1.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
2.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.
3.Analysis of food poisoning event by type F Clostridium perfringens in a school
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1493-1497
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of food poisoning event occurred in a school in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, so as to provide reference for the scientific management of related emergencies.
Methods:
By determining the nature of the event through epidemiological investigation, a case control study was carried out to spot suspicious food in May 2024. The hygienic investigation was conducted to find out possible pollution links and factors, patients and canteen practitioners anal swab, canteen retention samples, catering link daub and other specimens were collected ,for rapid pathogen screening. And the suspected pathogen Clostridium perfringens (CP) were isolated and identified according to the screening results, and toxin gene detection and whole genome sequencing and cluster analysis of CP isolated strains were carried out.
Results:
The incident resulted in 45 people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. The suspicious food was tomato scrambled eggs and corn ribs provided by the student canteen for lunch on May 29. A hygiene investigation found that there was a risk of contamination in the food processing, preparation and storage. A total of 46 anal swabs and 10 canteen retention samples were positive for CP 16 S, 59 strains of CP were isolated from 27 samples, 10 cases and 1 practitioner isolate were positive for CPE ( cpe ) (F mode), and their whole genome evolution analysis was conducted based on the same source.
Conclusions
The food poisoning event is caused by CP infection carrying CPE ( cpe ) (F mode), and the possible sources of outbreak are the carriers of the CP by employees. It is recommended that cafeteria staff strengthen training on common foodborne diseases and conduct regular monitoring of pathogens.
4.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.
5.Alamandine inhibits pathological retinal neovascularization by targeting the MrgD-mediated HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.
Kun ZHAO ; Yaping JIANG ; Wen HUANG ; Yukang MAO ; Yihui CHEN ; Peng LI ; Chuanxi YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(10):1015-1036
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vision-threatening disorder that leads to pathological growth of the retinal vasculature due to hypoxia. Here, we investigated the potential effects of alamandine, a novel heptapeptide in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), on hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, the C57BL/6J mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) were injected intravitreally with alamandine (1.0 μmol/kg per eye). In vitro, human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were utilized to investigate the effects of alamandine (10 μg/mL) on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tubular formation under vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) matrix data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and RAS-related genes from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) were sourced for subsequent analyses. By integrating scRNA-seq data across multiple species, we identified that RAS-associated endothelial cell populations were highly related to retinal neovascularization. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed a significant decrease in alamandine levels in both the serum and retina of OIR mice compared to those in the control group. Next, alamandine ameliorated hypoxia-induced retinal pathological neovascularization and physiologic revascularization in OIR mice. In vitro, alamandine effectively mitigated VEGF-induced proliferation, scratch wound healing, and tube formation of HRMECs primarily by inhibiting the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/VEGF pathway. Further, coincubation with D-Pro7 (Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D (MrgD) antagonist) hindered the beneficial impacts of alamandine on hypoxia-induced pathological angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggested that alamandine could mitigate retinal neovascularization by targeting the MrgD-mediated HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, providing a potential therapeutic agent for OIR prevention and treatment.
Animals
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Retinal Neovascularization/prevention & control*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
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Humans
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Mice
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
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Oligopeptides/therapeutic use*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
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Retinopathy of Prematurity/drug therapy*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects*
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Cells, Cultured
6.RADICAL: a rationally designed ion channel activated by ligand for chemogenetics.
Heng ZHANG ; Zhiwei ZHENG ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Lizhen XU ; Chen GUO ; Jiawei WANG ; Yihui CUI ; Fan YANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(2):136-142
7.A new strategy for pharmacodynamic substance screening and research on gut microbiota pathway mechanisms based on UPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS and 16S rRNA
Zhiying Yu ; Tong Li ; Jie Yang ; Jianghua He ; Weijiang Zhang ; Siyuan Li ; Yunpeng Qi ; Yihui Yin ; Ling Dong ; Wenjuan Xu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):56-70
Objective:
To establish a progressive research strategy for “colonic components analysis - efficacy verification and mechanism exploration - gut microbiota”, screen pharmacodynamic substances, and investigate their mechanism via gut microbiota.
Methods:
The pharmacodynamics of Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) were assessed using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to identify the prototype and metabolic components of GQD in the colon during UC. To analyze the structure and function of characteristic genera of GQD and its active components, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed.
