1.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.
2.Dimeric natural product panepocyclinol A inhibits STAT3 via di-covalent modification.
Li LI ; Yuezhou WANG ; Yiqiu WANG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Qihong DENG ; Fei GAO ; Wenhua LIAN ; Yunzhan LI ; Fu GUI ; Yanling WEI ; Su-Jie ZHU ; Cai-Hong YUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhiyu HU ; Qingyan XU ; Xiaobing WU ; Lanfen CHEN ; Dawang ZHOU ; Jianming ZHANG ; Fei XIA ; Xianming DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):409-423
Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.
3.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
4.Regulation of iron metabolism in ferroptosis: From mechanism research to clinical translation.
Xin ZHANG ; Yang XIANG ; Qingyan WANG ; Xinyue BAI ; Dinglun MENG ; Juan WU ; Keyao SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Rongrong QIANG ; Wenhan LIU ; Xiang ZHANG ; Jingling QIANG ; Xiaolong LIU ; Yanling YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101304-101304
Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, crucial in maintaining normal physiological functions. Recent studies have identified iron ions as a significant factor in initiating the ferroptosis process, a novel mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxide accumulation. The iron metabolism pathway is one of the primary mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, as it maintains iron homeostasis within the cell. Numerous studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in iron metabolism can trigger the Fenton reaction, exacerbating oxidative stress, and leading to cell membrane rupture, cellular dysfunction, and damage to tissue structures. Therefore, regulation of iron metabolism represents a key strategy for ameliorating ferroptosis and offers new insights for treating diseases associated with iron metabolism imbalances. This review first summarizes the mechanisms that regulate iron metabolic pathways in ferroptosis and discusses the connections between the pathogenesis of various diseases and iron metabolism. Next, we introduce natural and synthetic small molecule compounds, hormones, proteins, and new nanomaterials that can affect iron metabolism. Finally, we provide an overview of the challenges faced by iron regulators in clinical translation and a summary and outlook on iron metabolism in ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future exploration and optimization of iron metabolism regulation strategies.
5.Role of SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway in trilobatin-induced reduction of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Meina GAO ; Lei WANG ; Yanling DING
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(2):182-186
Objective:To evaluate the role of the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway in trilobatin-induced reduction of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods:Eighty clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 230-280 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), cerebral I/R group (group CIR), trilobatin+ cerebral I/R group (group T) and trilobatin+ cerebral I/R+ SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway inhibitor EX527 group (group E). The model of focal cerebral I/R injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion in anesthetized animals. Trilobatin 15 mg/kg was given by gavage twice a day for 3 consecutive days starting from 3 days before ischemia in T and E groups. EX527 5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected before each gavage in group E. Modified Longa scoring scale was used to assess neurological function at 24 h of reperfusion, then the rats were sacrificed and whole brain tissues were obtained for determination of cerebral infarct size (using TTC staining), apoptosis rate and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus (by flow cytometry), expression of SIRT1 and acetylated FOXO1 (Ac-FOXO1) (by Western blot) and contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for microscopic examination of pathological changes in the hippocampal CAI area after HE staining. Results:Compared with group S, Longa score, cerebral infarct size, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons, and levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased, the content of SOD was decreased, the expression of SIRT1 was down-regulated, and the expression of Ac-FOXO1 was up-regulated in group CIR ( P<0.05). Compared with group CIR, Longa score, cerebral infarct size, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons, and levels of ROS and MDA were significantly decreased, the content of SOD was increased, the expression of SIRT1 was up-regulated, and the expression of Ac-FOXO1 was down-regulated in group T ( P<0.05). Compared with group T, Longa score, cerebral infarct size, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons, and levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased, the content of SOD was decreased, the expression of SIRT1 was down-regulated, and the expression of Ac-FOXO1 was up-regulated in group E ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Trilobatin may inhibit oxidative stress responses and neuronal apoptosis in hippocampi by activating the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway, thus alleviating cerebral I/R injury in rats.
6.Efficacy of different concentrations of ZKY001 eyedrops in the treatment of corneal epithelial defect after primary pterygium excision
Hua GAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jianjiang XU ; Liming TAO ; Yanling DONG ; Luxia CHEN ; Xiuming JIN ; Guigang LI ; Huping WU ; Ping ZHAO ; Wei CHEN ; Xiaoyi LI ; Weiyun SHI
International Eye Science 2024;24(12):1888-1894
AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ZKY001 eye drops with different concentrations in the treatment of corneal epithelial defects(CED)after primary pterygium excision.METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. From March 15, 2022 to November 14, 2022, patients with primary pterygium who had undergone surgery were recruited from 12 tertiary hospitals across China. Using block randomization, 178 patients(178 eyes)were randomly assigned to 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: 0.002% ZKY001 group(n=59), 0.004% ZKY001 group(n=59), and placebo group(n=60, receiving ZKY001 sham eye drops). Subjects in each group received 1 drop of the study drug 4 times per day for 4 d. The percentage of CED area recovery from baseline, the first complete healing time of CED area, the number of first complete healing cases of CED, and changes in visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for eye discomfort including eye pain, foreign body sensation, tearing and photophobia were observed.RESULTS: In terms of improvement in CED, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups including the first healing time of CED, the percentage improvement in CED area compared to baseline, and the percentage of first healing cases at different follow-up visits(all P>0.05). Numerically, the first healing time of CED was shorter in the test groups compared to the placebo group(67.87±21.688 h for the 0.002% ZKY001 group, 61.48±22.091 h for the 0.004% ZKY001 group, and 68.85±20.851 h for the placebo group). On D1 morning, the percentage improvement in CED area compared to baseline was maximally different from the placebo group, and the numerical difference advantage was maintained at subsequent follow-up visits. The number of first healing cases in the CED area at different follow-up visits was higher in the test groups than the placebo group. In terms of improvement in ocular discomfort, the total VAS scores were lower in the test groups compared to the placebo group, mainly due to reductions in foreign body sensation and pain scores. At D3, the 0.004% ZKY001 group showed statistically significant improvement in foreign body sensation(P<0.017). In terms of safety, the overall incidence of adverse events was low(9.0%)and similar among groups.CONCLUSION: The use of ZKY001 eyedrops after primary pterygium surgery can safely improve the CED repair, and alleviate postoperative symptoms caused by CED.
7.Construction Practice of Remote Maternal Fetal Monitoring System Based on 5G Technology
Tian GUO ; Yanling SHEN ; Mengxiang LI ; Weiwei CHENG ; Lei CHEN
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(2):82-86
Purpose/Significance To explore the establishment of a remote maternal and fetal monitoring system based on 5 G tech-nology in the obstetrics and gynecology hospital,and to provide references for the medical system to improve telemedicine and smart medi-cal care based on 5 G technology.Method/Process By utilizing the advantages of 5 G technology such as fast speed,wide spectrum and low delay,and combining services such as maternal and fetal monitoring,online education,remote consultation,artificial intelligence(AI),health data management,and medical green channel,the maternal and fetal monitoring database and the AI model of maternal and fetal monitoring are constructed,the remote maternal and fetal monitoring system is constructed,and fetal heart monitoring process is op-timized.Result/Conclusion It realizes the combination of maternal and fetal monitoring application in hospital and outside hospital,medical alliance applications,internet hospital applications and ambulance transfer process applications.
8.Research progress on the application of telemedicine for cancer patients receiving home-based palliative care
Yanling CAI ; Lei LUO ; Sha MIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(2):262-266
This paper summarizes the concept of telemedicine, the application of telemedicine in home-based palliative care for cancer patients, and the impact of telemedicine on cancer patients receiving home-based palliative care. This paper also provides suggestions for the application of telemedicine in home-based palliative care, aiming to provide a reference for the application of telemedicine in home-based palliative care for cancer patients in China.
9.Role of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in trilobatin-induced reduction of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Weiming LIU ; Lei WANG ; Yanling DING ; Mengjiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2022;42(11):1380-1384
Objective:To evaluate role of Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) signaling pathway in trilobatin-induced reduction of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods:Eighty clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 230-280 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), cerebral I/R group (group IR), cerebral I/R plus trilobatin group (group T) and cerebral I/R plus trilobatin plus RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway agonist AA group (group A). The model of focal cerebral I/R injury was developed by middle cerebral artery occlusion in anesthetized animals.Trilobatin 15 mg/kg was given by gavage twice a day for 3 consecutive days in T and A groups.RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway agonist AA 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected before each administration by gavage in group A. Neurobehavioral score was assessed at 24 h of reperfusion, then the rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampal tissues were isolated for determination of the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons (by flow cytometry), cerebral infarction volume (by TTC staining), and expression of phosphorylated RhoA (p-RhoA), ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (with a transmission electron microscope). Results:Compared with group S, the neurobehavioral score, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons, and cerebral infarction volume were significantly increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was aggravated in group IR.Compared with group IR, the neurobehavioral score, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons and cerebral infarction volume were significantly decreased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was alleviated in group T. Compared with group T, the neurobehavioral score, apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons, and cerebral infarction volume were significantly increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was aggravated in group A. Conclusions:RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway is involved in trilobatin-induced reduction of cerebral I/R injury, which may be related to inhibition of apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of rats.
10.Construction and evaluation of flipped classroom combined with case-based teaching in nursing students in cancer hospital
Hao ZHANG ; Ya MENG ; Xiaoxia XU ; Yanling GUI ; Li LI ; Jiale LI ; Lei WEI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2022;28(22):3058-3062
Objective:To explore the method and effect of flipped classroom combined with case-based teaching method in nursing students in the cancer hospital.Methods:From September 2020 to February 2021, convenience sampling was used to select 277 intern nursing students in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University as the research object. The intern nursing students from September 2020 to November 2020 were set as the control group ( n=136) , and the intern nursing students from December 2020 to February 2021 were set as the experimental group ( n=141) . The control group implemented the traditional teaching, and the experimental group conducted the flipped classroom combined with case-based teaching on this basis. The after-department examination results, clinical practice self-assessment results and self-learning ability of the two groups of nursing students were compared. A total of 277 questionnaires were distributed, of which 277 were valid, and the valid recovery rate was 100.00% (277/277) . Results:After the intervention, the after-department theoretical and operational examination scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Among the 9 items in the self-assessment result of the practice, the acceptance rate of 7 items in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group with statistical differences ( P<0.05) . The scores of self-learning ability of nursing students in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The flipped classroom combined with case-based teaching is carried out in the clinical teaching of nursing students in the cancer hospital, which realizes the combination of online and offline teaching, and helps nursing students to master the theoretical knowledge and operation skills of oncology, improves the quality of teaching, the effect of practice and the self-learning ability of nursing students.

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