1.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Analysis of progress in biotechnology projects of DARPA in 2023
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(2):133-137
In 2023,the U.S.Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(DARPA)continued to advance the deployment of biotechnology projects.By translating cutting-edge biotechnological breakthroughs into practical applications,DARPA provided new methods to enhance the U.S.military capabilities in treating war wounds,improving the performance of facilities and equipment,and boosting soldier effectiveness.This paper offers an in-depth analysis of the progress of DARPA biotechnology projects in 2023,aiming to provide reference for related research endeavors in China.
4.Progress in biotechnology projects of DARPA in 2024
Mai LIU ; Ke ZHANG ; Yan YI ; Yin ZHANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(10):767-773
In 2024,the U.S.Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(DARPA)intensified its deployment and management of biotechnological defense applications that involved four major domains:combat effectiveness enhancement,biosecurity defense,development of military materials,and intelligent biotechnology.This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of DARPA's 2024 biotech advancements to provide a reference for related research and development in China.
5.Influencing factors of treatment outcomes of etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients based on Bayesian network
ZHANG Mai ; YANG Jingyuan ; YU Qin
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(2):184-
Objective Exploring the risk factors and degree of influence on treatment regression of patients with etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Bijie city, so as to provide reference for the precise prevention and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis epidemic. Methods The medical records of registration, treatment and management of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bijie City with positive etiology from 2017 to 2022 were derived from the Tuberculosis Monitoring Report Information Management System. Statistically significant variables were screened using binary logistic regression. Revealing interdependencies between factors and conditional probabilities by constructing Bayesian network models. Results A total of 21 662 cases of etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis were registered in Bijie City from 2017 to 2022, with etiologically positive rate of 48.60% and a successful treatment rate of 89.52%, both of which were on the rise overall (χ2trend=2 618.15, P<0.001; χ2trend=102.84, P<0.001). A multifactorial analysis showed that gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, patient origin, HIV test results, migrating population, and treatment classification were influencing factor for the successful treatment rate (P<0.05). The Bayesian network model showed that age and treatment classification were the direct factors affecting the treatment outcome, while gender, occupation and patient origin were the indirect factors. Conditional probability showed that patients<20 years of age and initial treatment had the highest rate of successful treatment (96.75%), with a 3.25% probability of having an adverse outcome; Patients≥80 years of age who were retreated had the lowest rate of successful treatment (58.70%), with a 41.30% probability of having an adverse outcome. Conducting causal effect speculation, when preventing tuberculosis in older persons aged 60 years and over, and the other patients are newly treated patients, the successful treatment rate increased from 89.50% to 93.10%, with an increase of 3.60%; Nearly 50.00% fewer farmers are without tuberculosis, and the source of the other patients is active detection (health check-ups and proactive screening), with an increase in the successful treatment rate from 89.50% to 91.70%, with a change in the conditional probability value of 2.20%. Conclusions Consultation and management of male, elderly, re-treatment, farmer, HIV-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Bijie should be strengthened. Meanwhile, causal correlation effect inference using Bayesian networks is important for precise prevention, control and treatment of diseases.
6.Progress on body composition assessment techniques and clinical applications in infants
Ting ZHANG ; Mai GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Yan LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):248-253
Infancy is a critical period for children's growth and development. During this period,the reasonable increase of fat mass percentage and fat mass index is very important for children's healthy growth. However,excessive increases in fat mass percentage and fat mass index may increase the risk of metabolic related diseases. In China,the research field of body composition in infants is still in the development stage,and the relevant research results and literature are relatively few. This article summarizes the domestic and foreign research on infant body composition,including application techniques,influencing factors and application significance,so as to provide reference for the formulation of domestic infant body composition reference standards and related clinical and scientific research work.
