1.Research Progress on Artificial Intelligence-Driven Drug-Target Interaction Prediction
Ting PAN ; Wenhao XU ; Guodong SHAN ; Xingchuang ZHANG ; Weijia SUN ; Changwei WANG ; Shibiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):909-923
Drug-target interaction (DTI) is fundamental to novel drug research and development (R &D), playing a critical role in elucidating drug mechanisms of action and improving the cost-effectiveness of drug discovery. Although China has seen rapid accumulation of drug-target resources in recent years, the industry still faces challenges such as a shortage of original targets and excessively high target concentration. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has provided an efficient technological pathway for DTI prediction, establishing it as a core tool for accelerating drug discovery. This paper systematically reviews the fundamental data support framework for DTI prediction tasks, elaborating in detail on three core data types— drug characterization, target characterization, and drug-target associations-as well as the classification and application boundaries of mainstream benchmark datasets tailored to different tasks within the field. On this basis, it comprehensively surveys the technological evolution of AI-driven DTI prediction, summarizing the core paradigms and technical advances of traditional machine learning and deep learning methods in a single-modality setting, alongside cutting-edge multimodal approaches that integrate two modalities (cross-subject/within-subject fusion) and three or more modalities for multidimensional information integration. Finally, this paper analyzes the current major challenges in data quality, model generalizability and interpretability, and real-world deployment, while also discussing future trends in standardized dataset construction, generative AI, and large-scale biomedical foundation models, aiming to provide a reference for both research and industrial applications in the AI-driven DTI prediction field.
2.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
4.Effect of Zhongfengting Granule on Metabolomics of Acute Cerebral Ischemia Model Rats
Zhenyu DONG ; Wenhao ZHU ; Xinyue SUN ; Zhenhao YING ; Xingying PU ; Daqian GUO ; Weiye MEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(2):564-572
Objective To investigate the effects of Zhongfengting granule on plasma metabolites in acute cerebral ischemia MCAO model rats by non-targeted metabolomics techniques,and to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of Zhongfengting granule.Methods 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and Chinese medicine group,with 8 rats in each group.Model group and Chinese medicine group were treated with middle cerebral artery thrombus method to establish the MCAO rat model,and the medicine was administered on the same day after the successful modeling.The Chinese medicine group was given(22.68 g·kg-1)Zhongfengting granule solution by gavage,and the blank group and model group were given equal volume normal saline for 7 days.After administration,blood was collected intravenously.Plasma samples from blank group,model group and Chinese medicine group were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatogre-quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer,and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis.The metabolic pathways of the differentiated metabolites were analyzed based on KEGG database.Results Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the content of 22 potential biomarkers in the rat model of acute cerebral ischemia had significant changes,and the above-mentioned 22 potential biomarkers were significantly reversed by Zhongfengting granule(P<0.05).The enrichment results of metabolic pathways showed that Zhongfengting granule mainly affected phenylalanine metabolism,tyrosine metabolism,ascorbic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism.Conclusion Metabolites and metabolic pathways in MCAO model rats with acute cerebral ischemia are changed,and the different metabolites and metabolic pathways can be reversed by Zhongfengting granule,which mainly involve phenylalanine metabolism and regulate energy metabolism.
5.Factors influencing the development of low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer patients after ileostomy reversal
Zhi WANG ; Wenhao WU ; Ziyan LUO ; Jinqiong HUANG ; Xiaolian DENG ; Wei SUN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2405-2413
Objective To investigate the influencing factors for low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)at one year after ileostomy reversal in patients who have undergone radical resection for rectal cancer,and to inform clinical interventions.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 312 patients who successfully underwent ileostomy reversal after radical resection for rectal cancer between January 2023 and January 2024 at 3 tertiary hospitals in Chongqing.Based on LARS scores at 1-year after stoma reversal,they were divided into a LARS group(score≥21)and a non-LARS group(score≤20).Clinical data were collected from the medical record system,including age,body mass index(BMI),sex,tumor size,tumor distance from the anal verge,T stage,N stage,date of low anterior resection,neoadjuvant therapy,postoperative chemotherapy,anastomotic leakage,and date of ileostomy reversal.Univariate analysis was used to screen potential influencing factors,and variables with P<0.2 were included in a multivariate logistic regression model.Binary stepwise regression analysis was applied to further analyze significant influencing factors for LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal.Results In the cohort,there were 127 patients assigned into the LARS group and 185 into the non-LARS group.The incidence of LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal was 40.70%,with mild cases accounting for 21.79%and severe ones for 18.91%,and a mean LARS score of 14.52±11.64.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that neoadjuvant therapy(yes vs no:OR=1.830,95%CI:1.088~3.089;P=0.023),tumor distance from anal verge≤5 cm(vs>5 cm:OR=2.044,95%CI:1.249~3.374;P=0.005),occurrence of anastomotic leakage(yes vs no:OR=7.470,95%CI:2.247~34.102;P=0.003),time to reversal(≥181 d vs 91~180 d:OR=2.297,95%CI:1.363~3.917;P=0.002),and N stage(N1~N2 vs N0:OR=1.650,95%CI:1.009~2.717;P=0.047)were significant influencing factors for LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal.Conclusion Our results suggest that anastomotic leakage,time to reversal≥181 d,tumor distance from anal verge≤5 cm,neoadjuvant therapy,and N stage N1~N2 are associated with the occurrence of LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal in patients following radical resection of rectal cancer.Clinical healthcare providers should implement early intervention and long-term follow-up for patients with high-risk factors both before and after stoma reversal.
6.Analysis of current status and influencing factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of post-intensive care syndrome
Wenhao WU ; Yun RAO ; Zhi WANG ; Pingang LI ; Yanmei TONG ; Guiping ZHANG ; Yanxia SHAO ; Boshan TONG ; Wei SUN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1326-1332
Objective:To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and explore its influencing factors.Methods:The cross-sectional investigation study with stratified sampling was conducted. From June to September 2024, ICU medical staff from general hospitals in 5 regions (Chongqing, Beijing, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, and Gansu) were selected as the research subjects. The KAP of PICS questionnaire was distributed in the form of an electronic questionnaire. Observation indicators: (1) results of the questionnaire survey; (2) general information of ICU medical staff; (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions; (4) analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent samples t test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for com-parison among multiple groups, and post-hoc LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted for correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:(1) Results of questionnaire survey. A total of 410 questionnaires were distributed and retrieved, among which 408 were valid, with an effective rate of 99.512%(408/410). (2) General information of ICU medical staff. Among the 408 ICU medical staff, there were 79 males and 329 females. Eight cases were under 25 years old, 248 cases were 25-35 years old, 132 cases were 36-40 years old, and 20 cases were over 40 years old. In terms of professional title, there were 10 junior nurses, 130 junior nurse practitioners, 228 intermediate nurse practitioners, and 40 senior nurse practitioners. About the educational background, 34 cases had a junior college degree, 347 cases had a bachelor's degree, and 27 cases had a master's degree or above. Regarding the hospital level, 25 nurses worked in secondary hospitals and 383 cases in tertiary hospitals. In terms of ICU type, 181 cases were from specialized ICU and 227 cases from general ICU. About working experience in ICU, 41 nurses had less than 5 years, 207 cases had 5-10 years, and 160 cases had more than 10 years. (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions. The total KAP score of PICS among the 408 ICU medical staff was 88.7±14.2, with 40.2±9.2 for the knowledge dimension, 22.0±5.6 for the attitude dimension, and 26.5±6.3 for the practice dimension. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the knowledge dimension of PICS among ICU medical staff was significantly positively correlated with both the attitude dimension and the practice dimension ( r=0.15, 0.69, P<0.05); the attitude dimension was positively correlated with the practice dimension ( r=0.23, P<0.05).(4) Analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age (25-35 years old, 36-40 years old, over 40 years old), educational background and hospital level were independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff ( t=2.23, 1.97, 2.84, 0.15, 2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions:The KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff is relatively good, while their practical ability still needs to be improved. Age, educational background, and hospital level are independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff.
7.Effect of Zhongfengting Granule on Metabolomics of Acute Cerebral Ischemia Model Rats
Zhenyu DONG ; Wenhao ZHU ; Xinyue SUN ; Zhenhao YING ; Xingying PU ; Daqian GUO ; Weiye MEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(2):564-572
Objective To investigate the effects of Zhongfengting granule on plasma metabolites in acute cerebral ischemia MCAO model rats by non-targeted metabolomics techniques,and to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of Zhongfengting granule.Methods 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and Chinese medicine group,with 8 rats in each group.Model group and Chinese medicine group were treated with middle cerebral artery thrombus method to establish the MCAO rat model,and the medicine was administered on the same day after the successful modeling.The Chinese medicine group was given(22.68 g·kg-1)Zhongfengting granule solution by gavage,and the blank group and model group were given equal volume normal saline for 7 days.After administration,blood was collected intravenously.Plasma samples from blank group,model group and Chinese medicine group were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatogre-quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer,and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis.The metabolic pathways of the differentiated metabolites were analyzed based on KEGG database.Results Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the content of 22 potential biomarkers in the rat model of acute cerebral ischemia had significant changes,and the above-mentioned 22 potential biomarkers were significantly reversed by Zhongfengting granule(P<0.05).The enrichment results of metabolic pathways showed that Zhongfengting granule mainly affected phenylalanine metabolism,tyrosine metabolism,ascorbic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism.Conclusion Metabolites and metabolic pathways in MCAO model rats with acute cerebral ischemia are changed,and the different metabolites and metabolic pathways can be reversed by Zhongfengting granule,which mainly involve phenylalanine metabolism and regulate energy metabolism.
8.Analysis of current status and influencing factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of post-intensive care syndrome
Wenhao WU ; Yun RAO ; Zhi WANG ; Pingang LI ; Yanmei TONG ; Guiping ZHANG ; Yanxia SHAO ; Boshan TONG ; Wei SUN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1326-1332
Objective:To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and explore its influencing factors.Methods:The cross-sectional investigation study with stratified sampling was conducted. From June to September 2024, ICU medical staff from general hospitals in 5 regions (Chongqing, Beijing, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, and Gansu) were selected as the research subjects. The KAP of PICS questionnaire was distributed in the form of an electronic questionnaire. Observation indicators: (1) results of the questionnaire survey; (2) general information of ICU medical staff; (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions; (4) analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent samples t test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for com-parison among multiple groups, and post-hoc LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted for correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:(1) Results of questionnaire survey. A total of 410 questionnaires were distributed and retrieved, among which 408 were valid, with an effective rate of 99.512%(408/410). (2) General information of ICU medical staff. Among the 408 ICU medical staff, there were 79 males and 329 females. Eight cases were under 25 years old, 248 cases were 25-35 years old, 132 cases were 36-40 years old, and 20 cases were over 40 years old. In terms of professional title, there were 10 junior nurses, 130 junior nurse practitioners, 228 intermediate nurse practitioners, and 40 senior nurse practitioners. About the educational background, 34 cases had a junior college degree, 347 cases had a bachelor's degree, and 27 cases had a master's degree or above. Regarding the hospital level, 25 nurses worked in secondary hospitals and 383 cases in tertiary hospitals. In terms of ICU type, 181 cases were from specialized ICU and 227 cases from general ICU. About working experience in ICU, 41 nurses had less than 5 years, 207 cases had 5-10 years, and 160 cases had more than 10 years. (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions. The total KAP score of PICS among the 408 ICU medical staff was 88.7±14.2, with 40.2±9.2 for the knowledge dimension, 22.0±5.6 for the attitude dimension, and 26.5±6.3 for the practice dimension. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the knowledge dimension of PICS among ICU medical staff was significantly positively correlated with both the attitude dimension and the practice dimension ( r=0.15, 0.69, P<0.05); the attitude dimension was positively correlated with the practice dimension ( r=0.23, P<0.05).(4) Analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age (25-35 years old, 36-40 years old, over 40 years old), educational background and hospital level were independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff ( t=2.23, 1.97, 2.84, 0.15, 2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions:The KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff is relatively good, while their practical ability still needs to be improved. Age, educational background, and hospital level are independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff.
9.Therapeutic Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on Diuretic Resistance in Chronic Heart Failure
Yuchen SUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wenhao YIN ; Shujun ZHAO ; Muchen ZHANG ; Guohua LIU ; Yaqin WANG ; Yilin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):123-129
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue prescription on the cardiac function, inflammation, and quality of life of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. MethodA total of 78 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (39 cases). Both groups received standardized treatment for diuretic resistance in accordance with the guidelines. In addition, the observation group received Bushen Huoxue prescription. The cardiac function indicators, total response rate regarding symptom alleviation, exercise endurance, urine volume, body mass, quality of life, and levels of inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultBefore treatment, the two groups of patients showed no significant differences in terms of 24 h urine volume, body mass, 6 minute walk test (6MWT), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV), and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). After treatment, the observation group outperformed the control group in terms of the response rates regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading of cardiac function (P<0.05). After treatment, the body mass, MLHFQ score, and IL-6, TNF-α, and NT-proBNP levels decreased in both groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group showed more significant decreases than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both groups showed increases in 24-h urine volume, 6MWT, LVEF, SV, and IL-4 after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group showed more significant increases than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe combination of Bushen Huoxue prescription with standardized treatment is effective in ameliorating the clinical symptoms of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. Moreover, it alleviates diuretic resistance and improves the cardiac function without causing obvious adverse reactions.
10.Synthetic MRI to Assess Neurological Injury in Recovered COVID-19 Patients
Qing XIE ; Wenhao WU ; Jianwei LIAO ; Guojie WANG ; Shaolin LI ; Yaqin ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):114-120
ObjectiveTo assess the microstructural involvement of gray matter in recovered COVID-19 patients using Synthetic MRI. MethodsThis study was conducted in 29 recovered COVID-19 patients, including severe group (SG, n=11) and ordinary group (OG, n=18). Healthy volunteers matched by age, sex, BMI and years of education were selected as a healthy control group (HC=23 cases). Each subject underwent synthetic MRI to generate quantitative T1 and T2 maps, and the T1 and T2 maps were segmented into 90 regions of interest (ROIs) using automatic anatomical labeling (AAL) mapping. T1 and T2 values for each ROI were obtained by averaging all voxels within the ROIs. The T1 and T2 values of the 90 brain regions between the three groups were compared. ResultsRelative to HC, the SG had significantly higher T2 values in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus, bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral putamen, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, bilateral Inferior temporal gyrus, left orbital superior frontal gyrus, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, left gyrus rectus, left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri, right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, left posterior cingulate gyrus, and left supramarginal gyrus (P<0.05); Relative to OG, SG showed significantly increased T2 values in the left rectus gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, and bilateral inferior temporal gyrus (P<0.05). Relative to HC, the T1 values of SG were significantly increased in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus, left rectus gyrus, left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri, right posterior cingulate gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, left putamen, left thalamus(P<0.05); Relative to OG, the T1 values of SG were significantly higher in the right posterior cingulate gyrus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and left putamen (P<0.05). ConclusionsEven after recovering from COVID-19, patients may still have persistent or delayed damage to their brain gray matter structure, which is correlated with the severity of the condition. SyMRI can serve as a sensitive tool to assess the extent of microstructural damage to the central nervous system, aiding in early diagnosis of the disease.

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