1.Effect of "Fahan" on Metabolites of Blumea balsamifera Analyzed by Non-targeted Metabolomics
Jiayuan CAO ; Xin XU ; Xiangsheng ZHANG ; Bingnan LIU ; Yongyao WEI ; Ke ZHONG ; Yuxin PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):200-207
ObjectiveTo characterize the changes of metabolites of Blumea balsamifera in the process of sweating by non-targeted metabolomics, and to investigate the influence of sweating processing on the constituents of B. balsamifera. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) metabolomics was used to identify the metabolites in no sweating group(F1), sweating 2 d group(F2) and sweating 4 d group(F3), the differences of metabolites between the groups were compared by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and differential metabolites were screened according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05, and the pathway enrichment of the differential metabolites was analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). ResultsThe results of PCA and OPLS-DA showed a clear distinction between the three groups of samples, indicating significant differences in the compositions of the three groups of samples. A total of 433 differential metabolites were screened between the F1 and F2, with 154 up-regulated and 279 down-regulated, the significant up-regulated metabolites were tangeritin, 5-O-demethylnobiletin and so on, while the metabolites with significant down-regulation included alternariol, fortunellin, etc. A total of 379 differential metabolites were screened between the F2 and F3, with 150 up-regulated and 229 down-regulated, the significant up-regulated metabolites were isoimperatorin, helianyl octanoate and so on, and the significant down-regulated metabolites were hovenoside I, goyasaponin Ⅲ, etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that tyrosine metabolism, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis may be the key pathways affecting metabolite differences of B. balsamifera after sweating treatment. ConclusionSweating can reduce the content of endophytic mycotoxins in B. balsamifera and has a great impact on the synthesis and metabolic pathways of total flavonoids and auxin. This study can provide a reference for the process research on the sweating conditions of B. balsamifera.
2.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
3.The inhibitory effect of artesunate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating expression of GADD45A and NACC1
Guan-Tong SHEN ; Jin-Yao DONG ; Jing FENG ; Nan QIN ; Gen-Lai DU ; Fei ZHU ; Ke LIAN ; Xin-Yu LIU ; Qing-Liang LI ; Xun-Wei ZHANG ; Ru-Yi SHI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1089-1097
Aim To explore the effect and mechanism of the artesunate(ART)on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The cell lines MHCC-97H and HCC-LM3 were used to be detected.MTT and clone formation were used to determine the cell proliferation;Wound healing was used to detect the cell migration;Transwell was used to test the cell invasion.Flow-cy-tometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cy-cle.RNA-seq and qRT-PCR was used to detect the genes expression.Results The proliferation,migra-tion and invasion of treated cells were obviously inhibi-ted(P<0.01).Moreover,the apoptosis rate in-creased significantly,so did the proportion of G2/M cells.Transcriptomic analysis identified GADD45A as a potential target of ART through RNA-sequencing da-ta,and suggested that ART might induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through regulating the expression of GADD45A.In addition,the results of mechanism studies and signaling analysis suggested that GADD45A had interaction with its upstream gene NACC1(nucle-us accumbens associated 1).Moreover,after ART treatment,the expressions of GADD45A and NACC1 were changed significantly.Conclusion ART may be a potential drug to resist HCC by affecting the expres-sion of GADD45A and its upstream gene NACC1,which provides a new drug,a new direction and a new method for the clinical treatment of HCC.
4.Effect of Cinobufacini on HepG2 cells based on CXCL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway
Xiao-Ke RAN ; Xu-Dong LIU ; Hua-Zhen PANG ; Wei-Qiang TAN ; Tie-Xiong WU ; Zhao-Quan PAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Xin-Feng LOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2361-2368
Aim To investigate the impact of Cinobu-facini on the proliferation,invasion,and apoptosis of HepG2 cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods The proliferation of HepG2 cells was assessed using the CCK-8 method following treatment with Cinobufaci-ni.The invasion capability of HepG2 cells was evalua-ted through Transwell assay after exposure to Cinobufa-cini.The apoptosis rates of HepG2 cells post Cinobufa-cini intervention were measured using flow cytometry,and the expression levels of VEGF in the culture medi-um of HepG2 cells were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassay.Furthermore,qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to assess the im-pact of Cinobufacini on mRNA and protein expression levels related to the CXCL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway.The interaction between CXCL5 and FOXD1 was inves-tigated via co-immunoprecipitation.Results Cinobufa-cini treatment led to a gradual decrease in HepG2 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,Cinobufacini sig-nificantly suppressed HepG2 cell invasion(P<0.05)while enhancing cell apoptosis(P<0.05).Notably,Cinobufacini exhibited inhibitory effects on the CX-CL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway,as evidenced by re-duced expression of related mRNA and proteins(P<0.05).FOXD1 was identified as the binding site of CXCL5.Overexpression of CXCL5 resulted in in-creased proliferation and VEGF secretion by HepG2 cells(P<0.05),and increased expression of FOXD1 and VEGF(P<0.05).However,Cinobufacini inter-vention effectively inhibited liver cancer cell prolifera-tion and invasion(P<0.05),promoted apoptosis(P<0.05),reduced VEGF secretion by HepG2 cells(P<0.05),and downregulated the expression of CXCL5 and FOXD1 in HepG2 cells(P<0.05);but com-pared with the unexpressed group of Cinobufacini,its ability to inhibit cell activity was weakened(P<0.05),and its ability to inhibit the expression of CX-CL5,FOXD1,and VEGF was weakened(P<0.05).Conclusion Cinobufacini may inhibit HepG2 cell pro-liferation and invasion and promote HepG2 cell apopto-sis by regulating the CXCL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway.
5.A single-center study on the safety and effectiveness of a novel non-implant interatrial shunt device
San-Shuai CHANG ; Xin-Min LIU ; Zheng-Ming JIANG ; Yu-Tong KE ; Qian ZHANG ; Qiang LÜ ; Xin DU ; Jian-Zeng DONG ; Guang-Yuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(8):425-433
Objective To preliminarily evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel non-implantable atrial shunt device based on radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods This was a prospective single-arm study.From January 2023 to December 2023,five eligible CHF patients were consecutively enrolled at Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University,and underwent inter-atrial shunt using Shenzhen Betterway atrial shunt device.Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure(PCWP),right atrial pressure(RAP),pulmonary artery pressure(PAP),total pulmonary resistance(TPR),pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR),and pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio(Qp/Qs)were measured using right heart catheterization before and immediately after procedure.Patients were followed up for 90 days,and echocardiography,right heart catheterization,and cardiac functional indicators were evaluated.The primary endpoint was procedural success.Secondary endpoints included clinical success,echocardiographic changes,6-minute walk distance(6MWD)changes,New York Heart Association(NYHA)class changes,Kansas city cardiomyopathy questionnaire(KCCQ)score changes,and amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)level changes at 90 days.The safety endpoint was major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events and device-related adverse events.Results All five patients successfully achieved left-to-right atrial shunt.Compared with baseline,PCWP decreased significantly immediately after procedure in all five patients,with a procedural success rate of 100%.There were no significant changes in RAP,PAP,TPR,and PVR before and immediately after procedure.After 90 days follow-up,four patients had persistent left-to-right atrial shunt,and PCWP was significantly lower than baseline,with a clinical success rate of 80%.Compared with baseline,LVEF increased,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased,and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricular fractional area change were not impaired in all five patients at 90 days.KCCQ scores and 6MWT improved,NT-proBNP decreased,and NYHA class did not change significantly.There were no deaths,rehospitalizations for heart failure,stroke-related adverse events,or device-related adverse events during the follow-up.Conclusions The novel non-implantable atrial shunt catheter can safely and effectively improve hemodynamic,echocardiographic,and cardiac functional indicators in patients with heart failure.However,larger-scale clinical studies are still needed to validate its long-term clinical effectiveness.
6.Species identification of hard ticks and molecular survey of Ana plasma in partial areas of Anhui Province
Xue ZHAO ; Khakhane LERATO ; Wan-Qing LU ; Xin-Yun WU ; Fang-Fei SONG ; Yu XIN ; Ying-Ying ZHANG ; Chen XING ; Ke-Han XU ; Mao-Zhang HE ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):302-307
The distribution of Ixodes and Ana plasma carried by Ixodes ticks in Anhui Province was clarified as reference for prevention and control of anaplasmosis.In total,630 hard ticks were collected from Jinzhai County,Hanshan County,Jing-de County and Chaohu City in Anhui Province from April to August 2023.Ticks were identified by morphological analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing.Nested PCR with Anaplasma species-specific primers were used to detect 16S rRNA of Anaplasma spe-cies carried by ticks.A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA11.0 software.Of the identified ticks,18.8%(18/96)were Rhipicephalus microplus and 81.2%(78/96)were Haemaphysalis longicorni in Jinzhai County of Anhui Province,all were H.longicorni in Hanshan County and Chaohu City,while the main species in Jingde County was R.microplus.The posi-tive rate of Anaplasma carried by H.longicornis was 30.9%(102/330),which included A.bovis at 1.8%(6/330),A.phagocytophilum at 21.8%(72/330)and uncultured Anaplasma species at 7.3%(24/330).R.microplus was positively cor-related to A.bovis(13.6%,18/132).The uncultured Anaplasma species was mainly detected in host-free ticks.A.phagocy-tophilum was detected in 24.4%of parasitic ticks and 15.8%of host-free ticks.The positive rates of host-free and parasitic ticks were 19.9%and 17.8%,respectively.These results show that H.longicornis and R.microplus were the dominant ticks in several counties of Anhui Province.H.longicornis and R.microplus as well as free and parasitic ticks all carried Anaplas-ma.
7.Porcine SIRT5 promotes replication of foot and mouth disease virus type O in PK-15 cells
Guo-Hui CHEN ; Xi-Juan SHI ; Xin-Tian BIE ; Xing YANG ; Si-Yue ZHAO ; Da-Jun ZHANG ; Deng-Shuai ZHAO ; Wen-Qian YAN ; Ling-Ling CHEN ; Mei-Yu ZHAO ; Lu HE ; Hai-Xue ZHENG ; Xia LIU ; Ke-Shan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):421-429
The effect of porcine SIRT5 on replication of foot and mouth disease virus type O(FMDV-O)and the underlying regulatory mechanism were investigated.Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses were employed to monitor expression of endoge-nous SIRT5 in PK-15 cells infected with FMDV-O.Three pairs of SIRT5-specific siRNAs were synthesized.Changes to SIRT5 and FMDV-O protein and transcript levels,in addition to virus copy numbers,were measured by western blot and RT-qPCR analyses.PK-15 cells were transfected with a eukaryotic SIRT5 expression plasmid.Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses were used to explore the impact of SIRT5 overexpression on FMDV-O replication.Meanwhile,RT-qPCR analysis was used to detect the effect of SIRT5 overexpression on the mRNA expression levels of type I interferon-stimulated genes induced by SeV and FMDV-O.The results showed that expression of SIRT5 was up-regulated in PK-15 cells infected with FMDV-O and siRNA interfered with SIRT5 to inhibit FMDV-O replication.SIRT5 overexpression promoted FMDV-O replication.SIRT5 over-expression decreased mRNA expression levels of interferon-stimulated genes induced by SeV and FMDV-O.These results suggest that FMDV-O infection stimulated expression of SIRT5 in PK-15 cells,while SIRT5 promoted FMDV-O rep-lication by inhibiting production of type I interferon-stimula-ted genes.These findings provide a reference to further ex-plore the mechanism underlying the ability of porcine SIRT5 to promote FMDV-O replication.
8.An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Interatrial Shunt for Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Sanshuai CHANG ; Wenhui WU ; Xinmin LIU ; Zhengming JIANG ; Yutong KE ; Qiang LYU ; Xin DU ; Jianzeng DONG ; Guangyuan SONG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(10):989-996
Objectives:To explore the effects of interatrial shunt on cardiac function and clinical prognosis of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF). Methods:This study was a prospective single-arm study.From December 2021 to December 2022,15 consecutive patients with HFrEF from Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study.Interatrial shunt was performed with a D-Shant atrial shunt device.Right heart catheterization was performed before and immediately after device implantation,pulmonary capillary wedge pressure(PCWP),mean right atrial pressure(RAP),interatrial gradient pressure,mean pulmonary artery pressure,total pulmonary resistance(TPR),pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR),cardiac index(CI),and pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio(Qp/Qs)were measured.Patients were followed-up for 12 months after procedure,changes in cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography.NYHA classification,6-minute walking distance(6MWD),and Kansas City cardiomyopathy questionnaire(KCCQ)were observed.All-cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure served as clinical endpoints. Results:Interatrial shunt procedure was successful in all patients.Compared with preoperative value,PCWP,interatrial gradient pressure,mean pulmonary artery pressure,and TPR were significantly decreased,while Qp/Qs was significantly increased immediately after procedure(all P<0.01).There were no significant changes in RAP,PVR,and CI post procedure(all P>0.05).There were no significant differences in shunt size,shunt velocity,and shunt pressure difference between postoperative immediately and at 12-months follow-up(all P>0.05).At 12 months,left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher than baseline level(P<0.05),and there were no significant changes in right atrial diameter and right ventricular fractional area change(both P>0.05).Compared with preoperative status,NYHA classification was improved,KCCQ score was increased,and the number of patients with 6MWD>450 m was increased at 12 months(all P<0.05).N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide value was significantly decreased at 12 months(P<0.05).No patient died during the 12-months follow-up period,and there were no device-related adverse events.Two patients experienced hospital readmission for heart failure. Conclusions:Implantation of interatrial shunt device could effectively improve hemodynamic parameters in patients with HFrEF and is related to significantly improved cardiac function at 12-months follow-up.
9.Screening and identification of xanthine oxidase inhibitors from Smilax glabra
Hui-Liang ZOU ; Ke CHEN ; Xin-Cai WANG ; Xiao CHENG ; Ling-Jie MENG ; Bai-Lian LIU ; Min CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(5):1558-1564
AIM To rapidly screen xanthine oxidase(XOD)inhibitors from Smilax glabra Roxb.by enzyme-immobilized magnetic microspheres and LC-MS/MS,and to confirm the anti-uric acid constituents from S.glabra Roxb.METHODS The immobilized xanthine oxidase was prepared by covalent coupling with carboxyl magnetic beads as a carrier.The xanthine oxidase inhibitors in S.glabra were screened by the specific adsorption of immobilized enzyme.LC-MS/MS and standard substances were used for analysis and comparison,and the inhibitory activity and inhibition type of the screened and identified components were investigated.RESULTS The successful synthesis of immobilized xanthine oxidase was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy.The enzyme loading was 70.50 μg/mg and the relative activity was 79.44%.Thirteen active compounds were screened from the extract of S.glabra,and eleven compounds were identified.The enzyme activity test showed that the inhibitory activites of engeletin and isoengeletin were the strongest,which was close to the positive control allopurinol.The IC50 value and inhibition type were 32.25 μg/mL,mixed inhibition,35.12 μg/mL,competitive inhibition.CONCLUSION The method is simple,rapid,accurate and suitable for directly screened active ingredients which can inhibit XOD from complex extract of traditional Chinese medicines.
10.Selective dorsal rhizotomy with small incision under electrophysiological monitoring in lower limb spasticity
Ke PU ; Quoqing KAN ; Xin LIU ; Zhizhong ZHU ; Qingguo LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(5):458-463
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of selective dorsal rhizotomy with small incision under electrophysiological monitoring in lower limb spasticity.Methods:Twenty patients with lower limb spasticity due to craniocerebral injury admitted to Department of Neurosurgery,Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were selected. Target muscles (Ashworth Scale graded 1 + or higher) were identified preoperatively. Intraoperatively, the lower L 1 spinous process and the upper L 2 spinous process were resected to expose the cauda equina nerves. A bipolar stimulator was applied to electrically stimulate the cauda equina nerves root by root to identify the sensory nerves of the target muscles; subsequently, strings of electrical stimulation were given, 50% cauda equina nerves were cut off if no contraction of the contralateral muscles was seen, and 75% were cut off if contraction of the contralateral muscles was noted. Motor function and muscle tension were assessed and compared before and 6 months after surgery by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-66, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and Ashworth spasticity scale. Complications early after surgery and 6 months after surgery were observed. Results:The most common targeted muscles in these 20 patients included the gastrocnemius (the medial and lateral side, n=20), followed by the biceps femoris ( n=12) and the adductor muscles of thigh ( n=9). Number of nerves intraoperatively cut in patients with GMFCS grading 1-4 was 5.40±1.84, 9.50±6.36, 11.67±5.86, and 14.00±5.66, respectively, with significant differences ( F=5.506 , P=0.009). Grading of Ashworth spasticity scale of the target muscles before surgery in these 20 patients showed significant difference compared with that at 6 months after surgery ( P<0.05), and average rank indicated that Ashworth spasticity scale of target muscles 6 months after surgery was graded obviouly better than that before surgery. In addition, the GMFM-66 total scores and major joint motion scores of the patients 6 months after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery ( P<0.05). Fifteen patients had fever early after surgery, 18 patients had incisional pain, and 1 patient developed reversible hypesthesia of the lower extremities; these symptoms disappeared 0.5-4.0 years after surgery. No patients developed lower limb hypokinesia, urinary and defecation disorders, or spinal deformities. Conclusion:Selective dorsal rhizotomy with small incision under electrophysiological monitoring used in this study can effectively reduce surgical trauma and relieve lower limb spasticity due to craniocerebral injury, enjoying high surgical safety.

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