1.Andrographolide as a Multi-Target Therapeutic Agent in Diabetic Nephropathy: Insights into STAT3/PI3K/Akt Pathway Modulation
Yuan YIN ; Jing HE ; Yu FANG ; Min WEI ; Wang ZHANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):529-543
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Current therapies targeting glycemic and blood pressure control fail to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of DN. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of andrographolide (AD), a diterpenoid lactone from Andrographis paniculata, in mitigating DN by modulating key molecular pathways. Through integrative network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo/in vitro experiments, 107 overlapping DN-related targets were identified, with STAT3, PI3K, and AKT1 emerging as core nodes. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities between AD and these targets, supporting its modulatory potential. In vivo, AD significantly improved renal function in streptozotocin-induced DN rats, reducing proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy, and renal fibrosis. AD also attenuated oxidative stress, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, demonstrating systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In vitro studies further confirmed that AD alleviates podocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis under high glucose conditions by suppressing the RAGE-NF-κB and STAT3/PI3K/Akt pathways. Histological analyses revealed substantial improvements in renal architecture, including reductions in fibrosis and mesangial expansion. These results underscore AD’s multi-target mechanism, directly addressing DN’s core pathological drivers, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. As a natural compound with notable safety and efficacy, AD holds promise as an adjunct or standalone therapeutic agent for DN. This study establishes a robust preclinical foundation for AD, warranting further exploration in clinical trials and its potential application in other diabetic complications.
2.Andrographolide as a Multi-Target Therapeutic Agent in Diabetic Nephropathy: Insights into STAT3/PI3K/Akt Pathway Modulation
Yuan YIN ; Jing HE ; Yu FANG ; Min WEI ; Wang ZHANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):529-543
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Current therapies targeting glycemic and blood pressure control fail to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of DN. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of andrographolide (AD), a diterpenoid lactone from Andrographis paniculata, in mitigating DN by modulating key molecular pathways. Through integrative network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo/in vitro experiments, 107 overlapping DN-related targets were identified, with STAT3, PI3K, and AKT1 emerging as core nodes. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities between AD and these targets, supporting its modulatory potential. In vivo, AD significantly improved renal function in streptozotocin-induced DN rats, reducing proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy, and renal fibrosis. AD also attenuated oxidative stress, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, demonstrating systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In vitro studies further confirmed that AD alleviates podocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis under high glucose conditions by suppressing the RAGE-NF-κB and STAT3/PI3K/Akt pathways. Histological analyses revealed substantial improvements in renal architecture, including reductions in fibrosis and mesangial expansion. These results underscore AD’s multi-target mechanism, directly addressing DN’s core pathological drivers, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. As a natural compound with notable safety and efficacy, AD holds promise as an adjunct or standalone therapeutic agent for DN. This study establishes a robust preclinical foundation for AD, warranting further exploration in clinical trials and its potential application in other diabetic complications.
3.Discovery and investigation of six polio vaccine derived viruses in Guangzhou City
Min CUI ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Jialing LI ; Jianxiong XU ; Wenji WANG ; Qing HE ; Lihong NI ; Xuexia YUN ; Huanying ZHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):22-25
Objective To understand the surveillance situation of poliovirus in Guangzhou from 2011 to 2024, and to further strengthen polio surveillance and ensure the continued maintenance of a polio-free status. Methods An analysis was conducted on the discovery and investigation results of six cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) detected in Guangzhou. Results A total of 6 VDPV incidents were reported in Guangzhou from 2011 to June 2024, among which 5 incidents were from sewage sample testing in the Liede Sewage Treatment Plant in Guangzhou, all of which were confirmed as VDPV, with 1 for type I, 1 for type II, and 3 for type III. In addition, one confirmed HFMD case was identified as a type VDPV II carrier. No presence of any wild poliovirus (WPV), VDPV cases, or circulating VDPV (cVDPV) was reported. Conclusion Guangzhou City has maintained a high level of vigilance and effectiveness in the monitoring and prevention of polio. Continuously strengthening the construction of the polio monitoring network, optimizing vaccination strategies, and comprehensively improving public health awareness are still the focus of the prevention and control work in the future.
