1.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
2.Analysis of Potential Active Components and Molecular Mechanism of Baoxin Granules Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Heart Failure
Yu CHEN ; Maolin WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Jing XU ; Hongwei WU ; Fang WANG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Youming LI ; Jixiang TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):202-209
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking and cell experiments, the active ingredients, possible targets and molecular mechanisms of Baoxin granules(BXG) regulating ferroptosis in the treatment of heart failure(HF) were explored. MethodsBXG intestinal absorption fluid was prepared by everted gut sac and the chemical composition contained therein were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. According to the obtained components, the potential targets of BXG were predicted, and the HF-related targets and related genes of ferroptosis were retrieved at the same time, and the intersecting targets were obtained by Venn diagram. In addition, the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and the component-target network were constructed, and the core components and core targets were obtained by topological analysis. Then Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the core targets, and molecular docking validation of the key targets and main components was carried out by AutoDockTools 1.5.7. H9c2 cells were used to establish a oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and the protective effect of BXG on cells was investigated by detecting cell viability, cell survival rate and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation(p)-STAT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) were detected by Western blot to clarify the regulatory effect of BXG on ferroptosis. ResultsA total of 61 chemical components in BXG intestinal absorption fluid were identified, and network pharmacology obtained 27 potential targets of BXG for the treatment of HF, as well as 139 signaling pathways. BXG may act on core targets such as STAT3, tumor protein p53(TP53), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), JUN and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) through core components such as glabrolide and limonin, which in turn intervene in lipid and atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), endocrine resistance and other signaling pathways to exert therapeutic effects on HF. Molecular docking showed that the docking results of multiple groups of targets and compounds were good. In vitro cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the cell viability and survival rate of the model group were significantly decreased, the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability and survival rate of the BXG group were significantly increased, the ROS level was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the STAT3, p-STAT3, p-STAT3/STAT3 and GPX4 protein levels were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBXG may inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of STAT3 and GPX4, thus exerting a therapeutic effect on HF, and flavonoids may be the key components of this role.
3.Variability of remnant cholesterol inflammation index exhibits a dose-response relationship with stroke risk:Evidence from the Chinese Kailuan cohort
Liuliu CAO ; Man LI ; Zhaohui WU ; Maolin ZHAO ; Baohua WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Peng LI ; Yongna YANG ; Weiguo ZHENG ; Haiyan ZHAO ; Shuohua CHEN ; Shouling WU ; Lixia SUN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(22):2847-2857
Objective To investigate the association between the variability of remnant cholesterol inflammatory index(RCII),a novel composite biomarker,and the risk of stroke,in order to provide a theoretical basis for stroke prevention.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 38 659 Kailuan individuals who took annual physical examinations in 2006,2008,and 2010.These subjects were grouped based on the quartiles of RCII variability,which was represented by standard deviation(SD)and average real variability(ARV),and were followed up every 2 years,with the occurrence of stroke(including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes),death,or the end of follow-up on December 31,2022 as the endpoints.Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of endpoint events across different groups,and log-rank test was used to compare the difference of cumulative incidence of endpoint events in each group.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to analyze the association between RCII variability and risk of stroke.Results Among the 38 659 participants,a total of 2 539 strokes occurred during a mean follow-up period of 11.22±2.26 years.After adjusting confounding factors,when the participants were grouped by the quartiles of RCII-SD,the hazard ratio(HR)for stroke was 1.034(95%CI:0.917~1.167,P=0.584),1.146(95%CI:1.018~1.290,P=0.025),and 1.209(95%CI:1.066~1.370,P=0.003),respectively in the Q2,Q3,and Q4 groups,when compared with the Q1 group(Ptrend<0.05).When they were grouped by the quartiles of RCII-ARV,the HR for stroke was 1.008(95%CI:0.894~1.136,P=0.901),1.109(95%CI:0.986~1.248,P=0.085),and 1.152(95%CI:1.018~1.303,P=0.025),respectively,in the Q2,Q3,and Q4 groups,when compared with the Q1 group.Furthermore,both sensitivity and stratified analyses yielded similar results.Conclusion RCII variability is significantly associated with stroke,and the risk of stroke is gradually increasing with increment of the variability.Countermeasures Relevant authorities can focus on reducing RCII variability as a central objective by establishing regular monitoring mechanism,strengthening lifestyle interventions,and standardizing dietary,exercise,and weight management in order to suppress the index fluctuations.The principle of stable lipid-lowering in medication and optimization of therapeutic regimens with stable efficacy should be emphasized to prevent the risk of additional vascular damage.
4.Effect of ribosomal protein L26 on apoptosis and proliferation of gastric cancer cells
Qian Wang ; Fang Yang ; Wei Nie ; Lihua Hu ; Maolin Zhang ; Lixiang Zhao ; Xiangren Jin ; Zhiqiang Yan
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2043-2051
Objective:
To investigate the expression of ribosomal protein L26 ( RPL26) in gastric cancer cells (GC) and its effect on cell apoptosis and proliferation .
