1.IMM-H007 promotes hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism by activating AMPKα to attenuate hypercholesterolemia.
Jiaqi LI ; Mingchao WANG ; Kai QU ; Yuyao SUN ; Zequn YIN ; Na DONG ; Xin SUN ; Yitong XU ; Liang CHEN ; Shuang ZHANG ; Xunde XIAN ; Suowen XU ; Likun MA ; Yajun DUAN ; Haibo ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4047-4063
Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe -/- and Ldlr -/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.
2.Strontium-Alix interaction enhances exosomal miRNA selectively loading in synovial MSCs for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis treatment.
Wenxiu YUAN ; Jiaqi LIU ; Zhenzhen ZHANG ; Chengxinyue YE ; Xueman ZHOU ; Yating YI ; Yange WU ; Yijun LI ; Qinlanhui ZHANG ; Xin XIONG ; Hengyi XIAO ; Jin LIU ; Jun WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):6-6
The ambiguity of etiology makes temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) "difficult-to-treat". Emerging evidence underscores the therapeutic promise of exosomes in osteoarthritis management. Nonetheless, challenges such as low yields and insignificant efficacy of current exosome therapies necessitate significant advances. Addressing lower strontium (Sr) levels in arthritic synovial microenvironment, we studied the effect of Sr element on exosomes and miRNA selectively loading in synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs). Here, we developed an optimized system that boosts the yield of SMSC-derived exosomes (SMSC-EXOs) and improves their miRNA profiles with an elevated proportion of beneficial miRNAs, while reducing harmful ones by pretreating SMSCs with Sr. Compared to untreated SMSC-EXOs, Sr-pretreated SMSC-derived exosomes (Sr-SMSC-EXOs) demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy by mitigating chondrocyte ferroptosis and reducing osteoclast-mediated joint pain in TMJOA. Our results illustrate Alix's crucial role in Sr-triggered miRNA loading, identifying miR-143-3p as a key anti-TMJOA exosomal component. Interestingly, this system is specifically oriented towards synovium-derived stem cells. The insight into trace element-driven, site-specific miRNA selectively loading in SMSC-EXOs proposes a promising therapeutic enhancement strategy for TMJOA.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects*
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Osteoarthritis/drug therapy*
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Exosomes/drug effects*
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Strontium/pharmacology*
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Synovial Membrane/cytology*
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Humans
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Animals
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Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/therapy*
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Temporomandibular Joint
3.Effect of supplementing specific nutrients under calorie restriction on exercise performance in mice
Jiaqi YUAN ; Peng WANG ; Weifang LI ; Xin RAO ; Min ZHOU ; Mantian MI ; Yu QIN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):664-673
Objective To develop a composite nutritional preparation that can effectively improve exercise performance under calorie restriction(CR)condition.Methods A total of 24 male C57BL/6J mice(weighing 23~26 g,8 weeks old)were randomly divided into control group(CON),CR,CR+basal nutrient group(CRN1),and CR+compound nutrient group(CRN2).All groups underwent moderate-intensity running training 5 d per week,for totally 3 weeks.The grip strength of the forelimbs were measured weekly,and in 3 weeks after training,exhaustion and post-exhaustion distance tests were conducted to evaluate exercise performance.Blood biochemical indicators,levels of skeletal muscle and liver redox biomarkers,and histopathological conditions were measured and observed.Results After 21 d of intervention,the CR group and CRN1 group had the post-exhaustion running distance prolonged by 278%and 289%,respectively,reduced blood glucose level,and decreased muscle mass,subcutaneous fat and epididymal fat mass when compared with the CON group(P<0.05).Compared with the CON group,the CRN1 and CRN2 groups demonstrated significantly higher gastrocnemius glycogen content.The CRN2 group obtained even longer post-exhaustion distance(increased by 52%and 36%respectively,compared with the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),enhanced grip strength of the forelimbs(raised by 9%,17%and 15%,respectively than the CON,CR and CRN1 groups,P<0.05),elevated brown fat mass(compared to the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),increased blood glucose level(compared to the CRN1 group,P<0.05),decreased blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level(compared to the CON and CR groups,P<0.05),and increased glutathione peroxidase content in the gastrocnemius muscle(compared to the CON group,P<0.05).Conclusion Supplementing with compound nutritional supplements in mice under CR can promote exercise performance,including improving fatigue recovery after exhaustive exercise and enhancing forelimb grip strength.
