1.Mechanism of drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules in inhibiting microglial ferroptosis
Guangkun FAN ; Yue QI ; Jixian WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Chunpeng XIA ; Yihang WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Yang AN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):317-323
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism by which drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules (DXQ) inhibits microglial ferroptosis. METHODS Male SD rats were given normal saline and Dianxianqing granules solution via intragastric administration to prepare normal serum and DXQ, respectively. Mice microglia BV2 cells were collected and successfully transfected with a negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC), and then they were included in the si-NC group and cultured under normal conditions. Cells successfully transfected with small interfering RNA targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (si-GPX4) were divided into the si-GPX4 group, the CsA group (treated with 1 μmol/L cyclosporine A), and the DXQ- L, DXQ-M and DXQ-H groups (treated with 5%, 7% and 10% DXQ, respectively). These groups were subsequently treated with their corresponding drug solutions and ferroptosis inducer Erastin (10 μmol/L). The intracellular levels of total iron ions, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of mitochondrial superoxide were determined in each group after 48 h of treatment. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential, the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and cyclophilin D (CypD) were detected. Furthermore, the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins[GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)], as well as MPTP-related proteins [adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (CytC), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and CypD] were assessed. RESULTS Compared with si-NC group, the levels of total iron ions and ROS, the expression level of mitochondrial superoxide, the opening degree of MPTP, protein and its mRNA expressions of CypD as well as protein expressions of TfR1 and MCU were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.01); however, GSH content, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, and protein expressions of FTH1, ANT and CytC were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the si-GPX4 group, the cells in the DXQ-M, DXQ-H groups showed a general improvement in the above quantitative indicators (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DXQ can enhance antioxidant capacity by activating the GSH/GPX4 pathway, regulate the expressions of TfR1 and FTH1 protein to correct iron ion homeostasis, inhibit excessive opening of MPTP to improve mitochondrial function, and ultimately suppress microglial ferroptosis.
2.Fluorescence Suppression Method of Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Skin and Cosmetics Analysis
Yun-Xia CHEN ; Jia-Rong WANG ; Jian-Yu ZHU ; Shi-Wen LIN ; Ya-Nan LIU ; Xiao-Yue MA ; Guang-Cheng XI ; Juan LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1914-1926
Owing to its inherent advantages—such as being non-destructive, rapid, highly molecule-specific, and minimally interfered with by moisture—Raman spectroscopy has been widely adopted in the fields of skin barrier function assessment, monitoring the transdermal penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, and the identification and quality control of cosmetic products. Despite these strengths, the practical application of this technique faces a significant bottleneck: the strong fluorescence background generated by endogenous skin components and exogenous cosmetic additives. Endogenous skin substances, such as structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), metabolic coenzymes (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and pigments (e.g., melanin), together with exogenous cosmetic constituents like organic colorants, chemical sunscreens, and fragrances, often possess strong absorption and emission characteristics. When excited by lasers, these components produce a fluorescence background that can be 106 to 108 times stronger than the Raman scattering signals, effectively masking the inherently weak vibrational fingerprint information. In recent years, driven by the rapid development of optoelectronic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms, fluorescence suppression strategies have evolved from isolated, single-method approaches into comprehensive, multi-level synergistic systems. These systems are categorized into three distinct tiers: sample preparation, signal acquisition, and data processing. At the sample preparation level, techniques such as photobleaching and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are employed to eliminate or bypass the generation of fluorescence at the source. At the signal acquisition level, instrumental improvements—including the use of long-wavelength near-infrared excitation (typically 785 nm or 1 064 nm), confocal spatial filtering, and shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)— are utilized to physically isolate Raman signals from the fluorescence background. Furthermore, at the data processing level, numerical baseline correction methods such as polynomial fitting, penalized least squares (e.g., airPLS, arPLS), wavelet transform, and derivative algorithms are increasingly integrated into the analytical pipeline to extract Raman spectral features from mixed signals without increasing hardware costs or acquisition time. This review provides a systematic categorization and critical evaluation of these fluorescence suppression methods, detailing their underlying principles, technical advantages, and inherent limitations in diverse experimental setups. By focusing on critical application scenarios—including skin barrier assessment, percutaneous absorption monitoring, the routine quality control of cosmetics, and the emerging field of portable on-site detection—this paper explores the current state of technique selection and optimization. Finally, the article discusses future development trends, emphasizing the necessity of constructing adaptive, tiered suppression strategies, developing intelligent and automated data processing algorithms, and promoting the integration of portable, multi-modal diagnostic devices. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical reference to facilitate the transition of Raman spectroscopy from a specialized laboratory tool into a routine, robust analytical platform for advancements in skin science and cosmetic research.