Methods:
The expression of RPL26 in GES-1 and GC cell lines was detected by Western blot. GC cell line HGC-27 was used to construct RPL26 overexpression cell line , and GC cell lines HGC-27 and AGS cells were used to construct RPL26 knockdown cell line . The overexpression and knockdown efficiency of RPL26 were detected by Western blot. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) , colony formation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of the overexpression and knockdown of RPL26 on the pro- liferation and migration of GC cells . Western blot was used to detect the expression of Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway related factors PI3K , AKT , phosphorylated phosphatidylinosi- tol-3-kinase (p-PI3K) , phosphorylated protein kinase B ( p-AKT) and downstream factors B-Cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) , Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and Cyclin A , G1 /S-specific Cyclin D1(Cyclin D1) , Cyclin-depend- ent kinases (CDK)4 and CDK2 in overexpression and knockdown of RPL26 stably transfected cell lines .
Results:
Compared with GES-1 , RPL26 was highly expressed in HGC-27 cells ( tHGC-27 = 4. 97 ; P < 0. 01) and elevated in AGS , but the difference was not statistically significant. In HGC-27 and AGS cells , CCK-8 and colony formation assays showed that the proliferation ability of cells decreased after the knockdown of RPL26. Transwell assay showed that the migration ability of cells decreased after the knockdown of RPL26. Western blot showed that Bcl-2 expression was decreased in HGC-27 , AGS cells after the knockdown of RPL26 ( tHGC-27 = 11 . 50 , tAGS = 4. 77 ; P < 0. 001 , P < 0. 01) , and Bax expression increased ( tHGC-27 = 9. 63 , tAGS = 4. 05 ; P < 0. 001 , P < 0. 05) . In HGC-27 cells , the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT significantly decreased after the knockdown of RPL26 ( tp-PI3K/PI3K = 3 . 86 , tp-AKT/AKT = 8. 29 ; P < 0. 05 , P < 0. 01) . Cyclin A , Cyclin D1 , CDK4 , CDK2 protein expressions de- creased ( t = 9. 61 , 5 . 10 , 11 . 64 , 7. 81 ; P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 001) , while the overexpression of RPL26 in HGC-27 cells showed the opposite trend .
Conclusion
The knockdown of RPL26 may arrest the cell cycle in G1 /S phase by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway , thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis .
5.Effect of online and offline high definition transcranial direct current stimulation on finger motor skill learning in healthy adults:a randomized controlled trial
Maolin NIU ; Tan ZHAO ; Xiaoli LIU ; Feng GUO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(8):957-964
Objective To investigate the effect of high definition transcranial direct current stimulation(HD-tDCS)at different stim-ulation timings(online and offline)on finger motor skill learning in healthy adults. Methods From March to November,2022,31 right-handed male participants were recruited from Shenyang Sport Uni-versity and randomly assigned to three groups,who received online,offline or sham HD-tDCS respectively dur-ing the three-day sequential visual isometric pinch task learning process.The daily motor skill learning gains,to-tal motor skill learning gains and speed-accuracy function(SAF)were observed. Results The daily motor skill learning gains increased in all the groups,and it was the best in the online group(F=24.692,P<0.001);the learning gains were better in the online group than in the offline group(t=4.732,P<0.001)and the sham group(t=3.839,P=0.004)on the third day.The total motor skill learning gains were ranked as the online group=the offline group>the sham group.SAF data indicated that the online group outper-formed both the offline and sham groups. Conclusion HD-tDCS can promote the finger motor skill learning in healthy adults,and online HD-tDCS is more effec-tive.
