1.Applications of Vaterite in Drug Loading and Controlled Release
Xiao-Hui SONG ; Ming-Yu PAN ; Jian-Feng XU ; Zheng-Yu HUANG ; Qing PAN ; Qing-Ning LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):162-181
Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.
2.Preparation and evaluation of long-acting light-protective nanogel based on fullerenol-cerium oxide composite system
Tianlong ZHANG ; Jia LIU ; Qing ZHAO ; Yue ZHOU ; Ming YANG ; Qianyu LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2106-2112
OBJECTIVE To develop a long-acting light-protective nanogel with both physical barrier and chemical clearance functions, and evaluate its performance. METHODS The photoprotective nanogel composed of mussel mucin and sodium hyaluronate was constructed based on a fullerenol-cerium oxide composite nano system, namely fullerenol-cerium oxide nanogel (FCN), and was characterized. The antioxidant capacity of FCN was evaluated using in vitro free radical scavenging experiments; its UV shielding ability was assessed by using an SPF value detector; its biosafety was assessed according to the requirements of the Guidelines for Drug Safety Evaluation; skin adhesion was assessed using small animal 3D live imaging technology; its sun protection ability was assessed through skin sunscreen detection and histopathological observation. RESULTS The average particle sizes of cerium oxide and fullerenol nanoparticles in FCN were about 20 and 10 nm, respectively, and FCN exhibited good UV absorption and free radical scavenging abilities. SPF value of FCN was 58.95±0.82, and the ultraviolet A protection level value was 6.21±0.15. No pathogenic colonies such as Staphylococcus aureus, were detected in the nanogel, and the contents of lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium all met the standards for pharmaceutical excipients; FCN group did not show any irritating reactions such as erythema, edema, or desquamation; blood biochemical indicators of the FCN group were within the normal reference range. The material clearance rate of mice in the artificial sweat flushing group was less than 30%, while the material clearance rate of mice in the dry cleaning group reached about 92%. The mice in the protective group did not show obvious erythema or ulcer formation throughout the experiment. Histopathology showed that the fibers were arranged in an orderly manner, and the number of collagen fibers was close to that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS The FCN formulation constructed in this study meets the relevant requirements of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has good safety and skin compatibility, and achieves dual synergistic protection of UV shielding and free radical scavenging.
3.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field.
4.Mechanism of Kechuanting granules in suppressing IL-33/ILC2s and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation
Nan-Ting ZOU ; Zhao WU ; Xiao-Dong YAN ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ming-Qian JU ; Jin-Zhu XU ; Chun-Ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1350-1357
Aim To investigate the mechanisms of Ke-chuanting granules(KCT)inhibiting the IL-33/ILC2s pathway and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation.Methods Network pharmacolo-gy was utilized to analyze the potential targets and mechanisms of KCT-treated asthma.Allergic asthma models were induced in mice using OVA.Lung histo-pathology was conducted to observe injury changes.ELISA and quantitative PCR were utilized to measure key inflammatory factors and their mRNA expression levels in Th2-type asthma.Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation levels of relevant proteins in the MAPK pathway.Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the proportions of ILC2s,Th1,Th 17,Th2 and Treg cells.Results Network pharmacology iden-tified 227 main active components and 143 key targets of KCT in treating asthma,primarily enriched in signa-ling pathways such as MAPK and IL-17.Further vali-dation experiments demonstrated that KCT significantly alleviated lung inflammatory injury in asthmatic mice,reduced the number of B cells,production of I L-4,TNF-α and TGF-β,downregulated JNK phosphoryla-tion levels in lung tissue,as well as mRNA levels of Il-33,Bcl11b,Rorα,Tcf-7,Jun,Mapk3 and Mapk14.KCT intervention reduced the numbers of ILC2s and Th 17 cells in lungs and spleens of mice,and inhibited Th2 cell infiltration in lungs.Conclusions KCT ex-hibits therapeutic effects on allergic airway inflamma-tion in asthma,closely associated with the inhibition of the IL-33/ILC2s pathway,pathogenic T cell subsets,and JNK-MAPK signaling pathway.
