1.Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating immune cells
Lijuan LONG ; Zongyu WANG ; Yali ZHAO ; Chuanfu QIN ; Hua QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):349-358
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, an insidious onset, and complex pathological mechanisms. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-promoting immune cells protect tumor cells from immune attacks, while dysfunction of anti-tumor immune cells causes the inhibition of immune response, thereby leading to the continuous deterioration of cancer. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has shown good efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and it can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells by regulating immune cells. By analyzing related articles in China and globally, this article summarizes how immune cells affect the progression of HCC through the immunosuppressive pathway and how traditional Chinese medicine exerts an anti-HCC effect by regulating immune cells, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for optimizing the treatment of HCC.
2.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
3.Role of problem chain and course ideological and political cases teaching method in enhancing clinical medication ability research
Zhi-Hua QIN ; Long-Xi PENG ; Gao-Shuang LAN ; Xiao-Bin ZHANG ; Jiao-Jiao YANG ; Liang ZHU ; Xi-Long QIU ; Yun-Long CHEN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1650-1653
Nowadays,with the continuous deepening and development of vocational education teaching reform,medical higher vocational education always takes moral education as the fundamental task.As an independent type of education,vocational education should always deepen the integration of industry and education and the integration of science and education.Through the teaching research of"problem chain+course ideological and political case",this study innovates the coordinated education team of drug nursing curriculum,the collaborative education method and the collaborative education evaluation,and improves the teaching effect.
4.Ionizing radiation-induced damage(IRD)to and repair mechanisms of the male reproductive system:Report of testicular function changes in a case of IRD
Neng-Liang DUAN ; Hua-Pei WANG ; Yuan-Shuai RAN ; Zhi-Xiang GAO ; Feng-Mei CUI ; Qiu CHEN ; Yu-Long LIU ; You-You WANG ; Bo-Xin XUE ; Xiao-Long LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):687-695
Objective:To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation(IR)on the structure and function of the testis and pro-vide some strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR-induced damage(IRD).Methods:Using radiation dose simulation,se-men analysis,hormone testing,electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptome sequencing,we assessed and analyzed a case of IRD.We established a mouse model of IRD to validate the results of single-cell sequencing,and investigated the specific biological mecha-nisms of IRD and potential strategies for its intervention.Results:IR at 1-2 Gy significantly reduced sperm concentration and mo-tility,which gradually recovered after 12 months but the percentage of morphologically normal sperm remained low.It also caused im-balanced levels of various steroid hormones,decreased testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,increased progesterone,prolac-tin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone.Electron microscopy revealed damages to the testis structure,including loss of germ cells,atrophy of the seminiferous tubules,nuclear membrane depression of the spermatocytes,mitochondrial atrophy and de-formation,and reduction of mitochondrial cristae.Single-cell sequencing indicated significant changes in the function of the Leydig cells and macrophages and disrupted lipid-related metabolic pathways after IRD.Administration of L-carnitine to the mouse model im-proved lipid metabolism disorders and partially alleviated IRD to the germ cells.Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can cause disorders of testicular spermatogenesis and sexual hormones and inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in Leydig cells and macrophages.Improving lipid metabolism can alleviate IRD to germ cells.
5.Mechanism of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-derived exosomes inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation
Chuanfu QIN ; Yali ZHAO ; Lijuan LONG ; Hua QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2023;39(10):2340-2347
ObjectiveTo investigate whether cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-derived exosomes can downregulate HBx expression and inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. MethodsThe supernatants of HepG2, HepGA14, and CTL cells were collected to extract exosomes, which were referred to as NC-exo, HBV-exo, and CTL-exo, respectively). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe their morphology, and Western Blot was used to measure the expression of the markers of exosomes CD63 and TSG101. NC-exo, HBV-exo, and CTL-exo labeled by BODIPY dye were mixed with HBV-exo at different ratios and were then co-cultured with HSC LX-2 (HSC-LX2). A fluorescence microscope was used to observe whether exosomes could enter LX-2 cells, and an fluorescence microscope was used to observe cell morphological changes; quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to measure the expression of the activated biomarkers such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), and collagen type I (Collagen I) in LX-2 cells. CTL-exo was added to the HepGA14 culture system; then qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression level of HBV DNA, cccDNA, and HBx in exosomes in HepGA14 cells, and Western Blot was used to measure the protein expression level of HBx in exosomes. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThe exosomes were all microcysts with a double-layer membrane structure and were circular or elliptical in shape, with the expression of the signature proteins CD63 and TSG101, and the vesicles had a diameter of 50-100 nm. The fluorescence microscope showed that exosomes could enter LX-2 cells, and HSC were enlarged with extended cell processes. The results of qPCR showed that there were significant differences in the expression levels of TGF-β1, ɑ-SMA, and Collagen I genes between the NC-exo, HBV-exo, NC-exo+HBV-exo, and Con groups (F=444.678, 417.144, and 571.508, all P<0.05). After the intervention of HepGA14 cells with CTL-exo, qPCR results showed that compared with the control group, there were significant reductions in the expression levels of HBV DNA and cccDNA in HepGA14 cells (all P<0.05), the relative mRNA expression level of HBx in exosomes (P<0.05), and the protein expression level of HBx (P<0.05). CTL-exo and HBV-exo were mixed at different ratios (2∶1, 5∶1, 10∶1) and were then used for the intervention of LX-2 cells, and qPCR results showed that the expression levels of TGF-β1, ɑ-SMA, and Collagen I genes in LX-2 cells gradually decreased with the increase in the ratio of CTL-exo between groups (P<0.05). ConclusionCTL-exo can downregulate the protein expression of HBx in HBV-exo to inhibit HSC activation, suggesting that CTL-exo has an anti-hepatitis B liver fibrosis effect.
6.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 12 cases of lupus nephritis complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy.
Xue-Qin CHENG ; Fei ZHAO ; Gui-Xia DING ; San-Long ZHAO ; Qiu-Xia CHEN ; Chun-Hua ZHU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2023;25(11):1118-1123
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathological features, treatment regimen, and prognosis of children with lupus nephritis (LN) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), as well as the treatment outcome of these children and the clinical and pathological differences between LN children with TMA and those without TMA.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 children with LN and TMA (TMA group) who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from December 2010 to December 2021. Twenty-four LN children without TMA who underwent renal biopsy during the same period were included as the non-TMA group. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results, and pathological results.
RESULTS:
Among the 12 children with TMA, 8 (67%) had hypertension and 3 (25%) progressed to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Compared with the non-TMA group, the TMA group had more severe tubulointerstitial damage, a higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at onset, and higher cholesterol levels (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of crescent bodies and the levels of hemoglobin and platelets (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a higher proportion of individuals with hypertension among the children with LN and TMA, as well as more severe tubulointerstitial damage. These children have a higher SLEDAI score and a higher cholesterol level.
Child
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Humans
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Lupus Nephritis/complications*
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Kidney/pathology*
;
Retrospective Studies
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Thrombotic Microangiopathies/therapy*
;
Prognosis
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Hypertension/complications*
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Cholesterol
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
7.Differential expressions of seminal plasma piRNAs in men and its significance
Zhi-Xiang GAO ; Hua-Pei WANG ; Neng-Liang DUAN ; Yuan-Shuai RAN ; Feng-Mei CUI ; Qiu CHEN ; Bo-Xin XUE ; Xiao-Long LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2023;29(3):218-226
Objective:To study the differential expressions of piRNAs in the seminal plasma of men and the role of piRNAs in spermatogenesis.Methods:We sequenced the seminal plasma samples collected from 187 male infertility patients and 58 normal healthy men,obtained differentially expressed piRNAs,and detected the relative expressions of piRNAs in different types of sperm by RT-qPCR to explore their significance in the diagnosis of male infertility.Using histopathology,RNA-protein pull-down and Western blot,we investigated the action mechanism of piRNAs in spermatogenesis in the mouse model.Results:RT-qPCR of the seminal plasma samples revealed a high expression of hsa_piR_000478 in teratozoospermia and ROC curve analysis showed an auxiliary signifi-cance of hsa_piR_000478 in the diagnosis of the disease(AUC=0.7549).Transfection of hsa_piR_000478 and its homologous se-quence piR_mmu_54800729 into the seminiferous tubules of the mouse model significantly decreased sperm motility,increased the per-centage of morphologically abnormal sperm and destroyed the testicular structure.Molecular biological experiments exhibited a close correlation between piRNAs and the energy metabolism-related pathway,which elevated the level of cell glycolysis and interfered with normal spermatogenesis.Conclusion:hsa_piR_000478 has an auxiliary significance in the diagnosis of male infertility,and piRNAs may interfere with spermatogenesis by affecting the glycolysis-related pathway in the spermatogenic microenvironment of the testis.
