1.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
2.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
3.Preparation and hydrolytic activity analysis of dual-catalytic-triad PETase
Qiudong SU ; Xining YAO ; Feng QIU ; Feng WANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Shengli BI ; Yanhai WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):546-551
ObjectiveTo prepare a recombinant PETase with a dual-catalytic-triad and to evaluate its efficiency in the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). MethodsBased on the crystal structure of wild-type PETase, point mutations (T88H/L117D) were introduced via site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant protein was prepared using prokaryotic expression and chromatography purification techniques. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the mutant PETase was assessed by relatively quantifying the products mono (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA). ResultsBoth wild-type and mutant PETases accumulated as inclusion bodies, accounting for approximately 20% of the total bacterial protein. After solubilization in urea, the proteins were eluted at 300 mmol/L imidazole during affinity chromatography purification, with concentrations of 1.824 and 1.833 mg/mL and purities of 83.11% and 84.32%, respectively. Subsequent anion-exchange chromatography yielded highly pure enzymes in the 200 mmol/L NaCl fraction: 2.776 mg/mL (96.86% purity) for the wild type and 1.967 mg/mL (95.13% purity) for the mutant. Following refolding, the final concentrations were 0.484 mg/mL for the wild type and 0.991 mg/mL for the mutant. Hydrolysis assays revealed that the mutant released MHET and TPA at (237.67±17.00)% and (197.33±12.01)% of the wild-type levels, respectively. ConclusionThe T88H/L117D dual-catalytic-triad PETase is successfully prepared and it significantly enhanced PET-degrading activity, thus, it′s a promising biocatalyst for PET bioremediation.
4.Consistent Detection of Aquaporin-4 Antibodies:A Comparative Analysis Between Fixed and Live Cell-Based Assays
Jing WANG ; Linge WANG ; Xiaolin YANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Jinyu JIANG ; Qiao XU ; Siyuan HUANG ; Qing FU ; Yang YANG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Ai CHEN ; Xiaopeng ZENG ; Ke XU ; Peng ZHENG ; Xinyue QIN ; Jinzhou FENG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2026;22(2):212-220
Background:
and Purpose Live cell-based assays (LCBA) are increasingly used for serological antibody detection due to their ability to preserve antigen conformation, offering moderately higher sensitivity than fixed cell-based assays. However, the clinical necessity of prioritizing LCBA for the detection of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear, especially when compared to its established role in diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.
Methods:
We compared the performance of live cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (LCBA-IF) and fixed cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (FCBA-IF) in detecting AQP4-IgG in 90 cases of NMOSD meeting 2015 International Panel for Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis criteria, alongside 40 controls. Additionally, we further investigated the relationship between AQP4-IgG titers as measured by LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF and clinical parameters in NMOSD patients.
Results:
Results showed 96.9% agreement between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF (Cohen’s κ=0.935), with a strong Spearman correlation (0.977, p<0.001). Both methods demonstrated 100% specificity, with LCBA-IF showing slightly higher sensitivity compared to FCBA-IF. Within LCBAIF-tested groups, statistically significant differences in annualized relapse rates were observed across all pairwise comparisons (low-titer vs. moderate-titer, low-titer vs. high-titer, and moderate-titer vs. high-titer; all p<0.050). However, this association reached statistical significance in some FCBA-IF-tested groups.
Conclusions
Overall, there is a strong concordance between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF in detecting AQP4-IgG, where LCBA-IF shows slightly higher sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a potential link between elevated AQP4-IgG titers and an increased risk of relapse, and this correlation may appear more pronounced when using LCBA-IF.
