1.Targeting PPARα for The Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Tong-Tong ZHANG ; Hao-Zhuo ZHANG ; Li HE ; Jia-Wei LIU ; Jia-Zhen WU ; Wen-Hua SU ; Ju-Hua DAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2295-2313
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among adults globally, with continuously rising morbidity and mortality rates. Metabolic disorders are closely linked to various cardiovascular diseases and play a critical role in their pathogenesis and progression, involving multifaceted mechanisms such as altered substrate utilization, mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunction, and impaired ATP synthesis and transport. In recent years, the potential role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in cardiovascular diseases has garnered significant attention, particularly peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which is recognized as a highly promising therapeutic target for CVD. PPARα regulates cardiovascular physiological and pathological processes through fatty acid metabolism. As a ligand-activated receptor within the nuclear hormone receptor family, PPARα is highly expressed in multiple organs, including skeletal muscle, liver, intestine, kidney, and heart, where it governs the metabolism of diverse substrates. Functioning as a key transcription factor in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and catalyzing or regulating biochemical reactions, PPARα exerts its cardioprotective effects through multiple pathways: modulating lipid metabolism, participating in cardiac energy metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, suppressing inflammatory responses, improving vascular endothelial function, and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. These mechanisms collectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease development. Thus, PPARα plays a pivotal role in various pathological processes via mechanisms such as lipid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory actions, and anti-apoptotic effects. PPARα is activated by binding to natural or synthetic lipophilic ligands, including endogenous fatty acids and their derivatives (e.g., linoleic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid) as well as synthetic peroxisome proliferators. Upon ligand binding, PPARα activates the nuclear receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR), forming a PPARα-RXR heterodimer. This heterodimer, in conjunction with coactivators, undergoes further activation and subsequently binds to peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs), thereby regulating the transcription of target genes critical for lipid and glucose homeostasis. Key genes include fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), and glucose transporter (GLUT), which are primarily involved in fatty acid uptake, storage, oxidation, and glucose utilization processes. Advancing research on PPARα as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases has underscored its growing clinical significance. Currently, PPARα activators/agonists, such as fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate and bezafibrate) and thiazolidinediones, have been extensively studied in clinical trials for CVD prevention. Traditional PPARα agonists, including fenofibrate and bezafibrate, are widely used in clinical practice to treat hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. These fibrates enhance fatty acid metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle by activating PPARα, and their cardioprotective effects have been validated in numerous clinical studies. Recent research highlights that fibrates improve insulin resistance, regulate lipid metabolism, correct energy metabolism imbalances, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, thereby ameliorating pathological remodeling of the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure. Given the substantial attention to PPARα-targeted interventions in both basic research and clinical applications, activating PPARα may serve as a key therapeutic strategy for managing cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. This review comprehensively examines the regulatory roles of PPARα in cardiovascular diseases and evaluates its clinical application value, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization of PPARα-related therapies in CVD treatment.
2.Discussion on acceptance limit of drug metabolites in quality standard
Yunfei LIU ; Lingbo WANG ; Xiulan WU ; Jia YU ; Hao ZHOU ; Lihong YANG
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(5):526-528
This paper discussed how to set the limit of impurities in the quality standard when the impurities in small-molecular innovative drugs were metabolites.Firstly,through the analysis and interpretation of each relevant guideline,in combination with the review cases of FDA and EMA,found out the conditions for qualification of im-purity,and then establ ish the acceptable limit of impurities based on the test results of multiple batches,the incre-ments of production process and storage process.
