1.Effect and Mechanisms of Luteolin on Gout
Jinlai CHENG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yuyan XU ; Huajing WANG ; Yuqing TAN ; Feng SUI ; Miyi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):140-149
ObjectiveTo integrate network pharmacology prediction with multi-level experimental verification methods, and to explore in depth the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of luteolin in treating gout. MethodsDatabases were used to obtain potential pharmacodynamic targets of luteolin. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and network pharmacology analysis techniques were used to screen key core targets of luteolin in gout treatment. Further biological function enrichment analysis and signaling pathway analysis were performed on these targets. Molecular docking simulation was used to calculate the binding energy between luteolin and potential core targets, clarifying the strength of their interactions. In the in vivo experiment for hyperuricemia, 48 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an allopurinol group (5 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (10 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (30 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (90 mg·kg-1) luteolin groups. For the first three days, the blank and model groups were gavaged with an equal volume of normal saline, while the allopurinol group and luteolin groups were gavaged with corresponding drugs. From day 4 onwards, modeling was performed by intraperitoneal injection at 12:00 daily (normal saline for the blank group, and oxonic acid potassium-hypoxanthine mixture for other groups, with 300 mg·kg-1 for each group). Gavage intervention was administered at 18:00 daily (normal saline for the blank/model groups, and corresponding drugs for the treatment groups) until day 7. After sampling, levels of serum uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Levels of xanthine oxidase (XO) in the liver and kidney, ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver were determined. Renal HE staining was also performed. In the pharmacodynamic study of gouty arthritis, 36 rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a colchicine group (0.315 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (7 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (21 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (63 mg·kg-1) luteolin groups. The model was established by vertically injecting 100 µL of 25 g·L-1 monosodium urate suspension into the posterior lateral aspect of the right ankle joint (the blank group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline), with repeated injections every two days for reinforcement. From day 2 after modeling, daily gavage administration was performed (normal saline for the blank/model groups, and corresponding drugs for the treatment groups) for a total of 16 days. During the experiment, ankle swelling and pain threshold were measured regularly. After sampling, levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined. Ankle joints were subjected to HE, Masson, and safranin O-fast green staining, and HE staining was also performed on ankle synovial tissue and various organs. Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of key proteins in gout-related signaling pathways. ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis predicted that luteolin may regulate over 20 core targets, such as XO, ABCG2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and SOD, through acting on signaling pathways including NF-κB, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and ABC transporters, thereby affecting uric acid metabolism and inflammatory responses. In the hyperuricemia model, compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly increased serum UA level, liver and kidney XO activity, renal ABCG2 expression, and liver SOD activity (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose luteolin group significantly reduced serum UA level (P<0.01), inhibited liver and kidney XO activity (P<0.01), and significantly increased renal ABCG2 expression and liver SOD activity (P<0.01), effectively alleviating renal oxidative stress damage and improving renal histopathological status. In the gouty arthritis model, compared with the blank group, the model group showed significant ankle swelling, decreased pain threshold, and significantly increased levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and synovial tissue (P<0.01). The high-dose luteolin group significantly reduced ankle swelling, prolonged hot plate pain threshold, effectively decreased the levels of the above inflammatory factors in serum and synovial tissue (P<0.01), and significantly improved ankle pathological damage, showing good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Western blot results further confirmed that luteolin significantly upregulated Nrf2 protein expression and downregulated XO and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression in animals. ConclusionLuteolin can improve symptoms of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis, and its potential mechanism may be related to inhibiting XO activity, increasing ABCG2 and SOD levels, and regulating Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress-related pathways.
