1.IMM-H007 promotes hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism by activating AMPKα to attenuate hypercholesterolemia.
Jiaqi LI ; Mingchao WANG ; Kai QU ; Yuyao SUN ; Zequn YIN ; Na DONG ; Xin SUN ; Yitong XU ; Liang CHEN ; Shuang ZHANG ; Xunde XIAN ; Suowen XU ; Likun MA ; Yajun DUAN ; Haibo ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4047-4063
Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe -/- and Ldlr -/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.
2.Effects and mechanisms of the kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction metabolites on the proliferation of multiple myeloma KM3 cells
Jingbo SHI ; Changnian LI ; Wenjian WEI ; Jiyuan DING ; Guodong MA ; Lulu LI ; Yaru WANG ; Yitong LU ; Jie XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Yan WANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Ruirong XU ; Siyuan CUI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(7):647-654
Objective:To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of metabolites derived from the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction on the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) KM3 cells.Methods:MM KM3 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were treated with 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% metabolites of kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial and cellular ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. mRNA and protein expression levels of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology, was utilized for reverse verification of the pharmacodynamic mechanisms and therapeutic targets underlying the anti-MM activity of this decoction.Results:The metabolites of the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction inhibited KM3 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial fission and autophagic structures, with effects intensifying at higher metabolite concentrations. mRNA and protein expression of Drp1, Fis1, MFF, Pink1, and Parkin were significantly upregulated in treatment groups compared to controls ( P<0.05), with the most pronounced effects observed in the 12% metabolite group ( P<0.01). HPLC-MS/MS identified 121 bioactive compounds in BHTF, which shared 474 overlapping targets with MM. Enrichment analysis suggested that BHTF exerts antitumor effects primarily through apigenin, palmatine, and other key components by modulating TNF, NF-κB, and mitophagy pathways. Conclusion:The kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction suppresses the proliferation of MM KM3 cells, potentially through mechanisms involving the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and induction of autophagy.
3.Biological function of tRNA-derived small RNA and its expression and clinical significance in liver diseases
Yinli LI ; Yan XU ; Zhiwei GUAN ; Lu MENG ; Yitong QU ; Jianli QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1227-1234
Liver diseases cannot be easily detected in the early stage, and although invasive diagnostic methods, such as liver biopsy, are relatively accurate, they tend to have a low degree of acceptance, which greatly limits the improvement in diagnosis and treatment techniques for liver diseases. Therefore, it is of great importance to search for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As an emerging biomarker for liquid biopsy, tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is abnormally expressed in various liver diseases including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver injury, and liver cancer, and it can affect the development and progression of liver diseases by regulating the biological functions such as gene expression, epigenetic regulation, and protein translation. This article reviews the origin, classification, and biological function of tsRNA, as well as the research advances in tsRNA as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases, so as to provide ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
4.Gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease.
Lin WANG ; Ying CUI ; Bingyu HAN ; Yitong DU ; Kenish Sirajbhai SALEWALA ; Shiya WANG ; Wenlu ZHAO ; Hongxin ZHANG ; Sichen WANG ; Xinran XU ; Jianpeng MA ; Yan ZHU ; Houzhen TUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):289-297
Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of PD, and numerous studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of modulations in the intestinal microbiota. This review provides insights into the characterization of the gut microbiota in patients with PD and highlights associations with clinical symptoms and underlying mechanisms. The discussion underscores the increased influence of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PD. While the relationship is not fully elucidated, existing research demonstrates a strong correlation between changes in the composition of gut microbiota and disease development, and further investigation is warranted to explain the specific underlying mechanisms.
Humans
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Parkinson Disease/microbiology*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
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Dysbiosis/microbiology*
5.Effects and mechanisms of the kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction metabolites on the proliferation of multiple myeloma KM3 cells
Jingbo SHI ; Changnian LI ; Wenjian WEI ; Jiyuan DING ; Guodong MA ; Lulu LI ; Yaru WANG ; Yitong LU ; Jie XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Yan WANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Ruirong XU ; Siyuan CUI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(7):647-654
Objective:To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of metabolites derived from the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction on the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) KM3 cells.Methods:MM KM3 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were treated with 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% metabolites of kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial and cellular ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. mRNA and protein expression levels of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology, was utilized for reverse verification of the pharmacodynamic mechanisms and therapeutic targets underlying the anti-MM activity of this decoction.Results:The metabolites of the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction inhibited KM3 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial fission and autophagic structures, with effects intensifying at higher metabolite concentrations. mRNA and protein expression of Drp1, Fis1, MFF, Pink1, and Parkin were significantly upregulated in treatment groups compared to controls ( P<0.05), with the most pronounced effects observed in the 12% metabolite group ( P<0.01). HPLC-MS/MS identified 121 bioactive compounds in BHTF, which shared 474 overlapping targets with MM. Enrichment analysis suggested that BHTF exerts antitumor effects primarily through apigenin, palmatine, and other key components by modulating TNF, NF-κB, and mitophagy pathways. Conclusion:The kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction suppresses the proliferation of MM KM3 cells, potentially through mechanisms involving the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and induction of autophagy.
6.Strategies and thoughts on comprehensive treatment of gastric cancer
Zekuan XU ; Xiaofeng CHEN ; Yitong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(3):317-325
Gastric cancer is a highly lethal malignant tumor, with early diagnosis being difficult and treatment outcomes influenced by multiple factors. In recent years, comprehensive treatment approach, incorporating surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immuno-therapy, has significantly improved efficacy. The advantages of comprehensive treatment are most important in patients with locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer. For locally advanced cases, surgery serves as the core treatment, with various therapeutic modalities applied during the peri-operative period to enhance surgical outcomes. For metastatic patients, drug therapy is the primary method, supplemented by local treatments to achieve the best benefit. With the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer development, the use of molecular biomarkers for prognostic stratification and guidance for targeted therapy or immuno-therapy has become a crucial aspect of comprehensive treatment. Based on the latest research advancements, the authors discuss comprehensive treatment strategies for gastric cancer at different stages, offering insights into impro-ving efficacy and prognosis.
7.Strategies and thoughts on comprehensive treatment of gastric cancer
Zekuan XU ; Xiaofeng CHEN ; Yitong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(3):317-325
Gastric cancer is a highly lethal malignant tumor, with early diagnosis being difficult and treatment outcomes influenced by multiple factors. In recent years, comprehensive treatment approach, incorporating surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immuno-therapy, has significantly improved efficacy. The advantages of comprehensive treatment are most important in patients with locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer. For locally advanced cases, surgery serves as the core treatment, with various therapeutic modalities applied during the peri-operative period to enhance surgical outcomes. For metastatic patients, drug therapy is the primary method, supplemented by local treatments to achieve the best benefit. With the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer development, the use of molecular biomarkers for prognostic stratification and guidance for targeted therapy or immuno-therapy has become a crucial aspect of comprehensive treatment. Based on the latest research advancements, the authors discuss comprehensive treatment strategies for gastric cancer at different stages, offering insights into impro-ving efficacy and prognosis.
8.How do female mosquitoes determine the most suitable males for mating?
Yitong LI ; Dong LI ; Xiaofei LIU ; Ying WANG ; Tingting LIU ; Yanqiu XU ; Shengqun DENG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(3):321-328
More than 80% of the world’s populations are at risk of vector-borne diseases, with mosquito-borne diseases as a significant global public health problem. Mosquito populations control is critical to interrupting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. This review summarizes the physical attributes, smell, vision, touch, and hearing of mosquitoes to unravel the preferences of female mosquitoes, and describes the mechanisms underlying the best male mating by female mosquitoes, so as to provide new insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases.
9.Epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli infection in diarrhea patients in Shanghai, 2016-2022
Jun FENG ; Jiahui XIA ; Yuan ZHUANG ; Zhen XU ; Jiayuan LUO ; Yong CHEN ; Jiayi FEI ; Yitong WU ; Huanyu WU ; Xin CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Min CHEN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(7):969-976
Objective:To understand the infection status, epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in Shanghai and provide evidence for the disease surveillance. Methods:The epidemiological data of diarrhea cases in Shanghai from 2016 to 2022 were collected from Shanghai Diarrhea Comprehensive Surveillance System, and stool samples were collected from the cases for DEC detection. The drug resistance data was obtained from Chinese Pathogen Identification Network. Statistical analysis was conducted by using χ2 and fisher test. Results:In 24 883 diarrhea cases detected during 2016-2022, the DEC positive rate was 9.13% (2 271/24 883), the single DEC positive rate was 8.83% (2 197/24 883) and the mixed DEC positive rate was 0.30% (74/24 883). The main type of DEC was Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) [4.33% (1 077/24 883)]. The DEC positive rate was highest in people aged ≤5 years 18.48% (22/119). The annual peak of DEC positive rate was observed during July - September [5.91% (1 470/24 883)]. The DEC positive rate were 9.47% (554/5 847) and 9.02% (1 717/19 036) in urban area and in suburbs, respectively, Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) [3.98% (233/5 847)] and ETEC [4.56% (868/19 036)] were mainly detected. From 2016 to 2019, the DEC positive rate was 9.42% (1 821/19 330), while it was 8.10% (450/5 553) from 2020 to 2022, the main DEC types were ETEC (4.87%, 941/19 330) and EAEC (4.70%, 261/5 553). The multi-drug resistance rate was 40.21% (618/1 537). The top three antibiotics with high drug resistance rates were ampicillin [64.74% (995/1 537)], nalidixic acid [58.49% (899/1 537)] and tetracycline [45.09% (693/1 537)]. Conclusions:Compared with 2016- 2019, a decrease in DEC detection rate was observed during 2020-2022, and the main type of DEC detected shifted from ETEC to EAEC. The prevalence of multi-drug resistance was severe. Therefore, it is necessary to further strengthen the surveillance for DEC drug resistance and standardize the use of clinical antibiotics.
10.Severe distal curve progression and its revision strategy following posterior osteotomy and fusion for congenital cervicothoracic scoliosis
Saihu MAO ; Kai SUN ; Song LI ; Jie ZHOU ; Yitong ZHU ; Zhen LIU ; Benlong SHI ; Xu SUN ; Jun QIAO ; Bin WANG ; Yang YU ; Yong QIU ; Zezhang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(8):509-518
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for severe distal curve progression after posterior hemivertebra (HV) resection and short-segment fixation in patients with congenital cervicothoracic scoliosis (CTS), and to analyze the surgical revision strategy.Methods:Imaging and clinical data of patients who underwent posterior HV resection and short-segment fixation for CTS between August 2012 and August 2021 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 55 patients were recruited, including 27 females and 28 males with an average age of 8.5±3.6 years (range 3-15 years) at surgery and an average Risser grade of 0.7±1.4 (range 0-4). The number of fused segments averaged 6.9±1.6 (range 4-10), and the mean follow-up was 38.7±18.9 months (range 9-94 months). According to the severity of distal curve progression, the recruited patients were divided into three groups: non-progression group (NPG), mild progression group (MPG), and severe progression group (SPG). The latter two groups were collectively called the progression group (PG). The cervicothoracic Cobb angle, T1 tilt angle, coronal balance distance (CBD), neck tilt angle, clavicular angle, head tilt angle, head shift, and upper (UIV) and lower instrument vertebra (LIV) tilt angle on the standing whole spine X-ray were measured before and after surgery and at the last follow-up. The correction rate of the Cobb angle in the osteotomy area was measured and calculated on CT three-dimensional reconstruction, and the proportion of patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted on the various parameters between the two groups. For factors with statistical significance in the single-factor analysis, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the high-risk factors for distal curve progression.Results:There were 38 cases in the NPG, 11 in the MPG, and 6 in the SPG. Compared to the NPG, the PG showed more severe coronal imbalance preoperatively, with CBD of 35.6±22.3 mm and 11.6±7.1 mm respectively; more severe neck tilt and head shift, with neck tilt angle of 17.4°±8.3° and 12.4°±6.9° respectively, and head shift of 22.8±17.7 mm and 13.9±9.8 mm respectively; and a higher proportion of KFS, 65% (11/17) and 34% (13/38) respectively, all with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Postoperatively, the PG showed more severe coronal imbalance compared with the NPG, with 17.3±12.7 mm and 9.6±8.1 mm respectively; more evident residual deformity, with cervical tilt angles of 9.4°±4.6° and 6.4°±5.3° respectively, and head shift of 14.7±7.4 mm and 9.1±5.9 mm respectively; lower correction of Cobb angle in the apical osteotomy region, with rates of 40.1%±15.2% and 50.3%±19.9% respectively; more significant UIV and LIV tilt, with UIV tilt angles of 14.3°±7.4° and 9.8°±5.3° respectively, and LIV tilt angles of 8.1°±5.5° and 4.5°±3.6° respectively, all with statistical significance ( P<0.05). SPG showed only more severe coronal imbalance preoperatively compared with the MPG, with 50.7±31.3 mm and 27.3±9.6 mm respectively; and head shift, with 33.5±25.0 mm and 16.9±11.0 mm respectively, all with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between significant preoperative coronal imbalance and postoperative distal scoliosis progression [ OR=1.299, 95% CI (1.101, 1.531), P=0.002]. Five cases (83.3%) in SPG underwent revision surgery with an average follow-up of 25 months, and selecting the LIV down to the stable region was the major revision strategy. Conclusion:Combined KFS, residual cervicothoracic deformities, and tilting of UIV and LIV are key causes, whereas significant preoperative coronal imbalance is an independent risk factor predisposing to the distal curve progression.

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