1."Weibing" in traditional Chinese medicine-biological basis and mathematical representation of disease-susceptible state.
Wanyang SUN ; Rong WANG ; Shuhua OUYANG ; Wanli LIANG ; Junwei DUAN ; Wenyong GONG ; Lianting HU ; Xiujuan CHEN ; Yifang LI ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Xinsheng YAO ; Hao GAO ; Rongrong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2363-2371
"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.
2.Psychological stress-activated NR3C1/NUPR1 axis promotes ovarian tumor metastasis.
Bin LIU ; Wen-Zhe DENG ; Wen-Hua HU ; Rong-Xi LU ; Qing-Yu ZHANG ; Chen-Feng GAO ; Xiao-Jie HUANG ; Wei-Guo LIAO ; Jin GAO ; Yang LIU ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Yi-Fang LI ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Yan-Ping WU ; Lei LIANG ; Rong-Rong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3149-3162
Ovarian tumor (OT) is the most lethal form of gynecologic malignancy, with minimal improvements in patient outcomes over the past several decades. Metastasis is the leading cause of ovarian cancer-related deaths, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Psychological stress is known to activate the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), a factor associated with poor prognosis in OT patients. However, the precise mechanisms linking NR3C1 signaling and metastasis have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in OT through an NR3C1-dependent mechanism involving nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Mechanistically, NR3C1 directly regulates the transcription of NUPR1, which in turn increases the expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2), a key driver of EMT. Clinically, elevated NR3C1 positively correlates with NUPR1 expression in OT patients, and both are positively associated with poorer prognosis. Overall, our study identified the NR3C1/NUPR1 axis as a critical regulatory pathway in psychological stress-induced OT metastasis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for intervention in OT metastasis.
3.Imaging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) in vivo with 18F-labeled brain penetrant positron emission tomography (PET) ligand.
Xin ZHOU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jimmy S PATEL ; Wenqing RAN ; Yinlong LI ; Richard S VAN ; Mostafa M H IBRAHIM ; Chunyu ZHAO ; Yabiao GAO ; Jian RONG ; Ahmad F CHAUDHARY ; Guocong LI ; Junqi HU ; April T DAVENPORT ; James B DAUNAIS ; Yihan SHAO ; Chongzhao RAN ; Thomas L COLLIER ; Achi HAIDER ; David M SCHUSTER ; Allan I LEVEY ; Lu WANG ; Gabriel CORFAS ; Steven H LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5036-5049
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its 18F-isotopologue ([18F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [18F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [18F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.
4.Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Socio-economic Influencing Factors of Tuberculosis Incidence in Guangdong Province: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis.
Hui Zhong WU ; Xing LI ; Jia Wen WANG ; Rong Hua JIAN ; Jian Xiong HU ; Yi Jun HU ; Yi Ting XU ; Jianpeng XIAO ; Ai Qiong JIN ; Liang CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):819-828
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and socioeconomic factors influencing the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Guangdong Province between 2010 and 2019.
METHOD:
Spatial and temporal variations in TB incidence were mapped using heat maps and hierarchical clustering. Socioenvironmental influencing factors were evaluated using a Bayesian spatiotemporal conditional autoregressive (ST-CAR) model.
RESULTS:
Annual incidence of TB in Guangdong decreased from 91.85/100,000 in 2010 to 53.06/100,000 in 2019. Spatial hotspots were found in northeastern Guangdong, particularly in Heyuan, Shanwei, and Shantou, while Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan had the lowest rates in the Pearl River Delta. The ST-CAR model showed that the TB risk was lower with higher per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) [Relative Risk ( RR), 0.91; 95% Confidence Interval ( CI): 0.86-0.98], more the ratio of licensed physicians and physician ( RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), and higher per capita public expenditure ( RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.97), with a marginal effect of population density ( RR, 0.86; 95% CI: 0.86-1.00).
