1.Imaging poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) in vivo with 18F-labeled brain penetrant positron emission tomography (PET) ligand.
Xin ZHOU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jimmy S PATEL ; Wenqing RAN ; Yinlong LI ; Richard S VAN ; Mostafa M H IBRAHIM ; Chunyu ZHAO ; Yabiao GAO ; Jian RONG ; Ahmad F CHAUDHARY ; Guocong LI ; Junqi HU ; April T DAVENPORT ; James B DAUNAIS ; Yihan SHAO ; Chongzhao RAN ; Thomas L COLLIER ; Achi HAIDER ; David M SCHUSTER ; Allan I LEVEY ; Lu WANG ; Gabriel CORFAS ; Steven H LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5036-5049
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its 18F-isotopologue ([18F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [18F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [18F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.
2.Mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu Prescription in Regulating Activation of Mouse Hippocampal Microglia Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Ying WANG ; Zihan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):88-96
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the Wenyang Jieyu prescription in regulating depression-like behavior in mice after maternal-infant separation combined with secondary stress. MethodsAfter birth, the rats were randomly divided into blank (NC) group, maternal-infant separation (MS) group, restraint stress (RS) group, maternal-infant separation combined with restraint stress (MRS) group, Wenyang group, Jieyu group, Wenyang Jieyu (XSF) group, and minocycline group. Maternal-infant separation was performed on day 5 (PD5), followed by weaning at PD21 and prophylactic administration. The dose of Wenyang group, Xiaoyao group, XSF group and minocycline group were 5.85, 12.03, 16.71 g·kg-1 and 50 mg·kg-1, respectively. Restraint stress was applied on PD90. The model was evaluated using glucose, social interaction, open field, and O-maze behavior tests, as well as high-performance liquid chromatography to measure serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. The expression level of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) protein, a marker of hippocampal microglia, was detected by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the hippocampus were analyzed by an automatic protein expression analysis system. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of M1 markers, JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related genes, and cytokines in hippocampal microglia in each group. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the MRS group exhibited depression-like behavior, with significantly decreased levels of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased expression of Iba-1 (P<0.01), and elevated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, IL-1β, JAK2, and STAT3 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the MRS group, the XSF and minocycline groups showed some improvement in depression-like behavior. In these groups, the hippocampal neurotransmitter content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Iba-1 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the XSF group showed a downward trend. The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the XSF and minocycline groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenyang Jieyu prescription can regulate depression-like behavior in maternal-infant separation mice combined with secondary stress by inhibiting the polarization of hippocampal microglia to the M1 phenotype. The regulation of hippocampal microglia polarization by Wenyang Jieyu prescription may be associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
3.Research Advances on the Molecular Mechanisms of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration
Qixin CHEN ; Feng ZHANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Hong CHEN ; Sufang LI
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):720-724
Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration(MMVD)is one of the important pathogenic factors of primary mitral regurgitation.The pathological manifestations of MMVD include thickening,redundancy,and prolapse of the valve leaflets,which lead to structural and functional abnormalities of the mitral valve,eventually cause mitral regurgitation.The pathogenesis of MMVD involves abnormalities in three main cell types:valvular interstitial cells,endothelial cells,and monocyte-macrophages.Therefore,a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of these cell types in MMVD is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of MMVD.This article provides a comprehensive review of the normal tissue structure characteristics of the mitral valve,the morphological features of MMVD,and the research progress on the regulatory roles of the aforementioned cell types in MMVD,aiming to provide a scientific basis for early intervention and precise treatment of MMVD.
4.Preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer with digital breast tomosynthesis-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics
Suxin ZHANG ; Haiyan LI ; Yiqun ZHENG ; Wenqing CHEN ; Sheng HE ; Caixian YANG ; Gang LIANG ; Jianding LI ; Zengyu JIANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):46-51
Objective To predict the lymphovascular invasion(LVI)status of breast cancer patients based on digital breast tomo-synthesis(DBT)intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram.Methods A total of 192 breast cancer patients from 2 institu-tions were retrospectively selected,in which institution 1 was used for train(n=113)and test(n=49),while institution 2 was used for external validation(n=30).Radiomics features were extracted and selected based on intratumoral and peritumoral 1 mm regions from DBT images.Different machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumoral,peritumoral,and combined intratumoral and peritumoral models,respectively.Patient clinical data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analy-ses to identify independent risk factors for the clinical imaging model.The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The radiomics features with the optimal diagnostic performance and the selected clinical imaging features were combined to construct a comprehensive clinical-radiomics model,and a nomogram was drawn.Results The combined intratumoral and peritumoral model was the optimal radiomics model.Maximum tumor diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.486,P=0.014],suspicious malignant calcifications(OR=2.898,P=0.015),and axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis(OR=3.615,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for LVI positive.Furthermore,the area under the curve(AUC)of the comprehensive clinical-radiomics model in the training set,test set and external valida-tion set was 0.889,0.916,and 0.862,respectively,which was higher than those of the combined intratumoral and peritumoral model(0.858,0.849,0.844)and the clinical imaging model(0.743,0.759,0.732).Conclusion The predictive nomogram,derived from both radiomics and clinical imaging features,is relatively accurate in identifying future LVI occurrence in breast cancer,demonstra-ting its potential as an assistive tool for clinicians to devise individualized treatment regimes.
5.Clinical characteristics of 21 cases of nocardiosis and antimicrobial resistance of Nocardia strains in a hospital in Henan Province
Bing LIANG ; Wenqing YUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Xinli ZHANG ; Chunxia HU ; Jinghua HU ; Haichao WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(2):127-131
Objective The clinical characteristics of 21 cases of nocardiosis were reviewed and antimicrobial resistance of Nocardia strains was analyzed in order to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and treatment of nocardiosis.Methods Clinical data of patients diagnosed with nocardiosis in Zhoukou Central Hospital from 2019-2023 and the corresponding results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients.Results Overall,the 21 cases of nocardiosis included 9 males and 12 females,aged 2-91 years.Underlying disease was reported in 15 patients.Most common type of nocardiosis was pulmonary nocardiosis in 15 cases,followed by skin and soft tissue infection,pleurisy,lymphadenitis,and disseminated nocardiosis.Laboratory tests showed increased levels of WBC,neutrophils percentage,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,C-reactive protein,and procalcitonin.The 21 strains of Nocardia included 4 strains of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica,2 strains each of Nocardia brasiliensis,Nocardia abscessus,Nocardia asiatica,Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Nocardia beijingensis,and 1 strain each of Nocardia puris,Nocardia asteroides,Nocardia farcinica,Nocardia pneumoniae,Nocardia amamiensis,and 2 strains of unclassified Nocardia.All of the Nocardia strains(100%)were susceptible to linezolid,amikacin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,followed by various levels of susceptibility to cefotaxime,moxifloxacin,imipenem and ceftriaxone,and lower susceptibility rate to cefepime,minocycline,ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin.Antimicrobial susceptibility of Nocardia strains varied with different Nocardia species.Of the 21 patients,two were referred to other hospitals,another two died,two patients received unknown treatment,and the remaining 15 patients were improved after antibiotic treatment,including sulfonamides combined with other antibiotics in 11 cases,other antibiotics in 4 cases.Conclusions Immunocompromised patients or those with underlying diseases are more susceptible to nocardiosis.The clinical features are complex and diverse.Antimicrobial susceptibility of Nocardia strains varied with different Nocardia species.Accurate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test are essential for prescribing effective antibiotic treatment.
6.Research Advances on the Molecular Mechanisms of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration
Qixin CHEN ; Feng ZHANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Hong CHEN ; Sufang LI
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):720-724
Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration(MMVD)is one of the important pathogenic factors of primary mitral regurgitation.The pathological manifestations of MMVD include thickening,redundancy,and prolapse of the valve leaflets,which lead to structural and functional abnormalities of the mitral valve,eventually cause mitral regurgitation.The pathogenesis of MMVD involves abnormalities in three main cell types:valvular interstitial cells,endothelial cells,and monocyte-macrophages.Therefore,a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of these cell types in MMVD is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of MMVD.This article provides a comprehensive review of the normal tissue structure characteristics of the mitral valve,the morphological features of MMVD,and the research progress on the regulatory roles of the aforementioned cell types in MMVD,aiming to provide a scientific basis for early intervention and precise treatment of MMVD.
7.Clinical characteristics of 21 cases of nocardiosis and antimicrobial resistance of Nocardia strains in a hospital in Henan Province
Bing LIANG ; Wenqing YUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Xinli ZHANG ; Chunxia HU ; Jinghua HU ; Haichao WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(2):127-131
Objective The clinical characteristics of 21 cases of nocardiosis were reviewed and antimicrobial resistance of Nocardia strains was analyzed in order to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and treatment of nocardiosis.Methods Clinical data of patients diagnosed with nocardiosis in Zhoukou Central Hospital from 2019-2023 and the corresponding results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients.Results Overall,the 21 cases of nocardiosis included 9 males and 12 females,aged 2-91 years.Underlying disease was reported in 15 patients.Most common type of nocardiosis was pulmonary nocardiosis in 15 cases,followed by skin and soft tissue infection,pleurisy,lymphadenitis,and disseminated nocardiosis.Laboratory tests showed increased levels of WBC,neutrophils percentage,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,C-reactive protein,and procalcitonin.The 21 strains of Nocardia included 4 strains of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica,2 strains each of Nocardia brasiliensis,Nocardia abscessus,Nocardia asiatica,Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Nocardia beijingensis,and 1 strain each of Nocardia puris,Nocardia asteroides,Nocardia farcinica,Nocardia pneumoniae,Nocardia amamiensis,and 2 strains of unclassified Nocardia.All of the Nocardia strains(100%)were susceptible to linezolid,amikacin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,followed by various levels of susceptibility to cefotaxime,moxifloxacin,imipenem and ceftriaxone,and lower susceptibility rate to cefepime,minocycline,ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin.Antimicrobial susceptibility of Nocardia strains varied with different Nocardia species.Of the 21 patients,two were referred to other hospitals,another two died,two patients received unknown treatment,and the remaining 15 patients were improved after antibiotic treatment,including sulfonamides combined with other antibiotics in 11 cases,other antibiotics in 4 cases.Conclusions Immunocompromised patients or those with underlying diseases are more susceptible to nocardiosis.The clinical features are complex and diverse.Antimicrobial susceptibility of Nocardia strains varied with different Nocardia species.Accurate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test are essential for prescribing effective antibiotic treatment.
8.Preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer with digital breast tomosynthesis-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics
Suxin ZHANG ; Haiyan LI ; Yiqun ZHENG ; Wenqing CHEN ; Sheng HE ; Caixian YANG ; Gang LIANG ; Jianding LI ; Zengyu JIANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):46-51
Objective To predict the lymphovascular invasion(LVI)status of breast cancer patients based on digital breast tomo-synthesis(DBT)intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram.Methods A total of 192 breast cancer patients from 2 institu-tions were retrospectively selected,in which institution 1 was used for train(n=113)and test(n=49),while institution 2 was used for external validation(n=30).Radiomics features were extracted and selected based on intratumoral and peritumoral 1 mm regions from DBT images.Different machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumoral,peritumoral,and combined intratumoral and peritumoral models,respectively.Patient clinical data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analy-ses to identify independent risk factors for the clinical imaging model.The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The radiomics features with the optimal diagnostic performance and the selected clinical imaging features were combined to construct a comprehensive clinical-radiomics model,and a nomogram was drawn.Results The combined intratumoral and peritumoral model was the optimal radiomics model.Maximum tumor diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.486,P=0.014],suspicious malignant calcifications(OR=2.898,P=0.015),and axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis(OR=3.615,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for LVI positive.Furthermore,the area under the curve(AUC)of the comprehensive clinical-radiomics model in the training set,test set and external valida-tion set was 0.889,0.916,and 0.862,respectively,which was higher than those of the combined intratumoral and peritumoral model(0.858,0.849,0.844)and the clinical imaging model(0.743,0.759,0.732).Conclusion The predictive nomogram,derived from both radiomics and clinical imaging features,is relatively accurate in identifying future LVI occurrence in breast cancer,demonstra-ting its potential as an assistive tool for clinicians to devise individualized treatment regimes.
9.Long-Term Exposure to Low-Level Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality among 0.3 Million Chinese Older Adults.
Likun LIU ; Xueli YUAN ; Wenqing NI ; Jing WEI ; Tingting LIU ; Ruijun XU ; Yingxin LI ; Zihua ZHONG ; Yi ZHENG ; Sihan LIANG ; Rui WANG ; Jian XU ; Yuewei LIU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(12):1362-1372
OBJECTIVE:
Evidence that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution increases mortality among older adults, particularly those residing in low-level air pollution locations, remains scarce. This study investigated the potential links between long-term low-level air pollution exposure and mortality among Chinese older adults.
METHODS:
A population-based study with 317,464 individuals aged ≥ 65 years was conducted in Shenzhen, China during 2018 and 2020. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and all-cause mortality, as the primary outcome, as well as non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality.
RESULTS:
Significant associations of PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10, SO 2, CO, and O 3 exposures with a higher risk of all-cause mortality were found. Adjusted odds ratio ( OR) for each 1 µg/m 3 increment was 1.49 [95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.46, 1.53] for PM 1, 1.30 (1.27, 1.32) for PM 2.5, 1.05 (1.04, 1.06) for PM 10, 5.84 (5.39, 6.32) for SO 2, 1.04 (1.04, 1.05) for CO, and 1.02 (1.00, 1.03) for O 3, respectively. Long-term PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10, SO 2, and CO exposures also elevated the risks of non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality.
CONCLUSION
Long-term low-level air pollution exposure was associated with an increased mortality risk among Chinese older adults.
Humans
;
Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Air Pollution/adverse effects*
;
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Air Pollutants/analysis*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Particulate Matter/adverse effects*
;
Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality*
;
Mortality
;
Neoplasms/mortality*
;
East Asian People
10.Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice
Zihan GONG ; Ying WANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):29-38
ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation (MS) combined with chronic restraint stress (RS) in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 (PD0), the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group (NC) and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups, with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference, tail suspension, and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group, the model group exhibited depression-like behavior, which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group, the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma (P<0.01), which, however, were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the NC group, the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis, and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group, the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), which, however, were recovered in Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis, thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.

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