1.Characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 gene methylation and its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huajie XIE ; Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Wanlin NA ; Huan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Zonghai HU ; Yuan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):284-291
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 (MTIF2) gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples, including survival curve analysis, methylation signature analysis, the association of tumor signaling pathways, and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level, and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races, ethnicities, BMI levels, and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation (hazard ratio [HR]=0.492, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels (P>0.05). The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages, sexes, BMI levels, races, ethnicities, and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age, and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population (P<0.05); the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (P<0.05). Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population (P<0.05). ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.
2.Research progress in antibody drug therapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Yanyan SUN ; Weichen ZHAO ; Chunyuan HE ; Yimiao XIA ; Wei ZHOU ; Yuanyuan ZHEN ; Junjie JIANG ; Facai WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1677-1682
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Although standard first-line regimens can cure >50% of patients, approximately one-third of them develop relapsed/refractory DLBCL (r/r DLBCL). Consequently, immunotherapy targeting molecular abnormalities has become pivotal for managing r/r DLBCL. The results of this review show that with advances in understanding DLBCL pathogenesis and the tumor immune microenvironment, antibody-based therapies have evolved rapidly, progressing from monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab, tafasitamab) to bispecific antibodies(e.g., odronextamab,glofitamab, epcoritamab) and antibody-drug conjugate (e.g., polatuzumab vedotin, loncastuximab tesirine). These engineered agents enhance immune cytotoxicity and tumor-specific targeting, providing novel therapeutic options for r/r DLBCL patients.
3.Protein palmitoylation: A potential therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
Sijia ZHAO ; Yanyan YANG ; Hong LI ; Pin SUN ; Xiangqin HE ; Chao WANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Yu TIAN ; Tao YU ; Zhirong JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5127-5144
Palmitoylation, an essential covalent attachment of a fatty acid (usually C16 palmitate) to cysteine residues within proteins, is crucial for regulating protein functionality and enzymatic activities. This lipid modification facilitates the anchoring of proteins to cellular membranes, dictating their subcellular distribution and influencing protein transport dynamics and intracellular positioning. Additionally, it plays a role in regulating protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Palmitoylation is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases by modulating substrates and prompting additional post-translational modifications, as well as by interacting with other molecular alterations. Moreover, an intervention strategy focusing on palmitoylation processes is anticipated to offer novel therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular pathologies and address extant challenges in clinical settings. This review consolidates current research on the role and importance of palmitoylation in cardiovascular diseases by exploring its regulatory functions, the catalyzing enzymes, and the involved substrates. It highlights recent discoveries connecting palmitoylation-targeted therapies to cardiovascular health and examines potential approaches and future challenges in cardiovascular treatment.
4.Research progress on relationship between air pollutant exposure during early life and neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Yanyan JIANG ; Juan TONG ; Fangbiao TAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(7):828-833
In recent years, the effects of air pollutants on the neurodevelopmental disorders in children have received widespread attention. Early life is a critical period of rapid brain development, and exposure to air pollutants during this period may permanently alter brain function. This paper reviewed the epidemiological studies on the association between exposure to air pollutants during early life and children's neurodevelopmental disorders in recent years, with focus on outdoor air pollutants (e.g., PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and CO) and indoor air pollutants (e.g., cooking oil fumes, tobacco and mosquito incense smoke, and formaldehyde from home decoration), and summarized their possible biological mechanisms. Most studies indicate that pollutants in different periods and at different levels of exposure during early life can negatively affect children's neurodevelopment and that there may be a dose-response relationship between certain air pollutants and children's neurodevelopment. Current research on the effects of indoor air pollutants on children's neurodevelopment focus on exposure to tobacco smoke, while other indoor air pollutants such as cooking oil fumes and organic compounds produced by interior decorative materials are less well reported and their underlying biological mechanisms are not yet clear. Further epidemiological studies, animal and cellular experiments are needed to provide evidence for the neurodevelopmental toxicity of air pollutant exposure in the future, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for environmental eugenics and promote healthy development of children.