CONCLUSION
The incidence of TB in Guangdong varies spatially and temporally. Areas with poor economic conditions and insufficient healthcare resources are at an increased risk of TB infection. Strategies focusing on equitable health resource distribution and economic development are the key to TB control.
Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Incidence
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Bayes Theorem
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Spatio-Temporal Analysis
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Tuberculosis/epidemiology*
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Socioeconomic Factors
5.ANKRD49 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition by increasing ex-pression of Snail/Slug/ZEB1 in NCI-H1299 cells
Rui GAO ; Chaofeng LIU ; Jinrui HU ; Gang LIANG ; Rong FU ; Wei WANG ; Hailong WANG ; Min PANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1190-1196
AIM:To investigate the effect of ankyrin repeat domain 49(ANKRD49)on epithelial-mesenchy-mal transition(EMT)in NCI-H1299 cells,and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:The ANKRD49 was over-ex-pressed in NCI-H1299 cells.The morphological changes of ANKRD49-overpressing NCI-H1299 cells were observed under microscope.The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related markers[E-cadherin,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)]and EMT-related transcription factors(Snail1,Slug,Twist and ZEB1)were detected by RT-qPCR Western blot.Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the localiza-tion and expression of E-cadherin and vimentin in ANKRD49-overexpressing cells or control cells.Immunohistochemical method was performed to examine the levels of E-cadherin,α-SMA,Snail,Slug and ZEB1 in lung tissues of nude mice in-oculated with ANKRD49-overexpressing H1299 cells or control cells.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the ANKRD49 overexpressing cells showed mesenchymal cell morphology(fusiform and less tight connections).RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-SMA in ANKRD49 overexpressing cells were significantly higher than those in cells of control group,while the mRNA and protein levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin were lower than those in cells of control group.Compared with control group,the im-munofluorescence intensity of E-cadherin of H1299 cells decreased in after ANKRD49 overexpression,while that of vimen-tin increased significantly.Snail,Slug and ZEB1 expression were significantly elevated in ANKRD49 overexpressing cells compared with control group.The levels of E-cadherin in lung tissues of nude mice inoculated with ANKRD49-overexpressing H1299 cells declined,while the levels of α-SMA,Snail,Slug and ZEB1 increased compared with those in control mice.CONCLUSION:ANKRD49 promoted EMT of NCI-H1299 cells by increasing the expression of Snail1,Slug and ZEB1 and consequent downreguation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin and α-SMA.
6.Treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitor for newly-diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia: a domestic multi-centre retrospective real-world study
Xiaoshuai ZHANG ; Bingcheng LIU ; Xin DU ; Yanli ZHANG ; Na XU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Weiming LI ; Hai LIN ; Rong LIANG ; Chunyan CHEN ; Jian HUANG ; Yunfan YANG ; Huanling ZHU ; Ling PAN ; Xiaodong WANG ; Guohui LI ; Zhuogang LIU ; Yanqing ZHANG ; Zhenfang LIU ; Jianda HU ; Chunshui LIU ; Fei LI ; Wei YANG ; Li MENG ; Yanqiu HAN ; Li'e LIN ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Chuanqing TU ; Caifeng ZHENG ; Yanliang BAI ; Zeping ZHOU ; Suning CHEN ; Huiying QIU ; Lijie YANG ; Xiuli SUN ; Hui SUN ; Li ZHOU ; Zelin LIU ; Danyu WANG ; Jianxin GUO ; Liping PANG ; Qingshu ZENG ; Xiaohui SUO ; Weihua ZHANG ; Yuanjun ZHENG ; Qian JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(3):215-224
