yu LIU ; Bao-Di REN ; Ying WANG ; Ming-Hui DING ; Jun-Li ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):545-549
Objective To study the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution and pathogenic factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods One hundred patients of AS and their family members who had medical consultation in the Fifth Hospital of Xi'an(i.e.,Shaanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine)in August 2019 and September 2020 were selected as the study subjects.The guidelines of Classification and Determination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine were adopted to determine the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types of the study subjects.The sociodemographic information,living habits,clinical symptoms,and TCM constitution types of the AS patients and their family members were collected by means of questionnaires and clinical investigations,and then the pathogenic factors of the patients with AS were investigated.The binomial Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between TCM constitution types and pathogenic factors in patients with AS.Results(1)Among the 100 AS patients,the majority of them had the biased constitutions,and the biased constitutions with the occurrence frequency in descending order were yang deficiency constitution,qi deficiency constitution,and damp-heat constitution,which accounted for 33.00%,14.00%,and 18.00%,respectively.(2)The prevalence rates of AS in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 56.25%,40.00%and 25.00%,respectively.For the positive rates of human leukocyte antigen B27(HLA-B27)in AS patients and their family members,HLA-B27 in AS patients was all positive,while the positive rates of HLA-B27 in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 44.31%,30.67%and 15.63%,respectively.(3)The results of regression analysis showed that the disease duration of AS patients was significantly correlated with qi deficiency constitution,the grading of sacroiliac arthritis was correlated with qi stagnation constitution,and age was correlated with blood stasis constitution(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The results indicated that disease duration and age were the important factors affecting the constitution types of AS patients,and disease duration was closely related to qi deficiency while age was closely related to blood stasis.Conclusion AS is a highly hereditary autoimmune disease,and its onset is associated with HLA-B27.Yang deficiency is the basic constitution type of AS,and damp-heat constitution is the main constitution type in the progression of AS(especially in the active stage of the disease).The prolongation of the disease will exacerbate the illness condition of AS and then the manifestations of qi deficiency will be more obvious.
6.Nanomaterial-based Therapeutics for Biofilm-generated Bacterial Infections
Zhuo-Jun HE ; Yu-Ying CHEN ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; De-Liang LIU ; Meng-De LIU ; Jian-Hui GAO ; Ze CHEN ; Jia-Yu DENG ; Guang-Yan LIANG ; Li WEI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1604-1617
Bacterial biofilms gave rise to persistent infections and multi-organ failure, thereby posing a serious threat to human health. Biofilms were formed by cross-linking of hydrophobic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as proteins, polysaccharides, and eDNA, which were synthesized by bacteria themselves after adhesion and colonization on biological surfaces. They had the characteristics of dense structure, high adhesiveness and low drug permeability, and had been found in many human organs or tissues, such as the brain, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skeleton. By releasing pro-inflammatory bacterial metabolites including endotoxins, exotoxins and interleukin, biofilms stimulated the body’s immune system to secrete inflammatory factors. These factors triggered local inflammation and chronic infections. Those were the key reason for the failure of traditional clinical drug therapy for infectious diseases.In order to cope with the increasingly severe drug-resistant infections, it was urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies for bacterial-biofilm eradication and anti-bacterial infections. Based on the nanoscale structure and biocompatible activity, nanobiomaterials had the advantages of specific targeting, intelligent delivery, high drug loading and low toxicity, which could realize efficient intervention and precise treatment of drug-resistant bacterial biofilms. This paper highlighted multiple strategies of biofilms eradication based on nanobiomaterials. For example, nanobiomaterials combined with EPS degrading enzymes could be used for targeted hydrolysis of bacterial biofilms, and effectively increased the drug enrichment within biofilms. By loading quorum sensing inhibitors, nanotechnology was also an effective strategy for eradicating bacterial biofilms and recovering the infectious symptoms. Nanobiomaterials could intervene the bacterial metabolism and break the bacterial survival homeostasis by blocking the uptake of nutrients. Moreover, energy-driven micro-nano robotics had shown excellent performance in active delivery and biofilm eradication. Micro-nano robots could penetrate physiological barriers by exogenous or endogenous driving modes such as by biological or chemical methods, ultrasound, and magnetic field, and deliver drugs to the infection sites accurately. Achieving this using conventional drugs was difficult. Overall, the paper described the biological properties and drug-resistant molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilms, and highlighted therapeutic strategies from different perspectives by nanobiomaterials, such as dispersing bacterial mature biofilms, blocking quorum sensing, inhibiting bacterial metabolism, and energy driving penetration. In addition, we presented the key challenges still faced by nanobiomaterials in combating bacterial biofilm infections. Firstly, the dense structure of EPS caused biofilms spatial heterogeneity and metabolic heterogeneity, which created exacting requirements for the design, construction and preparation process of nanobiomaterials. Secondly, biofilm disruption carried the risk of spread and infection the pathogenic bacteria, which might lead to other infections. Finally, we emphasized the role of nanobiomaterials in the development trends and translational prospects in biofilm treatment.
7.The Mechanism of miR-124 in Depression
Yan XUE ; De-Zhu LI ; Hui-Ying XIE ; Chuan-Miao JIANG ; Jun-Fang ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(6):1316-1326
Depression is a prevalent mental illness worldwide, its multifaceted pathogenesis is still in the exploratory stage. MicroRNA (miRNA), as a crucial epigenetic regulator, plays an important role in depression. miR-124 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the central nervous system including neurons and microglia, and involved in various biological events like neuron development and differentiation, synaptic and axonal growth, neural plasticity, inflammation and autophagy. Recent studies have reported abnormal expression of miR-124 in both depression patients and animal models. Most of the studies showed that miR-124 is upregulated in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex in stress-induced rodent depression animal models such as CUMS, CSDS, CORT, CRS and LH but some evidence for divergence. Upregulation of miR-124 expression may be involved in depression-like behavior via CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway, GR pathway, SIRT1 pathway, apoptosis and autophagy pathways by directly targeting these genes including Creb, Bdnf, Sirt1, Nr3c1, Ezh2 and Stat3. The downregulation of miR-124 expression in neurons is mainly involved in the neurogenesis and neuroplasticity impairments in depression by targeting the Notch signaling pathway and DDIT4/TSC1/2/mTORC1 pathway. The downregulation of miR-124 expression also was found in the activated microglia in the stress-induced models, and resulted in neuroinflammation. In summary, the abnormal expression of miR-124 in the brain of depression-related models and its related mechanisms are complex and even contradictory, and still need further research. This review provides a summary of the research progress of miR-124 in depression.
8.BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector construction and its effect on calcification of mouse aortic smooth muscle cells
Shi-Lin FU ; Xue-Jiao YI ; Wen-Xu PAN ; Chun YIN ; Hua-Li KANG ; De-Hui QIAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):95-99
Objective To construct a lentiviral vector for overexpression of bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP7)in mice,and the effect of BMP7 overexpression on the expression of Jagged1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells and the calcification of the co-cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)were analyzed.Methods According to the target gene information Mouse-BMP7(NM_007557.3)and plasmid information pLVX-zsGreen-C1,gene sequence synthesis was carried out to construct BMP7 overexpression lentivirus.The efficiency of BMP7 overexpression lentivirus infection was detected by qPCR;the expression of Jagged1 protein in aortic endothelial cells from infected mice was detected by Western blot.The endothelial cells with lentivirus overexpressing BMP7 were co-cultured with VSMCs,and the calcification of VSMCs was observed by alizarin red staining.Results BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector was successfully constructed and transfected into aortic endothelial cells.qPCR test results showed that the expression level of BMP7 mRNA was significantly increased in the BMP7 overexpression group than that in the normal control group(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in the expression of BMP7 mRNA between the empty vector control group and the normal control group(P>0.05).Western blot results showed that the expression level of Jagged1 protein in endothelial cells of mouse in the BMP7 overexpression group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in the expression level of Jagged1 protein in endothelial cells between the empty vector control group and the normal control group(P>0.05).The results of alizarin red staining showed that the calcification of VSMCs was significantly increased after co-cultured with endothelial cells infected with BMP7 lentivirus.Conclusion Mouse BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector was successfully constructed,and overexpression of BMP7 can reduce the expression of Jagged1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells and promote the calcification of co-cultured VSMCs.
9.Predictive Ability of Hypertriglyceridemic Waist,Hypertriglyceridemic Waist-to-Height Ratio,and Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Clustering Screening among Chinese Children and Adolescents
Li Tian XIAO ; Qian Shu YUAN ; Yu Jing GAO ; S.Baker JULIEN ; De Yi YANG ; Jie Xi WANG ; Juan Chan ZHENG ; Hui Yan DONG ; Yong Zhi ZOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):233-241
Objective Hypertriglyceridemic waist(HW),hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio(HWHtR),and waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors.However,it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents.We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW,HWHtR,WHR,and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. Methods This was a national cross-sectional study.Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6-18 years from seven provinces in China.Demographics,physical activity,dietary intake,and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires.ANOVA,x2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results A significant sex difference was observed for HWHtR and WHR,but not for HW phenotype.The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHtR phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHtR phenotypes among children and adolescents(HW:OR = 12.22,95%CI:9.54-15.67;HWHtR:OR = 9.70,95%CI:6.93-13.58).Compared with the HW and HWHtR phenotypes,the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors(CHRF)clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant(WHR:OR = 1.14,95%CI:0.97-1.34). Conclusion Compared with HWHtR and WHR,the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator with higher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.
10.Clinical Observation on Shuangye San in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Spleen Deficiency and Phlegm Stasis Type
Dao-Cheng ZHOU ; Gui-Ji RUAN ; You-You SHUAI ; Wen-Hua XU ; De-Liang LIU ; Heng-Xia ZHAO ; Hui-Lin LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2687-2694
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Shuangye San(the prescription mainly composed of Mori Folium and Nelumbinis Folium)in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)of spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis type.Methods A total of 80 patients with T2DM complicated with NAFLD of spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis type were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional western medicine for lowering blood glucose and lipid,protecting liver and lowering enzymes.The treatment group was treated with the granules of Shuangye San orally on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for three months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),fasting insulin(FINS),fasting blood glucose(FBG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1C),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),liver function indicators and B-ultrasound grading of fatty liver in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After three months of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 85.00%(34/40),and that of the control group was 70.00%(28/40).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of obese physique,heaviness and weakness in the limbs,shortness of breath and unwilling to talk,tightness and stabbing pain in the chest,abdominal distension and poor appetite in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the levels of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators of FINS,HOMA-IR,FBG,2hPG,HbA1C,TC,TG and LDL-C in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the level of HDL-C was significantly increased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).The decrease of FINS,HOMA-IR,FBG,2hPG,HbA1C,TC,TG and LDL-C levels and the increase of HDL-C levels in the treatment group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the levels of liver function indicators of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of liver function indicators in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(5)After treatment,the B-ultrasound grading of fatty liver of the two groups was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the improvement of fatty liver B-ultrasound grading in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(6)During the treatment,there were no adverse reactions such as impairment of liver and kidney function and abnormalities in routine blood,urine and stool test in the two groups.Conclusion Shuangye San exerts certain effect in the treatment of T2DM complicated with NAFLD of spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis type.It can alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients,correct the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism,and improve liver function and fatty liver B-ultrasound grading.

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