1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.IDH3A Inhibits Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy via Elevating α-Ketoglutarate Level
Huayan WU ; Yihong WEN ; Hengli ZHAO ; Yuan GAO ; Chuanmeng ZHOU ; Ya WANG ; Jiening ZHU ; Zhixin SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):275-283
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect and potential mechanisms of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3A (IDH3A) on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. MethodsThe expression of IDH3A in the myocardium of healthy volunteers (n=10) and patients with heart failure (HF) (n=10), and in the myocardium of mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery and sham operation, as well as in phenylephrine (PE)-induced neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCs), was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay. The effect of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of IDH3A on the expression of hypertrophy-related genes in PE-induced NRVCs was also evaluated. The effect of IDH3A on NRVCs area was examined by phalloidin staining assay. A mutant of IDH3A with abolished enzymatic activity, IDH3A_D208A, was generated through site-directed mutagenesis. The impact of this IDH3A mutant on the hypertrophic phenotype, ATP and ROS levels in NRVCs was evaluated to investigate whether the regulatory role of IDH3A in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was dependent on its enzymatic activity. The effect of exogenous α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was also detected by Western blot and phalloidin staining assay, respectively. ResultsIDH3A was significantly decreased in the myocardium of HF patients, in the myocardium of TAC-operated mice, and in PE-induced NRVCs (P = 0.005 2,P = 0.026 6,P = 0.041 3 and P = 0.006 6, respectively). Overexpression of IDH3A markedly suppressed the expression of hypertrophy-related genes and the increase of cell size of PE-induced NRVCs (P < 0.000 1, P = 0.000 1 and P = 0.000 2, respectively). The ATP and ROS analysis indicated that IDH3A inhibited the increases of ATP and ROS levels in PE-induced NRVCs (P = 0.001 2 and P<0.000 1, respectively), whereas the enzymatically inactive IDH3A mutant lacked this effect. Exogenous AKG provision could, but overexpression of IDH3A mutant failed to suppress PE-induced NRVCs hypertrophy. ConclusionIDH3A inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via elevating AKG level, providing scientific evidence for study on IDH3A-based treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
3.Research progress in hydrogels in tissue engineering trachea
Wenxuan CHEN ; Yibo SHAN ; Fei SUN ; Zhiming SHEN ; Yi LU ; Jianwei ZHU ; Lei YUAN ; Hongcan SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1195-1199
In cases where a tracheal injury exceeds half the length of the adult trachea or one-third of the length of the child trachea, it becomes difficult to perform end-to-end anastomosis after tracheal resection due to excessive tension at the anastomosis site. In such cases, tracheal replacement therapy is required. Advances in tissue engineering technology have led to the development of tissue engineering tracheal substitutes, which have promising applications. Hydrogels, which are highly hydrated and possess a good three-dimensional network structure, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and modifiability, have had wide applications in the field of tissue engineering. This article provides a review of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of various hydrogels commonly used in tissue engineering trachea in recent years. Additionally, the article discusses and offers prospects for the future application of hydrogels in the field of tissue engineering trachea.
4.Genetic Homology Analysis of Bloodstream Infection Secondary to Intestinal Colonization with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Xinyue LI ; Hongjuan ZHANG ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Meijia HUANG ; Yunmin XU ; Xundie LI ; Xinyi ZHENG ; Shaoxuan LI ; Bin SHAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1138-1147
To investigate the genetic relatedness between carbapenem-resistant A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from patients screened for carbapenem-resistant Among 12 878 patients screened for CRE, 60 (0.47%) were identified with intestinal CRKP colonization. Of these, 6 (10.0%) developed bloodstream infections, with an all-cause mortality rate of 66.7% (4/6) during hospitalization. The predominant strain type among paired isolates was ST11-KL64 producing KPC-2, accounting for 91.7%(11/12) of cases. Except for one patient(with a categorical agreement of 82.6%), colonizing and bloodstream isolates from the same patient showed complete agreement (100% categorical agreement) in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles for all antibiotics except tigecycline. Intraclass correlation coefficients for biofilm formation and siderophore production were both > 0.75 of all paired strains, indicating high phenotypic consistency. Except for one patient, core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed high genetic homology between colonizing and bloodstream isolates from the same patient (SNP difference < 10). Clonal relatedness was also observed among colonizing strains from different departments (SNP difference < 120). Although the intestinal colonization rate of CRKP is low, it poses a high mortality risk once bloodstream infection occurs. The high consistency in antimicrobial resistance profiles, biofilm formation, siderophore production, and genomic homology between colonizing and bloodstream isolates suggests that intestinal colonization is the direct source of subsequent invasive infection. Enhanced early screening, dynamic monitoring, risk-stratified prevention, and optimized intervention strategies are recommended to reduce the risk of CRKP infection and mortality.
5.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
6.Research progress on the etiology and epidemiology of monkeypox
LIU Shan ; ZHANG Jingsong ; ZHANG Wenli ; WANG He ; ZHU Wenye ; SHA Kun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):789-793,798
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which was previously limited to epidemics in Africa. Since 2022, monkeypox has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting 130 countries and regions. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern, in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The monkeypox virus has exhibited accelerated mutation rates, with diverse circulating strains. Children and men who have sex with men have emerged as the primary high-risk group. Additionally, the increase in asymptomatic infections and atypical mild rashes has complicated differential diagnosis, posing entirely challenges to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of monkeypox. This article reviews the research progress on the etiological characteristics, epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and prevention and treatment strategies of monkeypox by retrieving the literature on monkeypox from January 1958 to January 2025, so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of monkeypox.