Results:
We identified 67 prototypic and 14 metabolic components of GQD in the UC colon. The primary prototype components are flavonoids and alkaloids, including puerarin (PUE), baicalin (BAI), and berberine (BER). The metabolism was predominantly sulfonation. Efficacy verification showed that the main active components, puerarin, baicalin, and berberine, had good therapeutic effects on UC. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that GQD improved UC by regulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The abundance of gut microbiota involved in the metabolism of the prototype components was influenced by the corresponding components. The function prediction results showed that PUE was the most comparable to GQD, with 24 consistent pathways. BAI and BER showed comparable gut microbiota regulation pathways. Characteristic pathways of BER include glucometabolic processes.
Conclusion
This study focused on the key issues in the gut microbiota pathway and developed a progressive research strategy to understand the transformation mechanisms of colonic components. This research systematically analyzed the active components and metabolic transformation of GQD in the colon during the pathological state of UC, as well as changes in the structure and function of the gut microbiota, clarified the mechanism of GQD and its active components in improving UC via the gut microbiota pathway.
8.Retrospective study of 121 patients with plexiform neurofibroma in head and neck
Wei WANG ; Yihui GU ; Beiyao ZHU ; Hao TAN ; Zicheng ZHU ; Bin GU ; Xiaojie HU ; Jun YANG ; Zhichao WANG ; Qingfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(2):169-178
Objective:The treatment of head and neck in plexiform neurofibroma (PNF) is a major clinical problem, lacking consensus on surgical treatment, classification, operation timing, and treatment method. The purpose of this study was to provide a basis for further consensus formation by analyzing the clinical manifestations, surgical conditions, tumor recurrence, post-operation satisfaction, and changes in quality of life of patients undergoing PNF surgery in head and neck.Methods:Through medical record review and telephone follow-up, a retrospective analysis was conducted on neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients admitted for surgical treatment for PNF patient in head and neck from May 2012 to July 2022 in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Complete collection and statistical analysis of patients’clinical data, using telephone follow-up to investigate the immediate postoperative satisfaction and long-term surgical satisfaction of patients and/or their families, as well as standardized quality of life questionnaires HRQol(health related quality of life) and PlexiQol(plexiform neurofibroma quality of life). Based on the data about changes in quality of life before and after surgery and long-term surgical satisfaction, patients were divided into surgical benefit and non-benefit groups. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with long-term surgical benefit.Results:Totally 512 patients with head and neck NF1 were admitted for surgery with complete medical records. 121 patients were identified as NF1 related PNF diagnosed by medical history and radiological examination, and effective follow-up was obtained. There were 70 males and 51 females, aged (25.60±12.85) years old, ranging from 7 to 63 years old, with 41 patients who were ≤ 18 years old and 80 patients over 18 years old. 62.81%(76/121) of patients exhibiting clinical dysfunctions, and the tumor mass were mainly characterized by invasive growth. 41.32%(50/121) of patients underwent multiple surgical treatments, with a total of 215 surgeries performed on 121 patients. The surgical objective included appearance improvement and functional repair. The incidence of postoperative complications was 6.05%(13/215). The follow-up period after last operation was (51.41±27.66) months, and 42.15%(51/121) of patients reported postoperative tumor recurrence. 76.03%(92/121) of patients were satisfied with immediate postoperative result, while the rate decreased to 46.28%(56/121) during long-term follow-up. Family members of patients who were ≤ 18 years old had a higher proportion of dissatisfaction with the scars caused by surgery and a stronger willingness to undergo another surgery. The tumor recurrence was closely related to surgical benefits ( OR=2.32, P<0.05). Further analysis found that the gender and age of patients were the main risk factors for the recurrence. The recurrence risk in patients ≤ 18 years old was significantly higher than in that over 18 years old( OR=3.49, P=0.004), and the highest in the 7-12 year-old group, reaching 68.42%(13/19). The recurrence risk in male patients was significantly lower than that in females ( OR=0.40, P=0.026). Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of PNF patients in head and neck region are complex. Clinical diagnosis and treatment in PNF should focus on the applications in comprehensive method such as full preoperative evaluation, active multi-disciplinary treatment cooperation and combined therapies in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment and reduce tumor recurrence.
9.Retrospective study of 121 patients with plexiform neurofibroma in head and neck
Wei WANG ; Yihui GU ; Beiyao ZHU ; Hao TAN ; Zicheng ZHU ; Bin GU ; Xiaojie HU ; Jun YANG ; Zhichao WANG ; Qingfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(2):169-178
Objective:The treatment of head and neck in plexiform neurofibroma (PNF) is a major clinical problem, lacking consensus on surgical treatment, classification, operation timing, and treatment method. The purpose of this study was to provide a basis for further consensus formation by analyzing the clinical manifestations, surgical conditions, tumor recurrence, post-operation satisfaction, and changes in quality of life of patients undergoing PNF surgery in head and neck.Methods:Through medical record review and telephone follow-up, a retrospective analysis was conducted on neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients admitted for surgical treatment for PNF patient in head and neck from May 2012 to July 2022 in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Complete collection and statistical analysis of patients’clinical data, using telephone follow-up to investigate the immediate postoperative satisfaction and long-term surgical satisfaction of patients and/or their families, as well as standardized quality of life questionnaires HRQol(health related quality of life) and PlexiQol(plexiform neurofibroma quality of life). Based on the data about changes in quality of life before and after surgery and long-term surgical satisfaction, patients were divided into surgical benefit and non-benefit groups. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with long-term surgical benefit.Results:Totally 512 patients with head and neck NF1 were admitted for surgery with complete medical records. 121 patients were identified as NF1 related PNF diagnosed by medical history and radiological examination, and effective follow-up was obtained. There were 70 males and 51 females, aged (25.60±12.85) years old, ranging from 7 to 63 years old, with 41 patients who were ≤ 18 years old and 80 patients over 18 years old. 62.81%(76/121) of patients exhibiting clinical dysfunctions, and the tumor mass were mainly characterized by invasive growth. 41.32%(50/121) of patients underwent multiple surgical treatments, with a total of 215 surgeries performed on 121 patients. The surgical objective included appearance improvement and functional repair. The incidence of postoperative complications was 6.05%(13/215). The follow-up period after last operation was (51.41±27.66) months, and 42.15%(51/121) of patients reported postoperative tumor recurrence. 76.03%(92/121) of patients were satisfied with immediate postoperative result, while the rate decreased to 46.28%(56/121) during long-term follow-up. Family members of patients who were ≤ 18 years old had a higher proportion of dissatisfaction with the scars caused by surgery and a stronger willingness to undergo another surgery. The tumor recurrence was closely related to surgical benefits ( OR=2.32, P<0.05). Further analysis found that the gender and age of patients were the main risk factors for the recurrence. The recurrence risk in patients ≤ 18 years old was significantly higher than in that over 18 years old( OR=3.49, P=0.004), and the highest in the 7-12 year-old group, reaching 68.42%(13/19). The recurrence risk in male patients was significantly lower than that in females ( OR=0.40, P=0.026). Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of PNF patients in head and neck region are complex. Clinical diagnosis and treatment in PNF should focus on the applications in comprehensive method such as full preoperative evaluation, active multi-disciplinary treatment cooperation and combined therapies in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment and reduce tumor recurrence.
10.Effect of buccal needle therapy on perioperative analgesic effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery
Yihui ZHOU ; Meihua ZHU ; Haiqing HU ; Cong NIU ; Xiaoliang YANG ; Jiamin ZHANG ; Zhiyong CHEN
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(7):704-708
Objective To observe the effect of buccal needle therapy on perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery.Methods Sixty patients underwent dective laparoscopic radical of colon cancer surgery were selected,32 males and 28 females,aged 45-74 years,BMI 18.5-25.0 kg/m2 and ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were divided into two groups using the randomized numerical table method:buccal needle group and control group,30 patients in each group.Before the induction of anesthesia,the buccal needle group was given buccal needle therapy once,and buc-cal needle therapy was performed once a day at 9 a.m.in the postoperative period,leaving the needle in place for 30 minutes each time,for 3 consecutive days of treatment,and the control group was not treated with buccal needle therapy.The amount of intraoperative propofol,remifentanil,sufentanil used in the 48 hours postoperative period and recorded.VAS pain scores were recorded at 1 hour,4,24,and 48 hours postoperatively.Venous blood was collected at the time of admission to the hand room and at 1 day,2,and 3 days postoperatively,respectively,and the concentrations of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP),interleu-kin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were measured.The occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 hours after operation was recorded.Results Compared with the control group,intraop-erative propofol,remifentanil,the amount of sufentanil used and the number of analgesic pump presses with-in 48 hours after operation in the buccal needle group were significantly reduced in the buccal needle group(P<0.05),VAS pain scores were significantly lower at 1 hour,4,24,and 48 hours postoperatively(P<0.05),CRP,IL-6,and TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower at 1 day,2,and 3 days postopera-tively(P<0.05),and nausea and vomiting,incidence of laryngospasm and laryngeal discomfort were sig-nificantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion The perioperative use of buccal needle therapy in patients un-dergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery can effectively reduce pain,inhibit inflammatory respon-ses,and decrease the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions.


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