1.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
2.Protective Effects of Ferrostatin-1 on Liver and Kidney Tissues in Mice with Middle and Late Stages of Diabetes
Huan WANG ; Ming-Xing ZHU ; Zhi-Jing WU ; Wei-Wen CHEN ; Yan-Fang ZHENG ; Ming-Qing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(6):848-856
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with high incidence and many complications,among which type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)accounts for a large proportion.Current studies have shown that T2DM is accompanied by damage of liver,kidney,and other organs and its complications seriously en-danger human health.Ferroptosis generates many Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS)through the Fenton reaction,and the accumulation of ROS activates Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1(HIF-1α).As a result,the level of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)is increased.Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),a ferroptosis in-hibitor,has strong antioxidant capacity.Therefore,based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor(HIF-1α/VEGF)signaling pathway,we explored the therapeutic effect of Fer-1 on the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic mice.db/db mice(21~22 weeks old)were used as the model of diabetes mellitus.Ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 was used as the intervention drug.db/m mice served as the blank control group,and body weight and blood glucose were measured for 4 weeks.Food intake and water intake were recorded in each group.The levels of Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in the serum were measured.ROS and Glutathione(GSH)activity in liver and kidney tissues and urinary protein content were measured.Liver and kidney tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE),and the pathological morphology was observed under a light microscope.The protein levels of HIF-1α,VEGF,and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in liver and kidney tissues were detected by Western blot.In db/db mice,Fer-1(1 mg·kg-1,ig)could significantly reduce the a-mount of food and water intake,the levels of ALT and AST in serum,the ROS production in liver and kidney tissues,and the level of urine protein,but significantly increase the activity of GSH,thus improve the pathological conditions of liver and kidney.Fer-1 also significantly inhibited HIF-1α and VEGF pro-tein indexes and increased GPX4 protein levels in liver and kidney tissues.Although Fer-1 can not change the body weight and reduce blood glucose in diabetic mice,it can play a therapeutic role in the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic mice in the middle and late stages,and its mechanism may be related to HIF-1α/VEGF and GPX4.
3.Efficacy and Prognosis of Chemotherapy Regimen Containing BTK Inhibitor in Treatment of Recurrent/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Huan CHEN ; Xi-Yang LIU ; Yu CHANG ; Zi-Qi CHEN ; Wen-Qi LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):125-131
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and prognosis of chemotherapy regimen containing Bruton's tyrosine kinase(BTK)inhibitor in the treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma(R/R MCL).Methods:The clinical data of 134 patients with R/R MCL were collected and analyzed retrospectively.The clinical characteristics of patients and effect of chemotherapy regimen on efficacy,overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were observed.Results:The median age of the patients was 58(56-61)years old,and male to female ratio was about 2.9∶1.Patients with Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ accounted for 77.6%,extranodal involvement>2 for 43.3%,bone marrow involvement for 60.4%,gastrointestinal involvement for 24.6%,and hepatosplenomegaly for 38.1%.The median follow-up time was 30(2-103)months,overall response rate(ORR)was 41.8%,3-year PFS was not reached,and 3-year and 5-year OS rate was 62.7%and 53.8%,respectively.The ORR of BTK inhibitor group was 56.9%,which was higher than 32.5%of non-BTK inhibitor group(P=0.006).The difference was statistically significant in PFS between the two groups(P=0.002),but was not in OS(P>0.05).The difference was statistically significant in OS between classical and special morphology(P<0.001),but was not in PFS(P>0.05).Ki-67 was an influencing factor for OS and PFS.Multivariate analysis showed that Ki-67,B symptoms,MIPI score,and Ann Arbor stage were independent prognostic factors affecting patients'OS.The second-line treatment regimen was an independent prognostic factor affecting patients'PFS.Conclusions:The chemotherapy regimen containing BTK inhibitors can effectively improve the efficacy and prolong the PFS of R/R MCL patients.Ki-67,B symptoms,MIPI score,and Ann Arbor stage are independent prognostic factors for R/R MCL patients.
