1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
4.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
5.B7-H3 molecule inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway
Lin ZHENG ; Jianxin ZHONG ; Ke NIU ; Qing XU ; Huijuan LING ; Yayu ZHU ; Bing CHEN ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):232-238
ObjectiveTo explore the role of the histone deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/p53 signaling pathway in promoting apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) induced by the co-stimulatory molecule B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3). MethodsThe GEPIA 2 platform was used for survival analysis of NSCLC patients based on B7⁃H3 gene expression levels. The Gene Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to analyze the enrichment characteristics of B7⁃H3 molecules in the gene set of cell apoptosis. In the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line, B7⁃H3 was knocked down, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1 and p53 were detected by Western blot. B7⁃H3 was overexpressed in A549 cells and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. Overexpression of B7⁃H3 and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed in A549 cell line. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected respectively by Western blot. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. ResultsThe overall survival of the B7-H3 high-expression group was significantly lower than that of the low-expression group (P<0.01). B7-H3 was significantly enriched in the cell apoptosis signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in the B7⁃H3 knockdown group (both P<0.001). Overexpression of B7-H3 significantly up-regulated SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05), down-regulated p53 expression (P<0.01), and markedly increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (P<0.001). The results of Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells with overexpressed B7⁃H3 decreased (the apoptosis rate of the control group was 26.72%±4.13%, while that of the B7⁃H3 overexpression group was 13.87%±0.82%; P<0.01). In B7-H3-overexpressing cell lines, SIRT1 knockdown significantly reversed apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated p53 protein expression (P<0.001), and markedly reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.001). ConclusionB7-H3 molecule inhibits the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.
6.Intervention effect of school based salt reduction health education on knowledge attitude behavior and urinary sodium among primary school students
YANG Zheng, XU Jie, MAO Tao, CHENG Luyao, YANG Zeguang, QU Chen, ZHEN Shiqi, LIN Jiajin, ZHANG Yang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):637-641
Objective:
To evaluate the intervention effect of school based salt reduction health education, so as to provide a scientific basis for constructing a more effective and sustainable salt reduction intervention model for children.
Methods:
According to a randomized controlled trial design, in June 2022, probability proportional to size sampling was used to select 501 second grade students (248 in the control group and 253 in the intervention group) from 10 primary schools in Zhenjiang (intervention group) and 10 primary schools in Yangzhou (control group), Jiangsu Province. An one year school based salt reduction health education intervention was implemented. This included 20 online and 8 offline health education sessions, monitoring of salt consumption in the canteen, and the establishment of a salt reduction environment on campus. The control group received no additional salt reduction interventions. A questionnaire survey and 24 hour urinary sodium test were conducted before and after the intervention. The difference in differences method was used to evaluate the intervention effect.
Results:
After the intervention, the intervention group showed significant net intervention effects in knowledge aspects, including knowing that primary school students consume less salt than adults ( OR=3.55,95%CI =1.69-7.47), daily salt intake of primary school students ( OR=6.64,95%CI =3.71-11.87), long term high salt intake leading to hypertension ( OR=6.83,95%CI =3.93-11.91), low salt intake not causing hair graying ( OR= 1.66 ,95%CI =1.00-2.75), salt content in food labels ( OR=4.56,95%CI =2.63-7.91), and common high salt foods ( OR=3.39,95%CI =1.87-6.14) (all P <0.05). In terms of attitude, the net intervention effect for having a positive attitude toward using less salt in home cooking was significantly increased ( OR=1.88,95%CI =1.13-3.12, P <0.05). There were no statistically significant net intervention effects for salt reduction related behaviors (all P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes of 24 hour urinary sodium between the intervention group and the control group before and after intervention ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
School based salt reduction health education effectively improves students salt reduction knowledge and attitudes but has a limited effect on behavior change. The home-school collaboration should be strengthened, and the dietary environment should be optimized simultaneously.
