1.Notoginsenoside R1 modulates mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes viathe Pink1/Parkin pathway after hypoxia/reoxygenation
Xiaoman XIONG ; Huan WU ; Shanglin LU ; Yong WANG ; Yuhua ZHENG ; Yi XIANG ; Haiyan ZHOU ; Xingde LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell lines through the regulation of mitophagy. MethodsCommon genes linked to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and mitophagy were identified by intersecting data from GeneCards and MitoCarta databases. AC16 cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assay under varying NGR1 concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol/L). AC16 cells were divided into the following groups: control group (Control), model group (H/R), and treatment groups (H/R + NGR1 at 100, 200 and 300 μmol/L). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining. Transcriptional levels of mitophagy-related genes (Parkin, Pink1, P62) were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression of mitophagy-related markers (Parkin, Pink1, P62, and LC3BⅡ) was evaluated via Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsCompared to the control group, cell viability in the H/R group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Treatment with NGR1 at concentrations above 100 μmol/L significantly enhanced the cell viability of AC16 cells compared to the H/R group (P<0.01). H/R induced a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was restored by NGR1 treatment (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of Parkin, Pink1, and P62 in the H/R group were upregulated compared to the control group (P<0.05), while NGR1 intervention downregulated their expression (P<0.05). Protein expression levels of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ in the H/R group significantly increased, while P62 expression decreased compared to the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, different doses of NGR1 treatment significantly reduced the expression of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ while increasing P62 expression (P<0.05). TEM revealed that the mitochondrial structure in the H/R group was severely disrupted, with fragmented and disorganized cristae, which was alleviated by NGR1. ConclusionNGR1 ameliorates H/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and its mechanism may be associated with modulating the Pink1/Parkin pathway to suppress excessive mitophagy.
2.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
3.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
4.Transcriptome-based Mining of Genes Involved in Regulation of Cyclopeptide B Synthesis in Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Qingsu ZHOU ; Yishu HUANG ; Xiuwen WANG ; Jiao XU ; Xiaohong OU ; Hua HE ; Weike JIANG ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):224-230
ObjectiveThe biosynthesis of heterophyllin B (HB), a cyclopeptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, is regulated by various abiotic stresses. Elucidating the transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying HB biosynthesis is of great guiding significance for the directional improvement of P. heterophylla varieties and the enhancement of HB content. MethodsBased on transcriptome data from different tissues of P. heterophylla, transcription factors (TFs) specifically upregulated and highly expressed in the phloem of tuberous roots were screened through a combination of Mfuzz time-series clustering, transcription factor family prediction, and correlation analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to analyze expression patterns of candidate TFs under abscisic acid (ABA) induction, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify their regulatory effects on HB precursor genes. ResultsContent determination showed that HB accumulated at the highest in the phloem of P. heterophylla tuberous roots (34 μg
5.Functional and mechanistic study of proto-oncogene SKI mutations in promoting cholangiocarcinoma cells tumorigenesis
Dantong ZHA ; Aiqing YANG ; Pengbo CAO ; Xin QI ; Gangqiao ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):239-249
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of aberrant SKI expression and its mutations on the biological characteristics of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines QBC939 and RBE, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) database was utilized to analyze SKI expression and its clinical relevance in cholangiocarcinoma patients. Lentiviral transduction was employed to establish QBC939 and RBE cell lines with stable SKI overexpression, mutation, or knockdown. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated using Transwell and wound healing assays. The effect of SKI over-expression, mutation, or knockdown on key proteins (SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4) in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling pathway was examined by Western blot. ResultsCompared to SKI overexpression alone, the introduction of SKI mutations significantly promoted S-phase progression, enhanced proliferation and migration, and inhibited apoptosis. Mechanistically, SKI mutations suppressed the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins, thereby inhibiting the transcriptional activity of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Conversely, SKI knockedown produced the opposite effects. ConclusionSKI gene mutation acts as a gain-of-function genetic alteration, exerting an oncogenic role in cholangiocarcinoma cells. The primary mechanism involves the inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, which in turn promotes proliferation and cell cycle progression, and suppresses apoptosis in QBC939 and RBE cells, ultimately driving tumor progression.
