1.Diagnosis and treatment process of a case of Streptomyces thermoviolaceus pneumonia and literature review
Pan LIU ; Xiaotian DAI ; Tingting LIU ; Hao JIANG ; Lan LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):981-985
OBJECTIVE To report the diagnosis and treatment process of 1 case of Streptomyces thermoviolaceus pneumonia, and provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of infection by combining literature on Streptomyces pneumonia. METHODS A case study was conducted on a patient with S. thermoviolaceus pneumonia treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. Additionally, a systematic literature review of Streptomyces pneumonia cases was performed. RESULTS The patient with S. thermoviolaceus presented with left lung consolidation and mass-like opacity. Initial diagnosis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry failed, but 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing confirmed S. thermoviolaceus as the causative pathogen. Six-month therapy with Amoxicillin capsules (1 g orally, three times daily) resulted in near-complete lesion resolution. The literature analysis of Streptomyces pneumonia revealed that 13 patients with Streptomyces pneumonia were included (including the patient reported in the article), age range of 18-77 years, more males (8 cases), and mostly suffering from underlying diseases. In terms of clinical symptoms, all enrolled cases exhibited cough, and some cases were accompanied by variable dyspnea. Imaging findings included that there was no characteristic predilection site for Streptomyces pneumonia lesions, and CT images commonly showed lung consolidation and bilateral nodules. Definitive diagnosis relied on 16S rRNA sequencing. Treatment regimens included tetracyclines, β -lactam drugs combined with enzyme inhibitors, ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, macrolides, or carbapenems, administered for prolonged duration (6 months). Follow-up indicated a good prognosis, and only one mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS 16S rRNA gene sequencing should be prioritized for diagnosing S. pneumonia. Effective antimicrobial options include tetracyclines,β-lactam drugs combined with enzyme inhibitors, ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and carbapenems. Prolonged therapy correlates with favorable prognosis.
2.Shikonin attenuates blood–brain barrier injury and oxidative stress in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage by activating Sirt1/ Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Guanghu LI ; Yang'e YI ; Sheng QIAN ; Xianping XU ; Hao MIN ; Jianpeng WANG ; Pan GUO ; Tingting YU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):283-291
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.
3.Shikonin attenuates blood–brain barrier injury and oxidative stress in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage by activating Sirt1/ Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Guanghu LI ; Yang'e YI ; Sheng QIAN ; Xianping XU ; Hao MIN ; Jianpeng WANG ; Pan GUO ; Tingting YU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):283-291
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.
4.Shikonin attenuates blood–brain barrier injury and oxidative stress in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage by activating Sirt1/ Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Guanghu LI ; Yang'e YI ; Sheng QIAN ; Xianping XU ; Hao MIN ; Jianpeng WANG ; Pan GUO ; Tingting YU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):283-291
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.
5.Shikonin attenuates blood–brain barrier injury and oxidative stress in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage by activating Sirt1/ Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Guanghu LI ; Yang'e YI ; Sheng QIAN ; Xianping XU ; Hao MIN ; Jianpeng WANG ; Pan GUO ; Tingting YU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):283-291
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.
6.Shikonin attenuates blood–brain barrier injury and oxidative stress in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage by activating Sirt1/ Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Guanghu LI ; Yang'e YI ; Sheng QIAN ; Xianping XU ; Hao MIN ; Jianpeng WANG ; Pan GUO ; Tingting YU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):283-291
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.
7.Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Sequential Syndrome Differentiation Protocol for Reducing Relapse Rate of Frequently Relapsing/Steroid-dependent Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Zhuiyue WANG ; Xianqing REN ; Wenqing PAN ; Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):126-134
ObjectiveTo assess the relapse rate, clinical efficacy, and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sequential syndrome differentiation protocol for frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS) in children. MethodsA total of 151 children with FRNS/SDNS treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to June 2024 were randomized into an observation group (77 cases) and a control group (74 cases). Both groups received Western medicine (prednisone tablets and tacrolimus capsules). In addition, the observation group additionally underwent TCM sequential syndrome differentiation and the control group received 1/10 of the TCM dose. The 6-month intervention was followed by a 12-month follow-up, totaling 18 months of observation across seven time points (before treatment and after 1, 2, 4, 24, 52, 76 weeks of treatment). The evaluation was carried out based on the following indicators. ① The relapse rates were mainly recorded after 24, 52, 76 weeks of treatment. ② The efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical remission rates after 1, 2, 4 weeks of treatment, the time to proteinuria clearance, the levels of 24-hour urine total protein (24-h UTP), serum total protein (TP), serum albumin (ALB), cholesterol (CHO), and triglycerides (TG) and the TCM symptom scores before treatment and after 24 weeks of treatment. ③ The treatment safety was evaluated based on blood routine and levels of liver enzymes, renal function indicators and blood glucose (Glu) before treatment and after 24 weeks of treatment. Results① Relapse rate: After 24 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in relapse rate was found between the two groups. The observation group showed lower relapse rates than the control group after 52 weeks of treatment [24.2% (16/66) vs. 52.5% (31/59), χ2=10.634, P<0.01] and 76 weeks of treatment [42.4% (28/66) vs. 74.6% (44/59), χ2=13.186, P<0.01] than the control group. ② Efficacy indicators: The two groups showed no significant difference in remission rate after 1 week of treatment. The observation group demonstrated higher remission rates after 2 weeks of treatment [88.2% (67/76) vs. 74.0% (54/73), Z=-1.999, P<0.05] and 4 weeks of treatment [94.7% (72/76) vs. 82.2% (60/73), Z=-2.3589, P<0.05). In addition, the observation group had shorter time to proteinuria clearance (P<0.01). After treatment, both groups showed declined 24 h-UTP, CHO, TG, and TCM symptom scores and elevated TP and ALB levels (P<0.01), and the observation group had lower CHO, TG, and TCM symptom scores and higher TP and ALB than the control group (P<0.05). ③ Safety indicators: After treatment, both groups showed declined white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated Glu (P<0.01) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, none of WBC, RBC, HB, PLT, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr or Glu had significant differences between groups. Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions showed no significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionThe TCM sequential syndrome differentiation protocol effectively reduces the relapse rate, improves the remission rate, shortens the time to proteinuria clearance, raised serum protein levels, lowers blood lipid levels, and alleviates symptoms, demonstrating good clinical safety in children with FRNS/SDNS.
8.Construction and effect of a high glucose induced hippocampal neuron metabolic memory cell model in HT-22 mice
Yunfeng DUAN ; Yongjie XU ; Tingting YANG ; Changyudong HUANG ; Liying ZHU ; Xing LI ; Wei PAN
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(1):44-50
Objective To construct an in vitro"metabolic memory"cell model of HT-22 mouse hippocampal neurons induced by high glucose,and to investigate the effect of"metabolic memory"on apoptosis and histone acetylation in HT-22 cells.Methods HT-22 cells were cultured in high glucose medium(glucose concentration was 55 mmol/L)and conventional glucose medium(glucose concentration was 25 mmol/L),and cells were divided into the control group(NG 4,6 and 8 groups,25 mmol/L glucose was cultured for 4,6 and 8 days,respectively),the high glucose group(HG 4,6 and 8 groups,respectively)and the metabolic memory group(HG2NG2,HG2NG4,HG2NG6,HG4NG2 and HG4NG4 groups,high glucose culture for 2 days to 25 mmol/L glucose culture for 2,4 or 6 days,high glucose culture for 4 days to 25 mmol/L glucose culture for 2 or 4 days).Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 method.The release of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cell culture supernatant was detected,and the optimal time to establish a"metabolic memory"model was selected.Subsequently,cells were divided into the NG4 group,the NG8 group,the HG4 group,the HG4NG4 group and the HG8 group,and the cell morphology of each group was observed by optical microscope.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.The activities of deacetylase(HDAC)and histone acetyltransferase(HAT)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blot assay was used to detect expression levels of histone deacetylase 4(HDAC4),B lymphocyte tumor 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax)and Caspase-3 protein.Results The HG4NG4 group was the ideal cell model with high glucose metabolic memory.Cells of the NG4 group and the NG8 group were interwoven into a dense network,growing well,with spindle shaped cells and distinct synaptic structures.However,in the HG4 group and the HG8 group,the cell body became round,synaptic structure disappeared and growth was inhibited.In the HG4NG4 group,the number of cells increased but their morphology was damaged.Results of flow cytometry showed that compared with the NG8 group,the apoptosis rates were significantly increased in the HG8 group and the HG4NG4 group(P<0.05).ELISA results showed that compared with the NG8 group,the expression levels of HDAC4,Bax,and Caspase-3 proteins increased in the HG8 group and the HG4NG4 group,while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the HG8 group,there were no significant differences in protein expression levels of HAT and HDAC in the HG4NG4 group.Western blot reslts showed that compared with the NG8 group,the levels of HDAC4,Bax and Caspase-3 protein increased in the HG8 group and the HG4NG4 group(P<0.05).Compared with the HG8 group,there were no significant differences in protein expression levels in the HG4NG4 group.Conclusion HT-22 mouse hippocampal neurons cultured with 55mmol/L high glucose for 4 days,and then cultured with 25 mmol/L glucose for 4 days are the ideal"metabolic memory"cell model.The mechanism may be related to the increased activity of HDAC,HAT and HDAC4 expression in the hyperglycemic model.
9.Optimization strategies for the amplification of CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo
PAN Xinyi ; REN Zhengqian△ ; WANG Xinyue ; WANG Tingting
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2024;31(7):647-654
[摘 要] 嵌合抗原受体基因修饰T(CAR-T)细胞免疫治疗被认为是最有前景的肿瘤治疗方法之一,效应CAR-T细胞的数量是决定CAR-T细胞疗法治疗效果的关键因素。CAR-T细胞的体外扩增耗时耗力,回输体内后,CAR-T细胞大量耗竭且难以浸润实体瘤,导致能有效抑制实体瘤的CAR-T细胞数量大幅下降。目前,CAR-T细胞的扩增方法在提高扩增特异性和治疗安全性等方面均存在问题,为CAR-T细胞疗法的临床转化造成困难。近年来,新型免疫激动剂及其下游信号的发现为CAR-T细胞扩增方案提供了更多选择,免疫激动剂给药方式的更新迭代进一步提高了其在体内扩增CAR-T细胞的安全性。本文分析了目前扩增CAR-T细胞面临的挑战,系统阐述了近年来在体内外扩增CAR-T细胞的新策略,为CAR-T细胞疗法的疗效和产能优化提供了新思路。
10.Construction, Activity Evaluation and Molecular Simulation Study of α-Naphthylthiol Amino Acid Esters as Novel LSD1 Inhibitors
Zhonghua LI ; Zhenzhen WANG ; Tingting QIN ; Pan WANG ; Kai HU ; Zhishen XIE ; Lixin LI ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Junying SONG ; Weihong REN ; Jinlian MA
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(3):295-302
OBJECTIVE
To design and synthesize novel α-naphthylthiol amino acid ester lysine specific demethylase 1(LSD1) inhibitors, evaluate their inhibitory activity with selectivity against LSD1, and explore their binding mechanism through molecular docking and dynamics simulation.
METHODS
Based on the binding mode of hit compound 3a with LSD1, the α- naphthyl mercapto amino acid ethyl ester small molecule compound were designed by fixing the planar hydrophobic naphthyl ring in the structure, while introducing hydrophilic amino fragment, and they were prepared through a multi-component one-pot cascade reaction. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against LSD1 at concentrations of 5.0 and 1.0 μmol·L–1 using the LSD1 screening platform of research group. The most potent compound was tested for its IC50 value and enzyme selectivity over MAO-A and MAO-B, and its binding mode was investigated through molecular docking and dynamics simulation.
RESULTS
A total of 13 compounds were obtained, all of which exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LSD1. Among them, nine compounds showed an inhibitory rate of over 50.0% against LSD1 at a concentration of 1.0 μmol·L–1, while compound 3l displaying the best activity with an IC50 value of 0.17 μmol·L–1, 174 times higher than the positive control. It also showed excellent selectivity towards MAO-A and MAO-B. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that compound 3l inhibited the activity of LSD1 through multiple interactions.
CONCLUSION
The structures of α-naphthylthiol amino acid ester can serve as lead compounds or active fragments, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent design of LSD1 inhibitors based on structure-oriented drug design.


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