1.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
2.Oxidative Stress-related Signaling Pathways and Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Li TANG ; Yun-Long SHEN ; De-Jian PENG ; Tian-Lu RAN ; Zi-Heng PAN ; Xin-Yi ZENG ; Hui LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2486-2498
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
4.Association of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels with prognosis of TACE treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Shunle LI ; Rong LI ; Yaya TIAN ; Xiaoli RAN ; Yanpei ZHAO ; Meng XU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(9):1284-1289
Objective To explore the relationship between serum Krüppel-like factor 5(KLF5)and actinin-4 with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods From March 2015 to March 2020,130 HCC patients admitted into the Second Affiliated Hospital were collected as study subjects and divided into HCC group and 86 patients with liver cirrhosis were collected as control group.After 3 years of postoperative follow-up,HCC patients were sub-divided into survival group(n=38)and mortality group(n=92)based on their survival outcomes.ELISA was applied to detect the level of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 in each group and analyzed the correlation between serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels.Cox regression was applied to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognostic mortality of HCC patients;Receiver operating char-acteristic curve(ROC)was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels for the prognostic mortality of HCC patients.Results The serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 in the mortality group was significantly higher than those in the survival group(P<0.05);There was a positive correlation between serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 in HCC patients(P<0.001);Low differentiation,staging(CNLC)stage IIIa of China liver cancer staging(CNLC),vascular invasion and elevated level of KLF5 and actinin-4 were risk factors for prognostic mortality in HCC patients(P<0.05);The area under the curve(AUC)of serum KLF5 and acti-nin-4 alone and in combination for predicting mortality in HCC patients was 0.835,0.866,and 0.936,respec-tively,showing a high level of combined predicting function(Zcombination-KLF5=2.792,P=0.005,Zcombi-nation-actinin-4=2.014,P=0.044).Conclusions Serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 l found in HCC patients has a high predictive value for prognosis.
5.Evaluation of a prediction model for the risk of acute urinary retention in elderly hip fracture patients in the Emergency Care
Ran BI ; Xueqi LI ; Lan GUAN ; Zhaoxing TIAN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(8):1172-1177
Objective:To establishing a clinical prediction model can assist clinicians in identifying at-risk patients early and intervening promptly to decrease AUR incidence.Methods:A retrospective collection of 313 elderly patients with hip fracture treated between 1st July and 31st August 2023 at the Emergency Department of our hospital. Patients were categorised into two groups: The AUR group (45 patients) and the non-AUR group (268 patients) based on the presence or absence of AUR. Basic characteristics, laboratory indicators and bladder volume were compared between the two groups. Factors independently associated with the incidence of AUR were analysed using Logistic regression. Analysis of the independent risk factors impacting the occurrence of AUR, development of a clinical prediction model for the risk of AUR in elderly patients with hip fractures, and internal validation of the model.Results:Comorbid psycho-behavioural symptoms of dementia ( OR=3.334, 95% CI 1.258-8.839, P=0.015), use of hypnotic sedatives ( OR=6.758, 95% CI 2.184-20.912, P=0. 001), increased heart rate ( OR=1.041, 95% CI 1.013-1.070, P=0.004), and increased bladder volume ( OR=1.005, 95% CI 1.004-1.007, P<0.01) were all identified as risk factors. The study identified independent risk factors for AUR in elderly patients who suffered a hip fracture. Based on these factors, the research team developed a prediction model which underwent internal validation using the Bootstrap method. The analysis indicated that the model’s prediction curves aligned closely with the standard model curves. The average absolute error was 0.021. The study's ROC results showed an AUC of 0.083 and a 95% CI of 0.767-0.909. Conclusions:Comorbid psycho-behavioural symptoms of dementia, the use of hypnotic sedative drugs, an increased heart rate, and an increased bladder volume are independent risk factors for the occurrence of AUR in elderly patients who have suffered a hip fracture. The creation of a chart prediction model using columns allows for a visual evaluation of the likelihood of AUR in elderly patients with hip fractures. This model provides important reference material for emergency physicians.
6.Predictive value of T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate for 1p/19q molecular features in lower-grade gliomas
Hanwei WANG ; Linlan ZENG ; Mimi ZHAO ; Xuan LI ; Qisheng RAN ; Jing TIAN ; Jie SUN ; Lizhao CHEN ; Shunan WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(18):2121-2129
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)signal suppression rate for the short arm of chromosome 1 and long arm of chromosome 19 (1p/19q)molecular features in lower-grade gliomas (LGG),and to construct and verify the predictive model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)tumor features and T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate.Methods Clincal and imaging data of the patients with pathologically confirmed supratentorial LGG (WHO grade 2~3)in our medical center from 2017 to 2021 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of postoperative molecular pathology,they were divided into 1 p/19q-codeleted (1 p/19q-Codel)and 1 p/19q-noncodeleted (1 p/19q-Noncodel)groups.MRI tumor features were blindly assessed by 2 neuroradiologists.Five circular regions of interest were respectively delineated in the tumor area and the normal-appearing white matter in contralateral semioval center using the hot-spot method in order to calculate the T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate.The differences of clinical features,MRI tumor features and T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate were analyzed between the 2 groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent predictors and constructa predictive model and nomogram.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve,calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were applied to assess the model performance,and the model was internally validated by bootstrap method.Results A total of 146 supratentorial LGG patients were enrolled,including 68 being assigned into the 1 p/19q-Codel group and 78 into the 1 p/19q-Noncodel group.The T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate was 0.43 (0.28,0.62)in the 1 p/19q-Noncodel group,which was significantly higher than that in the 1 p/19q-Codel group[0.29 (0.24,0.35),P<0.001].Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate>0.374 (P<0.001),cortex infiltration (P=0.001) and calcification (P=0.004) were independent predictors for 1 p/19q status.The AUC value of T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate>0.374 in predicting 1 p/19q-Noncodel was 0.720,the sensitivity was 60.26% and the specificity was 83.82%.DeLong test indicated that T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate>0.374 was more effective than T2-FLAIR mismatch sign in predicting 1 p/19q molecular features (P<0.001).ROC curve analysis suggested that the predictive model established by T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate>0.374 combined with cortex infiltration and calcification had good performance,with an AUC value of 0.808,and the AUC value verified internally by bootstrap method was 0.807.At the same time,the calibration and goodness of fit of the model were good.Conclusion T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate can be used as a quantitative imaging marker to predict 1 p/19q-Noncodel LGG.The predictive model with T2-FLAIR signal suppression rate>0.374 combined with cortex infiltration and calcification can effectively predict 1 p/19q molecular features.
7.Novel antibacterial drug target against Gram-negative bacteria: lipopolysaccharide transport protein LptDE and its inhibitors
Yue LI ; Guo-qing LI ; Yuan-yuan TIAN ; Cong-ran LI ; Xin-yi YANG ; Kai-hu YAO ; Xue-fu YOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):279-288
The outer membrane composed predominantly of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an essential biological barrier for most Gram-negative (G-) bacteria. Lipopolysaccharide transport protein (Lpt) complex LptDE is responsible for the critical final stage of LPS transport and outer membrane assembly. The structure and function of LptDE are highly conserved in most G- bacteria but absent in mammalian cells, and thus LptDE complex is regarded as an attractive antibacterial target. In recent 10 years, the deciphering of the three-dimensional structure of LptDE protein facilities the drug discovery based on such "non
8.Linezolid-induced fatal lactic acidosiss:an adverse reaction easily confu-sed with septic shock
Ran ZHU ; Shao-Wan YANG ; Xing-Han TIAN ; Xiao-Li LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(7):897-900
Clinical data of 3 patients with linezolid-induced lactic acidosis treated in 2 hospitals in Beijing and Shandong were retrospectively analyzed,and relevant literatures at home and abroad were retrieved.The pathogene-sis,risk factors,clinical manifestations,and treatment scheme were valuated.Three patients received linezolid anti-infection treatment due to their disease condition.At different phases of treatment,they developed lactic acidosis that was difficult to be explained with septic shock.After discontinuing linezolid and receiving bedside continuous veno-venous hemofiltration(CVVH)treatment,patient's blood lactate levels decreased significantly.It is clinically diagnosed linezolid-induced lactic acidosis finally,but the initial diagnosis was septic shock by all doctors.After ac-tive treatment,2 patients recovered and 1 patient died.Linezolid-induced lactic acidosis is easily to be misdiagnosed as septic shock.Clinicians should enhance their understanding and recognition of the early diagnosis of the adverse reactions,take effective measures,so as to improve patient prognosis.
9.Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Related Risk Factors in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia:An Analysis of 420 Cases
Tian-Zhu CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan SONG ; Ran LI ; Chuan-Ying LIU ; Ya-Bin CHEN ; Hua LIU ; Hua XU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2704-2712
Objective To investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and related risk factors in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP).Methods The clinical data of 420 children with MPP admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine were collected.The clinical data included gender,age,history of respiratory tract diseases,TCM syndromes,MPP classification,cough duration,fever duration,fever peak value,laboratory indicators of C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and the complication of infection.SPSS 26.0 software was used for data statistics,and then the distribution of TCM syndromes in children with MPP and its correlation with various clinical data,as well as the related risk factors of MPP with different classification and various TCM syndromes were explored.Results(1)Among the 420 children with MPP,there were 283 cases(67.4%)of mild MPP,76 cases(18.1%)of refractory MPP,and 61 cases(14.5%)of severe MPP.For the distribution of TCM syndromes,there were 152 cases(36.2%)of wind-heat obstructing the lung syndrome,141 cases(33.6%)of phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome,77 cases(18.3%)of damp-heat obstructing the lung syndrome,25 cases(6.0%)of toxin-heat obstructing the lung syndrome,16 cases(3.8%)of lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome,and 9 cases(2.1%)of yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome.For the classification of infection,there were 295 cases(70.2%)of simple mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection and 125 cases(29.8%)of mixed infection.(2)There were statistically significant differences in age stratification and visit season among MPP children with different TCM syndromes(P<0.01),while no significant differences were shown in the gender,history of respiratory tract diseases,and the complication of infection(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences in the visit season,history of respiratory tract diseases,and the complication of infection among the children with various MPP types(P<0.05),while no significant differences were shown in the gender and age stratification(P>0.05).(4)There were statistically significant differences in laboratory indicators of CRP and PCT and in the symptoms of cough duration,fever duration and fever peak among MPP children with different TCM syndromes(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(5)Significant differences were presented in laboratory indicators of PCT and LDH and in the symptoms of cough duration,fever duration and fever peak value among the children with different MPP types(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(6)Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CRP level ≥10.5 mg/L and wind-heat obstructing the lung syndrome were the independent risk factors for mild MPP(P<0.05 or P<0.01);fever duration≥7 days,cough duration ≥ 12 days and phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome were the independent risk factors for refractory MPP(P<0.05 or P<0.01);cough duration ≥ 12 days,mixed infection and toxin-heat obstructing the lung syndrome were the independent risk factors for severe MPP(P<0.01).Conclusion The results indicated that the classification MPP in children is predominated by mild MPP,and their TCM syndrome types is predominated by wind-heat obstructing the lung syndrome.The proportions of refractory MPP and damp-heat obstructing the lung syndrome increase significantly in autumn,which may be related to the characteristics of regional environment and circuit qi.The increase of CRP level and fever peak may be related to phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome and toxin-heat obstructing the lung syndrome.In clinic,attention should be paid to the early use of heat-clearing and phlegm-resolving drugs or heat-clearing and toxin-removing drugs;children with the history of respiratory tract diseases and mixed infections are more likely to develop into severe MPP,and the physicians should be alert clinically.Wind-heat obstructing the lung syndrome,phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome and toxin-heat obstructing the lung syndrome are the independent risk factor separately for mild MPP,refractory MPP and severe MPP,which requires timely intervention to prevent mild MPP from developing into refractory MPP or severe MPP in clinic.
10.The Catalytic Mechanism and Activity Modulation of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase
Xu ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Peng-Lin XU ; Tian-Ran LI ; Rui-Qing CHAO ; Zheng-Hao HAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(1):20-32
Manganese superoxide dismutase catalyzes the dismutation of two molecules of superoxide radicals to one molecule of oxygen and one molecule of hydrogen peroxide. The oxidation of superoxide anion to oxygen by Mn3+SOD proceeds at a rate close to diffusion. The reduction of superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide by Mn2+SOD can be progressed parallelly in either a fast or a slow cycle pathway. In the slow cycle pathway, Mn2+SOD forms a product inhibitory complex with superoxide anion, which is protonated and then slowly releases hydrogen peroxide out. In the fast cycle pathway, superoxide anion is directly converted into product hydrogen peroxide by Mn2+SOD, which facilitates the revival and turnover of the enzyme. We proposed for the first time that temperature is a key factor that regulates MnSOD into the slow- or fast-cycle catalytic pathway. Normally, the Mn2+ rest in the pent-coordinated state with four amino acid residues (His26, His74, His163 and Asp159) and one water (WAT1) in the active center of MnSOD. The sixth coordinate position on Mn (orange arrow) is open for water (WAT2, green) or O2• to coordinate. With the cold contraction in the active site as temperature decreases, WAT2 is closer to Mn, which may spatially interfere with the entrance of O2• into the inner sphere, and avoid O2•/Mn2+ coordination to reduce product inhibition. Low temperature compels the reaction into the faster outer sphere pathway, resulting in a higher gating ratio for the fast-cycle pathway. As the temperature increases in the physiological temperature range, the slow cycle becomes the mainstream of the whole catalytic reaction, so the increasing temperature in the physiological range inhibits the activity of the enzyme. The biphasic enzymatic kinetic properties of manganese superoxide dismutase can be rationalized by a temperature-dependent coordination model of the conserved active center of the enzyme. When the temperature decreases, a water molecule (or OH-) is close to or even coordinates Mn, which can interfere with the formation of product inhibition. So, the enzymatic reaction occurs mainly in the fast cycle pathway at a lower temperature. Finally, we describe the several chemical modifications of the enzyme, indicating that manganese superoxide dismutase can be rapidly regulated in many patterns (allosteric regulation and chemical modification). These regulatory modulations can rapidly and directly change the activation of the enzyme, and then regulate the balance and fluxes of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in cells. We try to provide a new theory to reveal the physiological role of manganese superoxide dismutase and reactive oxygen species.

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