1.The Effect and Mechanism of Mitophagy on Insulin Resistance
Yu-Hua CHEN ; Biao ZHENG ; Di CHENG ; Yu-Lin HE ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(4):772-784
Mitophagy, a highly precise form of autophagy, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by selectively targeting and eliminating damaged mitochondria through a process known as mitophagy. Within this tightly regulated mechanism, dysfunctional mitochondria are specifically delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Disruptions in mitophagy have been implicated in a diverse range of pathological conditions, spanning diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, cancer, aging, and metabolic syndrome. The elucidation of mitophagy’s impact on cardiovascular disorders, liver diseases, metabolic syndromes, immune dysfunctions, inflammatory conditions, and cancer has significantly advanced our understanding of the complex pathogenesis underlying these conditions. These studies have shed light on the intricate connections between dysfunctional mitophagy and disease progression. Among the disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance (IR) stands out as a prominent condition linked to metabolic disorders. IR is characterized by a diminished response to normal levels of insulin, necessitating higher insulin levels to trigger a typical physiological reaction. Hyperinsulinemia and metabolic disturbances often coexist with IR, primarily due to defects in insulin signal transduction. Oxidative stress, stemming from mitochondrial dysfunction, exerts dual effects in the context of IR. Initially, it disrupts insulin signaling pathways and subtly contributes to the development of IR. Additionally, by inducing mitochondrial damage and autophagy, oxidative stress indirectly impedes insulin signaling pathways. Consequently, mitophagy acts as a protective mechanism, encapsulating damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria through the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This efficient process eliminates excessive oxidative stress reactive. The intricate interplay between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, mitophagy, and IR represents a captivating field of investigation in the realm of metabolic disorders. By unraveling the underlying complexities and comprehending the intricate relationships between these intertwined processes, researchers strive toward uncovering novel therapeutic strategies. With a particular focus on mitochondrial quality control and the maintenance of redox homeostasis, these interventions hold tremendous potential in mitigating IR and enhancing overall metabolic health. Emerging evidence from a myriad of studies has shed light on the active involvement of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Notably, interventions such as exercise, drug therapies, and natural products have been documented to induce mitophagy, thereby exerting beneficial effects on metabolic health through the activation of diverse signaling pathways. Several pivotal signaling molecules, including AMPK, PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3/Nix, and FUNDC1, have been identified as key regulators of mitophagy and have been implicated in the favorable outcomes observed in metabolic disorders. Of particular interest is the unique role of PINK1/Parkin in mitophagy compared to other proteins involved in this process. PINK1/Parkin exerts influence on mitophagy through the ubiquitination of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins. Conversely, BNIP3/Nix and FUNDC1 modulate mitophagy through their interaction with LC3, while also displaying certain interrelationships with each other. In this comprehensive review, our objective is to investigate the intricate interplay between mitophagy and IR, elucidating the relevant signaling pathways and exploring the treatment strategies that have garnered attention in recent years. By assimilating and integrating these findings, we aim to establish a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles and intricate mechanisms by which mitophagy influences IR. This endeavor, in turn, seeks to provide novel insights and serve as a catalyst for further research in the pursuit of innovative treatments targeting IR.