5.Effect of Guben Yanling pills in antagonising liver aging in mice through NF-κB signaling pathway and its mechanism
Yi HUA ; Yu-Chun ZHOU ; Rong-Chun SUI ; Xian-Qing DENG ; Song-Yang LIN ; Guang-Bin LE ; Yun XIAO ; Ming-Xia SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1367-1374
Aim To study the effect of Guben Yanling pills on liver aging in aging mice and the related mech-anism.Methods The mice were randomly divided in-to blank control group,model group,vitamin E group(0.1 g·kg-1)and low,medium and high dose groups(0.59,1.17,2.34 g·kg-1)of Guben Yan-ling pills.The aging mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose(150 mg·kg-1)into the back of neck.At the same time of mod-eling,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage once a day for six weeks.The main organ indexes were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the mor-phology of liver tissue.Colorimetry was used to detect the activity of β-galactosidase in liver.ELISA was used to detect the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-4,IL-10.Western blot was used to detect the protein relative expression level of IKKβ,Iκ Bα,NF-κB p65.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression level of NF-κB p65.Results Compared with the blank control group,the organ index of the brain,liv-er,kidney,spleen,and thymus in the model group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase increased(P<0.01),liver tissue mor-phology and structure were significantly damaged,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 increased(P<0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased(P<0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 in-creased(P<0.01),the levels of IKBα decreased(P<0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the organ indexes of brain,liver,kidney,spleen,and thymus in each dose group of Guben Yan-ling pills increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase decreased(P<0.01),the morpho-logical and structural damage of liver tissue was signifi-cantly improved,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 decreased(P<0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 increased(P<0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 decreased(P<0.01),the levels of IκBα in-creased(P<0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus decreased(P<0.01).Conclusions Guben Yanling pills can antagonize liver aging in mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activa-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway in liver,downregulat-ing downstream pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregu-lating anti-inflammatory factor levels,and alleviating inflammation in liver.
6.Clinical study of constructing nomogram model based on multi-dimensional clinical indicators to predict prognosis of knee osteoarthritis
Xin WANG ; Cong-Jun YE ; Zhen-Zhong DENG ; Yan XUE ; Chen-Hui WEI ; Qing-Biao LI ; Yang-Ming LUO ; Jian-Zhong GAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):184-190
Objective To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with knee osteoarthritis,and to construct a nomogram prediction model in conjunction with multi-dimensional clinical indicators.Methods The clinical data of 234 pa-tients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,including 126 males and 108 females;age more than 60 years old for 135 cases,age less than 60 years old for 99 cases.Lysholm knee function score was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients,and the patients were divided into good progno-sis group for 155 patients and poor prognosis group for 79 patients according to the prognosis.The clinical data of the subjects in the experimental cohort were analyzed by single factor and multiple factors.The patients were divided into experimental co-hort and verification cohort,the results of the multiple factor analysis were visualized to obtain a nomogram prediction model,the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),calibration curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the model's dis-crimination,accuracy and clinical benefit rate.Results The results of multivariate analysis showed that smoking,pre-treatment K-L grades of Ⅲto Ⅳ,and high levels of interleukin 6(IL-6)and matrix metallo proteinase-3(MMP-3)were risk factors for the prognosis of patients with knee osteoarthritis.ROC test results showed that the area under the curve of the nomogram model in the experimental cohort and validation cohort was 0.806[95%CI(0.742,0.866)]and 0.786[(95%CI(0.678,0.893)],re-spectively.The results of the calibration curve showed that the Brier values of the experimental cohort and verification cohort were 0.151 points and 0.134 points,respectively.When the threshold probability value in the decision curve was set to 31%,the clinical benefit rates of the experimental cohort and validation cohort were 51%and 56%,respectively.Conclusion The prognostic model of patients with knee osteoarthritis constructed based on multi-dimensional clinical data has both theoretical and practical significance,and can provide a reference for taking targeted measures to improve the prognosis of patients.
7.Characteristics of gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with infectious diarrhea
Wen-Peng GU ; Di LYU ; Xiao-Fang ZHOU ; Sen-Quan JIA ; Xiao-Nan ZHAO ; Yong ZHANG ; Yong-Ming ZHOU ; Jian-Wen YIN ; Li HUANG ; Xiao-Qing FU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):408-414
This study investigated the characteristics of gut microbiota imbalance in patients with infectious diarrhea caused by various pathogenic infections,and the role of Bacteroides in maintaining homeostasis in the intestinal environment.The gut microbiota in patients with diarrhea caused by pathogenic infections,such as viral and bacterial infections,was determined through full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.Patients with diarrhea were grouped and analyzed according to the presence of single bacterial infection,single viral infection,mixed infection,or Clostridioides difficile infection.Bacteroides had the highest absolute number and relative abundance in the gut microbiota in healthy people,whereas patients with infectious diar-rhea showed lower relative abundance of Bacteroides at each phylum/order/family/genus taxonomic level.Alpha diversity anal-ysis indicated no significant differences among groups.NMDS and PCoA indicated formation of distinct clusters in the control group compared with the different infectious diarrhea groups.The diversity of the gut microbiota was higher in the control group than the infectious diarrhea groups.Patients with infec-tious diarrhea caused by different pathogens showed differing predominant gut microbiota.Bifidobacterium predominated in the single viral infection group,Streptococcus predominated in the single bacterial infection group,and Lachnoclostridium predominated in the mixed infection group.Escherichia and Klebsiella were the major gut microbiota in the C.difficile infection group.Meanwhile,the dominant gut microbiota in the healthy population was Bacteroides.COG function prediction revealed that the healthy control group formed a distinct cluster from the different infection groups.The functions of defense mechanisms,cell wall synthesis,protein modification,cellular differentiation,and replication and recombination were signifi-cantly diminished in all infectious diarrhea groups.In general,patients with infectious diarrhea caused by different pathogens showed dysbiosis,with diminished gut microbiota diversity and the emergence of related biomarkers.Our findings indicated that Bacteroides has a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human intestinal environment,thus providing new ideas for the subsequent treatment of infectious diarrhea and research in other fields.
8.Clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia
Xiao-Qing ZHU ; Yang-Liu LI ; Yi-Bin LI ; Xiao-Bing JIN ; Ming LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(9):887-892
This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci(C.psittaci)pneumonia to improve clinical understanding of the disease,and its diagnosis and treatment.A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 65 patients diagnosed with C.psittaci pneumonia admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between De-cember 2019 and September 2022.The patients'basic data,clinical manifestations,laboratory examination,chest CT findings,treatment,and prognosis were analyzed.The average age of the 65 patients was 58 years,and the incidence was high-est in autumn and winter.The main manifestations included fever,cough,and fatigue.Compared with non-severe cases,severe cases showed more significantly lower lymphocytes,platelets,and albumin,but significantly higher procalcitonin,alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,lactate dehydrogenase,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,and D-dimer.The chest CT findings showed primarily ground glass shadow changes.The extent of lung lesions in severe cases was greater than that in non-severe cases,and all patients required respiratory support.Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotic treatments were effective.The results suggested that C.psittaci pneumonia occurs primarily in the autumn and winter,and manifests mainly as high fe-ver,cough,and elevation of multiple inflammatory markers.Most of the pulmonary imaging findings showed ground glass shadows.The organ damage was more obvious in more severe cases.After active and effective treatment,the prognosis of the disease is favorable.
9.Protective Effects of Ferrostatin-1 on Liver and Kidney Tissues in Mice with Middle and Late Stages of Diabetes
Huan WANG ; Ming-Xing ZHU ; Zhi-Jing WU ; Wei-Wen CHEN ; Yan-Fang ZHENG ; Ming-Qing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(6):848-856
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with high incidence and many complications,among which type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)accounts for a large proportion.Current studies have shown that T2DM is accompanied by damage of liver,kidney,and other organs and its complications seriously en-danger human health.Ferroptosis generates many Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS)through the Fenton reaction,and the accumulation of ROS activates Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1(HIF-1α).As a result,the level of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)is increased.Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),a ferroptosis in-hibitor,has strong antioxidant capacity.Therefore,based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor(HIF-1α/VEGF)signaling pathway,we explored the therapeutic effect of Fer-1 on the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic mice.db/db mice(21~22 weeks old)were used as the model of diabetes mellitus.Ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 was used as the intervention drug.db/m mice served as the blank control group,and body weight and blood glucose were measured for 4 weeks.Food intake and water intake were recorded in each group.The levels of Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in the serum were measured.ROS and Glutathione(GSH)activity in liver and kidney tissues and urinary protein content were measured.Liver and kidney tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE),and the pathological morphology was observed under a light microscope.The protein levels of HIF-1α,VEGF,and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in liver and kidney tissues were detected by Western blot.In db/db mice,Fer-1(1 mg·kg-1,ig)could significantly reduce the a-mount of food and water intake,the levels of ALT and AST in serum,the ROS production in liver and kidney tissues,and the level of urine protein,but significantly increase the activity of GSH,thus improve the pathological conditions of liver and kidney.Fer-1 also significantly inhibited HIF-1α and VEGF pro-tein indexes and increased GPX4 protein levels in liver and kidney tissues.Although Fer-1 can not change the body weight and reduce blood glucose in diabetic mice,it can play a therapeutic role in the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic mice in the middle and late stages,and its mechanism may be related to HIF-1α/VEGF and GPX4.
10.Inhibitory Effect of Metformin and Arsenic Trioxide on KG1a Cell Proliferation
Meng LIU ; Shu-Min GUI ; Ming-Ming FENG ; Hui LIU ; Xiao-Hui SI ; Xin-Qing NIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):66-70
Objective:To investigate the effect of metformin and arsenic trioxide on KG1a cells proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia and its possible mechanism.Methods:CCK-8 method was used to detect the killing effect of metformin,arsenic trioxide and combined application on KG1a cells.Annexin V-FITC/P1 Dual Stain Flow Cytometry was used to detect the effect of combined application on apoptosis of KG1 a cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression of intracellular apoptosis-,autophagy-related protein.Results:Metformin and arsenic trioxide alone or in combination could inhibit the proliferation of KG1 a cells and induce apoptosis of KG1 a cells,and the proliferation inhibition rate and apoptosis rate in the combined drug group were higher than those in the drug group alone(P<0.05).The combination of drugs induced upregulation of Caspase 8 protein and P62 protein expression and was higher than that in the drug group alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:Metformin can synergize with arsenic trioxide to kill KG1a cells,and its mechanism of action may be related to inducing apoptosis and enhancing autophagy.

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