1.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
2.Effects of Liangxue Heying Formula-medicated serum on the activation of LPS-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Chun-lan XIA ; Xia FENG ; Ye-min CAO ; Zhi-qiang LIANG ; Yi LE ; Hong-tao XU ; Fei QI ; Ji LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1150-1156
AIM To investigate the effects of Liangxue Heying Formula-medicated serum(LXHY-MS)on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS).METHODS CCK-8,DCFH-DA fluorescence probe and Western blot method were used to screen the LPS concentration in modeling and the serum LXHY concentration for treatment.The HUVECs divided into the normal group,the model group and the LXHY-MS group had their SOD activity detected by automatic biochemical analyzer;their MDA level detected by colorimetry;their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 detected by Western blot;and their mROS expression and recruitment effect on THP-1 photographed with high connotation.With the use of JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor(AG490),the HUVECs divided into the normal group,the AG490 group,the LPS group,the LPS+AG490 group,the LPS+LXHY-MS group,and LPS+LXHY-MS+AG490 group were subjected to the corresponding treatment,followed by the detection of their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group displayed decreased SOD activity(P<0.01),increased MDA level(P<0.05),increased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Compared with the model group,the LXHY-MS group shared increased SOD activity(P<0.05),decreased MDA level(P<0.01),decreased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),reduced mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Given the use of AG490,the model group displayed increased protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in contrast to the normal group(P<0.05,P<0.01);each intervened group showed decreased expressions of related proteins in contrast to the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION LXHY-MS may protect the injury due to the activation of HUVECs by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
3.Alisol A 24-acetate ameliorates cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in brain micro vascular endothelial cells via miR-98-5p/TRPM2
Wei WEI ; Hui-hong LI ; Pei-tao XU ; Da-mei TAO ; Yun-fei DENG ; Zeng-tu ZHAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):695-702
Aim To explore the underlying molecular mechanism of Alisol A 24-acetate(24A)in improving oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)injury in brain microvascular endothelial cells(BMECs)and its correlation with miR-98-5p/transi-ent receptor potential melastatin-2(TRPM2).Meth-ods The ischemia-reperfusion injury in brain micro-vascular endothelial cells(BMECs)was established u-sing bEnd.3 cells subjected to 8 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by 16 h of re-oxygenation.The cells were intervened by miR-98-5p mimics and/or 18.77 μmol·L-1 24A for 24 h and divided into the control group,OGD/R group,OGD/R+24A group,OGD/R+24A+miR-98-5p mimics group and OGD/R+miR-98-5p mimics group.The mRNA levels of miR-98-5p and TRPM2 were detected by qPCR.IL-1 β and TNF-α levels were detected by ELISA.The expression levels of TRPM2,p-AKT,p-GSK3 β,AKT,GSK3 β,Bcl-2,Bax,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-5 were detected by Western blot.Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were detected by flow cytometry.The targeting relationship between miR-98-5p and TRPM2 was verified using dual luciferase assay.Results Compared with the control group,the apoptosis of OGD/R group was obvious,Bcl-2/Bax decreased,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-5 decreased,IL-1 β,TNF-α and ROS increased,miR-98-5p,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β decreased but TRPM2 increased.But com-pared with the OGD/R group,except the control group,the other three groups showed the opposite trend in the above aspects;compared with the OGD/R+24A group,OGD/R+24A+miR-98-5p mimics group showed decreased apoptosis,decreased degradation of ZO-1,Occludin and Claudin-5,and decreased inflam-mation and ROS.miR-98-5p,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β increased and TRPM2 decreased.However,compared with the OGD/R+24A+miR-98-5p mimics group,the OGD/R+miR-98-5p mimics group reversed this trend.Dual luciferase confirmed that miR-98-5p targeted regulation of TRPM2.Conclusion 24A in-hibits the expression of TRPM2 in BMECs through miR-98-5p,regulates AKT/GSK3β signal pathway,re-duces OGD/R inflammation and oxidative stress-medi-ated apoptosis,prevents the degradation of ZO-1,Oc-cludin and Claudin-5,and improves BBB permeability.