2.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
3.Influence of self-esteem, alexithymia and alienation on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in adolescents
Chunxing XU ; Hongzheng LI ; Yongcai MENG ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Yaomu ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):65-70
BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors among adolescents has been increasing annually. Self-esteem and alexithymia are strongly associated with NSSI behaviors, and alienation is closely linked to both self-esteem and alexithymia. However, there is limited research on the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents in China. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents, and to explore the factors influencing NSSI behaviors in this population, so as to provide insights for the prevention and treatment of NSSI behaviors in adolescents. MethodsAdolescents admitted to the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the 923rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from September 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023, who met the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were selected as the study group (n=60). Concurrently, middle school students from Nanning were recruited as the control group (n=60). Participants were assessed using Adolescent Self Harm Scale (ASHS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and Adolescent Students′ Alienation Scale (ASAS). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between scale scores in the study group, and Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ResultsThe RSES score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=-7.033, P<0.01). The TAS and ASAS scores of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group (t=5.591, 8.124, P<0.01). The ASHS score was negatively correlated with RSES score (r=-0.410, P<0.01) and positively correlated with ASAS score (r=0.555, P<0.01). The RSES scores of the study group were negatively correlated with TAS and ASAS scores (r=-0.317, -0.590, P<0.05 or 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR=0.714, 95% CI: 0.042~0.709) was a protective factor for NSSI behaviors among adolescents, while high alienation (OR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.013~1.043) and residing in rural areas (OR=6.692, 95% CI: 2.038~21.967) were risk factors for NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ConclusionAlienation was positively correlated with NSSI behaviors in adolescents. Female adolescents had a lower risk of NSSI behaviors, while those with higher levels of alienation or residing in rural areas were more prone to NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (number, Z20210656); Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (number, Z-A20231057)]
4.Analysis of changes and clinical value of inflammatory derived indices related to myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy in patients with solid tumors
Yuqing ZHANG ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Xinlin YU ; Liming ZHANG ; Youhui XU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):852-857,862
Objective To investigate the changes and clinical value of inflammatory derived indices re-lated to myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy in patients with solid tumors.Methods The clinical data of 189 patients with malignant tumor who received chemotherapy in Jiangxi Cancer Hospital from January 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the grade of myelosuppression,they were di-vided into 0 degree(n=35),Ⅰ degree(n=23),Ⅱ degree(n=31),Ⅲ degree(n=21),Ⅳ degree non-infec-tion(n=51)and Ⅳ degree infection(n=28).The levels of inflammatory index[monocyte(MO),lympho-cyte(LY)],reticulocyte(RET),prealbumin(PA),albumin(ALB),inflammatory infection index[C reactive protein(CRP)and serum amyloid A(SAA)]and complex derived inflammatory index[neutrophil to lym-phocyte ratio(NLR),systemic immunoinflammatory index(SII),systemic inflammatory response index(SI-RI),lymphocyte to C reactive protein ratio(LCR),C reactive protein to albumin ratio(CAR)]were collected and compared in patients with different degrees of myelosuppression.The correlation between each index and myelosuppression score was analyzed,and the influencing factors of myelosuppression after chemotherapy in tumor patients were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Results With the severity of myelosuppres-sion,the levels of MO,LY,SII,SIRI and LCR decreased gradually and showed a downward trend(P<0.05).The levels of CRP,SAA and CAR were increased gradually(P<0.05).RET and PA levels were decreased when myelopathic depression reached Ⅲ degree or above(P<0.05).When myelosuppression reached gradeⅣ and above,the level of NLR decreased(P<0.05).CRP,SAA and CAR were positively correlated with my-elosuppression degree,while MO,LY,RET,PA,NLR,SII,SIRI and LCR were negatively correlated with my-elosuppression degree(P<0.05).The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LY and NLR were the influencing factors of myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy in tumor patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Myelosuppression caused by solid tumor chemotherapy can lead to a continuous decline in the body's anti-tumor immunity.Deep myelosuppression is unfavorable to the prognosis of patients,and infection can promote the development of tumors and lead to poor prognosis.