3.Establishment and evaluation of animal model of filum terminale traction tethered cord syndrome
Qing-Yu JIANG ; Ai-Jia SHANG ; Xu-Dong SHI ; Hao-Feng CHENG ; Tian-Qi SU ; Yan WU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(11):985-990
Objective To establish a new animal model of filum terminale traction tethered cord syndrome to explore its pathogenesis.Methods Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the traction group and the sham group,with 8 rabbits in each group.The traction group used silk thread to establish a model of filum terminale traction tethered cord syndrome,while the sham group only cut the filum terminale without traction.After 8 weeks,the behavioral Talov score,lumbosacral MRI examination,somatosensory evoked potential detection,urodynamic index test and pathological analysis were completed.Results At the 8th week after surgery,the hindlimb injury was obvious in the traction group,and the Talov scores at the 4th and 8th weeks after operation were lower than those in the sham group(P<0.001).The lumbosacral MRI results at 8 weeks after surgery showed that the distal filum terminale was pulled by silk thread,with bladder abnormal enlargement in sagital MRI in the traction group,while axial MRI showed the spinal cord within the spinal canal was subjected to mechanical forces in the downward and dorsal directions;the sagittal and axial MRI of the sham group showed that the spinal cord was located in the middle of the spinal canal and the bladder size was normal.At the 8th week after surgery,the amplitude in the traction group was significantly lower than that in the sham group(P<0.001),and the amplitude decreased by more than 50% .The overall latency period in the traction group was slightly longer than that in the sham group(P<0.05).The results of urodynamic examination showed that the maximum bladder capacity in the traction group was significantly higher than that in the sham group(Z=-3.361,P<0.001),the bladder pressure was significantly lower than that in the sham group(Z=-3.361,P<0.001),and the bladder compliance was significantly higher than that in the sham group(P<0.001).Pathological staining showed that the traction of the filum terminale on the spinal cord led to nerve tissue damage and degeneration of bladder epithelial cells.Conclusion This study successfully established a model of filum terminale traction tethered cord syndrome of New Zealand white rabbits,which can provide reference for exploring the pathogenesis of tethered cord and understanding the pathological process of spinal cord injury.
4.Long non-coding RNA PART1 Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Laryngeal Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Hao WU ; Wen-Tao ZHANG ; Feng-Feng JIA ; Ming LIU ; Jian-Jun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(7):976-986
Long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)PART1,a competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA),plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of various tumors.However,research on PART1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC)remains scarce.Based on preliminary lncRNA sequencing data,we found that PART1 was sig-nificantly downregulated in LSCC tissues.Further analysis of sequencing and clinical data from public databases such as TCGA revealed 146 differentially expressed lncRNAs(95 upregulated and 51 downregulated)and 2 424 differentially expressed mRNAs when comparing LSCC tumor and adjacent tissues.The results showed that PART1 was generally downregulated in LSCC(P<0.0001),and patients with high PART1 expression had significantly better prognosis(P<0.05).We used bioinformatics methods to construct the ceRNA regulatory network of PART1 in LSCC and identified the miRNAs and mRNAs interacting with it.Under laboratory conditions,the im-portance of PART1 in LSCC cells was validated in vitro.Overexpression vectors significantly increased the expres-sion of PART1 in LSCC cells(P<0.001).Experiments including 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining,apoptosis analysis,scratch healing assay,Transwell assay,and phalloidin staining showed that overexpression of PART1 sig-nificantly affected the proliferation,apoptosis,migration,and invasion of LSCC cells in vitro(P<0.001).There-fore,PART1 may suppress the occurrence and development of LSCC.This study provides a theoretical basis for e-lucidating the role of PART1 in LSCC.
5.Knockdown of best1 Gene in Zebrafish Caused Abnormal Neuronal and Skeletal Development - A Subtype of Craniovertebral Junction Malformation?
Zhenlei LIU ; Kang LI ; Kai WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Shanhang JIA ; He WANG ; Fengzeng JIAN ; Hao WU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):555-564
Objective:
To investigate the developmental defects caused by knockdown of best1 gene in zebrafish as a model for a subtype of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) malformation.
Methods:
Two antisense morpholinos (MOs) were designed targeting zebrafish best1 to block translation (ATG-MO) or to disrupt splicing (I3E4-MO). MOs were microinjected into fertilized one-cell embryos. Efficacy of splicing MO was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Phenotypes were analyzed and quantified by microscopy at multiple developmental stages. Neuronal outgrowth was assessed in transgenic zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein in neurons. Skeletal ossification was visualized by Calcein staining.
Results:
Knockdown of best1 resulted in zebrafish embryos with shorter body length, curved axis, low survival rate, microcephaly, reduced eye size, smaller head and brain, impaired neuronal outgrowth, and reduced ossification of craniofacial and vertebral bone.
Conclusion
Best1 gene plays critical roles in ophthalmologic, neurological and skeletal development in zebrafish. A patient with a premature stop codon in BEST1 gene exhibited similar phenotypes, implying a subtype of CVJ malformation.
6.Development of a working model of evidence-based nursing practice in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis
Yu WANY ; Yufang HAO ; Yufen MA ; Yuan XU ; Ranxun AN ; Haibo DENG ; Lei WANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Jia LIU ; Liyun ZHU ; Xinjuan WU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(15):1804-1811
Objective To construct an evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing deep vein thrombosis(DVT)and provide a scientific and targeted theoretical basis for nurses to carry out evidence-based nursing practice in DVT prevention.Methods Based on the previous evidence-based nursing practice project on DVT prevention after hip and knee arthroplasty,the research team used theoretical analysis and brainstorming to develop a draft of the work model.Expert meetings were organized to validate the content of the draft using the Delphi method,leading to the finalization of the evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing DVT.Results The Knowledge-to-Action(KTA)framework was selected as the basic framework for constructing the evidence-based nursing practice model for preventing DVT.Theoretical Domain Framework,Theory of Planned Behavior,and Social Cognitive Theory were chosen to explore the influencing factors of nurses'behavior change in preventing DVT through evidence-based practice.The authority coefficient of the participating experts was 0.904,indicating high reliability.The final model consisted of 6 key components:knowledge generation,problem identification,localization and adaptation,knowledge application,sustained knowledge use,and conceptual framework for behavior change through evidence-based practice.Conclusion Based on theoretical analysis and clinical practice,this study developed an evidence-based practice model for nurses in preventing DVT using the expert meeting.The research methodology was scientific,and the content was reliable,providing a theoretical basis for nurses to engage in evidence-based nursing practice for DVT prevention.
7.Thulium laser enucleation versus plasma kinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Wei-Dong ZHANG ; Wen-Jia WANG ; Zhi-Qiang SONG ; Zhe MA ; Jia-Wei ZHANG ; Hao-Hao WANG ; Jian-Chen WU
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(6):514-518
Objective:To compare thulium laser enucleation of the prostate(ThuLEP)with plasma kinetic resection of the prostate(PKRP)in the treatment of BPH.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 160 cases of BPH treated by ThuLEP(the observation group,n=80)or PKRP(the control group,n=80)in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023.We recorded the operation time,bladder irrigation time,catheter retention time,hospitalization time,postoperative complica-tions,and pre-and postoperative maximum urinary flow rate(Qmax),residual urine volume(PVR),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)and prostate volume,followed by comparison of the data obtained between the two groups of patients.Results:Compared with the controls,the patients of the observation group showed significantly shorter operation time([67.25±7.24]vs[60.10±5.15]min,P<0.05),bladder irrigation time([46.90±10.77]vs[43.24±6.65]h,P<0.05),catheterization time([5.60±1.31]vs[5.03±1.24]d,P<0.05)and hospitalization time([7.31±2.00]vs[6.55±1.67]d,P<0.05),higher Qmax([18.50±1.24]vs[20.68±1.45]ml/s,P<0.05),lower PVR([12.10±3.53]vs[10.82±3.10]ml,P<0.05),PSA([4.60±0.78]vs[3.38±0.40]μg/L,P<0.05)and prostate volume([25.35±6.46]vs[20.12±5.13]ml,P<0.05)at 3 months after surgery,but no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of postoperative complications(7.50%[6/80]vs 5.00%[4/80],P>0.05).Conclusion:ThuLEP,with its advantages of notable effect,short operation and hospitaliza-tion time,significant improvement of urinary flow dynamics and prostate function,deserves clinical promotion for the treatment of BPH.