2.In vitro oral simulation evaluation of palatability and chewability of chewable tablets
Aonan ZHONG ; Conghui LI ; Zengming WANG ; Xiaolu HAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; He ZHANG ; Jintao LIN ; Chunyan LIU ; Aiping ZHENG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(14):1708-1714
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the palatability and chewability of chewable tablets, and provide reference for the quality evaluation of various types of chewable tablets. METHODS Using self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets as the model drug, the quality test was conducted. The in vitro simulation system for chewable tablets was established by using a texture analyzer and rheometer, and an oral simulation experiment was conducted on chewable tablets. The texture analyzer was used to measure the force required for chewing and simulate the static disintegration process of chewable tablets; the rheometer was adopted to measure the viscoelasticity, thixotropy, and deformability of chewable tablets during the chewing process. RESULTS The disintegration time limit, principal component content, and dissolution of self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets all met the limit requirements. The in vitro simulation results of the texture analyzer showed that self-made chewable tablets were easy to chew in both axial and radial directions, and the force required for chewing was within the range of the chewing force of the teeth; chewable tablets could disintegrate at an appropriate time without being chewed and only taken in the oral cavity. The in vitro simulation results of the rheometer showed that the chewable tablets in the oral cavity exhibited a behavior of elasticity as the main factor and viscosity as the secondary factor through the continuous stirring of the tongue, and the viscosity of the chewable tablets gradually decreased with tongue stirring or tooth chewing; when chewing with teeth, the internal force of the chewing tablets decreased, causing plastic deformation and crushing. After being crushed, the shape couldn’t be restored, making it easy to chew and swallow. CONCLUSIONS The combination of texture analyzer and rheometer can be used to simulate the oral chewing process and evaluate the palatability and chewability of self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets. This model can provide reference for the evaluation of various chewable tablets.
3.Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults (version 2024)
Qingde WANG ; Yuan HE ; Bohua CHEN ; Tongwei CHU ; Jinpeng DU ; Jian DONG ; Haoyu FENG ; Shunwu FAN ; Shiqing FENG ; Yanzheng GAO ; Zhong GUAN ; Hua GUO ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Dianming JIANG ; Jianyuan JIANG ; Bin LIN ; Bin LIU ; Baoge LIU ; Chunde LI ; Fang LI ; Feng LI ; Guohua LYU ; Li LI ; Qi LIAO ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Hongjian LIU ; Yong LIU ; Zhongjun LIU ; Shibao LU ; Yong QIU ; Limin RONG ; Yong SHEN ; Huiyong SHEN ; Jun SHU ; Yueming SONG ; Tiansheng SUN ; Yan WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Hong XIA ; Guoyong YIN ; Jinglong YAN ; Wen YUAN ; Zhaoming YE ; Jie ZHAO ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Yue ZHU ; Yingjie ZHOU ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Wei MEI ; Dingjun HAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(2):97-106
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.
4.Application progress of radiolabeling strategies in human mass balance studies
Yi-fei HE ; Yuan-dong ZHENG ; Da-fang ZHONG ; Xing-xing DIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2470-2483
Human mass balance study is a pivotal research in the field of clinical pharmacology, aiming at elucidating the metabolic and excretion pathways of drugs in humans. Currently, human mass balance studies predominantly employ radiolabeling techniques. Recently, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued related research drafts and guidelines to encourage and guide the pharmaceutical industry to conduct research in compliance with established standards. The selection of radiolabeling sites is crucial for obtaining critical information on drug metabolism. However,
5.Overexpression of mitoNEET inhibits ferroptosis-induced mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction in brown adipocytes
Hongyu ZHENG ; Zhen TIAN ; Yanxia WANG ; Kun ZHOU ; Zhong REN ; Zhixiang ZHOU ; Wenhao XIONG ; He ZHENG ; Zhisheng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(5):852-861
AIM:To investigate the potential impact of mitoNEET[mitochondrial protein containing Asn-Glu-Glu-Thr(NEET)sequence]on mitochondrial metabolism in brown adipocytes,and to elucidate its underlying mecha-nism.METHODS:An in vitro model of primary mouse brown adipocytes was established.Western blot were utilized to detect relevant proteins,and iron ion and ATP content was measured using kits.Mitochondrial membrane potential and re-active oxygen species(ROS)were assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.RESULTS:The expression of the ferroptosis-related protein ACSL4 increased by 1.13 times in ferroptosis inducer erastin treatment group,whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 decreased by 27.33%and 25.33%,respectively,compared with control group(P<0.05).The expression of Nrf1,PGC-1α,MFN2 and UCP1 proteins,related to mitochondrial energy