1.Effectiveness of innervated medial plantar flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects following foot tumor resection.
Wenchao ZHANG ; Luqi GUO ; Yan HAO ; Liangya WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Yun WANG ; Jiuzuo HUANG ; Ang ZENG ; Xiao LONG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(9):1086-1090
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the innervated medial plantar flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects, particularly in the weight-bearing zone, after resection of foot tumors.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with malignant skin and soft tissue tumors of the foot treated between October 2023 and December 2024. The cohort included 8 males and 4 females, aged 42-67 years (mean, 57.5 years). Tumor types comprised malignant melanoma (5 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (4 cases), arsenical keratosis (2 cases), and tumor-induced osteomalacia (1 case). Soft tissue defects located in the heel weight-bearing region in 10 cases and non-weight-bearing ankle region in 2 cases, with defect sizes ranging from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. Preoperative photon-counting CT angiography (PC-CTA) was performed to assess the medial plantar artery and its perforators. All patients underwent radical tumor resection with confirmed negative margins. The resulting defects were reconstructed using a innervated medial plantar flap incorporating sensory branches of the medial plantar nerve. The flap donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft harvested from the ipsilateral inguinal region.
RESULTS:
The operation was successfully completed in all 12 patients. All flaps survived completely without vascular compromise, partial necrosis, or total loss. Incisions healed primarily without dehiscence or infection. Minor skin graft necrosis occurred at the donor site in 3 patients, which healed within 2-3 weeks with routine dressing changes. No donor site complication (e.g., tendon or nerve injury) occurred. Patients were followed up 2-16 months (mean, 10.3 months). At last follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence. Flaps exhibited good color and texture match with surrounding tissue, restored sensation, and all feet achieved normal weight-bearing activity.
CONCLUSION
The innervated medial plantar flap, precisely designed based on PC-CTA localization, provides reliable blood supply and effective sensory restoration. It is an ideal method for reconstructing soft tissue defects after foot tumor resection, especially in the heel weight-bearing region.
Humans
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Male
;
Middle Aged
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Female
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
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Adult
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Aged
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Retrospective Studies
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Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery*
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Surgical Flaps/blood supply*
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Foot/surgery*
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Skin Neoplasms/surgery*
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Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Skin Transplantation/methods*
;
Melanoma/surgery*
2.Engineering cellular dephosphorylation boosts (+)-borneol production in yeast.
Haiyan ZHANG ; Peng CAI ; Juan GUO ; Jiaoqi GAO ; Linfeng XIE ; Ping SU ; Xiaoxin ZHAI ; Baolong JIN ; Guanghong CUI ; Yongjin J ZHOU ; Luqi HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1171-1182
(+)-Borneol, the main component of "Natural Borneol" in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is a high-end spice and precious medicine. Plant extraction cannot meet the increasing demand for (+)-borneol, while microbial biosynthesis offers a sustainable supply route. However, its production was extremely low compared with other monoterpenes, even with extensively optimizing the mevalonate pathway. We found that the key challenge is the complex and unusual dephosphorylation reaction of bornyl diphosphate (BPP), which suffers the side-reaction and the competition from the cellular dephosphorylation process, especially lipid metabolism, thus limiting (+)-borneol synthesis. Here, we systematically optimized the dephosphorylation process by identifying, characterizing phosphatases, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation metabolism. For the first time, we identified two endogenous phosphatases and seven heterologous phosphatases, which significantly increased (+)-borneol production by up to 152%. By engineering BPP dephosphorylation and optimizing the MVA pathway, the production of (+)-borneol was increased by 33.8-fold, which enabled the production of 753 mg/L under fed-batch fermentation in shake flasks, so far the highest reported in the literature. This study showed that rewiring dephosphorylation metabolism was essential for high-level production of (+)-borneol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation is also helpful for efficient biosynthesis of other terpenoids since all whose biosynthesis involves the dephosphorylation procedure.
