1.Study on the binding mechanism between SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and chiral isomers of its inhibitor pyridyl-urea diyne ester
Min FANG ; Xingyu WU ; Wenbiao WANG ; Qi LIN ; Ya GAO
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):295-303
3CL protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a pivotal enzyme required in coronavirus replication and transcription. Its highly conserved structure and the absence of homologous proteins in the host make it an ideal target for broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drug development. In this work, we systematically investigated and compared the binding modes and dynamic properties of the four stereoisomers of a pyridyl-urea diyne ester (PyDU) molecule with two chiral centers within the 3CLpro active site. Through molecular docking, MD simulations, MM/GBSA binding free-energy calculations, and DCCM analysis, all four stereoisomers were stabilized primarily by hydrophobic packing. Among them, the (R,S) isomer exhibited the best overall performance, including docking score, binding free-energy components, and key residue interactions. The (R,S) and (S,R) isomers also enhanced the cooperative motions around the binding pocket, while the (R,S) isomer further modulated the flexibility of domain III, which may influence 3CLpro dimerization. Conversely, the (S,S) isomer exhibited the weakest affinity due to insufficient hydrophobic contact. By innovatively integrating chirality, binding energy and protein dynamical features, we revealed the dual role of chirality in modulating affinity and dynamic responses, which provides a theoretical basis for the chiral-guided design of coronavirus inhibitors.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 152 HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases
Xiaqing WANG ; Yi HU ; Min HUANG ; Fan YU ; Naisu CAO ; Mengjie ZHANG ; Siqi WU ; Muping FANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(13):1954-1958
OBJECTIVE To explore the epidemiological characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/ac-quired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)complicated with anorectal diseases and analyze the clinical character-istics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess.METHODS Totally 152 HIV/AIDS patients who were complicated with anorectal diseases and were treated in The Eighth Hospital of Wuhan from Jan.2020 to Dec.2023 were recruited as the research subjects,36 of whom had perianal abscess.The manifestations of anorec-tal diseases,treatment status and incidence rates of the diseases among the patients with different clinical charac-teristics in the different years were statistically analyzed.The clinical characteristics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess were observed.RESULTS Of the 152 HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal disea-ses,51.97%had mixed hemorrhoid,and 23.68%had perianal abscess.The number of patients with HIV/AIDS complicated with anorectal diseases gradually increased from 2020 to 2023;while the incidence rate of male,aged between 30 and 40 years old,married individuals,those with primary school education or below and famers were relatively high.Among the HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases,139 underwent surgical pro-cedures,and 23 did not.Among the 36 HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess,97.22%were male,50.00%were aged between 20 and 30 years old,and 44.44%were married.CONCLUSIONS The number of HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases is gradually increased from 2020 to 2023;the incidence rates are rela-tively high among the patients who are male,aged between 30 and 40 years old,married,with primary school edu-cation or below and famers.Perianal abscess and mixed hemorrhoid are the major types of anorectal diseases.Sur-gical procedures are recommended for HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases,while the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess are dominated by the population of male,aged between 20 and 30 years old and married.It is necessary to attach great importance to the detection of pathological characteristics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess so as to take appropriate treatment measures to improve the therapeutic effect.
4.Mechanism of cofilin in regulating prostate cancer progression and potential therapeutic strategies
Fang-zhi FU ; Li-tong WU ; En-min FENG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Neng WANG ; Biao WANG ; Qing ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1206-1211
The molecular mechanisms underlying the develop-ment and metastasis of prostate cancer remain elusive.This comprehensive review delves into the intricate role of cofilin,an actin-binding protein,in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer.Cofilin is a significant protein in cytoskeletal dynamics,and any dysregulation may result in the morphological changes in normal cells and the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.Research has revealed that the activity of cofilin is regula-ted by various mechanisms,including phosphorylation/dephos-phorylation and interactions with other molecules.Moreover,this review discusses promising therapeutic interventions,such as co-filin inhibitors and gene therapy,which have demonstrated effica-cy in preclinical models.The challenge of clinically preventing the transition to castration-resistant prostate cancer and tumor metastasis is widely recognized,necessitating the development of precise drug treatments and biomarker identification.As a key regulatory protein,cofilin provides a more comprehensive refer-ence for the prevention and treatment of prostate diseases.
5.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 152 HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases
Xiaqing WANG ; Yi HU ; Min HUANG ; Fan YU ; Naisu CAO ; Mengjie ZHANG ; Siqi WU ; Muping FANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(13):1954-1958
OBJECTIVE To explore the epidemiological characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/ac-quired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)complicated with anorectal diseases and analyze the clinical character-istics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess.METHODS Totally 152 HIV/AIDS patients who were complicated with anorectal diseases and were treated in The Eighth Hospital of Wuhan from Jan.2020 to Dec.2023 were recruited as the research subjects,36 of whom had perianal abscess.The manifestations of anorec-tal diseases,treatment status and incidence rates of the diseases among the patients with different clinical charac-teristics in the different years were statistically analyzed.The clinical characteristics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess were observed.RESULTS Of the 152 HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal disea-ses,51.97%had mixed hemorrhoid,and 23.68%had perianal abscess.The number of patients with HIV/AIDS complicated with anorectal diseases gradually increased from 2020 to 2023;while the incidence rate of male,aged between 30 and 40 years old,married individuals,those with primary school education or below and famers were relatively high.Among the HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases,139 underwent surgical pro-cedures,and 23 did not.Among the 36 HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess,97.22%were male,50.00%were aged between 20 and 30 years old,and 44.44%were married.CONCLUSIONS The number of HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases is gradually increased from 2020 to 2023;the incidence rates are rela-tively high among the patients who are male,aged between 30 and 40 years old,married,with primary school edu-cation or below and famers.Perianal abscess and mixed hemorrhoid are the major types of anorectal diseases.Sur-gical procedures are recommended for HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anorectal diseases,while the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess are dominated by the population of male,aged between 20 and 30 years old and married.It is necessary to attach great importance to the detection of pathological characteristics of the HIV-positive patients with perianal abscess so as to take appropriate treatment measures to improve the therapeutic effect.
6.Study on Risk Factors and Etiology of Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Urinary Calculi in Eastern Fujian Region
Jian CHEN ; Jian-ping WU ; Jian-jun LI ; Guo-min LI ; Fei-hui FANG ; Qiao-ming LIN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1534-1541
Objective:To explore the risk factors and etiological characteristics of urinary tract infection caused by urinary calculi in eastern Fujian region,in order to attract clinical attention and improve the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection caused by urinary calculi.Methods:A total of 154 patients with urinary calculi admitted to Ningde People's Hospital(n=80)and Ningde Mindong Hospital(n=74)from November 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the main research objects.According to whether the patients had urinary tract infection,they were divided into infection group and non-infection group.The baseline data of the two groups were analyzed in detail,and the risk factors and pathogen distribution of urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi were analyzed.Results:There were 33 cases of urinary tract infection in 154 patients with urinary calculi,accounting for 21.43%.Univariate analysis showed that the urinary white blood cell count in the infection group was higher than that in the non-infection group,and the proportion of patients with effusion,urinary tract obstruction,calculi in the upper urinary tract,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,and urinary nitrite positive was higher than that in the uninfected group(P<0.05).The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that effusion,urinary tract obstruction,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,high urine white blood cell count and positive urine nitrite were independent risk factors for urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi(OR>1,P<0.05).A total of 33 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 33 patients in the infection group.Among them,23 strains(69.70%)were gram-negative bacteria,8 strains(24.24%)were gram-positive bacteria,and 2 strains(6.06%)were fungi.Among gram-negative bacteria,escherichia coli accounted for the highest proportion(48.48%),followed by klebsiella pneumoniae(9.09%).Among gram-positive bacteria,enterococcus faecalis accounted for the highest proportion(12.12%),followed by enterococcus faecium(6.06%).Candida and candida tropicalis in fungi was the same,accounted for 3.03%.Conclusion:The risk of urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi in eastern Fujian region is high.Effusion,urinary tract obstruction,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,high urine white blood cell count and positive urine nitrite are independent risk factors for urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi.The main urinary tract pathogens are gram-negative bacteria.
7.Mechanism of cofilin in regulating prostate cancer progression and potential therapeutic strategies
Fang-zhi FU ; Li-tong WU ; En-min FENG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Neng WANG ; Biao WANG ; Qing ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1206-1211
The molecular mechanisms underlying the develop-ment and metastasis of prostate cancer remain elusive.This comprehensive review delves into the intricate role of cofilin,an actin-binding protein,in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer.Cofilin is a significant protein in cytoskeletal dynamics,and any dysregulation may result in the morphological changes in normal cells and the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.Research has revealed that the activity of cofilin is regula-ted by various mechanisms,including phosphorylation/dephos-phorylation and interactions with other molecules.Moreover,this review discusses promising therapeutic interventions,such as co-filin inhibitors and gene therapy,which have demonstrated effica-cy in preclinical models.The challenge of clinically preventing the transition to castration-resistant prostate cancer and tumor metastasis is widely recognized,necessitating the development of precise drug treatments and biomarker identification.As a key regulatory protein,cofilin provides a more comprehensive refer-ence for the prevention and treatment of prostate diseases.