6.Application of"rotation-correction loop technique"in the retrieval of complex inferior vena cava filters
Jie HU ; Maolin QIAO ; Qinqin TIAN ; Heng WANG ; Sheng YAN ; Wenbo ZHAO ; Yongbin SHI ; Peilu SHI ; Miao XING ; Haifeng LI ; Haijiang JIN ; Ping WANG ; Wenkai CHANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Honglin DONG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(3):289-294
Objective To discuss the application of the"rotating guidewire and correcting the filter recovery hook direction technique"("rotation-correction loop technique"for short),a technique invented by the authors in clinical practice,in the retrieval of complex inferior vena cava filter(IVCF),and to discuss its technical skills and advantages.Methods The clinical data of 417 patients carrying an IVCF,who were admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery of Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University of China to retrieve IVCF between January 2022 and December 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.Taking the time spent on the retrieval of IVCF and the intraoperative radiation dose as the evaluation indicators,the advantages and disadvantages of the standard filter retrieval technique,the"rotation-correction loop technique"and the other loop-assisted techniques were compared.Results Both the intraoperative radiation dose and the time spent on the retrieval of IVCF using"rotation-correction loop technique"were remarkably lower than those of other loop-assisted techniques(P<0.000 1).Conclusion For the retrieval of complex IVCF,especially for the IVCF which is heavily tilted and/or its recovered hook is attached to the vascular wall,the use of"rotation-correction loop technique"can shorten the time spent on the the retrieval of IVCF and reduce the intraoperative radiation dose.This technique carries high safety and practicability,the device is simple and it can be manipulated by single physician,which is conducive to clinical application and promotion.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:289-294)
7.Research progress on superficial modification of artificial ligaments to promote tendon bone healing
Zhengrong ZHAO ; Peng ZHOU ; Dongzi TIAN ; Maolin CAI ; Dengke LIU ; Taotao LIU ; Qiuming GAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(17):2508-2512
Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)injury is caused by strong violence,which can destabilize the knee joint,cause joint cartilage degeneration,meniscus injury,and in severe cases,develop osteoarthropathy.The gold standard for the treatment of ACLR injuries at this stage is arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament recon-struction(ACLR).In clinical practice,the LARS(Ligament advanced reinforcement system)artificial ligament made of polyethylene terephthalate(PET)as the material has a good effect in the short and medium term,but the long-term biological healing between the graft and the host bone is poor,and the real"ligamentization"requirement of the postoperative graft cannot be met.Coating-modified modification of artificial ligaments can improve their hydrophilicity and biocompatibility,which in turn can promote the healing of graft-bone tunnels.Tendon bone healing is a bone-derived progressive process from indirect insertion to direct insertion,which takes a relatively long time and is closely related to the prognosis and early rehabilitation effect of patients.This article reviews the progress of superficial modification of artificial ligaments to promote ACLR tendon bone healing.
8.Research progress of heat shock protein 90 in breast cancer
Maolin GUO ; Chao ZHENG ; Lixiang YU ; Liyuan LIU ; Linfeng ZHAO ; Zhigang YU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2023;17(2):249-252
Breast cancer has become the most common malignant tumor in the world. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a kind of molecular chaperone which can promote protein folding and maintain protein stability. HSP90 includes HSP90α, HSP90β, GRP94 and TRAP1 subtypes. Previous studies have found that the level of HSP90 is significantly increased in malignant tumors such as breast cancer, and is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Meanwhile, the research on inhibitors targeting HSP90 has also attracted much attention. In this paper, we reviewed the expression of four HSP90 subtypes in breast cancer and their relationship with the clinicopathologic feature and prognosis of patients, discussed the research progress of specific inhibitors of HSP90 subtypes in breast cancer, and analyzed the application prospect of HSP90 as biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis monitoring and therapeutic targets.
9.Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Shengmaisan Granules in Inhibiting Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure with Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on CMR
Yuedong YANG ; Maolin WANG ; Juan ZHAO ; Mingyu SHI ; Chenhan MAO ; Sujie ZHANG ; Hao ZHI ; Jianping SHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(23):89-97
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Shengmaisan granules on myocardial fibrosis in chronic heart failure patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and serological indicators. MethodSixty-six chronic heart failure patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome who visited the Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to January 2023 were selected. The patients were assigned into a control group (33 cases) and an observation group (33 cases) by the minimization random method. Both groups received standardized Western medicine treatment for heart failure. In addition, the control group was treated with placebo granules, and the observation group with Shengmaisan granules for a course of 6 months. The baseline data, clinical efficacy, TCM symptom scores, serological indicators [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein (sST2), pro-collagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide (PⅢNP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)], echocardiography [Left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVEDs), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd)] and CMR indicators [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and longitudinal relaxation time (T1)] were compared between the two groups. ResultFinally, 31 patients in the control group and 30 patients in the observation group were included. There was no significant difference in baseline data or indicators between the two groups before treatment. Compared with those before treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, spontaneous or night sweats, thirst/dry throat, feverish feeling in palms and soles, and edema in lower limbs), total score of TCM symptoms, ECV, T1, inflammation/fibrosis indicators (hs-CRP, sST2, PⅢNP, IL-6, IL-11, and TGF-β1) in observation group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores of TCM symptoms (except feverish feeling in palms and soles), T1, and inflammation/fibrosis indicators in the control group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the observation group had lower scores of TCM symptoms (except feverish feeling in palms and soles and edema in lower limbs), ECV, T1, and inflammation/fibrosis indicators than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the total response rate in the observation group was 93.33% (28/30), which was higher than that (80.65%, 25/31) in the control group (Z=2.976, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups during treatment. ConclusionFor patients with chronic heart failure with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome, Shengmaisan Granules can alleviate the TCM symptoms, reduce inflammation, and inhibit myocardial fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/IL-11 signaling axis.
10.Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease in complex with protease inhibitor PF-07321332.
Yao ZHAO ; Chao FANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Ruxue ZHANG ; Xiangbo ZHAO ; Yinkai DUAN ; Haofeng WANG ; Yan ZHU ; Lu FENG ; Jinyi ZHAO ; Maolin SHAO ; Xiuna YANG ; Leike ZHANG ; Chao PENG ; Kailin YANG ; Dawei MA ; Zihe RAO ; Haitao YANG
Protein & Cell 2022;13(9):689-693


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