1.Jieduan Niwan Formula regulates AMPK to alleviate mitochondrial damage in HepG2 cells
Ruimin MA ; Hanjing WANG ; Wenxin ZHANG ; Chongyang MA ; Qiuyun ZHANG ; Yuqiong DU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):193-204
Objective:
To investigate the regulatory effect of Jieduan Niwan Formula (JDNWF) drug-containing serum on AMPK-mediated mitochondrial quality control in D-GalN-induced HepG2 cells.
Methods:
Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control and JDNWF-containing serum groups, 10 rats per group. The JDNWF-containing serum group was gavaged with JDNWF (21.7 g/kg), whereas the blank control group was gavaged with saline. Blood was collected to prepare JDNWF-containing and blank control serum. Cell viability, mitochondrial damage indicators, and MQC pathway protein expression levels were evaluated to determine the optimal volume fraction of JDNWF. HepG2 cells were divided into control, D-GalN, DMSO, AMPK inhibitor, JDNWF drug-containing serum, and JDNWF drug-containing serum plus AMPK inhibitor groups, and corresponding drug interventions were administered to each group. Cells were collected after the interventions, and the CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell viability, the 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, JC-1 was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential, thiobarbituric acid was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, WST-8 was used to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of mitochondrial quality control-related proteins, including p-AMPK, AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, MFN2, and DRP1.
Results:
5% JDNWF drug-containing serum most significantly restored cell viability, mitochondrial damage markers, and MQC pathway protein expression in the model group. Therefore, it was chosen for intervention in subsequent experiments. Compared to the control group, the cell viability of the D-GalN, DMSO, and AMPK inhibitor groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In contrast, the heterogeneity of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and MDA levels was significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD activity was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, MFN2, and DRP1 protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). After JDNWF drug-containing serum intervention, compared to the DMSO group, cell viability significantly increased (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane potential heterogeneity, ROS, and MDA levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01), and p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, and MFN2 protein expression levels significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas DRP1 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared to the JDNWF drug-containing serum group, the cell viability in the JDNWF plus AMPK inhibitor group significantly decreased (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane potential heterogeneity and ROS levels significantly increased (P<0.01), MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.05), SOD activity significantly decreased (P<0.05), p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM protein expression levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), MFN2 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.05), and DRP1 protein expression significantly increased (P<0.01).
Conclusion
JDNWF drug-containing serum may restore mitochondrial function and improve D-GalN-induced HepG2 cell injury by regulating AMPK-mediated mitochondrial quality control.
2.Acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory combined with endovascular intervention for ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
Kun DAI ; Lili ZHANG ; Yu XIA ; Fuqiang SUN ; Zhe REN ; Gengchen LU ; Ruimin MA ; Bin CHENG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):723-727
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory combined with endovascular intervention in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS).
METHODS:
Sixty-six IS patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a control group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped out). The control group received endovascular intervention. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the experimental group received acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory starting from the second day after surgery, Baihui (GV20) and bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Tianzhu (BL10), etc. were selected, once a day, 6 times a week for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were observed in the two groups, the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.
RESULTS:
After treatment, the NIHSS and mRS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the NIHSS and mRS scores in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the MBI scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the MBI score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the experimental group was 86.7% (26/30), which was higher than 66.7% (20/30) in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group was 6.7% (2/30), which was lower than 13.3% (4/30) in the control group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture based on the "head qijie" theory combined with endovascular intervention in treating IS has good efficacy, improves neurological function, and enhances daily living ability.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Ischemic Stroke/therapy*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Endovascular Procedures
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
;
Combined Modality Therapy
3.Experimental study on construction of an animal model of canine rectovaginal fistula using magnetic surgery techniques
Li ZHANG ; Miaomiao ZHANG ; Qiuye ZHONG ; Jiahui WAN ; Ruimin GONG ; Yi LYU ; Xiaopeng YAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(13):79-83
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of establishing canine rectovaginal fistula ani-mal model using magnetic surgery techniques.Methods Ten female Beagle dogs were randomly di-vided into study group(n=5)and control group(n=5).The study group underwent rectovaginal fistula modeling using magnetic surgery technology,while the control group was subjected to sharp puncture of the rectovaginal septum followed by indwelling rubber tube placement to establish the model.Surgical procedure duration and postoperative adverse events were recorded in both groups.Two weeks later,the magnets and rubber tubes were removed.The formation of rectovaginal fistulas in the animals of two groups was observed,and the success rates of model construction of two groups were statistically analyzed.Results Both groups successfully completed the preparation of the recto-vaginal fistula models.The operative time in both groups was less than 2 minutes.No adverse events such as magnet detachment were observed in the study group during the postoperative period.In the control group,the rubber tube dislodged on day 6 post-surgery in one dog,leading to spontaneous healing of the fistula.Two weeks after surgery,the magnets and rubber tubes were removed.Naked-eye observation showed that the rectovaginal fistula formed well in the experimental dogs of the study group,while the rectovaginal fistula formed well in 4 experimental dogs in the control group.The success rate of model construction in the study group was 100%,and was 80%in the control group.Conclusion The construction of a canine rectovaginal fistula model by magnetosurgical techniques has the advantages of simple operation and high success rate.Magnetosurgical techniques may serve as an ideal animal model for constructing and studying the histopathological changes and treatment methods of rectovaginal fistulas.
