1.Mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方) in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:Based on Network Pharmacology,Molecular Docking and Experimental Verification
Liuping XU ; Canyu YANG ; Ying LU ; Lisha MO ; Qiang CHI ; Yuan XIA ; Shuijuan LIU ; Mingliang QIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):557-566
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方, YQTF) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to retrieve and screen the active components and potential targets of YQTF as well as RA-related targets using databases including TCMSP, BATMAN, ETCM and GEO. The intersection of targets related to active components and RA-related targets was identified, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed, and a drug-active component-common target network of YQTF in the treatment of RA was established. The core components of YQTF were molecularly docked with key targets. Human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A was divided into blank group, model group, methotrexate group and YQTF group. The blank group was cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum, while the other three groups were stimulated with 10 μg/L of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for 24 h to establish the RA cell model. On this basis, the methotrexate group was treated with methotrexate suspension at a concentration of 20 μmol/L, and the YQTF group was treated with 10% YQTF-medicated serum. After 48 h of intervention, the levels of TNF-α and interleukin-17A(IL-17A)contents in cell supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis identified 209 active components and 583 potential target genes of YQTF, as well as 818 RA-related targets. A total of 29 common targets were obtained from the intersection of drug-related targets and RA-related targets. Quercetin,β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin were the core active components of YQTF for the treatment of RA, while matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor protein p53 (TP53) and transcription factor AP-1 subunit JUN were the key targets. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the involved biological processes and pathways were mainly associated with antioxidant responses, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that MMP9 and PTGS2 exhibited high binding affinities with quercetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin; TLR4 exhibited high binding activities with β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and luteolin; and TP53 showed high binding affinity with luteolin. The results of cell experiments showed that compared with the control group, the contents of TNF-α and IL-17A as well as the mRNA expressions of AKT and mTOR in the model group significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the above indicators significantly decreased in the YQTF group, while the contents of TNF-α and the mRNA expression of AKT significantly decreased in the methotrexate group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of YQTF in the treatment of RA may be associated with reducing inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Assessment of ochratoxin A exposure in the diets of pregnant women in Shanghai
Kailin LI ; Renjie QI ; Hua CAI ; Xia SONG ; Jingjin YANG ; Danping QIU ; Zhenni ZHU ; Yi HE ; Baozhang LUO ; Hong LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):181-186
ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status of ochratoxin A (OTA) in commercially available food products in Shanghai, and to assess OTA exposure levels and the associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks among pregnant women by integrating dietary consumption data of this population. MethodsThe levels of OTA contamination in 1 520 food samples collected in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023 were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An exposure assessment model was developed based on the dietary consumption levels of pregnant women from the 2016‒2017 Shanghai Pregnant Women Dietary Monitoring Survey to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of OTA, the margin of exposure for non-carcinogenic toxicity (MOE1), and the margin of exposure for carcinogenic toxicity (MOE2). An MOE1 greater than 200 and an MOE2 greater than 10 000 indicate that the non-carcinogenic toxicity and carcinogenic toxicity resulting from exposure are negligible, respectively. For samples with OTA contamination levels below the limit of detection (LOD), which accounted for more than 80% of the samples, the OTA levels were assigned values of 0 and LOD, respectively, for subsequent calculations. ResultsThe detection rates of OTA in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and alcohol samples collected in 2022 were 2.03%, 0, 0, and 0, respectively. The OTA detection rates in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol samples collected in 2023 were 2.50%, 0.39%, 2.47%, 1.67%, and 13.33%, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2022, simulation results indicated that when assigning a value of 0 and the LOD, theP50 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.05 and 0.72 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, and the P95 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.25 and 2.40 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2023, the P50 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.04 and 1.00 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, and the P95 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.23 and 2.67 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, both substantially below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for OTA [17 ng·(kg·d)-1]. The EDI for dietary OTA exposure in 100.0% of Shanghai pregnant women was lower than the TDI, indicating an overall low level of dietary OTA exposure among this population. For 100.0% of pregnant women, the MOE₁ for dietary OTA exposure exceeded 200. When assigned a value of 0, the MOE₂ for 100.0% of pregnant women in both 2022 and 2023 exceeded10 000. When assigned the LOD value, 72.3% and 81.8% of pregnant women in 2022 and 2023, respectively, had an MOE₂ exceeding 10 000. ConclusionFrom 2022 to 2023, samples of cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol sold in Shanghai exhibited varying degrees of OTA contamination. The overall EDI of OTA exposure among pregnant women in Shanghai remained at a low level. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with OTA exposure were generally low and at controllable levels.
3.Expressions of miR-29b and Klotho in peripheral blood of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients complicated with pulmonary infection and their clinical significance
Zhenzhen GUI ; Jie QIU ; Jie LIU ; Xia CAO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(6):840-844
OBJECTIVE To explore the expression levels of microribonucleic acid(miR)-29b and soluble Klotho protein in peripheral blood of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients complicated with pulmo-nary infection and analyze the clinical significance.METHODS The clinical data were retrospectively collected from 139 patients with COPD who were treated in Ningxia Medical University General Hospital from Feb.2022 to Feb.2024.The patients were divided into the infection group with 41 cases and the no infection group with 98 cases ac-cording to the status of pulmonary infection.The distribution of pathogens isolated from the patients of the infec-tion group was observed.The levels of serum miR-29b and Klotho were compared between the infection group and the no infection group or of the infection group before and after the anti-infection treatment.The efficiencies of ser-um miR-29b and Klotho in prediction of pulmonary infection were analyzed by means of receiver operating charac-teristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS Totally 46 strains of pathogens were isolated from the infection group,67.39%of which were gram-negative bacteria,26.09%were gram-positive bacteria,and 6.52%were fungi.There were significant differences in the levels of serum miR-29b and Klotho between the infection group and the no infection group(P<0.05);the expression level of serum miR-29b of the patients in the infection group who were effective for the anti-infection treatment was lower after the treatment than before the treatment,while the expression level of Klotho was higher after the treatment than before the treatment(P<0.05);the expression level of miR-29b of the patients effective for the treatment was lower than that of the patients ineffective for the treatment,while the expression level of Klotho of the patients effective for the treatment was higher than that of the patients ineffective for the treatment(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the joint detec-tion of serum miR-29b and Klotho was 0.927 in prediction of pulmonary infection in the COPD patients,higher than 0.837 and 0.852 of the single detection.CONCLUSIONS The COPD patients complicated with pulmonary in-fection show the high expression level of serum miR-29b and low expression level of Klotho.The joint detection of the two indexes has high efficiency in prediction of pulmonary infection in the COPD patients,which can be used as reliable indexes for assessment of the curative effect after the anti-infection treatment.
4.Disinfectant-resistant genes in gram-negative bacteria isolated from dirt retention on air return filters of air conditioners and their drug resistance
Yu ZHOU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yuhe XIA ; Wanyue QIU ; Fengyun YUAN ; Jiahao LI ; Honghui DING ; Lin GONG ; Fei TANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(13):2024-2029
OBJECTIVE To understand the disinfectant-resistant genes in the gram-negative bacteria isolated from the dirt retention on air recure filters of air conditioners and observe the drug resistance.METHODS The dirt re-tention samples were collected from the air return filters of air conditioners of some wards in 3 hospitals of Wuhan(Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology,Wuhan Central Hospital,and Hubei Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital)from 2018 to 2024.The gram-negative bac-teria were screened out,the disinfectant-resistant genes in the strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and the results of drug susceptibility test were analyzed.RESULTS Of 354 dirt retention samples that were collected from the air return filers of air conditioners,77 were detected with 138 strains of gram-negative bacteria,87 of which were Acinetobacter baumannii,50 were Enterobacteriaceae,and 1 was Pseudomonas aerug-inosa.The detection rates of qacEΔ1,qacEΔ1-sul1,aceI and qacA/B were 73.19%,82.61%,69.57%and 2.90%,respectively.None of the strains were detected with qacC,qacH or qacJ.The result of drug susceptibility test showed that 76.81%of the gram-negative bacteria were resistant to at least 1 type of antibiotic;93 strains of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria were isolated,most of which were isolated from intensive care unit(ICU).The detection rates of qacEΔ1 and qacEΔ1-sul1 were higher in the drug-resistant strains than those in the non-drug-resistant strains;there were significant differences in the drug resistance rates to carbapenems,quin-olones and β-lactams between the qacEΔ1-sul 1-positive strains and the qacEΔ1-sul1-negative strains(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS There are drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria contaminations in some wards of the 3 hospitals in Wuhan.The carrying rates of disinfectant-resistant genes of the strains are high,and the strains show varying degree of resistance to the commonly used antibiotics;the strains carrying the qacEΔ1-sul1 have certain statistical association with the drug resistance.It is suggested that the hospital should take targeted disinfec-tion measures for the environment and reasonably use antibiotics.
