1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule (升陷益心颗粒) in the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Based on Macrophage-Mediated Inflammatory Response
Zhengwei DONG ; Rui YU ; Qiaozhi LI ; Huan ZHAO ; Jingjing WEI ; Genhao FAN ; Xinlu WANG ; He WANG ; Yongxia WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2086-2094
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule (升陷益心颗粒, SYG) in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). MethodsExperiment 1: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose [25 mg/(kg·d)], medium-dose [50 mg/(kg·d)], and high-dose [(75 mg/(kg·d)] SYG groups, with 8 mice per group. Except for the control group, HFpEF was induced by a high-fat diet combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in drinking water for 16 weeks. After 10 weeks of modeling, treatment groups received corresponding doses of SYG by gavage, while the control group and model group received equal volume of normal saline, for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of administration, the body weight, blood pressure including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (HW/TL) were recorded. Echocardiography was used to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A). Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by ELISA. The expression level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. Blood lipid levels, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were determined by a biochemical analyzer. Splenic proportions of M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, T helper 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiment 2: RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an M1 macrophage polarization model, and then treated with SYG-containing serum for 24 h. The cells were divided into four groups, including blank serum group, high-dose SYG-containing serum group, LPS group, and LPS plus high-dose SYG-containing serum group. Combined with asignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) inhibitor for 24 h, the cells were divided into a lipopolysaccharide group, a high-dose SYG-containing serum group, an inhibitor group, and high-dose SYG-containing serum plus inhibitor group. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in each group were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of iNOS, IL-1β, Stat3, and phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3) were detected by Western Blotting. ResultsExperiment 1: Compared to the control group, the model group showed significantly decreased E/A ratio, and increased cardiac BNP expression, plasma NT-proBNP,HW/TL ratio, body weight, TC, LDL-C, SBP, and DBP, as well as shortened exhaustion distance and exhaustion time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the E/A ratio increased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose SYG groups; cardiac BNP expression decreased in the low- and high-dose groups, and plasma NT-proBNP levels decreased in the high-dose group; the HW/TL ratio and body weight decreased, while exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups; TG levels decreased in the low- and medium-dose groups, and LDL-C levels decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups; SBP and DBP decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the low-dose SYG group, body weight decreased, and both exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the medium-dose SYG group, the exhaustion time increased in the high-dose SYG group (P<0.01). Experiment 2: In the LPS‑induced M1 macrophage polarization model, compared to the blank serum group, the LPS group showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β, as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio (P<0.01). Compared to the LPS group, the high‑dose SYG-containing serum plus LPS group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β, as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the LPS group, the inhibitor group also showed significantly reduced these parameters (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionSYG can improve cardiac function, ventricular remodeling, exercise capacity, and lipid metabolism in HFpEF mice, while inhibiting inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Stat3 signaling pathway and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization.
5.Mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule (升陷益心颗粒) in the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Based on Macrophage-Mediated Inflammatory Response
Zhengwei DONG ; Rui YU ; Qiaozhi LI ; Huan ZHAO ; Jingjing WEI ; Genhao FAN ; Xinlu WANG ; He WANG ; Yongxia WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2086-2094
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granule (升陷益心颗粒, SYG) in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). MethodsExperiment 1: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose [25 mg/(kg·d)], medium-dose [50 mg/(kg·d)], and high-dose [(75 mg/(kg·d)] SYG groups, with 8 mice per group. Except for the control group, HFpEF was induced by a high-fat diet combined with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in drinking water for 16 weeks. After 10 weeks of modeling, treatment groups received corresponding doses of SYG by gavage, while the control group and model group received equal volume of normal saline, for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of administration, the body weight, blood pressure including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (HW/TL) were recorded. Echocardiography was used to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A). Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by ELISA. The expression level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. Blood lipid levels, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were determined by a biochemical analyzer. Splenic proportions of M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, T helper 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiment 2: RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an M1 macrophage polarization model, and then treated with SYG-containing serum for 24 h. The cells were divided into four groups, including blank serum group, high-dose SYG-containing serum group, LPS group, and LPS plus high-dose SYG-containing serum group. Combined with asignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) inhibitor for 24 h, the cells were divided into a lipopolysaccharide group, a high-dose SYG-containing serum group, an inhibitor group, and high-dose SYG-containing serum plus inhibitor group. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in each group were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of iNOS, IL-1β, Stat3, and phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3) were detected by Western Blotting. ResultsExperiment 1: Compared to the control group, the model group showed significantly decreased E/A ratio, and increased cardiac BNP expression, plasma NT-proBNP,HW/TL ratio, body weight, TC, LDL-C, SBP, and DBP, as well as shortened exhaustion distance and exhaustion time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the E/A ratio increased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose SYG groups; cardiac BNP expression decreased in the low- and high-dose groups, and plasma NT-proBNP levels decreased in the high-dose group; the HW/TL ratio and body weight decreased, while exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups; TG levels decreased in the low- and medium-dose groups, and LDL-C levels decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups; SBP and DBP decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the low-dose SYG group, body weight decreased, and both exhaustion distance and exhaustion time increased in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the medium-dose SYG group, the exhaustion time increased in the high-dose SYG group (P<0.01). Experiment 2: In the LPS‑induced M1 macrophage polarization model, compared to the blank serum group, the LPS group showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β, as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio (P<0.01). Compared to the LPS group, the high‑dose SYG-containing serum plus LPS group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and IL‑1β, as well as the p‑Stat3/Stat3 ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the LPS group, the inhibitor group also showed significantly reduced these parameters (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionSYG can improve cardiac function, ventricular remodeling, exercise capacity, and lipid metabolism in HFpEF mice, while inhibiting inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Stat3 signaling pathway and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization.
6.Fresh Rehmanniae Radix regulates cholesterol metabolism disorder in mice fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol diet via FXR-mediated bile acid reabsorption.
Xin-Yu MENG ; Yan CHEN ; Li-Qin ZHAO ; Qing-Pu LIU ; Yong-Huan JIN ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Xiao-Ke ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1670-1679
This study aims to investigate the potential effect of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix on hypercholesterolemia in mice that was induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet and explore its possible mechanism from bile acid reabsorption. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into the following groups: control, model, low-and high-dose(4 and 8 g·kg~(-1), respectively) fresh Rehmanniae Radix, and positive drug(simvastatin, 0.05 g·kg~(-1)). Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 6 consecutive weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. From the 6th week, mice were administrated with corresponding drugs daily via gavage for additional 6 weeks, while continuing to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-c), and total bile acid(TBA), as well as liver TC and TG levels and fecal TBA level, were determined by commercial assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Three livers samples were randomly selected from each of the control, model, and high-dose fresh Rehmanniae Radix groups for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were mined and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to predict the key pathways and target genes of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. RT-qPCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) and cholesterol 27α-hydroxylase(CYP27A1) in the liver. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 in the liver as well as farnesoid X receptor(FXR), apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter(ASBT), and ileum bile acid-binding protein(I-BABP) in the ileum. The results showed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly lowered the levels of TC and TG in the serum and liver, as well as the level of LDL-c in the serum. Conversely, it elevated the level of HDL-c in the serum and TBA in feces. No significant difference was observed in the level of TBA in the serum among groups. HE staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the water extract reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. Further mechanism studies revealed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly down-regulated the protein levels of FXR and bile acid reabsorption-related proteins ASBT and I-BABP. Additionally, it enhanced CYP7A1 and CYP27A1, the key enzymes involved in bile acid synthesis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix may exert an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect by regulating FXR/ASBT/I-BABP signaling, inhibiting bile acid reabsorption, and increasing bile acid excretion, thus facilitating the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.
Animals
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Male
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Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice
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Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
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Cholesterol/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Hypercholesterolemia/genetics*
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics*
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Rehmannia/chemistry*
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Liver/drug effects*
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Humans
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Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics*
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Plant Extracts
7.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in neutropenia management after CAR-T cell therapy: A safety and efficacy evaluation in refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Xinping CAO ; Meng ZHANG ; Ruiting GUO ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Rui SUN ; Xia XIAO ; Xue BAI ; Cuicui LYU ; Yedi PU ; Juanxia MENG ; Huan ZHANG ; Haibo ZHU ; Pengjiang LIU ; Zhao WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenyi LU ; Hairong LYU ; Mingfeng ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):111-113
8.Evaluation of chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula
Qing-gang ZHANG ; Dai-liang ZHANG ; Hong QI ; Shu-wen DING ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Yun-lun LI ; Ji-fu HE ; Huan-ying GUO ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3555-3565
AIM To evaluate the chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula.METHODS HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established,the analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic YMC-Triart C18 column(4.6 mm× 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.Puerarin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of 3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin apioside,magnolflorine,paeoniflora,daidzin,baicalin,palmatine,berberine,wogonoside and benzoylpaeoniflorin,after which the content detemination was made by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS).RESULTS The characteristic chromatograms of 9 batches of formula granules and 15 bacthes of traditional decoctions demonstrated the similarities of more than 0.90 at the detection wavelengths of 192,210,240,260,280,300,320,360 nm,along with similar total peak areas.Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 97.27%-101.64%with the RSDs of 0.36%-1.11%,the result obtained by QAMS and external standard method demonstrated no significant differences(P>0.05).The contents of various constituents in the formula granules approximated those in the traditional decoctions.CONCLUSION The consistent kinds and contents of various constituents are obversable in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula,which can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of this formula.
9.Comparison of efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Xing XIAO ; Shan WANG ; Huan YANG ; Hong SHU ; Yanping GUO ; Jinping CHEN ; Yao LU ; Qinfeng LI ; Yuan LIANG ; Mutong ZHAO ; Xiaoyan LUO ; Limin MIAO ; Rui XU ; Xuemei LI ; Sha LAI ; Jianhong LI ; Zhen LUO ; Lu YU ; Lu XING ; Meitan WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Haitao XU ; Ping LI ; Hua WANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(5):425-430
Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.
10.Oroxylin A induces apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Huan-huan ZHAO ; Yu-qian JIAO ; Ruo-qi QIAO ; Xue BAI ; Na WANG ; Yun-jie TIAN ; Wen-ling FAN ; Li LI ; Su-wen SU ; Yan FU ; Hui ZHANG ; Hong-fang YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):555-560
Aim To investigate the effect of oroxylin A(OA)on apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer and the underlying mechanism through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.Methods Ishikawa cells were treated with different concentrations of OA(0,4,8,10,12,and 20 μmol·L-1)for 24 h-72 h,the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein ex-pression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),PI3K/AKT,recombinant cytochrome P450 1B1(CYP1B1),and catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)were detected by Western blot technique.Results OA inhibited the prolifera-tion of Ishikawa cells in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner.Compared with the blank control group,the expression of Bax protein increased signifi-cantly,while the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly with the increase of OA concentration.The expression of COMT protein increased significant-ly,while the expression of CYP1B1 protein decreased significantly.PI3K/AKT:IGF-1(PI3 K agonist)sup-plementation reversed the effect,the expression of COMT protein significantly decreased,and the expres-sion of CYP1B1 protein significantly increased.Con-clusions OA exerts anti-tumor effects in Ishikawa cells of endometrial cancer,which may be related to cell apoptosis mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.


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