1.Exploration of Mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang in Improving Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance Based on Transcriptomics
Weinan LIU ; Jiaxiang YU ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Jiayi JING ; Jinning TONG ; Wenshun ZHANG ; Yi WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):29-40
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Gegen Qinliantang(GQT) improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance. MethodsThe db/m mice were used as the normal group, while db/db mice were assigned to a model group, low-dose (3.12 g·kg-1), medium-dose (6.24 g·kg-1), and high-dose (12.48 g·kg-1) GQT groups, and a Western medicine group (semaglutide, 0.045 mg·kg-1),n=6 in each group. All groups received corresponding interventions. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate insulin resistance and therapeutic efficacy. Serum lipid levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and apoptosis in skeletal muscle was assessed via TUNEL assay. Transcriptome sequencing combined with gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to validate gene expression. Molecular docking was applied to evaluate the binding patterns between active components of GQT and key regulatory genes to elucidate pharmacological mechanisms. ResultsCompared with the model group, the medium-dose and high-dose GQT groups showed significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (P<0.01). Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were markedly decreased (P<0.01), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased (P<0.01). IPGTT, IPITT, and HE staining demonstrated that GQT enhanced insulin sensitivity and restored skeletal muscle morphology. GQT also alleviated apoptosis in skeletal muscle tissue. Transcriptome analysis revealed that GQT primarily affected biological processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic pathways, cellular processes, and protein binding. Real-time PCR results showed that CBR2, CDK6, F830016B08Rik, IL-1β, Rab27b, and COLEC12 were key regulatory genes. Molecular docking demonstrated that CBR2, IL-1β, Rab27b, and COLEC12 formed stable binding with the main active components of GQT. The therapeutic effects of high- and medium-dose GQT were comparable to those of the semaglutide group. ConclusionGQT improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance, potentially by regulating apoptosis as part of its underlying biological mechanism.
2.Perioperative immune dynamics and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery
Zhiyuan CHENG ; Xinyi LIAO ; Juan WU ; Ping YANG ; Tingting WANG ; Qinjuan WU ; Wentong MENG ; Zongcheng TANG ; Jiayi SUN ; Jia TAN ; Jing LIN ; Dan LUO ; Hao WANG ; Chaonan LIU ; Jiyue XIONG ; Liqin LING ; Jing ZHOU ; Lei DU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):31-43
Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10
/L vs preoperative 3.07×10
/L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10
/L vs preoperative 3.05×10
/L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10
/L vs preoperative 2.99×10
/L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.
3.Inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on high glucose-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Xiaolan* WANG ; Hanyi* YANG ; Yimeng ZHANG ; Sida LIU ; Chengming CHEN ; Tingke XIE ; Yixuan CHEN ; Jiayi NING ; Jing HAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):359-364
AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.
4.Inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on high glucose-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Xiaolan* WANG ; Hanyi* YANG ; Yimeng ZHANG ; Sida LIU ; Chengming CHEN ; Tingke XIE ; Yixuan CHEN ; Jiayi NING ; Jing HAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):359-364
AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.
5.YAN Huimin's Experience in Staged Treatment of Pediatric IgA Vasculitis
Tianxiang LIU ; Qian ZHAO ; Jing HAO ; Mengtong WANG ; Jiayi LIU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1212-1216
This paper summarizes Professor YAN Huimin's clinical experience in the staged treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis. It is believed that the pathogenesis in the acute stage is characterized by fire and heat entering the blood and damaging the collaterals, and the treatment should focus on clearing heat and stopping bleeding, using the self-formulated Qingzi Liangxue Formulation (青紫凉血方). In the remission stage, the pathogenesis is qi rebellion leading to blood extravasation. The treatment principle is to regulate qi and stabilize blood, using the self-formulated Heqi Ningxue Formulation (和气宁血方). During the protracted stage, the pathogenesis is latent pathogenic factors due to yin deficiency, and the treatment should aim to nourish the collaterals and strengthen the root, with the self-formulated Yangluo Guben Formulation (养络固本方). Meanwhile, the method of promoting blood stasis resolution is consistently applied throughout the entire treatment process.
6.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.
7.Advances in Antibody-drug Conjugates for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer after Resistance to First-line Therapy.
Honglin LI ; Yawan JING ; Jiayi SUN ; Jing XU ; Yalun LI
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(9):710-720
Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a novel class of antineoplastic agents, combines tumor-specific targeting with potent cytotoxic activity. In recent years, ADC has achieved notable advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly within therapeutic sequencing after failure of first-line therapy or the emergence of resistance. This paper will systematically review the efficacy and safety evidence of representative ADC in NSCLC, and further to discuss progress and challenges in ADC structural optimization, toxicity management, biomarker identification, and combination strategies, aiming to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation and practical reference for clinical practice and future research.
.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy*
;
Immunoconjugates/chemistry*
;
Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry*
8.Antisense oligonucleotides targeting IRF4 alleviate psoriasis.
Yanxia YU ; Yirui WANG ; Weiwei CHEN ; Chang ZHANG ; Zhuo LI ; Jing YU ; Minhao WANG ; Can SONG ; Sihao YAN ; Jiayi LU ; Liangdan SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3575-3590
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcription factor that governs the differentiation of cluster of differentiation 4+ (CD4+) T cells. The pathogenesis and progression of psoriasis are primarily attributed to an immune imbalance stemming from the overproduction of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) by T lymphocytes. However, the role of IRF4 in psoriasis remains unexplored. In this study, we found that IRF4 activity is increased in the cutaneous lesions of patients with psoriasis in response to stimulation by IL-23A and IL-1β. This IRF4 elevation heightens its binding to the E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) promoter, triggering the transcription of downstream retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) and increasing the secretion of IL-17A, thereby establishing the IL-1β/IL-23A-IRF4-EP300-RORC-IL-17A inflammatory cascade in psoriasis. The alleviation of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic-like symptoms was achieved through the creation of a Irf4 -/- gene deletion mouse model and pharmacological inhibition using antisense oligonucleotides targeted for Irf4. This amelioration was accompanied by a decreased number of IL-17A-producing CD4+ T cells in the skin. The findings of this study suggest that IRF4 plays a crucial role in the promotion of inflammation and exacerbation of IMQ-induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Consequently, IRF4 targeting could be a promising therapeutic strategy.
9.NUP62 alleviates senescence and promotes the stemness of human dental pulp stem cells via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Xiping WANG ; Li WANG ; Linxi ZHOU ; Lu CHEN ; Jiayi SHI ; Jing GE ; Sha TIAN ; Zihan YANG ; Yuqiong ZHOU ; Qihao YU ; Jiacheng JIN ; Chen DING ; Yihuai PAN ; Duohong ZOU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):34-34
Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans
;
Dental Pulp/cytology*
;
Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics*
;
Cellular Senescence/genetics*
;
Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Cellular Reprogramming
;
Cell Movement
;
Proteomics
10.(+)-Strebloside induces Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell death through the STEAP3-Mediated Ferroptosis and MAPK pathway.
Yu ZHAO ; Jing CAI ; Ying YANG ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Jiayi REN ; Shuyun XIAO ; Jian XU ; Feng FENG ; Rong WU ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(10):1221-1231
(+)-Strebloside, a significant bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Streblus asper Lour., demonstrates inhibitory effects against multiple malignancies. However, its specific function and underlying mechanistic pathways in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) remain unexplored. This investigation sought to elucidate the role and potential mechanisms of (+)-strebloside-induced NHL cell death. The results demonstrated that (+)-strebloside significantly induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in NHL cells, including those from Raji cell-derived xenograft models. Mechanistic analyses revealed that (+)-strebloside enhanced six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (STEAP3)-induced ferroptosis in NHL, and STEAP3 inhibition reduced the proliferation-inhibitory effects of (+)-strebloside. Furthermore, (+)-strebloside suppressed NHL proliferation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition diminished the proliferation-inhibitory activity induced by (+)-strebloside. These findings indicate that (+)-strebloside presents promising therapeutic potential for NHL treatment.
Humans
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/physiopathology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Membrane Proteins/genetics*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
;
Male
;
Mice, Nude


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