1.Discovery of novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Zhipei SANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Wanying TAN ; Yujuan BAN ; Keren WANG ; Yufan FAN ; Hongsong CHEN ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Chanchan LIANG ; Jing MI ; Yunqi GAO ; Ya ZHANG ; Wenmin LIU ; Jianta WANG ; Wu DONG ; Zhenghuai TAN ; Lei TANG ; Haibin LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2134-2155
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC50 = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC50 = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.
2.Trace component fishing strategy based on offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography combined with PRDX3-surface plasmon resonance for Uncaria alkaloids.
Hui NI ; Zijia ZHANG ; Ye LU ; Yaowen LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Wenyong WU ; Xinqin KONG ; Liling SHEN ; Sihan CHEN ; Huali LONG ; Cheng LUO ; Hao ZHANG ; Jinjun HOU ; Wanying WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(9):101244-101244
The rapid screening of bioactive constituents within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) presents a significant challenge to researchers. Prevailing strategies for the screening of active components in TCM often overlook trace components owing to their concealment by more abundant constituents. To address this limitation, a fishing strategy based on offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) combined with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was utilized to screen bioactive trace components targeting peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), using Uncaria alkaloids (UAs) as a case study. Initially, an orthogonal preparative offline 2D-LC system combining a positively charged C18 column and a conventional C18 column under disparate mobile phase conditions was constructed. To fully reveal the trace alkaloids, 13 2D fractions of UAs were prepared, and their components were characterized using mass spectrometry (MS). Subsequently, employing PRDX3 as the targeting protein, a SPR-based screening approach was established and rigorously validated with geissoschizine methyl ether (GSM) serving as a positive control for binding. Employing this refined strategy, 29 candidate binding alkaloids were fished from the 13 2D fractions. Notably, combining offline 2D-LC with SPR increased the yield of candidate binding components from 10 to 29 when compared to SPR-based screening alone. Subsequent binding affinity assays confirmed that PRDX3 was a direct binding target for the 12 fished alkaloids, with isovallesiachotamine (IV), corynoxeine N-oxide (CO-N), and cadambine (CAD) demonstrating the highest affinity for PRDX3. Their interactions were further validated through molecular docking analysis. Subsequent intracellular H2O2 measurement assays and transfection experiments confirmed that these three trace alkaloids enhanced PRDX3-mediated H2O2 clearance. In conclusion, this study introduced an innovative strategy for the identification of active trace components in TCM. This approach holds promise for accelerating research on medicinal components within this field.
3.Prediction of EGFR mutation status in non-small cell lung cancer based on CT radiomic features combined with clinical characteristics
Taotao YANG ; Xianqi WANG ; Cancan CHEN ; Wanying YAN ; Dawei WANG ; Kunlin XIONG ; Zhiyuan SUN ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):847-857
Objective To investigate the predictive value of combined radiomic features derived from chest CT scans with clinical characteristics for epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A multi-center case-control study was conducted on the clinical data and CT images of 1 070 NSCLC patients from the radiology departments of the 3 medical institutions between January 2013 and October 2023.The 719 NSCLC patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set in a ratio of 7∶3;The 173 patients in the Eastern Theatre General Hospital and the 178 patients in Army Medical Centre of PLA were assigned into the external validation set 1 and 2,respectively.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression was employed to identify the optimal radiomic features,which were subsequently used to construct a radiomics model.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify clinical features associated with EGFR mutation,thereby developing a clinical model.The radiomic and clinical features were subsequently combined to develop a comprehensive model.All the 3 classification models were built using random forest(RF)machine learning.The area under curve(AUC),accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were utilized to evaluate the predictive performance of the models.Calibration curve was plotted to assess the goodness of fit of the comprehensive model,while decision curve analysis was performed to assess the clinical utility of the model.Results The AUC value of the radiomics model was 0.762 4(95%CI:0.692 4~0.825 1),0.745 4(95%CI:0.671 1~0.814 3),and 0.724 7(95%CI:0.639 7~0.801 6),respectively,in the internal validation set,external validation set 1,and external validation set 2;The AUC value of the clinical prediction model was 0.691 7(95%CI:0.627 9~0.757 6),0.652 5(95%CI:0.576 7~0.729 1),and 0.779 2(95%CI:0.712 5~0.847 3),respectively in the above sets in turn;The comprehensive model constructed based on clinical features and radiomic features showed the best predictive efficacy,with an AUC value of 0.818 0(95%CI:0.757 7~0.874 3),0.782 4(95%CI:0.703 1~0.848 2),and 0.796 6(95%CI:0.718 1~0.868 6),respectively in the above sets.Calibration curve analysis indicated that the comprehensive model had a good fit,while decision curve analysis revealed that the model provided a favorable net benefit.Conclusion Our comprehensive model constructed based on chest CT radiomic features and clinical characteristics shows superior predictive performance for EGFR gene mutations in NSCLC across multiple center datasets,which may be helpful for clinical decision-making for treatment strategies.
