1.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
2.Efficacy and safety of a domestic hair follicle extraction system in extracting hair follicles from patients with androgenetic alopecia: a multicenter, prospective, randomized, self-controlled clinical trial
Kai YANG ; Jinran LIN ; Fei ZHU ; Suyun FENG ; Zheng LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Ruiming HU ; Hanxiao CHENG ; Zhentao ZHOU ; Yatong WU ; Dingquan YANG ; Jufang ZHANG ; Wenyu WU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):603-607
Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of a domestic hair follicle extraction system versus traditional follicular unit excision (FUE) in extracting hair follicles for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) .Methods:A multicenter, randomized, self-controlled clinical trial was conducted on AGA patients aged 18 - 59 years who were recruited from the Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, the Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, and the China-Japan Friendship Hospital between June 2023 and September 2024. Each patient's scalp was randomly divided into two sides (experimental side vs. control side) using an envelope method. The experimental side underwent robotic hair transplantation with a domestic hair follicle extraction system, and the control side underwent traditional FUE. Hair follicles were extracted from the safe donor area in the occipital region, and implanted into the ipsilateral hair loss area. The primary outcome was the hair transection rate which was calculated immediately after follicular extraction. The secondary outcomes included the hair follicle unit loss rate and the change in hair density at the recipient site on postoperative day 14. Safety was evaluated by assessing the incidence of folliculitis at the donor site on postoperative day 14 and the overall incidence of adverse events. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 9 months after surgery. Comparisons of evaluation indicators among groups were performed by using a paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results:A total of 55 patients with AGA (51 males and 4 females, aged 32.71 ± 5.75 years) completed the hair follicle transplantation and postoperative follow-up. The hair transection rate ( M[ Q1, Q3]) was 6.65% (4.56%, 10.16%) in the experimental group and 5.28% (3.04%, 8.89%) in the control group (difference = 1.24%, 95% CI: -0.24%, 2.65%) . The hair follicle unit loss rate was 2.00% (1.00%, 3.50%) in the experimental group and 0.50% (0, 2.00%) in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups ( P = 0.008) . On postoperative day 14, there was no significant difference in the hair density between the experimental group and control group (72.20 ± 25.95 per cm 2vs. 76.49 ± 30.84 per cm 2, P = 0.173) . At 9-month follow-up, both groups showed improvement in the investigator's overall score in the recipient areas. Seven adverse events occurred in 7 subjects (12.72%) in each group, and all were mild folliculitis. Conclusion:The domestic hair follicle extraction system demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to the traditional FUE in hair transplantation.
3.Cation Channel TMEM63A Autonomously Facilitates Oligodendrocyte Differentiation at an Early Stage.
Yue-Ying WANG ; Dan WU ; Yongkun ZHAN ; Fei LI ; Yan-Yu ZANG ; Xiao-Yu TENG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Gui-Fang DUAN ; He WANG ; Rong XU ; Guiquan CHEN ; Yun XU ; Jian-Jun YANG ; Yongguo YU ; Yun Stone SHI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):615-632
Accurate timing of myelination is crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Here, we identified a de novo heterozygous mutation in TMEM63A (c.1894G>A; p. Ala632Thr) in a 7-year-old boy exhibiting hypomyelination. A Ca2+ influx assay suggested that this is a loss-of-function mutation. To explore how TMEM63A deficiency causes hypomyelination, we generated Tmem63a knockout mice. Genetic deletion of TMEM63A resulted in hypomyelination at postnatal day 14 (P14) arising from impaired differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Notably, the myelin dysplasia was transient, returning to normal levels by P28. Primary cultures of Tmem63a-/- OPCs presented delayed differentiation. Lentivirus-based expression of TMEM63A but not TMEM63A_A632T rescued the differentiation of Tmem63a-/- OPCs in vitro and myelination in Tmem63a-/- mice. These data thus support the conclusion that the mutation in TMEM63A is the pathogenesis of the hypomyelination in the patient. Our study further demonstrated that TMEM63A-mediated Ca2+ influx plays critical roles in the early development of myelin and oligodendrocyte differentiation.
Animals
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Cell Differentiation/physiology*
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Oligodendroglia/metabolism*
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice
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Male
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Myelin Sheath/metabolism*
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Humans
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Child
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Cells, Cultured
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Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/metabolism*
4.Three new chalcone C-glycosides from Carthami Flos.
Jia-Xu BAO ; Yong-Xiang WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Ya-Zhu YANG ; Yue LIN ; Jiao-Jiao YIN ; Yun-Fang ZHAO ; Hui-Xia HUO ; Peng-Fei TU ; Jun LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3715-3745
The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry*
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Chalcones/pharmacology*
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Animals
5.The role of selenoproteins in adipose tissue and obesity.