7.miR-142a-3p Reduces Autophagy in TCMK-1 Cells and Enhances Pyroptosis by Targeting ATG16L1
Xing ZHAO ; Fei YU ; Rui-Yang YUAN ; Ya-Ru YANG ; Jia-Yan LIU ; Hai-Mai DING ; Xue-Ming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1031-1039
The incidence rate of kidney diseases in China has always remained high.At present,the clinical treat-ment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to delay the progression of the disease,and there is a lack of eco-nomical and effective treatment methods.MicroRNA plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and devel-opment of diseases.This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-142a-3p in adriamycin(ADR)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell(TCMK-1)injury,with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for ADR nephropathy.First,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 kit,and a mouse renal tubular epithelial cell model induced by ADR was established.Subsequently,alterations in miR-142a-3p and its target gene ATG16L1 mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of autophagy marker proteins and pyroptosis marker proteins.Monodansylcadaverin(MDC)staining was performed and the autophagy of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the relative expression of miR-142a-3p in TCMK-1 cells induced by ADR was increased and the relative expression of its target gene ATG16L1 was decreased(P<0.0001).Western blotting results showed that the levels of p62(P<0.001)and pyroptosis-related proteins(P<0.001)were increased,while the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins were decreased(P<0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in the mean fluorescence intensity of autoph-agosomes between the ADR group and the autophagosome inhibitor group(3-MA group)(P>0.05),indicating that after ADR induction,cell autophagy was inhibited and pyroptosis was enhanced.When the expression of miR-142a-3p was inhibited by transfecting miR-142a-3p inhibitor,the relative expression level of the target gene ATG16L1 was restored(P<0.001).Western blotting showed that the protein level of p62(P<0.01)and pyropto-sis-related proteins(P<0.01)were decreased,and the protein level of autophagy-related proteins was restored(P<0.001).Flow cytometry results further indicated that cell autophagy was restored(P<0.0001).In conclusion,ADR targets A TG1 6L1 through miR-142a-3p to reduce the autophagy level of TCMK-1,and simultaneously activates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.
8.Clinical features and prognosis of acute B lymphoblastic leukemia children carrying a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene
Lulu HUANG ; Yunyan HE ; Yang LI ; Danna LIN ; Ning LIAO ; Yayun LING ; Lyuhong XU ; Xinyu LI ; Huirong MAI ; Ying WANG ; Wuqing WAN ; Ying LIU ; Yanlai TANG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Chuan TIAN ; Xiaofeng LI ; Qiwen CHEN ; Xingjiang LONG ; Liuhua LIAO ; Qiaoru LI ; Jianling CAI ; Zijun ZHEN ; Zhiguang LI ; Keyan YANG ; Qinlong ZHENG ; Lihua YANG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(7):497-502
Objective:To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) children carrying a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene and to evaluate the prognostic value of this gene.Methods:Retrospective cohort study.A total of 2 164 B-ALL children aged 0-18 years diagnosed and treated at 19 pediatric centers from October 2016 to June 2022 were enrolled.They were divided into the positive group and the negative group according to whether they carried a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene.The clinical characteristics, treatment response, adverse reactions, and prognosis of the 2 groups of patients were analyzed.The rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare two and more than two groups of numerical variables, respectively.Fisher′s exact test was used to compare categorical variables.Results:Among the 2 164 patients, 116 (5.4%) were TCF3: : PBX1 positive, of which 70 patients were female, accounting for 60.3%.There were 840 female patients in the TCF3: : PBX1-negative group, accounting for 41.0%.There was a significant difference in the ratio of females between the TCF3: : PBX1-positive and TCF3: : PBX1-negative groups ( P<0.001).No significant difference was observed in age of onset between the two groups( P>0.05).The proportion of bone marrow naive cells [54.00 (14.00, 76.50)% vs.29.00 (3.00, 68.00)%], white blood cell counts [25.30 (10.46, 60.94)×10 9/L vs.9.03 (4.38, 30.73)×10 9/L] and hemoglobin counts [82.00(63.00, 101.00) g/L vs.74.00(60.00, 90.00) g/L] in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group were significantly higher than those in the negative group at the onset (all P<0.05).In terms of treatment response, the proportion of peripheral blood naive cells on Day 8 in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group [2.00 (0, 9.00)% vs.0 (0, 2.00)%, P<0.001].The proportion of minimal residual disease <0.1% on Day 15 in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group ( P=0.038).There were no significant differences in cumulative recurrence rate, treatment-related mortality (TRM), and overall survival (OS) between the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group and TCF3: : PBX1-negative group (all P>0.05).The cumulative recurrence risk of TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients was 9.646 times higher than that of ETV6: : RUNX1-positive patients with better prognosis( HR=9.646, 95% CI: 1.026-90.700, P=0.047).There were no significant differences in TRM and OS between TCF3: : PBX1-positive and ETV6: : RUNX1-positive patients (all P>0.05).A significant enrichment of PAX5 mutations was detected in TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients.Among the 7 high-risk TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients in a single center, 4 patients had PAX5 mutations, and this proportion was significantly higher than that in other patients ( P<0.001). Conclusions:B-ALL children carrying a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene have a high remission rate and good long-term prognosis after intensive chemotherapy.It is suggesting that TCF3: : PBX1-positive B-ALL patients should be rated at intermediate risk to receive intensive chemotherapy.
9.Divergent activation patterns of BRS3 revealed by two Chinese herb-derived agonists.
Jie LI ; Changyao LI ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Wei HAN ; Mingzhu FANG ; Youwei XU ; Yiting MAI ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiahua CUI ; H Eric XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Wanchao YIN ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5231-5243
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion. Recent structural studies have elucidated BRS3 signaling mechanisms using synthetic ligands, including BA1 and MK-5046. However, the molecular basis of BRS3 activation by bioactive natural compounds and their derivatives, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, remains unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human BRS3-Gq complex in both unliganded and active states bound by two herb-derived compounds (DSO-5a and oridonin), at resolutions of 2.9, 2.8, and 2.9 Å, respectively. These structures display distinct ligand recognition patterns between DSO-5a and oridonin. Although both compounds bind to the orthosteric pocket, they differentially engage the interaction network of BRS3, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies assessing calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate 1 (IP1) accumulation. These findings enhance our understanding of BRS3 activation and provide valuable insights into the development of small-molecule BRS3 modulators with therapeutic potential.
10.Aucubin alleviates knee osteoarthritis in mice by suppressing the NF‑κB signaling pathway.
Yongxin MAI ; Shuting ZHOU ; Ruijia WEN ; Jinfang ZHANG ; Dongxiang ZHAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2104-2110
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the therapeutic effect of aucubin in mice with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and investigate the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into sham operation group, KOA model group, glucosamine (positive control) treatment group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose aucubin treatment groups (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg, respectively). KOA mouse models were established by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the treatment was initiated on day 1 postoperatively and administered weekly for 8 weeks. Safranin O-fast green staining, immunohistochemistry, and microCT were used to evaluate the changes in cartilage pathology, inflammatory protein expression, and subchondral bone volume fraction (BV/TV). The expression levesl of COL2, SOX9, p-P65, IL-1β and MMP13 proteins in the cartilage tissues were detected using Western blotting. In a chondrocyte model with IL-1β treatment for mimicking KOA, the effect of aucubin on chondrogenic differentiation was observed with Alcian blue and Safranin O staining, and cellular COL2, SOX9 and TNF‑α mRNA expressions were detected with RT-qPCR.
RESULTS:
Compared with those in the model group, the mouse models receiving aucubin treatment showed significantly upregulated COL2 and SOX9 protein levels and downregulated p-P65, IL-1β and MMP13 expressions in the cartilage tissues. In the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte model, aucubin treatment significantly upregulated the mRNA expressions of SOX9 and COL2 but lowered the mRNA expression of TNF-α. Alcian blue and Safranin O staining confirmed that aucubin promoted the synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix and enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Aucubin can effectively alleviate KOA in mice by inhibiting NF‑κB-mediated cartilage inflammation, promoting cartilage matrix synthesis, and improving subchondral bone microstructure.
Animals
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/drug therapy*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Iridoid Glucosides/therapeutic use*
;
SOX9 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Chondrocytes/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/metabolism*
;
Collagen Type II/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail