1.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.
2.Analysis of risk factors for postoperative femoral head necrosis in children with femoral neck fractures
Yuan XIAO ; Xin LIU ; Ying ZHOU ; Jia-Jun YE ; Zhi-Qiang DENG ; Bo REN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(9):773-777
Objective To investigate the independent risk factors of postoperative femoral head necrosis for pediatric femoral neck fractures.Methods The clinical data of 122 children with femoral neck fracture who underwent surgery in our hospital from July 2008 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The femoral head necrosis was counted,and the children were divided into the femoral head necrosis group and the femoral head normal group according to the presence of femoral head necrosis,then the risk factors of femoral head necrosis were analyzed.Results Of the 122 children,22 cases(18.03%)had femoral head necrosis.The postoperative femoral head necrosis for pediatric femoral neck fractures may be related to the age,Delbet classification,initial displacement degree,injury mechanism,operation time,internal fixation method and reduction quality(P<0.05),while which has no significant correlation with the gender,side,time from injury to operation,or reduction method(P>0.05).The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that age>10 years,Delbet type of Ⅰ to Ⅱ,initial displacement degree of type Ⅲ,high-energy injury and unacceptable reduction were the independent risk factors of postoperative femoral head necrosis for pediatric femoral neck fractures(P<0.05).Conclusion Older children,or patients with Delbet type of Ⅰ to Ⅱ,large degree of initial displacement,high-energy injury,and unacceptable reduction are the independent risk factors of postoperative femoral head necrosis for pediatric femoral neck fractures.
3.Short term prognosis comparison of transcatheter aortic valve replacement through the femoral artery for patients with pure aortic valve regurgitation of different annulus girths
Nan-Chao HONG ; Sha-Sha CHEN ; Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Chun ZHANG ; Wen-Zhi PAN ; Da-Xin ZHOU ; Jun-Bo GE
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):244-249
Objective To evaluate and compare the success rate and short-term clinical prognosis of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TF-TAVR)for patients with pure aortic regurgitation(PAR)of different annulus sizes.Methods This study is a single center retrospective study,selecting symptomatic PAR patients who received TF-TAVR treatment at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from September 2019 to September 2023.Based on preoperative CT results,all patients were divided into three groups:Group A(aortic annulus circumference<80 mm),Group B(80 mm≤aortic annulus circumference<85 mm),and Group C(aortic annulus circumference≥ 85 mm).The primary endpoint was success rate and 30d all-cause mortality,while the secondary endpoint was TAVR related complications.Results A total of 61 PAR patients were included in this study,including 27 in Group A,21 in Group B,and 13 in Group C.The overall success rate is 82.0%,and the 30 d all-cause mortality rate is 3.3%.The success rate of Group C patients was significantly lower(P=0.012),with higher rates of conversion to surgery and valve-in-valve implantation(P=0.022 and P=0.040).In terms of secondary endpoint events,there were no significant differences among the three groups in major bleeding events,major vascular complications,stroke,myocardial infarction,newly developed atrial fibrillation,implantation of new pacemakers,coronary artery occlusion,and postoperative moderate to severe perivalvular leakage(all P>0.05).Conclusions The circumference of the aortic valve annulus is a key factor affecting the success rate of TF-TAVR in PAR,and PAR patients with an aortic valve annulus circumference less than 85mm may be more suitable for TF-TAVR.
4.Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Cun-Jun ZHU ; Chao GAO ; Bo WANG ; Tao SU ; Ru-Tao WANG ; Yuan HE ; Fang-Jun MOU ; Xiao-Na CHEN ; Fei LI ; Ling TAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(11):642-647
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVR).Methods This was a single-center,retrospective study enrolling a total of 30 patients with reduced LVEF undergoing TAVR from January 2020 to January 2024.Of these,12 patients underwent TAVR with ECMO.Baseline clinical characteristics,preprocedural echocardiographic and computed tomographic(CT)measurements,TAVR procedural details,and follow-up data at 60-day and 6-month were collected.Results Among the 30 patients,there were 20 males with an average age of(67.0±10.4)years,an average STS score of(8.2±1.8)points,and an average LVEF of(21.2±5.3)%.This study included 11 AR patients,all of whom were in the group without ECMO implantation,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.027).During the operation,there were 0 cases of circulatory collapse in the ECMO group,and 5 cases(5/18)of circulatory collapse in the non ECMO group.All 5 patients underwent emergency ECMO placement.There were statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in the comparison of two groups with circulatory collapse and salvage ECMO implantation.The technical success rate of 30 patients was 76.7%(23/30),and the instrument success rate was 60.0%(18/30).Among them,the technical success rate and instrument success rate of the ECMO group were higher than those of the non ECMO group,but the differences were not statistically significant(both P>0.05).During a 30 day follow-up,there were 0 all-cause deaths in the ECMO group and 9 all-cause deaths(9/18)in the non ECMO group.Among them,7 cases(7/18)died from cardiovascular causes.The differences in all-cause and cardiovascular cause deaths between the two groups were statistically significant(both P<0.05).During a 6-month follow-up,one patient with ECMO died due to extensive cerebral infarction.The all-cause mortality rate during the 6-month follow-up was 1/12(8.3%),while the all-cause mortality rate without ECMO was 9/18(5.0%).The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.024).The incidence of stroke with ECMO was 1/12(8.3%),while without ECMO it was 0.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.978).Conclusions In patients with reduced LVEF undergoing TAVR,periprocedural ECMO support does seem to improve patient outcome.
5.Seroepidemiological survey of Lyme disease in Urumqi City,Xinjiang,China
Li YANG ; Zi-Yi ZHANG ; Tong-Tong SHAO ; Xin-Ting LI ; Rong-Jiong ZHENG ; Shi-Yi WANG ; Yuan-Zhi WANG ; Qin HAO ; Xiao-Bo LU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(4):334-339
The prevalence of Lyme disease in endogenous populations in Urumqi,Xinjiang was investigated.In total,795 serum samples were collected from residents of three townships in the surrounding area of Urumqi City from 2022 to 2023,which included 383 from Lucaogou Town,145 from Shuixigou Town,and,267 from Tori Township.Serum levels of IgG and IgM antibodies were screened with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and confirmed by western blot(WB)analysis.Clinical data of WB-positive indi-viduals were collected and comprehensive analysis was con-ducted for case diagnosis.The chi square test was used for statistical analysis of the results and the P<0.05 was consid-ered statistically significant.In total,110(13.84%)of 795 samples were positive.The positivity rates was higher in females than males[16.26%(73/449)vs.10.69%(37/346),x2=5.076,P=0.024],while there was no significant difference among age groups(x2=2.569,P=0.766).The positivity rates for serum antibodies in Shuixigou Town,Lucaogou Town,and Tuoli Township were 17.98%(48/267),14.48%(21/145),and 10.70%(41/383),respectively,with a significantly higher rate in Tuoli Township than Lucaogou Town(x2=7.041,P=0.008).Of 110 individuals who were initially positive for IgG and IgM antibodies with the ELISA,82(10.31%)were con-firmed positive by WB analysis.In total,20(2.52%)patients were diagnosed with Lyme disease based on clinical manifesta-tions.Lyme disease is epidemic among the population in Urumqi,as the infection rate is higher than the national average.Hence,continued surveillance is recommended for prevention of Lyme disease.
6.Effect of CD8+CD28-T Cells on Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
An-Di ZHANG ; Xiao-Xuan WEI ; Jia-Yuan GUO ; Xiang-Shu JIN ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Fei LI ; ZHEN-Yang GU ; Jian BO ; Li-Ping DOU ; Dai-Hong LIU ; Meng LI ; Chun-Ji GAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):896-905
Objective:To investigate the effect of CD8+CD28-T cells on acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(haplo-HSCT).Methods:The relationship between absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells and aGVHD in 60 patients with malignant hematological diseases was retrospectively analyzed after haplo-HSCT,and the differences in the incidence rate of chronic graft-versus host disease(cGVHD),infection and prognosis between different CD8+CD28-T absolute cells count groups were compared.Results:aGVHD occurred in 40 of 60 patients after haplo-HSCT,with an incidence rate of 66.67%.The median occurrence time of aGVHD was 32.5(20-100)days.At 30 days after the transplantation,the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells of aGVHD group was significantly lower than that of non-aGVHD group(P=0.03).Thus the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells at 30 days after transplantation can be used to predict the occurrence of aGVHD to some extent.At 30 days after transplantation,the incidence rate of aGVHD in the low cell count group(CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count<0.06/μl)was significantly higher than that in the high cell count group(CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count ≥0.06/μl,P=0.011).Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed that the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells at 30 days after transplantation was an independent risk factor for aGVHD,and the risk of aGVHD in the low cell count group was 2.222 times higher than that in the high cell count group(P=0.015).The incidence of cGVHD,fungal infection,EBV infection and CMV infection were not significantly different between the two groups with different CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count.The overall survival,non-recurrent mortality and relapse rates were not significantly different between different CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count groups.Conclusion:Patients with delayed CD8+CD28-T cells reconstitution after haplo-HSCT are more likely to develop aGVHD,and the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells can be used to predict the incidence of aGVHD to some extent.The absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells after haplo-HSCT was not associated with cGVHD,fungal infection,EBV infection,and CMV infection,and was also not significantly associated with the prognosis after transplantation.
7.The implementation status and policy analysis of the"Dual-channel"management for drugs in national medical insurance negotiations
Bo PENG ; Xiao-Tong JIANG ; Xiao-Juan ZHANG ; Yuan YE ; Xiao-Lin CAO ; Yang LIU ; Ya-Zi LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(5):9-16
Objective:This study analyzed the provincial policy on the"dual channel"management of drugs,provided suggestions for improving the"dual channel"management models.Methods:From May 10,2021 to April 10,2024,the official websites of the Healthcare Security Administration and the Health Commission of various provinces were searched for policy documents related to the"dual channel"management,and the text data were statistically analyzed.Results:The"dual-channel"management policies of various provinces coexisted with commonalities and differences.Conclusions:It is recommended to refine the access standards of the drug catalog,standardize the setting of the entry threshold of pharmaceutical institutions,scientifically determine the level of medical insurance treatment,and formulate differentiated drug identification and management methods,so as to further weaken the policy restrictive factors.
8.Ionizing radiation-induced damage(IRD)to and repair mechanisms of the male reproductive system:Report of testicular function changes in a case of IRD
Neng-Liang DUAN ; Hua-Pei WANG ; Yuan-Shuai RAN ; Zhi-Xiang GAO ; Feng-Mei CUI ; Qiu CHEN ; Yu-Long LIU ; You-You WANG ; Bo-Xin XUE ; Xiao-Long LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):687-695
Objective:To investigate the impact of ionizing radiation(IR)on the structure and function of the testis and pro-vide some strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR-induced damage(IRD).Methods:Using radiation dose simulation,se-men analysis,hormone testing,electron microscopy and single-cell transcriptome sequencing,we assessed and analyzed a case of IRD.We established a mouse model of IRD to validate the results of single-cell sequencing,and investigated the specific biological mecha-nisms of IRD and potential strategies for its intervention.Results:IR at 1-2 Gy significantly reduced sperm concentration and mo-tility,which gradually recovered after 12 months but the percentage of morphologically normal sperm remained low.It also caused im-balanced levels of various steroid hormones,decreased testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,increased progesterone,prolac-tin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone.Electron microscopy revealed damages to the testis structure,including loss of germ cells,atrophy of the seminiferous tubules,nuclear membrane depression of the spermatocytes,mitochondrial atrophy and de-formation,and reduction of mitochondrial cristae.Single-cell sequencing indicated significant changes in the function of the Leydig cells and macrophages and disrupted lipid-related metabolic pathways after IRD.Administration of L-carnitine to the mouse model im-proved lipid metabolism disorders and partially alleviated IRD to the germ cells.Conclusion:Ionizing radiation can cause disorders of testicular spermatogenesis and sexual hormones and inhibit lipid metabolism pathways in Leydig cells and macrophages.Improving lipid metabolism can alleviate IRD to germ cells.
9.Clinical analysis of 102 cases of labor induction in the third trimester on twin pregnancy.
Xiao Yue GUO ; Peng Bo YUAN ; Yuan WEI ; Yang Yu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(1):41-48
Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of induced labor in twin pregnancy and the related factors of induced labor failure. Methods: The clinical data of twin pregnant women who underwent induced labor in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether they had labor or not after induction, pregnant women were divided into the success group (pregnant women who had labor after induction, 72 cases) and the failure group (pregnant women who did not have labor after induction, 30 cases). Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of induction failure in twin pregnant women. Results: The parity and cervical Bishop score in the failure group were significantly lower than those in the success group, while the proportion of dichorionic diamniotic twins, assisted reproductive technology pregnancy and cervical Bishop score <6, postpartum hospital stay and total hospital stay in the failure group were significantly higher than those in the success group (all P<0.05). The proportion of induced labor by artificial rupture of membranes ± oxytocin intravenous infusion in the success group was 72.2% (52/72), which was significantly higher than that in the failure group (46.7%, 14/30; P=0.030). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the gestational age at delivery, the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion, the amount of postpartum hemorrhage, the neonatal weight of two fetuses, the incidence of neonatal asphyxia, and the proportion of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (all P>0.05). There were no severe perineal laceration and hysterectomy in all pregnant women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primipara (OR=3.064, 95%CI: 1.112-8.443; P=0.030) and cervical Bishop score <6 (OR=5.208, 95%CI: 2.008-13.508; P=0.001) were the independent risk factors for induction failure in twin pregnancy. Conclusions: Elective induction of labor in twin pregnancy is safe and feasible. It is helpful to improve the success rate of induction of labor by strictly grasping the timing and indications of termination of pregnancy, choosing the appropriate method of induction according to the condition of the cervix, and actively promoting cervical ripening .
Infant, Newborn
;
Pregnancy
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Pregnancy Trimester, Third
;
Pregnancy, Twin
;
Postpartum Hemorrhage/etiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Labor, Induced/methods*
;
Cervical Ripening
10.Comprehensive evaluation of TCM resource allocation in Guangzhou community using TOPSIS and RSR
Huili YUAN ; Bo XIAO ; Guang OUYANG ; Ling YANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(2):261-266
Objective To comprehensively evaluate the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation in grassroots community health service centers in Guangzhou in 2022.Methods Based on the index system of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation(community health service center)in Guangzhou,MATLAB R2021a and SPSS 27 software were used to comprehensively evaluate the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation in 116 community health service centers in Guangzhou by TOPSIS method and RSR method.Results The allocation of TCM resources in 5 communities,including Xiaoguwei Street Community Health Service Center in Panyu District,Guangzhou City,Dadong Street Community Health Service Center in Yuexiu District,Guangzhou City,Fengyuan Street Community Health Service Center in Leiwan District,Guangzhou City,was evaluated as"excellent",and the allocation of TCM resources in 4 communities was rated as"poor".In addition,27,53 and 27 community health service centers were rated as"upper middle","medium"and"lower middle"respectively.Analysis of variance showed that the difference was statistically significant(F = 231.268,P<0.001).Conclusion TOPSIS method combined with RSR method can better evaluate the allocation of TCM resources in grass-roots communities:The allocation of TCM resources in grass-roots communities in Guangzhou is generally good,but there are still significant differences among different communities.In the future,health administrative departments at all levels in Guangzhou can rationally allocate resources according to the differences of different com-munities and better improve the capacity building of traditional Chinese medicine service in grassroots communities.

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