1.Influence of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on platelet function and inflammatory cytokines and analysis of factors associated with poor prognosis in elderly patients with ischemic stroke
Hai LIANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Runan XIA ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Fanqin LI ; Panpan DI ; Miao YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):782-787
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on platelet function and inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with ischemic stroke, and to analyze potential factors associated with poor prognosis. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on elderly patients with ischemic stroke admitted to our hospital from June 2024 to June 2025, wh o underwent CYP2C19 genotype testing and received antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel. The levels of platelet function indicators and inflammatory cytokines before and after treatment were compared among patients with different metabolic phenotypes. Based on the prognosis at 6 months post-treatment, patients were divided into poor prognosis group and good prognosis group. Univariate analysis was performed on general data, metabolic phenotype, the levels of platelet function indicators and inflammatory cytokines. Variables with P <0.05 and the levels of inflammatory cytokines before treatment were included in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Multiple linear regression was used to further analyze the relationship between metabolic phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS A total of 448 elderly patients with ischemic stroke were included; among them, 162 cases were normal metabolic phenotype, 218 were intermediate metabolic phenotype, and 68 were poor metabolic phenotype. No rapid or ultrarapid metabolic phenotypes were observed. After treatment, platelet aggregation rate, the levels of P-selectin and platelet activated complex-1 (PAC-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the normal metabolic phenotype group, intermediate metabolic phenotype group, and poor metabolic phenotype group (except for platelet aggregation rate, and the levels of P-selectin and PAC-1 in the poor metabolic phenotype group) were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group. Moreover, the above indicators in the normal metabolic phenotype group were significantly lower than those in the intermediate and poor metabolic phenotype groups at the corresponding time, and the levels of platelet function indicators in the intermediate metabolic phenotype group were significantly lower than those in the poor metabol ic phenotype group at the corresponding time ( P <0.05). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses showed that combined with hypertension, combined with diabetes mellitus, and intermediate or poor metabolic genotypes were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in elderly patients with ischemic stroke ( P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α before treatment were significantly higher in patients with intermediate and poor metabolic genotypes compared to those with normal metabolic genotype ( P <0.05), with a greater magnitude of increase in inflammatory cytokines observed in the patients with poor metabolic genotype. CONCLUSIONS The elderly ischemic stroke patients with CYP2C19 intermediate and poor metabolic genotypes have poor inhibition effect on platelet and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than normal metabolic genotype; CYP2C19 gene polymorphism, and in combination with hypertension and diabetes, can be used as independent predictors of poor prognosis.
2.Treating diabetic kidney disease based on "using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory
Weimin JIANG ; Yaoxian WANG ; Shuwu WEI ; Jiale ZHANG ; Chenhui XIA ; Jie YANG ; Liqiao SUN ; Xinrong LI ; Weiwei SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):1-7
The Huangdi Neijing proposes the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory to guide clinical prescription and formulation of herbal remedies based on the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang viscera, along with the properties and flavors of medicinal herbs. This study explored diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis and treatment based on the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory. Kidney dryness is a key pathological factor in diabetic kidney disease, and the disharmony of kidney dryness is an essential aspect of its pathogenesis. Strengthening is the primary therapeutic principle, and kidney dryness is a persistent factor throughout the occurrence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. In the early stage, the pathogenesis involves heat-consuming qi and injuring yin, leading to kidney dryness. In the middle stage, the pathogenesis manifests as qi deficiency and blood stasis in the collaterals, resulting in turbidity owing to kidney dryness. In the late stage, the pathogenesis involves yin and yang deficiency, with kidney dryness and disharmony. This study proposes the staging-based treatment based on the " need for firmness" characteristic of the kidney. The aim is to provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine by rationally using pungent, bitter, and salty medicinal herbs to nourish and moisturize the kidney. This approach seeks to promote precise syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment for different stages of diabetic kidney disease, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.
3.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
4.A survival prediction model for kidney graft based on the kidney donor profile index, time-zero biopsy and donor’s age
Chengxi JIANG ; Shunliang YANG ; Xia GAO ; Liqian WU ; Jiashu LIU ; Dong WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):122-130
Objective To construct a predictive model for the survival of transplant kidneys after kidney transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 366 kidney transplant recipients and donors were retrospectively analyzed, and the recipients were divided into low-risk group (n=101), medium-risk group (n=189), and high-risk group (n=76) based on the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). Each group was further divided into Remuzzi score ≤3 group and Remuzzi score >3 group based on time-zero biopsy Remuzzi scores. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival of transplant kidneys. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors affecting long-term survival after kidney transplantation. A predictive model for transplant kidney survival was established and a nomogram was drawn. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Results The median KDPI was 65%, and the median Remuzzi score was 3. The 5-year survival rate of transplant kidneys was 83.5%. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that in the KDPI medium-risk and KDPI high-risk groups, the subgroup with lower Remuzzi score had a higher survival rates of transplant kidneys than the subgroup with higher Remuzzi score. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that KDPI, Remuzzi score, and donor’s age were independent risk factors for transplant kidney loss (all P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of the nomogram prediction model established based on independent risk factors for the 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates of transplant kidneys were 0.91, 0.93 and 0.94 for the training set, and 0.89, 0.85 and 0.88 for the validation set. Calibration curves shows good consistency between the training and validation sets of the model. Conclusions The nomogram predictive model based on KDPI, time-zero biopsy Remuzzi score and donor’s age has good predictive value for transplant kidney survival.
5.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
6.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
7.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
8.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
9.The cutting-edge progress of novel biomedicines in ovulatory dysfunction therapy.
Xuzhi LIANG ; Shiyu ZHANG ; Dahai LI ; Hao LIANG ; Yueping YAO ; Xiuhong XIA ; Hang YU ; Mingyang JIANG ; Ying YANG ; Ming GAO ; Lin LIAO ; Jiangtao FAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5145-5166
Ovulatory dysfunction (OD) is one of the main causes of infertility in women of childbearing age, which not only affects their reproductive ability, but also physical and mental health. Traditional treatment strategies have limited efficacies, and the emergence of biomedicines provides a promising alternative solution via the strategies of combining engineered design with modern advanced technology. This review explores the pathophysiological characteristics and related induction mechanisms of OD, and evaluates the current cutting-edge advances in its treatments. It emphasizes the potentials of biomedicines strategies such as hydrogels, nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles in improving therapeutic precision and efficacy. By mimicking natural physiological processes, and achieving controlled drug release, these advanced drug carriers are expected to address the challenges in ovarian microenvironment reprogramming, tissue repair, and metabolic and immune regulation. Despite the promising progress, there are still challenges in terms of biomedical complexity, differences between animal models and human physiology, and the demand for intelligent drug carriers in the therapy of OD. Future researches are mainly dedicated to developing precise personalized biomedicines in OD therapy through interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting the development of reproductive regenerative medicine.
10.Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits the uptake of cystine through SLC7A11 and impairs de novo synthesis of glutathione.
Fu'an XIE ; Yujia NIU ; Xiaobing CHEN ; Xu KONG ; Guangting YAN ; Aobo ZHUANG ; Xi LI ; Lanlan LIAN ; Dongmei QIN ; Quan ZHANG ; Ruyi ZHANG ; Kunrong YANG ; Xiaogang XIA ; Kun CHEN ; Mengmeng XIAO ; Chunkang YANG ; Ting WU ; Ye SHEN ; Chundong YU ; Chenghua LUO ; Shu-Hai LIN ; Wengang LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101068-101068
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [15N2]-cystine and [13C5]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.


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