4.Andrographolide as a Multi-Target Therapeutic Agent in Diabetic Nephropathy: Insights into STAT3/PI3K/Akt Pathway Modulation
Yuan YIN ; Jing HE ; Yu FANG ; Min WEI ; Wang ZHANG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):529-543
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Current therapies targeting glycemic and blood pressure control fail to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of DN. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of andrographolide (AD), a diterpenoid lactone from Andrographis paniculata, in mitigating DN by modulating key molecular pathways. Through integrative network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo/in vitro experiments, 107 overlapping DN-related targets were identified, with STAT3, PI3K, and AKT1 emerging as core nodes. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities between AD and these targets, supporting its modulatory potential. In vivo, AD significantly improved renal function in streptozotocin-induced DN rats, reducing proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy, and renal fibrosis. AD also attenuated oxidative stress, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, demonstrating systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In vitro studies further confirmed that AD alleviates podocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis under high glucose conditions by suppressing the RAGE-NF-κB and STAT3/PI3K/Akt pathways. Histological analyses revealed substantial improvements in renal architecture, including reductions in fibrosis and mesangial expansion. These results underscore AD’s multi-target mechanism, directly addressing DN’s core pathological drivers, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. As a natural compound with notable safety and efficacy, AD holds promise as an adjunct or standalone therapeutic agent for DN. This study establishes a robust preclinical foundation for AD, warranting further exploration in clinical trials and its potential application in other diabetic complications.
5.Factors of prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention under the support of mechanical devices
Ming-Hua LUO ; Yu-Shan CHEN ; He WANG ; Huai-Min GUAN ; Jin-Hong XIE ; Cheng-Jie QIU ; Yong-Hua ZONG ; Sha-Sha SHANG ; Yun-Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(4):197-202
Objective To investigate the factors influencing prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI).Methods Patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock who underwent PPCI at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2019 were enrolled.Clinical baseline characteristics,coronary angiography and PCI-related parameters,and mechanical support information were collected.The patients were followed up for one year and divided into survival and death groups based on their survival status within one year.Differences in various factors between the two groups were compared.Results A total of 40 patients were enrolled,including 26 in the survival group and 14 in the death group.There were no differences in baseline data,diagnosis,risk factors,and comorbidities between the two groups.The survival group had a lower heart rate and higher blood pressure trend at admission compared to the death group.Myocardial enzymes were significantly lower in the survival group compared to the death group(median CK peak:496.00(198.25,2 830.00)U/L vs.3 040.00(405.75,5 626.53)U/L,P=0.003;median CK-MB peak:52.65(31.75,219.50)U/L vs.306.00(27.25,489.63)U/L,P=0.006).When comparing coronary angiography and PCI-related indicators between the two groups,the survival group had a higher rate of complete revascularization compared to the control group(53.85%vs.21.43%,P=0.048).The survival group had a higher proportion of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)combined with intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)support compared to the control group[38.46%vs.7.14%,P=0.034].Conclusions Survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock undergoing PPCI is associated with lower level of myocardial enzymes,ECMO combined with IABP support and complete revascularization.
6.Establishment and Application of Efficient Gene Editing Method for Classical HLA-Ⅰ Molecules
Yan-Min HE ; Zhi-Pan WU ; Ji HE ; Wei ZHANG ; Fa-Ming ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(6):1896-1902
Objective:To establish an efficient gene editing method of HLA-Ⅰ gene to prepare HLA-Ⅰ universal hematopoietic stem cells.Methods:The easyedit small guide RNA(sgRNA)was designed according to the sequences of β2 microglobulin gene and synthesized by GenScript company. RNP complexes were formed by NLS-Cas9-NLS nuclease and Easyedit sgRNA according to different molar ratios (1∶1~1∶4 ).Control group and four transfection groups were performed respectively.HEK-293 cells and CD34+hematopoietic stem cells were nucleotransfected with RNP complex by Lonza 4D Nucleofector system.The expression of HLA-Ⅰ on the surface of HEK-293 cells was detected by flow cytometry after transfection for 72 hours,the cleavage effect was determined by T7E1 enzyme digestion reaction and the presence of nested peak in the DNA sequence was identified by direct sequencing.Results:The transfection groups had different levels of HLA-Ⅰ negative expression cell populations by flow cytometry after transient transfection of HEK-293 cells and CD34+hematopoietic stem cells with different molar concentrations of RNP complex for 72 hours. There were nested peaks proximal to the sgRNA PAM sequence in the transfection groups by direct DNA sequencing,indicating that sgRNA had obvious editing effect.In the transfection of HEK-293 cells,the highest proportion of HLA-Ⅰ negative expression cells was (87.69±0.83)% when the molar ratio of NLS-Cas9-NLS nuclease to Easyedit sgRNA was 1∶4.The cutting efficiency of T7E1 was the highest up to (38±2.0)% when the molar ratio was 1∶3.In the transfection of CD34+hematopoietic stem cells,the proportion of HLA-Ⅰ negative expression cells was (91.56±3. 39)%when the molar ratio was 1∶2,and the cutting efficiency of T7E1 was (64±8.45)%when the molar ratio was 1∶1 .Conclusion:This study provides an efficient gene editing method for classical HLA-Ⅰ molecules,which can effectively silence the expression of class HLA-Ⅰ molecules on the cell surface,and is suitable for stem cell system with difficult transfection.
7.Fetal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing cardiac surgery during pregnancy: an analysis of 20 cases
He JING ; Jiakai LU ; Weiping CHENG ; Min WEI ; Sheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(4):412-417
The medical records from 20 pregnant women with pregnancy preservation who underwent only cardiac surgery in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the fetal outcome: fetal survival group and fetal loss group. Eleven patients were included in fetal survival group and 9 patients in fetal loss group. The overall fetal mortality rate was 45%. In fetal loss group, 2 cases died during operation, and the other 7 cases died at 26 (29) days after operation. The valvular disease and infective endocarditis were the most common heart diseases diagnosed in fetal survival group, while type A aortic dissection in fetal loss group. There were 2 cases and 6 cases with pulmonary hypertension, 2 cases and 3 cases with a history of cardiac surgery, and 3 cases and 5 cases underwent emergency surgery in fetal survival group and in fetal loss group, respectively. Four pregnant women underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in fetal loss group. One patient with type A aortic dissection died 15 days after cardiac surgery, with an overall maternal mortality rate of 5% in fetal loss group. The incidence of adverse events after maternal cardiac surgery was 25%, all of which occurred in fetal loss group. In conclusion, the adverse fetal outcomes may be related to type A aortic dissection, pulmonary hypertension, recardiac surgery, emergency surgery, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, adverse events after cardiac surgery, and long-term related factors after surgery in pregnant women with pregnancy preservation undergoing cardiac surgery alone.
8.Management of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the hypothalamic-pituitary region—Experiences from Huashan Hospital
Qian WANG ; Quanya SUN ; Min HE ; Li PAN ; Yongfei WANG ; Haixia CHENG ; Yue WU ; Tianling DING ; Hongying YE ; Wei WU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(5):386-392
Objective:To summarize experience of managing adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) in hypothalamic-pituitary region(HPR) from Shanghai Huashan Hospital.Methods:Adult HPR-LCH patients diagnosed at oar endocrinology department from January 2013 to February 2022 were included. Clinical characteristics and treatment response were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 27 adult HPR-LCH patients were included, with 14 cases involving the hypothalamus(H group) and 13 cases without(group NH). The common radiological findings included thickening of the pituitary stalk(25/27, 92.6%). At the time of diagnosis, 14 cases(51.9%) presented with panhypopituitarism, and 19 cases(70.4%) exhibited metabolic abnormalities. The group H had higher proportions of adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, panhypopituitarism, and diabetes compared to group NH(78.6% vs 23.1%; 78.6% vs 23.1%; 92.9% vs 30.8%, 35.7% vs 0%, respectively, all P<0.05). Hypothalamus syndrome was identified in 71.4%(10/14) of group H. The inital diagnosis rate was 79.2%(19/24), with 48.1% and 51.9% through biopsy of sellar and extrasellar lesions, respectively. Repeated biopsies confirmed the diagnosis in 25.9%(7/27) of cases. The peripheral lesions included bone, thyroid, lung, lymph node, thymus and liver. Out of 20 cases treated with chemotherapy, the objective response rate was 85% at 12 weeks. Four cases received local therapy, one case received traditional Chinese medicine treatment, one case abandoned treatment, and one case was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up time was 28(range 15 to 54) months. During this period, there were 3 deaths in group H and 1 death in group NH. Conclusion:Adult HPR-LCH patients presented with diabetes insipidus and high prevalences of hypopituitarism, hypothalamus syndrome and metabolic abnormalities. Typical imaging features were pituitary stalk thickening. A solitary mass in the HPR was usually very small, posing a great challenge for early diagnosis. Systemic evaluation would help to clarify the diagnosis. Patients with hypothalamus involvement had a higher mortality rate, suggesting the hypothalamus as a risk organ with poor prognosis.
9.Treatment of chronic prostatitis with Xiongji Formula based on the concept of"brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber"axis of medication
Zi-Wei ZHAO ; Qing-He GAO ; Yang LIU ; Hong-Yuan CHANG ; Di-Cheng LUO ; An-Min WANG ; Jun GUO
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(5):439-443
Chronic prostatitis is a process of kidney deficiency and blood stasis mixed with various pathological factors involving the essence chamber,which is manifested as kidney deficiency and blood stasis.Based on the concept of the"brain-heart-kidney-es-sence chamber"axis of medication,Xiongji Formula is applied to the treatment of chronic prostatitis,due to its"simultaneous holistic and local action"and effects of tonifying the kidney yang and assisting the systemic yang,acting on the brain,heart and kidney as a whole,and meanwhile activating blood circulation,eliminating blood stasis and restoring the function of the essence chamber.This pa-per discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis with kidney deficiency and blood stasis in Chinese medicine,expounds the significance of"brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber"axis of medication,and explores the specific value and clinical application of Xiongji Formula.
10.Exploring the Prescription Rules and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetic Periodontitis Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology
Huijing LI ; Ranran GAO ; Min LIU ; Jing WEI ; Xiang HE ; Yeke WU
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(10):1600-1610
Objective To explore the prescription rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of diabetes periodontitis(DP) and the acting mechanisms of core drug combination. Methods Based on the relevant literature retrieved from the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and Sinomed,a DP prescription database was established. Excel 2021,SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistics 26.0 were used to conduct the statistics of the frequency,efficacy classifications,properties,flavors,and meridian tropism of the included drugs. Association rule analysis and cluster analysis were performed to screen out the core drug combinations. The active components and action targets of core drug combinations were obtained through TCMSP and HERB. The DP related disease targets were predicted using GeneCards. The Venny platform was used to obtain the intersection of disease targets and drug targets. Key components were screened by Cytoscape to establish an "active component-target" network. Based on STRING platform data,PPI network was constructed by Cytoscape to screen core targets. GO functional annotation and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the intersection targets by DAVID. AutoDockVina was applied for molecular docking between core targets and key components. Results A total of 36 articles were included,and 50 prescriptions involving 100 Chinese herbal medicines were extracted. Alismatis Rhizoma,Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and Astragali Radix were the most common drugs. The most used drug category was deficiency-nourishing drugs. The properties of the herbs were mainly cold and warm,the major flavors were sweet and bitter,and the main meridian tropisms were kidney and liver. Six categories were classified by clustering analysis. Moutan Cortes-Corni Fructus-Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata was screened out as the core drug combination involving 18 active components,164 drug action targets and 104 intersection of DP targets and drug combination targets. Quercetin,stigmasterol,kaempferol,β-sitosterol,tetrahydroalstonine,and sitosterol were the key components,and AKT1,IL-6,TNF,IL-1B,PTGS2,JUN,TP53,ESR1,and MMP9 were the core targets. GO analysis revealed 3724 biological processes,228 cellular components and 404 molecular functions. KEGG analysis showed that DP was treated by the core drug combination through regulating 235 signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that there was a good affinity between the core target and the key component. Conclusion Tonifying deficiency is the main treatment methods of TCM for DP,accompanied by clearing heat and removing dampness,activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,replenishing qi and nourishing yin. Core drug combination (Moutan Cortes-Corni Fructus-Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) treats DP through multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway,which provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.


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