5.Minimally invasive management of spontaneous renal vascular rupture:a report of two cases
Jizong LYU ; Fei LIU ; Feng LI ; Guangli FAN ; Baoming YANG ; Siwei GONG ; Yuanlong ZHANG ; Yao ZHAI ; Ke WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):157-159
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases with spontaneous renal vascular rupture, and discuss the possible causes and treatment methods of this disease. Methods The clinical data and treatment methods of the 2 patients with spontaneous renal vascular rupture treated with renal artery embolization in Universal Global Xi'an Beihuan Hospital were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the possible causes of this condition. Results The patients had no obvious history of trauma and no obvious abnormal coagulation function, and sought treatment due to sudden lumbar and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed significantly decreased hemoglobin level, and elevated blood glucose (27.8, 27.6mmol/L). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) indicated perirenal hematoma and active bleeding. The bleeding arteries were located at the terminal branches of the anterior renal artery. Precise embolization was performed using CT angiography and selective renal artery angiography plus embolization, achieving an immediate hemostasis success rate of 100%. Postoperative hemoglobin level stabilized, and follow-up CT scans showed significant absorption of the perirenal hematoma without significant deterioration of renal function. Based on literature review and case analysis, the possible cause of spontaneous renal vascular rupture in these two patients was renal vascular sclerosis due to long-term diabetes. Other common etiologies of this condition included renal tumor, vascular malformation, and hypertension. Conclusion Spontaneous renal vascular rupture is rare. Renal artery embolization, as aminimally invasive treatment, can effectively control bleeding and protect renal function. The specific pathogenesis of this condition still requires further investigation. Long-term diabetes mellitus with poor blood glucose control may be associated factors, but more evidence is needed.
6.Clinical Observation of Xiere Xingpi Yin in Treatment of Simple Obesity and Effect on Obesity-related miRNAs
Yelin ZHU ; Yiwen HUANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Xianchang ZENG ; Zhenxiu LIU ; Hejin LAI ; Feng TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):177-185
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xiere Xingpi Yin (XRXPY) on the body mass and body fat distribution in patients with simple obesity, and to preliminarily explore whether the mechanism involves the regulation of specific obesity-related microRNAs (miRNAs). MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was employed to recruit patients with simple obesity diagnosed with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of dampness-heat accumulating in the spleen. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 95 patients with simple obesity of dampness-heat encumbering the Spleen syndrome were recruited, after 3 were excluded, 92 were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio by means of a random number table. On the basis of lifestyle intervention, the observation group received XRXPY granules, while the control group received a placebo. Serum samples and TCM symptom scores were collected before and after the 12-week observation period. Differences in body mass loss, body composition, lipid metabolism, and TCM symptom scores were compared between the groups. An obesity-related miRNA dataset was constructed by searching the Human MicroRNA Disease Database. Library construction, sequencing, and quality control were performed on 6 selected patients from each group to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs. The intersection of these miRNAs with the obesity-related miRNAs was verified by bioinformatics and correlation analysis. ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups before treatment. A total of 86 patients completed the study (42 cases in the observation group and 44 cases in the control group). The proportion of patients achieving ≥5% body weight reduction was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group 81.0% (34/42) vs. 43.2% (19/44) (χ2=12.963, P<0.01). Compared with baseline within the observation group, body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were significantly decreased (P<0.01), as were body fat percentage (P<0.01) and serum triglyceride level (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, waist circumference and TCM syndrome score were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01), and body weight showed a trend toward reduction. When changes from baseline were compared between the two groups, the magnitudes of decrease in body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were all significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). With respect to safety, no serious adverse events occurred in either group and no participant discontinued the study because of adverse events. Compared with baseline, alanine aminotransferase levels decreased significantly in both the control and observation groups (P<0.01), and urea decreased significantly in the observation group (P<0.01), indicating a favorable safety profile. Sequencing identified nine differentially expressed miRNAs. After intersecting with the obesity-related miRNA dataset (187 miRNAs), 3 miRNAs were identified: miR-221 (log2FC=-6.62, P=0.009), miR-29a (log2FC=6.33, P=0.016), and miR-10b (log2FC=-5.91, P=0.029). A total of 262 target genes of the 3 miRNAs were identified, which were significantly enriched in 67 pathways, including the lysine degradation pathway (P=0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between miR-221 and triglycerides (r=0.46, P=0.027), a negative correlation between miR-29a and waist-to-hip ratio (r=-0.41, P=0.047), and positive correlations of miR-10b with body fat percentage (r=0.49, P=0.014) and waist circumference (r=0.44, P=0.032). ConclusionXRXPY combined with lifestyle intervention can effectively reduce the body mass and improve body composition. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the lysine degradation pathway via miR-221, miR-29a, and miR-10b, though further verification is required.
7.Clinical Observation of Xiere Xingpi Yin in Treatment of Simple Obesity and Effect on Obesity-related miRNAs
Yelin ZHU ; Yiwen HUANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Xianchang ZENG ; Zhenxiu LIU ; Hejin LAI ; Feng TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):177-185
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xiere Xingpi Yin (XRXPY) on the body mass and body fat distribution in patients with simple obesity, and to preliminarily explore whether the mechanism involves the regulation of specific obesity-related microRNAs (miRNAs). MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was employed to recruit patients with simple obesity diagnosed with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of dampness-heat accumulating in the spleen. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 95 patients with simple obesity of dampness-heat encumbering the Spleen syndrome were recruited, after 3 were excluded, 92 were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio by means of a random number table. On the basis of lifestyle intervention, the observation group received XRXPY granules, while the control group received a placebo. Serum samples and TCM symptom scores were collected before and after the 12-week observation period. Differences in body mass loss, body composition, lipid metabolism, and TCM symptom scores were compared between the groups. An obesity-related miRNA dataset was constructed by searching the Human MicroRNA Disease Database. Library construction, sequencing, and quality control were performed on 6 selected patients from each group to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs. The intersection of these miRNAs with the obesity-related miRNAs was verified by bioinformatics and correlation analysis. ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups before treatment. A total of 86 patients completed the study (42 cases in the observation group and 44 cases in the control group). The proportion of patients achieving ≥5% body weight reduction was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group 81.0% (34/42) vs. 43.2% (19/44) (χ2=12.963, P<0.01). Compared with baseline within the observation group, body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were significantly decreased (P<0.01), as were body fat percentage (P<0.01) and serum triglyceride level (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, waist circumference and TCM syndrome score were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01), and body weight showed a trend toward reduction. When changes from baseline were compared between the two groups, the magnitudes of decrease in body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were all significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). With respect to safety, no serious adverse events occurred in either group and no participant discontinued the study because of adverse events. Compared with baseline, alanine aminotransferase levels decreased significantly in both the control and observation groups (P<0.01), and urea decreased significantly in the observation group (P<0.01), indicating a favorable safety profile. Sequencing identified nine differentially expressed miRNAs. After intersecting with the obesity-related miRNA dataset (187 miRNAs), 3 miRNAs were identified: miR-221 (log2FC=-6.62, P=0.009), miR-29a (log2FC=6.33, P=0.016), and miR-10b (log2FC=-5.91, P=0.029). A total of 262 target genes of the 3 miRNAs were identified, which were significantly enriched in 67 pathways, including the lysine degradation pathway (P=0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between miR-221 and triglycerides (r=0.46, P=0.027), a negative correlation between miR-29a and waist-to-hip ratio (r=-0.41, P=0.047), and positive correlations of miR-10b with body fat percentage (r=0.49, P=0.014) and waist circumference (r=0.44, P=0.032). ConclusionXRXPY combined with lifestyle intervention can effectively reduce the body mass and improve body composition. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the lysine degradation pathway via miR-221, miR-29a, and miR-10b, though further verification is required.
8.Innate immune cell LXR-β deficiency exacerbates hepatic injury and fibrosis in murine models of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Xiaohui FANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Junyao WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Ziliang KE ; Yiken LIN ; Fangyuan CONG ; Feng ZHANG ; Jianhua ZHOU ; Huiting SU ; Shan CAO ; Yulan LIU ; Jun XU
Liver Research 2025;9(3):239-248
Background and aims:Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by complex pathogenesis and limited available therapeutic options.The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of PSCs remain unclear.Liver X receptor beta(LXR-β)is recognized to modulate lipid metabolism and immune response,but its specific involvement in the PSC has not been elucidated.Here,we explored the role and mechanism of LXR-β in PSC induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-collidine(DDC).Methods:CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to generate Abcb4(coding MDR2,next named as Mdr2),Nr1h2(coding LXR-β,next named as Lxrβ),and Rag2(coding RAG2)knockout mice.DDC was used to induce PSC.Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to assess the extent of hepatic injury and fibrosis.Flow cytometry was used to observe immune cell subsets.Results:We observed a declining trend in hepatic Lxrβ in the PSC model.Unexpectedly,Lxrβ knockout failed to modulate DDC-induced PSC pathogenesis.Concomitantly,assessment of the influence of Rag2 deficiency on PSC progression revealed the absence of aggravated or alleviated hepatic injury or fibrosis in the Rag2-/-DDC mice.However,Lxrβ depletion intensified DDC-induced PSC in the Rag2-/-mice,with more abundant infiltrative inflammatory cells and more severe liver fibrosis.Compared with Rag2-/-DDC mice,Lxrβ-/-Rag2-/-DDC mice had higher serum ALT and AST levels and mRNA expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes.Flow cytometry showed that LXR-β deficiency resulted in a diminished population of hepatic innate immune cells.Conclusion:This study indicated innate immune cell LXR-β deficiency can exacerbate hepatic injury and fibrosis in murine models of PSC suggesting that LXR-β may regulate the function of innate immunity in the fibrotic advancement of PSC.
9.Effects of total extract of Anthriscus sylvestris on immune inflammation and thrombosis in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
Ya-Juan ZHENG ; Pei-Pei YUAN ; Zhen-Kai ZHANG ; Yan-Ling LIU ; Sai-Fei LI ; Yuan RUAN ; Yi CHEN ; Yang FU ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Xiao-Ke ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2472-2483
This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of total extracts from Anthriscus sylvestris on pulmonary hypertension in rats. Sixty male SD rats were divided into normal(NC) group, model(M) group, positive drug sildenafil(Y) group, low-dose A. sylvestris(ES-L) group, medium-dose A. sylvestris(ES-M) group, and high-dose A. sylvestris(ES-H) group. On day 1, rats were intraperitoneally injected with monocrotaline(60 mg·kg~(-1)) to induce pulmonary hypertension, and the rat model was established on day 28. From days 15 to 28, intragastric administration of the respective treatments was performed. After modeling and treatment, small animal echocardiography was used to detect the right heart function of the rats. Arterial blood gas was measured using a blood gas analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe cardiopulmonary pathological damage. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in the lung and myocardial tissues and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels. Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3(p-Smad3), Smad3, tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) in lung tissue. A blood routine analyzer was used to measure inflammatory immune cell levels in the blood. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of P-selectin and thromboxane A2(TXA2) in plasma. The results showed that, compared with the NC group, right heart hypertrophy index, right ventricular free wall thickness, right heart internal diameter, partial carbon dioxide pressure(PaCO_2), apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue, and ROS levels were significantly increased in the M group. In contrast, the ratio of pulmonary blood flow acceleration time(PAT)/ejection time(PET), right cardiac output, change rate of right ventricular systolic area, systolic displacement of the tricuspid ring, oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2), and blood oxygen saturation(SaO_2) were significantly decreased in the M group. After administration of the total extract of A. sylvestris, right heart function and blood gas levels were significantly improved, while apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue and ROS levels significantly decreased. Further testing revealed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and PAI-1 proteins in lung tissue, while increasing the expression of t-PA. Additionally, the extract reduced the levels of inflammatory cells such as leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes in the blood, as well as the levels of P-selectin and TXA2 in plasma. Metabolomics results showed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly affected metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. In conclusion, the total extract of A. sylvestris may exert an anti-pulmonary hypertension effect by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating immune-inflammatory responses and thrombosis.
Animals
;
Male
;
Smad3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics*
;
Thrombosis/immunology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Humans
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
10.Correlation between differences in starch gelatinization, water distribution, and terpenoid content during steaming process of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers by multivariate statistical analysis.
Yan LIANG ; Meng-Na YANG ; Xiao-Li QIN ; Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Zhong-Nan SU ; Hou-Kang CAO ; Ke-Feng ZHANG ; Ming-Wei WANG ; Bo LI ; Shuo LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2684-2694
To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry*
;
Starch/chemistry*
;
Multivariate Analysis
;
Water/chemistry*
;
Terpenes/analysis*
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Plant Tubers/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail