1.Exploring Multi-target Effect of Erzhiwan on Improving Myocardial Injury in Ovariectomized Mice Based on Non-targeted Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Pei LI ; Ruyuan ZHU ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):74-84
ObjectiveTo explore the target of Erzhiwan in reducing myocardial injury in ovariectomized mice through non-targeted myocardial metabolomics combined with experimental verification. MethodsOvariectomized mouse model was selected, 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, estrogen group(estradiol valerate, 1.3×10-4 g·kg-1), Erzhiwan low and high dose groups(3.12, 9.36 g·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding dose of Erzhiwan by gavage, and the sham operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe myocardial morphological changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of estrogen, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), hypersensitive troponin T(hs-TnT), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The non-targeted metabolomics of mouse myocardium were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the differential metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways were obtained. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in mouse myocardial tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed abnormal cardiac function, increased myocardial fiber space, cardiomyocyte atrophy, sarcoplasmic aggregation, and occasional dissolution or rupture of muscle fiber, the level of estrogen in the serum was decreased, the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, TG, TC and LDL-C were increased, and the level of HDL-C was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Erzhiwan could increase the level of estrogen, improve the abnormal cardiac function, reduce the pathological injury of myocardial tissue, decrease the levels of myocardial injury markers(NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α), decrease the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased the level of HDL-C(P<0.01). The results of non-targeted myocardial metabolomics showed that 31 of the 162 differential metabolites between the model group and sham operation group were significantly adjusted after administration of Erzhiwan, which were mainly glycerol phospholipid metabolites. Pathway enrichment results showed that Erzhiwan mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG) pathway and other metabolic pathways. Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of phosphatidylcholine(PC, 11 types) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE, 5 types) in mouse myocardial tissue of the model group were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of PC(11 types) and PE(5 types) were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in myocardial tissue of Erzhiwan group, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were elevated(P<0.01). ConclusionErzhiwan can alleviate the pathological injury of myocardium in ovariectomized mice, improve the abnormal cardiac function, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce the levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors, which involves a number of signaling and metabolic pathways in the heart, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and PI3K/Akt pathway may have key roles.
2.Improvement of quality standards for Zhuang medicine Yingbupu (Aralia armata)
Xiangpei ZHAO ; Jieying SU ; Tao XU ; Jing LIANG ; Yanjing LI ; Mei YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2645-2650
OBJECTIVE To improve the quality standard of Zhuang medicine Yingbupu (Aralia armata). METHODS A total of 23 batches of Yingbupu (A. armata) were studied. Their macroscopic characteristics and powder microscopic features were observed. TLC was employed for the qualitative identification of oleanolic acid and araloside A. Items such as water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and ethanol-soluble extract were determined according to the methods specified in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (part Ⅳ). UPLC fingerprint was established for 23 batches of samples by using Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 edition), and the contents of oleanolic acid and araloside A were determined. RESULTS The powder microscopic characteristics of the medicinal material were distinctive. Oleanolic acid and araloside A were detected by TLC in all 23 batches. Among the 23 batches of samples, the content ranges of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and ethanol-soluble extract were 6.9% to 10.4%, 1.8% to 6.8%, 0.1% to 1.9%, and 2.8% to 8.4%, respectively. Based on the UPLC fingerprint, a total of 15 common peaks were obtained, and 9 of these common peaks were identified. The content ranges of oleanolic acid and araloside A in the 23 batches of samples were 0.86% to 2.69% and 0.16% to 1.10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study has added items such as moisture and total ash content fingerprint, TLC identification. A preliminary quality standard has been established for the medicinal material of Yingbupu (A. armata), stipulating that the moisture content should not exceed 11.0%, the total ash content should not exceed 5.0%, the acid-insoluble ash content should not exceed 2.5%, the ethanol-soluble extract(No. content should not be less than 4.0%, and the contents of zyyzdxk-2023165) oleanolic acid and araloside A should not be less than 1.00% and 0.45%( calculated by a dried basis), respectively.