3.Thoughts on the Integration,Inheritance,and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Plateau Region
Wei ZHOU ; Yongqiang ZHOU ; Zhexin NI ; Zhixing WANG ; Tiantian XIA ; Yue GAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):918-923
To promote the high-quality development of healthcare in the highland areas and to enable traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)to make a more prominent contribution to the healthcare of the people in these areas,it is imperative to clarify the roles of TCM in the formation of the healthcare system in the past and present,as well as the direction of innovative development of TCM in the plateau in the future.To this end,this paper first systematically reviews the literature to summarize the influence of TCM on the cultural background,theoretical framework,and practical system of Tibetan medicine during its origin,development,and maturation;then,through the example of typical cases,it elaborates on the direct practical applications of TCM in the prevention and treatment of a series of highland diseases from the perspectives of pathogenesis,therapeutic principles,unique drugs,and techniques;finally,it deeply reflects on a series of problems restricting the integration,inheritance,and innovative development of TCM in the highland areas and puts forward targeted suggestions to enable TCM to serve and safeguard the health of people living in the plateaus better together with the local ethnic medicine.
4.Effects of platelet isolation optimization and its activation productson on proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells
Jiajun XIAO ; Yue ZHAO ; Lu BAI ; Cheng XU ; Jinhua ZUO ; Yahui HU ; Kai XIA ; Bicheng WANG ; Xiaotong XIE ; Xiangxiang TANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(10):2269-2274
Objective To optimize the platelet enrichment method,and to analyze the concentration changes of key molecules in platelet-rich plasma(PRP)before and after activation,as well as the impact of its activated products on the proliferation of rat endothelial progenitor cells.Methods The tube double-centrifu-gation method was employed to optimize platelet enrichment,and the platelet count in the enriched PRP was measured.ELISA was used to detect the concentration changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),endostatin(ES),and P-selectin(CD62P)in PRP before and after activation.The PRP was activated by using liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw method,and the effect of its activated products on the proliferation of rat endothelial progenitor cells was evaluated by using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.Results The optimal enrichment coefficient of platelets achieved by the double-centrifugation method was 4.63.After low-speed,long-duration double centrifugation,the platelet count was highest in the upper layer of the buffy coat.For PRP with a platelet count of 500× 109/L obtained by machine collection,the VEGF con-centrations before and after activation were(3 418.12±488.80)pg/mL and(4 530.04±308.30)pg/mL,re-spectively,the ES concentrations were(6 168.98±253.22)pg/mL and(6 594.65±82.47)pg/mL,respec-tively,the CD62P concentrations were(6 678.23±324.15)pg/mL and(17 630.53±746.24)pg/mL,respec-tively,statistically significant differences were observed in the above indicators before and after activation(P<0.01).The activated PRP was diluted in a gradient manner by using a specialized culture medium for en-dothelial progenitor cells.MTT assay results indicated that,in the basal medium,the optimal volume fraction for promoting endothelial progenitor cell proliferation was 0.25%after 48 hours of culture;in the complete medium,the optimal volume fractions for promoting endothelial progenitor cell proliferation were 0.062 5%after 24 hours and 0.125%after 48 hours.Conclusion The concentrations of VEGF,ES,and CD62P in the optimized,enriched PRP exhibited significant changes before and after activation.The optimal volume fraction for promoting endothelial progenitor cell proliferation in the basal medium was 0.25%.
5.Protective effects and mechanism of hydroalcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea L.on ulcerative colitis and bone loss in mice
Kun LI ; Tianshuang XIA ; Weiqing FAN ; Mengyao GUAN ; Xunkang WANG ; Liyong LAI ; Yiping JIANG ; Hailiang XIN ; Xiaoqiang YUE
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(6):710-718
Objective To explore the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea L.(POHA)on ulcerative colitis(UC)and bone loss in mice.Methods The C57BL/6 mice were treated with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to establish UC model.A total of 50 mice were randomly assigned to including control group,DSS group,mesalazine(MS)group,low dose of POHA(POHAL)group,or high dose of POHA(POHAH)group.The control group freely drank drinking water,while the DSS,MS,POHAL and POHAH groups drank drinking water containing DSS for 8 weeks.Since the 2nd week,the control group and DSS group were given normal saline by gavage.The MS group was given MS(100 mg/kg)by gavage.The POHAL group and POHAH group were given POHA(1 000 mg/kg and 2 000 mg/kg)by gavage,respectively.Body weight and disease activity index(DAI)were recorded and calculated every 2 d.On the 56th day,the colon weight index,liver index,and spleen index were calculated,and the histological changes of colon were observed.Serum levels of bone metabolism markers and microstructure parameters of femur were detected.Results Compared with the control group,the DSS group showed significantly increased DAI score,colon weight index,liver index,and spleen index(all P<0.01).The DSS group exhibited significant pathological damage in colon tissues and significantly increased serum levels of osteocalcin,C-terminal peptide of collagen type Ⅰ,and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b(P<0.01).The bone loss was significant in the DSS group,manifested by markedly decreased bone mineral density(BMD),bone tissue volume to tissue volume ratio(BV/TV),trabecular bone number(Tb.N),and trabecular bone thickness(Tb.Th),and markedly increased bone surface to bone volume ratio(BS/BV)and trabecular bone separation(Tb.Sp)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the DSS group,the BMD,BV/TV,Tb.N and Tb.Th of the femur in the MS group and POHAH group of mice were all increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the BS/BV all decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the Tb.Sp all decreased without significant differences(all P>0.05).The above bone microstructure parameters in the POHAL group showed no significant differences compared with those in the DSS group(all P>0.05).Conclusion POHA has protective effect on DSS-induced UC and bone loss,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of hyperactive bone metabolism.
6.Preparation and Identification of a Novel Polypeptide Promoting Wound Healing
Yue-Xia ZHU ; Biao HUANG ; Yu-Bin LIAO ; Chen-Xin WANG ; Zhong-Hua LIU ; Qiong LIAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1402-1409
Wound repair and infection have long posed significant challenges in clinical medicine.Am-phibians,adapting to complex environments through long-term natural selection,have evolved skin sys-tems with remarkable abilities to resist external damage and promote rapid wound healing,making them an important source for discovering candidate molecules for wound healing.In this study,a novel peptide composed of 22 amino acids,with the sequence"VGKAGLETAACKATNSCFNIDW"and a molecular weight of 2299.6 D,was screened from the cDNA library of Odorrana tormota and named PN-VW22.The peptide was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis,and its effects on cell proliferation were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and scratch wound healing assay in human keratinocytes(HaCaT)and mouse em-bryonic fibroblasts(NIH3T3).Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC).Results showed that PN-VW22 at various concentrations had no significant effect on the cell viability in NIH3T3 cells(P>0.05),but significantly enhanced HaCaT cell viability at 0.5μmol/L(P<0.001).Meanwhile,PN-VW22 induced cell proliferation and promoted wound healing in HaCaT cells,with a healing rate of 64.44%after 24 h incubation at 0.5 μmol/L.Furthermore,PN-VW22 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC value of 13.92 μmol/L.In sum,this study identified PN-VW22 as a novel bifunctional peptide with both wound repair and anti-infective properties,providing a new toxin peptide template for the development of wound healing drugs.
7.Epidemiology analysis of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in a hospital in Henan Province from 2021 to 2023
Yue HU ; Xinwei LIU ; Yanying REN ; Dongmei LIU ; Yuchun LIU ; Qing XIA ; Yongwei LI ; Chunxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(1):53-61
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of drug resistance genes of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPECO) in Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023, providing data support and theoretical basis for controlling nosocomial infections of CPECO.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study, 30 carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO) strains confirmed by VITEK-2 Compact identification and drug sensitivity test in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2023 were tested, using carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement test to conduct preliminary screening of carbapenemases, and colloidal gold immunochromatography and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine the phenotypes and genotypes of common carbapenemases ( blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaOXA) respectively, and the genotypes ( blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX) of common extended Spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were confirmed using PCR. The PCR amplification products of carbapenemase and ESBL positive strains were Sanger-sequenced, and the sequencing products were compared on the Blast website to determine the exact carbapenemase and ESBL genotypes. Sequence typing (ST) was performed on CPECO using the Achtman multi-locus sequence typing scheme to determine the cloning relationship between different strains. Results:A total of 21 CPECO strains were screened. Drug sensitivity test results showed that CPECO strains showed widespread drug resistance, with the resistance rate to monocyclic (aztreonam) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole being over 60%(16/21, 14/21), and the resistance rate to other antibacterial drugs being 100%. Only the sensitivity to aminoglycosides and fosfomycin remained relatively high, and no strains resistant to tigecycline and colistin were found. Colloidal gold immunochromatography detected 18 blaNDM types, 2 blaKPC types, and 1 blaIMP type. Sequencing of drug resistance gene PCR products classified 17 blaNDM-5 strains, 1 blaNDM-4 strain, 2 blaKPC-2 strain, and 1 blaIMP-4 strain, which were completely consistent with the results of screening test and colloidal gold immunochromatography. ESBL resistance gene testing showed that the detection rate of blaTEM was 42.9%(9/21), blaCTX-M was 33.3%(7/21), and blaSHV was 4.8%(1/21). The rate of blaNDM producing CPECO carrying both ESBL resistance genes was 27.8%(5/18). The MLST typing results revealed 11 sequence types (STs), including one ST155 clonal complex and nine singleton STs. Among these, there were seven strains of ST167, five strains of ST410, and one strain each of ST58, ST68, ST69, ST93, ST131, ST155, ST648, ST1114, and ST3268. Conclusion:The main resistance mechanism identified in this study for CPECO was the production of blaNDM-5 carbapenemase, with a high proportion of strains also carrying blaTEM-1D and/or blaCTX-M-15 ESBLs. MLST typing found that the epidemic strain of CPECO showed certain polymorphism, but there were clonal transmission of multiple clonal complexes between ST167 and ST410.
