1.Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation of Cuproptosis-related Genes in Wilson Disease
Zhuang TAO ; Meixia WANG ; Shuai KANG ; Jipeng LIU ; Rui WANG ; Jiafeng ZHOU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):124-131
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cuproptosis and identify cuproptosis-related genes in Wilson disease (WD) through bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation,providing implications and directions for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. Methods(1) Screening of target genes: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WD and healthy control were obtained from GeneCards,and the cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and published literature.The cuproptosis-related genes in WD were obtained by intersection.Through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses,the specific biological process,functions or metabolic pathways of cuproptosis-related genes in WD were predicted.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization were then performed to analyze and verify the potential regulatory mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction for cuproptosis.(2)Validation of target genes: The blood samples of 15 WD patients treated in the department of encephalopathy and 15 healthy volunteers undergoing physical examinations in the health management center were randomly collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine.The expression levels of target genes were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. Results(1) A total of 3 607 DEGs in WD were obtained from GSE107323 in GEO,and 68 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from GeneCards and published literature.Twelve common target genes were obtained by intersection,including three up-related genes(SQSTM1,MIF1,and TAX1BP1) and nine down-regulated genes(CP,SERPINE1,AOC3,GPX4,SLC27A5,VEGF-A,PDHB,PDK1,and ATP7B).The common target genes were mainly enriched in monocarboxylic acid metabolism,oxidoreductase activity,negative regulation of molecular functions,which mainly involved HIF-1,ferroptosis and other signaling pathways.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization results showed Gandou Fumu Decoction had good binding ability with the cuproptosis-related genes PDK1,SERPINE1,VEGFA,and AOC3 in WD.(2)A total of 30 blood samples were collected,including 15 WD patients and 15 health volunteers.Western blot results showed that expression levels of target genes were consistent with the results obtained by bioinformatics analysis.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with healthy volunteers,WD patients had down-regulated mRNA levels of SERPINE1,GPX4,SLC27A5,and VEGF-A and up-regulated mRNA levels of SQSTM1 and MIF1(P<0.05). ConclusionThe expression levels of cuproptosis-related genes in WD patients are consistent with the results predicted by bioinformatics analysis.The characteristic preparation Gandou Fumu Decoction of Xin'an Medicine showed good binding abilities with the cuproptosis-related genes in WD.Cuproptosis may play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanism of WD,which can provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD.
2.Isorhynchophylline attenuates angiotensinⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting the Akt pathway
Yulei GU ; Yi LIU ; Zhiqiang ZHU ; Hui PEI ; Yumin JIANG ; Jiafeng XIE ; Yujing MAO ; Xiaofan ZHANG ; Lu GAO ; Lili XIAO
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(5):665-670
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of isorhynchophylline (IRN) on angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-induced cardiac hypertrophy.Methods:H9c2 cells were co-cultured with Ang Ⅱ and different concentrations of IRN (0, 5, 10, 25, 50 μmol/L). The cell surface area and mRNA levels of cardiac hypertrophy markers atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) were detected to elucidate the effect of IRN on myocardial hypertrophy and the most effective concentration. H9c2 cells were co-cultured with Ang Ⅱ and IRN (25 μmol/L) at different times (0, 6, 12, 24 h) to elucidate the most effective time of inhibition. The phosphorylation levels of the signaling pathway were detected, and the effects of IRN and Akt inhibitor MK2206 on the phosphorylation levels of the signaling pathway were further explored to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Results:Compared with the control group, the surface area of H9c2 cells, and the mRNA expression of myocardial hypertrophy markers ANP, BNP and β-MHC were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Pretreated with different concentrations of IRN (5, 10, 25, 50 μmol/L) could inhibit the increase in cell surface area induced by AngⅡ (all P<0.05), especially at the concentration of 25 μmol/ L ( P<0.01). IRN could time-dependently inhibit AngⅡ-induced activation of ANP, BNP, β-MHC mRNA (all P<0.05). AngⅡ caused increased phosphorylation levels of Akt, GSK3β, mTOR and FOXO3a. IRN could block AngⅡ-induced phosphorylation of the Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion:IRN attenuates AngⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting the Akt signaling pathway.
3.Common challenges and resolutions in the spatial construction of endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless axillary approach
Liehao JIANG ; Qing LIU ; Xiaokai LING ; Jiafeng WANG ; Jiajie XU ; Zhuo TAN ; Minghua GE ; Chuanming ZHENG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):87-93
Objective To enhance the standardization of surgical operations,shorten the learning curve,and reduce surgical complications by summarizing common errors and proposing solutions for beginners during pre-study of cavity construction in non-inflatable axillary approach laparoscopic thyroid surgery.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 210 patients who underwent noninflatable axillary approach luminal thyroid surgery at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital,between January 2022 and June 2023.Among them,150 patients were luminalized by the practitioners in the practice group,while 60 patients were luminalized by the practitioners in the skilled group.The occurrence of nine common errors during cavity construction,such as supraclavicular nerve injury and scapulohumeral muscle injury,was assessed and compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in age,gender,tumor diameter,tumor location or pathology type between the two groups(P>0.05).The staff in the practice group had a significant difference in supraclavicular cutaneous nerve injury(19.33%vs.3.33%),scapulohumeral muscle injury or disarticulation(16.00%vs.0),anterior cervical band of free excess(24.00%vs.3.33%),pectoralis major muscle and supraclavicular fascia injury(16.00%vs.5.00%),external jugular vein and genuine branch injury(8.00%vs.0),excessive freeing of the sternoclavicular joint(7.33%vs.0),and incorrect entry of the sternocleidomastoid muscle gap(8.67%vs.0)were significantly higher in incidence than the employees in the skilled group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference between employees in the practice group and those in the skilled group in terms of injury to the internal jugular vein and its geniculate branches(4.00%vs.0),and incorrect entry of the anterior cervical strap muscles into the hierarchy(2.00%vs.0)(P>0.05).Conclusion The incidence of damage to the surrounding tissue was significantly higher in the novice group than in the expert group during endoscopic thyroid surgery for space construction.A solid anatomical foundation and proficient endoscopic surgical technique serve as fundamental prerequisites for achieving a successful space system construction.By summarizing common challenges and providing corresponding solutions encountered during endoscopic thyroid surgery,this study further enhances and refines the learning system for total endoscopic thyroid procedures.
4.Anti-tumor Effect of Alkaloids of Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xinyue LIU ; Lele CHEN ; Peng SUN ; Zhaoshuang ZHAN ; Jiafeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(13):264-272
Malignant tumors, with the increasing crude morbidity and mortality year by year, have become the major diseases threatening human health. The conventional therapeutic drugs against tumors have serious adverse reactions, which can cause a heavy burden on patients. The active components of Chinese medicine can effectively inhibit tumor growth, improve the quality of life of patients, and have few toxic and side effects. Alkaloids of Chinese medicine are natural organic compounds widely existing in a variety of Chinese herbal medicines. In recent years, they have attracted more and more attention because of their anti-tumor effect. The anti-tumor mechanisms of alkaloids of Chinese medicine mainly include the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell migration and invasion, suppression of proliferation, induction of autophagy of tumor cells, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, regulation of microRNA, and modulation of immunity. In addition, Chinese medicine alkaloids can also reverse tumor drug resistance and reduce the stemness of tumor stem cells. Alkaloids of Chinese medicine can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Notch, Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and other signaling pathways to participate in the processes of tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis, autophagy and apoptosis, and affect the occurrence and development of tumors in multiple links and ways. The derivatives and nano-preparations of alkaloids can improve the solubility, utilization, and anti-tumor activity of alkaloids, bringing a broader prospect for the clinical application of alkaloids. This review summarized the recent anti-tumor research on alkaloids, their representative derivatives, and nano-preparations to provide references for the in-depth research on the anti-tumor effect of alkaloids.
5.Rational metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for efficient synthesis of L-glutamate.
Jiafeng LIU ; Zhina QIAO ; Youxi ZHAO ; Meijuan XU ; Xian ZHANG ; Taowei YANG ; Zhiming RAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(8):3273-3289
L-glutamic acid is the world's largest bulk amino acid product that is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Using Corynebacterium glutamicum G01 as the starting strain, the fermentation by-product alanine content was firstly reduced by knocking out the gene encoding alanine aminotransferase (alaT), a major by-product related to alanine synthesis. Secondly, since the α-ketoglutarate node carbon flow plays an important role in glutamate synthesis, the ribosome-binding site (RBS) sequence optimization was used to reduce the activity of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and enhance the glutamate anabolic flow. The endogenous conversion of α-ketoglutarate to glutamate was also enhanced by screening different glutamate dehydrogenase. Subsequently, the glutamate transporter was rationally desgined to improve the glutamate efflux capacity. Finally, the fermentation conditions of the strain constructed using the above strategy were optimized in 5 L fermenters by a gradient temperature increase combined with a batch replenishment strategy. The glutamic acid production reached (135.33±4.68) g/L, which was 41.2% higher than that of the original strain (96.53±2.32) g/L. The yield was 55.8%, which was 11.6% higher than that of the original strain (44.2%). The combined strategy improved the titer and the yield of glutamic acid, which provides a reference for the metabolic modification of glutamic acid producing strains.
Glutamic Acid
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Corynebacterium glutamicum/genetics*
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Ketoglutaric Acids
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Metabolic Engineering
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Alanine
6.Effect of Zuogui pill on cognitive function in sleep-deprived rats
Ying ZHANG ; Qing SHU ; Jiafeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2022;42(6):716-719
Objective:To evaluate the effect of Zuogui pill on cognitive function in sleep-deprived rats.Methods:Thirty SPF Sprague-Dawley male rats, aged 8 weeks, weighing about 200 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), sleep deprivation group (group SD), low-dose Zuogui pill group (group L), medium-dose Zuogui pill group (group M) and high-dose Zuogui pill group (group H). The model of sleep deprivation was developed by the multi-platform water environment method.In L, M and H groups, the doses of Zuogui pill were 2.42, 4.84 and 9.68 g/kg, respectively, Zuogui pill was administered by intragastric gavage at 10: 00 am every day, and the volume of fluid for intragastric gavage was 4 ml each time.In C and SD groups, pure water was used for intragastric gavage.In L, M and H groups, the liquid was prepared according to the corresponding doses of Zuogui pill for intragastric gavage, once a day for 7 consecutive days.The cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris water maze test.After the end of the second behavioral testing, blood samples from the eyeballs were collected, and then the rats were sacrificed by decapitation, and brains were removed and the hippocampus was obtained for determination of the concentrations of serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hippocampal tissues (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampal tissues (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group C, the total swimming distance and escape latency were significantly prolonged, the time of staying at the original quadrant and the number of crossing the platform were decreased, the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and hippocampal tissues were increased, the content of MDA was increased, and the contents of GSH-Px and SOD were decreased in the other groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group SD, the total swimming distance and escape latency were significantly shortened, and the time of staying at the original quadrant was prolonged, and the number of crossing the platform was increased, the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and hippocampal tissues were decreased, the content of MDA was decreased, and the contents of GSH-Px and SOD were increased in L, M and H groups ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Zuogui pill can improve the cognitive function in sleep-deprived in rats, and the mechanism is related to inhibition of inflammatory responses and improvement in the antioxidant capacity.
7.Clinicopathological analysis of eight cases of follicular porokeratosis
Jiafeng LI ; Ling LIU ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2022;55(10):854-857
Objective:To analyze clinical and pathological features of follicular porokeratosis.Methods:Clinical and histopathological data were collected from 8 patients who were diagnosed with follicular porokeratosis in Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University from January 2015 to February 2022, and analyzed retrospectively.Results:Among the 8 patients, 6 were males and 2 were females. Their average age at onset was 36 years (range, 6 - 67 years) , and the average duration from onset to diagnosis was 6 years (range, 0.5 - 20 years) . No obvious precipitating factors were found. The patients presented with multiple or solitary, small (diameter < 1 cm) , round, long-standing stable reddish-brown maculopapules or plaques with few or no scales on their surface. Most patients had no subjective symptoms, but for some occasional mild itching sensation. Dermoscopic examination of 4 patients showed that keratotic plugs were all present at the opening of hair follicles. Histopathological manifestations of the 8 skin lesions were similar: roughly normal epidermal thickness or mildly irregular acanthosis, parakeratotic columns only at the infundibulum of hair follicles, and thinner or disappeared granular layer containing some dyskeratotic cells. Of the 8 patients, 6 were treated with surgical excision, topical drugs, or laser cautery, etc. The follow-up results showed that surgical excision could cure the primary skin lesions, but could not prevent new skin lesions, and other treatments were basically ineffective.Conclusions:Follicular porokeratosis, a special type of porokeratosis, mostly occurs on the facial area of middle-aged males. This disease usually progresses slowly, and is histopathologically characterized by unique parakeratotic columns only present at the opening of hair follicles. The diagnosis of follicular porokeratosis should rely on both clinical manifestations and histopathological findings.
8.Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma of the bladder: a case report
Jiajun CHEN ; Yang GAO ; Yumin HU ; Jiafeng DING ; Zhengyun LIU ; Jiansong JI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2022;43(10):788-789
The incidence of inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma is low, and bladder origin is more rare. We reported a 58-year-old patient with painless gross hematuria for one week. Total abdominal CT examination showed soft tissue mass in the anterior wall of the bladder, which was considered as bladder cancer, and bladder tumor resection was performed. Postoperative pathology showed inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma. Therefore, radical cystectomy was performed because of the high degree of malignancy. There was no recurrence during 3 years follow-up.
9.Salvage cholecystectomy for gall stone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy
Kaifu LI ; Dongbin LIU ; Yuehua WANG ; Yamin ZHENG ; Kuo LIANG ; Jiafeng LIU ; Dahua XU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2022;37(1):13-15
Objective:To investigate the causes and prognosis of salvage cholecystectomy for relapsing cholecystolithiasis after gallbladder-preserving gall stones removal surgery.Methods:From Jul 2015 to Dec 2019, 24 referral patients with gallstone recurrence after gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy surgery received salvage cholecystectomy. The clinical data was analyzed to explore the causes for re-operation and the prognosis.Results:Twenty-two cases had definite gallstone recurrence, among them 19 cases were symptomatic, 2 cases were operated on suspected gallbladder tumor and common bile duct stones induced acute cholangitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully performed in 23 cases and 1 case was converted to open surgery. No severe complication were observed in all the patients.Conclusions:Symptomatic gallstone recurrence is the most common causes of salvage cholecystectomy after gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy. Laparoscopic surgery procedure is still highly successful.
10.The treatment of butterfly-shape ear combine with cup ear
Jiafeng LIU ; Jiaming SUN ; Xiaodan LI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2021;37(6):666-668
Objective:To investigate the surgical regimen of butterfly-shape ear combine with cup ear and restore the appearance of auricle.Methods:From January 2012 to December 2019, 13 patients with butterfly-shape ear combined with cup ear deformity were treated in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. There were 6 males and 7 females, with an average age of 9.2 years (ranged from 6 to 15 years old). All patients were treated by folding cartilaginous flap to correct cup ear deformity, pushing forward the lobe flap and auricle composite tissue flap to repair the cleft on the ear. A piece of conchal cartilage was harvested and sutured to the outer edge of the cleft as the internal support for the cleft. The physiognomic ear length and breadth of two ears in the patients were measured immediately post operation. The results were evaluated after 6 months follow-up.Results:The appearance of all of the ears was significantly improved, no upper auricle hanging . A slight hypertrophic scar was found on the surface of one ear. The scar resolved after 6 months of ointment application and prosthesis. In all patients with unilateral ear deformity, the reconstructed ear length on the affected side was smaller than that on the contralateral side. In one patient, the difference between two sides ranged from 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm. For other patients, the difference between two sides was less than 0.5 cm. The difference between the reconstructed ear breadth of the affected ear and that of the reverse ear was less than 0.3 cm.Conclusions:This method can be applied to correct both the butterfly-shape ear deformity and cup ear malformation. The result was satisfactory.

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