1.Chinese Materia Medica by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Lanhua XI ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Tianwei LIANG ; Hui HUANG ; Shan LI ; Xian HUANG ; Chun YAO ; Guochu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):321-330
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa, and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality, oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), encoded by the Nfe212 gene, plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulated in the body, and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition, Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response, cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this, this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2, the molecular mechanism of activation, the protective effect in the pathological process of UC, and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory, promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promoting intestinal mucosal repair, providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.
2.Effect of Shenlong Dingji Formula (参龙定悸方) on the Quality of Life in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation of Qi-Yin Deficiency and Phlegm-Stasis Obstructing Collaterals Syndrome
Liang MA ; Baofu WANG ; Yukun DING ; Xian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):42-49
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Shenlong Dingji Formula (参龙定悸方) on the quality of life in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PAF of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome were recruited and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received standard western medicine treatment, while the treatment group was additionally given Shenlong Dingji Formula orally, one dose per day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) score including scores of four dimensions,i.e. atrial fibrillation-related symptoms, treatment concerns, daily activities, and treatment satisfaction. The secondary outcome measures included the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores covering symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, fatigue, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, spontaneous sweating, stabbing pain, and insomnia. These indicators were assessed at baseline (before treatment), after 2-week of treatment, after 4-week of treatment, and 4 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up). Additionally, safety indicators before and after treatment and adverse events occurring during the trial were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsA total of 56 patients completed the study, with 28 in each group. Primary outcome indicators: 1) the treatment group showed significant improvement in the total score of the AFEQT scale, with significantly higher total scores after 2-week treatment, 4-week treatment, and follow-up compared to the previous time point (P<0.05). In the control group, the AFEQT score significantly increased only after 4-week treatment compared to baseline (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the AFEQT scores after 2-week, 4-week treatment, and during follow-up were all higher than those of the control group at the corresponding time points (P<0.01). 2) In the treatment group, there was no statistically significant difference in the AFEQT treatment satisfaction dimension score during follow-up compared to that after 4-week treatment (P>0.05). However, the scores for all other dimensions at each time point were higher than those at the previous time point (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for the atrial fibrillation-related symptom dimension were higher after 2-week and 4-week treatment than those of the previous time points (P<0.05). For the treatment satisfaction dimension, significant increases were observed only after 2-week and 4-week treatment compared to baseline (P<0.05). Secondary outcome indicators: 1) In the treatment group, the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes decreased significantly at each time point compared to the previous time point (P<0.05), except for the duration of trial fibrillation at follow-up. In the control group, the frequency of episodes decreased significantly at all time points compared to baseline (P<0.05), while the duration of trial fibrillation showed a significant reduction at follow-up compared to those after 2-week treatment (P<0.05). 2) In the treatment group, TCM syndrome scores significantly reduced after 2-week treatment, 4-week treatment, and during follow-up compared to the previous time point and baseline (P<0.05). In the control group, significant reductions were observed only after 4-week after treatment and during follow-up (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group at the same time points (P<0.01). No adverse events occurred during the trial in either group, and safety indicators showed no significant changes after treatment. ConclusionShenlong Dingji Formula effectively improves the quality of life, alleviates TCM syndromes, and reduces the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with PAF of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome, and demonstrates good safety.
3.Advancements and applications in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Shiya WANG ; Mingyi CAO ; Yifei CHEN ; Jingjing LIN ; Jiahao LI ; Xinyu WU ; Zhiyue DAI ; Yuhan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Xian LIU ; Liang-Ting LIN ; Jianbing WU ; Ji LIU ; Qifeng ZHONG ; Zhenwei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):641-657
Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including 223Ra, 90Y, Lutetium-177 (177Lu), 212Pb, and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans
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Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*
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Animals
4.Engineering CHO Cell Lines to Stably Express B4GALT1,ST6GAL1,and GnTⅢ with Site-directed Integration
Xian-Hong LI ; Run-Qing JIA ; You-Liang WANG ; Wei-Ling MAN ; Tian-Hao ZHU ; Xin-Long YAN ; Yan-Li LIN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):576-585
Glycoengineering was carried out in the mammalian cell line CHO for the production of pro-tein-based drugs.Firstly,the genome sequence of the Rosa26 locus of CHO cells was determined,the gRNA sequences were designed,and the landing pad was integrated into the Rosa26 locus of CHO cells by CRISPR/Cas9 technology.Three targeting vectors co-expressed by glycosyltransferases,which are β-1,4 galactosyltransferase(B4GALT1),α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1(ST6GAL1)and N-acetaminoglycosyl-transferase Ⅲ(GnT Ⅲ),were constructed by overlapping PCR and seamless ligation technology,and the three glycosyltransferase genes were integrated into the CHO Rosa26 locus by Cre enzyme-mediated cassette exchange technology.PCR confirmed that three glycosyltransferases had been successfully site-directed integrated into the Rosa26 site.The mRNA expression levels of the three glycosyltransferases were more than 50 000-fold by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of the three glycosyltrans-ferases were more than 4-fold via western blotting(P<0.001).A CHO-engineered cell line with three glycosyltransferases integrated into Rosa26 site was successfully constructed.
5.The relationship between the level of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of sepsis and their predictive value
Xian WANG ; Jing WANG ; Zhonghui YANG ; Jing LU ; Shuo LIANG ; Liru CUI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(3):281-286
Objective To explore the relationship between the level of Caveolin-1 and high mobility group protein B1(HMGB-1)in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of sepsis and their predictive value.Methods A total of 102 children with sepsis were selected in a hospital from June 2021 to December 2023.According to neonatal critical case scoring criteria,the children were divided into mild group(n=41)and severe group(n=61).According to the diagnostic criteria of purulent meningitis and the results of cerebrospinal fluid examina-tion,the children were divided into sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group(n=16)and simple sepsis group(n=86).The clinical data of the children were collected,and the levels of Caveolin-1,HMGB-1 and inflammatory factors[hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)and tumor necro-sis factor-α(TNF-α)]in cerebrospinal fluid of the children were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors affecting the severity of sepsis,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in the severity of sepsis and the prediction value of purulent meningitis in the children.Results Compared with mild group,cerebrospinal fluid levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in severe group were signifi-cantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of PCT,hs-CRP and TNF-α in severe group were significantly higher than those in mild group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PCT,hs-CRP,TNF-α,Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 levels were all risk factors for the severity of sepsis in children(P<0.05).The combined diag-nosis of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.109,P=0.035),HMGB-1(Z=2.099,P=0.036),PCT(Z=2.487,P=0.013),hs-CRP(Z=2.419,P=0.016)and TNF-α(Z=3.441,P=0.001)were diagnosed alone.Compared with simple sepsis group,cerebrospinal fluid Caveo-lin-1 and HMGB-1 levels in sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group were significantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The combined prediction of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.621,P=0.009)and HMGB-1(Z=1.997,P=0.046)alone.Conclusion There are significant increases in the levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in chil-dren with severe sepsis or sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis.Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 have a certain clinical value in evaluating the severity of sepsis in children and predicting whether they are complicated with purulent meningitis.
6.Establishment of A Model Combining with Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome for Predicting the Risk of Disease Progression in Patients with Membranous Nephropathy
Xiaoyan HUANG ; Xian LI ; Kun ZOU ; Xiaofan HONG ; Yue CAO ; Xing LIANG ; Rongrong WANG ; Ping LI ; Daixin ZHAO ; Wu ZHOU ; Kun BAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):774-781
Objective To construct a model combining with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome for predicting the risk of disease progression in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)by machine learning methods,thus to quantitatively evaluating the value of TCM syndrome in the prediction of the risk of disease progression in IMN.Methods Monofactor analysis,recursive feature elimination(RFE)and multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent related factors affecting the risk of disease progression of IMN,and then a risk prediction model was constructed.A total of 102 patients with IMN were randomly assigned to the training set and the test set in a ratio of 65∶35,and then the comparison was conducted in the performance indicators of accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,F1 value,and area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)area under the curve(AUC)of the risk prediction model with or without the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information.Results Before the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,12 clinical characteristic variables for patients with MN were obtained after monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening,and they were age,hemoglobin quantification,urinary occult blood,24-hour urine protein quantification,urine protein-creatinine ratio,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),creatinine,uric acid,alanine transaminase,anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody(PLA2R-Ab),total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterd.A risk cholesterol prediction model containing the above variables was constructed.The multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the differences of the clinical variables mentioned above between the training-set group and test-set group were statistically significant,and the risk prediction model presented good sensitivity and predictability.Monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening was performed again after the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,and then 14 variables were obtained,which included blood stasis syndrome and dampness obstruction syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of the model with the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information were significantly improved when compared with those without the inclusion of TCM syndrome information.Conclusion The results of the study initially indicate that TCM syndrome can be used as an important supplementary variable for predicting the risk of disease progression in IMN,and will provide a reference for intelligent diagnosis through the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine information,and will supply the guidance for the treatment of IMN with TCM.
7.Toxicological evaluation of aristolochic acid II following single and repeated oral administration over a 24-week period
Yan YI ; Chunying LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Jingzhuo TIAN ; Yuan WANG ; Yushi ZHANG ; Suyan LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lianmei WANG ; Shuangrong GAO ; Jianyin HAN ; Zhong XIAN ; Chenyue LIU ; Dunfang WANG ; Jing MENG ; Meiting LIU ; Aihua LIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):366-377
Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.
8.Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel thioheterocyclic nucleoside derivatives by suppressing the c-MYC pathway.
Xian-Jia LI ; Ke-Xin HUANG ; Ke-Xin WANG ; Ru LIU ; Dong-Chao WANG ; Yu-Ru LIANG ; Er-Jun HAO ; Yang WANG ; Hai-Ming GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3685-3707
Eightly-four novel thioheterocyclic nucleoside derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Most of the compounds inhibited the growth of HCT116 and HeLa cancer cells in vitro, among them 33a and 36b exhibited potent activity against HCT116 cells (IC50 = 0.27 and 0.49 μmol/L, respectively). Both compounds 33a and 36b inhibited cell metastasis, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that 33a and 36b increased ROS levels, led to DNA damage, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibited autophagy in HCT116 cells. Biological information analysis, RNA-sequencing, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and SPR experiments identified that compounds 33a and 36b showed antitumor activity by suppressing the c-MYC pathway. c-MYC silencing assays indicated that c-MYC proteins participated in 33a-mediated anticancer activities in HCT116 cells. More importantly, compound 33a presented favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mice (T 1/2 = 6.8 h) and showed significant antitumor efficacy in vivo without obvious toxicity, showing promising potential for further clinical development.
9.IMM-H007 promotes hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism by activating AMPKα to attenuate hypercholesterolemia.
Jiaqi LI ; Mingchao WANG ; Kai QU ; Yuyao SUN ; Zequn YIN ; Na DONG ; Xin SUN ; Yitong XU ; Liang CHEN ; Shuang ZHANG ; Xunde XIAN ; Suowen XU ; Likun MA ; Yajun DUAN ; Haibo ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4047-4063
Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe -/- and Ldlr -/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.
10.Nontarget Screening and Identification of Novel Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Cosmetics Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Xin-Ling LI ; Tao YANG ; Wen-Yao LIANG ; Jian-Hua TAN ; Xian-Zhi PENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):640-651,中插23-中插28
Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.

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