1.Divergent activation patterns of BRS3 revealed by two Chinese herb-derived agonists.
Jie LI ; Changyao LI ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Wei HAN ; Mingzhu FANG ; Youwei XU ; Yiting MAI ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiahua CUI ; H Eric XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Wanchao YIN ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5231-5243
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion. Recent structural studies have elucidated BRS3 signaling mechanisms using synthetic ligands, including BA1 and MK-5046. However, the molecular basis of BRS3 activation by bioactive natural compounds and their derivatives, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, remains unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human BRS3-Gq complex in both unliganded and active states bound by two herb-derived compounds (DSO-5a and oridonin), at resolutions of 2.9, 2.8, and 2.9 Å, respectively. These structures display distinct ligand recognition patterns between DSO-5a and oridonin. Although both compounds bind to the orthosteric pocket, they differentially engage the interaction network of BRS3, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies assessing calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate 1 (IP1) accumulation. These findings enhance our understanding of BRS3 activation and provide valuable insights into the development of small-molecule BRS3 modulators with therapeutic potential.
2.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
3.Association between skeletal muscle fat content and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jinghe HUANG ; Mingzhu ZOU ; Jingtao QIAO ; Ran WEI ; Zhenxing WANG ; Yan SONG ; Lixin GUO
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(5):328-331
Objective To investigate the correlation between skeletal muscle fat content and diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods 290 patients with T2DM admitted to our hospital were enrolled in this study from January 2023 to February 2024 and divided into two groups according to whether they were complicated with DPN:simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=98)and T2DM with DPN group(DPN,n=192).The general data,biochemical indexes and fat distribution indexes measured based on quantitative CT were compared between the two groups.Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between fat distribution indexes and DPN,logistic regression analysis of influencing factors of T2DM complicated with DPN.Results Age,DM duration,WHR,FIns,insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and FF were higher in DPN group than in T2DM group(P<0.05).Ca,subcutaneous abdominal fat area(SFA)and liver fat content were lower in DPN group than in T2DM group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that DPN was negatively correlated with SFA and liver fat content(r=-0.127,-0.123,P<0.05),and positively correlated with FF(r=0.117,P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that without adjusting for confounding factors and adjusting for DM duration,WHR,HOMA-IR,Ca,SFA and liver fat content,FF was an influential factor for DPN in T2DM patients.Conclusions Skeletal muscle FF was associated with DPN in patients with T2DM.
4.Analysis of karyotype and copy number variation in 386 fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Yan TANG ; Shoulian LU ; Shengnan SONG ; Jue WANG ; Mingzhu MIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(2):98-101
Objective To investigate the karyotypes and the correlation of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses with increased nu-chal translucency(NT),so as to provide a basis for prenatal genetic counseling.Methods The clinical data of 386 singleton pregnant women with NT≥2.5mm who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The fetuses were grouped according to NT thickness(2.5-3.4,3.5-3.9,4.0-4.9,5.0-5.9,and ≥6.0 mm),fetal ultrasound abnormalities(isolated increased NT,non-isolated increased NT),and maternal age(advanced age ≥35 years,non-advanced age<35 years).The chi-square test was used to compare the differences of the incidence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities among various groups.Results Among the 386 fetuses with increased NT,chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 87 cases with an overall detection rate of 22.5%(87/386),including chromosomal numerical abnormalities accounted for 82.8%(72/87)and copy number variations(CNVs)accounted for 17.2%(15/87).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormal-ities and numerical abnormalities increased with NT thickness(P<0.05),while no statistically significant difference of CNV abnormali-ty rates was found(P=0.41).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities(36.5%)and CNV abnormalities(14.1%)in the non-isolated increased NT group were significantly higher than those in the isolated increased NT group(18.6%and 1.0%,respective-ly,both P<0.05).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities(34.7%)and numerical abnormalities(31.6%)in the fetuses of advanced maternal age mothers with increased NT were significantly higher than those in the non-advanced age group(18.4%and 14.2%,respectively,both P<0.05).However,the difference of CNV abnormality rates between the two groups was not statistically sig-nificant(P=0.62).Conclusion The detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities elevated with increased NT thickness.Ad-vanced maternal age and the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities were the high-risk factors for fetal chromosomal abnormalities.The risks of CNV abnormalities may not be significantly correlated with NT thickness or maternal age but associated with the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities.
5.Advances in the Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Acute and Maintenance Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):321-329
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by high rates of prevalence and recurrence. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been widely utilized in the acute phase treatment of MDD and has shown potential in maintenance therapy. However, the factors influencing the efficacy of rTMS during the acute phase and the sustainability of its long-term therapeutic effects remain incompletely understood. Additionally, a consensus on the optimal maintenance treatment protocol has yet to be established. This article reviews recent evidence on the application of rTMS in both acute and maintenance treatment of MDD, aiming to summarize current research progress and provide insights for the further promotion and application of rTMS in clinical practice.
6.Identification, characterization, substrate binding mode prediction, and modification of a novel amidohydrolase from Microbulbifer thermotolerans.
Nana XU ; Mingzhu YAN ; Hao WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Weidong LIU ; Huimin QIN ; Jian GAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3567-3578
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is ubiquitous in the food and feed fields. It has strong hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, seriously threatening the health of humans and animals. Enzymatic degradation of mycotoxins is considered to be a promising method to control mycotoxin contaminations. In this study, a new ochratoxin A amidohydrolase from Microbulbifer thermotolerans (MiADH) was obtained. After heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and purification, the recombinant protein was studied regarding the hydrolysis activity, hydrolysis products, enzymatic properties, and substrate binding mode. MiADH can degrade OTA into ochratoxin α (OTα) and phenylalanine, demonstrating a detoxifying ability. It demonstrated the best performance at 70 ℃ and pH 8.0, and Cu2+ had the strongest inhibitory effect on the activity of MiADH. MiADH with good thermal stability exhibited huge potential for industrial application. Rational design guided by three-dimensional structural models and substrate docking analysis revealed the important amino acids affecting substrate binding and obtained multiple mutants with improved activity. Among these mutants, V324A had the highest activity, which was 4.2-fold that of the wild type. The identification of MiADH enriches the ochratoxin A degradation enzyme library and provides a new candidate enzyme for the biological detoxification of ochratoxin A in the food and feed industry.
Amidohydrolases/chemistry*
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Ochratoxins/metabolism*
;
Substrate Specificity
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Escherichia coli/metabolism*
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Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Actinomycetales/genetics*
7.Advances in genetic research on pleuropulmonary blastoma in children
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(5):386-388
Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common primary malignancy of the lungs in children.It is now widely believed that the disease is closely related to genetic variation in patients, especially DICER1 gene mutations.Having the knowledge of genetic variations in children is of great significance for the identification of high-risk groups, disease diagnosis and identification, and the formulation of disease surveillance strategies.Therefore, the genetic progress of pediatric PPB was reviewed in this article.
8.Advances in the study of solid tumor-associated tumor predispositiony syndrome in children
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(7):545-548
Solid tumor-associated tumor predisposition syndrome (TPS) in children is a type of disease in cancer susceptibility syndromes, and its onset is often associated with specific gene mutations.The early age of onset, the high risk of family disease, and the frequent involvement of tumors in multiple organs are the prominent features of such disease.Understanding the characteristics of such disease is of great significance for its early diagnosis and differentiation and the formulation of family disease surveillance strategies.Therefore, the progress of research on solid tumor-associated TPS in children is reviewed in this article.
9.Association between skeletal muscle fat content and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jinghe HUANG ; Mingzhu ZOU ; Jingtao QIAO ; Ran WEI ; Zhenxing WANG ; Yan SONG ; Lixin GUO
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(5):328-331
Objective To investigate the correlation between skeletal muscle fat content and diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods 290 patients with T2DM admitted to our hospital were enrolled in this study from January 2023 to February 2024 and divided into two groups according to whether they were complicated with DPN:simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=98)and T2DM with DPN group(DPN,n=192).The general data,biochemical indexes and fat distribution indexes measured based on quantitative CT were compared between the two groups.Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between fat distribution indexes and DPN,logistic regression analysis of influencing factors of T2DM complicated with DPN.Results Age,DM duration,WHR,FIns,insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and FF were higher in DPN group than in T2DM group(P<0.05).Ca,subcutaneous abdominal fat area(SFA)and liver fat content were lower in DPN group than in T2DM group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that DPN was negatively correlated with SFA and liver fat content(r=-0.127,-0.123,P<0.05),and positively correlated with FF(r=0.117,P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that without adjusting for confounding factors and adjusting for DM duration,WHR,HOMA-IR,Ca,SFA and liver fat content,FF was an influential factor for DPN in T2DM patients.Conclusions Skeletal muscle FF was associated with DPN in patients with T2DM.
10.Analysis of karyotype and copy number variation in 386 fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Yan TANG ; Shoulian LU ; Shengnan SONG ; Jue WANG ; Mingzhu MIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(2):98-101
Objective To investigate the karyotypes and the correlation of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses with increased nu-chal translucency(NT),so as to provide a basis for prenatal genetic counseling.Methods The clinical data of 386 singleton pregnant women with NT≥2.5mm who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The fetuses were grouped according to NT thickness(2.5-3.4,3.5-3.9,4.0-4.9,5.0-5.9,and ≥6.0 mm),fetal ultrasound abnormalities(isolated increased NT,non-isolated increased NT),and maternal age(advanced age ≥35 years,non-advanced age<35 years).The chi-square test was used to compare the differences of the incidence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities among various groups.Results Among the 386 fetuses with increased NT,chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 87 cases with an overall detection rate of 22.5%(87/386),including chromosomal numerical abnormalities accounted for 82.8%(72/87)and copy number variations(CNVs)accounted for 17.2%(15/87).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormal-ities and numerical abnormalities increased with NT thickness(P<0.05),while no statistically significant difference of CNV abnormali-ty rates was found(P=0.41).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities(36.5%)and CNV abnormalities(14.1%)in the non-isolated increased NT group were significantly higher than those in the isolated increased NT group(18.6%and 1.0%,respective-ly,both P<0.05).The detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities(34.7%)and numerical abnormalities(31.6%)in the fetuses of advanced maternal age mothers with increased NT were significantly higher than those in the non-advanced age group(18.4%and 14.2%,respectively,both P<0.05).However,the difference of CNV abnormality rates between the two groups was not statistically sig-nificant(P=0.62).Conclusion The detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities elevated with increased NT thickness.Ad-vanced maternal age and the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities were the high-risk factors for fetal chromosomal abnormalities.The risks of CNV abnormalities may not be significantly correlated with NT thickness or maternal age but associated with the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities.

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