7.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
8.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
9.Celastrol attenuates sodium oxalate-induced acute kidney injury and crystal deposition by inhibiting NF-κB
Yiheng LIU ; Quanyou ZHENG ; Wanyuan ZHANG ; Chenhao YANG ; Siyu CHEN ; Wenbiao LIN ; Siyu ZHAO ; Guilian XU ; Keqin ZHANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):691-700
Objective To investigate the role and possible mechanism of celastrol(Cel)in sodium oxalate(NaOx)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)and crystal deposition in the kidney tissues in mice.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(aged 8~12 weeks,weighing 22~24 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups.Saline group(control group,intraperitoneal injection with normal saline and drinking water freely),NaOx group(injured group,intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg NaOx,and drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx),and NaOx+Cel group(treatment group,intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg Cel firstly and then 75 mg/kg NaOx in 24 h later,drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx).All specimens were collected in 24 h after NaOx injection.HK-2 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:Medium group(no treatment),NaOx group(500 μmol/L NaOx),NaOx+Cel group(400 nmol/L Cel pre-treatment for 2 h followed by 500 μmol/L NaOx treatment),and NaOx+Cel+BA group[8 μmol/L betulinic acid(BA,NF-κB agonist)after the interventions as the NaOx+Cel group].Cells of each group were collected in 24 h after corresponding treatments.Von Koosa and cell adhesion assays were used to observe crystal deposition.HE staining was employed to observe renal histopathology and score the damage.CCK-8 assay was utilized to detect cell viability to obtain the optimal concentrations of NaOx and Cel.Serum urea and creatinine levels were detected.Immunohisotochemical assay was conducted to detect the expression of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,NGAL,p65,IL-1β,BAX,and Caspase-3,and Western blotting was performed for protein levels of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,p65,P-p65 and IL-1β.Results The mice in the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal deposition(P<0.0001),attenuated renal tubular damage(P<0.01),decreased serum urea and creatinine levels(P<0.05),and declined expression levels of the renal adhesion molecules OPN and CD44,the kidney injury molecules KIM-1 and NGAL,the inflammation-associated molecules p65 and IL-1β,and the apoptosis related molecules BAX and Caspase-3 when compared with the NaOx group(P<0.05).In in vitro study,the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal adhesion(P<0.0001),decreased expression of the adhesion molecules OPN and CD44(P<0.05),down-regulation of the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and P-p65/p65 ratio(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the renal injury molecule KIM-1(P<0.05)when compared with the NaOx group.In the NaOx+Cel+BA group,crystal adhesion was significantly increased(P<0.0001),the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and the ratio of P-p65/p65 were increased(P<0.05),and the kidney injury molecule KIM-1 was increased when compared with the NaOx+Cel group(P<0.05).Conclusion Cel may reduce NaOx-induced crystal deposition and AKI by inhibiting NF-κB activation.
10.Clinical significance and diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in plasma from NSCLC
Qing Xu ; Lin Zheng ; Huijuan Ling ; Yayu Zhu ; Ke Niu ; Liwen Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1120-1126
Objective :
To establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for exosome B7-H3 in plas- ma , and to explore the clinical significance and diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in plasma from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) .
Methods :
The plasma of 70 NSCLC patients (NSCLC group) and 36 healthy controls (HC group) were collected . Exosomes and microvesicles in plasma were separated by ultra-fast centrifuge method , and the expression levels of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes in NSCLC groups and HC groups were compared by Western blot method . In NSCLC group , the expression levels of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes and microvesicles in NSCLC group were compared . A simple and feasible ELISA method was established to detect the expression level of exosome B7 - H3 in plasma by means of polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and its clinical significance was analyzed . Lo- gistic regression model was established to predict plasma-derived exosome B7-H3 as a risk factor , and receiver op- erating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to investigate the diagnostic value of exosome B7-H3 in NSCLC .
Results:
For exosomes and microvesicles in plasma which were extracted by ultracentrifugation , Western blot results showed that the expression level of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes of NSCLC group was higher than that of HC group (P = 0. 032) , and the expression level of B7-H3 in plasma exosomes was higher than that of microvesicles of NSCLC group (P = 0. 012) . The expression level of exosome B7-H3 in plasma extracted by PEG precipitation was also higher in NSCLC group than that in HC group (P = 0. 024) . The expression level of exosome B7-H3 in plasma of NSCLC patients was not related to gender , age , smoking or pathological type , but was related to T stage (P = 0. 002) , N stage (P < 0. 001) , M stage (P = 0. 010) and AJCC stage (P < 0. 001) . Multivariate Logistic regres- sion analysis identified exosome B7-H3 in plasma as a risk factor for NSCLC . ROC analysis showed that the sensi- tivity of exosome B7-H3 in plasma for the diagnosis of NSCLC (0. 843) was higher than that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (0. 743) , whereas the specificity (0. 722) was lower than that of CEA (0. 833) . Combined de- tection of exosome B7-H3 and CEA (AUC = 0. 928 , 95% CI:0. 877 - 0. 979) had a higher diagnostic performance for NSCLC .
Conclusion
B7-H3 in plasma exosomes is related to the cancer staging of NSCLC , and the combined detection of exosome B7-H3 and CEA in plasma is conducive to the laboratory diagnosis of NSCLC .


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