1.Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits the uptake of cystine through SLC7A11 and impairs de novo synthesis of glutathione
Fu'an XIE ; Yujia NIU ; Xiaobing CHEN ; Xu KONG ; Guangting YAN ; Aobo ZHUANG ; Xi LI ; Lanlan LIAN ; Dongmei QIN ; Quan ZHANG ; Ruyi ZHANG ; Kunrong YANG ; Xiaogang XIA ; Kun CHEN ; Mengmeng XIAO ; Chunkang YANG ; Ting WU ; Ye SHEN ; Chundong YU ; Chenghua LUO ; Shu-Hai LIN ; Wengang LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):189-207
Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)is a naturally occurring,low-toxicity,and hydrophilic bile acid(BA)in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA.Solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate,and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers.Retroperitoneal liposarcoma(RLPS)refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area.Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly down-regulated metabolites in sera of RIPS patients compared with healthy subjects.The augmentation of UDCA concentration(≥25 μg/mL)demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells.[15N2]-cystine and[13Cs]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione(GSH)synthesis.Mechanistically,UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis,leading to reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage.Furthermore,UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers(Erastin,RSL3),the murine double minute 2(MDM2)inhibitors(Nutlin 3a,RG7112),cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK4)inhibitor(Abemaciclib),and glutaminase inhibitor(CB839).Together,UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity,and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA.More importantly,in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments,UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.
2.Epidemiology analysis of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in a hospital in Henan Province from 2021 to 2023
Yue HU ; Xinwei LIU ; Yanying REN ; Dongmei LIU ; Yuchun LIU ; Qing XIA ; Yongwei LI ; Chunxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(1):53-61
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of drug resistance genes of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPECO) in Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023, providing data support and theoretical basis for controlling nosocomial infections of CPECO.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study, 30 carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO) strains confirmed by VITEK-2 Compact identification and drug sensitivity test in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023 were tested, using carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement test to conduct preliminary screening of carbapenemases, and colloidal gold immunochromatography and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine the phenotypes and genotypes of common carbapenemases ( blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaOXA) respectively, and the genotypes ( blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX) of common extended Spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were confirmed using PCR. The PCR amplification products of carbapenemase and ESBL positive strains were Sanger-sequenced, and the sequencing products were compared on the Blast website to determine the exact carbapenemase and ESBL genotypes. Sequence typing (ST) was performed on CPECO using the Achtman multi-locus sequence typing scheme to determine the cloning relationship between different strains. Results:A total of 21 CPECO strains were screened. Drug sensitivity test results showed that CPECO strains showed widespread drug resistance, with the resistance rate to monocyclic (aztreonam) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole being over 60%(16/21, 14/21), and the resistance rate to other antibacterial drugs being 100%. Only the sensitivity to aminoglycosides and fosfomycin remained relatively high, and no strains resistant to tigecycline and colistin were found. Colloidal gold immunochromatography detected 18 blaNDM types, 2 blaKPC types, and 1 blaIMP type. Sequencing of drug resistance gene PCR products classified 17 blaNDM-5 strains, 1 blaNDM-4 strain, 2 blaKPC-2 strain, and 1 blaIMP-4 strain, which were completely consistent with the results of screening test and colloidal gold immunochromatography. ESBL resistance gene testing showed that the detection rate of blaTEM was 42.9%(9/21), blaCTX-M was 33.3%(7/21), and blaSHV was 4.8%(1/21). The rate of blaNDM producing CPECO carrying both ESBL resistance genes was 27.8%(5/18). The MLST typing results revealed 11 sequence types (STs), including one ST155 clonal complex and nine singleton STs. Among these, there were seven strains of ST167, five strains of ST410, and one strain each of ST58, ST68, ST69, ST93, ST131, ST155, ST648, ST1114, and ST3268. Conclusion:The main resistance mechanism identified in this study for CPECO was the production of blaNDM-5 carbapenemase, with a high proportion of strains also carrying blaTEM-1D and/or blaCTX-M-15 ESBLs. MLST typing found that the epidemic strain of CPECO showed certain polymorphism, but there were clonal transmission of multiple clonal complexes between ST167 and ST410.
3.Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits the uptake of cystine through SLC7A11 and impairs de novo synthesis of glutathione.