4.Underlying target of bullatine A in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on LiP-SMap drug target proteomics
Hao-hong ZHANG ; Nan-ting ZOU ; Chun-fei ZHANG ; Qing-yan MO ; Ming-qian JU ; Xiao-hong LI ; Shuai LIU ; Mao-kui HUANG ; Hong-yun WANG ; Chun-ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1072-1078
Aim To identify the underlying target of bullatine A(BA)against rheumatoid arthritis(RA)u-sing limited proteolysis-small molecule mapping(LiP-SMap)drug target proteomics and to provide a scientif-ic basis for clinical application of Aconiti brachypodi Radix in the treatment of RA.Methods LiP-SMap drug target proteomics was employed to perform bioin-formatics analysis for comparing and validating the dif-ferential protein expression after BA intervention.A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was estab-lished in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were then divided into the CIA model group,methotrexate-positive control group(MTX group),and BA groups(10 mg·kg-1 and 20 mg·kg-1)based on their clinical scores.After drug intervention,the thera-peutic efficacy against RA was assessed by joint index scores and foot thickness measurements.Histopatholog-ical changes in the arthritic joints of CIA mice were e-valuated using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to detect inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17(IL-17)and total IgG and IgG3 anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies levels from the serum of CIA mice.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of intracellular Th17 cells(IL-17+CD4+T cells)and Th1 cells(IFN-γ+CD4+T cells).Fluorescent quanti-tative PCR was performed to detect the expression of genes related to differential proteins.Results The proteomic analysis identified Serpinb1a as a protein with strong binding affinity to BA,and KEGG enrich-ment analysis indicated IL-17 signaling pathway was a crucial pathway of BA in against RA.BA treatment significantly reduced clinical scores and foot thickness,improved local arthritis symptoms in CIA mice,and al-leviated inflammatory cell infiltration into arthritic joints(P<0.05).Differential protein validation re-sults showed that BA had strong affinity with Serpinb1a(-5.92 kJ·mol-1)and downregulated the expres-sion of Serpinb1a mRNA.Furthermore,the administra-tion of BA markedly reduced serum IL-17 A levels from CIA mice,inhibited the expression of intracellular IL-17 A and IFN-γ cytokines in splenic CD4+T cells(P<0.05),and significantly downregulated the transcrip-tional expression of IL-17F(P<0.05).Conclusion BA exhibits therapeutic effects on collagen-induced arthritis,and its mechanism of action may involve the regulation of Serpinb1a and the IL-17 signaling path-way.
5.Review of prehospital hemostatic devices applied in noncompressible hemorrhage
Fei GAO ; Yu-qing DONG ; Lei XU ; Hong-xia LI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):72-82
The definition and classification of noncompressible hemorrhage were introduced.The current status of the application of prehospital hemostatic devices in noncompressible hemorrhage were reviewed,and the indications and methods of use of various types of devices were analyzed.The existing problems of prehospital hemostatic devices were analyzed,and the future development directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):72-82]
6.Effect of triglyceride-glucose index combined with C-reactive protein on new-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Yurui DU ; Fei TIAN ; Hong JI ; Yaochen WEI ; Yunpeng LI ; Xinyu GE ; Minghua LI ; Xiangming MA
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1541-1547
Objective To investigate whether there is a synergistic pathogenic effect between triglyceride glucose index(TyG)and C-reactive protein(CRP)on new-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by observing the influence of combinations of TyG and CRP at different levels,and to provide a basis for identifying the high-risk population of NAFLD.Methods A total of 31 935 employees in Kailuan Group who participated in physical examination in 2006-2007 were enrolled as the observation cohort,and they had no history of drinking,fatty liver disease,cardiovascular disease,or malignant tumor and did not take antidiabetic or lipid-lowering drugs.According to the median of TyG and CRP at baseline,the subjects were divided into TyG<8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group,TyG<8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group,TyG≥8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group,and TyG≥8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups,and an analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups after logarithmic transformation;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of NAFLD in different combinations of CRP and TyG levels,and the multivariate Cox regression model was used to investigate the influence of different combinations of TyG and CRP on the incidence rate of NAFLD.Results After a mean follow-up time of 7.59 years,a total of 16 592 employees developed NAFLD.The cumulative incidence rate of NAFLD in the TyG<8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group,TyG<8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group,TyG≥8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group,and TyG≥8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group were 59.5%,67.1%,73.8%,and 80.8%,respectively(P<0.001).After adjustment for confounding factors,compared with the TyG<8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group,the TyG≥8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group had the highest risk of developing NAFLD(hazard ratio[HR]=1.54,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.47-1.61),followed by the TyG≥8.42 and CRP<0.60 mg/L group(HR=1.43,95%CI:1.36-1.49)and the TyG<8.42 and CRP≥0.60 mg/L group(HR=1.17,95%CI:1.12-1.22).Conclusion With elevated TyG and CRP levels,the cumulative incidence of NAFLD increased,and rising levels of these markers significantly augmented the risk of NAFLD development.