4.Clinical Observation on Haploid Hematopoietic Stem Cells Combined with Umbilical Cord Blood Double Transplantation for Aplastic Anaemia in Children
Huan-Jun LIU ; Xing-Hua CHEN ; Wen-Bang ZHANG ; Shu-Xia GUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):890-895
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with umbilical cord blood infusion for the treatment of aplastic anaemia in children.Methods:Nine cases of children with aplastic anaemia treated with umbilical cord blood combined with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the People's Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from January 1,2021 to September 15,2023 with a median age of 11(2-13)years and a median follow up of 18(7.5-21)months were included,and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Hematopoiesis reconstitution,the incidence of graft-versus-host disease(GVHD),infections and survival of the patients were analyzed.Results:All 9 children were successfully implanted.The median time to neutrophil and platelet implantation was 11.11±1.27 d and 12.44±3.36 d,respectively.One case developed acute gastrointestinal GVHD of degree I,which was improved after treatment,and the patient developed superficial gastritis and chronic gastrointestinal GVHD at a later stage,which is currently under clinical follow-up.Acute GVHD of Ⅱ-Ⅳ degree was 0%.Hemorrhagic cystitis in 3 cases,CMV infection in 5 cases and bacterial and fungal infections in 5 cases improved with symptomatic treatment.All 9 children demonstrated complete donor chimerism within 1 month after transplantation,at two years of follow-up,all nine children survived without recurrence or development of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ GVHD,and there were no children with transplant-related deaths.Conclusion:Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with umbilical cord blood transfusion for aplastic anaemia in children has a low incidence and mild degree of GVHD,with significant efficacy,and can be used as a therapeutic option for children without an HLA full donor chimeric match.
5.Determining Disease Activity and Glucocorticoid Response in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy:Preliminary Study Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Hao HU ; Xiong-Ying PU ; Jiang ZHOU ; Wen-Hao JIANG ; Qian WU ; Jin-Ling LU ; Fei-Yun WU ; Huan-Huan CHEN ; Xiao-Quan XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2024;25(12):1070-1082
Objective:
To assess the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) for determining the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and treatment response to glucocorticoids (GCs).
Materials and Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 65 patients with TAO (41 active, 82 eyes; 24 inactive, 48 eyes). Twenty-two active patients completed the GC treatment and follow-up assessment, including 15 patients (30 eyes) and 7 patients (14 eyes), defined as responsive and unresponsive, respectively. Model-free (time to peak [TTP], area under the curve [AUC], and Slope max) and model-based (Ktrans , Kep, and Ve) parameters of EOMs in embedded simplified histogram analyses were calculated and compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Results:
Active patients exhibited significantly higher TTP at the 10th percentile (-10th), TTP-mean, and TTP at the 90th percentile (-90th); AUC-10th, AUC-mean, AUC-90th, and AUC-max; Ktrans -10th and Ktrans -mean; and Ve-10th, Ve-mean, Ve-90th, and Ve-max than inactive patients (P < 0.05). Responsive patients exhibited significantly lower TTP-min; higher Ktrans -mean and Ktrans -max; and higher Kep-10th, Kep-mean, and Kep-max than unresponsive patients (P < 0.05). TTP-mean and Ve-mean were independent variables for determining disease activity (P = 0.017 and 0.022, respectively). A combination of the two parameters could determine active TAO with moderate performance (AUROC = 0.687). TTP-min and Ktrans -mean were independent predictors of the response to GCs (P = 0.023 and 0.004, respectively), uniting which could determine the response to GCs with decent performance (AUROC = 0.821).
Conclusion
DCE-MRI-derived model-free and model-based parameters of EOMs can assist in the evaluation of TAO. In particular, TTP-mean and Ve-mean could be useful for determining the activity of TAO, whereas TTP-min and K trans -mean could be promising biomarkers for determining the response to GCs.
6.SEPT 12 in male infertility:Advances in studies
Hai-Xia CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao-Huan MU ; Wen-Yan TIAN
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(11):1030-1035
SEPT1 2,as a member of the septin gene family,is preferentially expressed in the adult male testis and plays an im-portant role in the spermatogenesis and maturation of sperm.It is also essential for the maintenance of the structural integrity of the sperm tail.SEPT12 is closely related to sperm morphological abnormality,and its mutation leads to decreased fertility or infertility of males.This review presents an overview of the advances in and affords a prospect of the studies on the structure and biological functions of SEPT12 and the impact of its mutation on male fertility.
7.Determining Disease Activity and Glucocorticoid Response in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy:Preliminary Study Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Hao HU ; Xiong-Ying PU ; Jiang ZHOU ; Wen-Hao JIANG ; Qian WU ; Jin-Ling LU ; Fei-Yun WU ; Huan-Huan CHEN ; Xiao-Quan XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2024;25(12):1070-1082
Objective:
To assess the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) for determining the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and treatment response to glucocorticoids (GCs).
Materials and Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 65 patients with TAO (41 active, 82 eyes; 24 inactive, 48 eyes). Twenty-two active patients completed the GC treatment and follow-up assessment, including 15 patients (30 eyes) and 7 patients (14 eyes), defined as responsive and unresponsive, respectively. Model-free (time to peak [TTP], area under the curve [AUC], and Slope max) and model-based (Ktrans , Kep, and Ve) parameters of EOMs in embedded simplified histogram analyses were calculated and compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Results:
Active patients exhibited significantly higher TTP at the 10th percentile (-10th), TTP-mean, and TTP at the 90th percentile (-90th); AUC-10th, AUC-mean, AUC-90th, and AUC-max; Ktrans -10th and Ktrans -mean; and Ve-10th, Ve-mean, Ve-90th, and Ve-max than inactive patients (P < 0.05). Responsive patients exhibited significantly lower TTP-min; higher Ktrans -mean and Ktrans -max; and higher Kep-10th, Kep-mean, and Kep-max than unresponsive patients (P < 0.05). TTP-mean and Ve-mean were independent variables for determining disease activity (P = 0.017 and 0.022, respectively). A combination of the two parameters could determine active TAO with moderate performance (AUROC = 0.687). TTP-min and Ktrans -mean were independent predictors of the response to GCs (P = 0.023 and 0.004, respectively), uniting which could determine the response to GCs with decent performance (AUROC = 0.821).
Conclusion
DCE-MRI-derived model-free and model-based parameters of EOMs can assist in the evaluation of TAO. In particular, TTP-mean and Ve-mean could be useful for determining the activity of TAO, whereas TTP-min and K trans -mean could be promising biomarkers for determining the response to GCs.
8.Determining Disease Activity and Glucocorticoid Response in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy:Preliminary Study Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Hao HU ; Xiong-Ying PU ; Jiang ZHOU ; Wen-Hao JIANG ; Qian WU ; Jin-Ling LU ; Fei-Yun WU ; Huan-Huan CHEN ; Xiao-Quan XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2024;25(12):1070-1082
Objective:
To assess the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) for determining the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and treatment response to glucocorticoids (GCs).
Materials and Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 65 patients with TAO (41 active, 82 eyes; 24 inactive, 48 eyes). Twenty-two active patients completed the GC treatment and follow-up assessment, including 15 patients (30 eyes) and 7 patients (14 eyes), defined as responsive and unresponsive, respectively. Model-free (time to peak [TTP], area under the curve [AUC], and Slope max) and model-based (Ktrans , Kep, and Ve) parameters of EOMs in embedded simplified histogram analyses were calculated and compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Results:
Active patients exhibited significantly higher TTP at the 10th percentile (-10th), TTP-mean, and TTP at the 90th percentile (-90th); AUC-10th, AUC-mean, AUC-90th, and AUC-max; Ktrans -10th and Ktrans -mean; and Ve-10th, Ve-mean, Ve-90th, and Ve-max than inactive patients (P < 0.05). Responsive patients exhibited significantly lower TTP-min; higher Ktrans -mean and Ktrans -max; and higher Kep-10th, Kep-mean, and Kep-max than unresponsive patients (P < 0.05). TTP-mean and Ve-mean were independent variables for determining disease activity (P = 0.017 and 0.022, respectively). A combination of the two parameters could determine active TAO with moderate performance (AUROC = 0.687). TTP-min and Ktrans -mean were independent predictors of the response to GCs (P = 0.023 and 0.004, respectively), uniting which could determine the response to GCs with decent performance (AUROC = 0.821).
Conclusion
DCE-MRI-derived model-free and model-based parameters of EOMs can assist in the evaluation of TAO. In particular, TTP-mean and Ve-mean could be useful for determining the activity of TAO, whereas TTP-min and K trans -mean could be promising biomarkers for determining the response to GCs.
9.Environmental hygiene and healthcare-associated infection:a time-series study based on generalized additive model
Kai LIN ; Kun CHEN ; Jian-Bing WANG ; Fang-Hua FAN ; Hui LIANG ; Fang CHEN ; Kai-Ling JIN ; Wen-Jie CHU ; Wei-Guo CHEN ; Huan SHAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(7):798-805
Objective To quantitatively analyze the impact of environmental hygiene on the occurrence of health-care-associated infections(HAI).Methods Monitoring data of HAI and environmental hygiene from a tertiary first-class hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected,and the impact of environmental bacterial colony forming unit(CFU)on the occurrence of HAI was analyzed by a time-series generalized additive model.Results The single-contamination model showed a significant positive correlation between HAI and staff's hand bacterial CFU(β1=0.009,P=0.012).For an increase of 1 interquartile range(IQR)in the monthly mean CFU per dish(MCFU/Dish)of staffs'hand,the incidence of HAI increased by 13.28%(95%CI:2.82%-24.81%).Subgroup and lag effect analysis showed that when the monthly MCFU/Dish(after hand disinfection)of staffs'hand in-creased by one IQR,the excess risk(ER)of HAI for the month(lag0)was 16.26%(95%CI:15.45%-17.09%).In the multi-contamination model,the correlation between surface contamination and HAI was also statistically sig-nificant.Conclusion There is a significant correlation between hospital environmental hygiene and the occurrence of HAI.
10.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes combined with epigallocatechin-3-gallate in treatment of spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats
Zhisheng LONG ; Feipeng GONG ; Jiabin WEN ; Huan MIN ; Yang SHU ; Zhuoxi LAI ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(19):2953-2959
BACKGROUND:Studies have exhibited that inhibiting apoptosis caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress can save part of nerve function.Epigallocatechin-3-gallate can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress,but it has poor bioavailability and is difficult to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.In combination with exosomes targeting spinal cord repair and high-potency drug loading,theoretically,the combination of the two can play a greater role in spinal cord protection. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes on endoplasmic reticulum stress and neurological function in rats with spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS:Fifty SD male rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group,model group,epigallocatechin-3-gallate group,exosome group,and combined treatment group,with 10 rats in each group.The spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury model was made in the other four groups except for the sham surgery group.Local injection of physiological saline,exosomes,epigallocatechin-3-gallate,epigallocatechin-3-gallate + bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes was performed 2 hours after surgery through a caudal vein.Neurological function scores were performed on 7,14 and 28 days after spinal cord injury.14 days after spinal cord injury,hematoxylin-eosin staining,Nissl staining,and immunofluorescence staining of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers such as ATF6 and GADD153 were performed in the spinal cord tissues. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham surgery group,neurological function scores of the model group,exosome group,epigallocatechin-3-gallate group and combined treatment group all decreased to different degrees.The neurological function score of combined treatment group was better than that of the epigallocatechin-3-gallate group,exosome group and model group 14 days after surgery(P<0.05).The neurological function score of the combined treatment group was better than that of the model group and epigallocatechin-3-gallate group 28 days after surgery(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining displayed that the number of neurons in the model group decreased,with a large number of cavity necrosis and scar hyperplasia in the spinal cord injury area.The number of neurons and peripheral cavity necrosis improved to varying degrees in the epigallocatechin-3-gallate group,exosome group,and combined treatment group,with the most significant improvement in the combined treatment group.(3)The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins ATF6 and GADD153:14 days postoperatively,the expression of GADD153 in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the model group and epigallocatechin-3-gallate group(P<0.05),and the expression of ATF6 in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the model group,exosome group,and epigallocatechin-3-gallate group(P<0.05).(4)These findings confirm that epigallocatechin-3-gallate combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosome can enhance the neurological function in rats with spinal cord ischemia/reperfusionn injury,which may be associated with the inhibition of the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins ATF6 and GADD153.

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