3.USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 axis confers chemoresistance through decreasing doxorubicin accumulation in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Yang OU ; Kun ZHANG ; Qiuying SHUAI ; Chenyang WANG ; Huayu HU ; Lixia CAO ; Chunchun QI ; Min GUO ; Zhaoxian LI ; Jie SHI ; Yuxin LIU ; Siyu ZUO ; Xiao CHEN ; Yanjing WANG ; Mengdan FENG ; Hang WANG ; Peiqing SUN ; Yi SHI ; Guang YANG ; Shuang YANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2593-2611
Recent studies have indicated that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 51 (USP51), a novel deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that mediates protein degradation as part of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms and signaling networks involved in USP51-mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes remain largely unknown. The present study provides evidence of USP51's functions as the prominent DUB in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. At the molecular level, ectopic expression of USP51 stabilized the 78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein (GRP78) protein through deubiquitination, thereby increasing its expression and localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, the upregulation of cell surface GRP78 increased the activity of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the main efflux pump of doxorubicin (DOX), ultimately decreasing its accumulation in TNBC cells and promoting the development of drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, we found significant correlations among USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 expression in TNBC patients with chemoresistance. Elevated USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 levels were also strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. Importantly, we revealed an alternative intervention for specific pharmacological targeting of USP51 for TNBC cell chemosensitization. In conclusion, these findings collectively indicate that the USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 network is a key contributor to the malignant progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of TNBC cells, underscoring the pivotal role of USP51 as a novel therapeutic target for cancer management.
4.A high clinically translatable strategy to anti-aging using hyaluronic acid and silk fibroin co-crosslinked hydrogels as dermal regenerative fillers.
Jialing CHENG ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Demin LIN ; Yanfang YANG ; Yanjing BAI ; Lingshuang WANG ; Jie LI ; Yuchen WANG ; Hongliang WANG ; Youbai CHEN ; Jun YE ; Yuling LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3767-3787
An ideal dermal filler should integrate filling, repair, and anti-aging effects, with immediate tissue augmentation, slow degradation, and progressive stimulation of collagen regeneration. However, commonly used hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, while effective for rapid filling, suffer from limited duration of support, weak cell adhesion, and an inability to promote collagen regeneration. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein from silkworm cocoons, is known for its excellent cell adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. However, its limited gelation capability restricts its potential application as a standalone injectable hydrogel. Based on a complementary strategy, this study combines the rapid gelling properties of HA with the collagen regenerative properties of SF to create a co-crosslinked HA-SF hydrogel. The composite hydrogel merges HA's rapid filling effect with SF's strong tissue adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. The formulation, physicochemical properties, degradation, biocompatibility, and filling effects of the HA-SF hydrogel were systematically investigated. HA-SF hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties and ensures long-term support while maintaining injectability. Interestingly, after intradermal injection in the UVB-induced photoaging model, HA-SF hydrogel not only enhances hydrogel-cell interaction but also continues to stimulate collagen regeneration, especially type III collagen. This dual action achieves the biological effects of repair and anti-aging while maintaining the filling effect. Proteomic analysis confirms that repair and anti-aging effects are enhanced by the regulation of skin fibroblasts and modulation of amino acid and lipid metabolism. This composite hydrogel holds strong promise for clinical applications, offering a safer, long-lasting, and more natural injectable filler that combines filling, repair, and anti-aging into one system.
5.BMP7 expression in mammalian cortical radial glial cells increases the length of the neurogenic period.
Zhenmeiyu LI ; Guoping LIU ; Lin YANG ; Mengge SUN ; Zhuangzhi ZHANG ; Zhejun XU ; Yanjing GAO ; Xin JIANG ; Zihao SU ; Xiaosu LI ; Zhengang YANG
Protein & Cell 2024;15(1):21-35
The seat of human intelligence is the human cerebral cortex, which is responsible for our exceptional cognitive abilities. Identifying principles that lead to the development of the large-sized human cerebral cortex will shed light on what makes the human brain and species so special. The remarkable increase in the number of human cortical pyramidal neurons and the size of the human cerebral cortex is mainly because human cortical radial glial cells, primary neural stem cells in the cortex, generate cortical pyramidal neurons for more than 130 days, whereas the same process takes only about 7 days in mice. The molecular mechanisms underlying this difference are largely unknown. Here, we found that bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) is expressed by increasing the number of cortical radial glial cells during mammalian evolution (mouse, ferret, monkey, and human). BMP7 expression in cortical radial glial cells promotes neurogenesis, inhibits gliogenesis, and thereby increases the length of the neurogenic period, whereas Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling promotes cortical gliogenesis. We demonstrate that BMP7 signaling and SHH signaling mutually inhibit each other through regulation of GLI3 repressor formation. We propose that BMP7 drives the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian cortex by increasing the length of the neurogenic period.
Animals
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Mice
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Humans
;
Ependymoglial Cells/metabolism*
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Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism*
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Ferrets/metabolism*
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Cerebral Cortex
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Neurogenesis
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Mammals/metabolism*
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Neuroglia/metabolism*
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7/metabolism*
6.Analysis of short-term prognosis and risk for conversion to laparotomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Yang XU ; Wei GUO ; Yanjing LI ; Jiaping WEI ; Chao JING
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(10):687-693
Objective:To compare the perioperative conditions of open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and LPD conversion OPD, and analyze the short-term prognosis and risk factors for LPD conversion OPD.Methods:The clinical data of 167 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in the Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 167 patients, 63 patients underwent OPD surgery (OPD group), 91 patients underwent LPD surgery (LPD group), and 13 patients were converted to OPD during LPD surgery (LPD conversion OPD group). The measurement data with non-normal distribution were expressed as median (interquartile range) [ M( Q1, Q3)], and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentage, and the Chi-square test was used for ordered categorical variable, Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for un-ordered categorical variable. The risk factors of LPD conversion OPD were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Results:The intraoperative blood loss [600(350, 1 000) mL], bilio-intestinal drainage stay time [10(8, 15) d] and bilio-intestinal drainage volume [995(505, 1 502) mL] in the LPD conversion OPD group were significantly higher than those in the LPD group [200(100, 300) mL, 7(6, 6) 10) d, 450(175, 874) mL], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The operation time of the LPD conversion OPD group [335(293, 385) d] was significantly longer than that of the OPD group [230 (195, 290)d], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative complications of chronic pancreatitis ( OR=19.714) and maximum diameter of the lesion ( OR=5.583) has a significant impact on the LPD conversion OPD ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients who plan to undergo PD should prefer LPD if the technology and physical condition permit. Preoperative complication of chronic pancreatitis, maximum diameter of lesion > 3.5 cm are the risk factors for LPD conversion OPD, which may significantly increase intraoperative blood loss, prolong the indwelling time of biliary drainage tube, and increase the drainage volume of biliary drainage tube. Therefore, the surgical method should be carefully selected.
7.The engagement of histone lysine methyltransferases with nucleosomes: structural basis, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications.
Yanjing LI ; Kexue GE ; Tingting LI ; Run CAI ; Yong CHEN
Protein & Cell 2023;14(3):165-179
Histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs) deposit methyl groups onto lysine residues on histones and play important roles in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. The structures and functions of HKMTs have been extensively investigated in recent decades, significantly advancing our understanding of the dynamic regulation of histone methylation. Here, we review the recent progress in structural studies of representative HKMTs in complex with nucleosomes (H3K4, H3K27, H3K36, H3K79, and H4K20 methyltransferases), with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of nucleosome recognition and trans-histone crosstalk by these HKMTs. These structural studies inform HKMTs' roles in tumorigenesis and provide the foundations for developing new therapeutic approaches targeting HKMTs in cancers.
Nucleosomes
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Histones/metabolism*
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Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism*
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Lysine/metabolism*
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Methyltransferases/metabolism*
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Methylation
8.Analysis of Intervention of Erxiantang in Ovariectomized Rats by LC-MS Serum Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjun LIU ; Changheng SONG ; Yujie MA ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(20):118-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of endogenous metabolites in serum of ovariectomized rats and the effect of Erxiantang on them based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS). MethodTwenty-four healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group and Erxiantang group(7.5 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. Bilateral ovarian tissues were excised in the model and Erxiantang groups, and small pieces of adipose tissues were excised in the abdominal cavity of the sham-operated group bilaterally, and gastric administration was started 2 weeks after surgery, and equal volumes of distilled water were gavaged in the sham-operated and model groups. After 12 weeks of administration, blood was collected from abdominal aorta, and non-targeted metabonomics was performed on rat serum by LC-MS, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to screen differential metabolites. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and the levels of key enzymes of metabolic pathways were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). ResultThe results of metabonomics showed that 82 differential metabolites between the model group and the sham-operated group were glycerophospholipids, fatty acyls, steroids and steroid derivatives, of which the most significant difference was glycerophospholipids. At the same time, Erxiantang could call back 65 out of 82 differential metabolites, of which 11 were statistically significant, mainly phosphatidylcholine(PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine(LysoPC) in glycerophospholipids, followed by corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol in steroids and steroid derivatives. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis in model group were changed, and were recovered after the administration of Erxiantang. ELISA results showed that compared with the sham-operated group, serum levels of cholinephosphate cytidylytransferase(CCT), secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2) and lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase(LPCAT), which were the key metabolic enzymes of glycerophospholipid metabolite PC and LysoPC, were significantly decreased in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), and choline phosphotransferase 1(CPT1) levels decreased but the difference was not statistically significant, compared with the model group, the levels of CCT, sPLA2 and CPT1 were significantly increased in Erxiantang group(P<0.01). In addition, compared with the sham-operated group, the levels of cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), the high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) level was decreased(P<0.05), compared with the model group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly decreased and the level of HDL-C was significantly increased in Erxiantang group(P<0.01). ConclusionEndogenous metabolites and related metabolic pathways in ovariectomized rats were altered, and Erxiantang can reverse some of the different metabolites and related pathways, such as regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism by regulating metabolic enzymes CCT, sPLA2 and CPT1 to increase the levels of PC and LysoPC, and then improve the pathological changes such as lipid metabolism disorder in ovariectomized rats.
9.Analysis of SCI paper output and research hotspots of Chinese dental research institutions
Liming YU ; Dandan LI ; Kaiyun MAO ; Peifeng SHI ; Yanjing YANG ; Hongxiu YU ; Yuehua LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2022;35(5):358-362
Objective:To statistically analyze SCI paper output and research hotspots of Chinese stomatology research institutes from 2011 to 2020.Methods:The papers of Chinese stomatology research institutions in the Web of Science database were searched and analyzed by bibliometric methods in various dimensions including publication time, institutional and journal distribution, international (regional) cooperation, and research hotspots.Results:The number and quality of publications in Chinese dental research institutions have increased significantly in the past decade, and the top four institutions in terms of publication number were Sichuan University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Air Force Military Medical University. The distribution of the journals to which the articles belong was relatively scattered, and the research hotspots mainly focused on squamous cell carcinoma, periodontitis, bone regeneration, and materials science.Conclusions:The output of SCI papers and the number of high-quality papers in Chinese stomatology research institutions increased year by year during 2011-2020, and the scientific research strength continued to increase.
10.Application of Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients
Yan YANG ; Meng SUN ; Yanjing LI ; Geng LIU ; Xuedan ZHU ; Zihan WANG ; Xiang QU
International Journal of Surgery 2022;49(3):181-187
Objective:To explore the influence of Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education on self-efficacy and quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.Methods:A prospective study was performed in 130 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2020 to February 2021. According to the method of randomly number table, these patients were divided into control group and intervention group, 65 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine treatment scheme, and the intervention group added the intervention of Internet diversified education of rehabilitation medicine on the basis of routine treatment scheme. Compared the general data of the two groups, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the cancer patients′ Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) were used to compare the self-efficacy levels of the two groups before operation, 4 months and 8 months after operation, evaluate the quality of life. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for comparison between groups; Chi-square test was used for comparison of enumeration data between groups. Results:Before operation, there was no significant difference in general data, GSES score and QLQ-C30 score between the two groups ( P> 0.05). Four months after operation, GSES scores [(27.39±4.68) score vs (25.91±3.18)score], somatic function [(65.50±4.34) score vs (63.07±5.42) score], cognitive function [(67.63±10.32) score vs (63.29 ± 11.36) score], role function [(50.82±10.80) score vs (45.59±13.94) score], and total quality of life [(63.47 ± 6.98) score vs (59.26±7.98)score] were compared between the intervention group and the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of emotional function [(57.60±11.72) score vs (55.53±10.61) score] and social function [(49.86±12.11) score vs (46.13±10.25) score] ( P> 0.05). Eight months after operation, the GSES score [(28.82±3.31) score vs (26.73 ± 3.06) score] of patients in the intervention group and the control group, and the scores of functional areas and overall quality of life in QLQ-C30 score were significantly different ( P< 0.01). Conclusion:the Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education has a significant effect on improving the self-efficacy of new breast cancer patients, and can improve the quality of life of patients.

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