metabolism,de-creased by 20.98%,15.17%,15.03%and 34.22%,respectively(P<0.05).Additionally,the mitoNEET protein con-tent was significantly reduced by 42.14%(P<0.05).The iron ion content in erastin group was substantially increased by 1.80 times compared with control group.However,a notable decrease in ATP content of 14.95%was seen(P<0.05).The results obtained from fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated a significant decrease in the mitochon-drial membrane potential of brown adipocytes in erastin group,with reductions of 52.18%and 61.31%(P<0.05),re-spectively.A substantial increase in mitochondrial ROS content of 80.97%was seen(P<0.05).Western blot analysis of overexpressed stable strains revealed a significant elevation in mitoNEET levels in brown adipocytes following lentivirus transfection,exhibiting an increase of 11.19 times(P<0.05),thus confirming successful transfection.The LV-mitoNEET group exhibited a significant decrease of 37.95%in the expression of ferroptosis-related protein ACSL4 in brown adipose cells compared with control group.Additionally,there was a notable increase of 77.82%and 66.3%in the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4,respectively(P<0.05).Up-regulation was observed in the expression of MFN2(79.06%),PGC-1α(72.89%),Nrf1(40.14%),and UCP1(31.68%)(P<0.05).The test results demonstrated that the LV-mitoNEET group experienced a reduction of 43.5%in iron ion content compared with control group while exhibiting an increase of 33.5%in ATP content(P<0.05).The results obtained from fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated that mitoNEET overexpression led to a significant increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential of erastin-induced brown adipocytes,with increments of 17.61%and 96.05%,respectively.Additionally,mitoNEET overexpression effec-tively reduced the production of mitochondrial ROS by 24.48%(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that mitoNEET overexpression can effectively inhibit the disruption of mitochondrial energy metabolism caused by ferroptosis-induced death of brown adipocytes.
6.Efficiency and safety analysis of Plerixafor combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in lymphoma.
Meng Meng JI ; Yi Ge SHEN ; Ji Chang GONG ; Wei TANG ; Xiao Qian XU ; Zhong ZHENG ; Si Yuan CHEN ; Yang HE ; Xin ZHENG ; Lin Di ZHAO ; Wei Lin ZHAO ; Wen WU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2023;44(2):112-117
Objective: To evaluate the advantages and safety of Plerixafor in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization of lymphoma. Methods: Lymphoma patients who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization with Plerixafor in combination with G-CSF or G-CSF alone were obtained. The clinical data, the success rate of stem cell collection, hematopoietic reconstitution, and treatment-related adverse reactions between the two groups were evaluated retrospectively. Results: A total of 184 lymphoma patients were included in this analysis, including 115 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (62.5%) , 16 cases of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (8.7%) , 11 cases of follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (6.0%) , 10 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (5.4%) , 6 cases of mantle cell lymphoma (3.3%) , and 6 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3.3%) , 6 cases of NK/T-cell lymphoma (3.3%) , 4 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma (2.2%) , 8 cases of other types of B-cell lymphoma (4.3%) , and 2 cases of other types of T-cell lymphoma (1.1%) ; 31 patients had received radiotherapy (16.8%) . The patients in the two groups were recruited with Plerixafor in combination with G-CSF or G-CSF alone. The baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were basically similar. The patients in the Plerixafor in combination with the G-CSF mobilization group were older, and the number of recurrences and third-line chemotherapy was higher. 100 patients were mobilized with G-CSF alone. The success rate of the collection was 74.0% for one day and 89.0% for two days. 84 patients in the group of Plerixafor combined with G-CSF were recruited successfully with 85.7% for one day and 97.6% for two days. The success rate of mobilization in the group of Plerixafor combined with G-CSF was substantially higher than that in the group of G-CSF alone (P=0.023) . The median number of CD34(+) cells obtained in the mobilization group of Plerixafor combined with G-CSF was 3.9×10(6)/kg. The median number of CD34(+) cells obtained in the G-CSF Mobilization group alone was 3.2×10(6)/kg. The number of CD34(+) cells collected by Plerixafor combined with G-CSF was considerably higher than that in G-CSF alone (P=0.001) . The prevalent adverse reactions in the group of Plerixafor combined with G-CSF were grade 1-2 gastrointestinal reactions (31.2%) and local skin redness (2.4%) . Conclusion: The success rate of autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in lymphoma patients treated with Plerixafor combined with G-CSF is significantly high. The success rate of collection and the absolute count of CD34(+) stem cells were substantially higher than those in the group treated with G-CSF alone. Even in older patients, second-line collection, recurrence, or multiple chemotherapies, the combined mobilization method also has a high success rate of mobilization.