7.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis
Jingkai CHENG ; Shan ZHU ; Xinlei TIAN ; Wenjie HU ; Xingchan SHI ; Shunan QIAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2778-2782
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis. METHODS The core targets of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis were predicted through network pharmacology. Allergic rhinitis model of rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin mixture, and the rats were randomly divided into model group, loratadine group (positive control group, 0.9 mg/kg), and low-, medium-, high-dose groups of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (3, 6 and 12 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 healthy rats were used as the normal group. Each group of rats was intragastrically administered the corresponding liquid or normal saline once a day for 30 consecutive days. After the last administration, the behavioral scores of each group of rats were calculated, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin-4 (IL-4) in serum, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in nasal mucosa tissue were detected. The pathological morphology changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL-6, TNF and PTGS2 might play a key role in the intervention of allergic rhinitis by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos, and the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways might be the typical inflammatory signaling pathways intervened by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in allergic rhinitis. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the behavioral score, the levels of IgE, histamine and IL-4, and the protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2 in each administration group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and there was a dose-dependent relationship with the herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos can effectively alleviate the symptoms of rats with allergic rhinitis, the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2.
8.Research progress on the clinical treatment methods and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for pediatric allergic rhinitis
Zhongyuan ZHANG ; Shuo ZENG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Keyan CHEN ; Shaowei LIU ; Shan ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2879-2884
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic non-infectious inflammatory diseases in children. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employs a comprehensive therapeutic system integrating treatment by stages and syndrome differentiation and treatment, demonstrating significant advantages in the management of pediatric AR. This article systematically reviews the clinical treatment methods and underlying mechanisms of TCM for pediatric AR in recent years. It is found that internal therapies (such as herbal formulas or Chinese patent medicines like Xiaoqinglong decoction, Yiqi tuomin decoction), external therapies (including intradermal needles, acupoint application, tuina, and herbal nasal therapy), as well as combined internal and external approaches (oral herbs combined with acupoint application), have demonstrated significant effects in alleviating clinical symptoms, improving immune indicators, and reducing recurrence rates in children with AR. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the regulation of signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby modulating immune balance, suppressing inflammatory responses, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing mucus secretion, and promoting nasal mucosal repair.
9.Effect of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules on Relieving Influenza Virus Pneumonia by Suppressing TLR/NF-κB Pathway in Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Shan CAO ; Qiang ZHU ; Jun PAN ; Shuran LI ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Shaoqiu MU ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Shufeng Jiedu capsules (SFJD) in alleviating influenza A (H1N1) virus pneumonia and focus on its effect on Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in respiratory epithelial cells. MethodsA mouse model of viral pneumonia was established via the A/PR/8/34 (PR8) strain of influenza A virus. Mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a PR8 infection (PR8) group, and an SFJD group (8.4 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The day of infection was designated as day 1. The SFJD group was administered intragastrically at a volume of 20 mL·kg-1 daily, while the normal and PR8 groups were given an equal volume of deionized water. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was performed on day 5, and the mice were dissected to collect their lungs, after which the lung index was calculated to verify the therapeutic effect of SFJD. Single-cell sequencing was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in respiratory epithelial cells. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of TLR, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) proteins in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive cells, and the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR pathway proteins was calculated. Respiratory epithelial cells were then sorted by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR, MyD88, TRAF6, Toll-interleukin receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF), inhibitor of κB kinase α (IKKα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the sorted epithelial cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissue. ResultsAt the transcriptional level, SFJD reversed the expression of TLR signaling pathway genes in respiratory epithelial cells, downregulating multiple TLR signaling pathway-related genes (P<0.01). At the protein level, SFJD significantly reduced the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR3 (P<0.05), the expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TRIF, TRAF6, IKKα, and NF-κB in epithelial cells(P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in lung tissue (P<0.01). ConclusionSFJD may alleviate viral pneumonia by suppressing the expression of TLR in respiratory epithelial cells and their subsequent signaling cascades.
10.Mechanism of Xiyanping injection in treatment of acute lung injury using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis
Shao-Yan NIE ; Su-Su FAN ; Yu-Shan ZHU ; Xue-Rong PENG ; Ying-Xia WANG ; Xuan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1165-1171
Aim To explore the protective effects of Xiyanping injection against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in mice,and investi-gate the underlying mechanism.Methods In the LPS-induced ALI mouse model,the protective effect of Xiyanping injection against ALI was evaluated by ob-serving the pathological indicators of lung tissue.Net-work pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore its mechanism.Western blot method was used to validate the predicted target proteins.Results Xiy-anping injection significantly improved the pathological injury and alleviated inflammatory reactions in lungs of ALI mice.Four active ingredients were identified in Xiyanping injection,namely,14-deoxy-11-oxo-an-drographolide,14-deoxyandrographolide,14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide,and andrographolide-19-β-D-glucoside.A total of 288 corresponding drug targets and 4 960 ALI-related targets were obtained,with 192 genes overlapping.The ten core targets associated with Xiyanping injection were identified as STAT3,EGFR,PIK3R1,MAPK1,PIK3CA,NFKB1,ESR1,MAPK8,JAK2,and FYN.GO enrichment analysis re-vealed 310 biological processes(BP),65 cellular components(CC),and 80 molecular functions(MF)associated with the overlapping genes.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 141 pathways related to ALI,with the top 20 pathways including MAPK,TNF-α,VEGF,cAMP,mTOR,AMPK,NOD,JAK-STAT,IL-17,and NF-κB.Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding affinity between core tar-gets(MAPK1,MAPK8,NFKB1)and active ingredi-ents(14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide and 14-de-oxyandrographolide).Western blotting showed that medium and high doses of Xiyanping injection signifi-cantly downregulated p38,JNK,ERKl/2,NF-κB p65 protein expression in lung tissue of ALI mice(P<0.01).Conclusions Xiyanping injection has a cer-tain protective effect against ALI,and the mechanism is related to regulating MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.


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