4.Research progress in the mechanism of Chinese materia medica in the treatment of viral pneumonia based on signaling pathway
Jiaqi SHANG ; Xin PENG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Yunfan WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Jihong FENG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1332-1336
The research on the mechanism of Chinese materia medica in the treatment of viral pneumonia (VP) is mainly based on the monomer components of Chinese materia medica and TCM compounds. Among them, the monomer components are mainly polyphenols, flavonoids and anthraquinones, which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory and antioxidant pharmacological effects. The efficacy of TCM compounds is mainly based on clearing heat, and it has the functions of removing phlegm, removing blood stasis, removing dampness, moistening lung and so on. The intervention of Chinese materia medica in VP mainly involves NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt and other signaling pathways. The mechanism includes regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, regulating immune function, inhibiting inflammatory response, etc., which can reduce the pathological damage of inflammatory cell infiltration and edema in lung tissue, and achieve the protective effect on lung tissue. The current research models exhibit unclear patterns of syndrome differentiation, and the mechanisms of Chinese materia medica involving multiple targets and pathways are poorly understood. Future research should integrate disease-syndrome combination models to further explore the mechanisms by which TCM regulates multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing insights and methodologies for the treatment of viral pneumonia with Chinese materia medica.
5.Analysis of clinical characteristics and literature review of patients infected with Listeria monocytogenes
Xin ZHENG ; Yixiong ZHENG ; Xiaming JIANG ; Yao LUO ; Jing CHEN ; Jiaqi LIU ; Mure ALI ; Ziyi HE ; Huaicong LONG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(4):528-532
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and prognostic outcomes of patients infected with Listeria monocytogenes, thereby providing evidence-based insights for the prevention and control of this disease.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data, diagnostic tests, treatment protocols, and prognostic outcomes of patients definitively diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes infection at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital over the past decade. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing studies published between 2014 and 2024, sourced from CNKI, Wanfang Data, and PubMed. This review focused on summarizing the clinical features, treatment regimens, and prognostic outcomes of patients with Listeria monocytogenes infection.Results:The study cohort comprised 17 patients, with a mean age of (61.29 ± 16.24) years. The confirmed cases included 7 cases of bloodstream infections, 3 cases of central nervous system infections, and 7 cases of combined infections. Sepsis developed in 9 patients. The average time from symptom onset to the initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy was 72 hours, while the mean time to definitive diagnosis was 102 hours. Antimicrobial regimens predominantly featured penicillins, meropenem, and vancomycin. The average hospitalization duration was 16 days, with 9 patients experiencing adverse outcomes. A total of 78 relevant literature pieces were retrieved, encompassing data from 85 patients. The average age of these patients was (57.96 ± 16.48) years. Primary diagnostic methods relied on blood/cerebrospinal fluid cultures and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Treatment regimens primarily involved antibiotics such as penicillins, aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and glycopeptides. Despite these interventions, the proportion of patients with poor prognosis remained significantly high at 30.6% (26/85). Logistic regression analysis identified sepsis and delayed antibiotic administration as independent predictors of poor prognosis.Conclusions:Listeriosis, caused by an opportunistic pathogen, necessitates early antibiotic administration and timely identification of at-risk populations to mitigate the risk of poor prognostic outcomes in patients.
6.Biomechanical analysis on Vancouver BI periprosthetic femoral fractures fixed by a customized anatomical plate system
Jiaqi WANG ; Xiaozhong LUO ; Yi TONG ; Xiaobo LU ; Weixiang SHI ; Xin ZHOU ; Gang WU ; Yong DING ; Caidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(24):3807-3813
BACKGROUND:At present,the use of a locking bone plate combined with steel wire or steel cable for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fracture often adopts monocortical fixation,which is not stable and the proximal end of the bone cannot be achieved anatomically fitted by plate.The customized anatomical plate system can effectively solve this problem. OBJECTIVE:To explore the biomechanical strength of a customized anatomical plate system in fixation of Vancouver BI periprosthetic femoral fracture. METHODS:CT thin layer scanning data of normal femurs of 1 006 cases were selected and input into the MIMICS 21.0 software to establish the three-dimensional reconstruction model of the femur,which was set as the three-dimensional reconstruction group.56 complete human femoral specimens were selected as the femoral specimen group.The measured results of the two groups for femoral anatomical appearance were compared.If there was no significant difference between the two groups,the approximate appearance of a customized anatomical plate system was designed based on the measurement results in MIMICS 21.0 software and NX11.0 software.The customized anatomical plate system was designed and prepared according to the above measurement results.Eight pairs of frozen human femurs were selected to make Vancouver BI periprosthetic femoral fracture,which of the left were thin layer scanned by dual-source CT to obtain data.The data were transferred to determine the customized anatomical plate system model by the above design software.Eight sets of customized anatomical plate systems were ultimately produced,relying on the instrument company.The eight pairs of models were numbered 1-8.The left side was fixed with the customized anatomical plate system(customized anatomical plate system group);the right side was fixed with a metal locking plate system-large locking plate(claw plate group).L1-L4 and R1-R4 were subjected to vertical short-cycle loading test and vertical loading test.L5-L8 and R5-R8 were subjected to horizontal short-cycle loading test and four-point bending test.The vertical loading test and four-point bending test were used to collect bending load,bending displacement,and bending strain.Two short cycle loading tests were used to collect strain displacement to compare the maximum load,maximum displacement,bending stiffness,and short-period displacement resistance of the two kinds of bone plates. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were no significant differences in all indexes between the three-dimensional reconstruction group and the femoral specimen group(P>0.05).Individual customized anatomical plate system was designed based on the measurement results combined with digital software.(2)In the vertical loading test,the maximum load was higher(P=0.015),the maximum bending displacement was smaller(P=0.014),and the bending stiffness was higher(P=0.005)in the customized anatomical plate system group compared with the claw plate group.(3)In the four-point bending test,the maximum load was higher(P=0.023),the bending stiffness was higher(P=0.005),and the maximum bending displacement was not significant(P=0.216>0.05)in the customized anatomical plate system group compared with the claw plate group.(4)In the vertical short-cycle loading test,the average level of bending displacement in the customized anatomical plate system group(0.23±0.10 mm)was significantly lower than that in the claw plate group(0.44±0.02 mm)(P<0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the average level of bending displacement between the two groups in the horizontal short cycle loading test(P>0.05).(6)It is concluded that the customized anatomical plate system has personalized anatomical characteristics,and the fixation of Vancouver BI periprosthetic femoral fracture is more stable,which has certain significance for clinical treatment.
7.Role of NF-κB Signaling Pathway in "Reflux Esophagitis-esophageal Cancer" and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention:A Review
Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Xin LIU ; Zhiwen SHEN ; Xiaoning ZHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Jiaqi YIN ; Zhu LIU ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):221-233
Reflux esophagitis is an inflammatory disease of esophageal mucosa damage caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Its incidence is on the rise, and it has become an important precancerous disease of esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that the continuous inflammatory response stimulates the esophageal mucosa, causing abnormal proliferation of esophageal epithelial cells and damage to esophageal mucosal tissue, which eventually leads to the occurrence of heterogeneous hyperplasia and even carcinogenesis. The nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is one of the most classical inflammatory and cancer signaling pathways. It has been found that abnormal activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial to the development and prognosis of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer. It is widely involved in the proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammatory response of esophageal epithelial cells and tumor cells, accelerating the transformation of reflux esophagitis to esophageal cancer and making it a potential target for the treatment of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer. Currently, there is no specific treatment for reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer, and large side effects often appear. Therefore, finding a promising and safe drug remains a top priority. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine scholars have conducted a lot of research on NF-κB signaling pathway, and the results indicate that NF-κB signaling pathway is an important potential target for traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer, but there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic elaboration. Therefore, this paper summarized the relevant studies in recent years, analyzed the relationship among NF-κB signaling pathway, reflux esophagitis, esophageal cancer, and transformation from inflammation to cancer, and reviewed the research literature on the regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer, so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer.
8.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in esophageal cancer by microRNA regulation
Zhiwen SHEN ; Liqun LI ; Mingyao XU ; Xin LIU ; Jing HUANG ; Xiaoning ZHANG ; Jiaqi YIN ; Sheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):1016-1022
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system with an extremely poor prognosis. MicroRNA (miRNA) is an important regulator in tumor occurrence and development, and can participate in malignant biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of accurate curative effects, wide range of effects, and few side effects. The review uses miRNA as the entry point to systematically elaborate on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine-mediated miRNA intervening in EC. The results showed that active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (including curcumin, Tussilago farfara polysaccharides, Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides and ophiopogonin B) and Dougen guanshitong oral liquid could up-regulate the expressions of miRNAs such as miRNA-532-3p (miR-532-3p), miR-551b-3p, miR-99a, miR-34a, miR-199a-3p and miR-377; and the active ingredients/parts of traditional Chinese medicine (including chrysin and Actinidia arguta extract), and Chinese herbal formulas (including Chaihu shugan san combined with Xuanfu daizhe decoction and Modified jupi zhuru decoction) could down-regulate the expressions of miRNAs such as miR-199a-3p, miR-451 and miR-21, which could regulate the expressions of signaling pathways (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, etc.) or their downstream protein(zinc-finger and homeobox protein 1, etc.) or enzymes(thymidine kinase-1, etc.), inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of EC cells and induce apoptosis, thereby ultimately achieving the purpose of preventing the disease from aggravating.
9.Prediction and experimental verification of network target of celastrol in alleviating hepatic inflammatory injuries
Jiaqi XIN ; Lve SUN ; Yongsheng ZHAO ; Mengxi JIANG ; Hui ZHAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):614-621
Objective:To investigate the action targets and mechanism of celastrol in alleviating liver inflammatory injuries using network pharmacology; To verify the key targets through liver ischemia-reperfusion injury inducing inflammation mouse model.Methods:The targets of celastrol were integrated by searching SymMap, BATMAN-TCM, TCMSP, HIT 2.0, LigTMap, SEA, SwissTarget, Super-PRED, STITCH databases. The molecular targets of hepatic inflammatory injuries were investigated by GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug targets and disease targets was obtained by Venn diagram to obtain the possible targets of celastrol in alleviating hepatic inflammatory diseases. Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was used to analyze the key targets of protein interaction (PPI) networks based on STRING database, and enrichment analysis was conducted through DAVID database. Based on the key targets, the ceRNA network was mapped by retrieving the starBase database. Molecular docking was used to evaluated the binding of celastrol with the key target proteins. The mice were divided into sham-operation solvent group, sham- operation medication group, model group, and Tripterygium wilfordii extract low- (0.1 mg/kg), medium- (0.3 mg/kg), and high- (1 mg/kg) dosage groups according to body weight, with 3-4 mice in each group. After 7 days of corresponding drug intervention, except for the sham-operation solvent group and sham-operation medication group, other groups were prepared with ischemia-reperfusion induced liver inflammation mouse models. The serum transaminase levels in mice were detected; the pathological morphology of mouse liver tissue was observed using HE staining; the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected in liver tissue using immunohistochemistry staining.Results:The key targets of celastrol in alleviating liver inflammation were inflammatory cytokines such as IL6 and TNF. The analysis of functional enrichment results showed that the key signaling pathways of Tripterygium wilfordii extract in reducing liver inflammatory injury included inflammatory response, cell apoptosis and proliferation, HIF1, and other pathways. Triptolide pretreatment could reduce serum aminotransferase level ( P<0.01) and liver inflammatory factors expression such as IL-6 and TNF-α ( P<0.05, P<0.01) after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. Conclusion:Celastrol can alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism is closely related to the reduction of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α and the alleviation of hepatic inflammatory injury.
10.Discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Pharmacological Mechanism of Xuanfei Baidu Prescription in Treatment of Viral Pneumonia
Yihao ZHANG ; Xin PENG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Yunfan WANG ; Jiaqi SHANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):214-224
Viral pneumonia (VP) is an inflammatory disease caused by one or more viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract and spread downward. Causing varying degrees of pulmonary parenchymal damage, VP poses a serious threat to the society and public health. The treatment of VP now faces the dilemma of drug shortage, since Western medicine can only alleviate symptoms and lacks specific treatment methods. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), VP is assigned as an epidemic disease, with the etiology attributed to epidemic toxin and six excesses and the pathological factors of dampness, heat, toxin, deficiency, and stasis. The basic pathogenesis of VP is Yin-Yang imbalance, dysfunction of Zang-Fu organs, and healthy Qi deficiency. Accordingly, the treatment should follow the principle of replenishing healthy Qi and expelling pathogen. The treatment method of VP is mainly developed based on syndrome differentiation of six meridians, defense-Qi-nutrient-blood, and triple energizer. Xuanfei Baidu prescription (XFBD) is an effective prescription developed by Academician ZHANG Boli and Professor LIU Qingquan by literature research and selection of multi-component Chinese medicine. It is the product of modern research combined with TCM. XFBD is modified from Maxing Shigantang, Maxing Yigantang, Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang, Qianjin Weijingtang, and Buhuanjin Zhengqisan. It is mainly used to treat epidemic diseases with the syndrome of dampness toxin stagnating in the lung, with the effects of ventilating lung and resolving dampness, clearing heat and expelling pathogen, purging lung, and removing toxin, demonstrating the potential for the prevention and treatment of VP. This paper reviews the research progress of XFBD in combating VP in terms of the prescription composition, compatibility ideas, indications, and clinical new applications, as well as the pharmacological mechanisms of inhibiting virus, reducing inflammation, regulating immune system, ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis, and modulating intestinal flora. In addition, we put forward our thoughts and suggestions on the problems in the research, with a view to informing the clinical use of drugs and the basic research on the treatment of VP including COVID-19.

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