1.YOD1 regulates microglial homeostasis by deubiquitinating MYH9 to promote the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Jinfeng SUN ; Fan CHEN ; Lingyu SHE ; Yuqing ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Bozhi YE ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Li XIONG ; Liwei LI ; Luyao LI ; Qin YU ; Linjie CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Guang LIANG ; Xia ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):331-348
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia in the elderly and is closely related to the toxic effects of microglia sustained activation. In AD, sustained microglial activation triggers impaired synaptic pruning, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and cognitive deficits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that aberrant expression of deubiquitinating enzymes is associated with regulating microglia function. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify a deubiquitinase YOD1 as a regulator of microglial function and AD pathology. Further study showed that YOD1 knockout significantly improved the migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response of microglia, thereby improving the cognitive impairment of AD model mice. Through LC-MS/MS analysis combined with Co-IP, we found that Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), a key regulator maintaining microglia homeostasis, is an interacting protein of YOD1. Mechanistically, YOD1 binds to MYH9 and maintains its stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from MYH9, thereby mediating the microglia polarization signaling pathway to mediate microglia homeostasis. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of microglial YOD1 in mediating microglia homeostasis and AD pathology, which provides a potential strategy for targeting microglia to treat AD.
2.The impact of RAB2B on pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis via the NF-κB pathway
Qing LI ; Linyun ZENG ; Xin LIU ; Yu XIONG ; Jing NING ; Shanyu QIN ; Xiubing CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(11):1637-1644
Objective To investigate the effects of Ras-related protein Rab-2B(RAB2B)on the biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods PANC-1 cells,which exhibit relatively high RAB2B expression,and BXPC-3 cells,which display relatively low RAB2B expression,were selected from five pancreatic cancer cell lines.RAB2B-siRNA and pcDNA3.1-RAB2B plasmids were transfected into PANC-1 and BXPC-3 cells using a cell transfection technique.The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the prolif-erative capacity of pancreatic cancer cells following RAB2B intervention.Wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were utilized to assess the migratory and invasive capabilities of pancreatic cancer cells.Additionally,the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAB2B,NF-κB,and Fibronectin 1(FN1)were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot(WB),respectively.Results RAB2B mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly down-regulated in PANC-1 cells following transfection(P<0.05).CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that the proliferative capacity of PANC-1 cells was markedly reduced(P<0.05),and the wound-healing ability was substantially impaired(P<0.01)upon RAB2B knockdown.Transwell assays revealed a significant decrease in cell migration(P<0.01),while Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of phosphorylated p65 and FN1 were notably diminished(P<0.01).Conversely,overexpression of RAB2B reversed these aforementioned alterations.Conclusions Knockdown of RAB2B in PANC-1 cells significantly suppresses cell proliferation and migration,whereas overexpression of RAB2B in BXPC-3 cells markedly promotes these processes.This effect is likely mediated through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the subsequent regulation of FN1 expression.
3.Mechanism of action for the treatment of Cong Rong San in the Alzheimer's disease based on PERK-eIF20e-NF-κB signaling pathway
Xi WANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Yuan-qin CAI ; Zheng-yu WANG ; Xian-bing CHEN ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):80-87
Aim To explore the mechanism of Cong Rong San on AD model rats based on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Cong Rong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g·kg-1)and donepezil group,with 10 mice in each group.All groups of rats received bilateral hippocampal injections of Aβ1-42 to establish the AD model,except the normal group.After the intragastric administration,the Morris water maze behavior test was performed for rats to test-ed the learning and memory abilities.Nissl staining was detected the quantity and Nissl bodies of nerve cells.To detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by immu-nofluorescence.To observe the ultrastructure of endo-plasmic reticulum by Transmission electron microsco-py.ELISA for Aβ1-42 and inflammatory cytokines quantification.Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression level of protein in the hippocampus in PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The morris water maze results showed that Cong Rong San im-proved the escape latency time,increased the number of platform crossings,and prolonged the time spent in the target quadrant in AD rats.(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Nissl staining shows the neuronal cells are ar-ranged neatly,nucleus are present and the number of Nissl bodies was numerous and the number of neurons was increased in various doses of Cong Rong San.Im-munofluorescence showed that the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus of rats was decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The shape of endoplasmic reticulum was neat,no significantly expanded,and the structure was normal in various doses of Cong Rong San.The levels of Aβ1-42,IL-1,TNF-α and the ratio of p-PERK/PERK,p-eIF2α/eIF2α,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in hippo-campus of Cong Rong San group was significantly de-creased in ELISA and Western blot test(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Cong Rong San can alleviates the immune inflammatory response of neuronal cells in the ERS state for improve the learning and memory a-bility of AD rats,the mechanism of action may through restraint the activation of PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signa-ling pathway.
4.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Gallstones/complications*
;
Female
;
Male
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Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Aged
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Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
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Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
5.Polyphenolic compounds: Alleviating osteoarthritis by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress
Weibei SHENG ; Jin ZHAO ; Haotian QIN ; Hui ZENG ; Tao LAN ; Fei YU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):306-319
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease predominantly affecting the elderly and is characterized by cartilage degradation, synovitis, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Despite its widespread occurrence, no effective pharmacological interventions currently exist to halt or reverse disease progression. Polyphenolic compounds, a diverse class of plant-derived substances, have attracted considerable attention for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the multifaceted roles of polyphenols in OA. Specifically, polyphenols protect chondrocytes and preserve the extracellular matrix by mitigating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, regulating autophagy and cholesterol metabolism, and inhibiting programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, they exert protective effects on synovial tissue by regulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting pathogenic fibroblast activation, while also contributing to the maintenance of subchondral bone homeostasis. Recent progress in nanotechnology-based delivery systems, designed to overcome the poor solubility and limited bioavailability of polyphenols, is also highlighted. Collectively, this review integrates mechanistic insights with emerging therapeutic strategies, underscoring the potential of polyphenolic compounds as disease-modifying agents for OA.
6.Current status analysis of production and quality control of opioids and their compound oral preparations
Ruifeng HAO ; Chao LI ; Qiuping HUANG ; Huiyue CHENG ; Qin FENG ; Huanhuan YU ; Linggao ZENG ; Jianhua WANG ; Zhu CHEN
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):371-379
Opium is obtained by air-drying the milky latex extracted from the unripe capsules of the opium poppy(Papaver somniferum).This latex is rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids(BIA),with major active compounds in-cluding morphine,codeine,thebaine,papaverine,and noscapine.Compound licorice oral solution and compound licorice tablets are derivative drugs containing opium.Initially classified as over-the-counter(OTC)medications,both formulations were later reclassified as prescription drugs by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA),restricting their purchase without proper authorization.Although the national pharmacopeia standards specify the morphine content in the opium raw materials used for compound licorice oral solution and tablets,they lack mandatory requirements for the detection and quantification of the other four major alkaloids.Given the unique nature of opium raw materials and the stringent regulatory requirements for such drugs,it is imperative to enhance and refine simultaneous detection and control methods for all alkaloid components in these products.Furthermore,the establishment of scientific and reasonable detection and control standards for preservatives in compound licorice formulations is crucial to improving overall product quality management and ensuring drug safety and efficacy.This study analyzes and discusses the quality standards,detection methods,and research progress for opium and com-pound licorice preparations,aiming to explore the potential for technological innovation and ensure the safe use of these medications.
7.Current status analysis of production and quality control of opioids and their compound oral preparations
Ruifeng HAO ; Chao LI ; Qiuping HUANG ; Huiyue CHENG ; Qin FENG ; Huanhuan YU ; Linggao ZENG ; Jianhua WANG ; Zhu CHEN
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):371-379
Opium is obtained by air-drying the milky latex extracted from the unripe capsules of the opium poppy(Papaver somniferum).This latex is rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids(BIA),with major active compounds in-cluding morphine,codeine,thebaine,papaverine,and noscapine.Compound licorice oral solution and compound licorice tablets are derivative drugs containing opium.Initially classified as over-the-counter(OTC)medications,both formulations were later reclassified as prescription drugs by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA),restricting their purchase without proper authorization.Although the national pharmacopeia standards specify the morphine content in the opium raw materials used for compound licorice oral solution and tablets,they lack mandatory requirements for the detection and quantification of the other four major alkaloids.Given the unique nature of opium raw materials and the stringent regulatory requirements for such drugs,it is imperative to enhance and refine simultaneous detection and control methods for all alkaloid components in these products.Furthermore,the establishment of scientific and reasonable detection and control standards for preservatives in compound licorice formulations is crucial to improving overall product quality management and ensuring drug safety and efficacy.This study analyzes and discusses the quality standards,detection methods,and research progress for opium and com-pound licorice preparations,aiming to explore the potential for technological innovation and ensure the safe use of these medications.
8.The impact of RAB2B on pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis via the NF-κB pathway
Qing LI ; Linyun ZENG ; Xin LIU ; Yu XIONG ; Jing NING ; Shanyu QIN ; Xiubing CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(11):1637-1644
Objective To investigate the effects of Ras-related protein Rab-2B(RAB2B)on the biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods PANC-1 cells,which exhibit relatively high RAB2B expression,and BXPC-3 cells,which display relatively low RAB2B expression,were selected from five pancreatic cancer cell lines.RAB2B-siRNA and pcDNA3.1-RAB2B plasmids were transfected into PANC-1 and BXPC-3 cells using a cell transfection technique.The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the prolif-erative capacity of pancreatic cancer cells following RAB2B intervention.Wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were utilized to assess the migratory and invasive capabilities of pancreatic cancer cells.Additionally,the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAB2B,NF-κB,and Fibronectin 1(FN1)were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot(WB),respectively.Results RAB2B mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly down-regulated in PANC-1 cells following transfection(P<0.05).CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that the proliferative capacity of PANC-1 cells was markedly reduced(P<0.05),and the wound-healing ability was substantially impaired(P<0.01)upon RAB2B knockdown.Transwell assays revealed a significant decrease in cell migration(P<0.01),while Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of phosphorylated p65 and FN1 were notably diminished(P<0.01).Conversely,overexpression of RAB2B reversed these aforementioned alterations.Conclusions Knockdown of RAB2B in PANC-1 cells significantly suppresses cell proliferation and migration,whereas overexpression of RAB2B in BXPC-3 cells markedly promotes these processes.This effect is likely mediated through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the subsequent regulation of FN1 expression.
9.Mechanism of action for the treatment of Cong Rong San in the Alzheimer's disease based on PERK-eIF20e-NF-κB signaling pathway
Xi WANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Yuan-qin CAI ; Zheng-yu WANG ; Xian-bing CHEN ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):80-87
Aim To explore the mechanism of Cong Rong San on AD model rats based on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Cong Rong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g·kg-1)and donepezil group,with 10 mice in each group.All groups of rats received bilateral hippocampal injections of Aβ1-42 to establish the AD model,except the normal group.After the intragastric administration,the Morris water maze behavior test was performed for rats to test-ed the learning and memory abilities.Nissl staining was detected the quantity and Nissl bodies of nerve cells.To detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by immu-nofluorescence.To observe the ultrastructure of endo-plasmic reticulum by Transmission electron microsco-py.ELISA for Aβ1-42 and inflammatory cytokines quantification.Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression level of protein in the hippocampus in PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The morris water maze results showed that Cong Rong San im-proved the escape latency time,increased the number of platform crossings,and prolonged the time spent in the target quadrant in AD rats.(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Nissl staining shows the neuronal cells are ar-ranged neatly,nucleus are present and the number of Nissl bodies was numerous and the number of neurons was increased in various doses of Cong Rong San.Im-munofluorescence showed that the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus of rats was decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The shape of endoplasmic reticulum was neat,no significantly expanded,and the structure was normal in various doses of Cong Rong San.The levels of Aβ1-42,IL-1,TNF-α and the ratio of p-PERK/PERK,p-eIF2α/eIF2α,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in hippo-campus of Cong Rong San group was significantly de-creased in ELISA and Western blot test(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Cong Rong San can alleviates the immune inflammatory response of neuronal cells in the ERS state for improve the learning and memory a-bility of AD rats,the mechanism of action may through restraint the activation of PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signa-ling pathway.
10.In vitro expression and functional analyses of the mutants p.R243Q,p.R241C and p.Y356X of the human phenylalanine hydroxylase
Yong-Hong PANG ; Xiang-Yu GAO ; Zhen-Ya YUAN ; Hui HUANG ; Zeng-Qin WANG ; Lei PENG ; Yi-Qun LI ; Jie LIU ; Dong LIU ; Gui-Rong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):188-193
Objective To study the in vitro expression of three phenylalanine hydroxylase(PAH)mutants(p.R243Q,p.R241C,and p.Y356X)and determine their pathogenicity.Methods Bioinformatics techniques were used to predict the impact of PAH mutants on the structure and function of PAH protein.Corresponding mutant plasmids of PAH were constructed and expressed in HEK293T cells.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of the three PAH mutants,and their protein levels were assessed using Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Bioinformatics analysis predicted that all three mutants were pathogenic.The mRNA expression levels of the p.R243Q and p.R241C mutants in HEK293T cells were similar to the mRNA expression level of the wild-type control(P>0.05),while the mRNA expression level of the p.Y356X mutant significantly decreased(P<0.05).The PAH protein expression levels of all three mutants were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type control(P<0.05).The extracellular concentration of PAH protein was reduced in the p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants compared to the wild-type control(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the p.R243Q mutant and the wild type control(P>0.05).Conclusions p.R243Q,p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants lead to reduced expression levels of PAH protein in eukaryotic cells,with p.R241C and p.Y356X mutants also affecting the function of PAH protein.These three PAH mutants are to be pathogenic.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):188-193]

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