8.Research progress on improvement of functions of small molecular compounds of traditional Chinese medicine based on supramolecular properties of hyaluronic acid
Zhi-hua YUAN ; You-ting LIU ; Zhao-hui QU ; Xian-rong QIU ; Zhi-jia WANG ; Wen-min PI ; Xiao-yu LIN ; Peng-long WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2022;57(5):1245-1251
Hyaluronic acid is widely used in biomaterials, cosmetics, clinical medicine and other fields due to its good biocompatibility, degradability, hydrophilicity, tumor targeting, viscosity and other characteristics. Pharmacodynamic activities of natural small molecular products which derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are significant, but their low solubility and poor targeting limit the clinical application. Based on supramolecular properties of hyaluronic acid, in this review, numerous studies were reviewed on the improvement of solubility, bioavailability, targeting and suitable dosage forms of small molecular compounds in TCM by domestic and foreign scholars using hyaluronic acid as carrier. It provides new ideas and inspirations for exploring the potential application value of small molecule compounds in TCM and even for the research and development of new drugs.
9.Effects and evaluation of different processing and drying methods on components in Paeoniae Radix Alba.
Qiu-Long ZHAO ; Pei-Wen YANG ; Da-Wei QIAN ; Xiao-Kun BIAN ; Yi-Fei WANG ; Zhen-Hua ZHU ; Sheng GUO ; Tuan-Jie WANG ; Hui YAN ; Jin-Ao DUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2021;46(22):5839-5847
The present study evaluates different processing and drying methods and investigates their effects on the chemical components in Paeoniae Radix Alba via content determination. The fresh medicinal materials of Paeoniae Radix Alba collected from Bozhou of Anhui province were processed(boiled and peeled) and dried(hot air-dried, infrared-dried, and microwave-dried) at different temperatures(40, 50, 60 and 70 ℃), and the 11 components(monoterpene glycosides, polyphenols, tannin, and benzoic acid) in Paeoniae Radix Alba were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-TQ-MS). Then the compounds in processed and dried samples were analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and the contribution rates of differential components were evaluated by variable important in projection(VIP). The results indicated that the samples obtained by different processing and drying methods could be distinguished. Albiflorin, gallic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, and benzoic acid were the common differential components in boiled Paeoniae Radix Alba. Benzoic acid was the common differential component in peeled Paeoniae Radix Alba. Gallic acid was the common differential component in Paeoniae Radix Alba dried by different methods. The samples could not be distinguished after drying at different temperatures due to the lack of common differential components. This study is expected to provide a reference for the selection of processing and drying methods and the optimization of processing parameters.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
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Paeonia
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Plant Extracts
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
10. Skeletal muscle content of Han adults working in Tibet by bioelectrical impedance method
Qiu-Yue ZHAO ; Hai-Long ZHANG ; Huan-Jiu XI ; Fu REN ; Wen-Zhu YAN ; Hua ZHONG ; Duoji BAIMA
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2021;52(4):643-646
Objective To explore the characteristics and differences of the distribution of skeletal muscle content between the Han adult population in Tibet and Liaoning Han adult population. Methods Randomly selected healthy adults of Han worked in Tibet and Liaoning Han nationality as the research object, a total of 223 Han adults worked in Tibet ( 95 males, 128 females); 302 adults of Han nationality in Liaoning (126 males, 176 females) were selected by body composition analyzer. The body weight, total muscle mass, trunk muscle mass, left upper limb muscle mass, right upper limb muscle mass, left lower limb muscle mass, and right lower limb muscle mass of the subject were measured. All the result were input into SPSS 22. 0 statistical analysis, and related statistical processing such as independent sample t test was applied. Results The body weight, trunk muscle mass, left upper limb muscle mass, right upper limb muscle mass, left lower limb muscle mass, and lower right muscle mass of the Tibetan Han population were lower than those of the Han adults in Liaoning, and the comparison result was significantly different (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the Han adults in Liaoning and the Tibetan Han population, male muscle mass was greater than the female adults (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion After the Han people in Liaoning entered the Tibetan Plateau, the muscle mass of each part of the body decrease significantly. The change of human body composition can be affected by various factors such as gender and high altitude hypoxia environment.

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