1.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Gouty Arthritis via Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Siyi CHEN ; Shumin HUANG ; Yushan ZHAO ; Jiajin LIN ; Qian SHI ; Yefeng CHEN ; Yize ZHANG ; Zhongwen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):323-330
Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disorder caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and aberrant release of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in joint tissue damage and intense pain. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor regulating the antioxidant defence system, exerts cytoprotective effects through dissociation from Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and activates downstream antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated pathways. It can upregulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione transferase (GST) to preserve redox homeostasis. Moreover, Nrf2 can suppress activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production and release, modulate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity, regulate gut microbiota balance, enhance mitophagy, and inhibit apoptosis, so as to reduce joint inflammation and pain and promote body recovery. This review systematically examined recent advancements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for GA prevention and treatment via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It delineated Nrf2's molecular mechanisms and its role in GA pathogenesis and elucidated how TCM intervenes in multiple pathways including Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, Nrf2/HO-1(NQO1), and Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 to exert therapeutic effects. The study demonstrated that TCM monomers and compounds effectively counteract oxidative damage, attenuate inflammatory responses, promote autophagy, and inhibit apoptosis via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings not only clarify the scientific basis of TCM in GA treatment but also offer strategic insights for developing novel Nrf2-targeted anti-gout drugs.
2.Analysis on the Acupoint Selection Law of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Based on Data Mining Techniques
Huijiao CHEN ; Yongyuan HUANG ; Minling ZHAO ; Dongmei RUAN ; Wenjing GUO ; Mengli ZHOU ; Yushan FAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):51-57
Objective To analyze the acupoint selection law of acupuncture and moxibustion for pediatric cerebral palsy based on data mining techniques.Methods Clinical research literature about acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of pediatric cerebral palsy was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the databases to April 1,2024.Excel 2021 was used to establish a database of prescription acupoints.The frequency of use of acupoints,attributed to the meridians,parts and specific acupoints were under statistically analysis,and SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistics 27.0 were used to conduct the association rules analysis,factor analysis and clustering analysis of acupoints.Results A total of 579 articles were included,579 prescriptions were extracted,containing 245 acupoints with the frequency of 6 422 times.The high-frequency acupoints were Zusanli,Baihui,Hegu,Sanyinjiao and Quchi,etc.The commonly used meridians were Governor Vessel,gall bladder meridian,stomach meridian,large intestine meridian and bladder meridian;mostly used acupoints were in the lower limbs,head and neck,upper limbs,waist and back.The association rules analysis showed that the top combinations were"Hegu-Quchi","Zusanli-Quchi","Zusanli-Quchi-Hegu","Hegu-Quchi-Zusanli";clustering analysis showed that 6 valid clusters were extracted;factor analysis extracted 7 valid common factors.Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for pediatric cerebral palsy is based on the principle of strengthening the brain,improving intelligence and tonifying the five zang organs,reflecting the principle of matching acupoints far and near.The core combination of acupoints is"Zusanli-Quchi-Hegu".
3.Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus regulate the host cell CCR1-HSP90 axis to facilitate their intracellular proliferation
Jiao LI ; Ling XUE ; Jiajun QIAO ; Yijia CHEN ; Haixia ZHANG ; Yushan LIN ; Xue GAO ; Miao LI ; Cuiqing MA
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(1):17-25
Objective:To investigate the underlying mechanism behind the significant reduction in intracellular virus loads after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses infect respiratory epithelial cells overexpressing the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 1 (CCR1).Methods:A549 cells were infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A viruses (H1N1, H3N2), or influenza B virus (FluB), and the expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) and CCR1 were detected by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot. After overexpressing or knocking down CCR1 in A549 cells, these cells were infected with RSV, H1N1, H3N2, or FluB, and the expression of CCR1, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and viral proteins were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. After stimulating CCR1-overexpressed A549 cells with CCL5, Western blot was used to detect the expression of HSP90 and CDK1, and co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction between HSP90 and CCR1. CCR1 -/- mice were infected with RSV, H1N1, or H3N2 to observe the changes in the expression of HSP90, CDK1, and viral proteins with Western blot, and the inflammation in lung tissues with HE staining. One-way analysis of variance and t test were used for statistical analysis. Results:RSV, H1N1, H3N2, and FluB infections induced high expression of CCL5 in A549 cells ( P<0.05), but the expression of CCR1 showed an overall downward trend. After activating its receptor CCR1, CCL5 inhibited the replication of RSV and influenza viruses by suppressing the activity of HSP90 ( P<0.05). The experiments conducted on CCR1 -/- mice confirmed that the enhanced activity of HSP90 facilitated the replication of RSV and influenza viruses. Conclusion:RSV and influenza viruses may reduce the binding of CCL5 to CCR1 by downregulating the expression of CCR1 in respiratory epithelial cells, thereby weakening the inhibitory effect of CCR1 on HSP90 activity, which enables them to evade host immune defense.
