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.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
3.Effect of Danggui Buxuetang on PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway of Vascular Dementia Rats
Guifang QI ; Yue JIANG ; Yunxiang TAN ; Nanbu WANG ; Xinghua CHEN ; Ting WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):15-24
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Buxuetang (DBT) in the treatment of vascular dementia (VAD). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group, model group, DBT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the donepezil group. Except for the sham-operated group, rats in all other groups underwent bilateral common carotid artery ligation. After successful modeling, DBT was administered at doses of 9.2, 18.4, 36.8 g·kg-1 for the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively, while the donepezil group received 3 mg·kg-1 donepezil solution by gavage once daily. After 4 consecutive weeks of drug treatment, rats underwent the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, Nissl staining to observe hippocampal neurons, and immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to assess the expression of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and p47phox in hippocampal tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity were measured to evaluate oxidative stress levels. ResultsIn the Morris water maze test, escape latency changed significantly over time in all groups except the model group. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the DBT groups and the donepezil group exhibited significantly shorter escape latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of crossings over the original platform was significantly reduced in the model group compared with the sham-operated group (P<0.01), whereas rats in the DBT and donepezil groups showed significantly increased platform crossings compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, exploration time of new objects was significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, exploration time of new objects increased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups and the donepezil group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while no significant change was observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the high-dose DBT group, rats in the donepezil group had significantly prolonged escape latency and reduced platform crossings and new-object exploration time (P<0.05). Nissl staining showed decreased density of healthy neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in the model group, with loss of Nissl bodies and nuclear atrophy or disappearance. In the high-dose DBT group, neuronal density in CA1 and CA3 increased, with neurons arranged closely and displaying normal morphology. Immunofluorescence showed that compared with the sham-operated group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the VAD model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), compared with the VAD model group, the hippocampal NeuN⁺ cell count in the high-dose DBT group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, the expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins was significantly increased(P<0.01), while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the VAD model group(P<0.01). Compared with the VAD model group, the high-dose DBT group showed significantly decreased expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.01)and significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01). The medium-dose DBT group exhibited significantly reduced expression of Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, and Bax proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01) and significantly increased Bcl-2 expression(P<0.01), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial pyknosis, thickened cristae, increased electron density, and the presence of mitochondrial autophagy in the model group. In contrast, hippocampal neurons in the high-dose DBT group contained abundant mitochondria with intact morphology, clear cristae, and uniform matrix. Compared with the sham-operated group, total antioxidant capacity, SOD activity, and GSH levels were significantly decreased, while MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant levels (SOD, GSH) increased significantly, and MDA decreased significantly in the medium- and high-dose DBT groups (P<0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the low-dose DBT group. Compared with the sham-operated group, mRNA expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, expression of p22phox and p47phox was significantly decreased in the DBT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDBT may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, thereby improving learning and memory abilities and treating VAD.
4.Research progress of visual quality after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation
Yunkai QI ; Yanghe WANG ; Xiaojuan HUANG ; Hongyun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):86-90
Compared to other refractive surgeries, the implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation procedure has become one of the most popular surgical options in refractive surgery. ICL surgery offers advantages such as reversibility, high-definition visual outcomes, and preservation of the corneal anatomical structure. The V4c model, which features a central port, is currently the most widely used in clinical practice and eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomy during the perioperative period. Although excellent uncorrected visual acuity can be achieved postoperatively, some patients may experience visual disturbances in the early postoperative period, such as halo and glare, which may affect visual comfort particularly under low-light conditions. This article reviews visual quality metrics after ICL V4c implantation, including higher-order aberrations(HOA), modulation transfer function(MTF), and contrast sensitivity(CS), along with influencing factors, and discusses potential relative deficits in postoperative visual quality and their underlying mechanisms.
5.Five new triterpenoid saponins from the kernels of Momordica cochinchinensis
Ru DING ; Jia-qi WANG ; Yi-yang LUO ; Yong-long HAN ; Xiao-bo LI ; Meng-yue WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):442-448
Five saponins were isolated from the kernels of
6.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
7.Preoperative prehabilitation experiences of colorectal cancer ostomy patients: a qualitative study
Caijie XU ; Peili XU ; Aihong PAN ; Yue WANG ; Qi AO ; Yun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(27):3641-3647
Objective:To explore in depth the real experiences of preoperative prehabilitation among colorectal cancer patients undergoing stoma surgery, in order to provide a reference for the development of preoperative prehabilitation protocols.Methods:This study was a descriptive qualitative research. Using purposive sampling, 18 colorectal cancer ostomy patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Anorectal Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March to August 2024 were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using content analysis methods.Results:The experiences of colorectal cancer ostomy patients with preoperative prehabilitation were summarized into four major themes: cognition and attitudes toward prehabilitation (willingness to actively participate, expectations for prehabilitation outcomes, psychological barriers), positive effects of prehabilitation (promoting postoperative recovery, improving adverse outcomes, enhancing stoma adaptation), challenges of prehabilitation (poor physical condition, negative emotions, inadequate preparation time) and suggestions and needs regarding prehabilitation (availability of information resources, refinement of individualized programs, need for psychological support) .Conclusions:Colorectal cancer ostomy patients generally hold a positive attitude toward preoperative prehabilitation, which helps accelerate postoperative recovery. Medical staff should enhance patient compliance and engagement by constructing an information support and shared decision-making model. Meanwhile, a tripartite psychological support system involving hospitals, communities, and families should be established, and a personalized and tiered prehabilitation program should be developed to ensure the safe and effective implementation of prehabilitation protocols, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of prehabilitation.
8.Exploring the differentiation and treatment of apoplexy based on"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu":a perspective from"six fu viscera-xuanfu-collaterals"
Di ZHAO ; Xiao LIANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Lina MIAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Hongxi LIU ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):690-695
The incidence of apoplexy remains persistently high among the older population.Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu",this paper explores the holistic connotation of"fu".It proposes that the onset of apoplexy in the elderly is characterized by obstruction,stagnation,depression,and sluggishness,which should be treated from six fu viscera,xuanfu,and collaterals.The interconnected hierarchical network of these three systems,serving as macro-and micro-channels for qi and fluid metabolism,plays a central role in both disease development and treatment.The failure of the six fu viscera to descend and the upward invasion of turbid yin are identified as prerequisites for apoplexy onset,whereas yang qi stagnation and xuanfu blockage act as key pathogenic drivers,and the core mechanisms involve phlegm-stasis-toxin accumulation,and dysfunction of the collaterals and fu.In the treatment,acute phase requires unblocking fu viscera and restoring xuanfu patency;chronic phase focuses on dredging collaterals and opening xuanfu;and recovery phase emphasizes tonifying combined with regulating xuanfu.The understanding of"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu"emphasizes that the pathogenesis of the disease should be changed to individual conditions;"six fu viscera-xuanfu-collaterals"exhibits a pathological mechanism characterized by the transmission and reception of pathogenic factors,as well as progressive mutual involvement;in clinical practice,treatment should meticulously assess the severity and nuances of the condition,prioritizing method that emphasizes unobstructed flow;additionally,therapy should be essential to protect stomach qi and integrate therapeutic attacks within a framework of supplementation.These principles offer valuable reference for the differentiation and treatment of apoplexy.
9.Comparison of retinal vascular perfusion area between adults and children and its correlation with axial length
Jie TAO ; Min WANG ; Xiuying ZHU ; Yue LUO ; Juan XIE ; Qin LI ; Yinyin YOU ; Qi CHEN ; Yunchun ZOU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(6):463-467
Objective To compare the blood flow perfusion area in different retinal vascular plexuses between adults and children using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(SS-OCTA)and explore the correlation of the retinal blood flow perfusion area with spherical equivalent(SE)and axial length(AL).Methods A total of 112 partici-pants,including 58 children(116 eyes,aged 8-13 years)and 54 adults(108 eyes,aged 18-30 years),were recruited from Eye Hospital,Wenzhou Medical University from December 2020 to December 2024.Based on SE,these children and adults were further divided into the emmetropia(-0.50<SE ≤+0.50 D),low myopia(-3.00<SE≤-0.50 D),and moderate myopia(-6.00<SE≤-3.00 D)groups.SS-OCTA was used to acquire the perfusion area data across retinal vascular layers.The inner vascular network of the retina was subdivided into the peripapillary radial vascular network,su-perficial vascular plexus(SVP),middle vascular plexus(MVP),and deep vascular plexus(DVP).The blood flow perfu-sion areas across retinal vascular layers were compared between adults and children.Pearson correlation analysis was per-formed to assess the correlation of the blood flow perfusion areas across retinal vascular layers with AL and SE in adults and children,respectively.Results SE was negatively correlated with AL in both adults and children(r=-0.781 and-0.667,respectively;both P<0.001).The total inner retinal perfusion area was negatively correlated with AL in both adults and children(r=-0.239 and-0.299,respectively;both P<0.05).In children,the perfusion area in the peripapil-lary radial vascular network,SVP,and DVP was negatively correlated with AL(r=-0.443,-0.315,and-0.220,respec-tively;all P<0.05).In adults,the perfusion area in SVP,MVP,and DVP was negatively correlated with AL(r=-0.243,-0.230,and-0.364,respectively;all P<0.05).Adults with low/moderate myopia exhibited a significantly larger perfu-sion area in the peripapillary radial vascular network compared with children with corresponding myopia levels,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.001).Conclusion There were significant differences in the perfu-sion area of the peripapillary radial vascular network between adult and pediatric myopic patients.AL showed the strongest correlations with the perfusion area of the peripapillary radial vascular network in adults and the perfusion area of DVP in children,respectively,suggesting distinct effects of retinal vascular layers at different stages of ocular growth.
10.Preoperative prehabilitation experiences of colorectal cancer ostomy patients: a qualitative study
Caijie XU ; Peili XU ; Aihong PAN ; Yue WANG ; Qi AO ; Yun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(27):3641-3647
Objective:To explore in depth the real experiences of preoperative prehabilitation among colorectal cancer patients undergoing stoma surgery, in order to provide a reference for the development of preoperative prehabilitation protocols.Methods:This study was a descriptive qualitative research. Using purposive sampling, 18 colorectal cancer ostomy patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Anorectal Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March to August 2024 were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using content analysis methods.Results:The experiences of colorectal cancer ostomy patients with preoperative prehabilitation were summarized into four major themes: cognition and attitudes toward prehabilitation (willingness to actively participate, expectations for prehabilitation outcomes, psychological barriers), positive effects of prehabilitation (promoting postoperative recovery, improving adverse outcomes, enhancing stoma adaptation), challenges of prehabilitation (poor physical condition, negative emotions, inadequate preparation time) and suggestions and needs regarding prehabilitation (availability of information resources, refinement of individualized programs, need for psychological support) .Conclusions:Colorectal cancer ostomy patients generally hold a positive attitude toward preoperative prehabilitation, which helps accelerate postoperative recovery. Medical staff should enhance patient compliance and engagement by constructing an information support and shared decision-making model. Meanwhile, a tripartite psychological support system involving hospitals, communities, and families should be established, and a personalized and tiered prehabilitation program should be developed to ensure the safe and effective implementation of prehabilitation protocols, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of prehabilitation.

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