1.Key Genes in Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway of Lonicera macranthoides Based on Transcriptome and Metabolome Conjoint Analysis
Jiawei HE ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Juan ZENG ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Simin ZHOU ; Meiling QU ; Ribao ZHOU ; Xiangdan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):167-175
ObjectiveBased on the conjoint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of Lonicera macranthoides were explored, which provided a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid compounds in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides. MethodsThe stem, leaves, and three flowering flowers of "Xianglei" L. macranthoides were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptome and metabolome. The transcriptome and metabolomics were conjointly analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of L. macranthoides were explored. ResultsIn this study, 77 differential phenylpropanoids and 315 differential genes were found. Through the joint analysis of transcription and metabolism, nine key differential metabolites and four key genes related to them were finally discovered. Among them, cinnamic acid, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid,sinapyl alcohol, and chlorogenic acid were higher in flowers, and the content of the iconic effective component, namely chlorogenic acid,decreased sharply during the withering period. Caffeic acid,ferulic acid, 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde,p-coumaryl alcohol, and syringin were higher in leaves. These four key genes belong to the cinnamic alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) family, 4-coumaric acid: Coenzyme A (4CL) family, hydroxycinnamyl transferase (HCT) family, and L-phenylalanine ammonlyase (PAL) family genes. ConclusionAmong the four key genes excavated from L. macranthoides, TRINITY_DN42767_c0_g6 is related to the synthesis of p-coumaryl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. TRINITY_DN43525_c4_g1 uses caffeic acid,ferulic acid,and cinnamic acid as substrates to catalyze the next reaction. TRINITY_DN47958_c3_g4 correlates with the synthesis of 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid and caffeoyl-CoA, and TRINITY_DN52595_c1_g2 correlates with cinnamic acid synthesis. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoids in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides.
2.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
3.Research progress on ionizing radiation exposure and thyroid cancer
JIANG Xinyue ; LIU Jienan ; GAO Meiling ; WANG Yuchao ; HONG Yina ; YAN Jianbo
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):471-476,480
Thyroid cancer is caused by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, metabolism, and the immune microenvironment, among which ionizing radiation exposure is an important risk factor for thyroid cancer. As one of the most sensitive target organs of ionizing radiation, the thyroid gland may have different risks of thyroid cancer caused by different types of ionizing radiation exposures, such as medical exposure, occupational exposure, and emergency exposure. The sensitivity of children and adolescents are higher than that of adults. The dose-response relationship still needs to be further explored. The molecular mechanism between ionizing radiation and the increased risk of thyroid cancer is complex, which may involve DNA damage and repair abnormalities, gene mutations, non-coding RNA regulation, DNA methylation, cell cycle regulation imbalance, and immune microenvironment changes. This article reviews the risk and molecular mechanisms associated with different types of ionizing radiation exposure in thyroid cancer, based on literature retrieved from CNKI and PubMed databases. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for the early monitoring, prevention, and intervention of thyroid cancer related to ionizing radiation exposure.
4.Effect of stress-induced hyperglycemia on new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Hongkai DONG ; Xuan XUE ; Bingbing PENG ; Meiling LIU ; Liuyi HAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):114-118
Objective To explore the effect of stress hyperglycemia (SHG) on new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods A total of 1 321 patients with non-diabetic AMI who were admitted to the hospital from February 2024 to February 2025 were retrospectively selected. The occurrence of SHG was assessed according to the blood glucose level at admission. All patients received standard treatment after admission. The occurrence of NOAF during hospitalization was recorded. According to the presence or absence of NOAF occurrence, the patients were classified into NOAF group (n=118) and no-NOAF group (n=1,203). The clinical data of the two groups were collected and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of NOAF in AMI patients. Results Among the 1 321 patients, 369 cases (27.93%) had SHG according to their blood glucose test at admission. After the completion of hospitalization, 118 of the 1321 patients developed NOAF, with an incidence rate of 8.93%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SHG (OR=2.776, 95%CI: 1.384-5.567), smoking history (OR=2.680, 95%CI: 1.457-4.931), Killip grading at admission (OR=2.779, 95%CI: 1.361-5.671), Gensini score (OR=1.119, 95%CI: 1.038-1.205), time from onset to revascularization (OR=1.114, 95%CI: 0.973-1.275), and NT-proBNP (OR=1.123, 95%CI: 1.049-1.203) were independent influencing factors of NOAF in patients with AMI (P<0.05). Conclusion SHG, smoking history, Killip grading at admission, Gensini score, NT-proBNP, and time from onset to revascularization may influence the occurrence of NOAF in AMI patients during hospitalization, which should be given high attention.
