1.Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing Serum on CircRNA_0001543/NF-κB Expression in Co-cultured PBMCs and Human FLSs from Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Yajun QI ; Jian LIU ; Qiao ZHOU ; Yuedi HU ; Xiang DING ; Chengzhi CONG ; Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):87-95
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum on the expression of CircRNA_0001543/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in co-cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsVenous blood was collected from patients with AS to isolate PBMCs. FLSs were co-cultured with AS patients' PBMCs, and FLSs were harvested after co-culture for subsequent experiments. The normal control group consisted of normal FLSs, while the model group comprised co-cultured AS PBMCs and FLSs to simulate AS pathology. The Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules group involved adding Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum to the co-cultured cells(6.48 g·kg-1). To investigate the effect of HQC-containing serum on the viability of co-cultured cells, and the experiment was divided into the following groups based on the dilution concentration: blank group, 10% HQC group, 20% HQC group, and 30% HQC group.To study the influence of the optimal concentration of HQC-containing serum on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into three groups: normal group, model group, and optimal concentration HQC-containing serum group.For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 interference plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, si-NC group (with transfection reagent), si-circ_0001543-1 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 1 targeting circ_0001543), si-circ_0001543-2 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 2 targeting circ_0001543), and si-circ_0001543-3 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 3 targeting circ_0001543).For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 overexpression plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, OE-NC group (with transfection reagent), and OE-circ_0001543 group (with transfection reagent and overexpression plasmid targeting circ_0001543).To study the effects of CircRNA_0001543 interference/overexpression on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into the following groups: si-NC group, si-CircRNA_0001543 group, OE-NC group, and OE-CircRNA_0001543 group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-37, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of CircRNA_0001543, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. ResultsAfter 48 hours, 30% Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of co-cultured PBMCs and FLSs, which was determined to be the optimal experimental drug-containing serum concentration. Compared with those in the normal group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly increased (P<0.05), with the most prominent changes in the 30% drug-containing serum group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the si-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly reduced in the si-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the OE-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly increased in the OE-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01), indicating that the si-CircRNA_0001543 and OE-CircRNA_0001543 plasmids were successfully transfected. Based on the optimal drug-containing serum of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules, si-CircRNA_0001543 transfection led to significantly increased expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α and decreased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). In contrast, OE-CircRNA_0001543 transfection significantly decreased the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01) and increased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum can improve immune inflammation in AS by increasing the expression of CircRNA_0001543, regulating the NF-κB pathway, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
2.Quality evaluation of Bidentis Herba derived from different original plants based on HPLC fingerprints, characteristic chromatograms, multi-component content determination combined with chemical pattern recognition.
Guo-Li SHI ; Yun MA ; Feng-Xia SHEN ; Han-Wen DU ; Cong-Min LIU ; Rui-Xia WEI ; Yan-Fang LI ; Jian-Wei FAN ; Yong-Xia GUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4284-4292
This study established the HPLC fingerprints, characteristic chromatograms, and a multi-component content determination method for Bidens bipinnata and B. biternata. The chemical pattern recognition analysis was then employed to clarify the characteristic indexes of quality differences between the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a reference for establishing the quality standards of Bidentis Herba. HPLC was launched on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C_(18) chromatographic column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 4 μm) by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid-acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.7 mL·min~(-1), detection wavelength of 270 nm, column temperature of 25 ℃, and an injection volume of 5 μL. The similarity between the fingerprints of 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples and the common pattern(R) ranged from 0.572 to 0.933. A total of 23 chromatographic peaks were calibrated. Through comparison with the reference substances, six components(neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, rutin, and hyperoside) were identified and subjected to quantitative analysis. The characteristic fingerprints of B. bipinnata and B. biternata were calibrated with 20 and 17 characteristic peaks, respectively. Among them, peaks 8, 9, 22, and 23 were the characteristic peaks of B. bipinnata, and peak 7 was the characteristic peak of B. biternata, which can be used to distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba. The relative standard deviation of the content of the above-mentioned six components ranged from 36% to 123%. The cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) classified the 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples into two categories. Additionally, through the analysis of variable importance in projection(VIP) under OPLS-DA, three characteristic indexes, rutin, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid B, were identified. The analytical method established in this study can comprehensively evaluate the consistency of Bidentis Herba samples derived from different original plants, specifically identify the differential components between them, and effectively distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a basis for the differentiation between different original plants and the quality control of Bidentis Herba.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Quality Control
;
Bidens/chemistry*
3.Maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation: the chain mediating roles of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness.