3.Reviews and Recommendations in Comparative Studies on Quality of Wild and Cultivated Chinese Crude Drugs
Yapeng WANG ; Changsheng YUAN ; Jinxiu QIAN ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yunxiang LIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lanping GUO ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):1-20
By reviewing the research history on quality comparison between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs, this paper systematically combed the relevant research reports since the 1950s, and summarized and analyzed the results of existing comparative studies, and found that the existing comparative research on the quality of wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs were mainly focused on several aspects, including characteristics, microstructures, chemical compositions, pharmacodynamic effects, and genetic diversity. Among these, comparative studies of chemical compositions have been the dominant approach, with a particular emphasis on comparing the contents of index components. However, research on pharmacodynamic effects remained relatively limited. Due to various factors such as sample quantity, sample origin, growth period and cultivation methods, the differences in quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs vary significantly. In general, most wild Chinese crude drugs exhibited higher quality than cultivated products, with significant differences in their characteristics. The contents and proportions of some chemical components underwent noticeable changes, particularly with a marked increase in the proportion of primary metabolites after cultivation. The quality of cultivated Chinese crude drugs is closely related to the cultivation practices employed. Chinese crude drugs produced through wild nurturing, simulated wild planting, ecological cultivation, and other similar methods demonstrate quality levels comparable to those of wild Chinese crude drugs. Based on the analysis results, it is recommended to explicitly specify the cultivation practices and cultivation period of cultivated Chinese crude drugs in comparative studies of the quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Multiple technical approaches, including characteristics, microscopy, non-targeted metabolomics combined with quantitative analysis of differential components, and bioefficacy evaluation, should be employed to comprehensively assess the quality disparities between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Moreover, research efforts should be intensified to investigate the changes in pharmacodynamic effects resulting from differences in plant cell wall composition, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolites, in order to guide the production of high-quality Chinese crude drugs.
4.Clinical observation of pressing-kneading manipulation combined with herb-insulated moxibustion at Shuidao(ST28)in the treatment of postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia
Fengqin GUO ; Luqi WEI ; Jincong ZHANG ; Xiaofen ZHANG ; Xiehe KONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(2):154-159
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of pressing-kneading manipulation combined with herb-insulated moxibustion at Shuidao(ST28)for postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia and its effect on bladder urination function. Methods:A total of 154 patients with postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia were randomly divided into a Western medication group and a herb-insulated moxibustion group,with 77 cases in each group.In the Western medication group,neostigmine sulfate was injected into Zusanli(ST36).In the herb-insulated moxibustion group,after pressing-kneading manipulation at Shuidao(ST28),herb-insulated moxibustion was applied to Shuidao(ST28)with self-made Tong Quan San.Both groups were treated once,and the clinical efficacy was evaluated 5 h after treatment.The first urination time,first urination volume,average urinary flow rate,bladder residual urine volume,hospitalization days,and costs were recorded. Results:The total effective rate and markedly effective rate of the herb-insulated moxibustion group were higher than those of the Western medication group(P<0.05),the time to the first urination and residual urine volume in the bladder of the herb-insulated moxibustion group were shorter or smaller than those of the Western medication group(P<0.01),the first urination volume and average urine flow rate of the herb-insulated moxibustion group were larger than those of the Western medication group(P<0.01).There were no significant differences in the hospitalization days and costs between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:Pressing-kneading manipulation combined with herb-insulated moxibustion at Shuidao(ST28)can effectively treat postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia and improve bladder urination function.
5.Innovation and Practice of Chinese Medicinal Materials Resource Chemistry Leading the Whole Industry Chain Recycling and Green Development of Chinese Medicinal Materials
Jin'ao DUAN ; Sheng GUO ; Shulan SU ; Lanping GUO ; Ming ZHAO ; Rui LIU ; Hui YAN ; Tuanjie WANG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Wei XIAO ; Luqi HUANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(10):1114-1122
The concept,connotation and extension,goals and tasks of the discipline of Chinese medicinal materials resource chem-istry have been proposed and developed for 20 years.Looking back at the 20-year construction and development process,continuous exploration and innovative practice have been carried out around the scientific production and effective utilization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.The theoretical connotation has been further enriched,the research mode has been further improved,and the tech-nical system has been further expanded.A series of research results have been formed and promoted for application,serving the high-quality development of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials industry,and contributing to the improvement of quality,efficiency,and green development of the entire industry chain of Chinese medicinal resources.However,with the rapid growth of Chinese medici-nal materials industry and the continuous expansion and extension of the industry chain,the waste and by-products generated in the production process of Chinese medicinal agriculture and industry are increasing day by day,causing resource waste and environmental pollution,which has become a new major problem facing the development of the industry.This article focuses on the establishment and case analysis of a model for the full industry chain recycling and low-carbon green development of Chinese medicinal materials,as well as the creation of an ecological industry demonstration park for the recycling of Chinese medicinal materials.It showcases the phased a-chievements made in recent years,aiming to provide demonstration and reference for the low-carbon and green transformation of the Chinese medicinal materials industry from a linear economy model to a circular economy model.It provides reference for improving the efficiency of Chinese medicinal materials utilization and creating new quality productivity,and helps promote low-carbon and green de-velopment in the field of Chinese medicinal materials industry.
6.Immunological mechanisms in steatotic liver diseases: An overview and clinical perspectives
Mengyao YAN ; Shuli MAN ; Long MA ; Lanping GUO ; Luqi HUANG ; Wenyuan GAO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(4):620-648
Steatotic liver diseases (SLD) are the principal worldwide cause of cirrhosis and end-stage liver cancer, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. SLD includes metabolic dysfunction-associated alcoholic liver disease (MetALD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), resulting in asymptomatic liver steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and associated complications. The immune processes include gut dysbiosis, adiposeliver organ crosstalk, hepatocyte death and immune cell-mediated inflammatory processes. Notably, various immune cells such as B cells, plasma cells, dendritic cells, conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, innate-like T cells, platelets, neutrophils and macrophages play vital roles in the development of MetALD and MASLD. Immunological modulations targeting hepatocyte death, inflammatory reactions and gut microbiome include N-acetylcysteine, selonsertib, F-652, prednisone, pentoxifylline, anakinra, JKB-121, HA35, obeticholic acid, probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. Understanding the immunological mechanisms underlying SLD is crucial for advancing clinical therapeutic strategies.
7.Functional characterization of CYP81C16 involved in the tanshinone biosynthetic pathway in Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Li REN ; Linglong LUO ; Zhimin HU ; Ying MA ; Jian WANG ; Yatian CHENG ; Baolong JIN ; Tong CHEN ; Jinfu TANG ; Guanghong CUI ; Juan GUO ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2023;21(12):938-949
Danshen, the dried roots and rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza), is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tanshinones, the bioactive compounds from Danshen, exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, suggesting their potential for future therapeutic applications. Tanshinone biosynthesis is a complex process involving at least six P450 enzymes that have been identified and characterized, most of which belong to the CYP76 and CYP71 families. In this study, CYP81C16, a member of the CYP71 clan, was identified in S. miltiorrhiza. An in vitro assay revealed that it could catalyze the hydroxylation of four para-quinone-type tanshinones, namely neocryptotanshinone, deoxyneocryptotanshinone, and danshenxinkuns A and B. SmCYP81C16 emerged as a potential broad-spectrum oxidase targeting the C-18 position of para-quinone-type tanshinones with an impressive relative conversion rate exceeding 90%. Kinetic evaluations andin vivo assays underscored its highest affinity towards neocryptotanshinone among the tested substrates. The overexpression of SmCYP81C16 promoted the accumulation of (iso)tanshinone in hairy root lines. The characterization of SmCYP81C16 in this study accentuates its potential as a pivotal tool in the biotechnological production of tanshinones, either through microbial or plant metabolic engineering.
Humans
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Salvia miltiorrhiza/metabolism*
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Biosynthetic Pathways
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Quinones/metabolism*
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Plant Roots/metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
8.Advances on the microbial synthesis of plant-derived diterpenoids.
Yatian CHENG ; Hao TANG ; Lili SUN ; Yating HU ; Ying MA ; Juan GUO ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(6):2265-2283
Natural plant-derived diterpenoids are a class of compounds with diverse structures and functions. These compounds are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food additives industries because of their pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. In recent years, with the gradual discovery of functional genes in the biosynthetic pathway of plant-derived diterpenoids and the development of synthetic biotechnology, great efforts have been made to construct a variety of diterpenoid microbial cell factories through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, resulting in gram-level production of many compounds. This article summarizes the construction of plant-derived diterpenoid microbial cell factories through synthetic biotechnology, followed by introducing the metabolic engineering strategies applied to improve plant-derived diterpenoids production, with the aim to provide a reference for the construction of high-yield plant-derived diterpenoid microbial cell factories and the industrial production of diterpenoids.
Diterpenes/metabolism*
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Biotechnology
;
Metabolic Engineering
;
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics*
;
Plants/genetics*
;
Synthetic Biology
9.Functional identification of the terpene synthase family involved in diterpenoid alkaloids biosynthesis in
Liuying MAO ; Baolong JIN ; Lingli CHEN ; Mei TIAN ; Rui MA ; Biwei YIN ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Juan GUO ; Jinfu TANG ; Tong CHEN ; Changjiangsheng LAI ; Guanghong CUI ; Luqi HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2021;11(10):3310-3321
10.Effect of nimodipine pretreatment on postoperative cognitive function in diabetic rats
Juan ZHAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Yanan LI ; Yangyang GUO ; Luqi WANG ; Qiujun WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2019;39(3):287-291
Objective To evaluate the effect of nimodipine pretreatment on postoperative cognitive function in diabetic rats. Methods One hundred and eighty healthy male Wistar rats, aged 3-4 months, weighing 260-310 g, were divided into 6 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: op-eration group ( O group) , diabetes mellitus group ( DM group) , diabetic cognitive impairment group ( DCI group) , nimodipine plus operation group ( N+O group) , nimodipine plus diabetes mellitus group ( N+DM group) and nimodipine plus diabetic cognitive impairment group ( N+DCI group) . Diabetes mellitus model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 55 mg∕kg. Nimodipine 1 mg∕kg was intraperito-neally injected at 6 weeks after establishing the model in DCI and N+DCI groups and at 2 weeks after estab-lishing the model in DM and N+DM groups, and laparotomy was performed under sevoflurane anesthesia at 30 min after the end of administration. Morris water maze test was performed at 1 day before operation and 3 and 7 days after operation. Then rats were sacrificed, and hippocampal tissues were taken for determination of the apoptotic rate of neurons, cytoplasmic calcium concentrations ( by flow cytometry) and expression of caspase-3 in hippocampus ( by Western blot) . Results Compared with the baseline at 1 day before opera-tion, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was re-duced, the apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons and cytosolic calcium concentrations were increased, and the expression of caspase-3 was up-regulated at each time point after operation in six groups ( P<0. 05 ) . Compared with group O, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons and cytosolic calcium concentrations were increased, and the expression of caspase-3 was up-regulated at each time point after operation in DM and DCI groups ( P<0. 05) . The escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons and cytosolic calcium concentrations were decreased, and the expression of caspase-3 was down-regulated at each time point after operation in group N+DM as compared with group DM and in group N+DCI as compared with group DCI ( P<0. 05) . Conclu-sion Nimodipine pretreatment can improve postoperative cognitive function in diabetic rats, and the mech-anism may be related to inhibiting calcium overload-induced apoptosis in neurons.

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