4.Predictive value of pre-treatment circulating tumor DNA genomic landscape in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma undergoing anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy: Insights from tumor cells and T cells
Rongrong CHEN ; Chunxiang JIN ; Kai LIU ; Mengyu ZHAO ; Tingting YANG ; Mingming ZHANG ; Pingnan XIAO ; Jingjing FENG ; Ruimin HONG ; Shan FU ; Jiazhen CUI ; Simao HUANG ; Guoqing WEI ; He HUANG ; Yongxian HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2481-2490
Background::B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy yield remarkable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reportedly exhibits distinct advantages in addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity in the distribution and genetic variations in R/RMM.Methods::Herein, the ctDNA of 108 peripheral blood plasma samples from patients with R/RMM at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University was thoroughly investigated before administration of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy to establish its predictive potential. Flow cytometry is used primarily to detect subgroups of T cells or CAR-T cells.Results::In this study, several tumor and T cell effector-mediated factors were considered to be related to treatment failure by an integrat analysis, including higher percentages of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in the bone marrow ( P = 0.0125), lower percentages of CAR-T cells in the peripheral blood at peak ( P = 0.0375), and higher percentages of CD8 + T cells ( P = 0.0340). Furthermore, there is a substantial correlation between high ctDNA level (>143 ng/mL) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) ( P = 0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high levels of ctDNA (>143 ng/mL), MM-driven high-risk mutations (including IGLL5 [ P = 0.004], IRF4 [ P = 0.024], and CREBBP [ P = 0.041]), number of multisite mutations, and resistance-related mutation ( ERBB4, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for PFS. Conclusion::Finally, a ctDNA-based risk model was built based on the above independent risk factors, which serves as an adjunct non-invasive measure of substantial tumor burden and a prognostic genetic feature that can assist in predicting the response to anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy.
5.An innovative method of uretero-ileal anastomosis:magnetic anastomosis based on rabbit models
Miaomiao ZHANG ; Jiahui WAN ; Ruimin GONG ; Qiuye ZHONG ; Yi LYU ; Xiaopeng YAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):339-342
Objective: To investigate the feasibility of magnetic anastomosis for uretero-ileal anastomosis using experimental rabbit models. Methods: Six experimental rabbits were used as the models.The lower part of the left ureter was cut with scissors,the daughter magnet (DM) was placed in the middle of the ureter,and the distal end of the ureter was ligated.After that,the ileum wall was opened,the parent magnet (PM) was inserted through it,the positions of the PM and DM were adjusted so that their ends were attracted to each other,and then ileum wall incision was sutured.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative complications and magnet discharge time were recorded.Two weeks after operation,left ureterography was performed to obtain the specimens of the uretero-ileal anastomosis,and to observe the patency of the anastomosis.The formation of the anastomosis was observed with naked eyes and light microscope. Results: Uretero-ileal magnetic anastomosis was performed successfully in 6 experimental rabbits.The operation time was 28-39(32.50±3.94) min,and the intraoperative blood loss was less than 5 mL.The rabbits recovered well after operation,and no complications were observed.All animals survived to the end point of observation.The disconnection time of magnet after operation was 9-13(10.83±1.72) days.The gross specimen showed that the anastomosis was patent.The histological observation showed that the mucosa of the anastomosis was continuous and smooth,and the anastomosis was well formed. Conclusion: Magnetic anastomosis is feasible for uretero-ileal anastomosis with simple operation and good anastomosis formation.After further experimental verification,this technique is expected to be used in clinical practice.
6.Setd2 overexpression rescues bivalent gene expression during SCNT-mediated ZGA.
Xiaolei ZHANG ; Ruimin XU ; Yuyan ZHAO ; Yijia YANG ; Qi SHI ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Shaorong GAO ; Chong LI
Protein & Cell 2025;16(6):439-457
Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed that aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3. In addition, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by reestablishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Animals
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Mice
;
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/biosynthesis*
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Histones/genetics*
;
Nuclear Transfer Techniques
;
Female
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
;
Promoter Regions, Genetic
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism*
7.Effects of Icariin on the proliferation,angiogenesis and migration of human retinal pigment epithelial cells in a high glucose environment and its mecha-nism
Meiling HE ; Ruimin ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Lei PAN ; Limin FAN ; Weiqi ZHANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):943-948
Objective To investigate the effects of Icariin(ICA)on the proliferation,angiogenesis,and migration of human retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells in a high-glucose environment and its mechanism.Methods ARPE-19 cells in good growth state were selected and divided into five groups:control group(Control group),high glucose group(HG group),high glucose+low-dose Icariin group(HG+ICA-L group),high glucose+medium-dose Icariin group(HG+ICA-M group),and high glucose+high-dose Icariin group(HG+ICA-H group).The cells in the control group were cul-tured in a medium containing 5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose.Cells in the HG group were cultured in a medium containing 30.0 mmol·L-1 glucose.The cells in each ICA intervention group were first cultured in a medium containing 30.0 mmol·L-1 glucose,and then 10.0 μmol·L-1,20.0 μmol·L-1 and 40.0 μmol·L-1 ICA were added for culture,respectively.The CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation activity,the EdU assay was used to detect cell proliferation,the Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration ability,and the Matrigel assay was used to detect in vitro tube formation ability.The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),and proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway were detected by Western blot.Results The cell viability and EdU-positive rate of ARPE-19 cells in the HG group were higher than those in the Control group(all P<0.05).The cell viability and EdU-positive rate in the HG+ICA-L,HG+ICA-M,and HG+ICA-H groups were lower than those in the HG group(all P<0.05).The number of migrated cells and tubes formed in the HG+ICA-L,HG+ICA-M,and HG+ICA-H groups were less than those in the HG group,and the expression levels of α-SMA,MMP-2,VEGFA,and EGFR proteins were lower than those in the HG group(all P<0.05).The levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt in the HG+ICA-L,HG+ICA-M,and HG+ICA-H groups were lower than those in the HG group(all P<0.05).Conclusion ICA inhibits the proliferation,migration,and angiogenesis of ARPE-19 cells stimulated by high glucose by suppressing the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
8.Research progress and clinical practice of radioligand therapy for prostate cancer
Yachao LIU ; Shaoxi NIU ; Ruimin WANG ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):622-631
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC)is the terminal stage of prostate cancer,often associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Prostate-specific membrane antigen(PSMA),a type Ⅱ transmembrane glycoprotein,is highly expressed on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. The expression level of PSMA is significantly associated with tumor migration and invasion,making it a critical target in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In recent years,radioligand therapy(RLT)targeting PSMA has rapidly advanced. 177Lu-PSMA-617 delivers beta radiation from 177Lu to selectively kill prostate cancer cells by inducing DNA damage. 177Lu-PSMA-617 has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in mCRPC,gaining widespread endorsement in global prostate cancer guidelines. This review summarizes the mechanism,clinical evidence,and progress of RLT,with a focus on 177Lu-PSMA-617,offering insights for clinical practice and research.