Humans
;
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/therapeutic use*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization/methods*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Heterocyclic Compounds/adverse effects*
;
Lymphoma/drug therapy*
;
Lymphoma, T-Cell/therapy*
;
Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Transplantation, Autologous
7.Analysis of influencing factors of medical insurance fund settlement in neonatology under DIP payment method
Zhi-He CHEN ; Kun-He LIN ; Zheng-Dong ZHONG ; Jin ZHOU ; Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Li XIANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2023;16(12):33-39
Objective:To analyze the DIP medical insurance settlement situation of neonatology and its influencing factors,to optimize the medical insurance settlement rules of neonatology,and to promote the fine management of payment method reform.Methods:City Y,the pilot city of national DIP payment method,was selected as the case area,and the data of the whole sample of patients in neonatology department of City Y were analyzed by descriptive analysis,four-quadrant bubble chart,and multivariate linear regression methods,combined with qualitative data analysis and interview study.Results:There were 1 372 neonates in City Y in 2022,with a health insurance billing rate of 84.82%and 81.10%in tertiary care facilities.There were 718 unenrolled cases.Tertiary care institutions,not enrolled,low-birth-weight babies,higher days of hospitalization,lower days of birth,and lower settlement scores were the influencing factors for the low rate of health insurance settlement in neonatology(P<0.05).Conclusion:Neonatology medical insurance settlement rate was significantly lower than that of the city,and tertiary care institutions had higher deficits,which may lead to the risk of shirking critically ill neonatal patients.There were problems of insufficient grouping refinement and score distortion in neonatology.Recommendation:We should improve the management and adjustment mechanism of core elements,optimize the DIP grouping of neonatology,comprehensively consider the resource consumption characteristics of neonates,rationally and dynamically adjust the price of neonatal medical services,and scientifically set the neonatology markup coefficients,so as to achieve synergistic improvement in the development of neonatology and health insurance,and to push forward the connotative and refined development of the reform of the payment method of health insurance.
8.Clinical features of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Weiwei ZHOU ; Tingwei SU ; Yu ZHU ; Lei JIANG ; Fukang SUN ; Yiran JIANG ; Jun DAI ; Cui ZHANG ; Hongchao HE ; Xu ZHONG ; Luming WU ; Sichang ZHENG ; Weiqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023;39(12):1023-1027
Objective:To investigate the clinical profile of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia(PBMAH) and sex difference.Methods:One hundred and forty cases of PBMAH were recruited in our center from 2014, and all patients were evaluated for hormone secretion, adrenal imaging, and metabolic parameters.Results:Overt Cushing′s syndrome accounted for 76.4% of PBMAH cohort and 47.9% were female. The overt group had higher serum cortisol and 24 h urinary free cortisol levels, lower adrenocorticotropic hormone, higher serum cortisol after low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests, larger total adrenal size, and a higher percentage of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypokalemia than the subclinical group(all P<0.05). When compared with the male group, the female group had smaller adrenal size( P<0.001), lower HbA 1C( P=0.003), higher total cholesterol( P=0.005), and lower density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels( P=0.035). Further, 24 h urinary free cortisol in the male group was found to be positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose after oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT), and HbA 1C after adjusted for age, body mass index, and onset duration, and was negatively correlated with body mass index and potassium levels. While 24 h urinary free cortisol in the female group was positively correlated only with diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and 2 h postprandial glucose after OGTT(all P<0.05). During follow-up, 80.0% of patients achieved remission after unilateral adrenalectomy, with a recurrence rate of 17.9%. Conclusion:PBMAH related metabolic disorder is more pronounced in overt Cushing′s syndrome and males. Unilateral adrenalectomy as an effective treatment can benefit the majority of patients.
9.Combination immunotherapy of glioblastoma with dendritic cell cancer vaccines,anti-PD-1 and poly I:C
Ping ZHU ; Shi-You LI ; Jin DING ; Zhou FEI ; Sheng-Nan SUN ; Zhao-Hui ZHENG ; Ding WEI ; Jun JIANG ; Jin-Lin MIAO ; San-Zhong LI ; Xing LUO ; Kui ZHANG ; Bin WANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Su PU ; Qian-Ting WANG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Gao-Liu WEN ; Jun O.LIU ; Thomas-John AUGUST ; Huijie BIAN ; Zhi-Nan CHEN ; You-Wen HE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(6):616-624
Glioblastoma(GBM)is a lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options.Dendritic cell(DC)-based cancer vaccines provide a promising approach for GBM treatment.Clinical studies suggest that other immu-notherapeutic agents may be combined with DC vaccines to further enhance antitumor activity.Here,we report a GBM case with combination immunotherapy consisting of DC vaccines,anti-programmed death-1(anti-PD-1)and poly I:C as well as the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide that was integrated with standard chemoradiation therapy,and the patient remained disease-free for 69 months.The patient received DC vaccines loaded with multiple forms of tumor antigens,including mRNA-tumor associated antigens(TAA),mRNA-neoantigens,and hypochlorous acid(HOCl)-oxidized tumor lysates.Furthermore,mRNA-TAAAs were modified with a novel TriVac technology that fuses TAAs with a destabilization domain and inserts TAAs into full-length lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 to enhance major histo-compatibility complex(MHC)class Ⅰ and Ⅱ antigen presentation.The treatment consisted of 42 DC cancer vaccine infusions,26 anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab administrations and 126 poly I:C injections for DC infusions.The patient also received 28 doses of cyclophosphamide for depletion of regulatory T cells.No immunotherapy-related adverse events were observed during the treatment.Robust antitumor CD4+and CD8+T-cell responses were detected.The patient remains free of disease progression.This is the first case report on the combination of the above three agents to treat glioblastoma patients.Our results suggest that integrated combination immunotherapy is safe and feasible for long-term treatment in this patient.A large-scale trial to validate these findings is warranted.
10.Construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on pyroptosis-related genes.
He Chen RONG ; Wei Feng ZHAO ; Nan ZHENG ; Zhong Hong GUO ; Yi Wei WANG ; Xiao Ping HUANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2023;31(5):509-517
Objective: To study the construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). Methods: HCC patient datasets were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a prognostic model was constructed by applying univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkages and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. According to the median risk score, HCC patients in the TCGA dataset were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, and nomograms were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the prognostic models. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed on differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Finally, two HCC datasets (GSE76427 and GSE54236) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to externally validate the prognostic value of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis or Wilcoxon tests were performed on the data. Results: A total of 366 HCC patients were included after screening the HCC patient dataset obtained from the TCGA database. A prognostic model related to HCC was established using univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and seven genes (CASP8, GPX4, GSDME, NLRC4, NLRP6, NOD2, and SCAF11). 366 cases were evenly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the survival time between patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA, GSE76427, and GSE54236 datasets (median overall survival time was 1 149 d vs. 2 131 d, 4.8 years vs. 6.3 years, and 20 months vs. 28 months, with P = 0.000 8, 0.034 0, and 0.0018, respectively). ROC curves showed good survival predictive value in both the TCGA dataset and two externally validated datasets. The areas under the ROC curves of 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.719, 0.65, and 0.657, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score of the prognostic model was an independent predictor of overall survival time in HCC patients. The risk model score accurately predicted the survival probability of HCC patients according to the established nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis showed that the immune status of the high-risk group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The prognostic model constructed in this study based on seven PRGs accurately predicts the prognosis of HCC patients.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Pyroptosis
;
Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Risk Factors

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail