1.Chemical knockdown of Keap1 and homoPROTAC-ing allergic rhinitis.
Jianyu YAN ; Tianyu WANG ; Ruizhi YU ; Lijuan XU ; Hongming SHAO ; Tengfei LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xudong CHA ; Zhenyuan MIAO ; Chengguo XING ; Ke XU ; Huanhai LIU ; Chunlin ZHUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4137-4155
Allergic rhinitis (AR), a globally prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory condition, is still an incurable disease. In the present study, we have validated the impact of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response in clinical AR patient peripheral blood and nasal swab samples, emphasizing the biological relevance of Keap1 and AR. Targeting Keap1 -nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related anti-oxidative stress may be effective for AR intervention. Drawing inspiration from the Keap1 homodimerization and the E3 ligase characteristics, we herein present a design of novel bivalent molecules for chemical knockdown of Keap1. For the first time, we characterized ternary complexes of Keap1 dimer and one molecule of bivalent compounds. The best bivalent molecule 8 encompasses robust capacity to degrade Keap1 as a homoPROTACKEAP1. It efficaciously suppresses inflammatory cytokines in extensively different cells, including human nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, in an AR mouse model, we confirmed that the chemical degradation induced by homoPROTACKEAP1 led to therapeutic benefits in managing AR symptoms, oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, our findings underscore the efficacy of targeting the Keap1 system through the homoPROTAC-ing technology as an innovative and promising treatment strategy for the incurable allergic disorders.
2.Research progress on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor prognostic biomarkers for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion
Dan WANG ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Like XIE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Jing XU ; Mei SUN ; Mengjiao ZHANG ; Xiaoduo GUAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1938-1942
Retinal vein occlusion(RVO)is the second most common blinding retinal vascular disease, and its secondary macular edema(ME)is an important cause of visual function impairment in patients. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs serves as the first-line treatment, yet it is confronted with such issues as the need for repeated injections and non-response in some patients. Imaging and laboratory biomarkers play a crucial role in the early accurate diagnosis, prediction of disease progression, and evaluation of visual prognosis of RVO-ME. This study systematically reviews the research progress of imaging and laboratory biomarkers related to the prognosis of RVO-ME after anti-VEGF treatment in recent years, covering imaging biomarkers like central retinal thickness and ellipsoid zone integrity, as well as laboratory biomarkers such as serum APLN and aqueous humor IL-6. It summarizes the associations between different biomarkers and the prognosis of anti-VEGF therapy, aiming to provide a basis for the early accurate assessment and optimization of individualized treatment for RVO-ME patients, which holds significant clinical reference value.
3.Aging and perioperative brain health: Mechanisms, management, and future.
Peilin CONG ; Qian CHEN ; Qianqian WU ; Jing WANG ; Xinwei HUANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Zheping CHEN ; Huanghui WU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Mengfan HE ; Zhouxiang LI ; Li TIAN ; Lize XIONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2381-2398
Globally, over 300 million surgeries are performed each year, and more than 50% of surgeries involve patients aged 65 and older. Aging poses significant challenges to perioperative brain health, as the deterioration of brain structure and function increases susceptibility to postoperative neurological complications. Protecting perioperative brain health remains a worldwide clinical challenge. With senescence, the brain undergoes a progressive decline in homeostasis across various molecular, cellular, and regional functions. Anesthetics and surgical stimuli may accelerate the disruption of brain homeostasis and exacerbate age-related neurodegeneration. This review provides a framework for understanding how anesthesia and surgery can affect brain health in the aging population and contribute to postoperative neurological complications, with a particular focus on perioperative neurocognitive disorder.
4.Research on MRI Gradient Coil Magnetic Field Induced Eddy Current Method.
Xiaotao ZHANG ; Yicheng LI ; Zhanping ZHENG ; Mingke WANG ; Like FENG ; Congbo LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Instrumentation 2025;49(3):263-268
After the production of the gradient coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system, electromagnetic field testing is required to verify whether the assembly accuracy meets the electromagnetic field requirements. Since the passive magnetic field B z satisfies the Laplace ,s equation and is a harmonic function, and according to the extreme value principle of harmonic function, the maximum or minimum values of B z can only appear on the boundaries, so the observation points of the magnetic field are generally selected on the surface of the spherical imaging area. For superconducting magnets used for human body magnetic resonance imaging, a spherical area with a center diameter of 40~50 cm is generally selected as the shimming target area. Only the field value of the target area needs to be measured, and the spherical harmonic coefficients obtained after data processing are used to determine the magnetic field performance of the gradient coil. There are many testing principles and methods for electromagnetic fields, so there is no unified way and method in the field of commercial applications. This article is based on the Gauss-Legendre numerical integration, measures and analyzes the magnetic field performance of gradient coils by building a data acquisition system, and this article applies numerical analysis methods to calculate the spherical harmonic coefficients of the magnetic field using discrete test data, providing a feasible method for the production and testing of gradient coils.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
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Magnetic Fields
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Electromagnetic Fields
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Equipment Design
5.Discovery of fernane-type triterpenoids from Diaporthe discoidispora using genome mining and HSQC-based SMART technology.
Yajing WANG ; Yongfu LI ; Yan DONG ; Chunyan YU ; Chengwei LIU ; Chang LI ; Yi SUN ; Yuehu PEI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(3):368-376
In this study, we employed a combination of genome mining and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC)-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART) technology to search for fernane-type triterpenoids. Initially, potential endophytic fungi were identified through genome mining. Subsequently, fine fractions containing various fernane-type triterpenoids were selected using HSQC data collection and SMART prediction. These triterpenoids were then obtained through targeted isolation and identification. Finally, their antifungal activity was evaluated. As a result, three fernane-type triterpenoids, including two novel compounds, along with two new sesquiterpenes and four known compounds were isolated from one potential strain, Diaporthe discoidispora. Their structures were elucidated through analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electron capture detector (ECD) analysis. Compound 3 exhibited moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans CMCC 98001 and Aspergillus niger.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification*
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Molecular Structure
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Candida albicans/drug effects*
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Ascomycota/genetics*
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Aspergillus niger/drug effects*
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Genome, Fungal
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
6.Drug resistance and serological detection of Candida isolated from a fungal surveillance network in Hainan province from 2013 to 2022
WANG Like ; CHEN Xiaojuan ; ZHANG You ; CHEN Lin ; LIN Chong ; PEI Hua
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(2):136-
Objective To collect data of fungi isolated from a fungus monitoring network in Hainan Province from 2013 to 2022, and analyze the drug resistance characteristics of Candida and the results of serological tests, with an aim to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods In accordance with the National Fungal Drug Resistance Monitoring Network technical scheme, the qualifying fungal data were extracted from the microbial identification system database using SQL language, and the data information was then analyzed, with statistical processing done using SPSS 26.0 software. Results Among 5 503 fungal isolates from clinical specimens between 2013 and 2022, cervical orifice secretions accounted for 30.37%(1 671 strains), mid-stream urine for 23.55%(1 296 strains), lower respiratory tract specimens for 25.24% (1 389 strains)[(sputum for 20.37%(1 121 strains) and alveolar lavage fluid for 4.87%(268 strains)], wound pus for 9.59%(528 strains), ascites for 5.60%(308 strains), blood for 3.67%(202 strains), cerebrospinal fluid for 0.38%(21 strains), and joint fluid for 0.04%(2 strains), with the highest number of strains isolated in 2022 and the lowest in 2013, the 2022 figure is about 2.6 times that of 2013. Among yeast-like fungi, Candida albicans had the highest proportion with 3 312 strains accounting for 60.2%; The highest resistance rate of Candida albicans was to fluconazole at 16.7%, with 2.5% being non-wild type (NWT) for amphotericin B; Candida tropicalis had the highest rate of resistance to fluconazole at 36.0%, with NWT at 41.1% for fluconazole and 3.1% for amphotericin B; Candida glabrata had a resistance rate to fluconazole of 2.8%, dose-dependent susceptibility (SDD) of 97.2%, NWT of 15.5% for fluconazole, and NWT of 8.6% for itraconazole; Candida parapsilosis had the highest resistance rate to fluconazole at 15.7% and and NWT of 8.3% for amphotericin B; Candida krusei had a 0.0% resistance rate to caspofungin; and Candida dubliniensis was 100.0% NWT to fluconazole. Of 70 cases of blood culture-positive specimens, 64 cases were detected by G test and 25 cases by Mn test, and the positive blood cultures were statistically significant when compared with the G test and Mn test, respectively (P<0.01). Conclusions Fungal serological test can make up for the deficiency of blood culture and distinguish fungal invasion and colonization, thus providing a basis for the effective control of fungal infection in clinical practice.
7.Expression and localization of fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus nonstructural protein and screening and analysis of host-interacting proteins
Like LUO ; Ziwen CHENG ; Kuo CHENG ; Yonggang LI ; Dawei WANG ; Baoling YANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(5):1286-1296
Objective:To screen the host interaction proteins of the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)nonstructural protein(NSs)by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis,to discuss the functions,subcellular localization,and biological pathways of these interaction proteins,and to provide the basis for clarifying the replication and pathogenic mechanism of SFTSV.Methods:The eukaryotic expression vectors pSFTSV-NSs-Flag(experimental group)and Flag-CMV-3(negative group)were transfected into the human embryonic kidney 293T cells,and contorl group(no treatment)was set up.The lysates of the cells in various groups were collected,and the expression and localization of SFTSV NSs in the host cells were verified by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting methods.The protein lysates were treated with protein A/G and immunoprecipitation was used to enrich host proteins binding to NSs.The captured interaction proteins were initially analyzed by silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining to observe the differential protein bands in various groups;liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to obtain the information of protein sequences;the reliable proteins were retained and searched by UniProt database;Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis,IPR,eukaryotic orthologous groups(KOGs)functional annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathway enrichment analysis,subcellular localization,and transcription factor(TF)functional annotation were used to determine the subcellular structure,gene functions,and biological processes of the interaction proteins.Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that the SFTSV NSs expressed a single specific band at relative molecular mass 33 000 and was localized in the cytoplasm in a granular inclusion body-like manner.The silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining results showed there were significant differential protein bands between experimental group and negative group.The mass spectrometry results identified 46 potential interaction proteins.The GO functional enrichment analysis,KOGs functional annotation,and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the biological pathways related to viral translation,cellular metabolism,and protein transport were enriched with a considerable number of proteins.Eight annotated proteins had intermediate filament domains.The highest percentage of subcellular localization was cytoplasmic proteins,consistent with the NSs localization site.The TF functional annotation analysis results showed one protein from the NF-Y family.Conclusion:The interaction proteins play roles in assisting the proper protein folding,participating in the cribosome translation,and forming the cytoskeleton,which may be involved in antiviral replication.These proteins can be used as candidate proteins for further study on the replication mechanism of SFTSV.
9.Gold nanorod-based engineered nanogels for cascade-amplifying photothermo-enzymatic synergistic therapy.
Ling DING ; Xiaoshan WANG ; Qing WU ; Xia WANG ; Qigang WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(12):101139-101139
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated anticancer modalities, which disturb the redox balance of cancer cells through multi-pathway simulations, hold great promise for effective cancer management. Among these, cooperative physical and biochemical activation strategies have attracted increasing attention because of their spatiotemporal controllability, low toxicity, and high therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we demonstrate a nanogel complex as a multilevel ROS-producing system by integrating chloroperoxidase (CPO) into gold nanorod (AuNR)-based nanogels (ANGs) for cascade-amplifying photothermal-enzymatic synergistic tumor therapy. Benefiting from photothermal-induced hyperthermia upon near-infrared (NIR) laser exposure, the exogenous ROS (including H2O2) were boosted by the AuNR nanogel owing to the intercellular stress response. This ultimately promoted the efficient enzyme-catalyzed reaction of loaded CPO combined with the rich endogenous H2O2 in tumor cells to significantly elevate intracellular ROS levels above the threshold for improved therapeutic outcomes. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have verified the cascade-amplifying ROS-mediated antitumor effects, providing feasible multimodal synergistic tactics for tumor treatment.
10.Expression of plasma miR-320c in patients with osteoarthritis and its effect on proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocyte
Like ZHAO ; Rongwei ZHOU ; Cunmei ZHANG ; Xing ZHOU ; Qian WANG ; Cibo HUANG ; Yongjing CHENG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2022;41(5):544-548
Objective:To investigate the expression level of plasma miR-320c in patients with osteoarthritis(OA), and explore the clinical significance and the role in pathogenesis of OA.Methods:The clinical data and peripheral blood of 30 patients with OA, 30 patients with connective tissue diseases and 30 healthy control individuals were collected.The levels of plasma miR-320c were detected byfluorescentquantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR). Correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation of plasma miR-320c level with knee X-ray data and VAS pain score in OA patients.Finally the miR-320c mimic, the miR-320c inhibitor, and the control material were transfected to the chondrocyte HC-a.The proliferative capacity of HC-a chondrocytes was examined at different time points as determined by the CCK-8 assay.Results:The expression level of plasma miR-320c was significantly higher in OA group(3.26±0.55)than that in the connective tissue diseases group(1.62±0.50)and in healthy control group(1.21±0.66)( F=107.66, P<0.001). Plasma miR-320c expression was positively correlated with radiographic grade( r=0.830, P<0.001), and had no correlation with VAS pain score in OA group( P>0.05). Through repeated measurement variance analysis, the time effect, the group effect and the interaction effect between group and time showed statistically significant differences in chondrocyte proliferation between NC mimic group and miR-320c mimic group( Ftime=5256.767, Fgroup=1947.436, Ftime×group=114.314, all P<0.001). The level of proliferation was significantly reduced.Apoptosis rate of chondrocytes was significantly increased in the group transfected with miR-320c( t=7.85, P<0.01). Conclusions:The expression level of plasma miR-320c is significantly higher in osteoarthritis patients and associated with knee radiographic severity grade.Furthermore, over-expression of miR-320c could suppress the proliferation of chondrocytes.Plasma miR-320c might be potential bio-marker for osteoarthritis knee severity assessment, and involves in regulating chondrocyte growth in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

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