9.Preparation, preclinical evaluation and preliminary clinical application of 64Cu-DOTATATE
Huanhuan LIU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Guangyu MA ; Yue PAN ; Jingfeng ZHANG ; Hui WEN ; Xiaodan XU ; Ruimin WANG ; Jinming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(6):358-363
Objective:To prepare domestic 64Cu-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid- D-Phe1-Tyr3-Thr8-octreotide (DOTATATE), and to verify its distribution and preliminary diagnostic value in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Methods:DOTATATE was labeled with the domestic 64Cu to obtain 64Cu-DOTATATE. The lipophilicity, in vitro stability, and pharmacokinetics were studied. Biodistribution experiments and microPET imaging were performed on NCI-H727 (somatostatin receptor (SSTR)2 positive expression) tumor-bearing nude mice. The preliminary clinical applications were conducted on 10 NETs patients (5 males, 5 females; age (58.5±13.0) years) from Chinese PLA General Hospital between May 2023 and April 2024. Data were analyzed by using independent-sample t test. Results:64Cu-DOTATATE was successfully prepared with the radiochemical purity greater than 98%, log P of -2.609±0.051 and good stability. Pharmacokinetic experiments in BALB/c mice suggested rapid blood clearance of the drug (elimination half-time of 22.78min). Biodistribution results in tumor-bearing mice showed that 64Cu-DOTATATE was mainly metabolized through the liver and kidneys, with significant tumor uptake at 1h ((2.519±0.273) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g)) and sustained high uptake at 24h ((4.331±0.549)%ID/g). MicroPET imaging of tumor-bearing mice showed a slight increase in uptake and good retention at 24h, with a significant statistical difference compared to the blocked group ((2.197±0.250) vs (0.985±0.064) % ID/g; t=6.40, P=0.008). The tumor/liver ratios were 0.075±0.007, 0.083±0.011, 0.118±0.005, 0.263±0.031 at 1, 2, 6 and 24h, respectively. Preliminary clinical application indicated that 64Cu-DOTATATE exhibited good targeting in patients, and the liver radioactivity distribution was moderate (SUV max=10.62±3.46), providing good image quality. Conclusion:Domestic 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging is a promising imaging evaluation method in NETs with the value for further clinical research.
10.Protective effect of exenatide on oxidative stress in hypothalamus of diabetes mice and its mechanism
Lu ZHENG ; Haohao ZHANG ; Feifei WU ; Jiaqi GUO ; Youqin WANG ; Ruimin HAO ; Lihui FENG ; Yan LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):330-338
Objective To explore the effect of exenatide on oxidative stress in the hypothalamus of diabetes mice and its potential mechanism.Methods After one week of adaptive feeding,C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the CON group(normal chaw diet),the T2DM group(high-fat diet,HFD),and the T2DM+Exe group(HFD+exenatide).After 8 weeks of HFD,mice in the T2DM+Exe group were intraperitoneally injected with exenatide[24 nmol/(kg·d)]for 8 weeks.The weight and glucose and lipid metabolism levels of the mice were measured,and the levels of inflammatory and adipokine factors in mice were detected using the ELISA method.Western Blot was used to detect the expression of melanocortin receptor-4(MC4R)and proopiomelanocor-tin(POMC)in the hypothalamus.Hypothalamic mitochondria were extracted,and the content of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(ROS)was measured using a flow cytometer.The content of malondialdehyde(MDA)and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the mitochondria were detected using assay kits.Changes in the ultrastructure of mitochondria were observed using a transmission electron microscope.In vitro experiments,pal-mitic acid(PA)and exenatide were used to treat hypothalamic GT1-7 cells,and short hairpin RNA(shRNA)was used to silence the melanocortin 4 receptor(MC4R),and observe the cellular oxidative stress and lipid deposition.Results Compared with the CON group,the T2DM group mice showed a significant increase in glucose and lipid metabolism indicators,pro-inflammatory factors,and adipose factor levels(P<0.05),the expression of MC4R and POMC proteins in the hypothalamus were decreased(P<0.05),and the mitochondrial ROS and MDA content in the hypothalamus significantly were increased(P<0.05),while SOD and CAT activities were decreased(P<0.05).Mitochondrial morphology was abnormal.After intervention with exenatide,the above indicators were signifi-cantly improved.After inhibiting MC4R expression in vitro experiments,compared with the intervention group with exenatide,the ROS and MDA content was significantly increased(P<0.05),SOD activity was decreased(P<0.05),and lipid deposition occurred in the cells.Conclusions Exenatide exhibits a protective effect on hypotha-lamic oxidative stress injury in diabetic mice,and this mechanism may be associated with the upregulation of MC4R expression.


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