1.The Relationship of Transcription Factor BRF1 Expression to Tumor and Cardiomyopathy
Li-Ling ZHENG ; Yong-Luan LIN ; Mei-Ling CHEN ; Zheng-Yan ZHONG ; Shuping ZHONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2241-2251
TFIIB-related factor 1 (BRF1) is an important transcription factor. It specifically regulates the transcription of RNA polymerase III-dependent genes (RNA Pol III genes). The products of these genes are some small non-coding RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 5S ribosomal RNAs (5S rRNA). The transcription levels of tRNAs and 5S rRNA vary with changes in intracellular BRF1 amounts. tRNAs and 5S rRNA play a crucial role in determining protein synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA is closely related to cell growth, proliferation, transformation, and even tumorigenesis. BRF1 is a key factor determining the generation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Increasing BRF1 expression enhances cell proliferation and transformation, promoting tumor development. In contrast, repressing BRF1 activity decreases the rates of cell proliferation and transformation, and inhibits tumor growth. High levels of BRF1 are found in the samples of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate carcinoma, and other cancers. It indicates that high levels of BRF1 are closely related to the occurrence of human cancer and may be a common landmark of tumors. But there is discrepancy in the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of BRF1 overexpression in different cancers. In general, high levels of BRF1 in patients suffering from cancer show short survival period and poor prognosis. However, there is one exception, namely breast cancer. Approximate 80% of cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and 20% are ER-. The cases with high levels of BRF1 reveal longer survival period and better prognosis after they accepted the hormone treatment by Tamoxifen (Tam), compared to the cases with low level BRF1. It seems like a contradiction. Most of the cases with high levels of BRF1 belong to ER+ status. Tam has been used to treat ER+ cases of breast cancer after diagnosis and surgery. Thus, hormone therapy, such as Tam, is more effective on these patients. This is because, on one hand, that Tam competes with E2 (17β-estradiol) to bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα), but does not dissociate to occupy the receptors, blocking E2 binding to this receptor and inhibiting its biological effects. On other hand, Tam can inhibit the expression of BRF1, leading to a decline of intracellular BRF1 levels. Therefore, the actual levels of BRF1 are lower in the patients with ER+ breast cancer. It appears the prognosis of the high BRF1 expression cases better than that of the low BRF1 expression cases. Myocardial hypertrophy manifests magnification of cardiomyocyte volume rather than number increasing in the postnatal heart. Myocardial hypertrophy is a critical risk factor underlying cardiovascular diseases. No matter how myocardial hypertrophy occur, it will ultimately lead to myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes requires a large amount of protein synthesis to meet its needs of cardiomyocyte growth. Animal models and cell experiments have shown that myocardial hypertrophy stimulates a significant increase in BRF1 expression and transcription of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Interestingly, elevated levels of BRF1 are found in the myocardium tissues of patients with myocardial hypertrophy. These studies demonstrate that BRF1 indeed plays a critical role in myocardial hypertrophy. In summary, high levels of BRF1 are found in patients suffering from different cancers and myocardial hypertrophy. It implies that BRF1 is a promising biological target of cancer and cardiomyopathy. BRF1 is expected to become a common biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic observation of different human cancers. It is also an important biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy. BRF1 not only holds an important position in the field of basic medical research but also has great prospects for translational medicine. In the present article, we summarize the progress on studies of BRF1 expressions in cancer and cardiomyopathy, proposes future research directions. It is a new research area. Here, we emphasize the significancy of BRF overexpression in the two huge diseases of human, cancer and cardiomyopathy to raise people's attention to this field.
2.Equivalence of SYN008 versus omalizumab in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled phase III study.
Jingyi LI ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Wenli FENG ; Liehua DENG ; Hong FANG ; Chao JI ; Youkun LIN ; Furen ZHANG ; Rushan XIA ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Shuping GUO ; Mao LIN ; Yanling LI ; Shoumin ZHANG ; Xiaojing KANG ; Liuqing CHEN ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Xu YAO ; Chengxin LI ; Xiuping HAN ; Guoxiang GUO ; Qing GUO ; Xinsuo DUAN ; Jie LI ; Juan SU ; Shanshan LI ; Qing SUN ; Juan TAO ; Yangfeng DING ; Danqi DENG ; Fuqiu LI ; Haiyun SUO ; Shunquan WU ; Jingbo QIU ; Hongmei LUO ; Linfeng LI ; Ruoyu LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):2040-2042
3.Anti-vitiligo mechanism of blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. based on network pharmacology
Yueyue TAN ; Abdullaa RAHIMA ; Deng ZANG ; Shuping LI ; Abulimiti XIAYIDAN ; Xuelei XIN ; Fei HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(5):613-623
To investigate the pharmacological substances basis and anti-vitiligo mechanism of Carum carvi L. (caraway) fruits, chemical and blood-absorbed components were identified using mass spectrometry combined with literature study and database analysis. A “blood-absorbed components–target genes–pathways” network was constructed through network pharmacology. The pharmacological effects of Carum carvi L. extract and its key blood-absorbed component, acacetin, were validated in vitro. 72 chemical components were identified in the extract, with 11 prototype blood-absorbed components and 26 metabolites being detected in the plasma of SD rats. 14 key active components and 24 key targets were predicted. In vitro experiments demonstrated that acacetin at 10 μmol/L exhibited melanogenesis-promoting and tyrosinase-activating effects compared with the positive control, significantly upregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (tyrosinase, TYR). This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical and blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. and elucidates its pharmacological substances basis, which provides a theoretical foundation for the anti-vitiligo effects of acacetin.
4.Progress on necrotizing enterocolitis of preterm infants associated with blood component transfusion
Yanyu JIN ; Xiangyun YAN ; Fan ZHANG ; Bin ZHUANG ; Shushu LI ; Shuping HAN
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(3):180-183
Necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)is a gastrointestinal emergency commonly seen in premature infants,and its etiology and high-risk factors have not been fully elucidated.Premature infants who receive blood component transfusions are at significantly increased risk of developing NEC,with a higher incidence and mortality rate.This review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the association between multiple blood component transfusions and NEC,the pathogenesis,prevention measures,and the threshold of blood component transfusions,aiming to provide a reference for the safe and rational use of blood component transfusions in clinical practice,and to guide fulture research directions.
5.Trends in the global burden of neonatal infections from 1990 to 2021: Joinpoint regression analysis based on the GBD database
Yu DAI ; Shushu LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Shuping HAN ; Li SHA
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(9):634-639
Objective:To systematically evaluate the global disease burden of neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections(NSNIs),providing scientific basis for their prevention and control.Methods:Using the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 database,this article calculated the incidence,mortality,and age-standardized rates for NSNIs. Trends were evaluated with Joinpoint regression model,and compared at different socio-demographic index(SDI)levels.Results:From 1990 to 2021,the global age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR)of NSNIs decreased from 78.98 to 62.70 per 100 000 with an with average annual percentage change(AAPC)of -0.73%( P<0.01). The age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR)declined from 4.77 to 3.76 per 100 000 with an AAPC of -0.76%( P<0.01). In particular,the disease burden was consistently higher among male neonates. Low birth weight was the primary risk factor globally,followed by preterm birth. Regions with lower SDI levels exhibited higher ASIR and ASMR,and household solid fuel air pollution contributed more to NSNIs-related mortality. Conclusion:Although the overall disease burden of NSNIs has declined,male neonates and low-SDI regions still face substantial challenges. Continuous efforts to improve air quality are warranted,and low-SDI regions should further strengthen healthcare infrastructure to enhance diagnostic and treatment quality.
6.Study on quality standard of wine-processed Coptidis Rhizoma standard decoction
Huilin YANG ; Kaiwei HUANG ; Yanghua LI ; Suqin CAI ; Shuping XU ; Jiabao WEI ; Hui ZHANG ; Weizhi ZHAO ; Pei TAN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1285-1292
Objective:To establish the quality standard of the standard decoction of wine-processed Coptidis Rhizoma by studying the extraction rate, fingerprint and component quantitative analysis.Methods:ccording to the Technical Requirements for Quality Control and Standard Formulation of Chinese Medicine Formula Granules, 15 batches of the standard decoction of wine-processed Coptidis Rhizoma were prepared, and the paste rate was determined; HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of standard decoction of wine-processed Coptidis Rhizoma were established, and evaluated by combining similarity evaluation, clustering analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis; the contents of berberine, epiberberine, pamadine, and safranine in the samples of the 15 batches were determined and analyzed their transfer rates.Results:A total of 15 batches of standard decoction samples were calibrated with 11 common peaks, referring to the recognition of 8 components. The similarity between the samples and the control product was greater than 0.900; the clustering analysis could cluster the 15 batches of samples into 2 classes; the results of the principal component analysis showed that the cumulative variance contribution rate of the 3 principal component factors was 89.388%; the OPLS-DA screened out the 3 components of the quality difference; the 15 batches of samples out of the paste rate was 15.7% -20.8%, and the mass fractions of berberine, epiberberine, safranine, and palmatine were 18.47%-24.38%, 2.82%-3.49%, 5.08%-6.69%, and 4.84%-6.68%, respectively, with transfer rates of 41.7%-61.7%, 46.9%-68.7%, 39.8%-61.5%, and 43.8%-65.2%.Conclusion:The fingerprint and content determination method established in this study is accurate, stable, simple, and can be used for the quality control and evaluation of the standard decoction of wine-processed Coptidis Rhizoma.
7.Temporal regulatory functions of EGR4 in neural development of mice
Yawen LUO ; Murong XU ; Shuping ZHOU ; Hao LI ; Xiaochen BO ; Hebing CHEN
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):437-442
Objective To study the dynamic regulatory role of early growth response 4(EGR4)in mouse neurodevelopment.Methods Data on single-cell chromatin accessibility(single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing,scATAC-seq)and transcriptome(single-cell RNA sequencing,scRNA-seq)from seven key stages spanning from the embryonic period to adulthood was collected and analyzed.The transcription factor binding site network was inferred,a quantitative analysis from a temporal perspective was conducted,its functional modules were parsed,and the results were visualized.Results egr4 was significantly highly expressed from the late embryonic stage to adulthood,and specifically activated during the maturation of inhibitory neurons[parvalbumin(PV)and somatostatin(SST)subtypes].Moreover,its transcription was not directly regulated by changes in chromatin accessibility.Temporal network analysis indicated that EGR4 became a regulatory hub in the late embryonic stage and drove neuron differentiation and subtype specification.Functional enrichment analysis showed that EGR4 regulated the"cell differentiation"pathway through dynamic interacting factors,and there were subtype-specific interaction modules in PV/SST neurons respectively.Conclusion EGR4 can participate in the late-stage maturation of cortical neurons through a stage-specific regulatory network.This study provides a new perspective on mechanisms underlying the temporal logic of neural development.
8.Metformin ameliorates PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts by inhibiting ferroptosis
Shuxian LI ; Shuping YU ; Yaming MU ; Kai WANG ; Yu LIU ; Meihua ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):437-446
Objective To investigate the protective effect of metformin against PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Sixteen pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups(n=8)for intratracheal instillation of PBS or PM2.5 suspension at 1.5,7.5,and 12.5 days of gestation.The pregnancy outcome of the mice was observed,and placental zonal structure and vascular density of the labyrinth area were examined with HE staining,followed by detection of ferroptosis-related indexes in the placenta.In cultured human trophoblasts(HTR8/SVneo cells),the effects of PM2.5 exposure and treatment with metformin on cell viability,proliferation,migration,invasion,and tube formation ability were evaluated using CCK8 assay,EDU staining,wound healing assay,Transwell experiment,and tube formation experiment;the cellular expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting.Results M2.5 exposure of the mice during pregnancy resulted in significantly decreased weight and number of the fetuses and increased fetal mortality with a reduced placental weight(all P<0.001).PM2.5 exposure also caused obvious impairment of the placental structure and trophoblast ferroptosis.In cultured HTR8/SVneo cells,PM2.5 significantly inhibited proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells by causing ferroptosis.Metformin treatment obviously attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells,and effectively reversed PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in the trophoblasts as shown by significantly increased intracellular GSH level and SOD activity,reduced MDA and Fe2+ levels,and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expression(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and ferroptosis and functional impairment of placental trophoblasts in mice,and metformin can effectively alleviate PM2.5-induced trophoblast impairment.
9.Health Resources Supporting High-quality Development of Urban Industrial Economy:Situation Analysis and Countermeasure Suggestions
Qi LI ; Lu LI ; Huiwen LI ; Chaofan LI ; Shuping WANG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):47-51
Industry serves as the main body and driving force of national economy.The high quality of the urban industrial economy depends on the role of health resources in maintaining the health of the workforce population.It analyzes the allocation of health resources in typical cities ranked within the top 10 in terms of industrial added value,identifies prevailing the new situation facing the allocation of health resources,and puts forward suggestions.It is found that health resources supporting high-quality development of urban industrial economy is currently facing the main situations of population increase and decrease differentiation within the city,more frequent cross-regional medical treatment,and accelerated aging trend of labor force.
10.Effect mechanism of Gualou guizhi granule on neurological function and synaptic plasticity in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Wenting CHEN ; Shiyi CHEN ; Yanan LI ; Yi FENG ; Shuping LUO ; Yuqin ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(16):1951-1956
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect mechanism of Gualou guizhi granule on neurological function and synaptic plasticity in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and Gualou guizhi granule group (3.6 g/kg), with 6 rats in each group. The cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established by the suture occlusion method. Two hours after modeling, the model rats were given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. After the last medication, the neurological function of rats was evaluated [calculated by modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) and corner turning percentage]; the neuronal apoptosis rate of brain histiocyte in the ischemic side of rats was detected in each group; the positive expressions of growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) were detected; protein expressions of neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN), synaptophysin-1 (Syn-1), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), as well as mRNA expressions of NeuN, Syn-1 and PSD-95 were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, mNSS, corner turning percentage and neuronal apoptotic rate were decreased significantly in Gualou guizhi granule group (P<0.01); GAP43 represented weak immunoreactivity, and MAP2 represented moderate immunoreactivity; protein expressions of NeuN, Syn-1, PSD-95, PPARγ, BDNF, TrkB and mRNA expressions of Syn-1, NeuN, PSD-95 were all increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Gualou guizhi granule can promote synaptic plasticity by activating BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, thus playing a protective role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

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