Ying-Yan ZHONG ; Yu-Ting LI ; Jian-Hua CHEN ; Ru-Meng CHEN ; En-Zhao CONG ; Yi-Feng XU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(11):1317-1325
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the association between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation, and to examine the chain mediating roles of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey was administered by school psychologists to 4 157 mother-adolescent pairs from middle schools in Shanghai and Henan, China. Measures included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Children's Depression Inventory. Using Bootstrap method to examine the chain mediating effect of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness on the relationship between maternal depression symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms was 17.68% (735/4 157); among adolescents, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.49% (644/4 157), and suicidal ideation was 28.19% (1 172/4 157). Adolescent depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were positively correlated with maternal depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, and ineffectiveness (all P<0.01). Childhood trauma significantly mediated the association between maternal and adolescent depressive symptoms (95%CI: 0.046 9-0.077 2). The chain mediation of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness in the association between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation was also significant (95%CI: 0.000 7-0.001 3).
CONCLUSIONS
Higher maternal depressive symptom levels are associated with a greater likelihood of adolescents' exposure to childhood trauma, which increases adolescents' ineffectiveness and, in turn, is associated with suicidal ideation. This chain effect has important implications for social interventions targeting adolescent depression.
Humans
;
Suicidal Ideation
;
Adolescent
;
Female
;
Depression/etiology*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Mothers/psychology*
;
Male
;
Child
;
Adult
4.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Retrospective Studies
5.Synthesis, preclinical evaluation and pilot clinical study of a P2Y12 receptor targeting radiotracer 18FQTFT for imaging brain disorders by visualizing anti-inflammatory microglia.
Bolin YAO ; Yanyan KONG ; Jianing LI ; Fulin XU ; Yan DENG ; Yuncan CHEN ; Yixiu CHEN ; Jian CHEN ; Minhua XU ; Xiao ZHU ; Liang CHEN ; Fang XIE ; Xin ZHANG ; Cong WANG ; Cong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1056-1069
As the brain's resident immune cells, microglia perform crucial functions such as phagocytosis, neuronal network maintenance, and injury restoration by adopting various phenotypes. Dynamic imaging of these phenotypes is essential for accessing brain diseases and therapeutic responses. Although numerous probes are available for imaging pro-inflammatory microglia, no PET tracers have been developed specifically to visualize anti-inflammatory microglia. In this study, we present an 18F-labeled PET tracer (QTFT) that targets the P2Y12, a receptor highly expressed on anti-inflammatory microglia. [18F]QTFT exhibited high binding affinity to the P2Y12 (14.43 nmol/L) and superior blood-brain barrier permeability compared to other candidates. Micro-PET imaging in IL-4-induced neuroinflammation models showed higher [18F]QTFT uptake in lesions compared to the contralateral normal brain tissues. Importantly, this specific uptake could be blocked by QTFT or a P2Y12 antagonist. Furthermore, [18F]QTFT visualized brain lesions in mouse models of epilepsy, glioma, and aging by targeting the aberrantly expressed P2Y12 in anti-inflammatory microglia. In a pilot clinical study, [18F]QTFT successfully located epileptic foci, showing enhanced radioactive signals in a patient with epilepsy. Collectively, these studies suggest that [18F]QTFT could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for imaging various brain disorders by targeting P2Y12 overexpressed in anti-inflammatory microglia.
6.Anti-SARS-CoV-2 prodrug ATV006 has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses.
Tiefeng XU ; Kun LI ; Siyao HUANG ; Konstantin I IVANOV ; Sidi YANG ; Yanxi JI ; Hanwei ZHANG ; Wenbin WU ; Ye HE ; Qiang ZENG ; Feng CONG ; Qifan ZHOU ; Yingjun LI ; Jian PAN ; Jincun ZHAO ; Chunmei LI ; Xumu ZHANG ; Liu CAO ; Deyin GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2498-2510
Coronavirus-related diseases pose a significant challenge to the global health system. Given the diversity of coronaviruses and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, the traditional "one bug, one drug" paradigm struggles to address the growing number of emerging crises. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Here, we provide evidence that ATV006, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoside analog targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), has broad antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses. Using mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) as a model, we show that ATV006 has potent prophylactic and therapeutic activity against murine coronavirus infection in vivo. Remarkably, ATV006 successfully inhibits viral replication in mice even when administered 96 h after infection. Due to its oral bioavailability and potency against multiple coronaviruses, ATV006 has the potential to become a useful antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 and other circulating and emerging coronaviruses in humans and animals.
7.Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A Slows down Amyloidogenic Processing of Amyloid Precursor Protein via Regulating Its Intracellular Trafficking.
Qian ZHANG ; Xiao Ling WANG ; Yu Li HOU ; Jing Jing ZHANG ; Cong Cong LIU ; Xiao Min ZHANG ; Ya Qi WANG ; Yu Jian FAN ; Jun Ting LIU ; Jing LIU ; Qiao SONG ; Pei Chang WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):607-624
OBJECTIVE:
To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation.
METHODS:
Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing.