6.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
7.Metformin inhibits the immune functions of immature dendritic cells by regulating F-actin remodeling
Xianmei LIU ; Zhimei CHENG ; Enjie ZHOU ; Juanyong LI ; Yijun JIN ; Liming ZHOU ; Min XU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):480-486
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of metformin on the immune functions of immature dendritic cells (imDCs) and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsMouse bone marrow-derived imDCs were treated with different concentrations of metformin. The working concentration and treatment time of metformin in this study were determined based on the results of cell apoptosis and cell viability assays. The effects of metformin on the phagocytic capacity of imDCs was evaluated using an antigen endocytosis assay. The expression of cluster of differentiation 205 (CD205), the polymerization of filamentous actin (F-actin), and the underlying regulatory mechanisms were investigated through flow cytometry, laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, and Western blot. ResultsThe working concentrations of metformin were 1, 2, 4 mmol/L for 24 h determined by the apoptosis and cell viability assays.Metformin significantly suppressed the phagocytic capacity of imDCs, down-regulated the expression of the mannose receptor CD205 on the cell surface, which was closely associated with phagocytic function; metformin inhibited the RhoA-ROCK1-LIMK1-Cofilin signaling pathway, which inhibited the polymerization of F-actin and disturbed its dynamic remodeling of imDCs. ConclusionMetformin can inhibit the expression of CD205 and disrupt the remodeling of F-actin, thereby suppressing the antigen-capturing capacity of imDCs.
8.Effect of Icariin on Myocardial Remodeling in Rats Based on Vitamin D Regulation of Dendritic Cell Phenotype
Qian LI ; Yujia CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Wen LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Huanzhen WANG ; Yunzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):76-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) in heart tissue of the Dahl salt-sensitive myocardial remodeling model of rats and its regulation on the vitamin D system. MethodsMale Dahl salt-resistant rats were divided into a normal group, and male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups (30, 60, 120 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Vitamin D group (3×10-5 mg·kg-1·d-1). In addition to the normal group, the other groups were given an 8% high salt diet to establish a myocardial remodeling model and received intragastric administration after successful modelling once a day for six weeks. The dynamic changes in tail artery blood pressure were monitored, and detection of cardiac ultrasound function in rats was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes in rat heart tissue. The phenotype of DCs and T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), forkhead frame protein 3 (FoxP3), solitaire receptor γt (RORγt), myocardial type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), and type collagen (ColⅢ) in heart tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed disordered arrangement and rupture of myocardial cells, nuclear condensation, significant edema of myocardial tissue, significant proliferation of collagen fibers in a network distribution, and a significant increase in tail artery blood pressure, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs was CD40, CD80, and CD86, and the levels of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHC-Ⅱ), Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt in the heart, as well as the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ, were significantly increased (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWD) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs such as CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells, were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression of cardiac VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group significantly reduced myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation in rats. The high-dose ICA group and vitamin D group showed a small amount of myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation, improving myocardial fiber arrangement to varying degrees and significantly reducing myocardial fiber rupture and proliferation. The tail artery blood pressure, LVEDD, and LVESD were significantly decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05), and the phenotype of cardiac DCs including CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-Ⅱ, Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt, and the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ in the heart were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). The LVEF, IVSD, and LVPWD of myocardial remodeling model rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The phenotypes of cardiac DCs including CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and the Vitamin D group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 in the heart were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). ConclusionICA can regulate tail artery blood pressure, cardiac structural and functional damage, and myocardial tissue fibrosis and inhibit phenotype and functional maturation of DCs in heart tissue in the myocardial remodeling model of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. It can also affect the gene and protein expression of VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1, achieving its intervention in Th17/Treg balance in the immune process of myocardial remodeling possibly by regulating vitamin D/VDR in heart tissue.
9.Effects of air pressure, humidity, wind and sunshine on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Guiyang
Zhengjing DU ; Yuanyuan SHANG ; Chong QU ; Qiang WANG ; Jie ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):32-36
Objective To explore the effects of air pressure, humidity, wind, and sunshine on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) in Guiyang, and to provide reference for the prevention of CVD. Methods Using CVD incidence data from September 2021 to August 2022 in Guiyang City and meteorological data including average air pressure, average humidity, wind, and sunshine during the same period, the effects of meteorological factors on CVD incidence were explored and the importance of each factor was analyzed. Results When air pressure was below 868 hPa, above 887 hPa, or between 877 and 883 hPa, and when air pressure dropped less than 5.3 hPa within 24 hours, there was a higher risk of CVD. When the humidity was above 81%, the wind speed was small (<1.2 m/s) or high (>4m/s), and there was less sunlight (less than 3 hours), the risk of CVD was higher. Low humidity (<60%) was not conducive to the onset of CVD. There were highest risks at lag 5~10 days and 4-25 days for high pressure and low sunlight, respectively. When the relative humidity was saturated, there was an immediate effect. When the wind speed was low and high, the immediate effect and hysteresis effects were significant. Among the above meteorological factors, the impact of 24-hour variation of pressure and high or low atmospheric pressure on the incidence of CVD was the most significant, while the impact of sunlight and humidity was the weakest. The impact of diurnal variations in wind and atmospheric pressure was not clear. Conclusion The impact of air pressure on the incidence of CVD does not exhibit a simple linear relationship. The risk of CVD is high in high humidity, low light, and moderate or strong winds. It is necessary to fully consider changes in meteorological factors for CVD prevention and control.
10.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail