1.BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 Axis Facilitates AKT-GLUT1/HK2-Mediated Warburg Effect in Gastric Cancer
Liang WANG ; Yufei LIANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Shan LIN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):112-120
Objective To elucidate the mechanism by which the BANCR/miR-145-5p axis regulates the AKT-GLUT1/HK2 pathway through downstream targets Reg3A/DMBT1 to facilitate the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. Methods Expression levels of BANCR, miR-145-5p, Reg3A, and DMBT1 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed targeted relationships. Glycolytic capacity was assessed via glucose uptake. Immunohistochemistry analyzed molecular expression in 60 paired clinical samples. The prognostic values of key molecules in the BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 axis were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results BANCR was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-145-5p was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues, correlating with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor differentiation. Reg3A and DMBT1 were identified as direct targets of miR-145-5p. Knockdown of BANCR or overexpression of miR-145-5p significantly suppressed Reg3A/DMBT1 expression, reduced AKT phosphorylation and GLUT1/HK2 levels, and inhibited glycolysis. Clinical analysis revealed positive correlations between Reg3A/DMBT1 expression and glycolytic markers, with both serving as independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusion The BANCR/miR-145-5p axis activates the AKT pathway by targeting Reg3A/DMBT1, thereby promoting GLUT1/HK2/LDHA-mediated glycolysis and facilitating the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. This regulatory axis represents a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.
2.Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Action, and Modern Application of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A Review
Jie GAO ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Yinuo LI ; Youcai YUAN ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):327-335
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos refers to the dried flower buds or flowers about to open of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Its dried flower buds or early blooming flowers are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) as official medicinal materials. As a Chinese medicine with "heat-clearing and detoxifying" properties and a classic medicinal-edible resource, it is mainly produced in northern authentic producing regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei in China. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos contains abundant bioactive substances that are considered safe and effective, with functions including relieving sore throat, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation. In recent years, with the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the rapid development of the "big health" industry, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has become a research hotspot in the fields of natural medicines and functional foods due to its multi-target pharmacological activities and broad application potential. To date, chemical constituents identified from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos include organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. In terms of modern applications, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has developed into a full industrial chain covering pharmaceuticals, health products, daily chemical products, and food additives, demonstrating high medicinal and health value. Strengthening the development of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-based health products is of great significance. Based on relevant domestic and international literature, this paper systematically reviews the innovative applications of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in traditional medicine, modern clinical formulations, health foods, and daily chemical products from the perspectives of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and modern applications, aiming to further deepen basic research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes and proposes suggestions for promoting applied research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, in order to provide a scientific basis for its sound development and to offer references for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal and edible resources.
3.Recombinant yeast-cell microcapsules carrying the DNA vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
Xiafang ZHAO ; Lihong DU ; Baoxia MA ; Shaona JIA ; Yufei LIU ; Yufei ZHU ; Xiaotao MA ; Xiaojun YANG ; Kun XU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(6):2388-2404
The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is a major factor restricting the development of animal husbandry. However, the abuse of antibiotics will lead to the antibiotic residues and emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The existing vaccines face challenges in stimulating intestinal immunity, demonstrating limited prevention effects. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop a new vaccine that is safe and suitable as a feed additive to activate intestinal immunity. This study constructed yeast-cell microcapsules (YCM) carrying the DNA vaccine against ETEC by genetic engineering. Furthermore, animal experiments were carried out to explore the regulatory effects of feeding YCM on the intestinal immune system and intestinal microbiota. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was selected as the oral delivery vehicle (microcapsules) of the DNA vaccine. The codon-optimized nucleic acid sequence of K88, the main antigen of mammal-derived ETEC, was synthesized, and the yeast shuttle vector containing the corresponding DNA vaccine expression cassette was constructed by DNA recombination. The recombinant strain of YCM was prepared by transforming JMY1. Additionally, the characteristics of the YCM strain and its feasibility as an oral vaccine were comprehensively evaluated by the fluorescence reporter assay, gastrointestinal fluid tolerance assay, intestinal epithelial cell adhesion assay, intestinal retention assessment, antiserum detection, and intestinal microbiota detection. The experimental results showed that the DNA vaccine expression cassette was expressed in mammals, and the recombinant strain of YCM could tolerate up to 8 hours of gastrointestinal fluid digestion and had good adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells. The results of mouse feeding experiments indicated that the recombinant strain of YCM could stay in the intestinal tract for at least two weeks, and the DNA vaccine expression cassette carried by YCM entered the intestinal immune system and triggered an immune response to induce the production of specific antibodies. Moreover, feeding YCM recombinant bacteria also improved the abundance of gut microbiota in mice, demonstrating a positive effect in regulating intestinal flora. In summary, we prepared the recombinant strain of YCM carrying the DNA vaccine against ETEC and comprehensively evaluated its characteristics and feasibility as an oral vaccine. Feeding the recombinant YCM could induce specific immune responses and regulate intestinal microbiota. The findings provide a reference for the immunoprevention of ETEC-related animal diseases.
Animals
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Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism*
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Vaccines, DNA/genetics*
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Mice
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Escherichia coli Infections/immunology*
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Escherichia coli Vaccines/genetics*
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Capsules
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Female
4.Patients waiting for a liver transplantation from the perspective of psychological resilience:a qualitative study
Jiamin WANG ; Dan ZHOU ; Yinghao ZHOU ; Lei SONG ; Bingliang ZHANG ; Yufei GONG ; Lin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(15):1864-1871
Objective To explore the psychological feelings and coping resources of patients waiting for a liver transplantation,in order to provide references for implementing psychological nursing care.Methods Using purposive sampling,15 patients waiting liver transplantation surgery from June to November 2024 at a tertiary hospital in Qingdao were selected as study subjects.Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted,and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to extract themes.Results The psychological feelings of patients waiting for a liver transplantation included 2 main themes with 6 sub-themes,namely,the complex and contradictory psychological feelings of liver transplant patients during the waiting period(expectations for transplanta-tion and future outlook,multiple psychological burdens intertwining,introspection and growth),and mobilizing psychological resilience resources to deal with complex psychological feelings(core resources,internal resources,external resources).Conclusion Clinical medical staff should implement psychological care for patients waiting for a liver transplantation based on the complex and contradictory psychological feelings they experience.Also,they should target the coping resources for psychological feelings to construct coping strategies,thereby comprehensively improving patients' psychological health during the waiting period.The coping strategies include promoting patients' health behaviors,improving their psychological status,and providing multidimensional social support for them.
5.Research progress of the pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia
Changjiang ZHAO ; Yufei LI ; Hua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(3):328-332
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) stands as a prevalent and challenging dermatological condition in clinical practice. Its pathogenesis is complex and the condition is prone to recurrence, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. This review synthesized recent advancements in understanding the multifaceted mechanisms underlying AGA progression. It delineated the intricate interplay among genetic predispositions, hormonal influences, cytokine-mediated regulations, molecular pathway activations, and alterations in the hair follicle microenvironment. By elucidating these diverse factors and their interactions, this article aimed to provide a theoretical basis and reference for new targets of action for the clinical treatment of AGA.
6.Visualization analysis on research hotspots and trends of TCM compound disassembly analysis based on CiteSpace
Mengxuan LI ; Mengjie ZHAO ; Wantong ZHANG ; Yufei WU ; Zirong LI ; Weiliang WENG ; Qiuyan LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1293-1300
Objective:To visually analyze the research literature on the analysis of TCM compounds; To explore the research hotspots and trends in this field.Methods:The literature related to the disassembly analysis of TCM compounds was retrieved from CNKI, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang Data, SinoMed, and China Medical Journal Full-text Database from January 1, 1981 to December 31, 2024. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 software was used to visualize the number of articles, authors, institutions and keywords, and to draw the cooperation network diagram of authors and institutions, keyword co-occurrence, clustering, timeline and burst map.Results:A total of 1 728 Chinese articles were included, and the number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend. A comparatively high number of publications was in 2007 and 2016, followed by a slight decline but maintained at a high level. There is a trend of recovery in 2024. The author with the highest number of articles was Professor Fang Zhaoqin, and the institution with the highest number of articles was Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. High frequency keywords included rats, compatibility, experimental research, cell apoptosis, TCM compound, and a total of 19 clusters and 25 emergent keywords were formed.Conclusions:The research contents and methods of the research on the disassembly of TCM compounds are relatively rich, and there are many explorations on classical prescriptions. The study of disassembled prescriptions has played a driving role in the modernization of TCM compounds. In the future, high-quality cooperation between regions, institutions, and authors, combination with modern medicine and scientific methods, will further improve the quality of research in this field.
7.Clinical study on Xinyue Decoction combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of cognitive impairment in senile depression
Yufei WU ; Qiuyan LI ; Zirong LI ; Xiaosen ZHAO ; Qian ZHOU ; Qiaoru KOU ; Yuehua LI ; Mingdong GUO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1514-1520
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Xinyue Decoction combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of cognitive impairment of senile depression.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted. Totally 116 elderly patients with depression accompanied by cognitive impairment were set as observation subjects, and were divided into a control group and an experimental group using random number table method, with 58 patients in each. The control group received treatment with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, while the experimental group was administered Xinyue Decoction Granules in addition to the treatment regimen of the control group. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks for both groups. Comparison was made between the two groups regarding the changes in TCM syndrome scores. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) was used to assess the degree of depression, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA BJ) was used to assess cognitive ability; the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA; the adverse reactions during treatment were observed and recorded, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of TCM syndromes was 90.4% (47/52) in the experimental group and 75.5% (40/53) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.11, P<0.05); the total effective rate of MoCA-BJ was 76.9% (40/52) in the experimental group and 58.5% (31/53) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.61, P<0.05); the total effective rate of HAMD-24 was 88.5% (46/52) in the experimental group and 71.7% (38/53) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.07, P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome score, HAMD-24 and MoCA-BJ scores of the experimental group were lower than those in the control group ( t=-3.51, -5.11, 2.39, P<0.01 or P<0.05); the level of serum BDNF [(10.49±1.76) ng/L vs. (9.61±1.85) ng/L, t=2.28] in the observation group was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were lower than those in the control group ( t=-2.50, -2.46, -2.18, P<0.05). During the treatment, the incidence of adverse reactions was 5.77% (3/52) in the experimental group and 7.55% (4/53) in the control group, without statistical significance ( χ2=0.13, P>0.05). Conclusion:Xinyue Decoction combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride can reduce the degree of depression in elderly patients with cognitive impairment of depression, improve the cognitive ability of patients and clinical efficacy.
8.Advances and challenges in drug design against dental caries:Application of in silico approaches
Zhongxin CHEN ; Xinyao ZHAO ; Hanyu ZHENG ; Yufei WANG ; Linglin ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1202-1214
Dental caries,a chronic disease characterized by tooth decay,occupies the second position in terms of disease burden and is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria,especially Streptococcus mutans,because of its acidogenic,aciduric,and biofilm-forming capabilities.Developing novel targeted anti-virulence agents is always a focal point in caries control to overcome the limitations of conventional anti-virulence agents.The current study represents an up-to-date review of in silico approaches of drug design against dental caries,which have emerged more and more powerful complementary to biochemical attempts.Firstly,we categorize the in silico approaches into computer-aided drug design(CADD)and AI-assisted drug design(AIDD)and highlight the specific methods and models they contain respectively.Subsequently,we detail the design of anti-virulence drugs targeting single or multiple cariogenic virulence targets of S.mutans,such as glucosyltransferases(Gtfs),antigen Ⅰ/Ⅱ(AgⅠ/Ⅱ),sortase A(SrtA),the VicRK signal transduction system and superoxide dismutases(SODs).Finally,we outline the current opportunities and challenges encountered in this field to aid future endeavors and applications of CADD and AIDD in anti-virulence drug design.
9.Microbial community mediated by microbial agents improves the quality of Epimedium pubescens Maxim.
Kunyang LAI ; Xiufu WAN ; Jiancai XIAO ; Hongyang WANG ; Shangxuan SHI ; Binbin YAN ; Chaogeng LYU ; Chengcai ZHANG ; Yufei ZHANG ; Feng YUAN ; Zhe ZHAO ; Shoudong ZHU ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Yan ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):270-281
Background: Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials. Microbial agents, as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners, have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research. Objective: Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents, alone or in combination, affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials. Methods: In this study, Epimedium pubescens Maxim. was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis) applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components. Additionally, this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development. Results: The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E. pubescens leaves by 20.30% to 33.66% and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40% to 29.94%. Meanwhile, microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome, promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Frankia and Paenibacillus), suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium, and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network. The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumulation of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome. Conclusion: These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere microbiomes as mediated by microbial agents. They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.
10.Tumor-intrinsic PRMT5 upregulates FGL1 via methylating TCF12 to inhibit CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity in liver cancer.
Jiao SUN ; Hongfeng YUAN ; Linlin SUN ; Lina ZHAO ; Yufei WANG ; Chunyu HOU ; Huihui ZHANG ; Pan LV ; Guang YANG ; Ningning ZHANG ; Wei LU ; Xiaodong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):188-204
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) acts as an oncogene in liver cancer, yet its roles and in-depth molecular mechanisms within the liver cancer immune microenvironment remain mostly undefined. Here, we demonstrated that disruption of tumor-intrinsic PRMT5 enhances CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity both in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments verified that this effect is achieved through downregulation of the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1). Mechanistically, PRMT5 catalyzed symmetric dimethylation of transcription factor 12 (TCF12) at arginine 554 (R554), prompting the binding of TCF12 to FGL1 promoter region, which transcriptionally activated FGL1 in tumor cells. Methylation deficiency at TCF12-R554 residue downregulated FGL1 expression, which promoted CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Notably, combining the PRMT5 methyltransferase inhibitor GSK591 with PD-L1 blockade efficiently inhibited liver cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Collectively, our findings reveal the immunosuppressive role and mechanism of PRMT5 in liver cancer and highlight that targeting PRMT5 could boost checkpoint immunotherapy efficacy.

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