5.Preliminary Proteomics-based Investigation of Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of BD-77 by Nebulized Inhalation on Respiratory Viral Infections
Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Shanshan GUO ; Lirun ZHOU ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Xing LI ; Cigang HUANG ; Kun JIANG ; Feiyan PENG ; Zhou XU ; Chenggang HUANG ; Xiaolan CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):52-59
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of BD-77 by nebulized inhalation on animal models of various respiratory viral infections and investigate the mechanism of broad-spectrum antiviral action of BD-77 using proteomics. MethodThe influenza virus H1N1/FM1 experiment used ICR mice and divided them into a normal group, model group, Tamiflu group, and BD-77 groups of 75 and 37.5 g·L-1 for inhalation of 20 min and 25 min. Human coronavirus 229E and OC43 experiment divided the BALB/c mice into a normal group, model group, chloroquine phosphate group, and BD-77 groups of 75, 37.5, 18.75, and 9.375 g·L-1, with 10 mice in each group. Influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection-induced pneumonia models were used to detect mouse lung index, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the viral load in lung tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect related inflammatory factors in lung tissue, and proteomics analysis was performed on the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice. ResultCompared with that in the normal group, the lung index of mice in each infection group was significantly increased (P<0.01), and viral nucleic acid could be detected in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E were all significantly increased (P<0.01). BD-77 could significantly reduce the lung index of mice infected with influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.05, P<0.01), cut down the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 (P<0.01), and lower the contents of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of mice infected with human coronavirus 229E (P<0.01). Proteomics analysis of the lung tissue of OC43-infected mice showed that BD-77 regulated the AMPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. ConclusionNebulized inhalation of BD-77 is effective in treating pneumonia caused by influenza virus H1N1/FM1 and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 infection in mice and may exert its antiviral effects by regulating the balance of cellular metabolism, enhancing the immune function of the host, and attenuating inflammatory responses.
6.Study on the Effect of Fuhe Decoction (敷和汤) with Different Doses of Suanzaoren (Ziziphus jujuba) on IgE Levels and Intestinal Flora in Atopic Dermatitis Model Mice
Qianyu QING ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Chuyang JIANG ; Yafei ZHAO ; Yanyan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(7):728-736
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Fuhe Decoction (敷和汤) with different doses of Suanzaoren (Ziziphus jujuba) for atopic dermatitis (AD). MethodsForty-eight female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, loratadine group, and Fuhe Decoction groups with high, medium, and low doses of Fuhe Decoction (Fuhe Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose groups), with eight mice in each group. The AD model was prepared by continuous stimulation with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in all groups but the normal group. After modelling, the Fuhe Decoction high-, medium- and low-dose groups were given 24, 18 and 15 g/(kg·d) of Fuhe Decoction, the loratadine group was given 0.001 g/(kg·d) of loratadine dry suspension, and the normal group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline by gavage. All groups were gavaged for 14 days. The number of scratches within 10 min and the score of skin lesions were observed on the 7th and 14th days of modelling and on the 7th and 14th days of drug administration, respectively; serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) was detected by ELISA; the histopathological and morphological changes of the skin were observed by HE staining; and the diversity and abundance of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal matter from the colon of the mice. ResultsCompared with the normal group, mice in the model group on the 7th day and the 14th day of modelling and the 7th day, the 14th day of gavage showed increased scratching within 10 min and higher skin lesion scores (P<0.05), with hyperkeratotic or incomplete epidermis, marked thickening of spiny cells, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the mice after gavage; serum levels of IgE elevated (P<0.05), and the abundance of Bacillota decreased, that of the Bacteroidota and bacteria elevated, and relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. decreased, and relative abundance of Anaplasma spp. and Treponema spp. increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the number of scratches within 10 min and the skin lesion scores of mice in the loratadine group and the Fuhe Decoction medium- and high-dose groups decreased on the 7th day and the 14th day of gavage (P<0.05), serum IgE reduced, and the bacteria reduced in the loratadine group, the abundance of Bacteroidesmus spp. increased and Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased in the medium-dose group of Fuhe Decoction, the abundance of Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased in the loratadine group, the abundance of Bacteriodesmus spp. decreased, and that of both Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction medium-dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the loratadine group, the skin lesion scores increased in Fuhe Decoction low-dose group, and the number of scratching increased in the Fuhe Decoction low- and high-dose groups on the 7th day and the 14th day of gavage; the IgE content increased in Fuhe Decoction low-dose group, the Bacillota increased and the Bacteroidota decreased, the Lactobacillus spp. and Prevotella spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction middle-dose group, and Anopheles spp. increased in Fuhe Decoction high-dose group after gavage (P<0.05). ConclusionFuhe Decoction can improve the clinical symptoms of AD, regulate the relative abundance of intestinal flora to correct the disorders of the bacterial flora, among which the effect of Fuhe Decoction medium-dose group is optimal and comparable to that of the loratadine group, and the reduction of serum IgE inflammatory response may be one of its mechanisms of action.
7.Mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in Treatment of Peripheral Inflammatory Hyperalgesia of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1
Chuyang JIANG ; Zhaonan WANG ; Hongliang JIANG ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Le ZHAO ; Yanmiao MA ; Yanyan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):97-106
ObjectiveTo observe the regulatory effect of Huangwu Ganfu ointment on transient receptor potential anchor protein 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression, macrophage polarization, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats with yang deficiency and cold coagulation syndrome and explore the mechanism of relieving peripheral inflammatory hyperalgesia of KOA. MethodForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, high-dose, middle-dose, and low-dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (9.3, 4.65, 2.325 g·kg-1), and celecoxib group (20.82 mg·kg-1). The KOA rat model of yang deficiency and cold coagulation syndrome was established through climate box and swimming for two weeks combined with an injection of sodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the articular cavity. After continuous administration for four weeks, the general condition of rats in each group was observed, and the pain withdrawal threshold (PWT) and joint diameter induced by mechanical stimulation were recorded. The expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inflammatory factor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the histopathological changes of synovial tissue of the knee joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of TRPV1, p38 MAPK, and p-p38 MAPK in synovial tissue of the knee joint, and immunofluorescence (IF) was used to evaluate the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages. ResultCompared with that in the blank group, the overall mental state of the model group was worse, and the autonomous activity was decreased. The body mass was lower, and the joint diameter was increased. The X-ray showed that the osteophyte at the edge of the joint proliferated, and the articular surface was obviously rough. The articular cavity was significantly narrowed, and the PWT was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in serum and synovium Krenn score increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK increased significantly (P<0.01), and the proportion of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 increased (P<0.01), while the proportion of M2 macrophages decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the body mass in the low, middle, and high dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment increased to different degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). The diameter of the knee joint in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment and celecoxib group decreased (P<0.01). The recovery of PWT in the high and middle dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment groups was more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β and CGRP in the serum of rats in each administration group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the content of serum TNF-α in the celecoxib group and high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased significantly (P<0.05). The content of serum NGF in the middle dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the synovium Krenn score decreased in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (P<0.05). In addition, the protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in synovial tissue decreased significantly in all groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment (P<0.01). The proportion of M1 macrophages in synovial tissue in the celecoxib group and all groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased (P<0.01), and the proportion of M2 macrophages in the high dose group of Huangwu Ganfu ointment increased (P<0.05). The M1/M2 in the middle and high dose groups of Huangwu Ganfu ointment decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionHuangwu Ganfu ointment can mediate the polarization of macrophages to reduce the inflammatory reaction of KOA, alleviate the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and lower the protein expression of TRPV1. The mechanism may be related to the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, so as to improve the peripheral hyperalgesia of KOA.
8.Analysis on Mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in Relieving Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Chuyang JIANG ; Zhaonan WANG ; Jiahao LI ; Qianyu QING ; Le ZHAO ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Yanyan LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):20-28
Objective To analyze the mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in relieving pain of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)based on network pharmacology;To verify it in animal experiments.Methods The active components of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment were obtained by TCMSP database,PubChem database and SwissADME platform,the effective components were screened,and the targets were obtained from SEA database.KOA disease-related targets were obtained from GeneCards,OMIM and other databases,and the intersection targets were obtained.A effective component-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 Software.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by STRING database and core targets were screened.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of intersection targets were analyzed using DAVID platform.The KOA rat model with cold and damp syndrome was established,and the intervention of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment was carried out.The efficacy was observed and the core target expressions were detected.Results Totally 104 effective components were screened from Huangwu Ganfu Ointment,and 59 potential targets were obtained for treating KOA.PPI network interaction analysis obtained the important targets of IL6,IL1B and PTGS2.KEGG enrichment results showed that Huangwu Ganfu Ointment may involve 84 signaling pathways such as IL-17,TNF,TRP and NF-κB in the treatment of KOA,most of which were related to inflammation.The results of animal experiments showed that Lecuesne MG scores increased in the model rats(P<0.05),and paw withdrawal threshold(PWT)significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,PWT in Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups were significantly recovered,and synovitis Krenn score decreased(P<0.05).The Mankin score of cartilage tissue of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment high-dosage group decreased(P<0.05).The contents of IL-6 and IL-1β in all Huangwu Ganfu Ointment groups decreased(P<0.01).Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups could down-regulate the expression of TRPV1 protein(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in alleviating the pain of KOA may be related to reducing inflammatory response,reducing the release of inflammatory factors of IL-1β and IL-6,alleviating inflammatory pain sensitivity of KOA,and down-regulating the expression level of TRPV1.
9.Long-term efficacy and literature review of liver transplant recipients with hepatic myelopathy
Zhaoxian LI ; Yan XIE ; Li ZHANG ; Jisan SUN ; Yanyan SUN ; Xinghui YU ; Zhongyang SHEN ; Wentao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(1):34-40
Objective:To explore the long-term therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of liver transplantation for patients with hepatic myelopathy (HM).Methods:Retrospective analysis of 24 adult liver transplantation recipients due to HM at First Central Municipal Hospital from January 2006 to October 2022. HM was extensively classified by the severity of lower extremity symptoms, degree of muscle stiffness, capability for independent ambulation and muscle strength. Furthermore, their long-term outcomes were examined. From January 2000 to October 2022, the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) , Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science were searched with such keywords as "肝性脊髓病and肝移植" "Hepatic Myelopathy and Liver Transplantation" .Results:After liver transplantation, liver functions and blood ammonia normalized and most clinical symptoms improved. During a follow-up period of (12-190) months, 19 patients showed a lowered grade of HC as compared to pre-transplantation. Four cases achieved a complete recovery of extremity function. No change occurred in severity grade for the remaining 5 patients. However, 4 of them experienced varying degrees of improvement in muscle strength and independent walking capability. This review summarized the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of 17 patients from both domestic and international sources. Most of them experiences varying degrees of symptomatic improvements after liver transplantation (16 cases).Conclusions:This study has confirmed the effectiveness of liver transplantation for HM and its contribution to the long-term patient recovery.
10.Proteomic analysis and validation of DNA repair regulation in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Wei SUN ; Chenxia LIU ; Wanlin NA ; Hongxuan XU ; Jing XIE ; Yuan LIU ; Min CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(2):319-326
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of DNA repair regulation in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. MethodsHCC tissue samples were collected from the patients with recurrence within two years or the patients with a good prognosis after 5 years, and the Tandem Mass Tag-labeled quantification proteomic study was used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins enriched in the four pathways of DNA replication, mismatch repair, base excision repair, and nucleotide excision repair, and the regulatory pathways and targets that play a key role in the process of HCC recurrence were analyzed to predict the possible regulatory mechanisms. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsFor the eukaryotic replication complex pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of MCM2 (P=0.018), MCM3 (P=0.047), MCM4 (P=0.014), MCM5 (P=0.008), MCM6 (P=0.006), MCM7 (P=0.007), PCNA (P=0.019), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), and LIG1 (P=0.042); for the nucleotide excision repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of PCNA (P=0.019), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), and LIG1 (P=0.042); for the base excision repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of PCNA (P=0.019) and LIG1 (P=0.042) in the HCC recurrence group; for the mismatch repair pathway, there were significant reductions in the protein expression levels of MSH2 (P=0.026), MSH6 (P=0.006), RFC4 (P=0.002), RFC5 (P<0.001), PCNA (P=0.019), and LIG1 (P=0.042) in recurrent HCC tissue. The differentially expressed proteins were involved in the important components of MCM complex, DNA polymerase complex, ligase LIG1, long patch base shear repair complex (long patch BER), and DNA mismatch repair protein complex. The clinical sample validation analysis of important differentially expressed proteins regulated by DNA repair showed that except for MCM6 with a trend of reduction, the recurrence group also had significant reductions in the relative protein expression levels of MCM5 (P=0.008), MCM7 (P=0.007), RCF4 (P=0.002), RCF5 (P<0.001), and MSH6 (P=0.006). ConclusionThere are significant reductions or deletions of multiple complex protein components in the process of DNA repair during HCC recurrence.

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