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in China.Methods:Data of chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) CML patients diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2022 from 77 centers, ≥18 years old, and receiving initial imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib or flumatinib-therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China with complete data were retrospectively interrogated. The choice of initial TKI, current TKI medications, treatment switch and reasons, treatment responses and outcomes as well as the variables associated with them were analyzed.Results:6 893 patients in CP ( n=6 453, 93.6%) or AP ( n=440, 6.4%) receiving initial imatinib ( n=4 906, 71.2%), nilotinib ( n=1 157, 16.8%), dasatinib ( n=298, 4.3%) or flumatinib ( n=532, 7.2%) -therapy. With the median follow-up of 43 ( IQR 22-75) months, 1 581 (22.9%) patients switched TKI due to resistance ( n=1 055, 15.3%), intolerance ( n=248, 3.6%), pursuit of better efficacy ( n=168, 2.4%), economic or other reasons ( n=110, 1.6%). The frequency of switching TKI in AP patients was significantly-higher than that in CP patients (44.1% vs 21.5%, P<0.001), and more AP patients switched TKI due to resistance than CP patients (75.3% vs 66.1%, P=0.011). Multi-variable analyses showed that male, lower HGB concentration and ELTS intermediate/high-risk cohort were associated with lower cytogenetic and molecular responses rate and poor outcomes in CP patients; higher WBC count and initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher response rates; Ph + ACA at diagnosis, poor PFS. However, Sokal intermediate/high-risk cohort was only significantly-associated with lower CCyR and MMR rates and the poor PFS. Lower HGB concentration and larger spleen size were significantly-associated with the lower cytogenetic and molecular response rates in AP patients; initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher treatment response rates; lower PLT count, higher blasts and Ph + ACA, poorer TFS; Ph + ACA, poorer OS. Conclusion:At present, the vast majority of newly-diagnosed CML-CP or AP patients could benefit from TKI treatment in the long term with the good treatment responses and survival outcomes.
7.Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Promotes PGC-1α Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Antioxidant Stress to Protect Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia Rats
Ji-Liang KANG ; Ke HU ; Jun-Yue LU ; Zi-Wei HU ; Biao-Ping XU ; Xiao-Mao LI ; Jun-Jie ZHOU ; Yu JIN ; Min TANG ; Rong XU ; You-Liang WEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1191-1202
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.
8.Construction of a whole business process supervision and management system: based on management information system of blood banks
Weidong HE ; Zhiquan RONG ; Chen XIAO ; Junlei HUANG ; Na HU ; Xuefeng LIANG ; Liyue JIANG ; Caina LI ; Wei WEI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(4):455-461
【Objective】 To achieve supervision and management of the whole business process of blood center, raise productivity and ensure blood quality by enabling blood center managers comprehensively grasp the key business operation situation of the whole process at anytime and anywhere. 【Methods】 A whole business process supervision and management system was established covering background of preparation, business scope, content of position supervision and management, overall framework design, interface design of management and supervision management, physical database design, program development and online debugging, and was integrated with the blood bank management information system. The display and management were through a mobile APP to record key indicators of business process from blood collection to blood supply timely and comprehensively. Statistical analysis was conducted on total collection volume, total preparation volume and total supply volume, as well as discarding rate of test unqualified and of non-test unqualified (lipemic blood excluded) in 2023 and 2022. 【Results】 We established a mobile APP based on a blood bank management information system for business supervision and management of whole process, and achieved management by phones. After its implementation in 2023, the total collection volume, total preparation volume and total supply volume in 2023 were all higher than those in 2022, with growth rates of 5.88% (13 247/225 454 U), 4.73% (24 156/510 698 U), and 6.70% (34 814/519 914 U), respectively. The discarding rate in 2023 was lower than that in 2022 (0.54%, 2 868/534 854 U) vs (0.60%, 3 047/510 698 U) (P<0.01), and the non-test unqualified discarding rate (lipemic blood excluded) in 2023 was significantly lower than that in 2022(0.12%, 649/534 854 U) vs (0.19%, 991/510 698 U)(P<0.01). 【Conclusion】 The construction of supervision and management system of a whole business process based on blood bank management information system can meet the standardized service needs of managers at anytime and anywhere, continuously raise productivity and the standardization and scientific level of blood bank management, thus ensuring blood supply.
