1.The Role of AMPK in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Related Intervention Strategies
Fang-Lian LIAO ; Xiao-Feng CHEN ; Han-Yi XIANG ; Zhi XIA ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2550-2567
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct form of cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden death. It has become a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex, involving increased oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory responses, disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), abnormal autophagy and apoptosis, insulin resistance, and impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial protective role by lowering blood glucose levels, promoting lipolysis, inhibiting lipid synthesis, and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-ferroptotic effects. It also enhances autophagy, thereby alleviating myocardial injury under hyperglycemic conditions. Consequently, AMPK is considered a key protective factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy. As part of diabetes prevention and treatment strategies, both pharmacological and exercise interventions have been shown to mitigate diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating the AMPK signaling pathway. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms, optimal intervention strategies, and clinical translation require further investigation. This review summarizes the role of AMPK in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy through drug and/or exercise interventions, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of AMPK-targeted therapies. First, several classical AMPK activators (e.g., AICAR, A-769662, O-304, and metformin) have been shown to enhance autophagy and glucose uptake while inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and/or by upregulating the gene expression of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4. Second, many antidiabetic agents (e.g., teneligliptin, liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) can promote autophagy, reverse excessive apoptosis and autophagy, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by enhancing AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets, such as mTOR, or by increasing the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α). Third, certain anti-anginal (e.g., trimetazidine, nicorandil), anti-asthmatic (e.g., farrerol), antibacterial (e.g., sodium houttuyfonate), and antibiotic (e.g., minocycline) agents have been shown to promote autophagy/mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibit oxidative stress and lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets such as protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and/or PPAR‑α. Fourth, natural compounds (e.g., dihydromyricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, platycodin D, asiaticoside, cinnamaldehyde, and icariin) can upregulate AMPK phosphorylation and downstream targets such as AKT, mTOR, and/or the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, antioxidant, and pro-autophagic effects. Fifth, moderate exercise (e.g., continuous or intermittent aerobic exercise, aerobic combined with resistance training, or high-intensity interval training) can activate AMPK and its downstream targets (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), GLUT4, PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPAR-α, and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3)) to promote fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, and to inhibit oxidative stress and excessive mitochondrial fission. Finally, the combination of liraglutide and aerobic interval training has been shown to activate the AMPK/FOXO1 pathway, thereby reducing excessive myocardial fatty acid uptake and oxidation. This combination therapy offers superior improvement in cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic conditions compared to liraglutide or exercise alone.
2.Clinical analysis of 6 cases of diffuse panbronchiolitis in children.
Li-Xin DENG ; De-Hui CHEN ; Yu-Neng LIN ; Shang-Zhi WU ; Jia-Xing XU ; Zhan-Hang HUANG ; Ying-Ying GU ; Jun-Xiang FENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(3):334-339
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the clinical characteristics of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) in children and to enhance the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 6 children diagnosed with DPB who were hospitalized at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2011 to December 2019.
RESULTS:
Among the 6 patients, there were 2 males and 4 females; the age at diagnosis ranged from 7 to 12 years. All patients presented with cough, sputum production, and exertional dyspnea, and all had a history of sinusitis. Two cases showed positive serum cold agglutinin tests, and 5 cases exhibited pathological changes consistent with chronic bronchiolitis. High-resolution chest CT in all patients revealed centrilobular nodules diffusely distributed throughout both lungs with a tree-in-bud appearance. Five patients received low-dose azithromycin maintenance therapy, but 3 showed inadequate treatment response. After empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment, non-tuberculous Mycobacteria were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Follow-up over 2 years showed 1 case cured, 3 cases significantly improved, and 2 cases partially improved.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical presentation of DPB is non-specific and can easily lead to misdiagnosis. In cases where DPB is clinically diagnosed but does not show improvement with low-dose azithromycin treatment, special infections should be considered.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Bronchiolitis/drug therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child
;
Haemophilus Infections/diagnosis*
3.Rapid Identification of Textile Fiber Composition Using Microtube Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry Combined with Random Forest Algorithm
Yu-Han SHANG ; Yue-Guang LYU ; Xian-Shuang MENG ; Qing LYU ; Xiang-Yu GUO ; Qing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1331-1341,中插93-中插95
A rapid and accurate method for textile fiber identification was developed for quality control and consumer protection.This method utilized electric soldering iron burning-mesh collision enhanced microtube plasma ionization mass spectrometry(ESIB-MC-μTP-MS)to acquire textile fiber MS data and used a random forest(RF)prediction model to identify fiber composition based on these MS data.The MC-μTP device involved in the method was a homemade low-temperature plasma ionization device constructed using cost-effective and readily available components.The system was applicable for direct analysis of small amount of textile samples without any complex sample pretreatment processes.Characteristic thermal decomposition products of different fibers were generated via soldering iron burning(350℃)in ambient atmosphere,and were subsequently analyzed by a mass spectrometer,with each analysis completed within 5 s.Raw MS data underwent noise reduction,normalization,and global binning steps to form a dataset,and its intrinsic class separability was evaluated using principal component analysis(PCA)combined with k-means clustering.Then,the RF model was trained based on the dimensionality-reduced textile fiber dataset.After grid search optimization,this model demonstrated robust performance with a 0.9762 out-of-bag score,a 0.9683 cross-validation accuracy(5-fold),and a 0.9636 test accuracy,supported by precision,recall,and F1-scores exceeding 0.889 for all fiber classes.The method was applied to analysis of 30 luxury apparel samples from eight brands,among which 20 samples achieved 100%prediction confidence,aligning with labeled compositions.The identification result of two low-confidence samples was further confirmed using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FT-IR).The method has been proven to be simple,portable and with minimal sample requirements for on-site customs inspections,providing a viable tool in the fight against counterfeit products,therefore supporting regulatory enforcement and consumer trust in the textile goods market.
4.Rapid On-site Analysis of Four Prohibited Sex Hormones in Cosmetics Using Online Derivatization Reaction and A Miniature Mass Spectrometer
Li-Li TONG ; Yan-Hong HU ; Ren-You YANG ; Yue-Guang LYU ; Yu-Han SHANG ; Qing LYU ; Qing ZHANG ; Qiang WANG ; Xiang-Yu GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1623-1630
Due to the poor ionization efficiency and the weak mass spectrometry(MS)intensity of weakly polar substances,direct analysis using the traditional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)is a big challenge.In this study,a novel rapid on-site detection method of four prohibited sex hormones in cosmetics was proposed using online derivatization strategy coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer.The target substances in the samples were extracted by a custom-made polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube solid-phase microextraction(SPME)probe.The stirring speed was 200 r/min,the extraction temperature was 40℃,and the extraction time was 2 min.A pulled dual-channel θ borosilicate glass capillary emitter was used as the nano-ESI ion source.The SPME probe was inserted into the channel containing methanol in theθborosilicate glass capillary.When the spray voltage was applied,the four sex hormones were desorbed and formed spray microdroplets,which then collided with the hydroxylamine microdroplets generated from the other channel.The microdroplets of reaction product entered into the miniature mass spectrometer for direct analysis.The limits of detection(LOD)and limits of quantification(LOQ)for the four sex hormones were 10-20 ng/mL and 20-50 ng/mL,respectively.The recoveries were from 84.6%to 107.8%with the relative standard deviations(RSD)from 4.1%to 11.6%.Compared to detection without derivatization,the MS signals of the four target substances were increased by 3 to 15 times.This method was simple,rapid,highly efficient and sensitive,and suitable for on-site rapid analysis of weakly polar sex hormones in cosmetics.
5.Clinical Experience of Lin Lizhu in Applying the Method of Strengthening Spleen and Soothing Liver to Intervene Patients with Primary Liver Cancer After TACE
Shang XIANG ; Hanhan LI ; Wei GUO ; Ling YU ; Hanrui CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2845-2851
As an adjuvant therapy,transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)can prolong the disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with primary liver cancer(PCL).However,postoperative adverse reactions and recurrence still possibly persist.Based on years of clinical practice,Professor Lin Lizhu proposes that patients with PCL undergoing TACE exhibit pathological mechanisms characterized by deficiency,stagnation,toxicity,and stasis.In clinical practice,these patients can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine based on the therapeutic principle of strengthening spleen and soothing liver.The treatment strategy involves:invigorating spleen and stomach to restore healthy qi,soothing liver and nourishing blood to support liver function,and detoxifying and dispersing stasis to prevent recurrence.Derived from the classic formula Sini San,Professor Lin has developed Sini Kang'ai Formula,which mainly consists of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga,Bupleuri Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Codonopsis Radix,Persicae Semen,Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus,etc.In clinical application,Sini Kang'ai Formula should be flexibly modified depending on the characteristic symptom patterns of patients during the perioperative period of TACE,thus to alleviate postoperative adverse reactions,prevent tumor recurrence,prolong disease-free survival and overall survival,and improve patients' quality of life.
6.The effect of Pin1 on stemness-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells and its mechanism
Yan HAI ; Xiang-Yu SHANG ; Jun-Qi MA ; Ashamgul HASIM
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):558-565
Objective To investigate the role of peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase 1(Pin1)in mediating stemness of tumor cells and the molecular mechanism of inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in cervical cancer cells.Methods The Siha and Hele cells of Pin1 low-expression stable transfection uterine cervical neoplasm cell lines were constructed using lentivirus transfection technology and were divided into control group(shPin1-NON),knockdown group 1(shPin1-1)and knockdown group 2(shPin1-2).Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)were used to detect the expressions of Sex-determining region Y transcription factor 2(SOX2),Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1(ALDH1A1),and Cell adhesion molecule 44(CD44).The serum-free spheroidization method was used to induce cervical cancer spheroids,with the adherent culture of cervical cancer cells as a control.Subsequently,Western blotting and qRT-PCR were employed to detect the expression of SOX2,ALDH1A1 and CD44 in both spheroid cells and adherent cells.Spheroid formation assay was used to detect the spheroid formation of cervical cancer cells after Pin1 knockdown.Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion abilities of cervical cancer cells following down-regulation of Pin1.Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin attribute proteins in cervical cancer cells after transfection with pin1 low expression lentivirus.Western blotting and qRT-PCR were also used to assess the effects of Pin1 low expression on the expression levels of key proteins(c-Jun and c-Fos)of the transcriptional complex of Activator protein 1(AP-1).Immunofluorescence combined with co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to detect the interaction and colocalization of Pin1 with c-Jun.Results In Siha and Hele cells,the mRNA and protein expression levels of Pin1,SOX2,ALDH1A1 and CD44 in shPin1-NON group were significantly higher than those in shPin1-1 group and shPin1-2 group(P<0.05).The expression levels of SOX2,ALDH1A1 and CD44 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer spheroid group were significantly higher than those in adherent cervical cancer cells(P<0.05).Compared with shPin1-NON group,the spheroidism and migration invasion abilities of shPin1-1 group and shPin1-2 group were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with shPin1-NON group,the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin in shPin1-1 and shPin1-2 groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the mRNA and protein expression levels of N-cadherin were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of c-Jun and c-Fos in shPin1-NON group were significantly higher than those in shPin1-1 group and shPin1-2 group(P<0.05).Conclusions Down-regulation of Pin1 can inhibit the stemness and migration invasion of cervical cancer cells,and Pin1 may mediate AP-1 to regulate the occurrence of stemness-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells.
7.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
8.Exploration of Heat Clearing Herbs with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumor Effects Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenic Factors of Pancreatitis-induced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Yana BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xi GUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Yuying CUI ; Yu WU ; Dong SHANG ; Hong XIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):161-167
Background When discussing the new concept of"pancreas spleen integration"in the early stage,we proposed that dampness heat stagnation in the spleen and deficiency due to stagnation are the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,among which dampness heat is the soil of pancreatitis deteriorates into pancreatic cancer.Objective Based on the TCM pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis to cancer with"damp heat"as the main factor,data mining technology was used to analyze the properties,channel conversion and active ingredients of heat-clearing Chinese medicines with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,and to summarize the drug characteristics of these Chinese medicines.To prospectively predict the use of drugs in the transformation process of pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.Methods Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine(10th Edition of China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press)as the drug data source,66 heat-clearing herbs were searched in the literature database of CNKI and PubMed of inflammation * TCM or(inflammation+tumor)* TCM.The active ingredients were analyzed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).Results Among the 66 heat-clearing drugs(excluding adjunct drugs),58 herbs had anti-inflammatory effects,53 herbs had anti-tumor effects,and 48 herbs had both anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.The three groups of drugs were mainly bitter,sweet and pungent in five flavors,and were mainly liver,stomach,lung,heart and large intestine in meridian affinity.Five flavors and meridian affinity were highly similar.In the TCMSP,the"five principles of drug class"were used to screen the active ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.A total of 1041 active ingredient data were screened,and 798 active ingredient data were screened after duplicate items were deleted.Top three active ingredients were Luteolin,Kaempferol and Acacetin.Conclusion Based on the analysis of five flavors,meridian affinity and active ingredients of heat-clearing medicine,this study found that the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of these Chinese herbs are highly overlapping,it has important guiding significance for the drug research and clinical prescription of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
9.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
10.Exploration of Heat Clearing Herbs with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumor Effects Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenic Factors of Pancreatitis-induced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Yana BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xi GUAN ; Liang ZHAO ; Yuying CUI ; Yu WU ; Dong SHANG ; Hong XIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):161-167
Background When discussing the new concept of"pancreas spleen integration"in the early stage,we proposed that dampness heat stagnation in the spleen and deficiency due to stagnation are the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,among which dampness heat is the soil of pancreatitis deteriorates into pancreatic cancer.Objective Based on the TCM pathogenesis elements of pancreatitis to cancer with"damp heat"as the main factor,data mining technology was used to analyze the properties,channel conversion and active ingredients of heat-clearing Chinese medicines with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,and to summarize the drug characteristics of these Chinese medicines.To prospectively predict the use of drugs in the transformation process of pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.Methods Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine(10th Edition of China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press)as the drug data source,66 heat-clearing herbs were searched in the literature database of CNKI and PubMed of inflammation * TCM or(inflammation+tumor)* TCM.The active ingredients were analyzed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).Results Among the 66 heat-clearing drugs(excluding adjunct drugs),58 herbs had anti-inflammatory effects,53 herbs had anti-tumor effects,and 48 herbs had both anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.The three groups of drugs were mainly bitter,sweet and pungent in five flavors,and were mainly liver,stomach,lung,heart and large intestine in meridian affinity.Five flavors and meridian affinity were highly similar.In the TCMSP,the"five principles of drug class"were used to screen the active ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.A total of 1041 active ingredient data were screened,and 798 active ingredient data were screened after duplicate items were deleted.Top three active ingredients were Luteolin,Kaempferol and Acacetin.Conclusion Based on the analysis of five flavors,meridian affinity and active ingredients of heat-clearing medicine,this study found that the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of these Chinese herbs are highly overlapping,it has important guiding significance for the drug research and clinical prescription of pancreatitis-induced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail