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.Urinary Metabolomics Aanlysis of Differences in Effect of Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma on Gerbils with Stroke
Liting ZHOU ; Wanting ZENG ; Ru JIA ; Huiying XU ; Yihui DING ; Hao DONG ; Haowen MA ; Yang QU ; Qian CAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):157-166
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma on the urinary metabolites of gerbils with stroke by non-targeted metabolomics technique, and then to clarify the mechanism of the two, as well as their similarities and differences. MethodTwenty-four gerbils were randomly divided into control group(CG), model group(MG), Aconiti Coreani Radix group(RA) and Typhonii Rhizoma group(RT). Except for the CG, ischemic stroke model was constructed using right unilateral ligation of gerbil carotid artery in the remaining groups. Except for the CG and MG, rats in the other groups received whole powder suspension(0.586 mg·g-1) was administered for 14 days. The neurological deficit in each group was scored by Longa scoring on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. After the end of administration, the serum, brain tissue and urine of gerbils in each group were collected, and the rate of cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), and the levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione(GSH), and nitric oxide(NO) in serum and brain tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The urine metabolomics of gerbils in each group was studied by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), and the data were processed by multivariate statistical analysis, and differential metabolites were screened based on value of variable importance in the projection(VIP) of the first principal component>1 and t-test P<0.05. Metabolic pathway analysis of the screened differential metabolites was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) database and Metaboanalyst 5.0. ResultCompared with the CG, the neurological deficit score was significantly increased in the MG(P<0.05), compared with the MG, the neurological deficit scores in the RA and RT were significantly reduced after 7 d and 14 d(P<0.05). Compared with the CG, the rate of cerebral infarction was significantly increased in the MG(P<0.05), compared with the MG, the rates of cerebral infarction in the RA and RT were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Compared with the CG, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA in the serum and brain tissue of gerbils from the MG were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the levels of SOD, GSH and NO were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Compared with the MG, Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma could down-regulate the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and MDA, and up-regulated the levels of SOD, GSH and NO. A total of 112 endogenous differential metabolites were screened by urine metabolomics, of which 16 and 26 metabolites were called back by Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma, and could be used as potential biomarkers for both treatments in stroke gerbils, respectively. The results of the pathway analysis showed that both Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma had regulatory effects on arginine and proline metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. In addition, Aconiti Coreani Radix could also regulate riboflavin metabolism, Typhonii Rhizoma could also regulate purine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of pantothenate and coenzyme A, and β-alanine metabolism. ConclusionBoth Aconiti Coreani Radix and Typhonii Rhizoma have better therapeutic effects on stroke, with Aconiti Coreani Radix having stronger effects. From the metabolomics results, the main metabolic pathways regulated by Aconiti Coreani Radix involve amino acid metabolism, oxidative stress and so on, while Typhonii Rhizoma mainly involve amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, etc.
8.A clinicopathological analysis of cervical carcinoma with basaloid features
Yanrui ZHANG ; Xinyi HUANG ; Jian SHI ; Yihui YANG ; Limin LIU ; Haiyan HU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(2):163-168
Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological features of adenoid basal cell carcinoma(ABC),adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC),and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma(BSCC)with basaloid charac-teristics and improve the diagnostic and differential diagnostic ability of clinicians and pathologists for these lesions.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on the clinical and pathological data of 4 cases of ABC,1 case of ACC,and 3 cases of BSCC diagnosed and treated at Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital,Southern Medical University from April 2018 to December 2022.Pathological slides were reviewed and relevant literature was analyzed and summarized.Results All three types of tumors were common in postmenopausal women and were associated with high-risk HPV infection.ABC was a low-grade cancer and patients were often clinically asymp-tomatic.It was usually detected incidentally during cervical screening due to cytological abnormalities,or after cervical cone biopsy or hysterectomy for HSIL.It presented as superficial cervical infiltration and clinical staging was often early.ACC and BSCC were intermediate to high-grade cancers and they often presented with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.A visible mass was observed on the cervix.The clinical staging was intermediate to advanced.The three types of lesions could coexist.Careful observation of the morphological characteristics and immunohistochemical staining could help with differential diagnosis.None of the 8 patients experienced recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.Conclusion Cervical ABC,ACC and BSCC are rare and they originate from reserve cells.They share the similarities in clinical and pathological morphology,but differ in treatment and prognosis.So,accurate differen-tiation among them has important clinical significance.
9.Effects of Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription on Inflammatory Response of Atherosclerosis in Mini-pigs Based on NOX5-ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Yi LU ; Xiangxin CHEN ; Xiuwei HAO ; Tongwu ZHANG ; Yuanyuan ZHOU ; Yihui PAN ; Guanlin YANG ; Dezhao KONG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(3):105-112
Objective To observe the effects of Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription on oxidative stress and inflammatory response in mini-pigs with atherosclerosis(AS);To explore its mechanism based on the NOX5-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Methods Twelve Bama mini-pigs were randomly divided into control group,model group,and Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription low-and high-dosage groups,with 3 pigs in each group.A high-fat diet was used to feed for 24 weeks to construct an AS model,and the treatment group was also supplemented with Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription in the feed.The general condition of mini-pigs(body length,abdominal circumference,body mass,food intake,and fecal water content)was measured at week 0,16,and 24 of administration,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of aortic tissue,while oil red O staining was used to observe lipid deposition in aortic and myocardial tissue,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of aortic tissue,and a fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum contents of TC,HDL-C,and LDL-C.ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum reactive oxygen species(ROS),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,hypersensitivity-C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1).Western blot was used to detect the expressions of NADPH oxidase 5(NOX5),extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2),p-ERK1/2,VCAM-1,and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)proteins.Results Compared with the control group,the abdominal circumference,body mass,and food intake of mini-pigs in the model group increased at 16 and 24 weeks(P<0.01),there was significant thickening of the inner membrane of aorta,destruction of endothelial cells,lipid deposition,edema of smooth muscle cells,and significant swelling of mitochondria,serum TC,LDL-C contents and the contents of ROS,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP,VCAM-1,and ICAM-1 increased,while the content of HDL-C decreased(P<0.01);the expressions of NOX5,p-ERK1/2,VCAM-1,and PCNA proteins in aortic tissue increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription low-and high-dosage groups showed a decrease in abdominal circumference,body mass,and food intake at 16 and 24 weeks(P<0.05,P<0.01),the plaque area and lipid deposition were reduced,and the damage to endothelial cells was alleviated,serum TC,LDL-C contents and the contents of ROS,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP,ICAM-1,and VCAM-1 decreased,and the content of HDL-C increased(P<0.01,P<0.05);the expressiond of NOX5,p-ERK1/2,VCAM-1,and PCNA proteins in aortic tissue decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Jianpi Qutan Huayu Prescription can effectively alleviate AS in mini-pigs,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NOX5-ERK1/2 signaling pathway and alleviating oxidative stress-induced inflammatory response.
10.Investigation on the particle size determination method of elemene emulsion injection
Dongxue MEI ; Youjian YANG ; Xiaodan LIU ; Yihui WANG ; Wenshu XU
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(5):489-494
Objective:To investigate the influence of different test conditions on the particle size distribution of elemene emulsion injection measured by laser light scattering method.Methods:The method of particle size deter-mination of elemene emulsion injection was explored.The test conditions were as follows:shading rate 5%-10%,absorption rate 0.000 1-0.1,refractive index1.52-1.54,mixing speed 800-1 600 r·min-1,balance time 0.5-1 min.After the methodology verification,3 batches of elemene emulsion injection were taken and deter-mined on the Bettersize 2600 laser particle size distribution instrument(wet method).Results:Measurement results of 3 batches of samples:d(0.1),d(0.5),d(0.9),d(0.99)were 252,251,213 nm;354,351,316 nm;543,532,476 nm;979,953,887 nm.Conclusion:This test method can be used to determine the particle size distribution of elemene emulsion injection with good reproducibility.


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