1.Research progress on the intervention of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell in neurodegenerative disease
Hongcai XU ; Yumin XU ; Shiyu LIU ; Huayu YAN ; Yuan LIU ; Xin YANG ; Yabo WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):395-400
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) as a cell-based therapeutic strategy have demonstrated significant application potential in the field of intervention for neurodegenerative disease (NDD) due to their advantages such as self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and low immunogenicity. hUC-MSC effectively intervenes in the pathological features and neurological functions of various disease models such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis primarily through multiple mechanisms such as homing and differentiation, mediating paracrine actions and releasing exosomes, as well as immune regulation and anti-inflammation. Some clinical studies have also preliminarily verified their safety and effectiveness. Currently, its research still faces challenges such as immune rejection reactions requiring further observation, long-term safety needing evaluation, mechanisms of action not being fully elucidated, and slow progress in clinical trials. Future research needs to establish pharmaceutical standards for hUC-MSC, deepen their pharmacological mechanisms and clinical trials, ultimately providing new and effective drug treatment options for patients with NDD.
2.Comparison of clinical efficacy of evolocumab and probucol after PCI in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Yi YUAN ; Na LI ; Haiying SUN ; Jing SUN ; Yongqiang MA ; Yan WU ; Guohong YANG ; Junxiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):645-649
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of evolocumab and probucol in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 156 ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients who underwent PCI in our institution between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. According to the lipid-lowering regimen, the patients were categorized into evolocumab group ( n =86) and probucol group ( n =70). Changes in lipid parameters [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprot ein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), and lipid goal achievement rate ] , inflammatory markers [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) ] , and cardiac function indices (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) were compared between two groups at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The incidence of adverse clinical events during treatment, including acute myocardial infarction, in-stent restenosis, acute heart failure, cerebral hemorrhage, and stroke, was also evaluated. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups at baseline ( P >0.05). After 6 months of treatment, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles (except HDL-C) and inflammatory markers compared to those at baseline ( P <0.05). The evolocumab group exhibited greater reductions in TC, LDL-C, IL-6, and CRP, along with a higher lipid target achievement rate, compared with the probucol group ( P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the cardiac function-related indicators before and after treatment between the two groups, nor in the incidence of adverse events during the treatment ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS For ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients after PCI, both of the above treatment options are associated with improvements in blood lipid and inflammatory response, with good safety during short-term follow-up. Evolocumab shows superior efficacy in TC, LDL-C and inflammatory markers reduction and lipid target achievement, compared to probucol.
3.Effects of Qizhi Tongluo Granules on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Nrf2/OASL1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy
Qin LU ; Fei GAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zhenhua WU ; Guodong YUAN ; Fengwen YANG ; Jinchuan TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):134-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Qizhi Tongluo granules on proteinuria in membranous nephropathy (MN) and its potential protective effects and underlying mechanism against endoplasmic reticulum stress. MethodsAfter 70 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week, the MN rat model was established by injecting cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) into the tail vein. Rats were divided into the normal group, model group, low-dose Qizhi Tongluo granules group (2.43 g·kg-1), medium-dose group (4.86 g·kg-1), high-dose group (9.72 g·kg-1), and benazepril group (0.01 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered for four weeks. The 24-hour urinary total protein (UTP) content, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in renal tissues, were measured. Renal pathological changes were assessed using immunoglobulin G (IgG) staining, periodic acid-silver methenamine (PASM) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The localization and expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (p-IRE1α), phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein 1 (OASL1) in rat kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and OASL1 in rat kidneys were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with the normal group, UTP levels were significantly increased in the model rats (P<0.05), with obvious renal pathological damage. GPX content levels were significantly decreased in renal tissue (P<0.05), while ROS and MDA content levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins was significantly increased in the kidneys (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the UTP levels of rats in the Qizhi Tongluo granules groups and the benazepril group decreased to varying degrees (P<0.05), and renal pathological damage was significantly alleviated. The GPX content in renal tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the ROS and MDA levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, p-IRE1α, p-PERK, and ATF4 proteins in the kidney was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Trx1 and Nrf2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and OASL1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionQizhi Tongluo granules alleviates proteinuria in MN rats by modulating the Nrf2/OASL1 signaling pathway in renal tissues to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, which represents its underlying mechanism.
4.Association between brain and muscle Arnt like protein 1 gene polymorphisms and ambulatory blood pressure among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):864-868
Objective:
To investigate the association between brain and muscle Arnt like protein 1( BMAL 1) gene and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) parameters in college students, and to explore the influence of the interaction between the gene and weight status on the ABP levels, so as to provide reference for early prevention of chronic cardiovascular diseases related to hypertension.
Methods:
During September 2022 to June 2024, a total of 510 college students were recruited from a university in Changsha, China for on site questionnaire investigation, physical examination, ABP monitoring and genotyping testing. Multiple linear regression method was used to explore the association between the BMAL 1 gene and ABP indicators. An interaction term was included in the general linear model of multiple linear regression to analyze the interactive effects of BMAL 1 gene polymorphisms and weight status on ABP levels.