Fu'an XIE ; Yujia NIU ; Xiaobing CHEN ; Xu KONG ; Guangting YAN ; Aobo ZHUANG ; Xi LI ; Lanlan LIAN ; Dongmei QIN ; Quan ZHANG ; Ruyi ZHANG ; Kunrong YANG ; Xiaogang XIA ; Kun CHEN ; Mengmeng XIAO ; Chunkang YANG ; Ting WU ; Ye SHEN ; Chundong YU ; Chenghua LUO ; Shu-Hai LIN ; Wengang LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101068-101068
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [15N2]-cystine and [13C5]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Huatuo Zaizao Pills Combined with Clopidogrel in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease Patients with Cognitive Dysfunction and Its Effects on Hcy,BNP,and S-100β Levels
Guobin XIA ; Ye ZHANG ; Dongmei XING
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2414-2421
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Huatuo Zaizao Pills combined with Clopidogrel in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and cognitive dysfunction(phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals syndrome)and to observe their effects on homocysteine(Hcy),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),and S-100β levels.Methods Ninety-five patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and cognitive dysfunction(phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals syndrome)treated at the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2022 to December 2024 were enrolled and randomized into a control group(n=48,treated with clopidogrel alone)and a study group(n=47,treated with clopidogrel plus Huatuo Zaizao Pills).Both groups received treatment for 3 months.Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores.Coagulation function was measured via fibrinogen(Fib),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),and thrombin time(TT).Serum Hcy,BNP,and S-100β levels were quantified by ELISA.Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated after 3 months of treatment.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess relationships of Hcy,BNP and S-100β levels with cognitive function and coagulation parameters.Results(1)The total effective rate was significantly higher in the study group(91.49%,43/47)than that in the control group(72.92%,35/48)(P<0.05,by chil-square test).(2)After treatment,both groups showed improved MMSE scores and MoCA scores(P<0.01)and reduced NIHSS scores(P<0.01),with greater improvements in the study group(P<0.05).(3)Both groups exhibited improved Fib,APTT,PT,and TT(P<0.05 or P<0.01),with more pronounced enhancements in the study group(P<0.05).(4)Hcy,BNP,and S-100β levels decreased in both groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),with greater reductions in the study group(P<0.05).(5)Pearson correlation analysis showed that the Hcy,BNP,and S-100β levels were negatively correlated with MMSE,MoCA,APTT,PT,and TT(P<0.01)but were positively correlated with NIHSS and Fib(P<0.01).(6)Adverse event rates were 10.42%(5/48)in the control group,17.02%(8/47)in the study group,with no stsatistically significance(P>0.05).Conclusion The combination of Huatuo Zaizao Pills and Clopidogrel significantly improves cognitive function,coagulation parameters,and clinical outcomes in ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients with cognitive dysfunction(phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals syndrome),with a favorable safety profile.The mechanism may involve the downregulation of serum Hcy,BNP,and S-100β levels.
5.Diagnostic value of serum cysteine protease inhibitor S in patients with gastric cancer
Dongmei XIA ; Guangshun SHI ; Tingting HAN ; Shui JIN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(2):48-51
Objective To investigate the expression level and diagnostic value of serum cysteine protease inhibitor S(CST4)in patients with gastric cancer.Methods Clinical data of 115 patients with suspected gastric cancer who complained of gastric discomfort were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into benign disease group(n=50),precancerous disease group(n=26)and gas-tric cancer group(n=39).The levels of serum CST4,carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohy-drate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and carbohydrate antigen 72-4(CA72-4)were analyzed in the three groups.The positive rates of CST4 among the three groups were compared.Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to screen for independent risk factors for gastric cancer occurrence.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of CST4 in gastric cancer.Results The positive rate of CST4 was 6.00%(3/50)in the benign gastric disease group,30.77%(8/26)in the gastric precancerous lesion group,and 66.67%(26/39)in the gastric canc-er group.The positive rate of CST4 in the gastric cancer group was higher than that in the gastric pre-cancerous lesion group and the benign gastric disease group(P<0.05).The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age,high levels of serum CST4 and high levels of CEA were independent risk factors for gastric cancer occurrence(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for CST4 alone in diagnosing gastric cancer was 0.847(95%CI,0.760 to 0.934),with an optimal cut-off value of 94.6 U/mL,the Youden index of 0.638,sensitivity of 71.8%,and specificity of 92.0%.The AUC for the combined diagnosis of gastric cancer using CST4,age and CEA was 0.959(95%CI,0.919 to 0.992),with sensitivity of 94.9%and specificity of 86.0%.Conclusion As a novel se-rum marker,CST4 has high predictive value in the auxiliary diagnosis of gastric cancer.
6.Analysis of risk factors and establishment of a prediction model for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal bleeding
Jing WANG ; Qiaoyun ZHOU ; Muyu WANG ; Yu XIAO ; Dongmei SONG ; Yan GUO ; Enlan XIA ; Tinchiu LI ; Xiaowu HUANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(1):143-149
Objective To establish a method for predicting the risk of endometrial cancer(EC)and endometrial atypical hyperplasia(AH)in women with postmenopausal bleeding(PMB)by collecting clinical data on routine medical history.Methods The clinical data of a total of 408 PMB patients admitted to Fuxing Hospital,Capital Medical University were consecutively collected in this retrospective study from December 2013 to December 2023.According to the results of endometrial pathology,patients were divided into case group and control group.EC and AH were included in the malignant group(case group)and the other endometrial pathologies were included in the non-malignant group(control group).Clinical data,including clinical history,high risk factors,and common gynecological ultrasound measurement indicators,were collected and studied by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results The mean age of 408 patients was(60.4±7.8)years.A total of 74 cases(18.1%)were in case group and 334 cases(81.9%)were in control group.Based on Logistic regression analysis,the best predictors of endometrial malignant lesions were selected to create a"LRDNT"(light bleeding,recurrent bleeding,diabetes,non-uniform echogenicity & thickness)model.LRDNT scores range from 0 to 22.The score of LRDNT ≥15 has the largest Yoden index,and the sensitivity to predict endometrial malignant lesions is 79.73%,the specificity is 80.84%,and the prediction accuracy is 80.64%.Conclusions The risk prediction model LRDNT,which combines clinical information and common gynecological ultrasound measurement indicators of PMB patients,can help clinicians classify patients at high and low risk of endometrial malignant lesions,and optimize the strategy of diagnosis and treatment.
7.Establishment of HPLC fingerprint of Gentiana rigescens and determination of four iridoid glycosides
Zhenyu LI ; Yueyi LIANG ; Jie YANG ; Tianrui XIA ; Fangping ZHANG ; Roushan CHEN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Lin ZHOU ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):522-528
Objective:To establish HPLC fingerprint and methods for determining the contents of four iridoid glycosides of Gentiana rigescens; To evaluate the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins; To improve the quality control level of Gentiana rigescens medicinal materials.Methods:Using 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens from the main production areas and authentic production areas as raw materials, the common mode of HPLC fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens was established, and the chemical components of the common peaks were identified. Referring to the common mode of fingerprints, similarity analysis was conducted on the fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens from different origins. Using chemometric methods, cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed on 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens, with the common peak area of fingerprint as the variable. The contents of four types of iridoid glycosides in Gentiana rigescens were determined. Combined with the fingerprints and the content results of four types of iridoid glycosides, the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins was evaluated.Results:The fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens contained 9 common peaks, with 4 identified iridoid glycosides. The similarity of the fingerprints of 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens ranged from 0.962 to 0.999. HCA and PCA divided the 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens into two categories. OPLS-DA analyzed 3 significantly different components, namely gentiopicroside, peak 7, and loganic acid. The content determination results showed that the average contents of loganic acid, swertiamarin, and gentiopicroside in Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province were the highest, and the total amount of four iridoid glycosides was also significantly higher than that from other regions, indicating that the overall quality of Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province was relatively good.Conclusion:This method is simple, fast, accurate, and can provide reference for improving the quality standards of Gentiana rigescens.
8.Exploration on the material basis and mechanism of Prunus mume f. viridicalyx for anti-depression based on UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS combined with network pharmacology
Weisheng LYU ; Cuijie WEI ; Yueyi LIANG ; Tianrui XIA ; Dongmei SUN ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Xiaozhou JIA
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):822-832
Objective:To identify the components of Prunus mume f. viridicalyx based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-QE-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS); To predict and analyze its substances and mechanisms to exert anti-depression effects combined with network pharmacology.Methods:UPLC-QE Orbitrap MS technology was used to analyze the chemical components of Prunus mume f. viridicalyx. Based on ChemSpider, mzCloud online platform, orbitrap TCM library and existing literature research, the secondary mass spectra of target compounds were compared and confirmed to identify the chemical composition of Prunus mume f. viridicalyx. The active components of the Prunus mume f. viridicalyx were screened. The Swiss Target Prediction database was used to predict targets with high correlation to active components in Prunus mume f. viridicalyx, and obtaining depression related disease targets from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The intersection targets of constituents and diseases were obtained using Venny platform. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed by using String database, and the core targets were screened. Gene ontology function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis of potential core targets were performed by using David database, and "active component-core target-signal pathway" network was constructed. PyMOL software was used to perform molecular docking between active components and key targets.Results:A total of 54 components, including organic acids, flavonoids and their glycosides, alkaloid, amino acids and other compounds were identified from Prunus mume f. viridicalyx. A total of 22 active components were screened and 92 active components and disease intersection targets were identified. A total of 13 core targets were screened through PPI network, including tumor necrosis factor, albumin, amyloid beta-protein precursor, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 and so on. Enrichment analysis showed that Prunus mume f. viridicalyx mainly participated in transcription from RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter, gene expression, protein binding and other functions, and presented the effects of anti-depression through MAPK, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and other pathways. 12 key targets and 7 key active components were further obtained through the analysis of the "active component-core target-signal pathway" network, three of them were confirmed as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin by reference substance. Molecular docking showed that 3 compounds could bind to the target proteins of depression well.Conclusion:Prunus mume f. viridicalyx exerts antidepressant effects through multiple components, targets, and pathways, mainly through the MAPK signaling pathway.