8.Study on Risk Factors and Etiology of Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Urinary Calculi in Eastern Fujian Region
Jian CHEN ; Jian-ping WU ; Jian-jun LI ; Guo-min LI ; Fei-hui FANG ; Qiao-ming LIN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1534-1541
Objective:To explore the risk factors and etiological characteristics of urinary tract infection caused by urinary calculi in eastern Fujian region,in order to attract clinical attention and improve the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection caused by urinary calculi.Methods:A total of 154 patients with urinary calculi admitted to Ningde People's Hospital(n=80)and Ningde Mindong Hospital(n=74)from November 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the main research objects.According to whether the patients had urinary tract infection,they were divided into infection group and non-infection group.The baseline data of the two groups were analyzed in detail,and the risk factors and pathogen distribution of urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi were analyzed.Results:There were 33 cases of urinary tract infection in 154 patients with urinary calculi,accounting for 21.43%.Univariate analysis showed that the urinary white blood cell count in the infection group was higher than that in the non-infection group,and the proportion of patients with effusion,urinary tract obstruction,calculi in the upper urinary tract,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,and urinary nitrite positive was higher than that in the uninfected group(P<0.05).The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that effusion,urinary tract obstruction,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,high urine white blood cell count and positive urine nitrite were independent risk factors for urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi(OR>1,P<0.05).A total of 33 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 33 patients in the infection group.Among them,23 strains(69.70%)were gram-negative bacteria,8 strains(24.24%)were gram-positive bacteria,and 2 strains(6.06%)were fungi.Among gram-negative bacteria,escherichia coli accounted for the highest proportion(48.48%),followed by klebsiella pneumoniae(9.09%).Among gram-positive bacteria,enterococcus faecalis accounted for the highest proportion(12.12%),followed by enterococcus faecium(6.06%).Candida and candida tropicalis in fungi was the same,accounted for 3.03%.Conclusion:The risk of urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi in eastern Fujian region is high.Effusion,urinary tract obstruction,staghorn calculi,smoking history,diabetes,high urine white blood cell count and positive urine nitrite are independent risk factors for urinary tract infection in patients with urinary calculi.The main urinary tract pathogens are gram-negative bacteria.
9.FTO regulates resistance of triple-negative breast cancer to adriamycin through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Jin-min WU ; Yu-hang QI ; Jing-yi FANG ; Wei-zhi MU ; Zhao-lin CHEN ; Zhao-yi YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2334-2341
Aim To explore the effect of FTO on adria-mycin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and to reveal the underlying mechanism.Methods The MDA-MB-231/ADR drug-resistant cell line was constructed using a method of gradually increasing adriamycin concentra-tion with intermittent induction.The half-inhibitory concentration(IC50)of adriamycin for MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231/ADR cells and the expression of FTO were compared.After knocking down FTO in MDA-MB-231/ADR cells,CCK-8,qRT-PCR,colony formation assay,transwell,flow cytometry,and Western blot were used to assess the changes in the IC50 of adri-amycin,cell proliferation,migration,invasion,apopto-sis,and the expression of related proteins.Results FTO was highly expressed in MDA-MB-231/ADR cells.After FTO knockdown,the IC50 value of adriamy-cin in MDA-MB-231/ADR cells decreased,and the a-bilities of proliferation,migration and invasion were weakened.In the FTO knockdown group,the expres-sion levels of Bax,cleaved-caspase3,GSK-3 β proteins and the apoptosis rate significantly increased,while the expression levels of Bcl-2,Wnt5a,β-catenin,c-myc,cyclin D1,and P-gp proteins decreased.Conclusion FTO may inhibit the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231/ADR cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,al-ter P-gp expression,and thereby enhance the resistance of MDA-MB-231/ADR cells to adriamycin.
10.Atomic force microscopic observation of surface structure of purified protein molecules in vitro
Zhao-ying CHEN ; Xiao-feng FANG ; Dan-yan LIU ; Meng-qin CHEN ; Xi LING ; Jie-min ZHAO ; Wei WEI ; Yu-jing WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):193-199
Aim To compare the observation results of atomic force microscopy(AFM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and to summarize the main problems and solutions of AFM in observing biological macromolecules,using the observa-tion subjects of protein samples purified by our research group.Methods The protein samples were diluted to 15 nmol·L-1 with PBS,fixed on glass slides,silicon wafers,and mica sheets,dried,and made into solid-phase observation samples.SEM sam-ples were plated with platinum before observation.The surface structures of proteins were observed using AFM and SEM,sample heights were calculated,and differences in results were com-pared.Results Protein samples with positive charges tended to shift to the right during observation due to the repulsion of the AFM probe;mica sheets could effectively eliminate the positive charge of proteins to avoid sample movement;PBS provided a stable environment for protein samples,but the crystallization of PBS salts interfered with probe operation and imaging clarity;SEM samples needed to be plated with platinum before observa-tion and could not achieve the precision of AFM.Conclusions Both AFM and SEM can directly observe protein structures in vitro,with AFM providing higher precision results;when protein sample stability permits,ultrapure water is preferred as the sol-vent carrier,and volatile liquids such as ethanol can also serve as solvent carriers.The application of AFM offers a new approach for pharmacological studies on interactions between biological macromolecules.


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