RESULTS:
APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ 1-42, and Aβ 1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics*
;
Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Protein Transport
;
Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Endosomes/metabolism*
;
trans-Golgi Network/metabolism*
8.Efficacy analysis of bacterial lysates in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis
Xin LI ; Jian HE ; Cong LI ; Yueyu ZHANG ; Xuefeng LIU ; Yun LYU
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(11):722-726
OBJECTIVE To observe the curative effect of bacterial lysates(BLs)combined with intranasal corticosteroids(INCS)in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS).METHODS Cases diagnosed as CRS with nasal polyps(CRSwNP)and CRS without nasal polyps(CRSsNP)were collected and divided into four groups:CRSwNP with BLs group,CRSwNP control group,CRSsNP with BLS group and CRSsNP control group.All patients received surgical treatment,the control group received postoperative INCS therapy,and the BLs group received postoperative INCS+BLs oral therapy.Visual analogue scale(VAS),sino-nasal outcome test-20(SNOT-20),Lund-Kennedy score,Lund-Mackay score,eosinophilic(Eos)cell,IL-4,IgG,IgA,IgM and total IgE levels were evaluated before,1 month and 3 months after surgery.RESULTS Significant differences in IgG,IgA,IL-4 and Eos levels between CRSwNP and CRSsNP with BLs groups(P<0.05).There were significant differences in VAS and SNOT-20 between CRSwNP group and CRSsNP with BLs group at 1 and 3 months after treatment(P<0.05).At 1 month and 3 months after treatment,there were statistically significant differences in Lund-Kennedy score and Lund-Mackey score between the CRSwNP group and the CRSsNP with BLs group(P<0.05).The effective rate of disease control in the four groups after treatment was statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no serious complications directly related to the treatment.CONCLUSION The application of BLs can improve postoperative rhinorrhea,persistent inflammatory and mucosal recovery in patients with CRS,increase IgG and IgA levels,reduce Eos and IL-4 levels,reduce adverse reactions,and improve the therapeutic effect of CRS with high safety.
9.Detection of Copper Ion in Water Based on a Method Combining Potentiometric and Amperometric Sensors for Accurate Measurement
Ao-Bo CONG ; Yang LI ; Hai-Fei ZHAO ; Jian-Hua TONG ; Chao BIAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(8):1163-1171
In this study,a method for detecting heavy metal ions using potentiometric sensor and voltammetric sensor was proposed.By exploiting the complementary advantages of potentiometric and voltammetric electrochemical sensor,the traditional electrochemical electrode without special material preparation and modification could be used for the wide range and accurate detection of heavy metal ions in actual water samples.During detection,the concentration of target ion was measured by a potentiometric electrochemical sensor to determine the concentration range.The amperometric electrochemical sensor was then used for calibration and accurate measurement in the appropriate concentration range.Taking copper ion(Cu2+)as an example,the prepared Cu2+water sample and the actual water sample were tested.First,the copper ion selective electrode was used to determine the concentration range of Cu2+in the sample.Then,based on the gold electrode in different concentration range(0.86-100 μg/L and 100-300 μg/L)using two different optimization parameter settings to calibrate the electrochemical sensor and measure,the test results had a good correlation with those by professional water quality testing institutions.The recoveries ranged from 86.7%to 103.0%.The experimental results showed that the combination of potential sensor and current sensor could improve the accuracy of detection of heavy metal ions in water samples by electrochemical sensor.
10.Clinical management of refractory prolactinomas:stone to sharpen yan,blunt for profit
Rui-Feng WANG ; Xiao-Zhen YE ; Jian-Rui LI ; Jing LI ; Jia-Liang LI ; Zi-Xiang CONG ; Yan LU ; Nan WU ; Yi-Feng GE ; Chi-Yuan MA ; Jia-Qing SHAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(11):1237-1243
Refractory prolactinoma is the most common pituitary neuroendocrine tumor.Dopamine receptor agonists(DA)are the primary choice for drug treatment.Most patients with prolactinomas respond well to DA.However,a minority of prolactinomas patients still show resistance to DA.Although drug-resistant and refractory prolactinomas are rare in clinical practice,their treatment is extremely challenging.Even a combination of drug therapy,multiple surgeries,and radiotherapy may not yield satisfactory outcomes.Therefore,standardizing the diagnosis and treatment process and pathway for refractory prolactionmas and exploring more effective multidisciplinary collaborative treatment strategies are urgent problems to be solved.In the clinical management of refractory prolactinomas,it is often necessary to consider the patient's condition comprehensively,replace other types of DA,or consider surgery,radiotherapy,and immunotherapy,which requires multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.This review synthesizes the latest literature at home and abroad to systematically discuss the latest advances in drug therapy,surgery,and radiotherapy treatments for refractory prolactionmas,aiming to provide new ideas for basic research,clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail