1.Revisiting Intelligent Syndrome Differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the Disease-Syndrome Combination Model:Perspectives from Disease "Ambiguity and Precision"
Xinlong LI ; Sulin WANG ; Dongning YAN ; Xinran ZHAO ; Genming ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):705-709
The ambiguity of symptom information in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation can be amplified in the direct reasoning process from symptoms to syndromes in the absence of constraints, which affects the accuracy and stability of intelligent syndrome differentiation. TCM disease concepts, while historically rational, are structurally ambiguous in both their connotation and extension, making it difficult to serve as stable prior knowledge in intelligent modeling. In contrast, modern medical diseases, based on objective testing and quantifiable indicators, have relatively clear boundaries and reproducible standards. This study proposes a disease-syndrome combination model, adopting modern medical diseases as structural prior variables to reconstruct the hierarchical relationships among disease, symptoms, and syndromes. By applying disease constraints, effective screening of information from the four examinations and compressing the reasoning space are achieved. Furthermore, by integrating artificial intelligence technologies, such as multimodal fusion and knowledge graphs, an intelligent syndrome differentiation model driven by both prior knowledge and clinical data is constructed, providing a feasible path to enhance the accuracy of syndrome differentiation and realize the intelligentization of TCM diagnosis and treatment.
2.Pristimerin induces Noxa-dependent apoptosis by activating the FoxO3a pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Mengyuan FENG ; Anjie ZHANG ; Jingyi WU ; Xinran CHENG ; Qingyu YANG ; Yunlai GONG ; Xiaohui HU ; Wentao JI ; Xianjun YU ; Qun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):585-592
Pristimerin, which is one of the compounds present in Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae, has antitumor effects. However, its mechanism of action in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of pristimerin on ESCC in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of pristimerin on cell growth was assessed using trypan blue exclusion and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cell transfection and RNA interference assays were utilized to examine the role of key proteins in pristimerin?s effect. Xenograft models were established to evaluate the antitumor efficiency of pristimerin in vivo. Pristimerin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in ESCC cells. Upregulation of Noxa was crucial for pristimerin-induced apoptosis. Pristimerin activated the Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) signaling pathway and triggered FoxO3a recruitment to the Noxa promoter, leading to Noxa transcription. Blocking FoxO3a reversed pristimerin-induced Noxa upregulation and cell apoptosis. Pristimerin treatment suppressed xenograft tumors in nude mice, but these effects were largely negated in Noxa-KO tumors. Furthermore, the chemosensitization effects of pristimerin in vitro and in vivo were mediated by Noxa. This study demonstrates that pristimerin exerts an antitumor effect on ESCC by inducing AKT/FoxO3a-mediated Noxa upregulation. These findings suggest that pristimerin may serve as a potent anticancer agent for ESCC treatment.
Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics*
;
Humans
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/physiopathology*
;
Esophageal Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Pentacyclic Triterpenes
;
Animals
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Triterpenes/pharmacology*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Male
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*
3.Visualization analysis on research status and hotspots of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache based on VOSviewer
Xinran ZHAO ; Xinlong LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenna LIU ; Xing LYU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(7):999-1004
Objective:To explore the research status and hotspots of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache using bibliometrics.Methods:Literature about TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache was retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM from the establishment of the databases to July 18, 2024. Excel 2023 was used to extract information such as publication time, author, unit and keywords of the literature. The authors' affiliation and keywords were preprocessed. VOSviewer software was used for keyword co-occurrence analysis and clustering analysis, and a keyword temporal overlay network was constructed.Results:Totally 1 513 articles were finally included. The journal with the largest number of publications was Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine. 346 authors were involved, initially forming research teams represented with Cao Kegang, Zhou Jianwei, Ni Jinjun, etc., mainly from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.; the included literature included a total of 2 153 keywords, which the frequency of 5 931 times in total. The top three keywords in frequency were acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, clinical efficacy, and experience of famous doctors. Current research hotspots included data mining, network pharmacology, literature research, syndrome elements, medication law, venturing and bloodletting therapy, calcitonin gene-related peptide, classic prescriptions, nitric oxide, etc. Conclusions:At present, research on TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache mainly focuses on three major sections: acupuncture, moxibustion and massage, clinical efficacy of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, and experience of famous doctors. Future research mainly focuses on data mining, medication law, network pharmacology, syndrome elements, and pathogenesis.
4.Nanomaterials evoke pyroptosis boosting cancer immunotherapy.
Zhenhua LI ; Ziyue XI ; Chuanyong FAN ; Xinran XI ; Yao ZHOU ; Ming ZHAO ; Lu XU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):852-875
Cancer immunotherapy is currently a very promising therapeutic strategy for treating tumors. However, its effectiveness is restricted by insufficient antigenicity and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME). Pyroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death (PCD), causes cells to swell and rupture, releasing pro-inflammatory factors that can enhance immunogenicity and remodel the ITME. Nanomaterials, with their distinct advantages and different techniques, are increasingly popular, and nanomaterial-based delivery systems demonstrate significant potential to potentiate, enable, and augment pyroptosis. This review summarizes and discusses the emerging field of nanomaterials-induced pyroptosis, focusing on the mechanisms of nanomaterials-induced pyroptosis pathways and strategies to activate or enhance specific pyroptosis. Additionally, we provide perspectives on the development of this field, aiming to accelerate its further clinical transition.
5.Morphological and hemodynamic parameters of CT angiography for predicting recurrence of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular embolization
Xinran WANG ; Bin HU ; Zhao SHI ; Longjiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(1):9-14
Objective To investigate the value of morphological and hemodynamic parameters of CT angiography(CTA)for predicting recurrence of intracranial aneurysms(IA)after endovascular embolization.Methods Totally 205 patients with ruptured IA who underwent endovascular embolization were retrospectively collected and divided into recurrence group(n=35)and non-recurrence group(n=170)according to follow-up results after embolization.The morphological and hemodynamic parameters of IA in CTA before treatment were compared between groups.Variance inflation factor(VIF)was used to explore whether there was collinearity between morphological and hemodynamic parameters,and those without collinearity were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen predictors of recurrence of IA after endovascular embolization.Two prediction models were constructed based on morphological parameters(model 1)and combination with hemodynamic parameters(model 2).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of models.Results The maximum diameter,aneurysm neck width,maximum height,maximum vertical height and size ratio(SR)of IA in recurrence group were all higher than those in non-recurrence group(all P<0.05),while gradient oscillatory number(GON)in recurrence group was lower than that in non-recurrence group(P<0.05).The neck width,SR,pressure at IA neck plane,intra-aneurysm time-averaged wall shear stress(TAWSS),oscillatory shear index(OSI)and GON had no significant collinearity(all VIF<10),among which the neck width,SR and TAWSS were all independent predictors(all P<0.05).AUC of model 1 and model 2 for predicting recurrence of IA after endovascular embolization was 0.668 and 0.723,respectively,which of model 2 was higher than which of model 1(integrated discrimination improvement index was 0.055,P=0.025).Conclusion CTA morphological parameters combined with hemodynamic parameters of IA could be used to predict its recurrence after endovascular embolization.
6.Effect of electroacupuncture on learning and memory abilities in vascular dementia rats via the NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway-mediated ferritinophagy.
Wei SUN ; Yinghua CHEN ; Tong WU ; Hongxu ZHAO ; Haoyu WANG ; Ruiqi QIN ; Xiaoqing SU ; Junfeng LI ; Yuanyu SONG ; Yue MIAO ; Xinran LI ; Yusheng HAN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1271-1280
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) on hippocampal neuronal ferritinophagy mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)/ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) signaling pathway in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture for VD.
METHODS:
A total of 60 male rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group (12 rats), a sham surgery group (12 rats) and a modeling group (36 rats). In the modeling group, the modified 4-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The 24 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at left and right "Sishencong" (EX-HN1), and bilateral "Fengchi" (GB20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min a time, once daily for 21 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test before modeling, after modeling and after intervention, as well as the novel object recognition test after intervention. After intervention, the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus was observed by Nissl staining; the iron deposition was observed by Prussian blue staining; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining; the levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by the colorimetric assay, TBA method, and WST-1 method, respectively; the positive expression of NCOA4, FTH1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expression of NCOA4, FTH1, GPX4, and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham surgery group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of platform crossings reduced (P<0.01), the recognition index (RI) was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons displayed a blurred laminar structure, disorganized cellular arrangement, and the number of Nissl bodies was decreased (P<0.01); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were increased (P<0.01), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the escape latency was shortened and the number of platform crossings was increased (P<0.01), the RI was increased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons exhibited more regular morphology, better-organized cellular structure, and the number of Nissl bodies was increased (P<0.05); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus reduced (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were increased (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) can improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the hippocampal NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferritinophagy, and alleviation of oxidative stress damage.
Animals
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Electroacupuncture
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Dementia, Vascular/genetics*
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Male
;
Rats
;
Signal Transduction
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Humans
;
Memory
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/genetics*
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Ferritins/genetics*
;
Learning
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
7.Gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease.
Lin WANG ; Ying CUI ; Bingyu HAN ; Yitong DU ; Kenish Sirajbhai SALEWALA ; Shiya WANG ; Wenlu ZHAO ; Hongxin ZHANG ; Sichen WANG ; Xinran XU ; Jianpeng MA ; Yan ZHU ; Houzhen TUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):289-297
Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of PD, and numerous studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of modulations in the intestinal microbiota. This review provides insights into the characterization of the gut microbiota in patients with PD and highlights associations with clinical symptoms and underlying mechanisms. The discussion underscores the increased influence of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PD. While the relationship is not fully elucidated, existing research demonstrates a strong correlation between changes in the composition of gut microbiota and disease development, and further investigation is warranted to explain the specific underlying mechanisms.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/microbiology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
;
Dysbiosis/microbiology*
8.Role of pulmonary phospholipids and their PLA2-derived metabo-lites lysophospholipids and fatty acids in the induction of acute lung injury in mice
Jianyu WANG ; Ruizhi LIN ; Xinran ZHAO ; Yajing WEI ; Lin WANG ; Xiuli ZHAO ; Jun YANG ; Yongan WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(10):751-760
OBJECTIVE To investigate the acute lung injury effects of pulmonary phospholipids and their phospholipase A2(PLA2)decomposition products-lysophospholipids and fatty acids-on mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to the following groups:① solvent control(PBS)and PLA2;② solvent control and glycerol phospholipid groups:1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine(DOPS),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine(DPPS),1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanol-amine(DOPE),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine(DPPE),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine(DPPC),and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine(SOPC);③ solvent con-trol and fatty acid groups:palmitic acid(PA),oleic acid;④ solvent control and lysophospholipid groups:1-oleoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine(18∶1 LysoPS),1-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine(18∶0 LysoPS),1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine(16∶0 LysoPS),1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phos-phoethanolamine(16∶0 LysoPE),1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine(16∶0 LysoPC);⑤ solvent control,PLA2,DPPC,PA,16∶0 LysoPC,16∶0 LysoPS,and 18∶1 LysoPS.Following anesthesia,mice were administered nebulized PBS in the solvent control group,2.1 ug·kg-1 PLA2 in PBS in the PLA2 group and 2.5 mg·kg-1 of the corresponding substance in PBS in other experimental groups.For group①,survival times were recorded and survival curves were plotted.At 1 h post-treatment,lung tissues from groups ①②③④ were collected,photographed to obtain white light images,and subjected to HE staining to assess histopathological changes and pathological scoring.At 2 h post-treatment,pulmonary blood flow in group ⑤ was assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging,arterial blood gas was analyzed with a blood gas analyzer,and lung function was evaluated using whole-body pleth-ysmography.At 6 hours post-treatment,blood cells from group ⑤ were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer.RESULTS Compared with the solvent control group,severe pathological changes were observed in lung tissues of the PLA2 group,accompanied by extensive inflammatory infiltration and interstitial thickening,with all mice succumbing within 240 min.In mice treated with glyc-erol phospholipids,alveolar structures remained clear,alveolar walls were intact and continuous,and alveolar spaces were translucent,with only occasional minor inflammatory cell infiltration in the septa.No significant pathological alterations were detected in the fatty acid groups.Minor inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in the 16∶0 LysoPE and 16∶0 LysoPC groups.However,such pathological changes as patchy hemorrhage,alveolar interstitial edema,increased alveolar wall thickness,and elevated neutrophil counts were observed in the 18∶1 LysoPS,18∶0 LysoPS,and 16∶0 LysoPS groups.Pathological scores based on HE staining were significantly increased in the 16∶0 LysoPS and 18∶1 LysoPS groups com-pared with the solvent control.The percentage of the lung tissue injury area was also markedly higher in the 16∶0 LysoPS group.A significant decrease in the mean fluorescence intensity of blood flow was observed in the 16∶0 LysoPS group.Arterial partial pressure of oxygen(pO2)was significantly reduced in the PLA2 group,while arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(pCO2)was markedly elevated in the 16∶0 LysoPS and 18∶1 LysoPS groups.Lung function tests revealed that the 16∶0 LysoPS group exhibited significant increases in expiratory time,end-expiratory pressure,and enhanced pause,in contrast to significant decreases in tidal volume,expired volume,and minute volume.The 18∶1 LysoPS group also exhibited a significant decline in minute volume.No significant changes in inflammatory cell concentrations were detected in blood,with the exception of neutrophils in the 16∶0 LysoPS group,which showed a significant but physiologically normal increase.CONCLUSION Pulmonary phospholipids and their PLA2-derived fatty acid metabolites do not induce severe lung injury in mice while the lyso-phospholipid metabolites,particularly lysophosphatidylserine,are found to cause significant lung injury.
9.Central nervous system-targeted reactivator HI-6 lipid nanoparti-cles for salvage of organophosphorus-induced brain injury mice
Ruizhi LIN ; Jianyu WANG ; Yajing WEI ; Xinran ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Jun YANG ; Yongan WANG ; Cuiyun YU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(9):641-650
OBJECTIVE To construct novel central nervous system(CNS)-targeted lipid nanoparti-cles for the treatment of organophosphorus-induced brain injury in mice.METHODS(1)Preparation,screening,and characterization of lipid nanoparticles.① Lipid nanoreactivators were prepared using the thin-film hydration method,with asoxime(HI-6)as the therapeutic drug and lipid carriers composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine(POPS),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-choline(DPPC),and cholesterol(CHOL)(PDC)at varying molar ratios(1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3 and 7∶0∶3)(HI-6@PDC 1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3 and 7∶0∶3).② FLU-labeled lipid nanocarriers(FLU@PDC 1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3,and 7∶0∶3)were prepared and physically mixed with phospholipase A2(PLA2)solution(at the final PLA2 concentration of 10 kU·L-1)to obtain FLU@PDC+PLA2.Male KM mice were randomly divided into normal control(PBS),FLU,and FLU@PDC+PLA2(1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3,and 7∶0∶3)groups(n=7 per group).After intravenous(iv)administration(FLU dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain tissues were collected at 1 h,homogenized,centrifuged,and analyzed via fluorescence spectrophotom-etry to screen the optimal CNS-targeted lipid carrier composition.③ The morphology of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 was characterized by transmission electron microscope(TEM).The particle size,polydispersity index(PDI),and zeta potential of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 were measured using a Zeta potential and particle size analyzer.Encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 were determined using an ultrafiltration centrifugation method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).In vitro release kinetics of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 were assessed using a dialysis bag diffusion method combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry.(2)Validation of CNS targeting.① Cyanine7(Cy7)-labeled PDC 5∶2∶3(Cy7@PDC)was prepared and mixed with PLA2 solution(Cy7@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3).Mice were divided into normal control,Cy7,Cy7@PDC 5∶2∶3 and Cy7@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 groups(n=3 per group).After iv injection(Cy7 dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain fluorescence was visualized at 3 h using a small animal in vivo imaging(IVIS)system.② Cyanine 3(Cy3)-labeled PDC 5∶2∶3(Cy3@PDC 5∶2∶3)was prepared and mixed with PLA2 solution(Cy3@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3).Mice were divided into Cy3@PDC 5∶2∶3 and Cy3@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 groups(n=3 per group).After iv injection(Cy3 dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain tissues were collected at 2 h for fluorescent staining and Cy3 fluorescence observation.(3)Therapeutic efficacy eval-uation.① Male KM mice were randomly divided into normal control,brain injury,HI-6 treatment,and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 treatment groups(n=6 per group).Except for the normal control,all the mice were subcutaneously(sc)injected with soman(120 μg·kg-1),followed by immediate iv treatment(HI-6 dose:22 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1).At 10 min,orbital blood and brain tissues were collected before brain weight was recorded.Acetylcholinesterase(AChE)reactivation in blood and brain was measured using the Ellman method.② Grouping and treatment were identical to ①(n=3 per group).At 24 h,brain tissues were collected for HE staining to assess histopathological damage.③ Mice were divided into brain injury and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 treatment groups(n=10 per group)and treated as in ①(soman dose:220 ug·kg-1).Survival rates,neurotoxic symptoms(tremors,salivation),and seizure latency were recorded,and survival curves were plotted.RESULTS(1)PDC 5∶2∶3 exhibited the highest brain fluorescence,indicating optimal CNS targeting.HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 appeared in regular spherical shapes,and were negatively charged,with a size of(219.4±3.1)nm,PDI of 0.4±0.02,entrapment effi-ciency of 72.9%and loading efficiency of 49.7%.HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 showed a cumulative release of 43.5%at 60 min,which was lower than that of rhodamine B(RB)but sufficient for CNS therapeutic timelines.(2)In vivo fluorescence and pathological fluorescence confirmed PLA2-mediated CNS delivery.(3)HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 significantly enhanced AChE reactivation in the blood and brain compared to HI-6.Histopathology revealed mitigated brain injury in treated mice.HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 prolonged survival,reduced convulsions,alleviated neurotoxicity,and extended seizure latency.CONCLUSION HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier via PLA2 mediation,demonstrating strong CNS targeting.It can significantly improve AChE reactivation in peripheral and central tissues and offers potent therapeutic efficacy against organophosphate-induced brain injury.
10.Central nervous system-targeted reactivator HI-6 lipid nanoparti-cles for salvage of organophosphorus-induced brain injury mice
Ruizhi LIN ; Jianyu WANG ; Yajing WEI ; Xinran ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Jun YANG ; Yongan WANG ; Cuiyun YU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(9):641-650
OBJECTIVE To construct novel central nervous system(CNS)-targeted lipid nanoparti-cles for the treatment of organophosphorus-induced brain injury in mice.METHODS(1)Preparation,screening,and characterization of lipid nanoparticles.① Lipid nanoreactivators were prepared using the thin-film hydration method,with asoxime(HI-6)as the therapeutic drug and lipid carriers composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine(POPS),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-choline(DPPC),and cholesterol(CHOL)(PDC)at varying molar ratios(1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3 and 7∶0∶3)(HI-6@PDC 1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3 and 7∶0∶3).② FLU-labeled lipid nanocarriers(FLU@PDC 1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3,and 7∶0∶3)were prepared and physically mixed with phospholipase A2(PLA2)solution(at the final PLA2 concentration of 10 kU·L-1)to obtain FLU@PDC+PLA2.Male KM mice were randomly divided into normal control(PBS),FLU,and FLU@PDC+PLA2(1∶6∶3,3∶4∶3,5∶2∶3,and 7∶0∶3)groups(n=7 per group).After intravenous(iv)administration(FLU dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain tissues were collected at 1 h,homogenized,centrifuged,and analyzed via fluorescence spectrophotom-etry to screen the optimal CNS-targeted lipid carrier composition.③ The morphology of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 was characterized by transmission electron microscope(TEM).The particle size,polydispersity index(PDI),and zeta potential of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 were measured using a Zeta potential and particle size analyzer.Encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 were determined using an ultrafiltration centrifugation method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).In vitro release kinetics of HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 were assessed using a dialysis bag diffusion method combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry.(2)Validation of CNS targeting.① Cyanine7(Cy7)-labeled PDC 5∶2∶3(Cy7@PDC)was prepared and mixed with PLA2 solution(Cy7@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3).Mice were divided into normal control,Cy7,Cy7@PDC 5∶2∶3 and Cy7@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 groups(n=3 per group).After iv injection(Cy7 dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain fluorescence was visualized at 3 h using a small animal in vivo imaging(IVIS)system.② Cyanine 3(Cy3)-labeled PDC 5∶2∶3(Cy3@PDC 5∶2∶3)was prepared and mixed with PLA2 solution(Cy3@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3).Mice were divided into Cy3@PDC 5∶2∶3 and Cy3@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 groups(n=3 per group).After iv injection(Cy3 dose:1 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1),brain tissues were collected at 2 h for fluorescent staining and Cy3 fluorescence observation.(3)Therapeutic efficacy eval-uation.① Male KM mice were randomly divided into normal control,brain injury,HI-6 treatment,and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 treatment groups(n=6 per group).Except for the normal control,all the mice were subcutaneously(sc)injected with soman(120 μg·kg-1),followed by immediate iv treatment(HI-6 dose:22 mg·kg-1,carrier dose:80 mg·kg-1).At 10 min,orbital blood and brain tissues were collected before brain weight was recorded.Acetylcholinesterase(AChE)reactivation in blood and brain was measured using the Ellman method.② Grouping and treatment were identical to ①(n=3 per group).At 24 h,brain tissues were collected for HE staining to assess histopathological damage.③ Mice were divided into brain injury and HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 treatment groups(n=10 per group)and treated as in ①(soman dose:220 ug·kg-1).Survival rates,neurotoxic symptoms(tremors,salivation),and seizure latency were recorded,and survival curves were plotted.RESULTS(1)PDC 5∶2∶3 exhibited the highest brain fluorescence,indicating optimal CNS targeting.HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 appeared in regular spherical shapes,and were negatively charged,with a size of(219.4±3.1)nm,PDI of 0.4±0.02,entrapment effi-ciency of 72.9%and loading efficiency of 49.7%.HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 showed a cumulative release of 43.5%at 60 min,which was lower than that of rhodamine B(RB)but sufficient for CNS therapeutic timelines.(2)In vivo fluorescence and pathological fluorescence confirmed PLA2-mediated CNS delivery.(3)HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 significantly enhanced AChE reactivation in the blood and brain compared to HI-6.Histopathology revealed mitigated brain injury in treated mice.HI-6@PDC+PLA2 5∶2∶3 prolonged survival,reduced convulsions,alleviated neurotoxicity,and extended seizure latency.CONCLUSION HI-6@PDC 5∶2∶3 can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier via PLA2 mediation,demonstrating strong CNS targeting.It can significantly improve AChE reactivation in peripheral and central tissues and offers potent therapeutic efficacy against organophosphate-induced brain injury.

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