1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
3.Identification of unknown pollutants in drinking water based on solid-phase extraction and supramolecular solvent extraction
Zixin QIAN ; Yuhang CHEN ; Chao FENG ; Yuanjie LIN ; Qian XU ; Ziwei LIANG ; Xinyu WANG ; Dasheng LU ; Ping XIAO ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):854-861
Background With the progression of industrialization, an increasing number of emerging contaminants are entering aquatic environments, posing significant threats to the safety of drinking water. Therefore, establishing a system for identifying unknown hazardous factors and implementing safety warning mechanisms for drinking water is of paramount importance. Among these efforts, non-target screening plays a critical role, but its effectiveness is largely constrained by the scope of coverage of sample pre-treatment methods. Objective To integrate modern chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques with advanced data mining methods to develop a non-discriminatory sample pre-treatment method for comprehensive enrichment of unknown contaminants in drinking water, laying a technical foundation for the discovery and identification of unknown organic hazardous factors in drinking water. Methods A non-discriminatory pre-treatment method based on supramolecular and solid-phase extraction was developed. The final target compounds including 333 pesticides, 194 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and 59 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were used for optimizing the pre-treatment method, confirming its coverage. The impacts of different eluents on the absolute recovery rates of target compounds were compared to select the conditions with the highest recovery for sample pre-treatment. The effects of different supramolecular solvents and salt concentrations on target compound recovery were also evaluated to determine the most suitable solvent and salt concentration. Results The solid-phase extraction elution solvents, supramolecular extraction solvents, and salt concentrations were optimized based on the target compound recovery rates. The optimal recovery conditions were achieved using 2 mL methanol, 2 mL methanol (containing 1% formic acid), 2 mL ethyl acetate, 2 mL dichloromethane, hexanediol supramolecular solvent, and 426 mg salt. The detection method developed based on these conditions showed a good linear relationship for all target compounds in the range of 0.1-100.0 ng·mL−1, with R² > 0.99. The method’s limit of detection ranged from 0.01 ng−1 to 0.95 ng−1, and 95% of target compounds were recovered in the range of 20%-120%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 30%, indicating good precision. Conclusion The combined pre-treatment method of solid-phase extraction and supramolecular solvent extraction can effectively enrich contaminants in drinking water across low, medium, and high polarities, enabling broad-spectrum enrichment of diverse trace contaminants in drinking water. It provides technical support for broad-spectrum, high-throughput screening and identification of organic pollutants in drinking water, and also serves as a reference for establishing urban drinking water public safety warning systems.
4.Mechanism studies underlying the alleviatory effects of isoliquiritigenin on abnormal glucolipid metabolism triggered by type 2 diabetes
Zi-yi CHEN ; Xiao-xue YANG ; Wen-wen DING ; Dou-dou WANG ; Ping HE ; Ying LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):105-118
Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is an active chalcone compound isolated from licorice. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In our previous study, we uncovered a great potential of ISL in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study aims to reveal the mechanism underlying the alleviatory effects of ISL on T2DM-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. High-fat-high-sugar diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM mice model. All animal experiments were carried out with approval of the Committee of Ethics at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. HepG2 cells were used in
5.Bioequivalence study of sidenafil citrate tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Xiao-Bin LI ; Lu CHEN ; Xiu-Jun WU ; Yu-Xin GE ; Wen-Chao LU ; Ting XIAO ; He XIE ; Hua-Wei WANG ; Wen-Ping WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):430-434
Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of oral sidenafil citrate tablets manufactured(100 mg)test preparations and reference preparations in healthy subjects under fasting and fed conditions.Methods Using a single-dose,randomized,open-lable,two-period,two-way crossover design,36 healthy subjects respectively for fasting and fed study were enrolled,and randomized into two groups to receive a single dose of test 100 mg with 7-day washout period.Plasma concentration of sidenafil and N-demethylsildenafil was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Analyst 1.6.3(AB Scie)using non-compartmental model,and bioequivalence evaluation was performed for the two preparations.Relevant safety evaluations were performed during the trial.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of sidenafil after a single oral dose of sidenafil citrate tablets under fasting condition for test and reference were as follows:Cmax were(494.69±230.94)and(558.78±289.83)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 336.21±509.78)and(1 410.82±625.99)h·ng·mL-1,AUC0-were(1 366.49±512.16)and(1 441.84±628.04)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The main pharmacokinetic parameters of sidenafil under fed condition for T and R were as follows:Cmax were(381.89±126.53)and(432.47±175.91)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 366.34±366.99)and(1 412.76±420.37)h·ng·mL-1,AUC0-were(1 403.28±375.32)and(1 454.13±429.87)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The results demonstrated the bioequivalence of sidenafil citrate tablets between T and R.The incidence of adverse events in fasting and fed tests were 33.33%and 25.00%,respectively.No serious adverse event was reported.Conclusion The test and reference formulation of sidenafil citrate tablets were equivalent and was safe.
6.Consideration on non-clinical evaluation of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone drugs
Mei-Ling CHEN ; Zeng-Ping XU ; Lan CUI ; Ping CAO ; Shuang WU ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1385-1392
This article summarizes the domestic and international research progress of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone(rFSH).According to relevant guidelines and application cases,the general requirements and common problems for non-clinical evaluation of rFSH are summarized.The clinical development prospects of long-acting rFSH products which is a hot research topic in recent years are analyzed and corresponding suggestions are given in order to provide reference for related work.
7.Bioequivalence study of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Xiao-Bin LI ; Nan WANG ; Ni-Na HU ; Ning WANG ; Chen-Dong DONG ; Xiao-Tong CUI ; He XIE ; Yan TIAN ; Wen-Ping WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2113-2117
Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics(PK)of tenofovir alafenamide Fumarate tablets(25 mg)in healthy Chinese subjects after single oral administration to provide a basis for bioequivalence evaluation.Methods Using a single-dose,randomized,open-lable,two-period,two-way crossover design under fasting condition,while three-way crossover design under fed condition,42 healthy subjects respectively for fasting and fed study were enrolled,and randomized into two groups to receive a single dose of test product(T)or reference product(R)25 mg.Plasma concentration of tenofovir alafenamide and tenofovir were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin software(8.1 version)using non-compartmental model,and bioequivalence evaluation was performed for the two preparations.Relevant safety evaluations were performed during the trial.Results The test product and the reference product under fasting study,the main PK parameters of tenofovir alafenamide were as follows:Cmax were(215.17±94.24)and(199.30±71.11)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(135.44±71.60)and(123.91±53.82)h·ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of tenofovir were as follows:Cmax were(7.30±2.27)and(7.12±1.74)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t of tenofovir were(237.16±47.09)and(230.06±43.41)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The test product and the reference product under fed study,the main PK parameters of tenofovir were as follows:Cmax were(197.69±82.19)and(197.10±110.54)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(197.69±82.19)and(197.10±110.54)h·ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of tenofovir were as follows:CMax were(2.57±1.37)and(2.58±1.31)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(227.08±74.33)and(238.51±128.30)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The 90%confidence interval for geometric mean ratio of Cmax,AUC0-tof T and R under fed condition were between 80.00%-125.00%,respectively.The incidence of adverse events in fasting and fed tests was 21.43%and 30.95%,respectively,and no serious adverse event was reported.Conclusion The test formulation and reference formulation of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets were equivalent and was safe.
8.Association between the ratio of dietary vitamin A to body weight and hypertension in children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):267-272
Objective:
To explore the relationship between the ratio of dietary vitamin A (VitA) to body weight and hypertension among children, so as to provide a reference for blood pressure control through dietary nutritional interventions and childhood hypertension prevention.
Methods:
Utilizing the baseline survey and followup sample data from the Healthy Children Cohort established in urban and rural areas of Chongqing from 2014 to 2019, structured quantitative dietary questionnaire and selfdesigned questionnaire were used to investigate the information of dietary intake and socioeconomic characteristics of 15 279 children, as well as blood pressure, height, weight measurement. The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight was divided into four groups based on quartiles [≤P25(Q1), >P25~P50(Q2), >P50~P75(Q3), >P75(Q4)]. Generalized linear regression models and Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between ratio of dietary VitA to body weight with blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension.
Results:
The results of the 2014 baseline survey indicated that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as demographic indicators and nutritional intake, significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) among different groups categorized by the ratio of dietary VitA to body weight (F=157.57, 44.71, 95.92, P<0.01). The baseline ratio of dietary VitA to body weight in children exhibited a negative correlation with DBP, SBP and MAP at baseline and in 2019[baseline: β(95%CI)=-0.65(-0.89--0.42), -0.22(-0.42--0.01), -0.36(-0.56--0.16); 2019: β(95%CI)=-0.77(-1.34--0.19), -0.62(-1.21--0.02), -0.77(-1.34--0.19), P<0.05]. Compared to Q1 group, the risk of hypertension decreased among children in Q4 at baseline and followup in 2019 [OR(95%CI)=0.63(0.49-0.81), 0.18(0.08-0.42), P<0.01].
Conclusions
The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight is significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure levels among children, and dietary VitA deficiency is an independent risk factor for hypertension among children. Measures should be taken to actively adjust childrens dietary nutrition and reduce the risk of childhood hypertension.
9.Research progress on protein engineering technology and its application in the synthesis biology of medicinal natural products
Xiao-yan SUN ; Jing-jing CHEN ; Tian-jiao CHEN ; Ting GONG ; Jin-ling YANG ; Ping ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1601-1615
Natural products are important sources of drug discovery. However, the traditional methods of extraction and isolation, as well as chemical synthesis for obtaining natural products are associated with issues such as operational complexity, high costs, low efficiency, and environmental pollution. Constructing microbial cell factories through synthetic biology methods to produce medicinal natural products has the advantages of high efficiency, low cost, and environmental protection. Nevertheless, the scope and yield improvement of the products are limited by the limitations of enzymes in microbial cell factories. Protein engineering is considered one of the most effective approaches to overcome these limitations. This article introduces commonly used methods of protein engineering technology and summarizes its specific applications in improving enzyme performance, modifying the enzymatic environment, and promoting the development of synthetic biology tools in the field of pharmaceutical natural product synthesis. Furthermore, it analyzes the current bottlenecks and challenges in protein engineering and looks forward to its future application prospects, offering insights for the development and practical use of protein engineering technology.
10.Four new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
Guang YANG ; Hai-zhen LIANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiao-juan CHEN ; Bao-lin GUO ; Bai-ping MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(8):2288-2294
Damarane-type triterpene saponins are the main active ingredients in


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