1.Research progress on the anti-tumor effects of traditional Chinese medicine through intervention in the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jie HUANG ; Si LIN ; Chunjuan JIANG ; Ling WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):507-512
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway plays a key role in the occurrence and development of tumors, and is involved in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, invasion, migration, and drug resistance. Based on the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, this paper summarizes the research progress of the anti- tumor effects of traditional Chinese medicine. It is found that flavonoids (ginkgetin, luteolin, etc.), terpenoids (atractylenolide, cucurbitacin B, etc.), saponins (polyphyllin Ⅰ, polyphyllin Ⅶ), ester (brusatol) and other effective components, and traditional Chinese medicine extracts (total coumarins in Pileostegia tomentella and total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan), traditional Chinese medicine compounds (Fushao diqin fang, Xiaoai jiedu fang, etc.) can promote ferroptosis in tumor cells by inhibiting Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway and the expressions of its upstream and downstream factor proteins, as well as by increasing Fe2+ levels and lipid peroxidation, thereby exerting an antitumor effect.
2.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
3.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering analysis of varicella in Lu'an City in 2005 - 2023
Huan ZHANG ; Bingxin MA ; Yafei CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Fan PAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Kai CHENG ; Ling SHAO ; Wei QIN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):58-61
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing varicella prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on varicella cases were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, seasonal analysis, spatiotemporal clustering analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted using QGIS, JoinPoint, SaTScan and GeoDa software. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023 was 34.55/100,000, showing a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence occurred from October to January of the following year (RR=1.97, LLR=1743.95, P=0.001). Students aged 0 to 19 was the primary affected group. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed four types of spatiotemporal clusters, with the cluster in Jin'an District from October 2017 to December 2023 being particularly prominent (RR=2.87,LLR=1734.15,P<0.001). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant clustering of varicella cases in the main urban area (Moran's I=0.216,Z=4.786,P=0.003). Conclusion The incidence of varicella in Lu'an City exhibits distinct seasonal and spatial clustering, and schools and kindergartens in the main urban area are the key to varicella prevention and control. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring of disease outbreaks during peak periods and in key areas, and to increase the two-dose vaccination rate for varicella in areas with case aggregation and among key populations.
4.Effects of dapagliflozin on ischemic ventricular arrhythmia in rats by regulating JAK2/STAT3 axis
Jing LING ; Yao WU ; Guo-Ping TIAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):388-392
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of dapagliflozin(DAPA)on ischemic ventricular arrhythmia(VA)in rats by regulating the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)axis.Methods The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,experimental-L,-M,-H groups and AG490 group.All groups except sham group were established model of ischemic VA by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD).After 48 h of modeling,the experimental-L,-M,-H groups were given 1,3,5 mg·kg-1 DAPA by gavage,respectively;the AG490 group were given 5 mg·kg-1 DAPA+5 mg·kg-1 AG490 by gavage,once a day for 30 days.The arrhythmia scores of rats were examined by electrocardiogram;the expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2)/JAK2 and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)/STAT3 proteins in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results The arrhythmia scores of the sham operation group,model group,experimental-L,-M,-H groups and AG490 group were(0.00±0.00),(4.36±0.52),(3.41±0.42),(2.84±0.33),(2.13±0.26)and(3.74±0.43)points;the relative expression levels of p-JAK2/JAK2 were 0.98±0.10,0.41±0.05,0.62±0.07,0.74±0.08,0.91±0.09 and 0.52±0.06;the relative expression levels of p-STAT3/STAT3 were 0.93±0.09,0.33±0.04,0.57±0.06,0.78±0.08,0.89±0.09 and 0.49±0.05,respectively.There were significant differences in the above indexes between the model group and the sham operation group,experimental-L,-M,-H groups(all P<0.05);compared with the experimental-H group,the difference of AG490 was statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion DAPA may improve ischemic VA in rats by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
5.Effects of electroacupuncture on motor function and related molecular mechanisms in mice with Parkinson's disease
Ling QI ; Yanan LI ; Yao WANG ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Mengni HU ; Hanzhang LI ; Die XIAO ; Zhen RONG ; Jun MA
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(5):721-728
Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on motor function in Parkinson's disease(PD)model mice and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in the midbrain substantia nigra(SN).Methods C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups according to the random number table method:control group,model group,and electroacupuncture(EA)group,12 mice per group.The PD model was reproduced by intragastric administration of rotenone solution 10 mg/(kg·d).EA group was administered at the three selected points,"Fengfu"(GV16),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36),with a treatment cycle of 2 weeks.The control and model groups took the same time synchronous fixation operation for the control variable.Behavioral scores and open field tests were used to detect the exercise ability of mice in each group.Tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the midbrain SN of mice in all groups were measured with an immunohistochemistry test.NLRP3 and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)protein expression levels in the midbrain SN of mice in the three groups were measured using Western blotting,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)content was determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared to the control group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the model group were higher(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the EA group were lower(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the time ratio of the relative rest state of the mice in the model group(<100 mm/s)increased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion(100~200 mm/s)and time ratio of the fast motion(>200 mm/s)state decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the time ratio spent in the relative rest state of mice in the EA group decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion state and time ratio of the fast motion state and movement rate increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the TH expression level decreased in the SN in the model group(P<0.01),while α-syn increased(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the TH expression level in the EA group increased(P<0.05),while α-syn decreased(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the model group increased(P<0.01);compared to the model group,the expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the midbrain of mice decreased after EA treatment(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,IL-1β in the SN of the mouse midbrain increased in the model group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,IL-1β decreased in the EA group(P<0.05).Conclusion This experiment shows that stimulation of EA in"Fengfu","Taichong",and"Zusanli"can effectively reduce abnormal aggregation of the PD marker α-syn,increase TH expression,and enhance the motor dysfunction of PD model mice.The molecular mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of inflammasome-related pathways.
6.Effect of family-based weight management on cardiac function and readmission in elderly patients with heart failure
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(2):120-125
Objective:To explore the effect of family-based body weight management on cardiac function and readmission in patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Elderly patients with heart failure who were treated in Yichuan Community Health Service Center of Putuo District from June 2019 to May 2020 were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the intervention group. All patients were treated with anti-heart failure drugs; in addition, the intervention group received family-based weight management and the control group received the conventional weight management. The cognition of self-management and weight management of patients was assessed by the Heart Failure Patient Self-Management Scale and the Weight Management Scale, before intervention and after 12 months of intervention, respectively. At the same time, the 6-min walking test, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grading assessment were performed, plasma N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined and body weight measurement was completed; and the readmissions of patients due to heart failure during follow-up were recorded.Results:A total of 249 patients aged (65.2±2.9) years, including 104 males (41.8%) were enrolled; there were 124 in the intervention group and 125 in the control group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, marital status and educational level between the two groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the baseline scores of the Heart Failure Patient Self-Management Scale between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, all scores of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the scores of the Weight Management Scale between the two groups before intervention (all P>0.05), whereas all scores of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group after intervention (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups before intervention ( P=0.397), while the average body weight of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group after intervention ( P=0.029). At baseline, there were no significant differences in the LVEF, NT-proBNP level, 6-min walking distance, and the proportion of NYHA patients with grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ heart function between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, LVEF and 6-min walking distance of patients in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.01); the plasma NT-proBNP level and the proportion of NYHA grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). During follow-up, the rate of readmission due to heart failure in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Family-based weight management can improve heart function and reduce the readmission rate in elderly patients with heart failure.
7.Effects and mechanism of ursolic acid on malignant biological behavior of human colorectal cancer SW620 cells
Yao SHI ; Qing WANG ; Junhong ZHANG ; Ling HAN ; Jingjing WU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(18):2252-2257
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on the growth, invasion, apoptosis and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cells SW620 and find out the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The effects of different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 μmol/L) of UA on the proliferation of SW620 cells for different durations (24, 48, 72 h) were detected by CCK-8 assay; the clone formation was detected by clone formation assay after SW620 cells were treated with different concentrations of UA (0,10,15,20 μmol/L) for 10 days. After SW620 cells were treated with different concentrations of UA (0, 10, 15, 20 μmol/L) for 24 hours, flow cytometry, Transwell invasion assay and Western blot assay were adopted to detect apoptosis and invasion of SW620 cells, and the expressions of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (cleaved-PARP), phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), p38 MAPK, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factor Snail. The effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) combined with UA on the protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK, Bcl-2 and N-cadherin were investigated. RESULTS Compared with 0 μmol/L UA, the stone5999@163.com survival rates of SW620 cells treated with 5-30 μmol/L UA for 24, 48 and 72 h were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The clone formation rate of cells treated with 15 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L UA was significantly decreased (P<0.05). After being treated with 15 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L UA, the cell apoptosis rate, the protein expressions of cleaved-PARP and E-cadherin, and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK protein were increased; but the number of transmembrane cells, and the protein expressions of Bcl-2, Snail and N-cadherin were decreased; there was statistical significance in difference of most indexes (P<0.05). Some indexes changed in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). SB203580 could significantly inhibit the upregulation of p38 MAPK by UA and reverse the inhibitory effect of UA on the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and N-cadherin (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS UA can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of SW620 cells, and induce cell apoptosis, the mechanism of which may be attributed to the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
8.Determination of four odorous substances in water by purge and trap-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Kun CHEN ; Fanghong CAO ; Xiaoxia CHEN ; Ling YANG ; Minfang YAO ; Ping SONG ; Pinggu WU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(10):1180-1185
Background With the events reporting on odors in drinking water, odorous substances in water have become a hot topic in water quality analysis. Due to the low concentration of the odor threshold and the complexity of the odor components in water, it is difficult to make accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis. So it is necessary to develop a highly sensitive and accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis method. Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of four odorous substances, including dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-methylisoborneol, and geosmin in water by purge and trap-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods A certain amount of water sample was stored in the sample vial of a purge and trapinstrument. Through nitrogen purging, the odorous substances in water were purged out and enriched in the trap. Subsequently, the odorous substances were rapidly released at high temperatures after heating the trap, and then carried by carrier gas into gas chromatograph. After temperature programming, the substances were separated by an Agilent DB-624 capillary chromatographic column (30 m×0.25 mm, 1.4 μm) and determined by tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring modes, with internal standard method for quantification. The current project optimized purge time, sodium chloride concentration in water sample, desorption temperature, desorption time, and split ratio during the experimental process. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the standard curve, detection limit, and quantification limit were validated. Recovery tests with spiking concentrations of 5.0, 10.0, 30.0, 80.0 ng·L−1 and precision tests were conducted on water samples. Finally, the established method was applied to detect odorous substances in source water, finished water, and pipeline water in Deqing County of Huzhou City. Result After the optimization, the purge time was 20 min, the desorption temperature was 280 ℃, the desorption time was 2 min, the split ratio was 10∶1, and no sodium chloride was added during the purge process. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration curves for the four odorous substances showed an excellent linearity in the range of 1 to 100 ng·L−1 (R>0.999), with 0.3 ng·L−1 limit of detection and 1.0 ng·L−1 limit of quantitation. The average recoveries were from 85.5% to 102.4% and relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.6% to 5.2%. After applying this method to detect local source water, finished water, and pipeline water, it was found that the positive rates of 2-methylisoborneo, and geosmin were relatively high, while the positive rates of dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide were relatively low. Only one sample of source water tested positive for dimethyl disulfide, and all samples were negative for dimethyl trisulfide. Conclusion Combined with the superiority of purge and trap and tandem mass spectrometry, the method has the advantages of easy to perform, strong anti-interference ability, good accuracy and precision, which meet the limit requirements of the four odorous substances in the expanded indices and reference indices of Hygienic standards for drinking water (GB 5749-2022). It also provides technical support for water quality assessment and analysis of odorous substances.
9.Prevalence and influencing factors analysis of the polycystic ovary syndrome among female college students in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province
Ling LEI ; Xiaoyun YAO ; Jue FU ; Jia LYU ; Chang LIU ; Liping WU ; Yuxuan ZENG ; Huajuan YAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):163-167
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among female college students at a university in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province, and to facilitate early detection and intervention of PCOS. MethodsUsing a stratified sampling method, a total of 450 female freshmen were randomly selected for PCOS screening. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, covering menstrual status, high androgen signs, lifestyle, dietary habits, and awareness of PCOS. Sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the basic information and dietary habits between PCOS and non-PCOS cases. The correlation between various indicators and the prevalence of PCOS was analyzed by a logistic regression model. ResultsA total of 12 PCOS cases were identified, with a prevalence rate of 2.99%. PCOS cases exhibited statistically significant differences compared to non-PCOS cases in terms of waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, abdominal obesity, the proportion of overweight or obese individuals, and a preference for sweet food (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between preference for sweet food and the occurrence of PCOS (OR=4.858, 95%CI=1.199‒19.675,P=0.027), as well as a significant correlation with PCOS accompanied by abdominal obesity (OR=7.083, 95%CI=0.773‒64.937, P=0.048). Among the female college students surveyed, 37.90% had never heard of PCOS, 51.62% were only familiar with the name of the disease, and 10.47% had attempted to search for PCOS-related information. ConclusionThe prevalence of PCOS among female college students should not be overlooked and unhealthy dietary habits may be a crucial factor contributing to the occurrence of PCOS during this period. Early screening for PCOS during puberty is crucial.
10.Application of alpha-fetoprotein and IL-6 in prognostic prediction of patients with hepatitis B related liver failure
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):141-144
Objective To analyze the application value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in prognosis prediction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated liver failure. Methods A total of 135 patients with HBV-related liver failure who underwent treatment at the Infection Department of the Second People's Hospital of Yibin City from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the study subjects (observation group). Additionally, 100 patients who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period with normal indicators were selected as the control group. Serum levels of AFP and IL-6 were compared between the two groups. Factors influencing the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure patients. Results The levels of serum AFP and IL-6 in the control group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The two groups showed statistically significant differences in clinical symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, and disease type (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the clinical symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites and AFP≥25 μg/L and IL-6>10.0 pg/mL were risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure. Conclusion Serum AFP and IL-6 can predict the prognosis of patients with HBV-related liver failure, which is worthy of clinical study.


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