8.Analysis of clinical characteristics and influencing factors of prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure in ICU
Min LI ; Ping HAO ; Fang GUI ; Cheng-Ying GUI ; Jia-Wen WU ; Wen ZHANG ; Xiao-Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(4):430-434
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and influencing factors of prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure(HF)in ICU.Methods:Clinical data of 148 elderly HF patients(≥60 years old)admitted to ICU of our hospital from January to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Disease history,etiology and related ex-amination data were analyzed in these patients,and predisposing factors and clinical features of HF were summa-rized.According to incidence of adverse cardiovascular events within 6 months,they were divided into event group(n=70)and no event group(n=78).General clinical data were compared between two groups.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze influencing factors of poor prognosis in elderly HF patients in ICU.Results:Predisposing factors of elderly HF mainly included upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia 34 cases(22.97%),20 cases(13.51%)of rapid atrial fibrillation and fatigue respectively.There were 91 cases(61.49%)with typical cardiac insufficiency as initial symptom;24 cases(16.22%)complicated with neuropsychiatric symptom;44 cases(29.73%)complicated with anxiety and depression of different extent.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression a-nalysis indicated that age,NYHA class Ⅲ~Ⅳ,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)and high sensitive C reactive protein(hsCRP)levels were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in elderly HF patients(OR=1.021~1.393,P<0.05 or<0.01).Conclusion:For elderly HF patients in ICU,clinical manifestations are not typical,and the predisposing factors are complex.It is found that APACHE Ⅱ score,GDF-15,hsCRP and NT-proBNP levels possess important significance for diagnosis and prognosis of these patients.
9.Knockdown of best1 Gene in Zebrafish Caused Abnormal Neuronal and Skeletal Development - A Subtype of Craniovertebral Junction Malformation?
Zhenlei LIU ; Kang LI ; Kai WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Shanhang JIA ; He WANG ; Fengzeng JIAN ; Hao WU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):555-564
Objective:
To investigate the developmental defects caused by knockdown of best1 gene in zebrafish as a model for a subtype of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) malformation.
Methods:
Two antisense morpholinos (MOs) were designed targeting zebrafish best1 to block translation (ATG-MO) or to disrupt splicing (I3E4-MO). MOs were microinjected into fertilized one-cell embryos. Efficacy of splicing MO was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Phenotypes were analyzed and quantified by microscopy at multiple developmental stages. Neuronal outgrowth was assessed in transgenic zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein in neurons. Skeletal ossification was visualized by Calcein staining.
Results:
Knockdown of best1 resulted in zebrafish embryos with shorter body length, curved axis, low survival rate, microcephaly, reduced eye size, smaller head and brain, impaired neuronal outgrowth, and reduced ossification of craniofacial and vertebral bone.
Conclusion
Best1 gene plays critical roles in ophthalmologic, neurological and skeletal development in zebrafish. A patient with a premature stop codon in BEST1 gene exhibited similar phenotypes, implying a subtype of CVJ malformation.
10.Knockdown of best1 Gene in Zebrafish Caused Abnormal Neuronal and Skeletal Development - A Subtype of Craniovertebral Junction Malformation?
Zhenlei LIU ; Kang LI ; Kai WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Shanhang JIA ; He WANG ; Fengzeng JIAN ; Hao WU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):555-564
Objective:
To investigate the developmental defects caused by knockdown of best1 gene in zebrafish as a model for a subtype of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) malformation.
Methods:
Two antisense morpholinos (MOs) were designed targeting zebrafish best1 to block translation (ATG-MO) or to disrupt splicing (I3E4-MO). MOs were microinjected into fertilized one-cell embryos. Efficacy of splicing MO was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Phenotypes were analyzed and quantified by microscopy at multiple developmental stages. Neuronal outgrowth was assessed in transgenic zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein in neurons. Skeletal ossification was visualized by Calcein staining.
Results:
Knockdown of best1 resulted in zebrafish embryos with shorter body length, curved axis, low survival rate, microcephaly, reduced eye size, smaller head and brain, impaired neuronal outgrowth, and reduced ossification of craniofacial and vertebral bone.
Conclusion
Best1 gene plays critical roles in ophthalmologic, neurological and skeletal development in zebrafish. A patient with a premature stop codon in BEST1 gene exhibited similar phenotypes, implying a subtype of CVJ malformation.

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