7.Honey-processed Hedysari Radix regulating the colon of spleen qi deficiency rats study on the GPR41/GPR43 mediated mitogen-activated protein kinases signal pathway
Er-dan XIN ; Guo-feng LI ; Tian-tian BIAN ; Yu-gui ZHANG ; Fei-yun GAO ; Ting LIU ; Zhuan-hong ZHANG ; Yue-feng LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):215-219
Objective To explore the mechanism of honey-processed Hedysari Radix in the regulation of intestinal immunity in rats with spleen qi deficiency,which was based on G protein-coupled receptor 41(GPR41)/GPR43-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.Methods The three-factor composite modeling method of eating disorder,diarrhea and fatigue was used to establish a model of spleen qi deficiency,and the rats were randomly divided into model,honey-processed Hedysari Radix,probiotics and blank groups with 15 rats per group.The honey-processed Hedysari Radix group was given by gavage 12.6 g·kg-1 aqueous extract of honey-processed Hedysari Radix.The probiotics group was given 0.625 g·kg-1 bifidobacterium triple viable solution by gavage.The blank and model groups were given the same dose of distilled water by gavage.Four groups were treated for 15 d with once a day.The expression levels of GPR41,GPR43,P38 MAPK,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and extracellular regulatory protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)in colon tissues were detected by Western blotting.Results The relative expression levels of GPR41 in the blank,model,honey-processed Hedysari Radix and probiotics groups were 0.95±0.07,0.45±0.03,0.84±0.19 and 0.86±0.20;the relative expression levels of GPR43 were 1.17±0.11,0.41±0.06,0.66±0.03 and 0.57±0.01;the phosphorylated ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios were 0.16±0.01,0.43±0.01,0.39±0.01 and 0.36±0.02;the phosphorylated JNK/JNK ratios were 0.58±0.05,1.47±0.10,0.90±0.11 and 0.90±0.11;the phosphorylated P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK ratios were 1.77±0.33,3.19±0.03,2.01±0.17 and 2.23±0.59,respectively.Compared with the model group,the differences of above indexes were statistically significant in the honey-processed Hedysari Radix and probiotics groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of honey-processed Hedysari Radix regulating intestinal immunity in rats with spleen qi deficiency is related to the regulation of GPR41/GPR43 mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
8.Discussion on the pharmaceutical research of generic drugs of sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets
Yun-chuan HAN ; Xiao-hong XU ; Fei LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):290-295
Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets are a novel supramolecular co-crystal drug that combines the dual effects of angiotensin receptor blockade and neprilysin inhibitor.It has shown broad application prospects in heart failure,hypertension,maintaining water sodium balance in the body,and protecting target organs,etc.It is a major breakthrough in cardiovascular treatment drugs in recent years.It is clinically used in China for chronic heart failure in adult patients with reduced ejection fraction and primary hypertension.In recent years,pharmaceutical co-crystals has become a hot topic in the research of crystalline drugs,and sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets,as a marketed co-crystal drug,have attracted industry attention.This article summarizes the characteristics of sacubitril valsartan sodium co-crystal drug,the application and approval cases through relevant literature investigation,and discussses pharmaceutical research of the formulation,in order to provide some references for the research and development of generic drugs.
9.Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide deficiency
Rui-Xue MA ; Wen-Hai LUO ; Yi-Lin DAI ; Gui-Xian LI ; Fei WANG ; Ou JIANG ; Yin-Hong ZHANG ; Yun-Fen TIAN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1514-1519
Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.
10.Current situation and optimization strategies of long-term care insurance financing and benefit payment in Jiaxing city
Yu-rong JING ; Xin-ning WANG ; Hong-fei ZHU ; Zhong-xin SU ; Ying WANG ; Li LUO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(1):51-57
Jiaxing city is one of the pilot cities for the Long-term Care Insurance(LTCI)policy in Zhejiang Province.This study examines the current implementation status of Jiaxing's LTCI policy in terms of financing(including financing targets,channels,methods,and standards)and benefit payments(including payment forms,contents,standards,and levels).It summarizes the experiences and challenges encountered during the pilot process.Currently,Jiaxing's LTCI policy has undergone continuous improvement in financing and benefit payment mechanisms.The financing targets now cover both urban and rural residents,and the coverage has expanded from individuals with severe disabilities to include those with severe dementia.The benefit content has been refined,with the introduction of a detailed service project directory and service pricing.For the future,it is recommended to expand the coverage to individuals with moderate disabilities,based on the fund's capacity and sustainability,and to differentiate benefit standards according to the severity of disability.Furthermore,it is suggested to strengthen the responsibilities of employers and individuals,diversify financing channels,and gradually explore an independent financing mechanism for LTCI.A combination of fixed-amount and proportional financing methods should be considered,alongside factors such as intergenerational equity and population aging trends,to establish a scientific and dynamic premium adjustment mechanism.

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