5.Study on the evaluation value the effected ejection fraction in assessment of cardiac function in the elderly patients with heart failure
Shaoxiang DING ; Wei LU ; Xuanzhi JIANG ; Yuejiao XU ; Fangyuan YANG ; Yuqing YUAN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(5):1134-1137,1142
Objective To Study the value of effected ejection fraction(eEF)in assessment of cardiac function in elderly patients with heart failure.Methods A total of 1 134 elderly inpatients in this hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects.After admission,relevant examinations and tests were completed,and the cardiac function classification of the New York Heart Association(NYHA)was carried out.Sequential electrocardiogram(ECG)and echocardiogram examinations were completed before treatment.Age,under-lying diseases,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proB-NP),and QT interval(QTc)of the ECG were included for classification and statistics,and eEF was obtained,and the evaluation value of eEF on cardiac function was analyzed.Results The numbers of patients with NY-HA cardiac function grades Ⅰ—Ⅳ were 86,434,454 and 160,respectively,and LVEF decreased with the in-crease of the NHYA cardiac function grade.There was statistically significant differences in LVEF among dif-ferent NHYA cardiac function classifications(P<0.05).The QTc of the patients was(434.71±40.96)ms,the eEF was(8.73±2.03)ms,and the ln(NT-proBN)was 7.05±1.70.QTc,eEF,and ln(NT-proBN)all in-creased with the increase of the NHYA cardiac function classification,and there were statistically significant differences in indicators above among different NHYA cardiac function classfications(P<0.05).There was a low correlation between QTc of the ECG,age and cardiac insufficiency(r<0.5,P<0.05);there was a high correlation between eEF,LVEF,and ln(NT-proBNP)and cardiac insufficiency(r≥0.5,P<0.05).Conclusion eEF still has discriminatory value for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction,and it is a good indicator for evaluating the cardiac function of elderly patients with heart failure.
6.Inflammation and anti-inflammatory therapy in diabetic nephropathy:research progress
Yuqing XU ; Jixin XING ; Xiaobin MEI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1195-1200
Diabetic nephropathy is the most serious complication of diabetes and a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide.Although hyperglycaemia is widely considered to be the main driving force for the progression of diabetic nephropathy to end-stage renal disease,inflammatory signaling pathways and inflammatory cells also play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.Therefore,treatment strategies targeting the inflammation-related intracellular signaling pathways may become a new direction for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.Currently,the development of anti-inflammatory drugs for diabetic nephropathy is also underway,and they have shown promising results in experimental models.This article focuses on the connection between inflammatory cells and inflammatory signaling pathways and diabetic nephropathy,as well as the current research progress on targeted anti-inflammatory treatment.
7.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
8.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
9.Application and prospects of synthetic biology in the genetic improvement of rice.
Luyao TANG ; Yiting WEI ; Yuqing XU ; Yuexing WANG ; Yuchun RAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3840-3862
Synthetic biology, recognized as one of the most revolutionary interdisciplinary fields in the 21st century, has established innovative strategies for the genetic improvement of rice through the integration of multidisciplinary technologies including genome editing, genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and artificial intelligence. This review systematically summarizes recent research advancements and breakthrough achievements in the application of synthetic biology in the genetic improvement of rice, focusing on three critical domains: yield improvement, nutritional quality fortification, and reinforcement of disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. It elucidates that synthetic biology enables precise genomic and metabolic pathway engineering through modular, standard, and systematic approaches, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional breeding methods characterized by prolonged cycles and restricted trait modification capabilities. The implementation of synthetic biology has facilitated synergistic improvement of multi-traits, thereby providing critical technical references for developing elite rice cultivars with superior productivity and nutritional value. These technological breakthroughs hold significant implications for ensuring global food security and promoting green and sustainable development of agriculture.
Oryza/growth & development*
;
Synthetic Biology/methods*
;
Metabolic Engineering
;
Plant Breeding/methods*
;
Gene Editing
;
Genetic Engineering/methods*
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Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics*
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Disease Resistance/genetics*
10.Advantages and potential ecological risks of genetically modified crops.
Qingjie CHEN ; Yuqing CHENG ; Yu MA ; Ning XU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3891-3906
Genetically modified (GM) crops, as a pivotal innovation in modern agriculture, exhibit significant advantages such as pest and disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, stress tolerance, and yield enhancement. However, their widespread adoption has been associated with potential ecological risks, including weediness of transgenic plants, gene flow, emergence of novel viral strains in virus-resistant crops, impacts on non-target organisms and soil ecosystems, and evolution of target pest resistance. This review focuses on the dual characteristics of GM crops, systematically examining their agronomic benefits and the underlying mechanisms of ecological risks. This review provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing the development of GM crops and ecological risk management, facilitating sustainable agricultural practices.
Plants, Genetically Modified/growth & development*
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Crops, Agricultural/growth & development*
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Ecosystem
;
Ecology

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