4.Integrative model combining deep learning,clinical and radiomic features enhances EGFR mutation prediction in non-small cell lung cancer
Taotao YANG ; Wei CHEN ; Cancan CHEN ; Wanying YAN ; Dawei WANG ; Kunlin XIONG ; Zhiyuan SUN ; Xianqi WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(23):2991-3001
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of deep learning features from chest CT images combined with clinical and radiomics features for epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods This case-control study retrospectively analyzed clinical and imaging data of 1 070 NSCLC patients from radiology departments at three hospitals(January 2013 to October 2023).Patients were divided into:a training set(n=502)and internal validation set(n=217)via 7∶3 randomization of 719 cases from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University;external validation set 1(n=173)from General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command;external validation set 2(n=178)from Daping Hospital of Army Medical University.Deep learning features were extracted using a 2.5D convolutional neural network(CNN)with ResNet101 backbone,radiomics features were derived from CT images,and clinical risk factors were identified to construct models.An integrated model combined deep learning,clinical,and radiomics features.All four models were developed using random forest(RF)classifiers.Calibration curves assessed goodness-of-fit,and decision curve analysis(DCA)evaluated clinical utility.Results The deep learning model achieved AUCs of 0.833 7(95%CI:0.770 6~0.884 7),0.815 1(0.741 6~0.882 8),and 0.810 1(0.745 2~0.873 6)in the internal and two external validation sets,respectively.Clinical models yielded AUCs of 0.731 0(0.660 2~0.802 1),0.746 0(0.666 4~0.824 9),and 0.813 4(0.743 1~0.883 6);radiomics models showed AUCs of 0.762 4(0.692 4~0.825 1),0.745 4(0.671 1~0.814 3),and 0.724 7(0.639 7~0.801 6).The integrated model demonstrated optimal performance with AUCs of 0.905 5(0.857 0~0.945 4),0.832 7(0.763 3~0.896 4),and 0.889 0(0.834 4~0.934 3).DCA indicated significant net benefit for EGFR prediction at threshold probabilities of 0.15~0.85 using the integrated model.Conclusion Deep learning features from CT images effectively predict EGFR mutation status in NSCLC.The integrated model combining deep learning,clinical,and radiomics features further enhances predictive performance.
5.Clinical Study on Jiangzhi Hugan Soft Extract for Treating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Internal Dampness-Turbidity Accumulation Syndrome
Siting LI ; Jiangtao ZENG ; Huangbin LI ; Hongmiao WU ; Lingjie LI ; Wanying CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(9):2156-2161
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Jiangzhi Hugan Soft Extract(composed of stir-fried Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Poria,Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Bupleuri Radix,Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus,Persicae Semen,Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma,etc.)in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)with internal dampness-turbidity accumulation syndrome.Methods Sixty patients with NAFLD of dampness-turbidity accumulation syndrome treated at the Gastroenterology Department of Maoming Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Maoming Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)from November 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled.The patients were divided into trial group and control group using stratified randomization,with 30 patients in each group.Both groups received lifestyle interventions(diet control and exercise),with the trial group additionally receiving Jiangzhi Hugan Soft Extract for 4 weeks.Outcomes included body mass index(BMI),liver function indicators[alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT)],lipid profiles[total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG)],traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,efficacy evaluation,and safety assessment.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the overall response rate in the trial group was 93.33%(28/30),while that in the control group was 60.00%(18/30).The intergroup comparison(by rank sum test)showed that the efficacy of TCM syndrome in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the BMI of patients in both groups was improved significantly compared to before treatment(P<0.01).The improvement in BMI was significantly greater in the trial group than in the control group.The difference in the change of BMI between the two groups was statistically significant before and after treatment(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the levels of ALT,AST,and GGT in both groups decreased compared to before treatment(P<0.01).The trial group showed a significantly greater reduction in ALT,AST,and GGT levels than the control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant before and after treatment(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,both groups showed a significant decrease in TC and TG levels compared to pre-treatment levels(P<0.05).The trial group demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in TC levels than the control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant before and after treatment(P<0.05).(5)There were no significant adverse reactions occurring in either group during treatment,indicating a high level of safety.Conclusion Jiangzhi Hugan Soft Extract effectively improves BMI,liver function,and lipid profile in NAFLD patients with dampness-turbidity accumulation syndrome,demonstrating good clinical efficacy and high safety,warranting further clinical application.
6.Value of CT Quantitative Parameters in Prediction of Pathological Types of Lung Ground Glass Nodules
SHI YIQIU ; SHEN YUWEN ; CHEN JIE ; YAN WANYING ; LIU KEFU
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2024;27(2):118-125
Background and objective The pathological types of lung ground glass nodules(GGNs)show great significance to the clinical treatment.This study was aimed to predict pathological types of GGNs based on computed tomog-raphy(CT)quantitative parameters.Methods 389 GGNs confirmed by postoperative pathology were selected,including 138 cases of precursor glandular lesions[atypical adenomatous hyperplasia(AAH)and adenocarcinoma in situ(AIS)],109 cases of microinvasive adenocarcinoma(MIA)and 142 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma(IAC).The morphological characteristics of nodules were evaluated subjectively by radiologist,as well as artificial intelligence(AI).Results In the subjective CT signs,the maximum diameter of nodule and the frequency of spiculation,lobulation and pleural traction increased from AAH+AIS,MIA to IAC.In the AI quantitative parameters,parameters related to size and CT value,proportion of solid component,energy and entropy increased from AAH+AIS,MIA to IAC.There was no significant difference between AI quantitative parameters and the subjective CT signs for distinguishing the pathological types of GGNs.Conclusion AI quantitative parameters were valu-able in distinguishing the pathological types of GGNs.
7.Expression and diagnostic value of circulating miR-126-3p in non-small cell lung cancer
Yuxing TANG ; Jiandi LI ; Guosheng LI ; Siyuan CHEN ; Wanying HUANG ; Rongquan HE ; Jinliang KONG ; Gang CHEN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(16):1996-2004
Objective To explore the expression and diagnostic value of circulating microRNA(miR)-126-3p in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Multi-centred miR chips and sequencing data were col-lected to investigate the differential expression of circulating miR-126-3p in NSCLC.In order to evaluate the comprehensive expression level of circulating miR-126-3p in the cycle,the standardized mean difference(SMD)and summary receiver operating characteristic(sROC)curve were calculated,and the area under curve(AUC)of sROC curve was analyzed.Sensitivity,specificity,positive negative likelihood ratio were ex-plored,and the expression of circulating miR-126-3p was further comprehensively analyzed in combination with tissue.By using miRDB,starBase v2.0,and TargetScan 7.1,combined with up-regulated differentially expressed genes in NSCLC,potential target genes of circulating miR-126-3p were screened using complemen-tary sequence method.Results Based on six circulating miR datasets,the expression level of circulating miR-126-3p was higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that circulating miR-126-3p had strong diagnostic efficacy(AUC>0.5),and the comprehensive expression of circulating miR-126-3p was lower in 199 cases of NSCLC group than in the control group(SMD=-1.46).The sROC curve showed that circulating miR-126-3p distin-guished the NSCLC group from the control group with high accuracy(AUC=0.91),Egger's test showed no publication bias(P>0.05),with sensitivity and specificity 0.80,and positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.37 and 0.18,respectively.In addition,a comprehensive analysis of the circulation and tissue of 1 320 NSCLC samples from 26 datasets showed that circulating miR-126-3p expression was lower in NSCLC group than in the control group(SMD=-2.07).The sROC curve showed that low-expression circu-lating miR-126-3p had high accuracy in distinguishing between the NSCLC group and the control group(AUC=0.97).In addition,potential target genes ADAM9 and SLC7A5 were screened for circulating miR-126-3p,and their expression in NSCLC group was higher than that in the control group.Conclusion Low ex-pression of circulating miR-126-3p in the circulation may be an important biomarker for high-precision screen-ing of NSCLC.
8.Clinical efficacy of precise electro-acupuncture stimulation in the pterygopalatine fossa for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and imaging evaluation
Lingli QIN ; Jinsheng YANG ; Chunzhi LI ; Zhixuan LI ; Dian CHEN ; Wanying XIA ; Hanxi DAI ; Lu ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):555-561
Objective We aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of precise electro-acupuncture stimulation in the pterygopalatine fossa for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.Methods In total,40 patients with chronic sinusitis who visited the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected.The subjects were randomly divided into two groups:the treatment group(receiving precise electro-acupuncture in the pterygopalatine fossa)and the control group(receiving standard western medical treatment),with 20 cases in each groups.The treatments were administered twice a week for a period of 12 weeks.The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated through computed tomography(CT)of the sinus changes and the Lund-Mackay scoring system.Results In cases of total opacity and partial opacity,there were significant differences between the two patient groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).Intra-group comparison revealed statistically significant improvements in both groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).The treatment group exhibited significant improvement in various sinus conditions(P<0.05),while in the control group,a significant improvement was only observed in the left maxillary sinus(P<0.05).Inter-group comparison also demonstrated that the treatment group's improvements were superior to those of the control group across multiple indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion The precise electro-acupuncture stimulation technique in the pterygopalatine fossa demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic sinusitis,with superior outcomes with respect to radiological changes compared to standard western medicine treatment.
9.Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Diagnostic Reports for 859 Cases of Pancreatic Space-occupying Lesions
Yang GUI ; Ke LYU ; Hua LIANG ; Xueqi CHEN ; Wanying JIA ; Tianjiao CHEN ; Yuxin JIANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(4):825-830
To evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound diagnostic reports for pancreatic lesions. In this retrospective study, we included patients who underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of pancreatic lesions at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to December 2022 and received a confirmed pathological diagnosis. Using pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the study evaluated the accuracy of contrast-enhanced diagnostic ultrasound. It also analyzed the misdiagnosis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosing various pathological types of pancreatic lesions. Of the 859 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 489 were male(56.9%) and 370 were female(43.1%).Their age ranged from 16 to 85 years, with a median age of 60(53, 66) years. Except for 47 pancreatic space-occupying lesions that were difficult to categorize as either benign or malignant, a total of 812 cases were included in the diagnostic efficacy analysis of benign and malignant lesions. The results suggested that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for pancreatic malignant lesions were 98.3%(95% CI: 97.1%-99.1%) and 79.0%(95% CI: 70.1%-86.4%), AUC was 0.887(95% CI: 0.863-0.908), positive and negative predictive value were 96.9%(95% CI: 95.6%-97.9%) and 87.4%(95% CI: 79.6%-92.4%), positive and negative likelihood ratio were 4.69(95% CI: 3.24-6.80) and 0.02(95% CI: 0.01-0.04). The diagnostic accuracy rate of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnosing benign and malignant pancreatic lesions was 95.8%. Of the 859 lesions examined, 48 cases were misdiagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, with a misdiagnosis rate of 5.6%(48/859), including 7 cases(0.8%) of undetermined diagnosis, while the diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was as high as 98.8%. No complications occurred in any of the patients. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a safe and effective imaging method for evaluating microvascular perfusion in various pancreatic lesions. It has significant clinical value in diagnosing both benign and malignant pancreatic lesions, particularly in diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
10.Transcriptome analysis of baicalin interfering with IBV replication in CEK cells in vitro
Xiaohui GUO ; Weiqing LI ; Zhuanzhuan WANG ; Yining LIU ; Weixin LI ; Guangming CHEN ; Wanying FENG ; Qinghui JIA ; Zhaoxing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(7):1473-1482
In order to understand the difference and expression of genes in CEK cells before and af-ter baicalin interferes with IBV,further reveal and analyze the mechanism of baicalin interfering IBV replication in CEK cells in vitro.After IBV infected CEK cells for 2 h,9.75 mg/L baicalin liq-uid was added to interfere with CEK cells,which was recorded as the baicalin(H-IBV)group,and three replicate wells were set in the control group and the IBV(IBV)infection group.After 36 h culture,cell samples were collected and subject to transcriptome for sequencing.The results showed that there were 102 differentially expressed genes in H-IBV group compared with IBV in-fection group,among which 48 genes weresignificantly up-regulated and 54 genes were significantly down-regulated.Through functional annotation in GO and KEGG databases,it was found that dif-ferentially expressed genes were mainly annotated in biological processes such as cellular proces-ses,biological regulation,metabolism,and secondary pathways such as viral infectious diseases,signal transduction and interaction.Retinol metabolism pathway,phospholipid transfer to mem-brane,IL-27 mediated signaling pathway,MDA5/RIG-I and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway were significantly enriched in CEK cells,and the production of type Ⅰ interferon and interferon al-pha and the process of antiviral infection were also positively regulated.There were more differen-tial genes enriched in nucleic acid catalysis,immune system,and reaction,and interbiological reac-tion.Through the STRING network interaction map,it was found that most immune-related genes could form a 36-node interaction network centered on IRF7,TLR3 and STAT1.Therefore,com-pared with IBV group,the differentially expressed genes after baicalin treatment were mainly an-notated and enriched in the biological process,and the immune system and response were en-hanced,mainly through the positive regulation of IRF7 in the MDA5/RIG-I receptor signaling pathway and the inhibition of TLR3 signal transduction in the Toll-like receptor signaling path-way.Positive regulation of IL-27 mediated pathway and regulation of JAK-STAT signaling path-way were supplemented by activation of the expression of IRF7,TLR3,STAT1 and other related genes,and interaction with corresponding downstream proteins to promote the expression of IFN-α and regulatory cytokines,coupled with negative regulation of viral(defense)response and viral processes.Thus,baicalin interferes with IBV replication in CEK cells.

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