9.Establishment and practice of scientific research project-based experimental system—exploration of"5+3"integration Medical Immunology experimental teaching
Haiying FU ; Yanling WANG ; Hongyan YUAN ; Dongmei YAN ; Weihua NI ; Yan QI ; Dong LI ; Xia CHEN ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(1):195-197,201
Theory and technology of Medical Immunology are widely used in scientific research.Our teaching and research group uses experimental teaching of Medical Immunology as a platform to carry out practice of scientific research project-based experi-mental system among"5+3"integration students.By completing a mini-project research including experimental design-experimental operation-research article writing,students cultivated scientific research thinking and exercised scientific research practice ability,and generally reported that the course is very difficult,but after completing it,it is very rewarding.
10.Epidemiology analysis of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in a hospital in Henan Province from 2021 to 2023
Yue HU ; Xinwei LIU ; Yanying REN ; Dongmei LIU ; Yuchun LIU ; Qing XIA ; Yongwei LI ; Chunxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(1):53-61
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of drug resistance genes of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPECO) in Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023, providing data support and theoretical basis for controlling nosocomial infections of CPECO.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study, 30 carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO) strains confirmed by VITEK-2 Compact identification and drug sensitivity test in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023 were tested, using carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement test to conduct preliminary screening of carbapenemases, and colloidal gold immunochromatography and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine the phenotypes and genotypes of common carbapenemases ( blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaOXA) respectively, and the genotypes ( blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX) of common extended Spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were confirmed using PCR. The PCR amplification products of carbapenemase and ESBL positive strains were Sanger-sequenced, and the sequencing products were compared on the Blast website to determine the exact carbapenemase and ESBL genotypes. Sequence typing (ST) was performed on CPECO using the Achtman multi-locus sequence typing scheme to determine the cloning relationship between different strains. Results:A total of 21 CPECO strains were screened. Drug sensitivity test results showed that CPECO strains showed widespread drug resistance, with the resistance rate to monocyclic (aztreonam) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole being over 60%(16/21, 14/21), and the resistance rate to other antibacterial drugs being 100%. Only the sensitivity to aminoglycosides and fosfomycin remained relatively high, and no strains resistant to tigecycline and colistin were found. Colloidal gold immunochromatography detected 18 blaNDM types, 2 blaKPC types, and 1 blaIMP type. Sequencing of drug resistance gene PCR products classified 17 blaNDM-5 strains, 1 blaNDM-4 strain, 2 blaKPC-2 strain, and 1 blaIMP-4 strain, which were completely consistent with the results of screening test and colloidal gold immunochromatography. ESBL resistance gene testing showed that the detection rate of blaTEM was 42.9%(9/21), blaCTX-M was 33.3%(7/21), and blaSHV was 4.8%(1/21). The rate of blaNDM producing CPECO carrying both ESBL resistance genes was 27.8%(5/18). The MLST typing results revealed 11 sequence types (STs), including one ST155 clonal complex and nine singleton STs. Among these, there were seven strains of ST167, five strains of ST410, and one strain each of ST58, ST68, ST69, ST93, ST131, ST155, ST648, ST1114, and ST3268. Conclusion:The main resistance mechanism identified in this study for CPECO was the production of blaNDM-5 carbapenemase, with a high proportion of strains also carrying blaTEM-1D and/or blaCTX-M-15 ESBLs. MLST typing found that the epidemic strain of CPECO showed certain polymorphism, but there were clonal transmission of multiple clonal complexes between ST167 and ST410.

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