Yun-Fei ZHAO ; Yu-Hang SUN ; Tai-Hua JIN ; Yue LIU ; Yang-Di CHEN ; Wan XU ; Qian GAO
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):939-955
Selenoproteins, as the active form of selenium, play an important role in various physiological and pathological processes, such as anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, immune response, metabolic regulation, reproduction and aging. Although the expression level of selenoproteins in adipose tissue is significantly influenced by dietary selenium intake, it is closely related to the homeostasis of adipose tissue. In this review, we summarized the role of selenoproteins in the physiological function of adipose tissue and the pathogenesis of obesity in recent years, in order to provide a rationale for developing potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Selenoproteins/metabolism*
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Adipose Tissue/physiology*
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Obesity/metabolism*
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Humans
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Animals
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Selenium
6.Optimization of Processing Technology of Calcined Pyritum Based on QbD Concept and Its XRD Fingerprint Analysis
Xin CHEN ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Haiying GOU ; Lei ZHONG ; Tianxing HE ; Wenbo FEI ; Jialiang ZOU ; Yue YANG ; Dewen ZENG ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Shilin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):197-205
ObjectiveBased on the concept of quality by design(QbD), the processing process of calcined Pyritum was optimized, and its X-ray diffraction(XRD) fingerprint was established. MethodsThe safety, effectiveness and quality controllability of calcined Pyritum were taken as the quality profile(QTPP), the color, hardness, metallic luster, phase composition, the contents of heavy metals and hazardous elements were taken as the critical quality attributes(CQAs), and the calcination temperature, calcination time, paving thickness and particle size were determined as the critical process parameters(CPPs). Differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction(XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) were used to analyze the correlation between the calcination temperature and CQAs of calcined Pyritum. Then, based on the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(CRITIC)-entropy weight method, the optimal processing process of calcined Pyritum was optimized by orthogonal test. Powder XRD was used to analyze the phase of calcined Pyritum samples processed according to the best process, and the mean and median maps of calcined Pyritum were established by the superposition of geometric topological figures, and similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were carried out. ResultsThe results of single factor experiments showed that the physical phase of Pyritum changed from FeS2 to Fe7S8 during the process of temperature increase, the color gradually deepened from dark yellow, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements decreased. The optimized processing process of calcined Pyritum was as follows:calcination temperature at 750 ℃, calcination time of 2.5 h, paving thickness of 3 cm, particle size of 0.8-1.2 cm, vinegar quenching 1 time[Pyritum-vinegar(10∶3)]. After calcination, the internal structure of Pyritum was honeycomb-shaped, which was conducive to the dissolution of active ingredients. XRD fingerprints of 13 batches of calcined Pyritum characterized by 10 common peaks were established. The similarities of the relative peak intensities of the XRD fingerprints of the analyzed samples were>0.96, and it could effectively distinguish the raw products and unqualified products. ConclusionTemperature is the main factor affecting the quality of calcined Pyritum. After processing, the dissolution of the effective components in Pyritum increases, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful substances decrease, reflecting the function of processing to increase efficiency and reduce toxicity. The optimized processing process is stable and feasible, and the established XRD fingerprint can be used as one of the quality control standards of calcined Pyritum.
7.Optimization of Processing Technology of Calcined Pyritum Based on QbD Concept and Its XRD Fingerprint Analysis
Xin CHEN ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Haiying GOU ; Lei ZHONG ; Tianxing HE ; Wenbo FEI ; Jialiang ZOU ; Yue YANG ; Dewen ZENG ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Shilin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):197-205
ObjectiveBased on the concept of quality by design(QbD), the processing process of calcined Pyritum was optimized, and its X-ray diffraction(XRD) fingerprint was established. MethodsThe safety, effectiveness and quality controllability of calcined Pyritum were taken as the quality profile(QTPP), the color, hardness, metallic luster, phase composition, the contents of heavy metals and hazardous elements were taken as the critical quality attributes(CQAs), and the calcination temperature, calcination time, paving thickness and particle size were determined as the critical process parameters(CPPs). Differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction(XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) were used to analyze the correlation between the calcination temperature and CQAs of calcined Pyritum. Then, based on the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(CRITIC)-entropy weight method, the optimal processing process of calcined Pyritum was optimized by orthogonal test. Powder XRD was used to analyze the phase of calcined Pyritum samples processed according to the best process, and the mean and median maps of calcined Pyritum were established by the superposition of geometric topological figures, and similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were carried out. ResultsThe results of single factor experiments showed that the physical phase of Pyritum changed from FeS2 to Fe7S8 during the process of temperature increase, the color gradually deepened from dark yellow, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements decreased. The optimized processing process of calcined Pyritum was as follows:calcination temperature at 750 ℃, calcination time of 2.5 h, paving thickness of 3 cm, particle size of 0.8-1.2 cm, vinegar quenching 1 time[Pyritum-vinegar(10∶3)]. After calcination, the internal structure of Pyritum was honeycomb-shaped, which was conducive to the dissolution of active ingredients. XRD fingerprints of 13 batches of calcined Pyritum characterized by 10 common peaks were established. The similarities of the relative peak intensities of the XRD fingerprints of the analyzed samples were>0.96, and it could effectively distinguish the raw products and unqualified products. ConclusionTemperature is the main factor affecting the quality of calcined Pyritum. After processing, the dissolution of the effective components in Pyritum increases, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful substances decrease, reflecting the function of processing to increase efficiency and reduce toxicity. The optimized processing process is stable and feasible, and the established XRD fingerprint can be used as one of the quality control standards of calcined Pyritum.
8.Study on intestinal protection and mechanism of magnolol in neonatal rats with necrotizing enterocolitis
Hai-yan FENG ; Yue ZHANG ; Mao XU ; Kai-qi TAN ; Yi WANG ; Zhuo-lin CHEN ; Yu-fei CHEN ; Shao-xuan CHEN ; Yang ZHAO ; Cui LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1728-1735
Aim To investigate the intestinal protection and possible mechanism of magnolol(MG)in newborn rats with necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC).Methods The rats were randomly divided into control group(Ctrl group),model group(NEC group)and treatment group(MG group).The NEC model was induced by hypoxia,cold stimulation,deep formula milk and LPS intragastric administration in 7-day-old rats for four days.They were killed after five days of treatment with MG(20 mg·kg-1).HE staining was used to observe the intestinal pathological injury.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of IL-1 β,TNF-α,NL-RP3,ASC,caspase-1 and tight junction protein in the distal ileum of rats.Colon contents were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to understand the gut microbio-ta.Results MG improved the body mass and intesti-nal injury of NEC neonatal rats.The expressions of in-testinal IL-1β,TNF-α,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 proteins were down-regulated,and the expressions of Claudin,Occludin and ZO-1 proteins were up-regula-ted.16S rDNA showed that MG increased the diversity of intestinal flora,and at the phylum level,MG in-creased the abundance of firmicutes and bacteroides in NEC model,and decreased the abundance of pro-teobacteria.At the genus level,MG treatment in-creased the abundance of Lactobacillus,unclassified_Muribaculaceae,Racteroides,but decreased the abun-dance of Escherichia_Shigella,Rodentibacter and Fuso-bacterium.Conclusion MG intervention can protect the intestinal tract of NEC rats by potentially improving barrier function,and regulating the intestinal microbiota through the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
9.Research progress in radiation-induced esophageal injury
Qiang FU ; Yu LIN ; Fei ZHENG ; Yuanji XU ; Wenji XUE ; Ye ZHANG ; Qifeng WANG ; Jinbo YUE ; Pei YANG ; Wencheng ZHANG ; Junqiang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(9):874-881
Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a frequent complication following radiotherapy for thoracic and head-neck malignancies, which may lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture and perforation, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. With advancements in radiotherapy techniques — particularly the adoption of unconventional fractionation regimens, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and combined molecular targeted / immunotherapy — the incidence of RIEI has been increasing. In this review, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management strategies for RIEI were comprehensively summarized. Current therapeutic approaches have evolved beyond conventional anti-inflammatory and nutritional support to include novel interventions such as targeted therapy, free radical scavengers, and microbiota modulation, etc. Future research should prioritize the development of optimized, individualized prevention and treatment protocols to mitigate RIEI risk and improve patient prognosis.
10.Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury (version 2025)
Kai HUANG ; Lunhao BAI ; Qing BI ; Hong CHEN ; Jiwu CHEN ; Xuesong DAI ; Wenyong FEI ; Weili FU ; Zhizeng GAO ; Lin GUO ; Yinghui HUA ; Jingmin HUANG ; Suizhu HUANG ; Xuan HUANG ; Jian LI ; Qiang LI ; Shuzhen LI ; Yanlin LI ; Yunxia LI ; Zhong LI ; Ning LIU ; Yuqiang LIU ; Wei LU ; Hongbin LYU ; Haile PAN ; Xiaoyun PAN ; Chao QI ; Weiliang SHEN ; Luning SUN ; Jin TANG ; Zimin WANG ; Bide WANG ; Ru WANG ; Shaobai WANG ; Licheng WEI ; Weidong XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Jizhou YANG ; Liang YANG ; Rui YANG ; Hongbo YOU ; Tengbo YU ; Jiakuo YU ; Bing YUE ; Hua ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Qingsong ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Lilian ZHAO ; Qichun ZHAO ; Song ZHAO ; Jiapeng ZHENG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Jingbin ZHOU ; Jinzhong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(4):325-338
With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.

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