9.Role of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin in the treatment of Lewis lung cancer based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway
Chao YUAN ; Si-Qi KONG ; Jian-Qing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rong HU ; Yue ZHANG ; Yu LIU ; Jin-Tian LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1424-1428
Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment on tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung cancer,and to explore the molecular mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signal pathway.Methods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group(0.9%NaCl),Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice were randomly divided into model group(0.9%NaCl),control group(0.9%NaCl,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1)and low,medium,high dose experimental groups(Guiqi Yiyuan ointment 1.6,3.3,6.6 g·kg-1,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1).Flow cytometry was used to detect bone marrow-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs);the expression of related proteins in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot.Results The tumor inhibition rates in control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(39.87±4.45)%,(45.74±14.97)%,(57.78±4.70)%and(69.82±11.05)%.The proportion of MDSCs in bone marrow of in blank group,model group,control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(36.13±1.08)%,(68.63±2.94)%,(58.93±2.02)%,(58.00±1.50)%,(50.93±5.06)%and(43.07±2.41)%.The protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K in model group,control group and low,medium and high experimental groups were 0.97±0.03,0.77±0.02,0.72±0.01,0.68±0.03 and 0.53±0.02;PTEN were 0.21±0.07,0.65±0.07,0.74±0.06,0.99±0.13,1.11±0.13;p-Akt/Akt were 1.01±0.02,0.82±0.02,0.77±0.00,0.72±0.03 and 0.52±0.04;p-mTOR/mTOR were 1.01±0.01,0.76±0.05,0.69±0.07,0.59±0.06 and 0.47±0.06.There were significant differences between low,medium,high experimental groups and control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin can significantly improve the quality of life and inhibit tumor growth in mice.The mechanism may be the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway and the enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy.
10.Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder in the treatment non-small cell lung cancer rats
Chao YUAN ; Jin-Tian LI ; Jian-Qing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Si-Qi KONG ; Rong HU ; Yue ZHANG ; Yu LIU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1608-1612
Objective To observe the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder on the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumor and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase(caspase)-3 and caspase-9 in subcutaneously implanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer mice.Methods The model of transplanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer in mice was established.Seventy SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combined group.Blank group and model group were given 0.9%NaCl 0.2 mL by gavage;control group was given 0.9%NaCl by gavage and 25 mg·kg-1cisplatin intraperitoneally;high,medium,low dose experimental groups were given 193,96,48 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,respectively;combined group was given 96 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,and 25 mg·kg-1 cisplatin intraperitoneally,once every other day.The myelogenous suppressor cells(MDSCs)of mouse bone marrow were detected by flow cytometry,and the expressions of Bel-2,Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9 in tumor cells were detected by immunofluorescence.Results The percentage of MDSCs in bone marrow of mice in blank group,model group,low dose experimental,medium,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were(32.50±2.76)%,(63.13±3.14)%,(48.43±2.23)%,(42.53±1.28)%,(32.93±3.56)%,(51.30±4.25)%and(19.90±6.21)%,respectively.The fluorescence intensities of Bax in model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were 10.42±0.68,12.40±1.23,15.14±0.65,22.95±1.76,27.18±1.62 and 31.61±1.28;Bel-2 were 36.85±0.80,33.92±4.20,28.88±1.01,20.04±2.21,15.69±2.36 and 6.05±0.73;caspase-3 were 5.28±0.44,7.63±0.55,9.66±0.85,14.73±1.18,17.95±1.29 and 22.92±1.95;caspase-9 were 9.48±0.90,11.57±0.72,13.45±0.93,15.73±1.44,19.20±0.96 and 23.21±1.51.There were significant differences between medium,high dose experimental groups and model group(all P<0.05),and there were significant differences between combined group and control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder can up-regulating the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9,down-regulating the expression of Bel-2,inhibiting MDSCs,promoting tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth.

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