1.Research progress on the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by bioactive constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the anti-atherosclerotic process
Yukai SU ; Yajie ZHANG ; Nana ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Hongzhen YIN ; Yumin YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1784-1790
The development of atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming, in which the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates, including succinate, α -ketoglutarate, and itaconate, contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms, such as the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties, bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids, glycosides, and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle, thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming, alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.
2.Research progress on the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by bioactive constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the anti-atherosclerotic process
Yukai SU ; Yajie ZHANG ; Nana ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Hongzhen YIN ; Yumin YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1784-1790
The development of atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming, in which the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates, including succinate, α -ketoglutarate, and itaconate, contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms, such as the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties, bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids, glycosides, and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle, thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming, alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.
4.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
5.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
6.Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Yuntao JIANG ; Zonghua XIAO ; Lianqiong DU ; Yukai SUO ; Xuping ZHANG ; Weiguang WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):81-86
Background: Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family. Methods: This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. Results: The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
7.Exploration of improving research ability of medical postgraduate students in medical professional de-gree program:a dual strategy of optimizing curriculum and strengthening mentor responsibilities
Ying LI ; Yukai ZHAMG ; Yinyin ZHANG ; Yelin ZHONG ; Shishuo XIONG ; Hongxin HUANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(4):634-638
In order to meet the demand for high-quality medical professionals,it is an important goal of higher medical education to cultivate a compound medical professional degree postgraduate with both clinical and research capabilities.This study aims to investigate the current status of research ability training for medical postgraduate students in our university and analyze the main problems.Through designing and distributing questionnaires,feedback data from medical postgraduate students in our uni-versity were collected.The results show that some students lack research experience,have limited research output,and do not have the habit of independent literature reading.In response to the needs of training medical professional degree postgraduate students,this study proposes improvement suggestions.On one hand,optimizing the curriculum and using a closed-loop teaching mode with interactive discussions.On the other hand,strengthening mentor responsibilities and creating a good research atmos-phere.These measures can help improve the research ability of medical postgraduate students and better meet the demand for high-quality medical professionals.
8.Exploration of improving research ability of medical postgraduate students in medical professional de-gree program:a dual strategy of optimizing curriculum and strengthening mentor responsibilities
Ying LI ; Yukai ZHAMG ; Yinyin ZHANG ; Yelin ZHONG ; Shishuo XIONG ; Hongxin HUANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(4):634-638
In order to meet the demand for high-quality medical professionals,it is an important goal of higher medical education to cultivate a compound medical professional degree postgraduate with both clinical and research capabilities.This study aims to investigate the current status of research ability training for medical postgraduate students in our university and analyze the main problems.Through designing and distributing questionnaires,feedback data from medical postgraduate students in our uni-versity were collected.The results show that some students lack research experience,have limited research output,and do not have the habit of independent literature reading.In response to the needs of training medical professional degree postgraduate students,this study proposes improvement suggestions.On one hand,optimizing the curriculum and using a closed-loop teaching mode with interactive discussions.On the other hand,strengthening mentor responsibilities and creating a good research atmos-phere.These measures can help improve the research ability of medical postgraduate students and better meet the demand for high-quality medical professionals.
9.Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Hyperacusis Scale
Yukai ZHANG ; Yongli SONG ; Minjuan HOU ; Liu QI ; Lei SHANG ; Yong ZHAO ; Dingjun ZHA
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2024;32(5):403-408
Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale and estimate its applicability in the Chinese population.Methods The patients admitted to the Department of Oto-laryngology of Xijing Hospital from June 2017 to December 2017 were surveyed.A total of 300 questionnaires were sent out and 293 valid questionnaires were collected with effective response rate of 97.67%.All participants comple-ted a basic information survey,pure tone audiometry and fill in the Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale.The re-liability and validity of this scale were evaluated.Results Among the 293 respondents,243(82.93%)were compli-cated with tinnitus.A total of 181 cases(61.77%)were subjectively diagnosed with hyperacusis through question-naire survey.According to the scale evaluation,174 cases(59.39%)were diagnosed with hyperacusis,and the Kappa value of conformity test of the two methods was 0.81(P<0.001).Reliability analysis indicated a Cronbach'sα coefficient of 0.93 for the entire scale.Each dimension had a Cronbach's α coefficient>0.60.The split-half relia-bility coefficient for the entire scale was 0.86,and for each dimension,it was>0.60.Exploratory factor analysis of validity suggested that 25 items could be grouped under 4 factors,such as functional part,social part,emotional part and harmonic sensitivity part.These factors had eigenvalues greater than 1,accounting for 59.42%of the total variance.Post-rotation,the 25 items were distributed across the 4 components,with each item having a factor load-ing>0.40.Confirmatory factor analysis of validity showed model fit parameters as:x2/df=1.98,GFI=0.91,AGFI=0.83,CFI=0.92,TLI=0.89,RMSEA=0.08.Each item had a standardized factor loading>0.40.Con-clusion The Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale demonstrated strong reliability and validity,making it suitable for use among the Chinese population.
10.Expression and Clinical Significance of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Pituitary Adenomas
Yueyi ZHANG ; Yukai ZHANG ; Qing YANG
Journal of Medical Research 2024;53(2):86-90
Objective To analyze the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)in the serum of patients with pituitary adenomas and compare them according to different standards,investigating the expression of IGF-1 in pituitary adenoma and its clinical significance.Methods A total of 156 cases of pituitary adenomas admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical Univer-sity from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the experimental group,and a total of 22healthy subjects during the same period were selected as the control group.To determinate the IGF-1 level by magnetic particle chemical luminescence immunoassay.The tumor di-ameter was obtained by combining the diameter measured on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with the diameter of postoperative tumor pathological specimen.The experimental group were divided into groups according to different clinical characteristics,and to compare the differences in IGF-1 levels between each subgroup and the control group.Results The levels of IGF-1 in patients with somatotroph adenoma,dual hormone and multihormone adenoma were higher than those in the control group and other types,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);the level of IGF-1 in giant adenoma patients was higher than those in the control group and other types,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the level of IGF-1 in patients with invasive pituitary adenoma was higher than that in non-invasive patients and controls,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);Logistic regression a-nalysis showed that IGF-1 level and tumor diameter were risk factors for invasiveness of pituitary adenomas,the higher the IGF-1 level and the larger the tumor diameter,the higher the invasiveness risk;the level of IGF-1 in patients with pituitary adenoma within one month after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclu-sion IGF-1 has a certain value in the diagnosis of different functional types of pituitary adenomas and the early invasiveness judgment of pituitary adenomas,and is expected to be used as a reliable indicator for postoperative follow-up.

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