4.Phase Ⅰ study of intrathecal pemetrexed combined with programmed death-1 inhibitor for leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumors
Miaomiao LIU ; Yushan HUANG ; Guozi YANG ; Panpan TAI ; Xiao CHEN ; Min LIU ; Zhenyu PAN
China Oncology 2025;35(11):1041-1048
Background and purpose:Intrathecal chemotherapy is one of the mainstay treatment options for leptomeningeal metastases(LM)from solid tumors.A previous phase Ⅰ study demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of intrathecal anti-programmed death receptor 1(anti-PD-1)for LM from melanoma.The synergistic efficacy of systemic chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 has been widely known.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of intrathecal chemotherapy(pemetrexed)and anti-PD-1(toripalimab)for LM patients from solid tumors.Methods:The subjects were patients with LM from solid tumors who were treated at Affiliated Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Third People's Hospital of Huizhou City.A 3+3 dose de-escalation strategy was implemented to determine the recommended dose with an initial dose of PD-1 inhibitor(toripalimab)40 mg and pemetrexed 15 mg.Pemetrexed was administered twice weekly for the initial 2 weeks of induction therapy,once weekly for the subsequent 4 weeks of consolidation therapy,and once monthly during maintenance therapy.PD-1 inhibitor was initiated at the 4th administration of pemetrexed,administered every 2 weeks for 6 weeks;subsequently,responders continued monthly maintenance therapy alongside pemetrexed.The primary objective was to assess safety based on adverse events and the recommended dose.All participants were observed to investigate the clinical response rate(CRR),disease control rate(DCR)and overall survival(OS).This study was approved by the ethics committee of Affiliated Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Third People's Hospital of Huizhou City(ethics number:2024-KY-029-01).Results:Seven patients(male:3,female:4,median age:57 years)were enrolled between June and September 2024,including non-small cell lung cancer(6)and breast cancer(1).All patients presented with positive cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)cytology.Six patients presented LM-related neurological dysfunction.Five patients showed LM-related neuroimaging findings.Six patients completed the induction and consolidation therapy,and subsequently received maintenance therapy.One patient,due to bacterial meningitis,did not complete the final administration of toripalimab during consolidation therapy,and maintenance therapy was administered after infection control.Adverse events rate was 100%(7/7),including myelosuppression(100.00%,n=7),elevation of hepatic aminotransferases(42.86%,n=3),fatigue(28.57%,n=2)and hypothyroidism(14.29%,n=1).Three(42.86%)patients had grade 3 adverse events(myelosuppression).The immune-related adverse event(irAE)rate was 14.29%,manifested as hypothyroidism(Grade 2).No dose-limiting toxicity(DLT)was observed.Thus,no de-escalation was applied.The recommended dose was determined to be PD-1 inhibitor 40 mg in combination with pemetrexed 15 mg.Three patients showed improved neurological dysfunction,1 with CSF cytological response,and 2 with neuroimaging improvement.CRR was 57.14%(4/7)by response assessment in neuro-oncology(RANO)proposal criteria.DCR was 100%(7/7).Three patients exhibited abscopal effects with regression of brain metastasis lesions,primary lung lesion and mediastinal lymph nodes,respectively.As of April 10,2025,1 patient died.The median follow-up time was 7.7(5.9-9.3)months.The median OS was not reached with a 6-month OS rate of 85.71%.Conclusion:The combination therapy of intrathecal pemetrexed and a PD-1 inhibitor was well-tolerated and feasible,while also exhibiting potential clinical efficacy in treating LM from solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer.
5.Research progress on role of macrophage mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis
Boyuan JIN ; Tingting WANG ; Chengjun HUA ; Yushan CHEN ; Shasha SHANG ; Jianru WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2530-2534,2539
Atherosclerosis(AS)is a multifactorial disease,in which mitochondrial dysfunction of macrophages plays a key role.Mitochondrial dysfunction of macrophages affects polarization direction of macrophages and leads to severe inflammatory reac-tions,is a potential therapeutic target for AS.This article mainly reviews the latest research progress on role of macrophage mitochon-drial dysfunction in occurrence and development of AS,as well as treatment methods for improving macrophage mitochondrial function.
6.Clinicopathological features and research progress on gastroblastoma
Xu CHEN ; Xiaoyin PEI ; Pei ZHANG ; Yushan CAO ; Yanmin DU ; Yongzhen GUO ; Wei ZHANG ; Xianxu ZENG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(7):553-556
Gastroblastoma (GB) is a rare gastric epithelial tumor without special clinical manifestations, whose histologic origin and pathogenesis remain unclear due to less related reports.Low-grade cell forms with biphasic differentiation are typical histological characteristics of GB.Immunohistochemistry and molecular tests can help with its differential diagnosis.GB is an invasive low-grade malignant tumor and the first treatment is surgical resection.However, there is no uniform standard treatment plan at present and most patients have a good prognosis.In this article, the histopathology, diagnosis and identification diagnosis of GB was reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for its origin, development, treatment and patient prognosis.
7.Research progress on role of macrophage mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis
Boyuan JIN ; Tingting WANG ; Chengjun HUA ; Yushan CHEN ; Shasha SHANG ; Jianru WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2530-2534,2539
Atherosclerosis(AS)is a multifactorial disease,in which mitochondrial dysfunction of macrophages plays a key role.Mitochondrial dysfunction of macrophages affects polarization direction of macrophages and leads to severe inflammatory reac-tions,is a potential therapeutic target for AS.This article mainly reviews the latest research progress on role of macrophage mitochon-drial dysfunction in occurrence and development of AS,as well as treatment methods for improving macrophage mitochondrial function.
8.Establishment of visualized LAMP assay targeting rcsA gene for rapid detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Yushan CHEN ; Qian HU ; Lin XIANG ; Jia YAN ; Jiawei LIU ; Qiguang LI ; Linhai LI ; Lingqing XU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1450-1454
OBJECTIVE To establish a visualized loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)for rapid detec-tion of Klebsiella pneumoniae and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the detection method.METHODS To-tally4 specific LAMP primers were designed by targeting to rcsA gene of the K.pneumoniae.The reaction condi-tions(temperature,time)and the parameters of the reaction system were optimized,the reaction was made visu-alized by using chimeric fluorescent dye SYBR Green Ⅰ.The optimal reactions conditions and reaction systems were determined based on the results of visualization and agarose gel electrophoresis.The optimized conditions and systems were used to test the sensitivity by diluting DNA template on a 10-fold gradient,meanwhile,the specifici-ty of the method was evaluated by detecting K.pneumoniae and other ten species of common bacteria and fungi.RESULTS The optimal reaction temperature was 63 ℃ after the optimization,with the reaction time 35 min;the concentration of buffer solution in the reaction system was determined as 0.8×,with the concentration of magne-sium ion 8 mmol/L,the concentration of dNTPs 1.4 mmol/L,the ratio of internal to external primers 6∶1,the concentration of Bst DNA polymerase 0.32 U/μl,the concentration of betaine 0.75 mmol/L.For the test of sensi-tivity,the method could detect the template with the concentration of 1.5 ng/μl.For the test of specificity,only the detection of K.pneumoniae could display positive visualized result and positive electrophoretic band.CONCLUSIONS The visualized LAMP with high specificity and sensitivity for rapid detection of K.pneumoniae is successfully established,facilitating the observation of the detection result without the use of precise instruments.It is suitable for the detection in grass-root laboratories after successful preliminary application in clinical detection.
9.Phase Ⅰ study of intrathecal pemetrexed combined with programmed death-1 inhibitor for leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumors
Miaomiao LIU ; Yushan HUANG ; Guozi YANG ; Panpan TAI ; Xiao CHEN ; Min LIU ; Zhenyu PAN
China Oncology 2025;35(11):1041-1048
Background and purpose:Intrathecal chemotherapy is one of the mainstay treatment options for leptomeningeal metastases(LM)from solid tumors.A previous phase Ⅰ study demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of intrathecal anti-programmed death receptor 1(anti-PD-1)for LM from melanoma.The synergistic efficacy of systemic chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 has been widely known.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of intrathecal chemotherapy(pemetrexed)and anti-PD-1(toripalimab)for LM patients from solid tumors.Methods:The subjects were patients with LM from solid tumors who were treated at Affiliated Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Third People's Hospital of Huizhou City.A 3+3 dose de-escalation strategy was implemented to determine the recommended dose with an initial dose of PD-1 inhibitor(toripalimab)40 mg and pemetrexed 15 mg.Pemetrexed was administered twice weekly for the initial 2 weeks of induction therapy,once weekly for the subsequent 4 weeks of consolidation therapy,and once monthly during maintenance therapy.PD-1 inhibitor was initiated at the 4th administration of pemetrexed,administered every 2 weeks for 6 weeks;subsequently,responders continued monthly maintenance therapy alongside pemetrexed.The primary objective was to assess safety based on adverse events and the recommended dose.All participants were observed to investigate the clinical response rate(CRR),disease control rate(DCR)and overall survival(OS).This study was approved by the ethics committee of Affiliated Huizhou Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Third People's Hospital of Huizhou City(ethics number:2024-KY-029-01).Results:Seven patients(male:3,female:4,median age:57 years)were enrolled between June and September 2024,including non-small cell lung cancer(6)and breast cancer(1).All patients presented with positive cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)cytology.Six patients presented LM-related neurological dysfunction.Five patients showed LM-related neuroimaging findings.Six patients completed the induction and consolidation therapy,and subsequently received maintenance therapy.One patient,due to bacterial meningitis,did not complete the final administration of toripalimab during consolidation therapy,and maintenance therapy was administered after infection control.Adverse events rate was 100%(7/7),including myelosuppression(100.00%,n=7),elevation of hepatic aminotransferases(42.86%,n=3),fatigue(28.57%,n=2)and hypothyroidism(14.29%,n=1).Three(42.86%)patients had grade 3 adverse events(myelosuppression).The immune-related adverse event(irAE)rate was 14.29%,manifested as hypothyroidism(Grade 2).No dose-limiting toxicity(DLT)was observed.Thus,no de-escalation was applied.The recommended dose was determined to be PD-1 inhibitor 40 mg in combination with pemetrexed 15 mg.Three patients showed improved neurological dysfunction,1 with CSF cytological response,and 2 with neuroimaging improvement.CRR was 57.14%(4/7)by response assessment in neuro-oncology(RANO)proposal criteria.DCR was 100%(7/7).Three patients exhibited abscopal effects with regression of brain metastasis lesions,primary lung lesion and mediastinal lymph nodes,respectively.As of April 10,2025,1 patient died.The median follow-up time was 7.7(5.9-9.3)months.The median OS was not reached with a 6-month OS rate of 85.71%.Conclusion:The combination therapy of intrathecal pemetrexed and a PD-1 inhibitor was well-tolerated and feasible,while also exhibiting potential clinical efficacy in treating LM from solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer.
10.Establishment of visualized LAMP assay targeting rcsA gene for rapid detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Yushan CHEN ; Qian HU ; Lin XIANG ; Jia YAN ; Jiawei LIU ; Qiguang LI ; Linhai LI ; Lingqing XU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1450-1454
OBJECTIVE To establish a visualized loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)for rapid detec-tion of Klebsiella pneumoniae and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the detection method.METHODS To-tally4 specific LAMP primers were designed by targeting to rcsA gene of the K.pneumoniae.The reaction condi-tions(temperature,time)and the parameters of the reaction system were optimized,the reaction was made visu-alized by using chimeric fluorescent dye SYBR Green Ⅰ.The optimal reactions conditions and reaction systems were determined based on the results of visualization and agarose gel electrophoresis.The optimized conditions and systems were used to test the sensitivity by diluting DNA template on a 10-fold gradient,meanwhile,the specifici-ty of the method was evaluated by detecting K.pneumoniae and other ten species of common bacteria and fungi.RESULTS The optimal reaction temperature was 63 ℃ after the optimization,with the reaction time 35 min;the concentration of buffer solution in the reaction system was determined as 0.8×,with the concentration of magne-sium ion 8 mmol/L,the concentration of dNTPs 1.4 mmol/L,the ratio of internal to external primers 6∶1,the concentration of Bst DNA polymerase 0.32 U/μl,the concentration of betaine 0.75 mmol/L.For the test of sensi-tivity,the method could detect the template with the concentration of 1.5 ng/μl.For the test of specificity,only the detection of K.pneumoniae could display positive visualized result and positive electrophoretic band.CONCLUSIONS The visualized LAMP with high specificity and sensitivity for rapid detection of K.pneumoniae is successfully established,facilitating the observation of the detection result without the use of precise instruments.It is suitable for the detection in grass-root laboratories after successful preliminary application in clinical detection.

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