8.Effects of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress,and apoptosis in glomerular epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide
Man-fei WANG ; Xi CHAI ; Xia-xia GAO ; Kai-bo CHU ; Yu-min ZHANG ; Yue-feng TIAN ; Li-qing HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):985-993
Aim To investigate the effect of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress and apopto-sis of human glomerular epithelial cells(HGEC)in-duced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)based on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods HGEC were treated with LPS(1.0 mg·L-1)for 24 h to construct an oxidative damage model.On this basis,2.5%,5%and 10%Zhenwu decoction-containing serum were added to the low,medium and high dose groups of Zhenwu decoc-tion,and a normal group was set up.The changes of cell activity were assessed by MTT method and LDH method.The contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,SOD,CAT,GSH-Px,ROS and MDA in each group were de-tected by ELISA.The apoptosis of each group was de-tected by flow cytometry.The mRNA and protein ex-pressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,caspase-9 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared to the normal group,the model group of HGEC exhibited increased levels of inflammatory cytokines,enhanced oxidative stress response and aggravated apoptosis;after inter-vention with various doses of Zhenwu decoction,the in-flammatory levels in HGEC were reduced,oxidative damage and apoptosis were effectively ameliorated,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were upregulated.Conclu-sions Zhenwu decoction can protect HGEC from LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage and im-prove apoptosis.The mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
9.Efficiency of targeted next-generation sequencing in diagnosis of pathogens causing acute respiratory tract infections:a meta-analysis
Zixuan XU ; Jinrong XIA ; Feiyang XU ; Guanjie WANG ; Zihan PU ; Longfeng JIANG ; Wensen CHEN ; Bijie HU ; Yue YANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2731-2735
OBJECTIVE T o explore the value of targeted next-generation sequencing(t-NGS)in diagnosis of respir-atory tract pathogens through meta-analysis so as to provide reference for clinical application.METHODS PubMed database,Web of Science database,Wanfang database,CNKI database and Sinomed database were retrieved,and the time period of retrieval ranged from Jan.2010 to May 2024.The literatures were screened out based on the es-tablished standards.The quality was assessed by QU ADAS-2,the risk of bias graph was drawn by Revman 5.4,and the statistical analysis was performed by Stata 16.0.RESULTS A total of 9 literatures were included in the study.The result of meta-analysis showed that the heterogeneity test Q for sensitivity was 268.21,P<0.01,I2=97.02%,with the heterogeneity test Q for specificity 210.04,P<0.01,I2=96.19%,the combined sensitivity 0.88(95%CI:0.62 to 0.97),combined specificity 0.68(95%CI:0.41 to 0.86),combined positive likelihood ratio 2.72(95%CI:1.44 to 5.15),combined negative likelihood ratio 0.18(95%CI:0.06 to 0.53),combined diagno-sis score 2.74(95%CI:1.68 to 3.80),and combined diagnostic odds ratio 15.44(95%CI:5.34 to 44.66).The area under synthesize receiver operating characteristic(SROC)curve(AUC)was 0.85(95%CI:0.82 to 0.88).The result of Deeks funnel plot showed that P was 0.99,indicating that there was no obvious publication bias.CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of tNGS is high in detection of the pathogens causing acute respiratory tract infection,the specificity needs to be improved,but its comprehensive ability is satisfactory.It has certain val-ue in early clinical diagnosis.
10.Effects of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress,and apoptosis in glomerular epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide
Man-fei WANG ; Xi CHAI ; Xia-xia GAO ; Kai-bo CHU ; Yu-min ZHANG ; Yue-feng TIAN ; Li-qing HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):985-993
Aim To investigate the effect of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress and apopto-sis of human glomerular epithelial cells(HGEC)in-duced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)based on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods HGEC were treated with LPS(1.0 mg·L-1)for 24 h to construct an oxidative damage model.On this basis,2.5%,5%and 10%Zhenwu decoction-containing serum were added to the low,medium and high dose groups of Zhenwu decoc-tion,and a normal group was set up.The changes of cell activity were assessed by MTT method and LDH method.The contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,SOD,CAT,GSH-Px,ROS and MDA in each group were de-tected by ELISA.The apoptosis of each group was de-tected by flow cytometry.The mRNA and protein ex-pressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,caspase-9 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared to the normal group,the model group of HGEC exhibited increased levels of inflammatory cytokines,enhanced oxidative stress response and aggravated apoptosis;after inter-vention with various doses of Zhenwu decoction,the in-flammatory levels in HGEC were reduced,oxidative damage and apoptosis were effectively ameliorated,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were upregulated.Conclu-sions Zhenwu decoction can protect HGEC from LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage and im-prove apoptosis.The mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

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