5.Autophagy in skeletal muscle dysfunction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: implications, mechanisms, and perspectives.
Xiaoyu HAN ; Peijun LI ; Meiling JIANG ; Yuanyuan CAO ; Yingqi WANG ; Linhong JIANG ; Xiaodan LIU ; Weibing WU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(3):227-239
Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a common extrapulmonary comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with decreased quality-of-life and survival in patients. The autophagy lysosome pathway is one of the proteolytic systems that significantly affect skeletal muscle structure and function. Intriguingly, both promoting and inhibiting autophagy have been observed to improve COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction, yet the mechanism is unclear. This paper first reviewed the effects of macroautophagy and mitophagy on the structure and function of skeletal muscle in COPD, and then explored the mechanism of autophagy mediating the dysfunction of skeletal muscle in COPD. The results showed that macroautophagy- and mitophagy-related proteins were significantly increased in COPD skeletal muscle. Promoting macroautophagy in COPD improves myogenesis and replication capacity of muscle satellite cells, while inhibiting macroautophagy in COPD myotubes increases their diameters. Mitophagy helps to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by removing impaired mitochondria in COPD. Autophagy is a promising target for improving COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction, and further research should be conducted to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which autophagy mediates COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction, with the aim of enhancing our understanding in this field.
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology*
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Humans
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Muscle, Skeletal/pathology*
;
Mitophagy
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Animals
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Lysosomes
6.Osteomodulin modulates the inflammatory responses via the interleukin-1 receptor 1/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in dental pulpitis.
Yueyi YANG ; Xuchen HU ; Meiling JING ; Xiaohan ZHU ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Wenduo TAN ; Zhanyi CHEN ; Chenguang NIU ; Zhengwei HUANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):41-41
Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations. The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated. Osteomodulin (OMD) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth. It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). In this study, the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated. The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining. Intriguingly, the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens. The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established. LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice, whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis. Mechanistically, the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway, was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs. Additionally, the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking. In vivo, excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist. Overall, OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway. OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.
Pulpitis/metabolism*
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NF-kappa B/metabolism*
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Animals
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Signal Transduction
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Humans
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Dental Pulp/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Lipopolysaccharides
7.Effect of blended mindfulness intervention on stigma and self-esteem in stable schizophrenia patients
Dandan LIU ; Jiali DAI ; Haina WANG ; Meiling WEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongsheng BI
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(5):414-419
Background Schizophrenia patients often face high level of stigma and low level of self-esteem,significantly hindering their recovery.Mindfulness-based intervention has proven be effective in reducing stigma and improving self-esteem.However,traditional mindfulness intervention typically involve high costs and require long-term professional involvement.Objective To explore the effects of blended mindfulness interventions on stigma and self-esteem in patients with stable schizophrenia,so as to provide references for reducing stigma,enhancing self-esteem and promoting recovery.Methods Patients receiving outpatient treatment at the Third Hospital of Daqing from June 2022 to January 2023,who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in the International Classification of Diseases,tenth edition(ICD-10)and were in a stable phase,were recruited for the study(n=84).According to the random number table method,participants were randomly assigned to study group and control group,with 42 cases in each group.Both groups received treatment with the second-generation antipsychotic medications,while the study group additionally received blended mindfulness intervention for 8 weeks,with sessions lasting 45~60 minutes,three times a week.Both groups were evaluated with Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire(FFMQ),Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory(ISMI)and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSES)at baseline and after 8-week intervention.Covariance analysis was used to compare the FFMQ,ISMI and SES scores between two groups after 8-week intervention.Results After 8-week intervention,there were statistically significant differences between two groups in total FFMQ scores,as well as in the observation,acting with awareness,non-judgment and non-reactivity subscale scores(F=50.680,12.952,13.567,22.799,14.043,P<0.01).Statistically significant differences were observed in total ISMI scores,and in the alienation,stereotype endorsement,discrimination experience,stigma resistance and social withdrawal subscale scores(F=513.125,148.990,125.055,75.996,154.850,54.125,P<0.01).The difference in RSES scores between two groups was also statistically significant(F=19.478,P<0.01).Conclusion Blended mindfulness intervention may help improve the mindfulness and self-esteem in stable schizophrenia patients while reducing stigma.
8.Effects of Electroacupuncture Preconditioning on Local Inflammation and DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc Signaling Pathway in Myo-cardium of Acute Myocardial Ischemia Mice
Minjiao JIANG ; Rou PENG ; Yuhang YAN ; Xiaoer LIU ; Danying QIAN ; Xiaohan LU ; Liyao CHEN ; Meiling YU ; Shengfeng LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(6):589-597
OBJECTIVE To observe the changes of cardiac function,local inflammation level and macrophage M2 polarization in mice with acute myocardial infarction(AMI after electroacupuncture preconditioning at the Neiguan point,and to explore the possible mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 10 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received bilateral electroacupuncture interventions at the Neiguan points,sparse-dense wave,2/15 Hz,1 mA,20 min/time,once a day for 3 consecutive days,and AMI models were performed 0.5 h after the electroacupuncture interventions.The myocardial ischemia model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending branch.Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac ejection frac-tion(EF and fractional shortening(FS to evaluate cardiac function;HE and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of myocardium and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes,and immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect IL-1β,TNF-α and NLRP3 in infarcted myocardium and peripheral blood to evaluate the level of inflammation;flow cytometry was used to detect cardiac macrophage polarization status,and Western blot method to detect the protein expression levels of DNA-PK,p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc in infarcted myocardium.RESULTS Compared with the sham group,the model group showed significantly lower EF and FS(P<0.000 1,significant inflammatory cell infiltration,significantly higher cardiomyocyte apoptotic index(P<0.001,up-regulated expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α in the myocardium and serum(P<0.01,P<0.001,a significant increase in the percentage of macrophages(P<0.001,a decrease in the percentage of cardiac M2-type macrophages(P<0.000 1,and a significant decrease in the expression levels of p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc proteins in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.000 1.Compared with the model group,EF and FS were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group(P<0.000 1,inflammatory cell infiltration was re-duced,cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was decreased(P<0.01,and the expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α was down-regula-ted in myocardium and serum(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001;the macrophage percentage was decreased(P<0.05,cardiac M2-type macrophage percentage was increased(P<0.01,and p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc protein expression was enhanced in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.000 1.CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture preconditioning may promote macrophage M2 polarization,attenuate local inflammation,and reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by modulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway,thus im-proving cardiac function and achieving myocardial protective effects.
9.Development of an Integrated Disposable Device for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Extraction and Detection
Ma JING ; Hao YANZHE ; Hou MEILING ; Zhang XIAOSHAN ; Liu JINGDUAN ; Meng HAODI ; Chang JIANGBO ; Ma XUEJUN ; Liu JIHUA ; Ying QINGJIE ; Wang XIANHUA ; Li HONGXIA ; Cao YUXI ; Zhang XIAOGUANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(6):639-646
Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2). Methods We designed,developed,and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection.The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested.A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The entire process,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification,was evaluated. Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2±1.9 μL(set value was 20),32.2±1.6(set value was 30),and 57.2±3.5(set value was 60).Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0±0.0 ℃(set value was 60)and 95.1±0.2 ℃(set value was 95)respectively.SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10×106 copies/mL,while a commercial kit yielded 2.98×106 copies/mL.The mean time to complete the entire assay,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection,was 36 min and 45 s.The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL. Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test(POCT).
10.Establishment of rapid influenza virus detection technology based on an integrated system
Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Jing MA ; Yanzhe HAO ; Jing YANG ; Meiling HOU ; Hongxia LI ; Jingduan LIU ; Haodi MENG ; Yuxi CAO ; Xiaoguang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(3):319-325
Objective:This study aimed to develop a rapid and accurate integrated nucleic acid detection method tailored for the influenza virus.Methods:We designed primers and probes targeting the predominant influenza virus strains circulating in China in recent years. These were integrated with extraction and amplification reagents and a point of care testing (POCT) system to facilitate a seamless and expedited process involving nucleic acid extraction, reaction system preparation, amplification, and result interpretation for the influenza virus. The specificity of the POCT system was evaluated using cultured influenza viruses, while its cross-reactivity was assessed against common respiratory pathogens, including adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.Results:Our study successfully developed duplex amplification primers and probes for both influenza A and B viruses, achieving a detection threshold as low as 500 copies/ml. Specificity tests confirmed that the detection reagents did not show cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens such as adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. The POCT-based rapid nucleic acid detection method for influenza virus was established, it is capable of completing the entire process from nucleic acid extraction to amplification and result interpretation within 50 minutes, while enabling real-time data upload.Conclusions:The POCT-based rapid influenza virus detection kit developed in this study offers a " sample in, results out" convenience, making it suitable for rapid influenza virus detection in primary care settings. This innovation has significant potential for clinical application.


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