5.Interaction between influenza A virus nucleoprotein and TRIM25 protein
Xin-yan HU ; Qian-yun LIU ; Le-le AN ; Qiu-ju LAN ; Xiao-xia MA
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):219-226
This study was aimed at exploring the interaction between the nucleoprotein(NP)of influenza A virus(IAV)and TRIM25.The physicochemical properties and protein structure of IAV NP protein were analyzed through bioinformatics methods.The interaction between IAV NP and TRIM25 proteins was simulated with molecular docking techniques,and the in-teraction sites were predicted.With the cDNA of the A/Puerto Rico/8/1934(H1N1)PR8 strain as the template,the NP pro-tein was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pCMV-C-Flag through PCR amplification,the eukaryotic expression re-combinant plasmid pCMV-Flag-NP was constructed,and the expression was further verified.The protein expression levels of pCMV-Flag-NP and pCMV-HA-TRIM25 were detected at various time periods.The interaction between NP protein and TRIM25 protein was verified by co-immunoprecipitation.The co-localization of NP protein and TRIM25 protein in cells was ob-served with laser confocal microscopy.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the NP protein consists of 498 amino acids and 20 amino acids,and is an unstable hydrophilic protein.The NP protein has multiple phosphorylation sites,as well as N-glycosyla-tion and O-glycosylation sites,but no transmembrane domain or signal peptide domain.Additionally,the NP protein's second-ary structure consists of a high proportion of alpha-helices and random coils.The molecular docking prediction results indicated that IAV NP interacts with TRIM25 protein and has multiple potential interaction sites,including the 233rd alanine,234th ala-nine,236th lysine,and 440th alanine of the NP protein.After successfully constructing and expressing the IAV NP protein,we verified the interaction between IAV NP and TRIM25 protein by immunoprecipitation and laser confocal microscopy obser-vations.Our results together suggested that the structure of the IAV NP protein is closely related to its function,and its im-portance to the virus is clear.In addition,the interaction between IAV NP and TRIM25 protein may be associated with TRIM25's anti-influenza virus mechanism.Further in-depth research may provide new ideas for anti-influenza virus strategies.
6.Study on in vitro cytotoxicity of novel iron-based biodegradable biomaterials
Xiao-xiao GAI ; Yi-xin ZHU ; Xiao-xia SUN ; Qiu-jin QU ; Gui ZHANG ; Cheng-hu LIU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):35-41
Objective To propose an in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation method for novel iron-based biodegradable mateirals focusing on their degrading characteristics.Methods Half-finished scaffolds of nitrided iron tubes with a higher iron content of over 99%and a nitrogen content of 0.03%to 0.20%were selected as test samples,and based on the treatment mode were divided into an anaerobic treatment group,a non-anaerobic treatment group,a non-anaerobic treatment with removed iron particle group and a non-anaerobic treatment with plate-washing group.The anaerobic treatment group was processed in an anaerobic workstation;the conventional treatment group underwent standard handling in a biosafety cabinet;the conventional treatment with removed iron particle group was subjected to iron particle elimination using a Midimacs Starting Kit manual sorter after conventional treatment;and the conventional treatment with plate-washing group was rinsed with 0.9%sodium chloride injection before tetrazolium salt reagent treatment.Different extraction media(simulated body fluid,cell culture medium,phosphate buffer and 0.9%sodium chloride injection)were used for the immersion treatment of the test samples in each group to compare the effects of the degradation products on the survival rate of L929 cells.Results The anaerobic treatment group and the conventional treatment with removed iron particle group exhibited no detectable cytotoxicity.Trypan blue staining revealed significant cytotoxicity in the conventional treatment group,while false-negative results emerged due to interactions between the tetrazolium salt reagent and degradation products.In the non-anaerobic treatment with washing plate group,the false negative from iron particles was eliminated while potential cytotoxicity was showen,and the result accuracy was affected because some cells were washed out.Conclusion The proposed method can be used for the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation,and facilitates the safety evaluation of the application of such materials.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):35-41]
7.Assessment of Genotoxicity of Tissue Engineered Materials Based on Improved in vivo Hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)Assay
Luan-luan WANG ; Li HOU ; Xiang-yu CHU ; Zi-yi YANG ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Qiu-jin QU ; Jing XU ; Zeng-xiang LIU ; Xiao-xia SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2740-2748
Objective:An in vivo mammalian hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)test was used to evaluate the genotoxicity of Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel and Bone Repair Materials,providing experimental evidence for establishing a UDS testing method for medical devices and materials.Methods:0.9%sodium chloride injection and cottonseed oil were used as the solvent for test materials and negative control,respectively.N-dimethylnitrosamine(NDMA)was used as the positive control for the early sampling times,and 2-acetylaminofluorene(2-AAF)was used as the positive control for the late sampling times.SD rats were administered a single dose for toxic exposure,and liver tissues were collected at 4 h and 16 h,respectively.Hepatocytes were isolated using collagenase perfusion.After labeling with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU),and the net average fluorescence intensity(NAFI)of cell nuclei and nucleoplasm was measured by fluorescence microscope.Data from 50 cells were used to analyze the DNA repair level.Results:Compared with the negative control groups,the positive control groups(NDMA and 2-AAF)showed highly statistically significant differences in NAFI(P<0.01),indicating successful induction of DNA damage.There was no statistically significant differences between the cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel groups,bone repair material groups and the negative control group(P>0.05),suggesting that these materials did not significantly induce DNA damage under the experimental conditions.Conclusion:This study first applied EdU labeling technology to the in vivo hepatic UDS assay,achieving non-radioactive labeling through click chemistry reactions.Under the conditions of this study,cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel and bone repair materials did not exhibit genotoxicity.In the follow-up,the sample range can be expanded and the observation period can be prolonged to further improve the genotoxicity evaluation system of medical devices.
8.Cultivating key competencies of teamwork and interprofessional practice for rehabilitation psychology profession-als based on RCF
Yuanjun DONG ; Xin LOU ; Rui SUN ; Wenshuai WANG ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Xue XIA ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(8):939-946
Objective To design a practice courses and competency-oriented training in rehabilitation psychology,in response to the demands of team-based and interprofessional practices for professionals,based on World Health Organization re-habilitation competency framework(RCF).Methods Using the five core domains of RCF(practice,professionalism,learning and development,management and leadership,and research),this study analyzed the competencies and role positioning of undergraduate rehabilita-tion psychology students within team-based and interprofessional rehabilitation settings.It identifies the core competencies needed in these contexts and corresponding practical teaching approaches,to enhance students'ability to translate disciplinary knowledge into team-based and interprofessional practice competencies in real-world rehabilitation scenarios.Results The study yielded a competency-oriented practical curriculum structured around the teamwork and interprofes-sional practice requirements for rehabilitation psychology professionals.Based on RCF,we defined specific core competencies and developed a curricular framework incorporating pedagogical methods such as integrated as-sessments based on International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health,motivational interviewing,case study analysis,and standardized patient simulations.These methods are designed to build student proficien-cy in team communication,collaborative decision-making,case management and evidence-based practice.Conclusion In undergraduate rehabilitation psychology education,developing competency-based practical courses tar-geting team-based and interprofessional service competencies,which grounded in RCF,can enhance the quality and efficiency of talent cultivation in the field.It also helps improve students'capabilities in collaborative and in-terprofessional practice.RCF provides a theoretical foundation,practical tools,and reference frameworks for building competency-oriented curricula and instructional methods in rehabilitation psychology.
9.Application advances of fractional flow reserve in endovascular treatment of lower-extremity arterial disease.
Lei ZHANG ; Jian QIU ; Dingxiao LIU ; Pengcheng GUO ; Dexiang XIA ; Chang SHU ; Xin LI
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(7):1255-1262
Fractional flow reserve (FFR), an established modality for functionally assessing coronary artery disease, is increasingly applied to diagnose and manage lower extremity arterial disease. By incorporating functional parameters, FFR enhances revascularization precision by quantifying the hemodynamic impact of stenotic lesions, thereby overcoming limitations of conventional imaging. Key clinical applications in lower extremity disease include functional assessment in moderate intermittent claudication, post-vascular preparation strategy optimization, and predicting revascularization outcomes and complications. Advances in pressure wire and microcatheter systems, alongside non-invasive imaging-derived FFR techniques, are improving its feasibility and applicability. However, widespread adoption is challenged by the complex anatomy of the lower extremity arterial system, frequent severe calcification and diffuse disease, and a current lack of standardized FFR cutoff values. Promoting the standardized use of FFR is crucial for shifting the clinical management paradigm from anatomy-based repair toward functional reconstruction.
Humans
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Lower Extremity/blood supply*
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Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis*
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Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial
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Endovascular Procedures/methods*
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Intermittent Claudication/physiopathology*
10.A novel anti-ischemic stroke candidate drug AAPB with dual effects of neuroprotection and cerebral blood flow improvement.
Jianbing WU ; Duorui JI ; Weijie JIAO ; Jian JIA ; Jiayi ZHU ; Taijun HANG ; Xijing CHEN ; Yang DING ; Yuwen XU ; Xinglong CHANG ; Liang LI ; Qiu LIU ; Yumei CAO ; Yan ZHONG ; Xia SUN ; Qingming GUO ; Tuanjie WANG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Ya LING ; Wei XIAO ; Zhangjian HUANG ; Yihua ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1070-1083
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a globally life-threatening disease. Presently, few therapeutic medicines are available for treating IS, and rt-PA is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. In fact, many agents showing excellent neuroprotection but no blood flow-improving activity in animals have not achieved ideal clinical efficacy, while thrombolytic drugs only improving blood flow without neuroprotection have limited their wider application. To address these challenges and meet the huge unmet clinical need, we have designed and identified a novel compound AAPB with dual effects of neuroprotection and cerebral blood flow improvement. AAPB significantly reduced cerebral infarction and neural function deficit in tMCAO rats, pMCAO rats, and IS rhesus monkeys, as well as displayed exceptional safety profiles and excellent pharmacokinetic properties in rats and dogs. AAPB has now entered phase I of clinical trials fighting IS in China.

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