1.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
2.Blood glucose-lowering mechanism of Poria aqueous extract by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology and experimental verification.
Dan-Dan ZHANG ; Wen-Biao WAN ; Qing YAO ; Fang LI ; Zi-Yin YAO ; Xiao-Chuan YE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3980-3989
Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology, and animal experiments were integrated o explore the blood glucose-lowering effects and mechanisms of Poria aqueous extract. Firstly, the active components of Poria aqueous extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Subsequently, network pharmacology was employed to predict the blood glucose-lowering components and mechanisms of Poria aqueous extract. Finally, a rat model of diabetes mellitus, 16S rDNA sequencing, and Western blot were employed to investigate the blood glucose-lowering effect and mechanism of Poria aqueous extract. A total of 39 triterpenoids were identified in the Poria aqueous extract, among them, 25-hydroxypachymic acid, 25α-hydroxytumulosic acid, 16α-hydroxytrametenolic acid, polyporenic acid C, and tumulosic acid may be the main active ingredients for treating diabetes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that Poria might exert its therapeutic effects through multiple pathways such as NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF) signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments demonstrated that Poria aqueous extract significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose and lipids and regulated the intestinal flora in diabetic rats. The main affected taxa included g_Escherichia-Shigella, g_Corynebacterium, g_Prevotella_9, g_Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and g_Bacteroidota_unclassified. In addition, Poria aqueous extract lowered the levels of D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide, alleviated colonic mucosal damage, significantly down-regulated the protein levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), NF-κB, and TNF-α, and significantly up-regulated the protein levels of zonula occludens 1 and occludin in diabetic rates. Poria aqueous extract may play a role in treating diabetes mellitus by repairing the intestinal flora disturbance, protecting the intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. The results provide a scientific basis for clinical application and expansion of indications of Poria.
Animals
;
Rats
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Blood Glucose/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Poria/chemistry*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Humans
3.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
4.Common characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of airway mucus hypersecretion in lung disease.
Ze-Qiang LIN ; Shi-Man PANG ; Si-Yuan ZHU ; Li-Xia HE ; Wei-Guo KONG ; Wen-Ju LU ; Zi-Li ZHANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):989-1000
In a healthy human, the airway mucus forms a thin, protective liquid layer covering the surface of the respiratory tract. It comprises a complex blend of mucin, multiple antibacterial proteins, metabolic substances, water, and electrolytes. This mucus plays a pivotal role in the lungs' innate immune system by maintaining airway hydration and capturing airborne particles and pathogens. However, heightened mucus secretion in the airway can compromise ciliary clearance, obstruct the respiratory tract, and increase the risk of pathogen colonization and recurrent infections. Consequently, a thorough exploration of the mechanisms driving excessive airway mucus secretion is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation for the eventual development of targeted drugs designed to reduce mucus production. Across a range of lung diseases, excessive airway mucus secretion manifests with unique characteristics and regulatory mechanisms, all intricately linked to mucin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms associated with excessive airway mucus secretion in several prevalent lung diseases.
Humans
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Mucus/metabolism*
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Mucins/physiology*
;
Lung Diseases/metabolism*
;
Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism*
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology*
;
Asthma/physiopathology*
;
Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology*
;
Mucociliary Clearance/physiology*
5.Mechanism of tannins from Galla chinensis cream in promoting skin wound healing in rats based on FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Wen YI ; Zi-Yi YAN ; Meng-Qiong SHI ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Qian YI ; Hai-Ming TANG ; Yi-Wen LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):480-497
This study investigated the effects and action mechanism of tannins from Galla chinensis cream(TGCC) on the skin wound of rat tail. Male Sprague Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, model+low-dose TGCC(50 mg per rat) group, model+high-dose TGCC group(100 mg per rat), and model+TGC+FAK inhibitor(Y15) cream(100 mg+10 mg per rat) group, with 10 rats in each group. After the rat tail skin injury model was successfully constructed, in the treatment group, corresponding drugs were applied to the wound surface, while in the control and model groups, the same amount of cream base as the TGCC group was applied by the same method. Then, sterile gauze was wrapped around the wound edge, and these operations were performed three times a day for 28 consecutive days. The wound healing status at the third, seventh, eleventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-eighth days was recorded, and the wound healing rate and healing time were calculated. On the day after the last dose of medication, rat serum and tail skin wound tissue were collected for analyzing the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), creatinine(CREA), urea, reactive oxygen species(ROS), interferon gamma(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, as well as catalase(CAT), glutathione(GSH), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), malondialdehyde(MDA), myeloperoxidase(MPO), superoxide dismutase(SOD), total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), and leukocyte differentiation antigen 34(CD34) in the wound tissue of rat tail skin. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and sirius red staining were used to observe the morphological changes in the wound tissue of rat tail skin. The thickness of the epidermis, the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels, and the contents of collagen fibers, typeⅠ collagen(COLⅠ), and COLⅢ were calculated. The mRNA expressions of keratin 10(KRT10), KRT14, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), fibroblast growth factor(FGF), epidermal growth factor(EGF), CD31, CD34, matrix metallopeptidase-2(MMP-2), MMP-9, COLⅠ, COLⅢ, desmin, fibroblast specific protein 1(FSP1), IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in skin wound tissue were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Western blot was utilized to detect the protein expressions of KRT10, KRT14, VEGF, FGF, EGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, COLⅠ, COLⅢ, desmin, FSP1, focal adhesion kinase(FAK), phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase(p-FAK), phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase(PI3K), phosphorylated phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase(p-PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt), phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR). The results manifest that TGCC can dramatically elevate the healing rate of rat tail wounds and shorten wound healing time. Besides, it can reduce serum ROS levels, the contents of MDA, MPO, and LDH in the rat skin wound tissue, as well as the serum IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the skin wound tissue. It can elevate the activities of CAT, GSH, SOD, and T-AOC in wound tissue, the IL-4 and IL-10 contents in serum, and the mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10 in the wound tissue. In addition, TGGC can inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration and increase the epidermal thickness, counts of fibroblasts and blood vessels, and contents of collagen fibers, COLⅠ, and COLⅢ. Besides, TGCC can elevate the mRNA and protein expressions of epidermal differentiation markers(KRT10 and KRT14), endothelial cell markers(CD31 and CD34), angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, differentiation markers(VEGF, FGF, EGF, COLⅠ, COLⅢ, desmin, and FSP1), reduce the mRNA and protein expressions of gelatinases(MMP-2 and MMP-9), and increase protein expressions of p-FAK, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, as well as ratios of p-FAK/FAK, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR. These results suggest that TGCC can significantly facilitate skin wound healing, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration in skin wound tissue, elevation of epidermal thickness, counts of fibroblasts and vessels, and contents of collagen fiber, COLⅠ, and COLⅢ, and reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions, thus accelerating wound healing.
Animals
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Male
;
Wound Healing/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Skin/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Tannins/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics*
6.Xinyang Tablets ameliorate ventricular remodeling in heart failure via FTO/m6A signaling pathway.
Dong-Hua LIU ; Zi-Ru LI ; Si-Jing LI ; Xing-Ling HE ; Xiao-Jiao ZHANG ; Shi-Hao NI ; Wen-Jie LONG ; Hui-Li LIAO ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Xiao-Ming DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1075-1086
The study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of Xinyang Tablets( XYP) in modulating the fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)/N6-methyladenosine(m6A) signaling pathway to ameliorate ventricular remodeling in heart failure(HF). A mouse model of HF was established by transverse aortic constriction(TAC). Mice were randomized into sham, model, XYP(low, medium, and high doses), and positive control( perindopril) groups(n= 10). From day 3 post-surgery, mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 consecutive weeks. Following the treatment, echocardiography was employed to evaluate the cardiac function, and RT-qPCR was employed to determine the relative m RNA levels of key markers, including atrial natriuretic peptide( ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide( BNP), β-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC), collagen type I alpha chain(Col1α), collagen type Ⅲ alpha chain(Col3α), alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), and FTO. The cardiac tissue was stained with Masson's trichrome and wheat germ agglutinin(WGA) to reveal the pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression levels of Col1α, Col3α, α-SMA, and FTO in the myocardial tissue. The m6A modification level in the myocardial tissue was measured by the m6A assay kit. An H9c2 cell model of cardiomyocyte injury was induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ), and small interfering RNA(siRNA) was employed to knock down FTO expression. RT-qPCR was conducted to assess the relative m RNA levels of FTO and other genes associated with cardiac remodeling. The m6A modification level was measured by the m6A assay kit, and Western blot was employed to determine the phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p-PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase(p-Akt)/serine/threonine kinase(Akt) ratios in cardiomyocytes. The results of animal experiments showed that the XYP treatment significantly improved the cardiac function, reduced fibrosis, up-regulated the m RNA and protein levels of FTO, and lowered the m6A modification level compared with the model group. The results of cell experiments showed that the XYP-containing serum markedly up-regulated the m RNA level of FTO while decreasing the m6A modification level and the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, FTO knockdown reversed the protective effects of XYP-containing serum on Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, XYP may ameliorate ventricular remodeling by regulating the FTO/m6A axis, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Animals
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Ventricular Remodeling/drug effects*
;
Heart Failure/physiopathology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice
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Male
;
Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
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Adenosine/analogs & derivatives*
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Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
7.Medication rules of Astragali Radix in ancient Chinese medical books based on "disease-medicine-dose" pattern.
Jia-Lei CAO ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yi-Hang LIU ; Zi-Ming XU ; Xuan WANG ; Wen-Xi WEI ; He-Jia WAN ; Xing-Hang LYU ; Wei-Xiao LI ; Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Xian-Qing REN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):798-811
This study employed the "disease-medicine-dose" pattern to mine the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions containing Astragali Radix in ancient Chinese medical books, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines. The TCM prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were retrieved from databases such as Chinese Medical Dictionary and imported into Excel 2020 to construct the prescription library. Statical analysis were performed for the prescriptions regarding the indications, syndromes, medicine use frequency, herb effects, nature and taste, meridian tropism, dosage forms, and dose. SPSS statistics 26.0 and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 were used for association rules analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 2 297 prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were collected, involving 233 indications, among which sore and ulcer, consumptive disease, sweating disorder, and apoplexy had high frequency(>25), and their syndromes were mainly Qi and blood deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, Yin and Yang deficiency, and Qi deficiency and collateral obstruction, respectively. In the prescriptions, 98 medicines were used with the frequency >25 and they mainly included Qi-tonifying medicines and blood-tonifying medicines. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium were frequently used. The medicines with high frequency mainly have warm or cold nature, and sweet, pungent, or bitter taste, with tropism to spleen, lung, heart, liver, and kidney meridians. In the treatment of sore and ulcer, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to promote granulation and heal up sores. In the treatment of consumptive disease, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 37.30 g and combined with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma to tonify deficiency and replenish Qi. In the treatment of sweating disorder, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to consolidate exterior and stop sweating. In the treatment of apoplexy, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 7.46 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to dispell wind and stop convulsions. Astragali Radix can be used in the treatment of multiple system diseases, with the effects of tonifying Qi and ascending Yang, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and expressing toxin and promoting granulation. According to the manifestations of different diseases, when combined with other medicines, Astragali Radix was endowed with the effects of promoting granulation and healing up sores, tonifying deficiency and Qi, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and dispelling wind and replenishing Qi. The findings provide a theoretical reference and a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
;
Humans
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
;
History, Ancient
;
Astragalus Plant/chemistry*
;
China
;
Astragalus propinquus
8.Efficacy and mechanism of Guizhi Tongluo Tablets in alleviating atherosclerosis by inhibiting CD72hi macrophages.
Xing-Ling HE ; Si-Jing LI ; Zi-Ru LI ; Dong-Hua LIU ; Xiao-Jiao ZHANG ; Huan HE ; Xiao-Ming DONG ; Wen-Jie LONG ; Wei-Wei ZHANG ; Hui-Li LIAO ; Lu LU ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Shi-Hao NI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1298-1309
This study investigates the effect and underlying mechanism of Guizhi Tongluo Tablets(GZTL) in treating atherosclerosis(AS) in a mouse model. Apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: model, high-, medium-, and low-dose GZTL, and atorvastatin(ATV), and age-matched C57BL/6J mice were selected as the control group. ApoE~(-/-) mice in other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of AS and administrated with corresponding drugs via gavage for 8 weeks. General conditions, signs of blood stasis, and body mass of mice were monitored. Aortic plaques and their stability were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and oil red O staining. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were measured by biochemical assays, and those of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq) was employed to analyze the differential expression of CD72hi macrophages(CD72hi-Mφ) in the aortas of AS patients and mice. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to visualize CD72hi-Mφ expression in mouse aortic plaques, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was utilized to determine the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. The results demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body mass, aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, a notable decrease in collagen fiber content, and an increase in apoptosis. Additionally, the model group showcased elevated serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, alongside marked upregulations in the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. In comparison with the model group, the GZTL groups and the ATV group showed a reduction in body mass, and the medium-and high-dose GZTL groups and the ATV group demonstrated reductions in aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, an increase in collagen fiber content, and a decrease in apoptosis. Furthermore, the treatment goups showcased lowered serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The data of scRNA-seq revealed significantly elevated CD72hi-Mφ signaling in carotid plaques of AS patients compared with that in the normal arterial tissue. Animal experiments confirmed that CD72hi-Mφ expression, along with several pro-inflammatory cytokines, was significantly upregulated in the aortas of AS mice, which were downregulated by GZTL treatment. In conclusion, GZTL may alleviate AS by inhibiting CD72hi-Mφ activity.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Atherosclerosis/immunology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Apolipoproteins E/genetics*
;
Tablets
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Knockout
9.Association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute aortic dissection:a multicenter 10-year retrospective cohort study
Zi-Xuan LIU ; Hui-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Dan ZHONG ; Xing-Wei HE ; Wen-Hua WANG ; Dan YU ; Bao-Quan ZHANG ; Chun-Wen LI ; He-Song ZENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):917-924
Objective To investigate the role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in predicting the in-hospital mortality risk of patients with acute aortic dissection(AAD)in multicenter hospitals.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted.Clinical data were collected from 2642 AAD patients who were hospitalized in five teaching hospitals:Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology,Henan Provincial People's Hospital,Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University,and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between August 2010 and December 2021.According to the quartiles of serum NLRlevels,the patients were divided into four groups:first quartile(Q1,n=660),second quartile(Q2,n=661),third quartile(Q3,n=661),and fourth quartile(Q4,n=660).The clinical characteristics and biochemical indicators of each group were compared.Partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between NLR and cardiovascular parameters.Restricted cubic splines,Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,and Cox regression models were employed to evaluate the association between NLR levels and in-hospital mortality risk in AAD patients.Results The median age of all patients was 54[interquartile range(IQR):46-63]years,including 2096 males and 546 females.Compared with Q1-Q3 groups,patients inQ4group had a lower incidence of smoking history and diabetes history,and were more likely to have DeBakey type Ⅰ AAD(P<0.05).Additionally,the levels of aspartate aminotransferase,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,creatinine,and D-dimer in Q4 group were higher,while the levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein(CRP)were lower(P<0.01).The results of partial correlation analysis showed that the plasma NLR level was positively correlated with D-dimer(r=0.43,P<0.01)and creatinine(r=0.16,P<0.01).The restricted cubic spline function in the Cox model revealed a significant non-linear relationship between the plasma NLR level and clinical outcomes in AAD patients(P<0.01).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients in Q4 group had the highest in-hospital mortality rate compared with Q1-Q3 groups(P<0.0001).Furthermore,multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that compared with Q1 group,the hazard ratio(HR)of NLR in Q4 group was 1.77(95%CI 1.33-2.37,P<0.001),which was an independent risk factor for the primary endpoint events.Conclusion A higher plasma NLR level is significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events in AAD patients,and this association remains significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as the multicenter visiting hospitals.
10.IDENTIFICATION AND COMPOSITION OF MOSQUITO SPECIES IN EMEIFENG NATURE RESERVE,FUJIAN PROVINCE,CHINA
Jing-Wen XIE ; Ming WANG ; Yu-Tong DU ; Gang WANG ; Zi-Ge YIN ; Jing-Hong CAI ; Qing LIU ; Heng-Duan ZHANG ; Tong-Yan ZHAO ; En-Jiong HUANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):112-118
Objective In this preliminary survey,we sought to determine the composition of mosquito species inhabiting the Emeifeng Nature Reserve,Fujian Province,China.Methods Mosquito larvae were collected by straw and spoon trapping,and adult mosquitoes were collected by lamp trapping at selected breeding sites in the reserve.The specimens were initially identified based on morphology,with subsequent verification using molecular biology methods.Results A total of 34 mosquito species in 13 genera were collected,among which,there were 4 species of Anopheles(Genus Anopheles Meigen,1818),2 species of Lutzia(Genus Lutzia Theobald,1903),15 species of Culex(Genus Culex Linnaeus,1758),4 species of Stegomyia(Genus Stegomyia Theobald,1901),and single species of Hulecoeteomyia(Genus Hulecoeteomyia Theobald,1904),Luius(Genus Luius Reinert,Harbach et Kitching,2008),Aedes(Genus Aedes Meigen,1818),Downsiomyia(Genus Downsiomyia Vargas,1950),Collessius(Genus Collessius Reinert,Harbach et kitching,2006),Uranotaenia(Genus Uranotaenia Lynch 1891),Armigeres(Genus Armigeres Theobald,1901),Toxorhynchites(Genus Toxorhynchites Theobald,1901),and pestle mosquito(Genus Tripteroides Giles,1904).Conclusions The species composition of mosquitoes sampled in the Emeifeng Nature Reserve will provide a basis for further research on mosquito vectors and contribute to measures for local mosquito control.

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