Results:
The prevalence of abnormal 24 hour blood pressure, abnormal daytime blood pressure, and abnormal nighttime blood pressure were 3.3%, 3.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the BMAL 1/rs7950226 polymorphism was positively correlated with the 24 hour diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and the daytime DBP level after adjusting for gender, age, and body mass index( β =0.87,0.99, both P <0.05). Also, interaction between BMAL 1/ rs 11022775 and weight status on the nighttime DBP level ( P interaction =0.03) was found. The CC genotype carriers had significantly higher nighttime DBP level ( β =3.52, P <0.05) among overweight/obesity college students, but no differences in nocturnal DBP levels were observed between CC genotype carriers and TT+CT genotype carriers among college students with normal body weight( P > 0.05).
Conclusions
The rs 7950226 polymorphism is associated with 24 hours DBP and daytime DBP levels. Significant interaction between rs 11022775 with weight status on the nighttime DBP level is found among college students.
5.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in treating cardiotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs
Linling SU ; Xianxia YUAN ; Wenyu JIANG ; Ling MO ; Jiaxue WU ; Min WANG ; Dongling LIU ; Yang HAI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):393-400
Cardiotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents is an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. This article systematically summarizes the clinical manifestations of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, molecular targeted cancer therapies, and immunotherapeutic drugs, and identifies the core injury mechanisms, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity falls under the category of “heat toxins” characterized by dual deficiency of qi and blood, upward flaming of heart heat, stagnation of the heart vessels, and meridian obstruction induced by phlegm-dampness. Therefore, by reviewing the preventive and therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of tonic medicines, interior heat-clearing medicines, blood-circulating and stasis-resolving medicines, phlegm-transforming, cough-suppressing and panting-relieving medicines, and interior-warming medicines, this paper concludes that TCM prevention and treatment of this condition adheres to the formulation principle of “reinforcing healthy qi, removing toxins, and resolving blood stasis”. Its mechanisms of action—including antioxidation effects, regulation of autophagic balance, antagonism of inflammatory responses, and improvement of microcirculation—are highly consistent with modern medical treatment strategies (e.g., dexrazoxane for inhibiting iron-dependent oxidative stress, statins for anti-inflammatory effects). This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative and precise prevention and treatment of anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity through the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
6.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
7.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
8.Effects of a homozygous missense mutation in the GNE gene p.V543M on cell phenotype and its mechanisms.
Ruolan WU ; Huilong LI ; Pingyun WU ; Qi YANG ; Xueting WAN ; Yuan WU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(1):105-118
OBJECTIVES:
Uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) myopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with homozygous or compound heterozygous missense mutations in the GNE gene. This study aims to explore the impact of the homozygous p.V543M mutation in on cell phenotype and to gain preliminary insights into the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
Human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK 293T) cells were used to construct wild-type (WT-GNE) and mutant (MUT-GNE) GNE overexpression models. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess GNE protein expression levels and subcellular localization. Cell adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, crystal violet staining, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, and tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) staining. Sialic acid synthesis levels and GNE enzymatic activity were measured, and the mRNA expression of sialic acid biosynthesis-related enzymes was quantified by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
Western blotting confirmed successful establishment of GNE overexpression models. Immunofluorescence showed significantly reduced co-localization of GNE protein with Golgin-97 in the MUT-GNE group compared to WT-GNE (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.65±0.08 vs 0.83±0.06, P<0.05). Compared with WT-GNE, cells in the MUT-GNE group exhibited increased adhesion, decreased proliferation, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). No significant differences in apoptosis were observed between groups. The MUT-GNE group showed reduced sialic acid production, significantly decreased kinase activity, and downregulated transcription of sialic acid biosynthesis-related enzymes compared to WT-GNE (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The p.V543M mutation in the GNE gene alters cellular phenotype by reducing GNE enzymatic activity and the transcription of sialic acid biosynthesis enzymes, ultimately impairing sialic acid production.
Humans
;
Mutation, Missense
;
HEK293 Cells
;
Apoptosis/genetics*
;
Phenotype
;
Multienzyme Complexes/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Homozygote
;
Cell Adhesion/genetics*
;
Distal Myopathies/genetics*
9.The ubiquitin-proteasome system: A potential target for the MASLD.
Yue LIU ; Meijia QIAN ; Yonghao LI ; Xin DONG ; Yulian WU ; Tao YUAN ; Jian MA ; Bo YANG ; Hong ZHU ; Qiaojun HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1268-1280
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most prevalent chronic liver condition globally, lacks adequate and effective therapeutic remedies in clinical practice. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the close connection between the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the progression of MASLD. This relationship is crucial for understanding the disease's underlying mechanism. As a sophisticated process, the UPS govern protein stability and function, maintaining protein homeostasis, thus influencing a multitude of elements and biological events of eukaryotic cells. It comprises four enzyme families, namely, ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3), and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). This review aims to delve into the array of pathways and therapeutic targets implicated in the ubiquitination within the pathogenesis of MASLD. Therefore, this review unveils the role of ubiquitination in MASLD while spotlighting potential therapeutic targets within the context of this disease.
10.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.


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