1.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.
2.Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on the correlation between biochemical indexes and metabolomics characteristics
Ming-liang ZHANG ; Yu-long CHEN ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Wei-xia LI ; Jin-fa TANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2098-2107
Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection (RDN) and penicillin G injection (PG) by detecting the correlation between serum biochemical indexes and plasma metabonomic characteristics, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions caused by the combination of RDN and PG. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). The changes of biochemical indexes in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that RDN combined with PG could cause pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) activated by complement pathway. Further investigation was carried out at different time intervals (1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 h PG+RDN). It was found that sequential administration within 3.5 h could cause significant PARs. However, PARs were significantly reduced after administration interval of more than 4 h. LC-MS was used for plasma metabolomics analysis, and the levels of serum biochemical indicators and plasma metabolic profile characteristics were compared in parallel. 22 differential metabolites showed similar or opposite trends to biochemical indicators before and after 3.5 h. And enriched to 10 PARs-related pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In conclusion, there is a risk "time interval window" phenomenon in the adverse drug reactions caused by the sequential use of RDN and PG, and the interval medication after the "time interval window" can significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
3.Study on the potential allergen and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions induced by combined using of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on metabolomics and bioinformatics
Yu-long CHEN ; You ZHAI ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wei-xia LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Kun LI ; Jin-fa TANG ; Ming-liang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):382-394
Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and
4.LI Fei's Experience in Treating Facial Paralysis with Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Xin-Hua ZHOU ; Wei-Ran LI ; Ke-Po WANG ; Fei LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):1041-1047
This article aims to analyze LI Fei's academic thinking and experience in treating facial paralysis.LI Fei proposes that the diagnosis and treatment of facial paralysis should follow the principle of"identify the cause of the disease when it is occured at first time,followed by exploring the pathogenesis of the disease,then differentiating the syndrome and treating the disease,and recognizing the syndrome and treating the disease",and that the basic treatment principle should be"dispelling wind and unblocking the collaterals,regulating the tendons and meridians".In clinical treatment,"put emphasis on anatomy,treat the disease according to symptoms"is the basic policy;meanwhile,integrating Chinese and western theories,combining the anatomical structure of the expression muscle,dynamically judging the recovery of nerves and muscles,and selecting the corresponding empirical acupoints according to the symptoms.LI Fei emphasizes the integration of theories and summarizes the"triple"methods of differentiation by reasoning,staging and symptoms,and the"triple"theory of treatment by regulating menstruation,tendon and spirit,which is worthy of reference in the clinic.
5.Vitamin D Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Dopamine Nervous System in Brain
Hua-Lin WANG ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Ran LIU ; Ke LI ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1530-1539
Vitamin D is a unique fat-soluble vitamin that plays an indispensable role in human health. It exists in various forms, the most significant being vitamin D2 (derived from plant sources) and vitamin D3 (synthesized naturally in human skin upon exposure to sunlight). Vitamin D’s primary function is to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D significantly influences the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular health, and the regulation of brain functions. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various chronic diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, decreased immunity, increased risk of mental disorders, and cancers. The synthesis of vitamin D in the human body, both peripherally and centrally, relies on sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and various supplements. As a neuroactive steroid, vitamin D impacts both the physiological and pathological processes of the nervous system and plays a key role in brain health. It profoundly affects the brain by regulating neurotransmitter synthesis and maintaining intracellular calcium balance. As an essential chemical molecule, vitamin D participates in complex signal transduction pathways, impacting neurotransmitter functions and synaptic plasticity. Vitamin D’s role in regulating dopamine (DA)—a neurotransmitter critical for motivation, reward perception, and other higher cognitive functions—is particularly noteworthy. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D not only promotes the synthesis of DA but also plays a role in regulating DA levels within the brain. It exerts neuroprotective effects on DA neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and neurotrophic support, thereby creating an optimal environment for DA neurons, influencing neuronal structure, and affecting the movement of calcium ions within nerve cells, positively impacting the overall health and functionality of the DA system. Furthermore, vitamin D can regulate the synthesis and release of DA, thus affecting the signal transmission of various DA neural projection pathways in the brain. This function is vital for understanding the complex interactions between neural mechanisms and their effects on key behaviors and cognitive functions. This review aims to delve deeply into the synthesis, metabolism, and pathways of vitamin D’s action, especially its regulatory mechanisms on DA neurons. Through this exploration, this article seeks to provide a solid theoretical foundation and research framework for a deeper understanding of vitamin D’s role in motivation and reward behaviors. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the broader significance of vitamin D in the fields of neuroscience and neurology. In summary, research and discoveries regarding vitamin D’s impact on the nervous system highlight its importance in neural health and function. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the complex workings of the nervous system but also open new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The exploration of vitamin D’s multifaceted roles offers promising prospects for developing new therapeutic strategies, underscoring the compound’s potential in addressing a range of neural dysfunctions and diseases. As research continues to evolve, the profound implications of vitamin D in the field of neurology and beyond become increasingly apparent, marking it as a key target for ongoing and future scientific inquiry.
6.Small-molecule drug design strategies for regulating protein phosphorylation modification
Wen-yan YANG ; Jia-yi WANG ; Feng-jiao LIN ; Ke-ran WANG ; Yu-zhuo WU ; Zhao-cheng WANG ; Qi-dong YOU ; Lei WANG ; Qiu-yue ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(11):2912-2925
Protein phosphorylation modification is an important mechanism of physiological regulation that is closely related to protein biological functions. In particular, protein kinases are responsible for catalyzing the phosphorylation process of proteins, and phosphatases are responsible for catalyzing the dephosphorylation process of phosphorylation-modified proteins, which together mediate the achievement of dynamic and reversible phosphorylation modifications of proteins. Abnormal phosphorylation levels of proteins contribute to the development of many diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic diseases. Therefore, rational design of small molecules to regulate protein phosphorylation is an important approach for disease treatment. Based on the mechanism of protein phosphorylation regulation, small molecule drug design strategies can be classified into three types, protein kinase modulators, phosphatase modulators, and bifunctional molecules with proximity-mediated mechanism. This review emphasizes the above three small molecule design strategies for targeting protein phosphorylation regulation, including molecular design ideas, research progress and current challenges, and provides an outlook on small molecule modulators targeting protein phosphorylation modification.
7.Emerging role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in pregnancy-associated diseases.
Xiaoxiao FU ; Yuling LI ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin WANG ; Ran WEI ; Chu CHU ; Ke XU ; Lihua LI ; Yonglin LIU ; Xia LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(11):1300-1310
Accumulating studies have demonstrated that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), functioning as important regulators of transcription and translation, are involved in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, especially the maternal immune adaptation process. The endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), trophoblast cells, and decidua immune cells that reside at the maternal-fetal interface are thought to play significant roles in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-associated diseases. Here, we reviewed the up-to-date evidence on how microRNA, long non-coding RNA, and circular RNA regulate ESCs, trophoblast cells, and immune cells and discussed the potential applications of these ncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic markers in pregnancy complications.
Pregnancy
;
Female
;
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics*
;
RNA, Circular/genetics*
;
Trophoblasts
;
Pregnancy Complications/genetics*
8.Analysis of Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Oral Ulcers and Bloodstream Infection in Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Ke WU ; Li-Na GUAN ; Jie-Yong ZHANG ; Ran ZHANG ; Zhi-Lei BIAN ; Chong WANG ; Ding-Ming WAN ; Wei-Jie CAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2023;31(3):866-870
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the risk factors of oral ulcers and bloodstream infection in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 401 hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospective analyzed, and the risk factors of oral ulcers and bloodstream infection statistical and analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among the 401 patients, the incidence of oral ulcers was 61.3% (246/401), and the incidence of bloodstream infection was 9.0% (36/401). A total of 40 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 36 patients, including 26 strains of Gram negative strains (65%), 13 strains of Gram positive strains (32.5%), and 1 strain of fungi (2.5%). Single-factor analysis showed that oral hygiene was associated with the occurrence of bloodstream infection, and the Multi-factor analysis showed that age ≥14 years old, disease diagnosis of leukemia, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were risk factors for oral ulcers.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of oral ulcers in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is high. The age ≥14 years, disease diagnosis of leukemia, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were risk factors for oral ulcers in patients, and oral hygiene was associated with the occurrence of bloodstream infection.
Humans
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Oral Ulcer/etiology*
;
Bacteremia/microbiology*
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects*
;
Sepsis
;
Risk Factors
;
Leukemia
9.Meranzin Hydrate Improves Depression-Like Behaviors and Hypomotility via Ghrelin and Neurocircuitry.
Ya-Lin LIU ; Jian-Jun XU ; Lin-Ran HAN ; Xiang-Fei LIU ; Mu-Hai LIN ; Yun WANG ; Zhe XIAO ; Yun-Ke HUANG ; Ping REN ; Xi HUANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2023;29(6):490-499
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether meranzin hydrate (MH) can alleviate depression-like behavior and hypomotility similar to Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP), and further explore the potential common mechanisms.
METHODS:
Totally 120 Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5-8 groups including sham, vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), mosapride (10 mg/kg), CSP (30 g/kg), MH (9.18 mg/kg), [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (Dlys, 0.5 mg/kg), and MH+Dlys groups by a random number table, 8 rats in each group. And 32 mice were randomly divided into wild-type, MH (18 mg/kg), growth hormone secretagogue receptor-knockout (GHSR-KO), and GHSR+MH groups, 8 mice in each group. The forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), gastric emptying (GE) test, and intestinal transit (IT) test were used to assess antidepressant and prokinetic (AP) effects after drug single administration for 30 min with absorbable identification in rats and mice, respectively. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the hippocampus of rats were evaluated by Western blot. The differences in functional brain changes were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD).
RESULTS:
MH treatment improved depression-like behavior (FST, OFT) and hypomotility (GE, IT) in the acute forced swimming (FS) rats (all P<0.05), and the effects are similar to the parent formula CSP. The ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 inhibited the effect of MH on FST and GE (P<0.05). Similarly, MH treatment also alleviated depression-like behavior (FST, TST) in the wild-type mice, however, no effects were found in the GHSR KO mice. Additionally, administration of MH significantly stimulated BDNF and p-mTOR protein expressions in the hippocampus (both P<0.01), which were also prevented by [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (P<0.01). Besides, 3 main BOLD foci following acute FS rats implicated activity in hippocampus-thalamus-basal ganglia (HTB) circuits. The [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 synchronously inhibited BOLD HTB foci. As expected, prokinetic mosapride only had effects on the thalamus and basal ganglia, but not on the hippocampus. Within the HTB, the hippocampus is implicated in depression and FD.
CONCLUSIONS
MH accounts for part of AP effects of parent formula CSP in acute FS rats, mainly via ghrelin-related shared regulation coupled to BOLD signals in brain areas. This novel functionally connection of HTB following acute stress, treatment, and regulation highlights anti-depression unified theory.
Rats
;
Mice
;
Animals
;
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism*
;
Ghrelin/metabolism*
;
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Hippocampus
;
Stress, Psychological
;
Mammals/metabolism*
10.Recent advances of pharmaceutical 3D printing extrusion molding technology
Ke ZHANG ; Dao-yi ZHENG ; An-ran LI ; Si-yuan LIU ; Zhi-jun WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Jia-li YU ; Yuan GAO ; Jian-jun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2023;58(9):2640-2655
3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology with the help of digital control. Since FDA approved the first 3D printing drug in 2015, its research enthusiasm in the pharmaceutical field has been increasing year by year. In printing technology, fused deposition molding (FDM) and semi-solid extrusion (SSE) are the two most widely used extrusion molding technologies. In this review, recent advances of pharmaceutical 3D printing extrusion molding technology are reviewed from six aspects: mechanism, equipment, pharmaceutical excipients, applications, design and industrialization prospects of extrusion molding technology.

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